Sofrider + Streamer + Crosswinds = ?

[TorBenT]

Hi
I'm strongly considering buying a Sofrider V2. Either that or a "regular" recumbent. I intend to put a HP-Velotechnik Streamer on it for a bit of weather protection.
Now, my daily ride regularly has a fair bit of crosswinds, in this season (and in fall) often 10-12 m/s. Does anyone here have useful experience driving a Sofrider with a Streamer (or in fact any moving-bottom-bracket bike with any front fairing) in crosswinds? What's it like?
It's mainly under those conditions that I need weather protection (cold, rainy, windy), so an advice to just take it off would be a bit counter-productive, methinks.

Sincerely,
TorBenT

 

[John Tolhurst]

hi TorBenT,
put the word streamer into the search box, above right of screen. There are at least two examples done on sofriders, with one used in ultra cold Northern European conditions.

 

[TorBenT]

Thank you John,
Of course I had already checked the archives and communicated a bit with mr Torgersen (just 160 km Northwest of me).
However, I don't believe anyone has written much about concrete experiences with a front fairing in crosswinds, which is my major concern. I may not have looked thoroughly enough ... ?
The Cruzbikes may be very fine offroad bikes, but I'd rather not risk regularly getting blown off the road

Sincerely,
TorBenT

 

[TorBenT]

Right, I went over the older posts again and found two different views:
* Peder Torgersen writes that crosswinds are problematic, but he's mostly able to deal with them by slowing down. He's had to stop a couple of times, though.
* Robert Stewart writes that he doesn't notice crosswinds all that much.
Others don't write about it -- perhaps because they have no problems?

Sincerely,
TorBenT

 

[Peder Torgersen]

TorBenT wrote: Right, I went over the older posts again and found two different views:
* Peder Torgersen writes that crosswinds are problematic, but he's mostly able to deal with them by slowing down. He's had to stop a couple of times, though.
* Robert Stewart writes that he doesn't notice crosswinds all that much.
Others don't write about it -- perhaps because they have no problems?

Sincerely,
TorBenT

When I had to stop is when we had a storm it was the most extreme wind I have ever experienced on a bike.
Some parts of the ride I got the wind from the rear and was blown up a hill it went so fast it was just before I had to use the brakes. I have never since gone so fast up that hill.
Several trees were knocked over I didn’t have the streamer on this ride. Most of the year we have little wind here so normally there is no problem with a streamer.
If you get the wind from the rear you get a great push. Wind from the side in an angle of 45° is also good for speed increase.
I have also been in strong wind with it but not in a storm. In strong wind I just slow down and so far I have stayed on the road. I’m also careful when the road turns and can expect a wind from a different direction.
Under the right conditions you can get good speed.
I’m now experimenting with my other recumbent with the streamer and coroplast.
So far have I have only had one trip but for speed it looks promising.

Peder

 

[TorBenT]

Yes, that shark looks very promising
Besides, nice to hear that it's not generally a problem in windy conditions, but as you said, we probably have more wind here than you do. Anyway, I'm a bit more confident now

Sincerely,
TorBenT