Friday, December 18, 2009

Recumbent Tadpole Trike

Just discovered a new benefit to riding a recumbent tadpole trike like this: with clipped pedals, by unweighting and spinning the crank only on the upward push a rider can receive a prolonged and intensive "crunch" to their stomach/upper torso. We may well be adding to overall caloric burn, cardiovascular health and respiratory health by spinning in this manner. Personally, I'm still trying to unwieight for the entire duration of a favorite rock and roll tune.

The ActionBent T1A Tadpole Trike! -- Same geometry and component level as the standard T1, just about 4 pounds lighter. Full Aluminum Alloy 7005 Body, Shimano Drivetrain, Dual Avid discs, new Ackerman-compensated steering linkage, 700c rear drivewheel, 20" front wheels, ultralight composite seat with headrest. 9" seat height, 32" outermost width, load capacity 120kg or 265 pounds.
In conclusion, the benefits for owning one of these are many, varied and growing. You could say they "outweight" the cost associated with them but that is too obvious a pun. Think of it thusly: Take away the balance concerns and what do you have in riding one of these? A comfort ride that will take you back to your little red wagon days that is fast enough to tear your eyes 4 inches from the ground! Paved bike trails, velodromes and family "take back the streets' days will become your domain! Is that cool or what? Come get some.

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Lifecore 900rb Recumbent Excercise Bike

The Lifecore 900rb Recumbent Bike combines the highest quality components and the smallest footprint in the industry! Many of the 900rb's features are found on more expensive recumbent bikes, yet the compact design allows for a great workout in virtually any room in the house.

Featuring the smallest footprint in the industry at 44 inches long, the Lifecore LC-900rb recumbent exercise bike is comfortable and efficient, yet sits discreetly in the corner of the room. As a result, the LC-900rb is perfect for space-restricted basements, dens, apartments, and other locations.

The bike is outfitted with such features as a high-tech display that shows the time and temperature along with all the standard workout data, along with a 5-inch pedal diameter that helps reduce joint stress. More significantly, the bike's variety of workout programs--which includes 12 preset programs and four heart-rate-control programs--make it easy to design a custom workout routine. And thanks to the Ergo-Flex Mesh seat and extra-cushioned seat bottom, you'll feel just as comfortable at the end of your workout as you did at the beginning.

Perhaps the bike's most popular feature, however, is the step-through recumbent frame, which makes the bike easy to mount and comfortable to ride. It's perfect for people who suffer from saddle sore on traditional exercise bikes, or who are recovering from injury and find upright bikes too difficult to mount.

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Other details include contact heart rate sensors, a toggle wheel for easy scrolling and resistance adjustments, a scratch-resistant coating on the shrouds, a low-profile console, built-in transportation wheels for easy mobility, and a capacity of 300 pounds. Powered by your choice of AC adapter or batteries, the Lifecore LC-900rb measures 29.5 by 42 by 44 inches (W x H x D), weighs 108 pounds, and carries a five-year warranty on parts and a one-year warranty on labor.

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Diamondback Fitness 960Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Diamondback Fitness 960Sr recumbent step-through exercise bike puts you in the driver's seat when it comes to getting fit. The 960Sr--which includes many of the most sought-after features on the market--is equipped with an electronically controlled eddy current brake (ECB) system that provides up to 16 levels of resistance. As a result, it's easy to find the perfect resistance level for your needs, whether you want to warm up before hitting the weights or challenge yourself with a serious cardio burn.

The exclusive Comfort Plus seat, meanwhile, includes a quick-release locking mechanism to create whole new levels of stability and comfort. Add in the easygoing step-through frame, which is ideal for people who are rehabbing from injury or who find traditional upright bikes uncomfortable, and you have a terrific workout accessory for the home.

The 960Sr offers plenty of workout flexibility, with an easy-to-read console that supports several different program types, including manual, random, interval, hill, strength, target HR, and HR interval. The variety not only keeps your attitude fresh, but it also makes your overall training regimen more efficient by challenging your body in different ways.

It's also a breeze to track your workout progress thanks to the five data displays, which show your time, pulse, calories burned, watts, speed, distance, resistance level, and RPM. And users who are monitoring their workouts for maximum efficiency will appreciate the dual heart rate options: a Polar-compatible heart rate receiver that straps to the chest and handgrips with built-in heart rate contacts.

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Other features include a built-in reading rack and accessories holder, a heavy-duty steel frame with an anti-rust powder coating, a sealed ball bearing in the bottom bracket, and a weight capacity of 325 pounds. The 960Sr measures 64 by 51 by 31 inches (W x H x D) and carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, three years on parts, and one year on labor.

The Diamond Recumbent Exercise Bike Looks, feels, runs like a $1400 machine. It is THE quietest exercise bike I've ever used. It’s Perfect. People simply Love it.

Looks, feels, runs like a $1400 machine. It is THE quietest exercise bike I've ever used. Perfect. Love it. So glad we bought this.

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GMC Yukon XL 700C Road Bike

The GMC Yukon XL 700C 14-Speed Road Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum 6061 road bike frame (20-, 22-, or 25-inch frame) and Shimano tourney 14-speed gearing. The bike features high-profile Vitesse aluminum rims that look as good as they perform, and a Vitesse racing saddle with an alloy seat post for a smooth ride. Lastly, Shimano STI shifters and an alloy crank set round out this sturdy road racing cycle.

GMC Yukon XL 700C Road Bike Specifications

  • Frame: Aluminum 6061 straight gauge
  • Fork: Aluminum Aero600 700C-11/8
  • Headset: TS B52S-11/8
  • Chain: KMC Z 51
  • Crankset: Shimano Tourney 39X50 L170mm
  • Front Derailleur: Suntour FD-XR05
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney SIS 7SPD
  • Shifters: Shimano Sora STI L2/R7
  • Brake Levers: Integrated with Sora shifters
  • Brakes: Tektro 510A alloy caliper brake
  • Hubset: Alloy quick release front and rear
  • Rims: HJC alloy black 700CX14GX32H
  • Tires: Kenda black with yellow band 700X25C
  • Stem: A-Head aluminum silver EXT:90mm -7D
  • Handlebar: Maesbend W: 430mm D:25.5mm
  • Sadle: Vitesse Pro black
  • Seat Post: HL aluminum micro adjust 27.2 X 300mm
  • Pedals: VP-390 with toe clip
  • Weight: 26.0 pounds

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The Right Ride

In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
· Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.

· Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.

· Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

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The Right Price

A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

· Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.

· Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.

· High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size

Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

· Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.

· Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.

· Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories

When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

  • Helmet (this is a must!)
  • Seat pack
  • Lock
  • Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
  • Spare tubes
  • Portable bike pump
  • Gloves

Still, if you are handy, this is an amazing value, and you'll surely keep up with another road biker on a pricier bike with equal conditioning.

The bike is made up of very decent components. Its aluminum frame and fork are not the best material in dissipating road shock; on the other hand, the material is just so inexpensive and higly durable. Aside from that, with the proper tire pressure and good riding technique road shock can easily be minimized. If one measures potential miles per dollar, and not snob appeal, in arriving at an intelligent decision to buy a bike, this is an excellent choice.

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Recumbent Tandem Bikes Review

Ever wondered why more and more people from various countries are attracted to tandem bikes? Not to worry this recumbent tandem bikes review will reveal to you the secret strength behind it and will help you make the right choice before buying.

There are several reasons why people patronize tandem bikes. Some use these bikes for sports, some use it as a family thing (a way of bonding with the whole family), some use it as their means for transportation (they ride it to work, ride it to visit places and run errands), and some use it for training, others as a lover's thing and so on.

Whatever your reasons are for wanting to read this recumbent tandem bikes review, you will surely find soothing answers that will help you make the right choice. You will understand how to find a tandem bike that suits you, you will also be able to decide on the model that is good for you, and also find the cost of tandem bikes.

Tandem bikes come in different forms, sizes and styles to suit the lifestyle of its lover and fans and for new converts. The newly improved tandem bikes are constructed to suit different professional needs, the different cycling types, to suit tandem fun lovers, to suit transportations, hiking with bikes and generally riding it around for pleasure.

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Tandem bikes are very good for use and are very safe too. Tandem bike are very expensive but then are worth every single penny that it cost. Tandem bikes come in different models, everyday; manufacturers of this bikes improve and advance in their skills. Almost everyday you find new and improved tandem bikes available in the market.

It is advisable that when you want to buy a tandem bike, you should buy the latest and improved bike as they are more sophisticated and are advanced in there engineering constructions and designs. These latest designs cost about $5000 per bike but has lots of features and good resistance, pedals, handles, brakes etc. Old models go for about $2000 and have less electronic features and less of all the necessary technologies needed on the bike.

There are two major places to shop for tandem bikes;

1. At your local store where you get to test the product before buying.

2. On the internet where you get discounts and sometimes free shipping when bought.

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Recumbent Touring Bicycle Review

This recumbent touring bicycle review talks of the popularly known touring bikes called linear recumbent touring bicycles. These bikes have been around since 1984 are one of the best bikes around. They are noted for there quality in creating comfort and delights in the style of there bicycles.

These recumbent touring bicycles are very relaxing and very convenient for exercising. You feel totally relax when you workout. The seats are beautifully made to relax you during training or workouts, the handles are specially set to suit your workouts. They are stable handles and touring bikes have comfortable arms which help in making your workouts a smooth ride.

Although touring bikes are not a total speed bikes, they are great rides for people who just want to ride for exercise or for fun or for transport. Recumbent touring bike are easy to simulate and can be controlled by both new users and pro.

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The unique qualities of a recumbent are;

1. The long wheel base; this allows for stability of the tour bicycle and gives it a low speed.

2. Durability; this bike is so well built that it requires no difficulty in making U turns

3. Has very good dual V brakes; good for making stops

4. Adjustable handles; good adjustable handle bars help to make workouts more relaxing and enjoyable.

5. Good seats: The seats of any workout equipment decide the level of greatness of such equipment. The seats of this touring bicycle are great for workouts.

This recumbent touring review brings you in terms with this touring bicycle experience. This touring bike has really improved and allows you enjoy your riding experience. The seats are a delight to workout on. They are very convenient for touring with friends and family. The seats are adjustable. You can adjust them to suit your size and leg positioningy.

Recumbent touring bicycles are very assessable and very comfortably built to suit your workout plans. They are very common and are available on all local store and online store too.

One major thing to note before buying a recumbent touring bicycle is that you should never buy a cheap tour bike. Cheap is a waste of money time and efforts. Cheap bikes are old model bikes and can only serve a little or no purpose at all. You need to buy the latest touring bike for credibility and results.

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Schwinn Fastback Pro Adult Road Bike

A June 2006 "editor's choice" for best recreational road bike from Bicycling Magazine, the Schwinn Fastback pro adult road bike combines world-class performance with an elegant, streamlined frame. The bike is distinguished by a smooth-welded N'Litened Platinum Label super-butted aluminum frame that's lightweight and strong, with superior fatigue failure resistance. The Schwinn Reflex CF-1 carbon fiber fork, meanwhile, is the lightest fork in Schwinn's arsenal, with excellent torsional strength. And riders will love the Shimano Ultegra 10 drivetrain, which couples a TruVativ Rouleur Carbon two-piece crankset with an 11/23T cassette to produce wide-range gearing. Other details include Mavic's Aksium wheelset, a Ritchey Pro oversize bar/stem combo, a Schwinn Reflex SP-1 carbon seat post, and a Fizik Airione leather saddle

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About Schwinn

Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.

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TerraTrike Tour Recumbent Trike

The Tour is the progression of the original TerraTrike design developed in 1996 and has been refined into the perfect long distance trike. The chro-moly frame and upgraded components make this the perfect touring platform that allows you to find your own road.

With a standard 27 gears and slightly lighter set-up, it allows you to pack tents, sleeping gear, and camping supplies in optional side panniers or trunk bags without creating any instability or unwanted vibrations. Rock solid and comfortable for the long haul.

bought one of these in the spring of 2009. I have ridden it to work for about 1400 km this summer and fall so far. It has held up well mechanically, other than requiring the typical adjustments to brakes and shifter cables, the same as any new bike. I had one problem with it, and that is that the aluminum frame of the seat cracked. TerraTrike, the manufacturer, sent me a new one without any hassle, it arrived in a few days, and it was easy to replace myself.

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I am on the large side but this trike can handle 300 lbs including rider and gear, and I have to say that it feels very sturdy and well put together. It handles well, is easy to ride, and is super-comfortable. I can ride it for hours without any back, butt or wrist pain, unlike a regular bicycle. I didn't bike for years because of a tailbone injury, and on my Tour, I rode to work over 30 times this summer on a route that was two hours and 46 km round trip.

I test-rode a couple of aluminum-framed trikes, and in comparison, the steel frame of the TerraTrike Tour is much more yielding and less harsh. It doesn't swallow potholes and huge bumps like a suspended bike would, but it is fairly forgiving.

Riding it in traffic feels a lot safer than you might imagine. I am from a city that is not recognized as a bike-friendly place. Drivers see the trike and actually notice it more than I think they notice upright bikes. I think it is due to the strange appearance of it on the road. I use lights and reflectors front and back, and I ride it on busy streets without a problem.

The one downside to it, that prevents me from giving it five stars, is that it gets a bit squirrelly at high speeds. I have ridden it up to 50 km/h according to my gps, but I don't feel stable at anything over 45. The feeling of stability has increased the more I've ridden it though. At first I was scared to go over 30 km/h, so there is a period of getting used to riding fast.

I think this machine is a lot of value for the money, and now that winter is here I'll be waiting anxiously to get out on it once the snow melts.

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Van Dessel Kermis Ultegra 10 Pro Road Bike

Equally at home in road races, rough criteriums, and casual century rides, the Van Dessel Kermis road bike is a must for the demanding professional rider. The bike was named after the Pro Kermesse Circuit of Belgium and northern France--Kermis is Flemish for Kermesse--and pays tribute to some of the most grueling and punishing terrain known to cycling. As a result, the Kermis can handle it all: cobblestone alleys, tight corners, narrow streets, and speeds that never dip below 30 miles per hour.

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Design-wise, the Kermis is offered in a size range of 46 to 63 cm (see sizing chart below) and is built around Columbus's highest-end Airplane main triangle frame, with aero carbon seat stays, carbon chain stays, and a full carbon fork. The elite frame and construction makes this a true purebred racing and long-mile road brake. Other components include Shimano Ultegra 10-speed shifters; a Ritchey Pro handlebar, stem, and seat post; an FSA RD200 spoke wheel set; and Hutchinson Fusion Comp 700 x 23c tires. Add it all up and you have a bike that dominated the 2005 racing season for the Louis Garmeau Elite team and won the 2005 Arizona State Pro/1/2 Road Race Championship.

Specifications:

  • Build: Ultegra Pro Build

  • Frame: Columbus Airplane w/ carbon rear triangle

  • Fork: Alpha Q SUB3

  • Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Head Set: Cane Creek IS2

  • HandleBars: Ritchey Pro

  • Stem: Ritchey Pro

  • Seat Post: Ritchey Pro

  • Saddle: Van Dessel Carbon injected base w/ Ti rails

  • Cranks: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Bottom Bracket: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Front Deraileur: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Rear Deraileur: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Brakes: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Cassete: Shimano Ultegra 10spd

  • Tires: Hutchinson Fusion

  • Wheels: FSA RD200

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Choosing the Best Recumbent Bicycle

A recumbent bicycle is a manually operated bike marked by its feature of putting the rider in a reclining position. The best recumbent bicycles are designed ergonomically to distribute the rider’s weight for a more comfortable ride. The best recumbent bicycle can be used either as a stationary machine or for mobile use. Its aerodynamic design reduced wind resistance as the legs is pointed forward, giving a swifter ride. Mobile best recumbent bicycles fit the needs of riders who use their bikes for work, such as city meter takers, delivery people, messengers and so forth. They also fit the needs of the recreational rider who find the seating and the body position ideal for longer rides. The best recumbent bicycles are used by athletes to improve their endurance.

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Types and varieties of recumbent bicycles:

The best recumbent bicycles pre-date the contemporary bike, going back all the way into the mid-19th century and have evolved a great deal in size, shape number of wheels and height. The best recumbent bicycle are available in four basic structures:
  • a short wheel base,
  • a long wheel base,
  • over seat steering, and
  • under seat steering.
Bikes can be stored standing up or folded for easier storage. Suspended steering is available, and some bikes can be custom ordered and designed depending on which shop you plan on purchasing from.

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Try Before You Buy

The best recumbent bicycles have been designed for specific athletes and endurance trainers.

Just like buying a car, a good way to choose your best recumbent bicycle is to take it for a test drive. Don’t allow a pushy salesperson talk you into a more expensive model that might seem intimidating or difficult to manage. Many shops will give you an opportunity to check out how the best recumbent bike suits your needs and a good salesperson will work with you until you find the best recumbent bicycle to fit your needs. Keep the weather in mind and call ahead so they can expect you coming. This is the main advantage of finding your best recumbent bicycle in person rather than ordering online.

Fellow Recumbent Bicycle Enthusiasts

Read what other recumbent bike owners, users and trainers have said about various choices about the best recumbent bicycles as their opinions may be unvarnished and unbiased as they are only looking to share their knowledge and opinion, not necessarily make a sale. Also like buying the right car, the best recumbent bicycle for you is one you can fall in love with.

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