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Old October 17th 10, 08:24 PM posted to alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent,rec.bicycles.soc
Edward Dolan
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Posts: 14,212
Default Pre-WW2 Czechoslovakia (I think) 'Bents (and other things)

"Tom Sherman °_°" wrote in message
...
On 10/17/2010 11:38 AM, Edward Dolan wrote:
"Tom Sherman wrote in message
...
I like the small wheel 'bents (in the first 58 seconds of the video).
Also
note that there is a bike very much like what became the "standard" SWB
'bent configuration in the US in the 1990's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdlpJqHxLxk.


Those small wheel recumbents have wheels that are too small. You will
feel
every crack in the road with such wheels. However, note that the tires
were
fat. That is to absorb road shock, but what does it do for road friction?

For a given inflation pressure (and similar tire construction), a wider
tire will have LESS rolling resistance than a narrower tire, since the
casing deforms less at the contact patch.


Even so, does not a large wheel ride smoother than a small wheel? Also, do
you not get a flywheel effect from a larger wheel?

The RANS Tailwind was a superior recumbent design with 20" wheels. It is
too
bad every one has fixed on larger size wheels. A small wheel will get you
around town just as well as a large wheel.

The only significant problem with the RANS Tailwind/Wave is that it was
not suitable for taller riders.


I have an early version that does barely fit my 6 foot height.

The video is interesting because it shows there is more than one way to
design and propel a bicycle. However, the world has settled on the safety
bicycle, an upright, for good reasons. The only thing wrong with the
upright
is that it is not comfortable for long periods of time. Hence, the
recumbent
bicycle.

About 20 minutes or less at a time on an upright is fine for comfort. Most
commuting trips in places like Western Europe are that time or less.


Yes, I think you have got the timing exactly right.

Regards,

Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota


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