For the last year or so, the time I used to give to my S2000 has been devoted to a new toy, a Challenge Fujin Super Light recumbent qausi-low racing bike (made in the Netherlands). Since I've now modded the bike to the hilt (mostly with home-made carbon fiber stuff), time is now available for the S2000.

But I love this bike as much as the S. It's very fast -- I can get over 40 very easily on a modest downhill. What we recumbent riders call DF bikes have an aerodynamic disadvantage which basically enables us to blow by them on the flat or downhill. Only problem is uphill -- you can't stand on the pedals so it's extremely tough and much slower than a DF up hills.

Anyway, here are some shots of me and my new toy. The carbon fiber making skills I've developed for building accessories for the bike will soon be applied to the S2000. And I'll be getting to S2000 events again.

 

Very cool Rick. How much does it weigh? I've heard that recumbant bikes like that are much more efficient at transferring energy from your legs to the ground.

 

I weighs in at 20lbs, which is very light for a recumbent. I've become email freinds with the owner of the company that makes the bike -- he's a very innovative designer and builder. The frame is aluminum, but he's adding some carbon fiber components and expects to get the weight down another 2 or 3 pounds.

The energy transfer efficiency is a hotly debated question. Given that the bike has about three times the chain length of a standard bike, there's some loss. But I think the comfort of the riding position and the much lower frontal area make for a real advantage. All the bicycle speed records are held by recumbents (80mph+ is the current record, I think).

 

Nice to have you back. The bike looks comfortable but I think I'd need someone to help push. So, as long as you're here, I want to mention how pleased I am with my latest purchases. I received the leather console cover for my '03. It's perfect! What a difference compared to the stock vinyl! I also treated myself to the Wilton wool carpets. Very, very nice. Again, perfect fit and the subdued red leather trim goes great with the "charcoal" black. Along with the leather visor covers, leather shift boot, Voodoo knob and steering wheel badge, I couldn't be happier with the interior. Thanks for the great products and service! If, by any chance, you're making a leather shift boot that will fit my RSX, I'm down!

 

Thanks, Frank! We have more in the works.

 

Rick, when we go to the beach with our motorhome, it's on Highway 1 along the Pacific coast, north of Ventura. I'm not sure if it's the same make, but we see people riding those recumbent bikes there. They look like fun.

 

Rock on, Rick. Nice to see you back.

Your recumbent is a beauty. Next to my S, this is my pride and joy. I built it out about 2 years ago, and I've hit the trail a whole lot this fall. I've even bought a tow hitch for the S to get a bike rack mounted so I can bring my bike with me!!:



I've never ridden on a recumbent. Love to try it sometime. It looks very comfortable.
-- Chaz

 

Ditto for me. I now have a trailer hitch on my S for the bike and for hauling stuff to the track on a tailer.

Kyras,

Recumbents are very popular out your way. I don't encounter many around here.

 

Hey, so Rick, can you put the recumbent on a normal bike rack? Does it fold or disassemble or something? I would think the length of the bike would be an issue...

 

Your're right -- it's too long for a standard rack. But I found a fabulous bike rack made by 1UPUSA. The thing is machined completely out of aluminum, and it's a mechanical work of art. Here's a shot of it on my Accord. I've also used it with great success on the S.

BTW, that's not a titanium frame on your bike, or is it? Looks cool.