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

[@gcn]

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

[@oplkfdhgk]

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?

[@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 :-)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@nacnud2323]

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

[@mircozelle]

they should all race on standardized steel

[@oplkfdhgk]

I agree

[@PsyKeks]

​@@mircozelle 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…

[@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.

[@HRDBMW]

1 min into the vid and I stopped to say this... Wow that looked uncomfortable. And painful.

[@TheQuietBeast]

Yes 😬

[@lr5867]

That boom is adjustable, it should've been tuned before he went out.

[@jeanmartin963]

bike too short and the levers were too high (huge aerdoynamic drawback), it is like they wanted on purpose mediocre performance.

[@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.

[@markdaarud7764]

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

[@VFL0519]

True, but finding a bike fitter that knows how to fit a recumbent bike is a real pain though

[@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.

[@FACE-PROFILERZ]

@ 66 y.o. still on road Recumbents bicycle. A 2001 Rans Rocket SWB (as shown on my yt blogs. Since 1996 commuting on ATP Vision R40 SWB LWB conversion for 6 years all weather in California sold my car at that time. 2024+ still on bents never retire, • No health issues, • No prostate problems, • No backpain • No Carpal Tunnel syndrome • No maintenance, • No prescriptions drugs. • Maintains 145 to 150 lbs. weights

[@jeremy_tai]

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.

[@LegSpinna]

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!

[@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.

[@pauls8456]

Cruz bikes started in Australia a long time before being sold to the US....

[@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.

[@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.

[@SuperPlastered]

Exactly. Saying the Cruzbike is the fastest recumbent is the lie of the century. I ride an M5 CHR for a decade and could literally roast anyone even up hills. I’ve passed Cruzbikers spinning the front tire and walking up hills. They are terrible, but great marketing.

[@josephhargrove4319]

1) You need to spend some road riding time on the Cruzbike to stabilize your ride. You were wobbling side to side like a new bike rider, with the inevitable loss of power since your energy is going into moving the bike sideways, not forward. 2) Move the seat back and get a more optimal leg extension. richard --

[@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! ❤️

[@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.

[@JackButlerVideos]

Wow! More GCN recumbent content please!!

[@gcn]

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

[@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

[@Deontjie]

I like to see Joe Biden on one of these.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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)

[@StressKind]

@@PsyKeks Not true unfortunately, there is actually research on it - something like "cycling in supine position" is a good keyword. The finding (not that surprising) is that you engage fewer muscles on the bent. @jdubvdub is spot on.

[@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.

[@黄辰旭]

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.

[@黄辰旭]

@@arturelias6418 GCN is just another UBanall Sucker.

[@黄辰旭]

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

[@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! 👍🏼

[@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!

[@OperationDarkside]

Yes, more recumbent, please!

[@gcn]

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

[@OperationDarkside]

@@gcn I did, indeed.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

I own a Thayer designs faring. Marketed as a " Zipper ". I used it near daily on my commute bicycle ( full campy Italian road bike w/ 25 mm wide tires ) around the too often chilly San Francisco airport. After getting it set up for best fit / performance I could ride at least one gear higher. A real life saver in a hail storm. Of course on spring days had to come off as I would overheat quickly.

[@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..

[@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.

[@slomo3937]

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

[@gcn]

You're welcome!

[@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 😁😁😁

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

[@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!

[@JF12702]

The Top Gear section of GCN. Love it

[@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.

[@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.

[@qsucvatz]

Hank, you would benefit from shorter crank arms like 160 mm when reclined. The way gravity pulls on the whole leg without support seems to wear on the knee / muscles more, and they feel a lot better with reduced angles. -- Cruzbike S40.

[@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 😬

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@gavinsmith28]

Drag is a function of Cd, yes, but also frontal area (where recumbent wins hands down) times velocity squared…

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

Yup CdA is the key criteria. Not Cd. I recall a lot of car manufacturers using Cd to mislead customers in adverts that conveniently ignored how a bigger car with a lower Cd was in fact less aero than a smaller car with a higher Cd. .

[@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'.

[@Smaug1]

4:35 @ chicane - No need to stop pedaling, since your pedals are 3' off the deck! 5:20 - He could use a bit more leg extension, now that you're clipped in. Lots of talk about the wind, but isn't the track basically an oval, where the wind would tend to even out? Headwind up one straight = tailwind on the other?

[@gcn]

hi, thanks for the comment! good points and hopefully we can send Hank out again to see if he can improve! Regarding the track shape, more info is here> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Combe_Circuit Cheers!

[@scotia7566]

Hank being his own cheerleader! Legend 😂😂😂

[@gcn]

It's like he forgot the camera was there!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@williamwightman8409]

The zigzag disappears after say 3 months. The human body is a an amazing machine and you wonder after a while how it compensates for all the crazy things we do.

[@krzysztofkolodziejczyk4335]

i like how this machine is at least somewhat practical

[@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! 😎

[@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!

[@dibqip]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@dannythach-song]

That looks pretty nice!

[@gcn]

😍

[@jonesmatthew7511]

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

[@danmartin9086]

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

[@mv80401]

I ride a similar Cruzbike Silvio 2.1. That triangle between the handlebar and the legs really allows you to push/pull, similar to an upright. If your 'engine' is strong people can even excel in climbing, and on flats you quickly exceed your low gears.

[@wladpolyanzew6141]

Vendetta is great!

[@MrSnel01]

I recently started training on a recumbent bike due to a back injury. This bike is a lot faster than the one used in this video as it has an aero tail. This week I did a test TT for 20 minutes on a racetrack, ahead of a real race end of June. I did 13k at an average of 205W. I am still building up after being bedridden for 2 Month last November/December, so I was quite amazed by the result. The race in June is a one hour TT race on a track, I aim to cycle above 40k, with a wattage of ~210. It is so much fun to go that fast while in maybe just above average shape! I don’t think I can share pictures on KZbin but would be willing to send a picture of my lowracer recumbent if you provide me with an email address.

[@gcn]

Sounds cool - you can share images via our uploader: gcn.eu/gcnuploader

[@TV1862Dillingen]

This is the first recumbent that actually looks really good

[@gcn]

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

[@shermer75]

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

[@gcn]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@anim8ted923]

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

[@chuckd7177]

I've had a Cruzbike for ten years(?). I have one of the less expensive versions with a bit of suspension. The suspension is really a plus as you can't stand up on over the rough spots. I would say it takes 6 months of riding to have your muscle adapt to the pedaling position. Also you appeared to very tense while riding. I think you could go a bit faster if you could relax your upper body and get your head back and not so upright.

[@gcn]

we definitely think Hank needs to be on the bike some more! There's a record attempt inside of him!

[@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]

💨

[@JanneRasanen2]

​@MicheleGardini I could not reply to your post in the original place. All but the widest tires cannot overcome the issues you mentioned. My MBB 37-622 was fine on moist asphalt of 19 degrees but it could not grip in a flowing river like my rear wheel driven 50-559. It climbs a 19 degree gravel climb fine and on a 10 % climb max sprint speed was the same as my 7 kg lighter TT bike.

[@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.

[@vadims8742]

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

[@gbone7581]

🤣, less height to fall from?

[@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.

[@JosiahPadgett]

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!

[@aihsanasl]

3:13 nice :D

[@gansalizrus973]

3:15 very nice

[@gcn]

supernice!

[@aihsanasl]

@@gcn 😚🤗

[@CharlesSnyder]

Hank, right proper effort, mate. I reckon you were missing a few watts of power. Too close to the pedals, not able to fully extend the legs. But, you probably already knew that. 😊 That also meant you weren't as comfortable in the seat, preventing you from relaxing. I hope you continue to ride more!

[@gcn]

Hi! Thanks for the comment, we think we should get Hank on a recumbent more!

[@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.

[@salohcin1000]

Why the drop bar? I know nothing about it, but it seems like a narrow flat bar would be more aero in this instance.

[@Metal-Possum]

Those carbon rims look very wrinkly.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@elbugspinetta]

In my opinion, I understand it's a matter of design, it's not a good idea to add weight with a chain transfer or a longer chain, but it looks unstable to have the chainstay and the steering on the same axle. I think you loose power if you compensate the force of the pedal with the steering. The main frame has to be larger with the BB on the front, getting a larger chain with guides reaching the rear wheel like the all classic designs, lettings the fork alone to just do the work of steering and balance.

[@lschexnaider]

At speed, the front wheel acts as a gyroscope, so very little effort is needed to keep it from turning side-to-side.

[@c.musard8712]

BB and handlebar adjustment is horrendous. Clearly Hank’s knees don’t extend nearly enough, the BB could be a good 5-10 cm further forward… which in turn would allow to push handlebar forward making for more relaxed shoulders and better handling. Hank you’re welcome to the HPV world championship this summer, we’ll help you set up your Cruzbike properly.

[@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

[@garyp.7501]

Since Hank was passing people right and left, it would be interesting to see how he placed overall. Also I agree with the other viewers, he needed to extend the boom a bit for better leg extension and learn to ride the bike better, as he was weaving all over the road, a clear waste of energy. Also would be interesting to see what Hank could do next week on his TT bike. ( a week's rest should be sufficient, and wind conditions might not be the same, it would give us a general idea of Hanks overall fitness and time. )

[@osm6435]

On the TT, what did the fastest standard bike do regards speed & power? For comparison in same conditions.

[@PsyKeks]

Same conditions would also mean a rider who is using his bike properly. Hank doesn't have the practice for it.

[@casualguy393]

On my 2018 Cruzbike V20 40.6 watts costs me 210 watts on a flat course and no wind, 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. I routinely race against two 300-watt riders on their TT bikes (Cervelo P series and Scott) with proper fast wheels and it takes them about 290 watts to match my speed, which is essentially an 80 watt difference.

[@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

[@zukzworld]

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

[@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...

[@tonyBobb5209]

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

[@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.

[@patricj951]

This kind of bike has been used by entusiasts since decades. The idea is good with heavily decreased surface area. Add to that a shield which can lower the air resistance even more and it will be very fast on flats. The drawbacks are the balance problems at start and low speeds, and that the bike is less visible in the traffic. Apart from that, while a driver on a traditional bike has good visibility because he/she sits higher than many car's height, a driver of a recumbent sits lower. The best I think is a 3-wheel recumbent. You sits comfortably and stable and never needs to think about holding the balance.

[@jack002tuber]

Is his position correct? He is eating his knees. Legs never go straight. Does the seat adjust on this at all?

[@gcn]

there is a level of adjustment, Hank was still getting to grips with the bike, as much as we would like to say "it's like riding a bike" there are a few differences. It sounds like we need to get Hank refined and send him back out on the track!

[@markboyes6309]

What's with the amount of leg bend at full extension / 'bottom' (front?) of the pedal stroke?? Is this a recumbent thing? Sorry if this is a well known thing! 😅 Well done Hank! 💪

[@mrmorizofan7001]

talking about aero, your power meter should be mounted differently behind the bar. now it just creates additional drag. Also the handlebar should be flat vertically, opposed to regular road bike