Ecobents

[handcyclist]

Any one any experience of these?

They are pretty cheap, I'm wondering if one would make a good first 'bent.

[Pedaldog.]

I reckon you need a Trice! (Hint!)

[gordon taylor]

I like the look of the Ecobent, but just because it has a straight boom. I don't like the wavy shapes at all.

PS: I've ridden a recumbent once, and failed to cycle more than five metres...

[PhilO]

It certainly looks like good value.

My first though is that it may be a harsh ride, with the seat stay running straight up to the lumber part of the seat, and that it's got quite a high-angled seat (no adjusment?) for such a high bottom bracket. The high BB might also make it challenging for a recumbent Newby, too, but for somebody who's willing to persevere it could work well.

The above is all guesswork, however... 

[handcyclist]

Thanks Phil, that all makes sense, I hadn't thought about the ride quality.

I've emailed them to ask what components they use. Still think I'll be sampling alternatives at D-tek and London Recumbents at some point though!

[edit] a charming Italian lady emailed me back, saying they concentrate on frame quality and strength, so to make it cheap they use no-name 'Chinese' components.

So the running gear might be made of cheese. Cheap in, cheap out!

[Cunobelin]

**WARNING**

Recumbents have a design problem!

You cannot adjust the height from ground to seat, nor can you slide out of the saddle to stand.

This is the reason for the fashion for 20" front wheels as these lower the height.

it is ESSENTIAL that you can put both feet on the ground safely to allow stopping at junctions or emergency stops. YOU should always sit on a recumbent before buying to ensure you can do this.

With a 26" wheel this height is greater, and hence this is even more important.