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EZ Biker :-\)
August 25th 03, 04:34 PM
Well fellow recumboer's, I don't even have my Aero as of yet. (It's built
and just waiting for Rich Pinto's a Blade Crank, at my LBS) Yesterday, I got
an invite to Palm Beach, Florida, by some friends; one who wanted to try my
GRR Ti, in exchange for use of his Aero. (That invite took only less than a
half of second to agree to) So we are on the road and the looks I got from
numerous Dfer's was quite amusing. We finally hooked up with some locals,
one who had a Corsa and about 4 Dfer's. One in a sniffy (But kidding tone)
asked if I was willing to get up to a real cyclists speed, of 25+ and
wondering if I could even last for a few minutes. Responding, this was not
my bike and I really didn't... suddenly I was interrupted by the Aero Owner,
who blurted out, GO AHEAD,KICK HIS BUTT, Ken! So off we went. Mind you, I
don't even have high BB legs at the moment, after 5+ years of Easy Racer low
BB cycling. I kept wondering when we would get serious about speeding up,
when I glanced down on the computer and astonishingly we were already
rolling at 26+ mph! (One of the nice things about the Aero, is it's SO
Light, you truly can get up to (And Easily maintain) speed in no time) So we
continued for a couple of miles, when the sniffy one slowed and gave me a
dirty look, as I happily rolled by, still at about 25 mph. Thinking I was
riding with only 5 cyclists, I was SURPRISED when I concluded my pull stint
and started to go to the back. There were now "29" dfer's on our choo choo
and some of these guys looked like Lance Armstrong clones.
But alas, my High BB legs caught up with me and I faded from the pack. But
then about 10 of the Dfer's purposely slowed too and wanted to continue
riding with the Aero, draft and all. Mind you, I don't really like pace
lines (As I have previously posted) But for the time being, it was OK and I
got alot of comments about the bike and once stopped, even more interest
about it. As for my friend on my GRR Ti, he flatted (Knew I needed to get
that slow leak checked... <Grin>) but was happy I brought back his Aero in
one piece. It should be noted that the guy on the Corsa, was NO Turtle and
was very fast as well.
So, I'm still waiting for my Aero, BUT ALREADY, I'm a Happy Camper!
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)

Rick Moll
August 25th 03, 05:45 PM
EZ Biker :-) wrote:
> ...
> then about 10 of the Dfer's purposely slowed too and wanted to continue
> riding with the Aero, draft and all. Mind you, I don't really like pace
> lines (As I have previously posted) But for the time being, it was OK and I
> got alot of comments about the bike and once stopped, even more interest
> about it...

I've had similar experiences around here (Missouri, USA) on
my new Volae Team. As much as "Dfers" get maligned on this NG,
most of them respect performance, and show a genuine interest
if you can ride with them.

Yesterday I rode for a short while (he was on his way home)
with a guy on a 17 lb DF (carbon fiber frame). He seemed
amazed that I could climb with him (he could out climb me,
but then he wasn't even carrying a water bottle, while I was
carrying a cell phone, a 1 lb tool kit and about 3 lbs of
water so all in all he had over a 10 lb advantage).

He said he was having back problems and was interested in
recumbents but that this was the first time he had rode with
one that could climb. He planned to check out the Volae
at Hostel Shoppe.

Rick Moll

Rick Moll
August 25th 03, 05:45 PM
EZ Biker :-) wrote:
> ...
> then about 10 of the Dfer's purposely slowed too and wanted to continue
> riding with the Aero, draft and all. Mind you, I don't really like pace
> lines (As I have previously posted) But for the time being, it was OK and I
> got alot of comments about the bike and once stopped, even more interest
> about it...

I've had similar experiences around here (Missouri, USA) on
my new Volae Team. As much as "Dfers" get maligned on this NG,
most of them respect performance, and show a genuine interest
if you can ride with them.

Yesterday I rode for a short while (he was on his way home)
with a guy on a 17 lb DF (carbon fiber frame). He seemed
amazed that I could climb with him (he could out climb me,
but then he wasn't even carrying a water bottle, while I was
carrying a cell phone, a 1 lb tool kit and about 3 lbs of
water so all in all he had over a 10 lb advantage).

He said he was having back problems and was interested in
recumbents but that this was the first time he had rode with
one that could climb. He planned to check out the Volae
at Hostel Shoppe.

Rick Moll

Carl
August 25th 03, 06:31 PM
In article >, Rick Moll
> wrote:


> I've had similar experiences around here (Missouri, USA) on
> my new Volae Team. As much as "Dfers" get maligned on this NG,
> most of them respect performance, and show a genuine interest
> if you can ride with them.

Many will also give credit for effort. Anybody who completes a
challenging ride, such as a century, generally gets respect as well
regardless of bike.

> He said he was having back problems and was interested in
> recumbents but that this was the first time he had rode with
> one that could climb. He planned to check out the Volae
> at Hostel Shoppe.

I've heard a number of similar comments about my Strada. They're used
to seeing either lowracers, which they find too low, or comfort bikes
like the BikeE or EZ-1. They're happy to discover performance oriented
bikes like the Strada or Volea.

-Carl
(at peladon dot com)

Carl
August 25th 03, 06:31 PM
In article >, Rick Moll
> wrote:


> I've had similar experiences around here (Missouri, USA) on
> my new Volae Team. As much as "Dfers" get maligned on this NG,
> most of them respect performance, and show a genuine interest
> if you can ride with them.

Many will also give credit for effort. Anybody who completes a
challenging ride, such as a century, generally gets respect as well
regardless of bike.

> He said he was having back problems and was interested in
> recumbents but that this was the first time he had rode with
> one that could climb. He planned to check out the Volae
> at Hostel Shoppe.

I've heard a number of similar comments about my Strada. They're used
to seeing either lowracers, which they find too low, or comfort bikes
like the BikeE or EZ-1. They're happy to discover performance oriented
bikes like the Strada or Volea.

-Carl
(at peladon dot com)

EZ Biker :-\)
August 26th 03, 03:46 AM
Sure Bill, G, here is the link. http://www.murraytourdeforce.co.za/ Once
you get to the website, click on "Cranks".
I call it a blade crank, because, well it looks like a blade, to me. Doubt
it will help me go faster; BUT at least it will be COOL Looking!!!!!!!!!
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)




"a&b" > wrote in message
...
> EZ,
> Great ride report. Aeros *are* fast.
> WRT the a Blade, are you referring to a crank or a fork? Details...?
> thanks,
> bill g
>
> "EZ Biker :-)" wrote:
>
> > (It's built and just waiting for Rich Pinto's a Blade Crank,
>

EZ Biker :-\)
August 26th 03, 03:46 AM
Sure Bill, G, here is the link. http://www.murraytourdeforce.co.za/ Once
you get to the website, click on "Cranks".
I call it a blade crank, because, well it looks like a blade, to me. Doubt
it will help me go faster; BUT at least it will be COOL Looking!!!!!!!!!
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)




"a&b" > wrote in message
...
> EZ,
> Great ride report. Aeros *are* fast.
> WRT the a Blade, are you referring to a crank or a fork? Details...?
> thanks,
> bill g
>
> "EZ Biker :-)" wrote:
>
> > (It's built and just waiting for Rich Pinto's a Blade Crank,
>

bill g
August 26th 03, 12:03 PM
Ok, thanks. Are you spec'ing these for their adjustability, or a leg length
difference?
bill, saving for an Ouzo Pro fork, g

"EZ Biker :-)" wrote:

> Sure Bill, G, here is the link. http://www.murraytourdeforce.co.za/ Once
> you get to the website, click on "Cranks".
> I call it a blade crank, because, well it looks like a blade, to me. Doubt
> it will help me go faster; BUT at least it will be COOL Looking!!!!!!!!!
> EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)
>
> "a&b" > wrote in message
> ...
> > EZ,
> > Great ride report. Aeros *are* fast.
> > WRT the a Blade, are you referring to a crank or a fork? Details...?
> > thanks,
> > bill g
> >
> > "EZ Biker :-)" wrote:
> >
> > > (It's built and just waiting for Rich Pinto's a Blade Crank,
> >

--
His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like
underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

bill g
August 26th 03, 12:03 PM
Ok, thanks. Are you spec'ing these for their adjustability, or a leg length
difference?
bill, saving for an Ouzo Pro fork, g

"EZ Biker :-)" wrote:

> Sure Bill, G, here is the link. http://www.murraytourdeforce.co.za/ Once
> you get to the website, click on "Cranks".
> I call it a blade crank, because, well it looks like a blade, to me. Doubt
> it will help me go faster; BUT at least it will be COOL Looking!!!!!!!!!
> EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)
>
> "a&b" > wrote in message
> ...
> > EZ,
> > Great ride report. Aeros *are* fast.
> > WRT the a Blade, are you referring to a crank or a fork? Details...?
> > thanks,
> > bill g
> >
> > "EZ Biker :-)" wrote:
> >
> > > (It's built and just waiting for Rich Pinto's a Blade Crank,
> >

--
His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like
underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

EZ Biker :-\)
August 27th 03, 04:43 AM
Naw, they just look COOL!!!!! BUT really, I want to be able to play with the
adjustability via my leg extension. With my previous SWB's I never really
gave it much concern; but the Aero is much different and I'm wanting to get
myself as perfectly fitted with the bike, as a DFer would with their bike,
via with a bike fitting kit.
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)


"bill g" > wrote in message
...
> Ok, thanks. Are you spec'ing these for their adjustability, or a leg
length
> difference?
> bill, saving for an Ouzo Pro fork, g
>

EZ Biker :-\)
August 27th 03, 04:43 AM
Naw, they just look COOL!!!!! BUT really, I want to be able to play with the
adjustability via my leg extension. With my previous SWB's I never really
gave it much concern; but the Aero is much different and I'm wanting to get
myself as perfectly fitted with the bike, as a DFer would with their bike,
via with a bike fitting kit.
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)


"bill g" > wrote in message
...
> Ok, thanks. Are you spec'ing these for their adjustability, or a leg
length
> difference?
> bill, saving for an Ouzo Pro fork, g
>

bill g
August 27th 03, 12:49 PM
EZ,
Agreed about fit. And the way the bars are on B-bikes makes getting set up a
little more bothersome than other bikes.
Good luck with it.
bill g

"EZ Biker :-)" wrote:

> Naw, they just look COOL!!!!! BUT really, I want to be able to play with the
> adjustability via my leg extension. With my previous SWB's I never really
> gave it much concern; but the Aero is much different and I'm wanting to get
> myself as perfectly fitted with the bike, as a DFer would with their bike,
> via with a bike fitting kit.
> EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)
>
> "bill g" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Ok, thanks. Are you spec'ing these for their adjustability, or a leg
> length
> > difference?
> > bill, saving for an Ouzo Pro fork, g
> >

--
His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like
underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

bill g
August 27th 03, 12:49 PM
EZ,
Agreed about fit. And the way the bars are on B-bikes makes getting set up a
little more bothersome than other bikes.
Good luck with it.
bill g

"EZ Biker :-)" wrote:

> Naw, they just look COOL!!!!! BUT really, I want to be able to play with the
> adjustability via my leg extension. With my previous SWB's I never really
> gave it much concern; but the Aero is much different and I'm wanting to get
> myself as perfectly fitted with the bike, as a DFer would with their bike,
> via with a bike fitting kit.
> EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)
>
> "bill g" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Ok, thanks. Are you spec'ing these for their adjustability, or a leg
> length
> > difference?
> > bill, saving for an Ouzo Pro fork, g
> >

--
His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like
underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

john riley
August 28th 03, 01:58 PM
EZ: _Very_ interesting cranks. From time to time there is discussion
here about crank length. These could help a person answer the
questions for themselves.

I've been going back over old messages (from back in the days when we
talked more about bikes ;-) I know you are on to something else now,
but in the Pursuit vs GRR discussions, you didn't mention seats. It's
conceivable to have a Rotator with a higher seat so the riding
position more closely matches the GRR and avoids some of the concerns
about lowness that you had. But this didn't seem like something you
were interested in. Even though you live in a humid climate, you saw
no significant advantage to the mesh Rotator seat?

johnriley1 (at) rogers.com

john riley
August 28th 03, 01:58 PM
EZ: _Very_ interesting cranks. From time to time there is discussion
here about crank length. These could help a person answer the
questions for themselves.

I've been going back over old messages (from back in the days when we
talked more about bikes ;-) I know you are on to something else now,
but in the Pursuit vs GRR discussions, you didn't mention seats. It's
conceivable to have a Rotator with a higher seat so the riding
position more closely matches the GRR and avoids some of the concerns
about lowness that you had. But this didn't seem like something you
were interested in. Even though you live in a humid climate, you saw
no significant advantage to the mesh Rotator seat?

johnriley1 (at) rogers.com

EZ Biker :-\)
August 29th 03, 06:03 AM
johnriley1, I freely admit here, that I believe I made a lot of
misjudge-mental calls on my Rotator Pursuit. The LOW seat selection was one.
I think if I had gone with the med seat, instead of the LOW (Next to the
frame seat) I would have faired much better, I was wanting to achieve a low
racer type of bike, but what acted and felt like my previous Easy Racer type
of bikes.
Admittedly the Rotator I had previously tested, tested, tested, to the
point I had almost worn out the floor model, had the High seat setup and was
the Cro-Molly version not the Ti version. However regardless of which seat
height I had tired and subsequently went with, I was COMFORTABLE and the
bumps and grinds of the roads were absorbed via the mesh seat.
I still believe I should have taken the bike in and had the rear wheel /
frame assembly CAREFULLY checked. I really feel that there had been some
sort of bind in my initial setup, that could have been repaired. I just had
the hardest time getting that bike up to speed; only to see the speed drop
like a brick, when I coasted. And yet on my duel 20 inch Tailwind, that
weighed more and was higher up, I could get that puppy up to 18+ mph in no
time and maintain that speed for many miles. Hence the feeling, that
SOMETHING was amiss (Initial setup not bike defect wise) on my Pursuit.
I really ENJOYED THE Ti Pursuit and wished I had given it more tryout time.
That bike has the potential to (Again) be a LWB-Low Racer kind of bike, with
the person still seated more upright, like an Easy Racers kind of bike.
But alas, I now have a NEW LOVE, in that of my Bacchetta Aero, of which I'll
be collected this weekend! YooooooooHooooooooo!
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)


"john riley" > wrote in message
om...
....It's conceivable to have a Rotator with a higher seat so the riding
> position more closely matches the GRR and avoids some of the concerns
> about lowness that you had. But this didn't seem like something you
> were interested in. Even though you live in a humid climate, you saw
> no significant advantage to the mesh Rotator seat?
>
> johnriley1 (at) rogers.com

EZ Biker :-\)
August 29th 03, 06:03 AM
johnriley1, I freely admit here, that I believe I made a lot of
misjudge-mental calls on my Rotator Pursuit. The LOW seat selection was one.
I think if I had gone with the med seat, instead of the LOW (Next to the
frame seat) I would have faired much better, I was wanting to achieve a low
racer type of bike, but what acted and felt like my previous Easy Racer type
of bikes.
Admittedly the Rotator I had previously tested, tested, tested, to the
point I had almost worn out the floor model, had the High seat setup and was
the Cro-Molly version not the Ti version. However regardless of which seat
height I had tired and subsequently went with, I was COMFORTABLE and the
bumps and grinds of the roads were absorbed via the mesh seat.
I still believe I should have taken the bike in and had the rear wheel /
frame assembly CAREFULLY checked. I really feel that there had been some
sort of bind in my initial setup, that could have been repaired. I just had
the hardest time getting that bike up to speed; only to see the speed drop
like a brick, when I coasted. And yet on my duel 20 inch Tailwind, that
weighed more and was higher up, I could get that puppy up to 18+ mph in no
time and maintain that speed for many miles. Hence the feeling, that
SOMETHING was amiss (Initial setup not bike defect wise) on my Pursuit.
I really ENJOYED THE Ti Pursuit and wished I had given it more tryout time.
That bike has the potential to (Again) be a LWB-Low Racer kind of bike, with
the person still seated more upright, like an Easy Racers kind of bike.
But alas, I now have a NEW LOVE, in that of my Bacchetta Aero, of which I'll
be collected this weekend! YooooooooHooooooooo!
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)


"john riley" > wrote in message
om...
....It's conceivable to have a Rotator with a higher seat so the riding
> position more closely matches the GRR and avoids some of the concerns
> about lowness that you had. But this didn't seem like something you
> were interested in. Even though you live in a humid climate, you saw
> no significant advantage to the mesh Rotator seat?
>
> johnriley1 (at) rogers.com

Sticker Jim
September 16th 03, 01:23 AM
"EZ Biker :-)" > wrote in message
t...
> Sure Bill, G, here is the link. http://www.murraytourdeforce.co.za/ Once
> you get to the website, click on "Cranks".
> I call it a blade crank, because, well it looks like a blade, to me. Doubt
> it will help me go faster; BUT at least it will be COOL Looking!!!!!!!!!
> EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (GRR Ti and Bacchetta Aero Pilot)

How much stock do most people put in matching leg length to crank length?
I'm 6' 2" and have 165 cranks on all 3 of my trikes. I find them pretty
comfortable and usually spin in the 70 to 90 rpm range (or try to). If I
understand it correctly, shorter cranks help spin faster, more comfortably,
at the expense of power, while longer cranks help with leverage to put power
to the pedals but at the loss of comfortable high pedal rpms. ? Yes/no? I
can comfortably run at 28 to 30 kph on flat ground with bursts to about
40kph. I don't feel "jammed" in my pedal stroke and my knee pain (doing
everything else BUT cycling) is non-existent. A friend of mine who is
likely around the 5' 6" mark uses 175s and swears by them. According to the
chart, I should be using 180s and while he claims that there is an "optimum"
range of motion he doesn't seem to go into great detail on it that I could
see.

Has anyone here received a noticeable difference in comfort and/or
performance by switching crank lengths?

EZ Biker :-\)
September 16th 03, 03:51 AM
Sticker Jim, I can't really help you here. I'm using these adjustable
cranks, but am comfortable just where I set the pedal stems at. Perhaps some
of our fellow MORE Techies can respond to your inquiry.
EZ Biker :-) Pompano Beach, Fl. (Aero & GRR Ti Aero Pilot)


"Sticker Jim" > wrote in message
able.rogers.com...
> How much stock do most people put in matching leg length to crank length?
> I'm 6' 2" and have 165 cranks on all 3 of my trikes. I find them pretty
> comfortable and usually spin in the 70 to 90 rpm range (or try to).

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