GoblinAero
Member
- Local time
- 7:59 AM
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2008
- Messages
- 37
Steering
Hello SS,
'Sorry to hear about the limited mobility in one of your hands. Having been hit by a full size pick up truck while riding a bicycle, I understand the issue of limitations. There are still things that I have issues with today, even though the accident was in 1997. I admire your drive to not let it get in your way.
My following comments are not about you specifically, but are generalized. Not all generalizations can be applied to everyone.
Overall, recumbent bicycles and tricycles are far more comfortable, faster and stable than regular bicycles on paved surfaces. Like any other product they have their limitations, for example, they don't do that well on severe mountain bike trails.
The USS (under seat steering) of the GoblinAero is the preferred type of steering for many users of recumbent cycles due to ease of use and stability. OSS (over the seat steering) can still be an effective steering system, but can cause the user's hands to go numb on long distance rides and may have a serious 'tiller effect'. As many riders know, the handlebars of diamond frame bikes (regular bicycles) can cause numbness and nerve damage in the hands and neck. The handlebars of the USS system on the GoblinAero are based upon standard handle bar tubing and can be lengthened and accessorized just like regular handle bars. A user could increase the length and even angle them to go inward or outward.
Older riders typically find recumbent bicycles easier to ride and far more comfortable than standard bicycles. It is typically easier to get on and off of a non-racer style recumbent cycle. Many older riders' joint issues were actually *caused* by riding standard bicycles and find relief when they discover the comforts of riding in a recumbent position, just like the La-Z-Boy recliner at home. The seats of standard bicycles have been shown to contribute to the development of prostate cancer in men, and other 'plumbing' issues in women. We weren't meant to have a saddle pounding away at our prostate gland for long periods of time. In reports that I've read, high frequency vibration causes prostate glands to change. Incredibly, about 8 years ago, a major article was printed in Bicycling Magazine, written by a team of doctors, that pointed out the link between standard bicycle seats and the occurence of prostate cancer in male cyclists.
Perhaps if you try again to ride an USS recumbent (but this time with the benefit of an extra wheel... trike) you'll find that it is comfortable.
Most folks have never ridden recumbents. They are rare, but should not be. They are gaining in popularity, though. Over the last 10 years, they are the fastest growing segment in the bicycle industry.
Why are recumbent bicycles rare? Back in 1934 a B class rated French racer rode one of the first recumbent bicycles to victory again and again setting new world records, defeating champions from around the world on their standard bicycles (remember, aerodynamics are king). The UCI (organization that regulates bicycle racing) banned recumbents from racing a few years later, stating that they were not bicycles. To this day, you won't see recumbents in big races like the Tour de France because they are too fast. Unfortunately, the UCI board back in 1934 (and through to today) is staffed with owners of/investors in major bicycle manufacturers. In my opinion, these board members basically do not understand recumbent bicycles and fear the losses they would incur if they had their type of bicycles trounced in races. Bicycle racing is just like any other type of racing... it's about the money. Back in '97 (approx) my question to the president of the UCI was featured on UCI's website. It was one of just a few that were posted. I asked him why the UCI continues to ban recumbents due to fear of loss of revenues and he skirted around my question by declaring that they weren't bicycles and that they had their own capability to put together their own races. The UCI maintains that they are the organization for all bicycles, yet exclude recumbent bicycles. Major bicycle manufacturers have never had success with the manufacture of recumbent cycles. A couple have tried, but their offering was terrible in design and completely flopped in the marketplace.
When most folks see a recumbent going down the street, it is usually a more entry level bike, ridden by an older person. This has led to lots of people thinking that they are etiher slow, or for people with special needs. While any bike can be ridden slowly, and recumbent cycles are in general much better for those with special needs, they definitely can be the fastest, most comfortable, and safest types of bicycles to ride on pavement. If you're in a serious accident on a standard bicycle, what do you hit with first? Your head. If you're in a serious accident on a recumbent bicycle, what do you hit with first? Your feet.
I no longer ride standard style bicycles, except for my fully suspended mountain bike that I use for... well... mountain bike riding. It causes me a fair amount of pain in my wrists and neck (especially since being hit by that truck). It is still a blast to ride, though. I have a super squishy and wide seat on it to help with the impacts.
I don't fault users of standard bikes for their choice to ride one. Some people are just not interested in trying something different than what they've ridden for years. Some people like to stare down at the road as they ride. Some people like the cruiser version of a standard bike to improve the way that they can see vs. a bike with a racing position. Some people think that recumbent bicycles just plain look stupid and don't want to be seen on one. Some people like to 'bunny hop' over curbs with their standard bike. Some people like standard bicycles better.
I can't hold my head up for very long while riding a standard bike due to my previous whiplash injury, so a standard bike makes me look down most of the time. I enjoy the recliner type of comfort afforded by a recumbent and like to see the world going by. A problem with many recumbents is cost. Due to the more limited manufacture of recumbent bicycles, the cost is typically high compared to most regular bicycles. A good bet is to buy a used unit or a new unit made in Taiwan (Sun bicycles line). The GoblinAero is based upon the Sun EZ HD trike. As a new trike, just the trike costs $1200 at retail, but that's a smokin' deal with the incredible build quality, super tough wheels/tires, suspended frame and upholstered adjustable seat. You can find trikes like these for around $800 used on eBay. Similar ones without suspension can go for around $450. Cost alone can be a good reason to not purchase a recumbent bicycle! In my case, I saved my money for a few years to be able to afford my first one which was a short wheelbase recumbent bicycle that went for $2,000. It was very, very fast. I won sprint races with that bike and a cheap coroplast fairing in velodromes at almost 42mph. The trike that the GoblinAero is based upon is a slow beastie under human power. It is heavy (65 lbs), heavy duty and built for heavy riders. It delivers comfort, safety, and a strong enough frame to mount stuff like a motor kit and fairings to... ideal for what I need.
Ooops, it's time to get off of my soapbox now.
Jeff
Hello SS,
'Sorry to hear about the limited mobility in one of your hands. Having been hit by a full size pick up truck while riding a bicycle, I understand the issue of limitations. There are still things that I have issues with today, even though the accident was in 1997. I admire your drive to not let it get in your way.
My following comments are not about you specifically, but are generalized. Not all generalizations can be applied to everyone.
Overall, recumbent bicycles and tricycles are far more comfortable, faster and stable than regular bicycles on paved surfaces. Like any other product they have their limitations, for example, they don't do that well on severe mountain bike trails.
The USS (under seat steering) of the GoblinAero is the preferred type of steering for many users of recumbent cycles due to ease of use and stability. OSS (over the seat steering) can still be an effective steering system, but can cause the user's hands to go numb on long distance rides and may have a serious 'tiller effect'. As many riders know, the handlebars of diamond frame bikes (regular bicycles) can cause numbness and nerve damage in the hands and neck. The handlebars of the USS system on the GoblinAero are based upon standard handle bar tubing and can be lengthened and accessorized just like regular handle bars. A user could increase the length and even angle them to go inward or outward.
Older riders typically find recumbent bicycles easier to ride and far more comfortable than standard bicycles. It is typically easier to get on and off of a non-racer style recumbent cycle. Many older riders' joint issues were actually *caused* by riding standard bicycles and find relief when they discover the comforts of riding in a recumbent position, just like the La-Z-Boy recliner at home. The seats of standard bicycles have been shown to contribute to the development of prostate cancer in men, and other 'plumbing' issues in women. We weren't meant to have a saddle pounding away at our prostate gland for long periods of time. In reports that I've read, high frequency vibration causes prostate glands to change. Incredibly, about 8 years ago, a major article was printed in Bicycling Magazine, written by a team of doctors, that pointed out the link between standard bicycle seats and the occurence of prostate cancer in male cyclists.
Perhaps if you try again to ride an USS recumbent (but this time with the benefit of an extra wheel... trike) you'll find that it is comfortable.
Most folks have never ridden recumbents. They are rare, but should not be. They are gaining in popularity, though. Over the last 10 years, they are the fastest growing segment in the bicycle industry.
Why are recumbent bicycles rare? Back in 1934 a B class rated French racer rode one of the first recumbent bicycles to victory again and again setting new world records, defeating champions from around the world on their standard bicycles (remember, aerodynamics are king). The UCI (organization that regulates bicycle racing) banned recumbents from racing a few years later, stating that they were not bicycles. To this day, you won't see recumbents in big races like the Tour de France because they are too fast. Unfortunately, the UCI board back in 1934 (and through to today) is staffed with owners of/investors in major bicycle manufacturers. In my opinion, these board members basically do not understand recumbent bicycles and fear the losses they would incur if they had their type of bicycles trounced in races. Bicycle racing is just like any other type of racing... it's about the money. Back in '97 (approx) my question to the president of the UCI was featured on UCI's website. It was one of just a few that were posted. I asked him why the UCI continues to ban recumbents due to fear of loss of revenues and he skirted around my question by declaring that they weren't bicycles and that they had their own capability to put together their own races. The UCI maintains that they are the organization for all bicycles, yet exclude recumbent bicycles. Major bicycle manufacturers have never had success with the manufacture of recumbent cycles. A couple have tried, but their offering was terrible in design and completely flopped in the marketplace.
When most folks see a recumbent going down the street, it is usually a more entry level bike, ridden by an older person. This has led to lots of people thinking that they are etiher slow, or for people with special needs. While any bike can be ridden slowly, and recumbent cycles are in general much better for those with special needs, they definitely can be the fastest, most comfortable, and safest types of bicycles to ride on pavement. If you're in a serious accident on a standard bicycle, what do you hit with first? Your head. If you're in a serious accident on a recumbent bicycle, what do you hit with first? Your feet.
I no longer ride standard style bicycles, except for my fully suspended mountain bike that I use for... well... mountain bike riding. It causes me a fair amount of pain in my wrists and neck (especially since being hit by that truck). It is still a blast to ride, though. I have a super squishy and wide seat on it to help with the impacts.
I don't fault users of standard bikes for their choice to ride one. Some people are just not interested in trying something different than what they've ridden for years. Some people like to stare down at the road as they ride. Some people like the cruiser version of a standard bike to improve the way that they can see vs. a bike with a racing position. Some people think that recumbent bicycles just plain look stupid and don't want to be seen on one. Some people like to 'bunny hop' over curbs with their standard bike. Some people like standard bicycles better.
I can't hold my head up for very long while riding a standard bike due to my previous whiplash injury, so a standard bike makes me look down most of the time. I enjoy the recliner type of comfort afforded by a recumbent and like to see the world going by. A problem with many recumbents is cost. Due to the more limited manufacture of recumbent bicycles, the cost is typically high compared to most regular bicycles. A good bet is to buy a used unit or a new unit made in Taiwan (Sun bicycles line). The GoblinAero is based upon the Sun EZ HD trike. As a new trike, just the trike costs $1200 at retail, but that's a smokin' deal with the incredible build quality, super tough wheels/tires, suspended frame and upholstered adjustable seat. You can find trikes like these for around $800 used on eBay. Similar ones without suspension can go for around $450. Cost alone can be a good reason to not purchase a recumbent bicycle! In my case, I saved my money for a few years to be able to afford my first one which was a short wheelbase recumbent bicycle that went for $2,000. It was very, very fast. I won sprint races with that bike and a cheap coroplast fairing in velodromes at almost 42mph. The trike that the GoblinAero is based upon is a slow beastie under human power. It is heavy (65 lbs), heavy duty and built for heavy riders. It delivers comfort, safety, and a strong enough frame to mount stuff like a motor kit and fairings to... ideal for what I need.
Ooops, it's time to get off of my soapbox now.
Jeff
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