Cycling UK Forum

I've been riding a Velocita for 11 years now. Until about 3 hours ago. The frame snapped in two as I was starting away from some lights.

So RIP to that silver chariot.

What do I get to replace it? I'm very fond of under-seat steering, a standard rear-rack (room for panniers, rear light, flag, rear reflector, camelback, and all sorts of extras) and front suspension, but I would appreciate some improved brakes, (i.e. discs not rim) and I had to bodge a front light bracket ahead of the chainring. And somewhere up front to put a speedo, GPS, Airzound etc etc is on the wish-list.

Has anyone got any bright ideas?

There is a wide choice out there - it may actually come down to what you can try!

Things have move along a lot since the Velocita days!

My HP Velotechnik Street Machine GT does all the things you want and is a similar "shape" to the Velocita.

http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/sm/index_e.html


However there are numerous similar machines with different specs.



Where are you based, and is there a dealer near you that you can have a try?

Finally are you familiar with www.velovision.co.uk ?

Thanks Cunobelin, for the info. I don't know of any nearby recumbent dealers; the home town of M*rc**n is still a bit traditional.

But I'll be in the Cambridge area for a few days soon, so I've e-mailed Dtek to book a visit.

I may be being blind to the alternatives, but the choice of under-seat steering appears to be Street Machine, Street Machine, or, er, Street Machine. Now that might be because it's so far ahead of the competition that all the other makers have given up, but I'd like to have something other than Hobson's Choice.

I had a subscription to Velo Vision, but cancelled it some years ago - and I can't remember why!

rower40 wrote:Thanks Cunobelin, for the info. I don't know of any nearby recumbent dealers; the home town of M*rc**n is still a bit traditional.

But I'll be in the Cambridge area for a few days soon, so I've e-mailed Dtek to book a visit.

I may be being blind to the alternatives, but the choice of under-seat steering appears to be Street Machine, Street Machine, or, er, Street Machine. Now that might be because it's so far ahead of the competition that all the other makers have given up, but I'd like to have something other than Hobson's Choice.

I had a subscription to Velo Vision, but cancelled it some years ago - and I can't remember why!

How do the recumbents handle? They look a mite scary.

Evilv wrote:How do the recumbents handle? They look a mite scary.

I can only describe the recumbents I've owned. I started with a "Linear", an box-section aluminium long-wheelbase under-seat steering dog of a bike. It was heavy, sluggish, unwieldy, and just boring to ride. BUT it was a good training vehicle, and it taught me how recumbents are ridden.

Tips for riding recumbent:
1) Don't think too hard about it.
2) Like any bike, if you feel yourself falling, steer the bike to put it back underneath you again.
3) But, as it's lower-to-the-ground, the 'pendulum' effect means that your reactions need to be quicker; it doesn't take so long to fall over as an upright bike.
4) The most tricky bit (as ever) is starting off. Sit on the bike, apply the brakes, put one foot on the pedal, and mentally prepare; then let go of the brakes, push hard on the pedal, then bring the other foot on. You can't scoot-start.

A couple of years later, the Linear found itself in the bin, and I bought a Velocita - short wheelbase. Lighter, more responsive, and much more fun. I would have struggled if I hadn't learnt on the Linear first.

Scary? Not in the least. If I come off, I've much less far to fall, and I'm likely to land on my feet or rear, not my head or hands. Motorists give it the "What on Earth's That?" treatment, and a huge wide berth. Having said that, a flag and a rear-view mirror are well worth having.

Recumbents: Built for Comfort, AND for Speed.

They won't ever take over completely from the 'safety', but they're a distinctive strand in the rich tapestry of cycling. If you get a chance, give it a go.

I still have my Linear!

You could try the "Optima" range who have a couple of USS tourers, or Challenge have an USS option on some models.


However as you will know from experience - it is finding one you are comfortable with.