Vendetta in traffic

Wannaride

New Member
I am very interested in the mmb design and in a significant speed increase over my current lwb recumbent. I understand that the Vendetta is designed for speed, but am specifically wondering how well it would perform also in commuting situations with some stop and go traffic since it is very laid back. I'm used to sitting fairly upright so can easily see potholes, establish eye contact with drivers, and have excellent overall situational awareness. How well would that work on the Vendetta, keeping in mind that those situations are a small part of my commute.
 

kidneyboy

Well-Known Member
 Take a look at this

Take a look at this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IvB82KFaRc It shows the V along with a DF and what looks like a low or midracer. Maybe you can get an idea about how it would be on a commute.

Personally I think it's about what you are willing to adjust to. Plenty of people commute on highracers with laid back seats.
 

John Tolhurst

Zen MBB Master
If there is a little bit of

If there is a little bit of stop start traffic, I'd go the Vendetta. If there was a lot of it, I'd go the Silvio.
 

Andrew 1973

Zen MBB Master
Can't argue with the inventor...

...enough said.

But it would be nice to have one of each, wouldn't it?
 

Wannaride

New Member
Thanks for the replies, glad

Thanks for the replies, glad to know it can be done in small doses. It was interesting to see in the video that pannier bags can attach somehow, which I would need if I did any commuting with it.
 

Romagjack

Well-Known Member
Unless outright racing, a

Unless outright racing, a dual suspension when commuting in traffic would be most important to me.
 

fthills

Well-Known Member
So far what i've found is you

So far what i've found is you need a little bit of lateral space when moving off. So for example if I was going to the centre of Sydney with narrow crowded car lanes , impatient drivers ,rush hour traffic , I wouldn't ride the V into town. But wide lanes ,modest traffic , no problem.
 

Tom Roberts

Active Member
I commute on my Vendetta 3 or

I commute on my Vendetta 3 or 4 days a week. The only time the Silvio gets used is when I need to change out clothes or bring food to the office. (The Silvio has panniers). I have not had any issues in traffic w/ the V. When approaching a traffic light or a congested area I assume a more upright (defensive) sitting position, then back to the fully reclined position when things clear out.
 

Romagjack

Well-Known Member
Tom, how's the comfort level

Tom, how's the comfort level of the V vs. the Silvio on the rougher roads. I'm assuming the Silvio sucks up corrigations much better than the V?
 

Tom Roberts

Active Member
Yes, the Silvio is better at

Yes, the Silvio is better at absorbing rough roads than the Vendetta, but still prefer riding the V. The riding position and speed sways me toward the V.
 
Ride comfort

FWIW. I've heard that tubeless tyres give a "cushier" ride, very low rolling resistance, low weight and a great resistance to punctures. If you've got Ksyrium wheels you don't even need the special tape to seal the spoke ends. Limited choice though, it seems to be Hutchinson or er.....Hutchinson! You can use special rims, but most of the reviews indicate that standard clincher rims (and Stan's sealant) work just fine. It's definitely not recommended to try to use a standard tyre tubeless.
This might be a solution for people who find the lack of suspension on a Vendetta a problem. Personally, I don't think I would find it a problem. I trialled a Metaphysic recently (apparently noted for having a harsh ride) and didn't find it an issue.
Can't wait for my Vendetta test! If I don't find pedal induced steering an issue - it's game on!
 

John Tolhurst

Zen MBB Master
I've changed my mind, having

I've changed my mind, having been on the new prototype Vendetta, with revised steering geometry. Now, I'd take any of my bikes in any amount of traffic, period.
 

Eric Winn

Zen MBB Master
Is that with disc brakes or

Is that with disc brakes or typical road bike brakes?

tounge_smile.gif
 
Steering column angle

Hi John, As mentioned, I will be taking a test ride of the Vendetta in the New Year. This will either be at cycles-bentoline near Grenoble (Gabriel) or Sykkel-Bent in Norway (Peder). Maybe both!
Are these both Version 1 Vendettas with the slightly more reclined steering column? If so, what difference should I expect from the Version 2?
I see that you comment that you would be happy to ride the V2 Vendetta in all traffic conditions. Regards, Dave
 

John Tolhurst

Zen MBB Master
The difference is, David,

The difference is, David, that the new one gives greater certainty at low speeds and more ability to adjust the line through a corner at moderate speeds. Better control. I'm very happy with it, its as good as any MBB I've ridden.
 

John Tolhurst

Zen MBB Master
HI Eric, 
I don't allow the


HI Eric,
I don't allow the type of brake to colour my reading of the bike's handling. :)
John
 

TEX

New Member
Looking forward to my 2.0

Looking forward to my 2.0 being delivered sometime soon!
 
Making the transition.

I've clocked up a lot of miles on a RWD SWB Bacchetta with Cro-Moly frame, (weighs a lot at around 33 pounds!). It'll be an interesting experiment to see how I make out with the Vendetta. Should be fun!
Have two weeks to spend in New Zealand in January/Feb. for my eldest son's wedding (but no dealers there - damn!). Have to wait until mid Feb for my test then!
 
panniers on the Vendetta

The Radical Design bags seem to mount nicely, I'm glad to see. I'm curious to know about the rear rack -- the brand/model and how it is attached. People can contact me for Rad Design bags in the USA.
- Robert
 
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