recumbent for commuting into London?

gxr
gxr Posts: 23
edited May 2008 in Commuting chat
After 10 years of cycling to work I have had to stop due to back problems. Cycling is normally OK for backs, but my lower discs are so shot that they can't take the compression when more upright or shear forces when more stretched forward (tried dfferent positions, suspension seatposts etc etc). Commute is 8 miles each way. Or a soul destroying 45min tube journey.....

I am now starting to wonder about recumbents....

The HPVelotechnik Street Machine GTE gets good write-ups and looks to have a reasonable riding position for in-traffic. Does anyone use one for commuting?

Any other advice/recommendations appreciated. Thanks.

Comments

  • Cunobelin
    Cunobelin Posts: 11,792
    Recumbents make superb commuting machines and the Street Machine has a high enough profile to dispense with visibilty aids. You are as high as many DF cyclists.

    I have commuted on an SMGT for some ten years as well as the Trike. You do ned to get "hands on" though. Bike Fix in Lambs Conduit St arestockists.
    <b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
    He that buys flesh buys many bones.
    He that buys eggs buys many shells,
    But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
    (Unattributed Trad.)
  • hambret
    hambret Posts: 1
    Please 'scuse the newbie question - just signed up to ask this...
    I only commute 3 miles, 1 mile in relatively heavy traffic with some narrow streets, the other 2 on wide open roads, and I live at the top of a big hill steep in places.
    As I live near the coast I also always seem to have heavy winds against me (onshore/offshore business means winds against me morning and night)

    I'm interested in a recumbent for commuting for health reasons (neck back shoulder and wrist problems all starting to affect me)
    Plus when I do go for longer treks a recumbent appeals.

    My question is, how practical are recumbents when having to e.g squeeze between stationary cars, as my 1 mile bit in heavy traffic I'm always generally overtaking in town.
    Trikes look too wide & I'd have to sit in the traffic, but a recumbent bike looks about the same width as my body, but wondering about the slightly lower seating position when squeezing throuhg the white line overtaking lane.
    Plus also how practical are 'bents for this?
    Thanks a lot.
  • Cunobelin
    Cunobelin Posts: 11,792
    Not a problem....

    You just need to be sensible. If you are actually questioning whether a 'bent or trike will safely fit through a gap then I think the gap is a bit dodgy for any bike!

    Seriously though, I ride my trike (Catrike Expedition) through Portsmouth on a daily basis and it is no slower, more ungainly or difficult than on the Thorn, Brompton or the other bikes.

    If anything it is faster!
    <b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
    He that buys flesh buys many bones.
    He that buys eggs buys many shells,
    But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
    (Unattributed Trad.)

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