types of bent...

[Brendo]

I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
pro's and cons for the different setups? I've seen ones with 1 wheel
at the front and back, and the guy had to stick his hand out to
balance when he stopped at the lights. Also ones with two wheels at
the back and one at the front, but this morning I saw one with one at
the back and two at the front.

Do they handle differently? Are they for different purposes (like a
tourer v racer in bicycles)? Is one 'more wankier' than the other in
bent circles (if there is wankier in bent circles)?

Just curious....


Brendo

[rooman[_77_]]

Brendo Wrote:
> I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
> pro's and cons for the different setups? I've seen ones with 1 wheel
> at the front and back, and the guy had to stick his hand out to
> balance when he stopped at the lights. Also ones with two wheels at
> the back and one at the front, but this morning I saw one with one at
> the back and two at the front.
>
> Do they handle differently? Are they for different purposes (like a
> tourer v racer in bicycles)? Is one 'more wankier' than the other in
> bent circles (if there is wankier in bent circles)?
>
> Just curious....
>
>
> Brendothere was this cool one on ATB in 06, fully enclosed like a stretched
bullet, two wheeled and fair flew down the hills, but must have had
some gearing issues uphill as we passed him a few times and then saw
him stopped half way up balcombe Hill. BUT when stopped , (so he didnt
fall over before he escaped) the capsule had this little lever that
popped down as a prod or support. Very much reminded me of a Martian
landing, I had a chuckle when i first saw it... was good for an extra
few klms of light relief from the pain of Balcombe Hill.


--
rooman

[cfsmtb[_135_]]

Brendo Wrote:
> I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
> pro's and cons for the different setups?
>

Fer starters:
http://www.recumbentcyclistnews.com/faq_types.html
http://www.bicycletouring101.com/BikeUprightVersusRecumbent.htm

Although if you're interested in riding in this years ATB it would pay
to read the fine(r) print in the Terms and Conditions of Entry. (see
below) Hopefully there will be a suitable resolution to this impasse,
there should be due consideration given for risk management, but as the
ATB is a public event and probably not actually beholden to any UCI
regs?!? Disc brakes to be banned next? Pink girly bikes? Sheeessshh.
;)

> Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day: Mode of Transport
> http://www.bv.com.au/great-rides/40191/
> 17. Only standard, two-wheeled, human-powered bicycles are permitted on
> the 250km, 210km and 100km Ride options. Unicycles, recumbents,
> scooters, motorised and power-assisted bicycles, child seats,
> tagalongs, trailers and animals are not permitted on the 250km, 210km
> and 100km Ride Options.
>
> 18. Standard, two-wheeled, human-powered bicycles plus unicycles and
> recumbents are permitted on the 50km Ride Option. Scooters, motorised
> and power-assisted bicycles, child seats, tagalongs, trailers and
> animals are not permitted on the 50km Ride Option.
>
> 19. Hand-powered bicycles are permitted on all Ride Options.


--
cfsmtb

[rooman[_78_]]

cfsmtb Wrote:
> Fer starters:
> http://www.recumbentcyclistnews.com/faq_types.html
> http://www.bicycletouring101.com/BikeUprightVersusRecumbent.htm
>
> Although if you're interested in riding in this years ATB it would pay
> to read the fine(r) print in the Terms and Conditions of Entry. (see
> below) Hopefully there will be a suitable resolution to this impasse,
> there should be due consideration given for risk management, but as the
> ATB is a public event and probably not actually beholden to any UCI
> regs?!? Disc brakes to be banned next? Pink girly bikes? Sheeessshh. ;)
some masterly drafting there, the hand powered bikes are usually three
wheeld ( hence not two wheeled) and often very recumbent like..I think
the 'bent' fraternity need a lobby group to sort BV out.

At least they didnt seek to ban tandems... I really needed that tow at
one stage they got me back to the bunch after a p stop.


--
rooman

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 17:39:58 -0700
Brendo > wrote:
> I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
> pro's and cons for the different setups? I've seen ones with 1 wheel
> at the front and back, and the guy had to stick his hand out to
> balance when he stopped at the lights. Also ones with two wheels at
> the back and one at the front, but this morning I saw one with one at
> the back and two at the front.

Bents come in bikes and trikes.

Bikes come in combinations of long or short wheelbase (BB in front of
or behind front wheel), high or low BB (BB at seat height or above
compared to more like axle level), and large or small wheels or
combination of wheels.

I ride a "SWB high racer" meaning BB at seat height (as I have a 20"
front wheel not a 26" which would put the BB higher than the seat)
with BB above the front axle not behind it.

The one you saw was probably a "low racer" like an Optima, with small
wheels and the rider low between them. Very aerodynamic and fast, but
vision in traffic is restricted.

Have a look at www.flyingfurniture.com.au , Ian has pics and info
about various kinds of bikes.

Trikes come in tadpole (2 wheels at front) or delta (two wheels
behind). I think tadpoles tend to be more go-kart like: lower to the
ground and turn faster, but less stable at speed. But I'm not a
triker so don't know much about them.


http://www.hostelshoppe.com/recumbent_faq.php has some useful info.
Greenspeed has some at http://www.greenspeed.com.au/faq.html

Zebee

[Bleve]

On Apr 23, 11:18 am, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 17:39:58 -0700
>
> Brendo > wrote:
> > I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
> > pro's and cons for the different setups? I've seen ones with 1 wheel
> > at the front and back, and the guy had to stick his hand out to
> > balance when he stopped at the lights. Also ones with two wheels at
> > the back and one at the front, but this morning I saw one with one at
> > the back and two at the front.
>
> Bents come in bikes and trikes.

And quads. Don't leave the quads out :)

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 17:39:58 -0700
Brendo > wrote:
> Do they handle differently? Are they for different purposes (like a
> tourer v racer in bicycles)? Is one 'more wankier' than the other in
> bent circles (if there is wankier in bent circles)?

generally the LWB bikes are more tourer than racer, and the low bottom
bracket are more tourer and commuter than racer. LWB is slower
steering and more stable, low BB means easier to get feet to ground.
low BB tend to be easier to bung a fairing on too.

Low racers tend to be more the serious speed, being high BB, very
relined position, close to the ground.

High racers are more the long distance speed, Audax type things. If
ridden with reclined seat are fairly aerodynamic, but not as much as a
well reclined low racer.

There are all sorts of variables about weight and wheel size too.

What 'bent people ride depends a lot on what they like. Some want to
tour and be comfortable and they tend to trikes or the low LWB bikes
like Tour Easy. Some want commuting and a bit of go, and they pick
medium BB and not too laid back like my Giro 20 or various RANs. Some
are into speed and go for the light high racers like Bacchetta Aero or
one of the Optimas.

I'm a commuter so dunno how the racer types feel. Or the tourers come
to that. Me, I love my Giro heaps and while I have lusted after a Carbon
Aero 24 (CF, 24" wheels so my feet can touch the ground) I know that the
poor thing would end up with dynamo lights and a rack so what's the point?

I don't think 'bent riders really worry about the bike, it's just cool
to see another 'bent!

There's an optima I see in North Sydney sometimes, and a Cruzbike, and
a trike on the Cook's River path now and then, those are the only ones
I've seen.

Zebee

[Brendo]

On Apr 23, 9:28 am, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 17:39:58 -0700
>
> Brendo > wrote:
> > Do they handle differently? Are they for different purposes (like a
> > tourer v racer in bicycles)? Is one 'more wankier' than the other in
> > bent circles (if there is wankier in bent circles)?
>
> generally the LWB bikes are more tourer than racer, and the low bottom
> bracket are more tourer and commuter than racer. LWB is slower
> steering and more stable, low BB means easier to get feet to ground.
> low BB tend to be easier to bung a fairing on too.
>
> Low racers tend to be more the serious speed, being high BB, very
> relined position, close to the ground.
>
> High racers are more the long distance speed, Audax type things. If
> ridden with reclined seat are fairly aerodynamic, but not as much as a
> well reclined low racer.
>
> There are all sorts of variables about weight and wheel size too.
>
> What 'bent people ride depends a lot on what they like. Some want to
> tour and be comfortable and they tend to trikes or the low LWB bikes
> like Tour Easy. Some want commuting and a bit of go, and they pick
> medium BB and not too laid back like my Giro 20 or various RANs. Some
> are into speed and go for the light high racers like Bacchetta Aero or
> one of the Optimas.
>
> I'm a commuter so dunno how the racer types feel. Or the tourers come
> to that. Me, I love my Giro heaps and while I have lusted after a Carbon
> Aero 24 (CF, 24" wheels so my feet can touch the ground) I know that the
> poor thing would end up with dynamo lights and a rack so what's the point?
>
> I don't think 'bent riders really worry about the bike, it's just cool
> to see another 'bent!
>
> There's an optima I see in North Sydney sometimes, and a Cruzbike, and
> a trike on the Cook's River path now and then, those are the only ones
> I've seen.
>
> Zebee

So really they are no different to 'proper' 2 wheeled bikes :)!! Each
has it's purpose (touring, racing, comfort). What is the longevity of
a bent frame like?

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 18:23:00 -0700
Bleve > wrote:
> On Apr 23, 11:18 am, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
>> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 17:39:58 -0700
>>
>> Brendo > wrote:
>> > I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
>> > pro's and cons for the different setups? I've seen ones with 1 wheel
>> > at the front and back, and the guy had to stick his hand out to
>> > balance when he stopped at the lights. Also ones with two wheels at
>> > the back and one at the front, but this morning I saw one with one at
>> > the back and two at the front.
>>
>> Bents come in bikes and trikes.
>
> And quads. Don't leave the quads out :)

Never seen one!

THere must be hexcycles too. COme on, there must be!

Zebee

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 18:44:02 -0700
Brendo > wrote:
> So really they are no different to 'proper' 2 wheeled bikes :)!! Each

Well yes :) They are just a different way of doing the same thing.

> has it's purpose (touring, racing, comfort). What is the longevity of
> a bent frame like?

What's the longevity of an upright frame like?

Same idea - what's it made of, who made it, what use is it getting....


Zebee

[Theo Bekkers]

Zebee Johnstone wrote:
> Bleve wrote:

>> And quads. Don't leave the quads out :)
>
> Never seen one!

http://perth.citysearch.com.au/E/V/PERTH/0013/35/93/
Complete with fringe.

> THere must be hexcycles too. COme on, there must be!

Probably.

Theo

[Theo Bekkers]

Zebee Johnstone wrote:
> Brendo wrote:

>> has it's purpose (touring, racing, comfort). What is the longevity of
>> a bent frame like?

> What's the longevity of an upright frame like?

Yeah, but you can ruin an upright frame by bending it. Can you bend a bent?

Theo

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:25:24 +0800
Theo Bekkers > wrote:
> Zebee Johnstone wrote:
>> Brendo wrote:
>
>>> has it's purpose (touring, racing, comfort). What is the longevity of
>>> a bent frame like?
>
>> What's the longevity of an upright frame like?
>
> Yeah, but you can ruin an upright frame by bending it. Can you bend a bent?

Sure. Depends on how big a wall you run it into.

Zebee

[Bleve]

On Apr 23, 12:12 pm, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 18:23:00 -0700
>
> Bleve > wrote:
> > On Apr 23, 11:18 am, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
> >> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 17:39:58 -0700
>
> >> Brendo > wrote:
> >> > I've noticed a few different sorts on my way to work, what are the
> >> > pro's and cons for the different setups? I've seen ones with 1 wheel
> >> > at the front and back, and the guy had to stick his hand out to
> >> > balance when he stopped at the lights. Also ones with two wheels at
> >> > the back and one at the front, but this morning I saw one with one at
> >> > the back and two at the front.
>
> >> Bents come in bikes and trikes.
>
> > And quads. Don't leave the quads out :)
>
> Never seen one!

Take yourself to an HPV race and have a look .... there's loads of
designs. Most racing 'bents tend to be trikes, 2 front wheels, but
quads work well, very stable cornering.

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 19:35:58 -0700
Bleve > wrote:
>
> Take yourself to an HPV race and have a look .... there's loads of
> designs. Most racing 'bents tend to be trikes, 2 front wheels, but
> quads work well, very stable cornering.

I can believe that - it's why you don't get 3 wheeled ATV motorcycles
anymore but only quads. Too many bods were tipping the 3 wheelers
over.

Zebee
- ex sidecar swinger who thinks 3 wheel drifts and lifting the inside
wheel are the whole *point*.

[Bleve]

On Apr 23, 1:31 pm, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 19:35:58 -0700
>
> Bleve > wrote:
>
> > Take yourself to an HPV race and have a look .... there's loads of
> > designs. Most racing 'bents tend to be trikes, 2 front wheels, but
> > quads work well, very stable cornering.
>
> I can believe that - it's why you don't get 3 wheeled ATV motorcycles
> anymore but only quads. Too many bods were tipping the 3 wheelers
> over.

There's some HPV rules that (before anyone asks ...) mean there's no
bicycle 'bents racing. They have to have at least 3 wheels and a full
intrusion rollcage.


>
> Zebee
> - ex sidecar swinger who thinks 3 wheel drifts and lifting the inside
> wheel are the whole *point*.

Fun isn't necessarily fast :) My old '79 Mazda 323 (RWD!) rallycar
was a -lot- of fun with the tail wagging all over the place, but it
wasn't terribly fast.

[Shane Stanley]

In article >,
Zebee Johnstone > wrote:

> it's why you don't get 3 wheeled ATV motorcycles anymore but only
> quads. Too many bods were tipping the 3 wheelers over.

The lack of a differential on then was the killer. The only way to get
them to turn was to lean *out*...

--
Shane Stanley

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 21:05:18 -0700
Bleve > wrote:
> On Apr 23, 1:31 pm, Zebee Johnstone > wrote:
>>
>> Zebee
>> - ex sidecar swinger who thinks 3 wheel drifts and lifting the inside
>> wheel are the whole *point*.
>
> Fun isn't necessarily fast :) My old '79 Mazda 323 (RWD!) rallycar
> was a -lot- of fun with the tail wagging all over the place, but it
> wasn't terribly fast.

Sidecars are heavier than bikes and carry two people.

Ain't necessarily slow, but no one is racing them to break land speed
records.

Break other things maybe, but not land speed records.

(remembering the ding dong dice at Mac Park that ended up breaking one
outfit's steering head and 3 of 4 sidecar mounts on our chair. )


Zebee

[Poiter[_3_]]

Zebee Johnstone Wrote:
> In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 19:35:58 -0700
> Bleve > wrote:
> >
> > Take yourself to an HPV race and have a look .... there's loads of
> > designs. Most racing 'bents tend to be trikes, 2 front wheels, but
> > quads work well, very stable cornering.
>
> I can believe that - it's why you don't get 3 wheeled ATV motorcycles
> anymore but only quads. Too many bods were tipping the 3 wheelers
> over.
>
> Zebee
> - ex sidecar swinger who thinks 3 wheel drifts and lifting the inside
> wheel are the whole *point*.

Mine's not!
[image:
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/PoiterH/Petes%20Bikes/NoCom/P1152702.jpg]


--
Poiter

[PiledHigher]

On Apr 23, 2:05 pm, Bleve > wrote:
>
> There's some HPV rules that (before anyone asks ...) mean there's no
> bicycle 'bents racing. They have to have at least 3 wheels and a full
> intrusion rollcage.
>
>

So the HPVers are trying to kill the DF!!!

[Bleve]

On Apr 23, 4:06 pm, Poiter <Poiter.2ph...@no-
mx.forums.cyclingforums.com> wrote:
> Zebee Johnstone Wrote:
>
> > In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 19:35:58 -0700
> > Bleve > wrote:
>[i]
> > > Take yourself to an HPV race and have a look .... there's loads of
> > > designs. Most racing 'bents tend to be trikes, 2 front wheels, but
> > > quads work well, very stable cornering.
>
> > I can believe that - it's why you don't get 3 wheeled ATV motorcycles
> > anymore but only quads. Too many bods were tipping the 3 wheelers
> > over.
>
> > Zebee
> > - ex sidecar swinger who thinks 3 wheel drifts and lifting the inside
> > wheel are the whole *point*.
>
> Mine's not!
> http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/PoiterH/Petes%20Bikes/NoCom/P1...][/url]

You're not racing the school HPV stuff. They have to have cages and
at least 3 wheels.

http://www.wonthaggisc.vic.edu.au/hpv/2007HPVRulesbooklet.pdf

[Zebee Johnstone]

In aus.bicycle on 22 Apr 2007 23:19:11 -0700
PiledHigher > wrote:
> On Apr 23, 2:05 pm, Bleve > wrote:
>>
>> There's some HPV rules that (before anyone asks ...) mean there's no
>> bicycle 'bents racing. They have to have at least 3 wheels and a full
>> intrusion rollcage.
>
> So the HPVers are trying to kill the DF!!!

ONly if said DF is silly enough to get onto a racetrack with a bunch
of trikes with rollcages and fairings and trying to see via
cameras....


Zebee

[Peter]

Bleve > wrote:

> > > And quads. Don't leave the quads out :)
> >
> > Never seen one!
>
> Take yourself to an HPV race and have a look .... there's loads of
> designs.

Or just switch on SBS at 6pm tonight