This Recumbent Superbike Is Faster Than Your Road Bike! Here's Why...

[@gcntech]

Is this the future of cycling? Let us know in the comments 💬

[@cyclingnut2122]

I've been cycling for 38 years, if this is the future of cycling then Iam out ....

[@Phexkind]

Finally you got a respectable bike an this channel, again. 😏😜 In Germany I've seen more recombent-trikes, during the last years (you get more stablility, but still can ride fast and look cool). Recombent-Bicyles are still rare. I do love my HP-Velotechnik "Streetmachine", on long rides it's really comfortable and because of the higher riding position (for a recombent), I have a good overview in traffic. Being able to ride narrow paths was also a big reason for a recombent bicycle, instead of a trike. Riding to the grocery store doesn't feel right, though. The distance is too short. Going uphill is also less fun. It's just a little bit too difficult, standing up and putting some wight in the pedals. 😅 I really do recommend a SPD-system or similar, so you can at least push *and* pull the pedals. Recombent bikes have a lot of advantages, but I don't think that they will replace the upride bikes, at least for casual cyclist, which doesn't have problems with backpain or with their shoulders. Mountain- or gravelbikes can also not be replaced by recombentbikes. Anyway, I do recommend to trie out a recombent, if you get the chance to. Once you learned to keep your balance and go for a short testride, there is a very high chance, it will put a big smile on your face. 😊

[@cycleistic1365]

Recumbent bikes are roughly the same age as safety bikes aka double diamond upright ones, so not predicting much brighter future for recumbents in the future either. Also UCI has banned recumbents from bicycle racing so no exposure to the masses from racing scene. They're usually also more expensive than basic bike shaped objects from supermarkets or such retail outlets. Also climbing isn't recumbents strength, so if you're not living in Netherlands or such flat land areas, you'll face frustration soon going uphill at walking pace. Another thing is balancing a two wheel recumbent while lying on your back takes much more concentration than sitting upright, trikes and quads are easier in that respect, but they require more space and can easily flip on high speed cornering. If popularity of cycling will increase in general, there will likely be more recumbents, but really hard to see them gaining mass popularity as relaxed as the riding position is or how much aero dynamic advantage there is on flat and downhills. Use of fairings or riding complete velomobiles offer even more aero advantage, but hardly make the recumbents any more appealing to the larger crowds for higher price and general, well, awkwardness.

[@PsyKeks]

For me personally recumbents are the present and the future. I am so happy, that I decided to try recumbents right when I wanted to ride bicycles a bit more. I was thinking of a gravel bike for a compromise speed and comfort, but recumbents actually have the much better compromise and can have lots of both. Sadly the numbers are growing only slowly. Velomobiles seemed to be growing quite a bit, but the current financial situation has stopped many from entering that expensive sector. There is a great, well priced new offering with the Bülk 4 More, though. I'll keep trying to make recumbents and velomobiles more well known, because they have so many great advantages. Not only, but especially for folks who can't ride more common bikes anymore.

[@Phexkind]

@@cyclingnut2122 Ever gave it a try? 🤔🙂

[@dowayigu1277]

this is greaaat, thank you for sharing

[@MizanChen]

I love the twig side stand

[@ZesPak]

I'm rebuilding my 20yo recumbent. This Cruzbike looks amazing though. Would seriously tempt me to get a new one.

[@markevans2625]

After lots of joint replacements with several elbow revisions I have been told I cannot ride a normal bike anymore, so I have been considering a Recumbent. This is interesting

[@BadBent]

If I may, be sure to try a variety of recumbents. The Long Wheel Base (LWB) have a shorter learning curve, more"suspension" comfort and usually easier to sit on, but not as easy to transport. Short Wheel Base (SWB) are nimble and maybe twitchy (Cruzbike), think track bike. Both can have handlebars above or below the rider (underseat steering). The ultimate lazy, er, ah, 'easy on joints' may be a 'bent tricycle, some of which are for racing like mine at 25lbs and 4" ground clearance. But I'd suggest trying as many as you can, watch a lot of YT videos on them and know that it takes months and maybe 500 miles to get comfortable. Have fun! From 11 years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4i0maidgbObaas

[@hansfm2032]

I love you recumbent bike videos. Although I don't know the Cruzbike from first hand, your position on the bike seems awkward. Try to have it fitted next time. I ride a pair of bents: I commute through town on a Challenge Hurricane but my favourite is my M5 M-Racer. That thing is really efficient and thus a lot of fun to ride.

[@vonbunmeister]

"Sprace" grade aluminum (5:08)? It must be really special stuff.

[@newhomemech]

He also said it weighs 1.6kg lmao

[@eskii2]

Own a similar bike, AZUB max. I love it. Especially for touring.

[@mike92505]

As someone with recent carpal surgery on my left, and soon on my right this is very appealing for me. Also, I fucking hate the sore saddle so it's looking more like a win win for me. And if I can beat my wife who's been riding near pro levels on 50 mile ride, then I'm all in. LOL

[@BadBent]

LOL My Wife has a lighter bike than me. Blessings on your impending surgery. As suggested, Hank could extend his boom a little. Should have full leg extension without locking knees. You will love the seats. Usual advice is try A LOT of different 'bents and watch a variety of YT videos. Also look at Cruzbike Vendetta V20c (more aero), P-38 Lightning, Bacchetta 3 performance bikes. PSA: at first, you WILL be slow on hills. You will get better in 500-700 miles. Depending on the bike and how fit you are you should have no trouble beating The Wife. Don't be afraid to get your coffee to go and drink it as you warm up on the road. LOL. Have fun! ☕🍩

[@Mariposaland]

Thanks Hank and GCN. I now own 4 different recumbents including a Cruzbike. I thought I was going to have to give up bike riding altogether after neck surgery. I bought my first recumbent in 2017. It was a challenge to get used to but on the 2nd day of owning that first one, I road in a 60 mile event. I couldn’t believe it when I was done, I had no pain anywhere. I was hooked. Keep up the recumbent content. 👍

[@qsucvatz]

Hank, I ride a Cruzbike S40. I think your bottom bracket should be moved further away, and smaller crank arm length (160-165 mm) is more comfortable and powerful.

[@bui340]

I find it easier to pedel with heels to the dedals instead of the front feet when using a recumbent

[@comounaverdura]

I want that bike.

[@marsbase3729]

awesome mate, now let's see on the trails and hit a few jumps! 😝

[@danjames4086]

We really need a mainstream manufacturer to build a recumbent. The prices are just too high for many people to justify the leap.

[@AWriterWandering]

The fact that it’s front wheel drive is the most interesting part for me. Most of the recumbents I’ve seen use a ridiculous long chain to get the power to the rear wheel.

[@gcntech]

It's cool isn't it! We love seeing new cutting edge tech like this 🤯

[@chrislatchem1854]

Of course we know that even in the twenties, recumbents were outlawed for racing. We tend to like to use the same types if not the same bike for us mortals as our heroes use in racing for everyday riding. Plus a self perpetuating spiral of cost for recumbents vs 'regular bikes, keeps them not as popular as regular bikes.. Think your stability problem with the streamliner is more related to where the center of gravity is above ground rather than the fairing. With practice you would be fine but those low-racers have a very quick motion in falling over (compare the stability of balancing a broom on your hand with a pencil. The rate of oscillation, like a pendulum is much slower for the tall broomstick, vs short pencil)

[@DjSkillerTV]

I want to try it for quite a while.

[@chagas99z]

Thanks @gcn for your recumbent coverage. As a rider and racer of recumbents and penny farthings it’s great to see these niches getting explored. Hope you’ll be at the BHPC worlds in in August? Get the fit of the Vendetta sorted for Hank and he’d be very fast!

[@gcntech]

Now that would be cool to attend the BHPC Worlds!

[@BarneyHarle-mq7wv]

If you guys are serious about attending the Worlds talk to Hank we've already sent him a briefing sheet. Love to see you there, Barney, Race Director.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Ok, so I'm thinking one of those, only with fat bike tires, Tour Divide. .. ooo ooo AND the MegaAvalanche... What are they like off road?

[@taufikabidin412]

Check @offroadbent

[@zmagokorosec6025]

I ride a optima Condor recumbent bike mainly for long distance trips. I do 100 to 120 km per day with laugage load ( tente,sleeping bag & stuff). it is so comfortable that after 1 day ride you feel like standing off you're couch : magic. Yes over weight of this bike is an issue when riding up hill but on flat roads you always perform better than upright bikes. last but not the least : vision of sceenery is stunning compare to upright bike with eyes glued to the harch and ugly road concret...

[@chrislatchem1854]

Oh, built a few recumbents starting with an Easy Racer in the eighties, (I was slower on it than my road bike, probable weight, less efficient position, but still too much frontal area), to a low racer fwd 'Bent' which has stability issues (took a week to learn to ride it around block), and visibility issues (head about knee position), my wife won't let me ride it on street as I am mostly invisible below hoods, truck tires, etc. Fast though...

[@kevinallen4604]

The main advantage of a recumbent is comfort. It doesn’t matter how detailed a bike fit or wonderful the saddle it doesn’t come close to a recumbent. Get one with 3 wheels and it’s even more relaxed, no fear of falling off! I’m quicker on a carbon roadie overall, but my rides don’t have medal ceremonies at the end so why give a ***k? You get a great view forward and with mirrors a great view backwards without straining. Stick a streamer fairing on in the winter and cold rides get warm. Always in a aero position no contortions needed. When people ask me why a recumbent I usually say when heading to the pool on holiday do you look for a sun lounger or a fence post to sit on? It’s that big a difference.

[@srinitaaigaura]

Also much better for groin. The perenium isn't pressed hard against the seat. Important for men...

[@Aiden.K]

Yeah cruzbike!! They do zwift racing w that bike as well

[@kevinallen4604]

⁠you will never convince me getting aero on a TT is comfortable or practical. Right now I’m on a beach in the sun in a near recumbent position, not crouched on my knees with my nose in the sand and a broom handle up my arse to relax (although I’m sure some may pay extra for that). A recumbent is a natural aero position all day long. Not having weight on wrists or shoulders, bent back, having to wear padded pants and deal withered chafing is the only reason I need. Aero is a happy byproduct 😎😁

[@hansfm2032]

It's not only a very good TT position but also an almost perfect enduro position indeed. Although, even on a recumbent, a perfect TT position becomes awkward. Lookup a picture of Matthias Konig on the M5 MOEKOKKEN during his world record attempt for illustration.

[@brentlines6238]

yep recumbents are a real benefit. have a cat trike 700 so fast!!!

[@Jimboblay74]

Take the time to put some miles in and build up your recumbent specific muscles. Important!! It took me ~400 miles to really dial in on my recumbent and get my power output up.

[@WilliamSHuber]

Back in 2017 or so I test rode one of these, an earlier model obviously. Putting power into the same wheel used for steering made it VERY difficult to track straight and maneuver.

[@casualguy393]

Check my most recent upload. I go through these very narrow gates at over 50kph on my V20, showing it is very stable.

[@werissonws]

My impression is that the Backrest Angle: was between 24° and 27°. the performance would be better. Because at 20° it seems to put a lot of strain on the neck. but it is still much more comfortable for the lumbar and cervical spine. not to mention the children's package.

[@madeinfoxtrap5539]

Great video ! Nice bike as well ! I’ve built 4 LWB Recumbents All made from recycled bikes See on my KZbin channel Recumbents are the most comfortable Keep up the good work !!

[@waynenewberry1032]

The only thing I would be concerned about (for us over 50 folks) is hitting bumps/potholes etc... without the ability to absorb the shock with my legs. Would love to give one a try.

[@YurkerYT]

For that you want a recumbent with rear shock absorbers, for bigger obstacles I lift my back from the seat (so only my ass touches it) and it's the recumbent equivalent of lifting your ass out of the saddle in an upright.

[@aktux]

Cool, got a Cruzbike too, but a little less reclined, the S40! Love it!

[@gcntech]

👍

[@thomashughes_teh]

I've had a Cruzbike Q45 for a few years . There was a learning curve to master the new skill. Being a unicyclist was no help with this development. I just had to put in the hours on parking lots and recreational trails before I was ready to mix with traffic. I the sun exposure pattern is different. I'm still working out how best to stay dry in a steady rain.

[@zincfive]

Interesting...

[@hannesaltenfelder4302]

Make it an e-bike, put a shell around the front side and use a pneumatic lever so you can change position from upright to laying down.

[@hansfm2032]

Why would you add e-support if you can easily sustain 40 km/h without it? For aero a tail fairing is more sensible, for a full fairing I would suggest a velomobile. I have abs to pull me upright for the few moments that is required.

[@hannesaltenfelder4302]

​@@hansfm2032 On steep climbs a small e motor at the rear wheel would be very beneficial and a top cover could help with rainy conditions. And yes, abs instead of a pneumatic mechanism would probably save some weight😅 If it was transformable it could be modded on the run from single trail mode to road racing mode.

[@erikolsen6269]

I love your recumbent vids. These in an aero shell(w battery?:) are well and truly the future of transportation in descently flat parts of the world. Great video

[@PsyKeks]

Currently the Podbike Frikar has quite a few people interested. It's an enclosed ebike. Not fast and really relying on the motor (doesn't even have a chain or belt, you just pedal an electric generator). More of a bike are Quadvelo and Pedilio, but these are also not fast and sporty. Most velomobiles can also be retrofitted with a motor at the cranks, though. Currently there is a new model, that is fast and sporty like the expensive ones but is one of the "cheap" ones. It's the Bülk 4 More. Still 6000€…

[@JanneRasanen2]

They climb hills well unassisted and the best riders tackle mountains. Battery assist is great for mortals.

[@NeuroHunter]

I think Classified hubs would work perfectly for this setup. Won't have to figure out a way to mount a front derailleur, but still have that 2x system.

[@gcntech]

good idea!

[@ghowell13]

This was my thought as well, looking closer at the bike. I'm a "window shopping" fan of that hub. I'm in the narket to build myself a new wheelset (hopefully by the new year), and have given serious thought to that hub.

[@derekpirie9188]

The Cruzbike History is quiet interesting. Originally came from an add on kit to transform a Y frame into a Front Wheel drive Bicycle. I have one of Cruzbike's early full bike, the Freerider. The Parker Family have made big advances in Front Wheel Recumbents, to what you see today. I have . A Rans SWB 20" rear wheel drive; Dahon 20" folding converted to 26" FWD ; Cruzbike Freerider 26" ; Homebuilt LWB RWD on 700c and 2 Racing 16" Trikes. Always like your content. Greetings from Durban, South Africa.

[@Therapistinthewhitehouse]

5:08 what is “sprace grade aluminium”

[@RK11111111111]

Why not in a prone position on the stomach with the legs behind? Seems like that would have less turbulence if the legs were behind, also seeing would be easier.

[@MarkGeuel]

how do you climb a mountain with that?

[@rg807]

That's their downfall. Note- racetracks don't have mountains on them. Had they done this comparison on a moderately hilly route it'd be much closer.

[@rossjantz7691]

They actually climb very well, generally considered better than other recumbents. The only issue is that you can only spin - no getting up out of the saddle.

[@taufikabidin412]

Jason Perez did win a hilly amateur race series, the Triple Crown in California in 2016 on a Cruzbike V20. So I think the person on the bike also matters, and there are so much less strong riders interested in bents.

[@BikesAndBanjos]

Cruzbike makes an S40 model with a higher seat angle that's a little better (imo) for climbing than their V20s. But then you lose some of the aerodynamics on flats. I've got an older Cruzbike that I use on rail trails, but I'm thinking about getting an S40 for a lot of the rolling country hill roads near me

[@MarkGeuel]

@@taufikabidin412 damn what a monster! climbing on that makes your body tilt in a very backward way (in my imagination)

[@recyclespinning9839]

Obviously more aerodynamic, possibly more comfort position. One problem, touring, commuting, the upright is more pratical, better vision on the road...

[@BadBent]

By "better vision on the road..." BOTH road bikes and recumbents ('bents) are INvisible to a lot of drivers. Most 'bent riders use mirrors, I like helmet mirrors. The recumbent position is better for the back and neck where you do not have to hyper-extend the neck to see further up the road. The seats usually have 2" of some kind of padding or mesh. The Cruzbike Hank is on is the S40 (Cruzbike number is the seat angle) which means the seat angle is 40 degrees +/- from parallel to the ground. OK and adaptable to touring BUT they make the V20c -for the speed fiends, S40 -performance, Q45 -adventure, and T50 -cruiser. The Q45 is designed for adventure, touring and commuting. Have fun! ☕

[@taufikabidin412]

I commuted by recumbent for almost a year. Recumbents are also good for touring as you relax more and have more view

[@anim8ted923]

Isn't the crank setup too close to the seat? Your legs don't look like they extend enough.

[@WilliamAllen-ng6px]

I got my Easy Racers Tour Easy recumbent over 30 years ago. It was great for commuting in Louisiana where it was flat. The bags I had on the rack were behind me and added little drag. I once used it for a ride from South Carolina to Pennsylvania and was able to do consecutive 200 mile days with the panniers carrying my gear. It does not do as well on steeper hills but is geared to make them just take a little patience. As for the future of cycling, I think they are a part of the past, present and future just like many other bicycle types.

[@adadinthelifeofacyclist]

I had a go on the back of a tandem recumbent about 25 years ago. With your back supported you can put so much power down whilst still feeling like you're relaxing in a comfy chair. It makes more use of your glutes, which seems sensible. Always wanted a recumbent...

[@PsyKeks]

The amount of glutes utilized depends on the geometry (and pedaling style). It mostly differs between models in the seat angle and the bottom bracket hight.

[@gcntech]

Could this bike be the one that tempts you over? 👀

[@adadinthelifeofacyclist]

@@gcntech noo, I don't like the crank being mounted on the forks. Plus I have to buy bikes and stuff for my daughter

[@jediavatar]

I have suffered a recurrence of a low back injury, and I must tell you, these recumbents are suddenly seeming *VERY* attractive. I've only ridden one once, and that was over 30 years ago. Now my 54 year old body is saying, "oooh, check this out!"

[@Andreas-from-Bremen]

Hank, your legs are bent quite a lot. Is that better in that riding position or is the adjustment difficult or is it just your personal preference?

[@gcntech]

to be honest, Hank didn't set it up perfectly! It is quite a different feel and setup at first - we need him back out on the Cruzbike after a fitting session!

[@mattqueen8748]

I wonder if climbing is easier or more difficult due to body position

[@PrescottHome]

My take: depends on the steepness of the climb. I sit up more (less recline) on steep hills.

[@glennd1234]

I've conquered the 5000km Race Across America four times-twice on a recumbent, twice on a conventional bike. Let me be unequivocal: the recumbent platform is not just marginally better; it is dramatically faster and infinitely more comfortable.

[@taufikabidin412]

Werent you on the ran Xtream team that won the 4 person race?

[@glennd1234]

@@taufikabidin412 Absolutely, 2009 was a cracker of a RAAM. We were a team steeped in experience, boasting a collective tally of 12 RAAMs among us. Our crew was top-notch, and if memory serves me right, it was the only RAAM where I wasn’t battling a punishing headwind through Kansas. It's a rare thing indeed to get a break from those relentless gusts across the plains, but when you do, it's like winning the lottery.

[@Velopilgrim]

Do test a python recumbent as well... It'll be a fun video... :)

[@KidFury27]

I live in South Denver Colorado USA. We had a famous bi-weekly somewhat hilly crit-like ride called the Meridian ride. This one dude on a recumbent, housed by a yellow bubble used to show up. I laughed at him at first, until he just rode away from all of us. That's aerodynamics!!

[@cha1rtech]

all the more impressive considering the high elevation

[@PrescottHome]

@@cha1rtech ?

[@cha1rtech]

@@PrescottHome figured the higher elevation and less dense air would be relatively more beneficial to the upright bikes

[@gcntech]

Hahahah this bikes are rapid! 💨

[@KidFury27]

@@PrescottHome nope

[@aberezin1]

I recently bought and started learning on a Cruzbike Silvio which is very similar to the V20. Im coming from the usual upright road and gravel bikes. There is certainly a learning curve and after about 25 road miles in car free areas, im getting enough confidence to maybe deal with cars. But climbing is over 6% is my limit and it takes more time, maybe a year or more, before people are doing real climbs.

[@ericwelsh4853]

I think the pedals need to be moved forward a few inches. Looks like he's not able to fully extend his legs when he's pedaling.

[@chmaiden]

Are these legal on grand tours or time trial?

[@jc74435]

If Ironman triathletes find out about this, its going to be wild

[@sitoudien9816]

They are banned.

[@casualguy393]

@@sitoudien9816 A few have opened their doors to recumbents in California.

[@mpvsystems9302]

@@sitoudien9816 Yes, any why would they ban recumbents if they were not actually faster? If they were slower, no one would ride one, even if they were legal. Triathlon was initially heralded as the ultimate recreational and inclusive sport, but yet its governing body had zero reservation in banning recumbents. Only now, with the sport shrinking as so many boomer triathletes age out, are some race organizers starting to accept recumbents as a way to keep older athletes in the game.

[@thecodemachine]

They are much harder to steer.

[@pjclinch00]

@@thecodemachine Implementation dependent. My various uprights are steered mostly by leaning over. My recumbent is steered mostly by leaning over... Bikes tend to steer where you look. On a TT bike in optimum aero position where one looks is pretty much down at the road just beyond the front wheel, while on something like Hank has here it's where he's going, and that makes control significantly easier.

[@68BigSherm]

Looks like the pedals are not adjusted out far enough for Hank.

[@remyvermunt8623]

you could mount a helmet shape object around the front chain ring, reducing even more drag, so you don't have the hassle of a complete closed bike

[@hansfm2032]

Most of the drag of a vehicle actually is on the rear of it. Thus if choosing partial fairing for reduced air resistance, the tail should be first. Of course a fairing in front will protect the rider from rain and cold winds, which is a value in its own right.

[@cfalkner1012]

I’m paralyzed and use a handcycle. Similar pros and cons. I can’t keep up with the able bodies on the climbs, but I make all that time back on the decent.

[@amochswohntet99]

There are a couple reasons why this is better for the roads we have today. part of comfortable cycling requires lowering your face to the road/top tube ie. taking your eyes off of what’s in front of you and riding blind, but with the road conditions being what they are, narrow, bumpy and rough, doing this is risky the second reason is that it’s a little more comfortable for the ass. We could ask Apple to solve blind riding in part of its ar suite in its upcoming ar glasses with a camera mounted on the helmet that is activated when you lower you face so that you can see where you going and don’t crash, but it’s unlikely to be rolled out well.

[@davidvrkoc5491]

Why you haven't chose a hillier road to compare this bike with TT or regular aero bike?

[@AveryHardmann]

Is that a stick propping up the bike for the first couple minutes?

[@bikeskimawk670]

Hank, are the pedals and seat positioned in the correct distance? It seems that your pedaling motion is not efficient.

[@slomo3937]

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

[@gcntech]

We love all kinds of cycling 🙌

[@superwag634]

If it wasn’t so expensive, I’d buy it and add to my collection of 7 bikes

[@XavierBetoN]

I rode a recumbent while we had no power meters to measure, but I can say ride-wise, or speed-wise, the experience of riding was the same, I didn't feel I had to put more power to the pedal and I'm able to ride as fast as I ride on a safety bike. 1896 bike design was more aerodynamic and more comfy, why we exchanged that for brute force? I'd go for more lean design anyday. (just not that low such as today's recumbents that cars can't see you)

[@XavierBetoN]

In other terms, why we are enforcing our body for aero instead of engineering the bike aero? Legs front is ideal for this, but not lying down like on the video, something you could sit and put your legs in aero instead of putting your torso in weird position and put extra stress on the body. Perhaps something more similar to the doctor's design in 1896 (6:11) -ex pro biker & bike commuter, engineer bonus: Also, rear-wheel-drive recumbents must be belt-driven, to save weight, and a front gearbox (maybe pinion) and enviolo at back. I've never seen such design, only long steel chains. I could invest on such if there were any.

[@illustrationmaking]

So… when you steer, does the pressure through the pedals go out of balance because the drive is on the steering wheel? How does that feel?

[@PrescottHome]

Learning curve. But with a small effort you can build `muscle memory'.

[@filipe.portes]

Would like to see this in a really steep climb

[@gcntech]

that reminds us of a video we once made... kzbin.info/www/bejne/onWYZIyfrsyJnqMsi=c28LNUj2eOMCbJmv 😂

[@reinerwilhelms-tricarico344]

Can you text and drive with that?😂

[@taufikabidin412]

Yes, because you can steer with just your legs

[@markunderwood6482]

This must be tricky at very slow speeds, where the drivetrain pivots with the bars. Knees don't bend that direction! That might be worse than toe overlap.

[@JanneRasanen2]

It is a matter of getting used to. All recumbents have a learning curve these have more than most.

[@davideferlin8053]

How do you adjust this kind of bike to your height? Is there the possibility to slide the crankset further?

[@JanneRasanen2]

They are adjustable and suit small and tall people.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

They are so frustrating climbing though. I own one

[@rickguerrero2282]

I owned two Cruzbikes in the past including an earlier version of the bike in the video. It was very fast. But I found it did not climb well on steep grades AND the rear wheel was very easily disturbed by the smallest of road debris. What made me sell the fast Cruzbike was a near accident I had while descending a steep grade at 35 mph - 40 mph. The rear tire hit a small rock and almost came out from under me. I was barely able to regain control of the bike. I had a similar thing happen going 10 - 12 mph over a modest sized speed bump in my own neighborhood when I almost lost control again. I sold the faster of the two shortly after these incidents and donated the slower bike. It takes a few rides to get used to the pedal stroke and even after months of riding, taking off from a red light produces a short duration of left/right weaving. On the flats, they are very comfortable to ride and you get virtually no neck or seat pain!

[@Rocketrecliner]

Have you ever thought about the M5 CHR? I have one, it doesn't exhibit the issues you mentioned, and is arguably just as fast as the Cruzbike V20C. Personally, I always leaned toward the M5 CHR because of the handling, the learning curve, and the twitchiness so many people seem to mention with the V20. The M5 CHR is just such an easy bike to ride in comparison...in my opinion. Just something to consider. And I'm not at all dinking Cruzbike. For those that master the handling, it is an incredible bike. It is still on my bucket list to possibly own one and see if I can master it, but something tells me I would still go back to the M5 CHR. Who knows. :)

[@onederment]

interesting.... I have broken a rib and a collar bone by going over the front of my road bike... but i have not broken any bones yet on the vendetta as i don't have to fall so far. Personally i think its superior

[@casualguy393]

@@onederment Same here. It is really hard to flip a V20.

[@YurkerYT]

Probably it's the lack of rear suspension

[@aamj50]

I put over 8,000 miles on a previous generation Cruzbike V20 over the course of two years. Everything from time trials to fast centuries to commuting. It's an excellent bike!

[@AnthonyStJames-yn8nr]

commuting-wise, how is a recumbent? I'm a bit apprehensive since it's hard to check your rear and the lower profile makes you harder to see

[@aamj50]

I didn't have any trouble. I always use a mirror on recumbents because you can't turn around to see behind you. As to visibility, a V20 (or other highracers) don't sit that much lower than a regular bike.

[@PrescottHome]

'Bent v. upright. Always a trade off. With an upright you can rock the bike, dance on the pedals, grtr ability to move around on the saddle. On a bent you're pretty much stuck in the same position w/ exception of sliding down and up depending on grade of climbing or descent.

[@AnthonyStJames-yn8nr]

@@PrescottHome would you say that a recumbent is more suited for "city riding" and less capable on hilly rides or in situations where you need to be more agile?

[@gcntech]

Sounds like you had some fun! Isn't it great when you find your perfect bike?

[@lise1255]

Instead of the Cruz bike, the M5 lowracer is a much better representative of fast recumbents.

[@taufikabidin412]

I think Highracers are the beat representative matching road bikes. So Bachetta CA, Metabike Mystique, M5 CHR, Schlitter Freestyle, Cruzbike V20. For lowracer Morciglio M1 and Velokraft are the best reps

[@VYBEKAT]

Yes the Velokraft and M5 high racers have been used to great success for unfaired hour record attempts and still handle real road riding very well

[@lise1255]

@@VYBEKAT The reason I thought of a low racer when I saw this video, was because he highlighted the advantage of lower wind resistance. That's much lower on a lowracer than on a highracer.

[@jimparker6305]

I have raced many times against racers of a similar level to me, who are on an M5 CHR. It is comparable to the V20 on the flats, but gets left behind on the hills. They also have heel-strike issues, and I noticed their chain kept getting bumped by the front tire in turns. The V20c doesn't have those problems. It also seems the M5 CHR is out of production. I have also raced against many low racers. They do well on a track, but get left behind in road racing on rough roads, hills, etc. You don't see low racers or M5s setting any records at Bike Sebring, Texas Time Trials, or the Hoodoo 500.

[@PrescottHome]

Ceteris paribus, it's the rider/racer that makes for velocity.

[@perrymcfall9275]

I’ve had this bike for a couple of months, a few trade offs, but overall, no comparison - absolutely love it. (40+ year cyclist)

[@mpvsystems9302]

Yes, we have a steady stream of bike companies going bust as they desperately try to flog the latest wildly over-priced marginal gain, yet they remain blind to the market potential of recumbents for the aging boomer population. I suspect the real challenge for most of the industry is that they simply don't have the resources or talent to engineer a good recumbent. When you consider the millions of hours of collective engineering that has gone into the traditional upright bike frame since the 1870s, I guess I don't blame them. The good news is that so much of engineering and technology has become democratized in the last 10 years, it is only a matter of time before the collective efforts of the hobbyist community will solve this problem. I think we are getting closer now to having the optimum rider position and frame layout.

[@JanneRasanen2]

Recumbents have been honed since the 1890s. It is a business problem to stay afloat manufacturing recumbents on mass scale when the buyers are not there. UCI threw a spanner in the works banning bents from racing in the 1930s so visibility is low and people are brain washed to seeing only diamond frames.

[@gcntech]

That's awesome! How do you find riding this bike on the road?

[@perrymcfall9275]

@@gcntechmuch easier on my body with a slightly lower w/kg and a faster pace. The bike encourages you to ride longer every time you go out.

[@JackMott]

I would love to get one and tweak it. Get a more aero cockpit, disc wheel. See what I can do at the Austin Veloway.

[@MrSociofobs]

I wonder how these things act over bumpier roads, especially with those narrow road tyres. On a normal bike, you can stand up, allowing your legs to act as a natural suspension. With this, wouldn't all the impact just go straight through your back?

[@654789qwe]

i ride a cruzbike s40. You definitely feel the bumps of the road more than an upright bike.

[@anim8ted923]

You are correct. But the large seat helps spread out the impact forces. And many recumbent riders run wider tires. Some have active suspension systems, but of course that adds weight, complexity and cost. If you ride regularly on poor roads, recumbents might not be the ideal type of bike.

[@groovymail2000]

Like upright bikes, there are different bikes for differing terrain inc. wider tyres and suspension. There are road bike recumbents and mountain bike recuments and everything in between.

[@joshuamyers4690]

Im curious about why it has aero bars?

[@PrescottHome]

You mean `drop' bars. If I had one I'd consider this: (tiller with mini-bullhorn with shift and brake levers) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nISahHeul92SmdE

[@mpvsystems9302]

I've been around recumbents for over 40 years now. Like many engineering students, I was interested in the IHPVA movement back in the early 80s when HPVs were really coming alive. In the early 2000s, I bought a full carbon recumbent to help me train for an Ironman. I found that TT bike position was straining my neck and causing a disc in my neck to become inflamed, so I did most of my training on the recumbent. It was also a lot of fun punishing my club mates on weekend rides too. In the last few years, I have built my own ultralight (18 lb) full carbon (rear drive) recumbent that is similar in layout to a Cruxz bike with a 40 inch wheelbase and two 700C wheels. I find that it climbs quite well. Then secret for generating power is getting the riders hip angle to be the same as an upright. I use it mostly for our local TTs and it definitely helps me keep my average speed well above 40 kph. A feat at age 60 I can no longer achieve on my traditional TT bike.

[@gcntech]

thanks for the comment and your personal experience with recumbents!

[@williamwightman8409]

That is amazing that you got the weight down to 18 pounds. Did you find a way to triangulate the loads? How is the stiffness under high pedal torque? I put a carbon fiber front fairing on a 2018 Cruzbike V20 and find that the top speeds are around 10% better but at the cost of an extra 10 pounds which make starts off lights and hill climbing more difficult so the effort was kind of a wash. Thanks for the power generating tip. My next bike project will be similar to yours in keeping weight down. I may include a fairing but the hard part is what you have done already.

[@mpvsystems9302]

@@williamwightman8409 The secret to building a sub 1000 gram recumbent frame is in the carbon fibre engineering. Note, the bike industry is still using the fairly primitive bladder moulding technique owing to production constraints. It works well but is far from ideal. To really optimize the mechanical properties of carbon fibre, you need to cure it under tension. Pultrusions are the best example of this that are commercially available. To create my frame material, I built a draw bench that allows me to cure two sheets of uni made from 6K carbon tow under about 1000 lb of tension. The bench looks like a table top 30 inches wide and 48 inches long. It lengthens using three internal screw jacks. To make two sheet of cured carbon, I wrap a continuous filament of dry 6K tow over both faces of the table from end to end using several hundred wraps of tow, and then apply tension using the screw jacks. Wet resin is applied with peel ply and a breather, and the entire table top is put into a vacuum bag for curing. After trimming off the ends, this yields two sheets of exceptionally stiff and strong uni directional carbon that is about 0.0011 inches thick. I cut the sheets into 1 and 2 inch wide strips and use them with other non-structural materials over a male mould to ensure the inside surfaces of the parts are pristine with no resin lines or other defects. This whole process is far more labour intensive than anything you will find in industry, but it it optimizes frame strength, stiffness and weight. If you are only building one or two frames, it's the way to go. Hope this helps and best of luck with your frame building adventures :)

[@Jimboblay74]

Interesting - Carbent Raven?? Dana has done some builds roughly that light...

[@Sandcat87]

@@Jimboblay74 full builds, including wheels, seat, pedals, etc.?

[@timwolf5742]

You know, sail boat racing has changed and gone the way of the catamaran. Much faster. There are still traditional boat races, but the America's Cup? Oh wow! You'd think the powers that be could acknowledge advances in cycling.

[@laggypirates]

How do you adjust the equivalent of the saddle height? Does that entire front bar that the crank is on pivot?

[@BikesAndBanjos]

Yes. The entire tube from the handlebar to the bottom bracket is adjustable and handles a significant range of rider sizes. I've had guys as tall as 6'5" ride my Cruzbike and my wife (who's 5'8") also can easily fit on it and ride it.

[@davidgromer3525]

I rode recumbents for several years before moving back to a wonderful Roubaix in 2009. I’ll never go back to ‘bent. Sure, there’s a drag benefit, but climbing is a miserable business and gravel would be outright terrifying. I’m confident that on my Emonda, even at age 68, I could out-climb riders 20 years younger on recumbents. A properly fitted Emonda-Checkpoint combination handles all of my road needs.

[@ShotgunLlama]

Would these have any place in touring to get more distance in per day, or would their advantage immediately disappear as soon as you try to attach baggage to them?

[@kevinallen4604]

Great for touring, many go to three wheel recumbents to load up heavy. Plenty of KZbin vids of touring recumbents, if I’m doing anything over 30 miles I just pick the recumbent, you can go as far as you have energy, no back, neck, arse etc pain to halt the journey. I can ride a diamond further than 30miles, that’s the distance I start questioning why? when I have more comfortable machines at home.😀

[@Scottslookingabout]

is there any reason why you're not extending your knees further?.......?

[@a1white]

Hahaha what a montage 😅 1:45

[@postwardream]

How did you measure the Cx=0.12? Looks impressive, but doubtful, sorry. The center of gravity seems to be too high, can it be lower? Also, for decreasing drag, wheels could be with solid flat side, I believe.

[@PsyKeks]

#AskGCNTech Hi techsters and Hank, could you tell us a bit about specific training, practice and bike fit on recumbents / in velomobiles? In the videos there always seem to be issues with lack of control, lack of full power and lack of proper fit or even right shoes and pedals. Maybe that could even be it's own video with more depth and actual users experience? You must find someone in the office, who would be interested to see what it takes to really get into recumbent riding, not just hop on (and fall off) for a day of shooting? best wishes

[@taufikabidin412]

You need to get personal with those who are experienced with recumbent bike fit. many just fiddle alone to get it right because your body undergo changes the longer you are on the bent.

[@jwolf4204]

How do they handle? Are they as twitchy/agile as youd like a race bike to be?

[@malcolmjcullen]

How does it steer? Do you swing the whole handlebar left and right, or do you rotate it on the stem/ thingy? Looks like it'd foul your knees if you had to turn sharply.

[@BikesAndBanjos]

You're kind of doing both. because your knees are in front of the handle bars and it's a moving bottom bracket, you CAN turn pretty sharply but it takes some different turning techniques and practice. It really takes time to get comfortable and proficient handling Cruzbikes, but it's well worth the effort (imo). I love these bikes!

[@pjclinch00]

Same way you steer a "normal" bike: lean it over and the steering geometry does the rest. As with a road bike the fork doesn't have to move far unless you're going slowly, which isn't what this is for...

[@malcolmjcullen]

@@pjclinch00 If I'm going uphill, I'm likely to be going very slow!

[@Leonardo-ql1qu]

Recumbent bikes are ergonomically wrong! Here's why: Stand straight and lift one leg. Now sit down on a chair and stick one leg out horizontally. Move that stretched leg up and down and feel how much more muscle power it takes and how much more fatiguing it is compared to the vertical leg lift. Resting your feet on the bike paddles does not make any difference. Pure physiology!

[@CHIEF_420]

🧂

[@taufikabidin412]

you are wrong, because 1. Exercise recumbent are more comfortable 2. You sit on a car on a recumbent position 3. F1 drivers sit in a recumbent position

[@Thezuule1]

As cool as this is if I’m buying a recumbent it has to be a velomobile. They just seem super nice.

[@PsyKeks]

They have great advantages and great disadvantages. I would rather have only an unfaired recumbent than an upright bike and a velomobile. (Luckily I can have all of them 🤣)

[@deleteduser3455]

My "road bike" is a powerful ebike so it wins

[@augustlandmesser1520]

Yeah, try it on the RAAM, after deplete electricity in the first ≈100km. What's your point anyway, Eugenius? Any ICE scooter can beats your puny electric lawnmower also.

[@casualguy393]

I pass E-bikes all the time on my Cruzbike V20. Sure, they can sprint up to about 50kph, but that blows out their battery in a very short time, and then they are just as un-aero as roadbikes, but way heavier.

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

Many years ago I had a LWB recumbent with under seat steering,it had plenty of cons but it was a bit of fun. I would have a newer recumbent like a Azub or bacchetta but my MTB's take all my money 😅

[@PaulSimpson-hi6xr]

At least your drive train is out of the road spray in winter, far less cleaning and wear! Not sure if your hands wouldn’t get tired holding your arms up, as opposed to your arms supporting your body on a normal bike.

[@BikesAndBanjos]

Two great observations. Your hands/arms can get tired, but nothing like the wear and tear on your arms/hands necessary to hold your upper body on a traditional bike

[@PrescottHome]

Solution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nISahHeul92SmdE

[@zincfive]

@@BikesAndBanjos I guess, especially heavier riders like me will have less problems with ulnar nerve palsy. I've lost my ability to hold a beer one handed for days after back to back long rides, it sucks, and can be pretty limiting

[@BikesAndBanjos]

@@zincfive I hear ya... I'm a bigger guy and I play stringed instruments. After long rides on traditional bikes my hands were going numb and I was having difficulty playing music

[@NeuroWrangler]

I sold these at a bike shop. They take time to master and Cruzbikes say to take several days at least to get confident. I managed to get around the parking lot. It's like learning to ride a bike all over again. Having the cranks directly attached to the steering totally changes what happens when you put down power.

[@gcntech]

Hank just loves to jump on and get on with it!

[@chrisbrookshire861]

Yeah to me that is what separates Cruzbikes from other recumbents is the way you're able to put the power into the bike that you can't on other recumbents.

[@zincfive]

Maybe you can help with an opinion about Hanks leg extension on that bike, it seems like he's really close to the pedals. Is that true, or is that the proper way to position on this sort of bike?

[@casualguy393]

@@zincfive Nah, Hank needs quite a bit of fit help to get the most out of that V20. Additionally, His V20 is fast now, but with better wheels, a better fit, bars turned down a tad, a tailbox behind his head, and a seat that doesn't curve up putting his head up too high would make him significantly more efficient. As was mentioned in the video Hank needs 240 watts for 40kph. I need only 200 watts for 40kph on my V20, and some of the shorter and smaller V20 riders need as little as 180 watts for 40kph. Most recumbent riders use 160mm cranks, some are even shorter than that. But Hank needs to adjust the boom so his bottom bracket is a bit further out so he isn't curled up so much.

[@jasperedwards2713]

i got trice frame ill swap with rennrad

[@wyrierit]

Definitely not for city and roads with cars.

[@PrescottHome]

As for not being seen by traffic on the road. Here's a `short' that makes the recumbent look like an alien spacecraft on the road. Local Sheriff Deputies see it a mile ahead. kzbin.infoR72tmVY9dCc

[@GokageMimomobile]

Im probably missing something here, but how how are you supposed to take slow switchback corners without your knees having to bend left to right? On a normal recumbent this isnt a problem but with the pedals basicaly mounted to the front wheel this seems... difficult?

[@kihunpark8669]

can this recumbent bike climb and descend mountains? can it ever be built lighter than a road bike?

[@BikesAndBanjos]

Can it ever be built lighter than a road bike? probably not. I think the larger seat ultimately makes it difficult to compete with super lightweight road bikes. But it can definitely climb and descend mountains. You do lose some speed on Cruzbikes on steeper ascents, but the physiology of the moving bottom bracket and front wheel drive train make it possible to use more upper body power on a Cruzbike than compared with most other recumbents.

[@gcntech]

many recumbent riders say that descending on them is incredible!

[@JanneRasanen2]

​@@gcntechSome need brake chutes down a mountain to not heat kill the brake rotors. Especially with velomobiles. They just pack the chute in after descending. They have time they are ahead of everyone including the cars.

[@taufikabidin412]

Jason Perez climbing on a Cruzbike V20 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_Ii5eqlKeEqckfeature=shared

[@FrothNinja]

How is it in the mountains?

[@BikesAndBanjos]

It's can be more of a challenge on ascents, but the descents are awesome!

[@williamwightman8409]

I would get a more upright Cruzbike S40 for mountains and carrying gear.

[@PrescottHome]

@@BikesAndBanjos Example on the descent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noiknGSpqpyXadk