I Took A Recumbent To A Bike Race... This Is What Happened!

With their super-low profiles, recumbent bikes are known for being more aerodynamic, and potentially a lot faster. Thanks to ‪@Cruzbike‬ Hank has headed to take on a fast 10-mile time trial to ask... Can he beat his previous best time, set when he was a lot younger (and fitter), and on a specialist time trial bike? Can he beat the locals on their TT bikes?
🤝 In association with ‪@Cruzbike‬ 🤝
00:00 If Aero Is Everything... Can Hank destroy TT bikes on a recumbent?
00:36 Hank's TT Weapon of Choice: Cruzbike Vendetta V20c
02:12 How much better is a recumbent's CDA?
03:44 Hank puts down the power in a TT effort
05:03 What TT course did we ride?
07:07 Conclusions: Is a recumbent faster than a time trial bike?
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[@gcn]

What would you like Hank to do next? Let us know 👇

[@nebulous962]

Talk to youtuber called airshaper about bicycle aerodynamics

[@Alex-gl2dw]

Ride a recumbent on a climb.

[@peterhansen8216]

Pikes Peak on a ..... Flips Coin.. Unicycle.

[@namwens1]

​@@peterhansen8216going down!

[@geoffreysearle7162]

Do the Worlds in August in Kent - but practice beforehand…. I’m sure someone will lend him a competitive bike

[@enricomauletti8669]

A tip for Cruzbike and Hank: please, before another test, take better care of Hank's positioning on the bike! The legs must be a little more extended at the point of maximum extension (like on a normal racing bicycle). The arms can be stretched further forward and the handlebars should not be turned so high. The upper body must copy the seat better, through some further adjustment of the seat itself and the headrest. Hank, after a bit of adaptation, could be even faster... and the bike (absolutely fantastic mounted with these components!) would highlight not only its aerodynamics, but also its ergonomics even more. Thanks to GCN UK for promoting recumbent bikes!

[@CraigStellmacher]

I saw that too, his legs weren't fully extended.

[@stevest1300]

First thing I saw as well. He's pedalling like a drug dealer on a stolen BMX bike.

[@qqleq]

Plus his neck must have been in a cramp afterwards, he had to keep his head high all the time.

[@arnenl1575]

@@qqleq No, while you're riding, this is not really a problem. Only when you stand still it starts to hurt.

[@Kraeuterbutter]

@@arnenl1575 excactly.. 10h driving daily on vacation - no problem, headrest not needed.. but on every red light, standing 40sec - you feel the weight of your head and enjoy the headrest

[@mikemowett7401]

A recumbent trike won this very same TT doing 19:36 by 48 year old para athlete James Coxon from Wales. Please show that! James has rode his Aussie built trike at over 31 mph for one hour on the Wales velodrome and over 30 mph for 100 Km, both world records. James has won before and not been shown.

[@surrey-velo2419]

James Coxon is a legend.

[@yanto63]

@@surrey-velo2419 That reminds me I have some tyres to take to the Worlds for him.

[@zopEnglandzip]

Crazy numbers

[@DemiGod..]

Faster than the ICE VTX trike that set about 11 world records and is supposedly the fastest racing trike in the world?

[@nirfz]

Aren't they even more aerodynamic than even this bike?

[@jonathanparker1894]

I reckon Hank should spend the summer doing miles on it as his main bike. Then repeat the time trial.

[@2dcutout]

Absolutely agree. Spends all his time on a recumbent for the rest of the summer and tries again

[@johannesobernoeder1156]

At least he should train in rechmbent position on a regular basis, to get used to it & get more power onto the pedals.

[@TechSucht]

Yes, that would make a substantial difference, I am sure. Due to the position the muscles one mainly uses are not exactly the same on a recumbent. Plus his leg position does not look ideal here. Quite some wiggle room for improvement, I guess.

[@richardharker2775]

True. You cannot get onto a recumbent and immediately go faster. Despite using the same leg muscles it takes some time in the seat to adjust.

[@TechSucht]

@@richardharker2775 when my best friend and I bought our recumbents in the early 1990s nobody rode those where we lived, thus we had to learn how to ride them all on our own. We were both riding normal bikes basically all the time then but at first we were slower and more exhausted when riding the recumbents. Balancing is different and sore muscles showed us that we did not use the exact same ones like usually. After a couple of weeks things got much better and after some months riding the recumbents had become better than our upright bikes. Hank would probably kill his personal record after some practice.

[@keithdavis938]

I brought a recumbent to a timetrial - did I have the fastest time? No - but of the two guys who were faster, one was an ex-pro (Backstedt), and the other was training for the Commonwealth Games (Ovenden). Fair to say I wasn’t too disappointed :-)

[@Cruzbike]

We so love this! Thank you, GCN! If we'd been there we could have made Hank faster by moving the boom out and adjusting the seat so that it was higher on his back and the headrest was supporting his head. Good going Hank.

[@gcn]

thanks! It sounds like Hank needs you to give him a full fitment and we can send him back on the track again! 💨

[@enwinn]

@@gcn Indeed. In some ways fitment on these is even more important than an upright.

[@michaelwolfe9167]

Yeah, really did look like he needed a good couple cm more leg extension.

[@anim8ted923]

It would be real interesting to see how Hank does on a properly fitted racing recumbent vs. a time trial bike, ridden on the same day.

[@mariaparker8764]

@@anim8ted923 We agree!

[@nacnud2323]

This should be UCI legal on time trials. Have an open class and a restricted class with the old rules. Unleash the science.

[@user-sx6dr1cw8y]

they should all race on standardized steel

[@nebulous962]

I agree

[@PsyKeks]

​@@user-sx6dr1cw8y You can have both. There are already different equipment rules for group stages and individual time trials. (Standards are a bit tricky btw, because different riders have different needs. Only one option would benefit a group of riders. You'd need to give some choice and scale some things to the rider's body.)

[@peterharrington8709]

Good for a track TT, but definitely not on open roads though.

[@slomo3937]

It was the UCI that banned recumbents in 1934 (!) - because they were faster than standard bicycles…

[@leetaylor9368]

Welcome to the dark side Hank, good effort. Few things:- You need to take the boom out by another inch or so I'd say, you are not at full extension on the your legs. The method of being able to just touch your heel to the pedal works well on a recumbent ime. Take the handlebar forward by a couple of inches so there so only a slight bend in your arm, just sure your leg does not hit the bar on the upward stroke. If needs be fit a 42/44cm bar so there is ample clearance with your legs. Adjust the angle of the bar so the shifters are straight like on a road bike and out of the wind. There should be little to no bend in your wrist when grabbing the bar in the riding position. You need to be laid back on your bike with your head on the head rest. This was not the case in the video, doing this will make you more streamlined and relax the upper body making breathing easier. Keep at it.

[@Tattersail]

i agree the boom is set up too short, but wouldn't go to full extension. Arm position looks good with upper arms parallel to body - recommendation straight from the source - but shifters could be flatter. Bar looks like a customisation, the stock one has a huge flare with the tips out to 56 or 60cm. i'd argue you want a bit of flare for a compromise of better leg clearance and slim aerodynamic profile up through the top

[@peterleffler2062]

I have no recumbent experience or knowledge but I did think Hank was looking a bit cramped on the bike. Thanks for confirming for me.

[@richeeg3271]

I'm also thinking maybe shorter cranks? I've heard you should use shorter cranks on a recumbent, and his cadence was quite slow

[@gcn]

thanks for the feedback! Hopefully we can get Hank back out on the Cruzbike with some of the tips and advice that has been provided by recumbent specialists 👍

[@JamesL-W]

I definitely agree with the above.

[@asphaltradler9893]

Your leg extension is ridiculous! The bike was much too short for you, no wonder the muscles hurt afterward. Knees had more than 90 degrees and still about 20 when extended. Try again with correct positioning and you will be much faster AND more comfortable.

[@craigrussell7542]

Spot on. I agree.

[@jeremytaiabbett]

Race gravel on a recumbent.

[@gcn]

[@keithdavis938]

@@gcnI did last year’s RAGBRAI gravel stage on a recumbent - let’s just say that the bike handling was a tad “twitchy”

[@Metal-Possum]

Enduro or DH!

[@aamj50]

Race gravel on a TT bike in the skis.

[@Ystadcop]

Or cyclo-cross.

[@markdaarud7764]

Hank needs a bike fit. Bike fits are just important on a recumbent as a road bike.

[@channelbill2933]

Could Hank do some content on using a recumbent for a "normal" bicycle lifestyle that includes commuting, shopping and touring? It does not have to be a quirky challenge, a straight out discussion would be more than enough. Including trike recumbents.

[@Tattersail]

it's a bit annoying, starting with bike stand incompatibility and moving on through backpacks... there are no backpacks, your back is on the seat! paniers, seat bags are compatible, of course, but still. I use an old road bike for short daily distances + recumbent to go distances without starting and stopping every couple hundred meters.

[@TechSucht]

I used to ride a touring recumbent (Radius Peer Gynt) for over two decades as my main mode of transport. It had a proper rack on which I put two Ortlieb backrollers and - most unstylish - a metal basket for everyday usage (left the latter one at home for cycle trips). I'd put my backpack in the basket so I could change quickly from cycling to walking about.

[@chrisdavidson911]

Often wish they'd do something like this, with literally any bike that doesn't have drop bars. They intentionally don't do product reviews, which is fine, but just spend a week on a single speed and show us how it went!

[@kishascape]

He should do another endurance ride with Mark Beaumont and they both recumbent.

[@Tattersail]

@@kishascape Mark could have some fun with a couple of people hosting the "SuperHexe" in Germany. They're riding velomobiles over extreme distances.

[@CheeseyWotsit]

Think you're missing a trick here. Need more of this. Hank on a recumbent is top entertainment.

[@gcn]

make sure you check this out> kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=dwdrfeCiqNbd3lgg

[@JamesL-W]

Hahaha I actually really enjoy riding them!

[@JackButlerVideos]

Wow! More GCN recumbent content please!!

[@gcn]

did you ever see this video > kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=dwdrfeCiqNbd3lgg a classic!

[@jimparker6305]

Hank did a great job for a relative beginner on the Cruzbike V20c. Many of the comments below are spot-on about some fine-tuning that would have made him faster... plus just spending more time adapting to the bike. Great job and really fun to watch!

[@gcn]

thanks for the comment! hopefully we can get Hank on the Cruzbike again!

[@zenpharaohs]

@@gcn Just so people reading this know, Jim Parker is a prominent expert for this type of bike.

[@dfishpool7052]

Great to see GCN branching out into recumbents - well done Hank - very interesting presentation.

[@gcn]

thanks for the comment! We did a bit on recumbents before too > kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=XqrGVAaas534VYMR enjoy!

[@rolandcolavizza5368]

I like the design its like a good compromise between a full on recumbent and a road bike . The drive train also looks like a standard road bike thats been re positioned.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

The frame design is good but I think the cockpit could be better and it might need some head support - it didn’t look very comfortable for longer rides tbh.

[@aamj50]

He didn't have it set up very well. an experienced rider would have a neck rest that would both let you see down the road and not have to strain to hold your head up.

[@PsyKeks]

​@@Bobby-wn5yrThere is a head support. It's just at his shoulders, because the bike isn't set up right. The adjustable seat pan should have been pulled out longer, then his shoulders would have come down flatter and the head support would have supported his upper neck/lower head.

[@jackroutledge352]

​@@PsyKeksYeah, he looks far to. Far forward. His legs are quite bent at their longest travel. He should definitely get himself set up properly and have another go.

[@firstnamelastname2669]

True, but actually Hank did well considering these Moving Bottom Bracket bikes are considered the hardest bents to ride. Many give up finding riding them unpredictable due to upper body involvement. Of course it's a lot easier on a track..

[@daniele_go]

Great video , thanks Hank, I am sure you enjoyed a lot ! You have chosen a recumbent type (Front wheel drive) which requires sometimes to adapt to be able to go straight, kudos to you!

[@gcn]

He never makes it easy for himself!

[@danielpspersonal]

as a fellow recunbent rider I aprove of this video. please get more recumbent stuff around here. btw, dream bike hank got there.

[@gcn]

Thanks - we'll pass that on!

[@enwinn]

Yup. V20s rock.

[@carsongent8420]

​@@gcnNeeds underseat steering.

[@PsyKeks]

As always they didn't really acknowledge that Hank is surely not very well trained in this bike (Cruzbikes are a new thing to learn, even for seasoned recumbent riders!) and the bike was set up very poorly. Bottom bracket much too close (like saddle too low) and the seat much too short, so his shoulders and head were pushed very high (just like sitting more upright on a TT bike). The setup may have been, to make it more easy for the beginner to ride the bike. So with a few more months of training and the then optimal setup, he could be more powerfull AND efficient, so much faster. (I myself ride recumbents exclusively for years and own a Cruzbike V20c as seen in the video.)

[@arturelias6418]

I don't get why GCN does this again and again, every time they showcase recumbents. Never take them seriously, every time riding poorly. In this case not even bothering to set the bike up correctly. Perhaps they are afraid of making the roadies look too inferior speed wise? Or they intentionally want to perpetuate a stereotype of recumbents being weird? They sure look weird if don't know how to ride them. It's a shame.

[@RichM3000]

He said he was using flats up until time trial day because he was getting used to riding the bike. I took at as him saying he was new to this and was trying it out.

[@user-zu4nl7bm9e]

At least, this one is much better than the recumbent video of GCN from few years ago, these series are the diaster and greek clown play. They don't RIDE the recumbent, they just used the low-racer to climbe a 80% slope. F the clown GCN.

[@user-zu4nl7bm9e]

@@arturelias6418 GCN is just another UBanall Sucker.

[@user-zu4nl7bm9e]

They don't show the respect and get serious about recumbent, just make it funny.

[@anim8ted923]

Has never ridden the recumbent with clipless pedals: "the time to try, is race day". 😜

[@mpvsystems9302]

Awesome video! The Cruz bike is definitely a fast recumbent but is probably optimized more for climbing than pure speed. For a TT, a CDA well below 2.0 is possible with a couple small changes including a lower and thinner (0.25" thick ) handlebar that crosses the legs just behind the feet and that positions the arms at zero degrees to the wind. TT bull horn brake levers and electric shifters eliminate the need for the very non-aero drop bar setup. The hands do not bear any upper body weight on a recumbent so a much lighter and thinner handlebar is possible. (You also don't want your instruments sticking up off the bar)! The seat position should also be more reclined to position the rider's upper body is virtually horizontal. This accounts for the largest reduction in drag. Anyway, imagine if the aerodynamic engineers who develop TT bikes spent a few hours on a recumbent and gave it to pro! The UCI would ban it again claiming it was too fast to be safe LOL. Perhaps the Triathlon gang would be more open since there are so many of us triathletes with necks that are getting too old to tolerate hours hunched over tri bars.

[@gcn]

hi, thanks for the comment and tips/advice! ❤️

[@wladpolyanzew6141]

40 km/h on 240 watts is great. And Hancks head was not on headrest. He's not that experienced on a recumbent - it is clear. And camera with headunit are intalled terribly. Great video though!

[@bencottam7798]

There was no headrest though.

[@leetaylor9368]

@@bencottam7798 Yes there was, it was tucked away just at the top of the seat.

[@PsyKeks]

​@@bencottam7798 He basically used it as a shoulder rest... Bike fit was terrible.

[@casualguy393]

On my 2018 Cruzbike V20 40.6 watts costs me 210 watts, so there is quite a bit of aero improvement that can be made such as faster wheels, better helmet, a tailbox, the bars set up level, and a different seat that doesn't curve up at the head.

[@MrSnel01]

On my recumbent bike my hands are much closer together and the brake levers are underneath the cockpit. This leads to an even more streamlined setup.

[@timclarke3913]

Thanks for including a test of this great bike. It's my second season on one and it's a total blast to ride. That Hank managed to pull of a time trial on one with very little training -- and no attention to proper fit, with his knees practically in his chest -- is a testament to his biking prowess.

[@Tattersail]

Nice. Got my own Cruzbike, great to see it represented here. Probably without the mileage required to feel safe and in control at speeds, but nevertheless :P

[@TV1862Dillingen]

This is the first recumbent that actually looks really good

[@gcn]

it does look very minimalist & sleek doesn't it?!

[@herethere2518]

Great to see alt bike designs that push outside the box. Cruzbike is impressive!

[@gcn]

we love all bikes, and it was so fun for Hank to ride this!

[@tieflieger]

Great to see a recumbent with you again! And a good result, for not being completely adapted to recumbent cycling, and the short boom. Keep on! Love to see how open you are to other bikes than racebikes.

[@OperationDarkside]

Yes, more recumbent, please!

[@gcn]

Did you ever see this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=dwdrfeCiqNbd3lgg

[@OperationDarkside]

@@gcn I did, indeed.

[@leithahyde8072]

More recumbent content please! I'd love to see how/if Hank's times improve after he's gotten used to the way the bike handles on corners.

[@gcn]

we will see what we can do!

[@dorydiavelone3531]

Wow that bike makes me want to try a recumbent bike!!!

[@gcn]

They do look great fun!

[@JanneRasanen2]

​@@gcnAnd they are fun. Fast and comfortable once you set up them right. Neck rest supporting the back of the head is a must for anything but the shortest rides. If you use anything but a city bike that has a more upright seat.

[@oliverjones5318]

There's a bloke near me who I see out riding a recumbent - he always looks to be absolutely flying - now I know why!

[@gcn]

💨

[@aamj50]

My fastest 10 mile TT on a Cruzbike V20 was 21:10 (28.3mph/45.5kph) on 280w.

[@anitakoerdt1895]

yep, cruzbike V20 defo not the fastest recumbent out there. Great mechanical efficiency but relatively poor aerodynamics in comparison with M5CHR e.g.

[@freds4703]

AS a recumbent rider I don’t think that the bike fit you properly. Your legs did not extend as far as they should for best performance. Just my opinion.

[@ucdwino]

Agreed, bike was far too small, that was apparent even in the intro clips

[@DrewNorthup]

It looks like they never adjusted the seat…it is all the way down at the bottom of the adjustment range.

[@lschexnaider]

I have been riding home-built front-wheel-drive recumbents that predate the Cruz for two-decades. Several things ... Yes, the pedals need to move out a bit via the boom and he needed to lean his head back. They can climb, though not as fast, but they do scream on downhills. It does take some training to acclimate the muscles. They are very comfortable. As far as looks ... Kids love them. Their usual response as I am pedaling by during an MS150 or a training ride is "Cool bike!" They generate lots of attention and questions. No one does a double take for a conventional bike.

[@gcn]

they always turn heads! thanks for the comment!

[@glennwatson3313]

I rode my recumbent across the state of Alabama for a weeks with a bunch of upright bikes. I got the most attention.

[@sparx550]

You just have to tip your hat to Hank, absolute troopers and a .great effort and vlog.

[@gcn]

He always puts in 100% doesn't he!

[@guythacker6010]

Glad to see Hank riding a recumbent ..... I ride Road, Recumbent, and Mountain ...... Thanks for the variety ..... Good Video and Hat's off to Hank

[@gcn]

nice! Which is your favourite to ride?

[@guythacker6010]

I enjoy my road cycling the best. For me, it's more relaxing.

[@kleinbuks]

The Top Gear section of GCN. Love it

[@MJQuintana]

Love Cruzbike. It's an amazing bike. Finally!

[@gcn]

Hank loved riding it too!

[@MJQuintana]

@@gcn He really looks good on it. Recumbent is becoming of him 😁😁😁

[@AlveHenricson]

Nice that you include recumbent bikes in your program! Now I hope they will also be allowed in regular cycling competitions. 😉 Hank: To be effective with a recumbent bike, you should train the muscles that are not usually used on regular bikes... You should also adapt the bike to the length of your legs and improve your sitting position. With the pedals so close to the body, you do not get optimal efficiency. Good work though! 👍🏼

[@slomo3937]

Thanks for the video, I very much appreciate the broader view of the cycling world.

[@gcn]

You're welcome!

[@scotia7566]

Hank being his own cheerleader! Legend 😂😂😂

[@gcn]

It's like he forgot the camera was there!

[@onederment]

KUDOS FOR THAT! I have a v20 and yep you did great considering you just clipped in on the day of the time trial. Your natural habit of not pedelling on the curvs can disappear ... i don´t think it would be too difficult to get quite a bit better on that bike. Its great for abs and arms. That is a beautiful bike. Shame you didnt do a technical showdown as its already won quite a few awards. Yep... extend those legs.. shorter cranks. Those hoods look really big... you need a rear disk wheel too. I think you should race that £17000 GCN Titanium bike ... thats almost 3x more expensive and my guess is that you would win quite easily.

[@jonesmatthew7511]

I love to see the progression of the recumbent with the focus on aerodynamics!

[@jdubvdub]

I race a non faired low racer recumbent and have done almost 30 mph at 285 watts. It is impossible to put out the same power as an upright bike in the aero position, but the aero gains more than make up for it.

[@PsyKeks]

I am pretty sure, if I measured it, I would do less power in an upright bike. - Because I haven't trained on one for decades, I got my first recumbent, right when I started cycling more. Most people have less training in recumbents, so their power comparisons are skewed (and mine would be as well)

[@dienstagfpv4248]

So interesting! Need more of this bike, how does front drive vs rear drive compare in different scenarios? generell benefits and especially for sporty riding, and: gravel pls 😬

[@shermer75]

This was a really good one! Hank is so entertaining!!

[@gcn]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@gwhite7011]

It was good fun watching you start Hank. Closed circuit TTs are great fun I really enjoyed it

[@gcn]

How about a Hilly TT for Hank?

[@gwhite7011]

​@gcn depends on the course. Rolling/Sporting would be OK. Nothing too mountainous, that would be terrifying

[@krzysztofkolodziejczyk4335]

i like how this machine is at least somewhat practical

[@philipkalamaros3558]

Bike needs to be tuned and trimmed for hanks. And hank needs to be tuned to the bike. Bent riding uses the muscles differently. Thanks again boys for bringing more bents to the channel.

[@gcn]

You're welcome!

[@pm124]

Thank you for this video!

[@dibqip]

Had my eye on these for a while- what I really like about them is that they can have standard components

[@rfwillett2424]

I'm assuming you were operating at less that optimum, unless you had spent a lot of time on recumbents. That position would be strange till you got used to it.

[@gcn]

yeah, Hank doesn't ride one very often, with some extra time in the saddle we'd love to see what he could do!

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

@@gcn Also with saddle 'height' set correctly. It looked waaay too 'low'.

[@ragwort3369]

I always like the recumbent content!

[@gcn]

did you ever see this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=dwdrfeCiqNbd3lgg

[@ragwort3369]

@@gcn just watched it again. Hank is the perfect presenter for the whacky stuff!

[@havefunandbikestuff]

That was proper cool. More like this GCN please 😊

[@brucebrown9604]

Tremendous to see recumbent coverage ! All has already been said in terms of position, set up, training of specialized muscles etc. And I agree fully! But please do some follow-ups! 😎

[@dannythach-song]

That looks pretty nice!

[@gcn]

😍

[@allegrobrio968]

I would like to see a follow up with the recumbent on a road course with hills. Also, some commentary on the front wheel drive configuration and its effect on handling.

[@654789qwe]

I got a Cruzbike S40. For me it only took a few hours to get used to the handling. Others take much longer. Just depends on the rider.

[@gcn]

this sounds like we need to send Hank back out on the Cruzbike!

[@zukzworld]

I thought Manon would be there, on an electric scooter as team director, then realized it’s the time trial! 🤓🤓 Loved it! ❤️✌🏾

[@michaelody3839]

I saw my first one on yesterday's ride at River Legacy, and then this (coincidentally?!?) shows up in my feed the very next day.😲 Very interesting!

[@colincampbell4261]

The bike is too small for Hank.

[@mirceadanpuia9688]

No, the bike can be adjusted. He just didn't. Look at the headrest. Also, there is no real comparison with anything. He should race in the same conditions with other bikes, at least with a TT bike. This video is lamentable.

[@brianwheeldon4643]

Lots of fun and interesting Hank. From memory they were banned on the track in France because an amateur or similar had faster times than the then racers on what was available as standard issue. An experienced recumbent racer would I think decimate most time trials, but who really knows unless they're allowed to race over a season? And not just one rider, but many. Cynical me thinks it's all about the money invested in todays standard bikes. Only hills in stage racing would be a problem and gravel and mountain bike trails. Downhill the recumbents corner like they're on rails.

[@gcn]

that's great to hear about how they handle downhill!

[@johnharlow2206]

Great content. I have been riding recumbent for 25 years,current bike is a carbon Carbent.650c wheels very fun and fast bike,

[@taufikabidin412]

Sadly 650c wheels are rare and expensive

[@arnegerhardsen3755]

Hello Hank. I'm really impressed, and after getting me a recumbent trike and going from a normal bike I have seen that I'm using some other muscles, and I asked some experienced people who told me that they in the beginning didn't understand why they made less watts than earlier and they found that they needed som weeks of exercising with the recumbent before they made the same watts. And in addition to the bad wind I understand that this was your first trip and this was really impressing. I hope you will try again after some weeks biking with this slim recumbent. Best Regards from Arne G in Norway

[@wladpolyanzew6141]

Vendetta is great!

[@danmartin9086]

A cda of 0.18 would be very hard for a regular time trialist that is a pro standard

[@davidhunternyc1]

For the next video, I'd like see Hank race a TT bike around the track the same distance during on a calm day without wind. Then on another day, come back and race this same distance without wind on the recumbent. Practice on the recumbent too and get fitted properly for it.

[@chrislatchem1854]

Good ride Hank! I found it very interesting. Have ridden a few recumbents (built an Easy Racer starting in 1981) but I have found mixed results. Interesting you found hills hard. I think a conventional bike is really specialized for hill climbing. I think it is difficult to put out the same power in a recumbent position especially without a lot of training. Sometimes find a 'bent' easier on neck, butt and hands. Would like to see you train up a bit in a full streamliner and then do a repeat ride. Especially evaluating using it on the street. Thanks for the vid!

You could have gone much faster if the bike was your size! Your legs could barely stretch.

[@davide5129]

it would have been nice to to an other lap with tt bike an compare the results

[@davidhunternyc1]

Yes, I wanted to see a comparison between a TT bike too.

[@lisashiela9137]

I'm not a recumbent fan, but that was the slickest recumbent bike I've seen.

[@PrescottHome]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noiknGSpqpyXadk

[@gcn]

it looks mega!

[@jamesmcgowan3871]

Perhaps you should investigate a Cruzbike for yourself...they have a 100 day no questions asked return policy!

[@tonyBobb5209]

Currently sat in Santorini Airport. Wasn't ready for Hank to start the show off mentioning Gun and Knife 😅

[@MrCyclist]

Since 99% of us are not racing recumbents nor plan to, how about a 70 km fun ride with rolling hills and one toughie at say 9% grade. This would simulate my regular ride.

[@Tricyklist]

Climbing hills on a recumbent is hard work. I built one myself in the 1980s. Very fast on the flat and downhill but I broke the seat on a steep climb.

[@johnd.obrien6838]

Can confirm, going uphill on a recumbent is brutal. You just don't have the same kinds of leverage that you have on a regular upright bicycle and depending on the style (two wheel or three wheel) often times it's like trying to drag a full set of packed luggage up a staircase.

[@gcn]

Find out what happened when Hank tried a killer climb... kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=dwdrfeCiqNbd3lgg 👀

[@Tricyklist]

@@gcn Perhaps they should have GCN labelled stabilizers? £10k in carbon fiber of course. 🤣

[@JanneRasanen2]

Before I donated my recumbents I had no trouble climbing a 19 degree uphill bit. At 10 % my record sprint speed was the same as on my TT bike that is 2 & 7 kg lighter than my recumbents.

[@aihsanasl]

3:13 nice :D

[@gansalizrus973]

3:15 very nice

[@gcn]

supernice!

[@aihsanasl]

@@gcn 😚🤗

[@GavTatu]

MBB, brave choice... took me a little while to get fast and comfy on mine.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You

[@Metal-Possum]

Those carbon rims look very wrinkly.

[@SiqueScarface]

I'm riding an old Flevo Bike, which has a similar design (e.g. front wheel drive and steering with the whole frontend). It's currently set up as the Flevo Trike, but I have the single wheel backend available. I'm not really a sportsman, at a body weight of about 125 kg. But I still get about 25-30 km/h out of that thing, without too much effort. As the pinion block is quite limited, it maxxes out at about 35 km/h. Higher revs makes the ride unstable. But with a new pinion block and the fitting derailleur, it would be much faster.

[@Jimboblay74]

Very little adaptation to a fairly radical recumbent! Brave soul!! The CruzBike Vendetta (looks like what you rode) is one of the fastest ever...

[@user-do3mf4vt4k]

I've been commuting on a recumbent for five years now. When pedaling at max power my butt doesn't touch the seat. I'm basically planked between the seat back and the pedals. Yes "out of the saddle pedaling" is real and a real rush!

[@MagicDannyHypno]

I love the Stick kick stand. as high tech as the bike!

[@ZesPak]

Great video. Missing some content here, as you said it was quite windy, how did the wattage and time compare to the TT riders?

[@joeaverage5347]

Love GCN's "scientific" quantitative comparisons! Keep it coming!

[@EditioCastigata]

That was fresh - thanks for presenting! How versatile are they? (1) You could make a video touring, that would be interesting. (2) Does your position affect any bio stats, like heartrate?

[@aktux]

Gotta love this! Should have attached the bike computer with a smaller direct mount, without the offset.

[@gcn]

One to fix for next time!

[@vadims8742]

Respect for front-driving wheel! It will be more controllable on ice road!

[@gbone7581]

🤣, less height to fall from?

[@Martinik10]

You must use much shorter crank at this machine for aero and for side winds it will affect you more than a tt bike. in a less windy day you can go under 20minutes with 145-150mm single crank.

[@kaltonian]

c'mon.......spank em hank..... at least you were able to stay up right this time round, it's a crazy looking contraption.......must feel strange to ride, also it's crazy it's super fast

[@fmphotooffice5513]

Big leg muscles even with pumping heart, nice. Years ago I heard the Russian Shukhoi aerobatic planes won important competitions with the novelty of extreme recumbent seating positions for those atheletes, allowing for greater G forces in performances.

[@DaleH2o]

It would be fun to see you try it with a three wheel recumbent like an Ice trike with and without a wind fairing.

[@pmiecznikoski]

Go Hank and GCN! Enjoyed the video. Others have noted various refinements that could improve your Cruzbike speed...and that's certainly fair. Time trials make interesting data points, but I'm more impressed by Cruzbike's real world performance. Most weekend warriors don't ride time trials. We usually ride longer than 10 miles but are constrained by various aches and endurance limits from riding diamond frames. Sure, I'm faster on my Cruzbike in the first 10 miles. More importantly, I can ride faster and longer because I'm not dealing with discomfort and I'm putting out more speed with less watts. I'm also riding older. I'm 65+ and once again taking on hills and cycling challenges I've not taken on in several years with my diamond frame.

[@taufikabidin412]

James Coxon, rode a carbon Recumbent trike on this race, won at 19:36, and with a wrapped hand due to his disease.

[@Nehpets1701G]

Cool bike - I'd really love to see someone go up Ditchling Beacon on one 👌

[@tauncfester3022]

I was an owner and builder of the 1980's recumbent design called the Lightspeed, Which is similar to this bike at having FWD, but you also have arm cranks and the bike will literally climb hills faster than most recumbents because of the additional added power of your arms. The problem with FWD recumbents is, that they require an inordinate amount of leverage to fight the pedal strokes you apply into the pedals, they kind of zigzag down the road. The rider in this video has his legs a little too bent at full extension. Maybe this is because of the steering requires you to point your toe out more on the outside of the turn? The Litespeed's dynamics are such that it's not really designed in it's geometery to be a nimble steerer, it's actually somewhat longish in rake to it's head tube angle because of it's otherwise lack of precise steering because of the pedaling forces.

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

Having gears on front wheel is a clever way to get rid of one of the biggest issues with recumbent, the long flappy chain. But like all solutions, it gives you new problems, because s you say pedalling can affect the steering. There now steering dampers, that may help with this. Sadly I couldn't find any photos or information re a Lightspeed Recumbent.

[@noahman27]

And front wheel drive gives you good winter traction in those Nor' Easters

[@DH-.]

I remember seeing a video of how fast leg power can get you and there was one of these bad bois but with an egg shaped bubble wrapped around for more aerodynamics

[@fiix7026]

After eveybody bought a gravel bike, recumbents are the next hot thing.

[@wmden1]

Interesting video. Never been into bike racing, but I have a couple of thoughts on that style of recumbent bike. It seems to me that the weight and alternating side to side pressure of your legs powering the front wheel would take more energy to steer the bike against. Also, very little of your body weight is utilized in working the peddles, compared to the usual position on a regular bike. It is powered only by your legs. I think that might make it considerably more tiring to ride than a normal bike would.

[@ericfleetwood6744]

Not too bad for a first try on a Cruzbike. I'd like to see you come back and do it again after putting 1,000 miles on the bike (and perhaps on a less windy day).

[@gcn]

practice makes perfect after all!

[@PaulTomblin]

Never change your setup on race day! If you haven’t trained it, don’t race it.

[@rubbermoetroken]

Haha great vid, have been racing recumbents back in the early 90's. You would be able to draw more power from it when you could stretch your legs a bit more (assume it was a custom fit for the respective owner), and with a tailfairing, it would give you additional aero efficiency as well. Great recumbents get a bit of their deserved attention!! Check M5 from the Netherlands, a nice high tech company owned by a world record holder.