Where to find Parts & Wheelsets for Your Recumbent

Bicycle Parts

List of Parts and Wheel manufacturers

• Aero Spoke Wheels – Aerospoke is one of the most recognized and respected names in composite wheels

• Alex Rims – manufacturer of bicycle rims.

• Bontrager Wheel Works – They are not built for recumbent bikes, but I ride these on my mountain bike and haven’t needed a truing in 2 years.

• Chris King Precision Components – Headsets, Hubs, Bottom Brackets and Tools.

• Dave’s Wheels – aka Dave Thomas’s Speeddream.com – custom wheel maker with a reputation among cyclists for quality. Located in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

• Ecospeed – Portland Oregon based company manufacturers and electric assist motor kit for recumbent bicycles.

• HED Cycling – Seems like everyone winning races is running these wheel sets.

• Mavic – Another Rim manufacturer that doesn’t really make recumbent specific rims, but I’ve ridden their mountain bike rims with great success. Good product!

• Pantour Suspension Hubss – Want to take some of the “ouch” out of bumps without a huge weight penalty? This is it! Carlsbad, California.

• Power on Cycling – Dealer specializes in recumbent parts and customizing Rans, Challenge, M5 and easy tour recumbent bicycles. Want to build your own this might be a good start to selecting your components. Site is plain vanilla but fairly detailed. Plant City, Florida

• Schwalbe Tires – If these are not the best tires you can buy, they are pretty damn close! You should be avle to find Schwalbe tires at quality bicycle dealers worldwide. Schwalbe North America – Victoria, British Columbia Canada.

• Security Bicycle Accessories – Distributes bicycle parts to dealers. Also has an excellent “links” page of parts manufacturers.

• Specialized Bicycles – Yes I know they don’t make recumbent bicycles, but they make some highly durable thorn resistant tires. I was getting flats about every 3rd ride from the thorns here, then I switched to Specialized Armadillos and I’ve had 1 flat in a year and a half!

• Spinergy Wheels- Another high end wheel set manufacturer.

• TerraCycle – USA (Oregon) manufacturer of Recumbent Parts and Accessories. Acquired FastBack Products in late 2007.

• Topolino Technology – High end wheel set manufacturer specializing in 700C Wheelsets, including Carbon Tubular with Kevlar spokes. These wheels feel great to ride and are featured on specially spec’d Carbent’s.

• Velocity – Wheels, Rims, and accessories including a line of recumbent wheels in 349, 406, 559, and 700 sizes.

• Wellgo Pedals – You’ll find Wellgo Pedals spec’d standard on a lot of recumbent bikes.

• Windwarp Fairings – Makes Lexan® plastic fairings compatible with a large range of recumbent bikes and trikes.

• Wheels for Bikes – More manufacturers listed at this personal website

Who Makes Recumbent Bikes?

Mistral Recumbent Bike (Mfg. Challenge Bikes)

For Trikes use the “Trikes” Tab or this link >>> Recumbent Trikes

For many the quest to discover what’s out there will lead directly to recumbent bicycle manufacturer’s sites. Bicycle dealers with experience and broad lines can be few and far between for those of us not fortunate enough to live in the few hotbeds of Recumbent Bike activity.

Want to know what that bike weighs? Convert Grams to Pounds with this Bicycle weight conversion tool.

Recumbent Bike Manufacturers

This is a pretty complete list of bike manufactures, however if you know of additional companies and would like us to list them here please send us the URL (Unfortunately not every company has a website).

• Actionbent Recumbents – Direct marketer of recumbent bicycles (No Dealer Base). Bikes are imported from china. Company is located in Redmond, Washington (A suburb of Seattle).

• Azub Bike – This is the English version of the site. Azub is a Czech Republic manufacturer with dealers in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Nederland, Belgium, France, Finland and Australia. You may be able to order direct as well, but if you don’t know what you are doing this could be a problem as there are import tariffs and restrictions to deal with (Not to mention the cost).

• Bachetta Bikes – Known for their Hi-Racers, Giro (26/20 – 406/559), Basso Ti (26/20 – 406/559), Strada (Dual 650c), Corsa (Dual 650c), and Aero Ti (Dual 650c). Doesn’t appear to be any color choices other than the manufacturers stock color selections. Used to be able to access the site through bachettabikes.com, but for some reason the redirect seldom works anymore. Very popular models as far as I can tell. Probably the best looking American bikes although the frames are still manufactured overseas. Would like to see an aluminum option, but the Ti is pretty nice looking. Sells though dealers. St. Petersburg, FL.

• Barcroft Bicycles – Direct marketer known for their Dakota and Virginia Models. Frames are custom built in the USA and bikes are assembled in VA. Falls Church, VA.

• Bent Up Cycles – Dealer & Distributor for several lines. I list them here because Carbent is using them as their sole distributor. Based in Los Angeles, CA.

• Burley Bicycles – (Only Makes Trailers and Accessories). Here is the scoop for now… The “Cooperative” was dissolved to form a Corporation, which was sold to an individual who thinks that Trailers are the way to go. Eugene, Oregon.

• Calfee Design – Brought to my attention by an owner, the “Stiletto” Long Wheelbase recumbent frame is made of carbon fiber and rumored to be lighter than the Easy Racers Ti Rush.

• Carbent – (Currently being sold only through Bent Up Cycles). Super light weight carbon fiber – sub 20lbs. I had the opportunity to test ride this bicycle and I want one! Due to neck problems and my Doctors advise it doesn’t look like this will be happening for me, but anyone with a healthy neck that really wants to go fast should consider this bike. Carbent bicycles really are under 20lbs! It’s an amazing performance machine. If you want one order early because once the word is out it will be interesting to see if production can keep up with demand.

• Challenge-Ligfiestsen Bikes – HELLO AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS – take a look. These bikes are AWESOME looking. Pieces of Art! Why isn’t there an American manufacturer designing bikes with these aesthetics. This site is a MUST VISIT. Simply beautiful. Sure it matters how a bike performs, but it also matters why they look like. A “10″ for style! NETHERLANDS. If the link doesn’t work you can also use www.challengebikes.com.

• CruzBike – A unique concept for a mainstream recumbent in that the drive power is sent to the front wheels. All CruzBike models feature dual suspension with an emphasis on both performance in their class and comfort for the rider.

• Cycle Genius – Looking for a fun, easy to ride and dare I say “affordable” Recumbent? This may well be your ticket. Don’t make the mistake I did and jump right into the most expensive highly hyped bicycle out there (Unless you are an experienced rider, with plenty of $ to throw around). Some recumbent bicycles have a pretty steep learning curve and awkward riding position. These bikes look easy to ride. Definitely put them on your list.

• Easy Racers LWB Bicycles – Makers of a line of fast beloved LWB Recumbent bicycles. Owned by Gardner Martin (A “legend” in the recumbent Industry) these bikes have a loyal following of very satisfied customers. Easy Racers has a history of “wins” that goes back for more than a decade in Human Powered Vehicle Racing. Freedom, CA.

• HP Velotechnik -Okay so maybe I’m biased. The Germans build beautiful cars and beautiful bikes. Maybe they are the best in the world, maybe they aren’t. Beauty if subjective. But to my eyes these bikes have Style! Starting with the “Spirit”, “Street Machine”, “Speed Machine”, stunning “Grasshopper”, and affordable “Wavey”. Yeah they may be a little heavy, they may not even be the fastest in their class, but if style and comfort are big on your agenda, then this is a “must visit”. Sells through a limited worldwide dealer network. Germany.

• Inspired Cycle Engineering (ICE) – Manufactures some nice looking innovative (Folding, Suspension, Steering) Recumbent Bikes and Trikes.  United Kingdom

• Ligfiets Plaza – Mfg. List. - Dutch Site lists all the known manufacturers in the Netherlands. This site is not in English.

• Lightning Cycle Dynamics, Inc. – Looking for a fast American made recumbent? Take a look at this line up! Lompoc, CA

• Linear Recumbent – USA manufacturer produces their own line of LWB’s.

• Longbikes – Manufacturers long wheel base recumbent bikes and tandem recumbents with model names “Eliminator” and “Slipstream”. Sells through a nationwide (Apparently USA Only) dealer network. Lakewood, Colorado.

• Maxarya Bikes – Good looking website, interesting looking bikes. Sells through dealer network. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

• MetaBike – Wish I could tell you more about the MetaBike… but their isn’t much to go on from their website (Writing this August 2009).  Interesting concept that they have created frame geometry that allows this bike to be an upright high racer or to utilize a smaller 20″ front wheel.

• M5 Ligfietsen – Buyer Beware! My own experience with the owner “Bram” was not good to say the least. I have received emails from other very unhappy M5 owners. I don’t know what else to tell you. These are good looking bikes, way heavier than they are spec’d on the website. the quality of the components is okay (You would expect a higher end component set on an expensive bike), and the frames are well built. But you can probably do a lot better. If you want a performance bent try Carbent!

Unsolicited Email Sent to me September 2008… 4 years after I bought my bike.

Hi, I live in Switzerland and ride a shock proof 559.
I just bought direct from M5 one carbon seat… The real piece of crap!
I posted information on the french user forum about recumbents www.velorizontal.bbfr.net
Here is a link to show the M5 “ultralight” carbon crap seat.
(here is the seat brand new, the first tree pictures on the first post)

http://velorizontal.bbfr.net/forum-du-matos-f7/les-nouveaux-sieges-en-carbone-m5-t6491.htm

Here the crap carbon ultrashitylight M5 seat after only 4KM¨!!!!

http://velorizontal.bbfr.net/forum-du-matos-f7/les-nouveaux-sieges-en-carbone-m5-t6491-90.htm

I received the seat with the exact same look as you can see in the photos, mountend on my sp559 and rided for 4km, than it was broken…

People should know to be very very careful with M5 products
Is better to buy a High Racer from Taiwan “http://performer.com.tw/” than M5.
I’m really pissed-off with mr.Bram

• Optima Cycles – Why are so many great looking bikes coming out of the Netherlands? Who knows? But hopefully others will follow suit. Models include “Baron”, “Cobra”, “Condor”, “Dolphin”, “Dragon”, “Hopper”, “Lynxx”, “Orca”, “Rider” and “Stinger”. Netherlands.

• Oracle Cycle Works – Located in Whitby Ontario, Canada. Looks like they have shifted their business model from manufacturer/retailer to manufacturer only.

• Rans Bikes – One of the better known American Manufactures featuring popular models like the V-Rex and Velocity 2. Hays, Kansas.

• RaptoBike – Created by a Dutch Company as a startup in January 2006.  Offering Front Wheel Drive low and mid racer recumbent bicycles.

• Sidewinder Cycle – Makes a Trike in a couple of versions.  Fillmore, California

• Slyway - Good looking bikes manufactured in Italy.

• TerraCycle – Part Manufacturer, part dealer. Makes their own line of hand crafted bicycles and parts. Resells parts and accessories for other brands. Portland, OR.

• Toxy Recumbent Bicycles - I don’t know why the German & Netherlands manufacturers seem to have such a good handle on the “curb appeal” factor, but they do. Another case in point. Germany.

• TW Bents – Taiwan manufacturer. The “Amigo”, “Focus”, and “Middleracer” bents look like a plush ride and have an interesting neck/head support.

• Varna Hand Cycles – Canadian Manufacturer (British Columbia) offers a variety of interesting bicycles focusing on a line of “Hand Cycles”. I don’t know if these are truly bents, but this site is definitely worth the visit if only to learn about the different cycling alternatives.

• Velocraft – Carbon Fiber Recumbents. If you want light weight and low to the ground racers you may just need to find (or travel to) a dealer near you. The VK3 looks like the kind of bike an affluent bent enthusiast would like to have in their stable. And you could probably ride this one on the street.

• Volae Recumbents – Volae, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hostel Shoppe – Bikes are built to design specs by Waterford Precision Cyles in Waterford, Wisconsin.

• ZOX Recumbent Bikes – Manufactures their own line and reseller for a few other brands. Erlangen, Germany.

I had a miserable experience with them. There customer service is pathetic.  Different prices on their different sites for the same products!

Are there any legitimate Online Vendors anymore?

I’ve had good luck with JensonUSA and Performance Bike.  Bad experience with Nashbar when they billed more than was advertised on their site.  Then sent me additional bills later on.

I try to buy from local shops, but they do not always have what I need/want.

Sad.

Amazon Sells the Crystalyte, Currie, and Wilderness Kits, but not the Bionx.

The Bionx seems to be the most refined product for Bicycles in that they are integrated for various levels of power assist and have the option to recharge their system while braking or riding in a “Training” Mode.  There is some question as to how useful the “Training Mode” really is… it takes a lot of power to regenerate the batteries on your own.  Perhaps some benefit on long downhills. But why pay so much extra for that feature when you probably won’t ever ride in training mode. The Bionix price tag is astronomical compared to all but the most powerful Crystalyte set ups.  It’s just an electrical motor and a battery no matter hot “techie” you make it.

If you decide to upfit your bicycle be sure you know that the dropouts on your fork/frame will support the additional torque of the kit you buy. Some front forks, especially suspension forks do not have strong enough drop outs. Make sure your kit is for the correct wheel front or back

It’s my understanding some of the Crysalyte motors may actually be too powerful… my goal is not to turn my recumbent bike into a motorcycle I just want to go up hills! But they may be the perfect choice for creating a commuter bike where you have to carry cargo or a recumbent tricycle which tends to be heavier.  Keep in mind the Cyrstalyte Hub/Motor Combo can weigh as much as 23lbs before you get to the batteries. So you could easily add 40lbs to your existing bicycle!  So Bionx seems to clearly have the weight advantage and battery technology on their side.  Maybe the high price is justifiable.

Some of the kits like the $299 Currie Electric Bike Kit would not mount easily on many recumbent bikes by design… they are built for upright mountain bikes.

Bionx does seem to have a leg up (Clever Pun Intended) on the competition from a reputation standpoint  as Trek has chosen to work with them for a line of Electric Bicycles they will be bringing to market in 2010.  Bikes that weigh about 40lbs complete.  Unfortunately the Trek Bicycles coming to market are wedgie bikes.

Please comment if you have experience with converting a recumbent bicycle or trike to full electric or to hybrid part time electric. Tell us what you think?  What have you experienced?

Please do not comment on this post if you do not have experience or if you are just “chiming in”.  I’d also appreciate comments on web urls to companies offering products – the actual manufacturers if possible.

Amazon.com’s Electric Bike, Conversion Kits, Scooters, etc. – I’m including this link to this page so that those of you who are interested can see just how many variations of electric bicycle products are coming to market.  I read, but can not quote the source that Amazon’s Sales of Electric Bike related items is up a full 60x higher this year than last!  That speaks to the ever rising cost of fuel as people look for cheaper transportation alternatives.

Schwinn is an extremely well recognized brand in the Bicycle Industry dating back more than 100 years (Schwinn was founded back in 1895). So it’s not surprising that one would search for a Schwinn Recumbent Bicycle… however if riding is your plan, then Schwinn is not a player. But if exercise fitness recumbent bikes are what you are interested in they do have a small line up of well received recumbent exercise bikes.

Schwinn Recumbent Bike Lineup:

Schwinn 230 Recubment Exercise Bike

Bicycle Features:

• 16 levels of resistance
• New walk through design
• Recumbent Bio-Fit Comfort wide seat with dual position lumbar support seat back and side bolsters
• A full complement of workout programs including 1 Manual, 6 Profile, Calorie Goal, BMI Measurement, Recovery Test, Results Mode, Quick Start
• LCD computer display with complete workout statistics including Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, and Resistance
• Schwinn Quality recumbent handlebars with integrated grip heart rate sensors and micro-adjustable fore/aft console slider
• Built in magazine rack
• Bottle holder positioned under the seat within easy reach
• Transport wheels

Schwinn 231 Recubment Exercise Bike

Bicycle Features:

• Rated #1 Recumbent Bike under $1,000 by a leading consumer magazine
• Walk-through design accommodates users with a wider range of abilities and fitness levels
• BioConnect® Feedback system with backlit LCD display shows a variety of workout statistics – including Time, RPM, Distance, Watts, and many more – to help you get the most out of your workouts
• A full complement of workout programs, including 10 preset, and 10 profile courses
• BioDyne® Performance engineering creates a smooth ride and high inertia from a 20 lb. steel flywheel and computer-controlled drive system
• BioFit® comfort system with padded ergonomic seat with dual-position lumbar support

Schwinn 203 Recubment Exercise Bike

Bicycle Features:

• Wide comfort seat
• Recumbent handlebars with integrated heart rate sensors
• Wide platform pedals
• Water bottle holder, transport wheels, integrated rear stabilizer frame levelers, console mast access bars for easy entry/exit onto/from the bike

Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Exercise Bike

Bicycle Features:

• Super-quiet motor; simple assembly
• 11 preset programs provide workout variety
• Computer controlled, eddy current resistance
• Belt drive system ensures quiet operation and a smooth ride
• Grip Heart Rate enables you to monitor your fitness level
• Fast and easy seat adjustment accommodates riders of all body sizes and leg lengths
• Integrated leveling feet offer enhanced stability while protecting the floor
• Battery Operated

That’s the round up of Schwinn Recumbent Bikes.

I’m also looking to review a lightweight SWB with an upright position… fast but not a high racer… something along the lines of a P38.  Lightweight to me on a bent is sub 24lb.

If you are interested drop me a note.  We have a lot of visitors from all over the world stop by the site.  I am NOT trying to be Bent Bike Central for reviews BentRider already does a nice job of that.  I just like riding and checking out the high end light weight stuff.

Use the “Contact” tab to send me a note if interested.

Original Date of Review: July 19, 2004

Shockproof Ti 559 Photographs on bottom of this page.

As much as I would like it to be lighter and a better climber I still stand by my statements that the construction is top notch. This bike is exceptionally well built (but you pay the price in weight). I still hate the brakes – yuck! They slow you down, but don’t stop you on the hills. On the flats the brakes are adequate.

This is a fun bike to ride, gets lots of looks, and I like the color scheme with the Titanium/Black. In hindsight I wish I had opted for the 650c wheels and less spokes. I think a little faster wheels would help some in climbing. I’ve logged a couple of hundred miles now so I’m pretty comfortable even at slow speeds. Yes it can be twitchy and you can get some heel strike, but I wouldn’t hold that against the bike; it’s what you get with the “low racer” design. So overall I think it’s a solid bike, I just don’t think it’s worth the price I paid.

If you can buy the frame separately you might consider this as an option to build up your own quasi-fast around town fun bike. Definitely get the carbon fiber seat, build your own wheels, and spec your own component group. I’d also advise you have an experienced technician help with the assembly and tuning. Well I’ve pretty much said all I can about this model. Caveat Emptor – enjoy you’re ride!

Update: August 6, 2004

CLIMBING EXPERIENCE

I took the bike for it’s first real climbing test – an 8 mile climb up a canyon with a 2 to 3% grade, and the last 2 miles at about 6%. This bicycle is just too heavy to be a good climber, all the road bikes were passing me. I maintained about 10mph on the lower part of the climb and it was all I could do to keep about 6 to 7mph on the upper. And I’m not tooting my own horn, but I’m in hella good shape because I ride on average every other day and already have hundreds of miles on my mountain bike logged this season. So if you want to go fast in the flats this is a good bike, but if you want to climb with it you will be disappointed like I am. One MAJOR reason I bought this bike was for it’s low weight (billed as 24.5lbs, but actually 33lbs). So I guess I’ll get a Trek 5200 for climbing. Yes I’ve heard all the stories how recumbents can climb, but if your idea of climbing is 2 to 4mph in granny gears then I guess you are right. But if you want to maintain a reasonable speed then I’d opt for the road bike. How many of you ride centuries anyways? Most of you probably ride 5 to 20 miles for recreation and fun.

YIKES I’VE BEEN SCREWED!

I have spoken too soon about M5’s service. I guess I was excited to be part of the recumbent world. Shortly after my comment about good service I received a bill from Federal Express for additional charges. Turns out nobody ever informed me of these charges and M5 who said the shipping was inclusive is now refusing to step up to the plate and honor their word BUT BRAM DID KEEP MY MONEY PROFITED AT LEAST $300 ON THE SHIPPING. Fed Ex never informed me of any extra charges either – otherwise the bicycle would still be at customs – I WILL NOT BE SCREWED FURTHER BY BRAM MOENS OR FEDEX.

I paid $600 US and the actual shipping according to a Fed Ex rep was about $300. So M5 banked $300 profit off of my ignorance. I’ve learned my lesson, buy from a local dealer and make sure you know exactly what you are getting for you money. I guess my good service prior to this invoice was based on the fact that they had gouged me so hard in shipping. Did they think I wouldn’t find out? But what can you do? Some dealers are honest, some try to take advantage of you. It was my fault for wanting a bike I couldn’t buy here. In the future I’ll make due with the best American Made product I can find. PERSONALLY I WOULDN’T PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM M5 AGAIN, BUT YOU’LL HAVE TO DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Wow! That’s the feeling I have now after returning from my first full-blown ride. But about an hour ago my first impression was – ought oh! What have I done. So lets step back to the beginning. I’ll spare you all the reasons why I made the move to a recumbent, lets just say the time was right. I have other bikes which are quite nice in their own right.

THE SHOCKPROOF BUYING PROCESS

After researching for a couple of months everything I wanted in a Recumbent I selected the M5 Shockproof Ti 559 from M5 Ligfietsen! I wanted the dual 26″ wheels and there were not many bikes available with dual suspension and dual 26″ wheels. The suspension ruled out Volae, Bachetta, and Rans. I choose the Ti Version because I wanted lighter weight (too bad it isn’t really light like it’s billed to be). So I committed and sent off an email to M5 which was answered quite promptly by Bram Moen. A note to website owners – YES PEOPLE REALLY DO BUY BIKES THEY FIND ON THE INTERNET. You (the reader) might be surprised to know that many of the dealers/manufacturers I contacted via E-mail never responded to my inquiries. They must have too much business? IF A DEALER IS GOING TO POST A WEBSITE AND AN EMAIL ADDRESS DON’T YOU THINK THEY WOULD BE ADVISED TO ANSWER THE EMAIL? I thought so… anyways back to the Shockproof Ti 559!.

After a process of about 6 weeks of writing back and forth (It was not a great experience for a person like me who has many virtues, patience not among them). I’m not sure they (Bram) thought I was a serious buyer. I had difficulty with my bank trying to do a wire transfer – In fact they said they could, but failed to be able to do an international wire transfer correctly. So I ended up putting the bike on the Visa Card. And was told my bike was on it’s way.

The next series of frustrations began. I received a telephone call from my Sister telling me that there was a package for me from FedEx that was being held for some reason. She gave me a telephone number and a lady to call. I called and of course received “voice mail”. Yikes I thought, this is going to be another hurdle. Fortunately she called back within the hour. Due to the Homeland Security Act here in the USA my bike was being held while until I filled out the necessary Import Paperwork. Yikes how long was that going to take? I downloaded the application (Adobe Acrobat Format), and emailed it off. Surprise – next day my bike arrived! The funny part (in hindsight) of the story is that FedEx didn’t know how to contact me, so they opened the telephone book for my City and called a person with the same last name, who turned out to be my uncle. He in turn called my sister, who called me. Lucky? NOPE! Written in BIG BLOCK LETTERS right on the top of the box was my Telephone number! How FedEx missed that I’ll never know!

OUT OF BOX EXPERIENCE

As adults we sometimes forget the pure adrenaline rush, exhilaration, and excitement of childhood Christmas’s. Can you remember the first gift you got that just totally fulfilled your expectations. You knew you were going to get it and when you did, you were just totally into the moment? Hold on to that feeling, you may experience it again if you get one of these bikes! That’s the feeling I had RIGHT UP UNTIL THE POINT I OPENED THE BOX! Yikes pieces of bubble wrap and tape everywhere. The tape was rather hard to get off in places (i.e. the carbon fork). The Shockproof was too large to ship assembled, so it had to be disassembled into component pieces in order to ship across the pond.

So what I had on my living room floor was a dozen or so very nicely wrapped packages of Shockproof Ti component parts “mostly” assembled. No problem I figured, I’ve put together a few bicycles in the past. This was a little different though. I quickly pieced together the pieces that made sense from the photograph of the bike. I got everything mostly together except for the derailleur adjustment before I encountered a major problem. (Pictures of the M5 TI 559 Shockproof including how it was packaged are available below).

I didn’t know exactly where washers went on the bolts, but I worked through the process. The problem was the front brake pad was rubbing the rim. So I spun the rim and it still rubbed. I was not very happy! No matter how hard I tried I could not adjust the Teckro Mini V brake on the left front side for the life of me (More on this later).

The Tech (At M5) that installed the brake had cut the wire so short that I it had no play. But that was only part of the problem. Turns out the bigger problem was the wheel simply was not true, and aggravated the whole situation. Now you would think (Or at least I would think) that someone at M5 would have taken more time to make sure these “little” things didn’t happen on a bicycle shipping so far. But they didn’t.

LITTLE INCONVENIENCES

Now I’ll be the first to admit I am NOT the world’s best bicycle technician, but I’m not bad. I can do most maintenance tasks, but I leave the big stuff to the shop technicians as I do not have the tools, nor the desire to delve into the world of bike building. Having qualified my bicycle skills in this manner I must now admit that after my frustrations with the brakes, and my burning desire to ride the darn thing and not just look at it – I took the Shockproof 559 Ti into a local bike shop. I called 5 shops and finally found one willing to do the simple things I needed to “fine tune” the assembly (Adjust brakes, derailleur, etc.). But before we talk about the bicycle shop experience, lets talk about that darn wheel that wasn’t true!

I also sent my untrue wheel off to Dave Thomas at Dave’s Wheels. I learned of Dave’s services by reading the wheel reviews at Mountain Bike Review (MTB Review). After so many glowing reviews how could I go wrong? So I phoned up Dave and explained the situation. He told me it wouldn’t be a problem, but he was in Colorado for the summer (Not Arizona). I needed to ship him the package and enclose a check for $35 ($25 for the truing and $10 to cover shipping – turns out shipping was $8.80 so he was right on target). I have never met or spoken to Dave before, but I figured it shouldn’t be a problem. So I sent the wheel off, and a week later it came back perfectly true! That’s good service, and he even dismounted and remounted the tire for me because I was too lazy to do that! Good deal, if you need custom wheels you might want to give him a call!

THE BICYCLE SHOP EXPERIENCE

After 5 calls I found a shop and a competent sounding technician – “Derek” who was willing to take the time to answer all my questions, and also agreed to adjust my bicycle while I was there right in the shop. The other technicians I called didn’t sound competent and didn’t understand my need to be there during the adjustment of the boom, etc.

In the span of about half an hour I had my derailleur adjusted, and the front brakes adjusted. Derek removed the weird (That’s the description I’ll use) nut on the top of the left pad and replaced it with a more common nut from a set of used Tecktro Brakes he had in the shop. He also had to replace the cable as it was too short (as previously mentioned). Total damage – $30 USA for the “tune up” and $5 USA for the brake cable. Not a bad deal for same day service while you wait. I was so happy I immediately took my Trek Fuel 98 in for a broken spoke problem. DEALERS – ANYONE CAN SELL A BIKE, BUT SERVICE WINS CUSTOMERS. Okay I’m preaching – lets ride the darn thing!

MY FIRST RIDE ON THE SHOCKPROOF 559 TI

Ought oh! What have I done? What have I gotten myself into? Have I made a huge financial mistake? With basic black Shimano 105 components (See full M5 Shockproof Component list below) but it was more than $4,000 USA after shipping! That’s a lot to me considering the middle of the road component package (I was, and am a little envious of the Bachetta Aero because it is so much lighter, and comes with all High End components for about the same price). I figure I got the same basic deal any other customer would have received – not counting being screwed on the shipping.

I began to pedal – I have only ridden one other recumbent before this one – a Sun something or other with a cushy seat and a low bottom bracket. It was really easy to ride, but very mushy slow feeling. This new Shockproof 559 felt entirely different. My first impression was “this feels kind of squirrelly”. Due to my inexperience and slow speed stability problems I almost crashed before I was even out of the driveway. I had trouble starting… but I just kept pedaling, and at 6 or 7 miles per hour the stability improves drastically.

Even so my first mile or so was scary stuff! I thought for sure I was going to crash again. I applied the brakes – SQREECH! So loud a car that drove by with it’s windows down gave me a strange look. Perhaps the brakes need a while to “break in” (pun intended). I kept pedaling. Now I must say I’m a experienced rider (Just not recumbents). I’ve been on a bicycle for as long as I can remember and never had a problem with any bike as far as handling and balance are concerned. This was a different experience. I kept pedaling. I got more and more comfortable.

I decided to take one of my longer “usual” loops around town. About half an hour into the ride I felt pretty comfortable on the bike. However, I am still not all that comfortable with the handle bar position or the shifting. I’ve never been a fan of “grip shift” shifters. Hopefully I’m not violating some trademark there, perhaps it’s twist shifters. And the braking does leave something to be desired. I find myself anticipating stops much more than on any other bicycle. I would have loved a disc brake option but that adds weight. Weight is bad? Isn’t it? Maybe not.

MY FIRST DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE TI 559

Weight! I put my Trek Fuel 98 on the Bicycle shop scale (An electronic hanging scale designed for weighing bicycles). This looked like a quality scale and it read 28.6 lbs. Right on! It’s the largest frame they make 21.5″ and full suspension, so I knew the scale was accurate. I next put the Shockproof TI 559 on the scale expecting to see about 27lbs. Wow was I shocked (no pun intended). 33lbs 2 ounces. I did a slight double take. The M5 website lists this bicycle at 11.5 kg (25.4lbs) with Shimano 105! Now I expected my bike to be heavier as I had more spokes in the wheels, and the TI rack – I figured 27lbs would be about right. NOT EVEN CLOSE! This bike was a full 6lbs heavier than that!

I guess there really is some truth to weight not being as important in the recumbent world. Just a word of warning with any bike, if you care about weight, buy from a dealer (In this case I had no choice as there were no dealers in the USA) ) and have them weigh the bike with the accessories you want already installed. I’m definitely happy with the bicycle and will be keeping it as my main ride for some time to come.

More about the weight: Yes it’s heavier than I expected, but it doesn’t feel super heavy. It’s hard to explain you just have to ride it. In all fairness to M5 I did spec the bicycle a little “heavy duty” – but not 8 extra pounds heavy duty, just extra spokes – 36 spoke wheels.. And as stated earlier the build quality is impeccable.

The Shockproof Ti 559 bike can be made lighter with higher end components: carbon seat, Dura-Ace, etc. – But even so I don’t see how you could possibly get it down below 28 to 29lbs. 33lbs is what it weighs in the configuration I recieved. I didn’t realize I was getting the Fiberglass seat and not the carbon fiber seat. I guess I had “sucker” written on my forehead.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE TI 559 SHOCKPROOF

Scary at first for those of us with limited recumbent experience. It’s my understanding slow speed handling is not a strength of any recumbent design. But even a person of average balance and skill will quickly become accustomed to starting and stopping. After you get the knack of starting and you get up to say 5 to 8 mph the handling improves exponentially! This bike feels like performance machine right up until you need to climb something steep! If you ride in the flats you won’t be disappointed with the performance.

I opted for the Specialized “Fatboy” tires. These are fast easy rolling comfortable tires (I have them on my spare mountain bike). A seasoned recumbent rider will probably take to this bike faster than I did, but I’m catching on quickly. It’s slow speed handling isn’t great (as mentioned above this tends to be the case for recumbents in general), but at speed (and I’ll report the actual speeds after I hook up the computer and go on several rides) it handles pretty well. I am a little concerned about low speed stability from the very narrow handlebars. I understand the ergo/aerodynamic ramifications. It’s a fair tradeoff, but slightly wider bars in my opinion would add to the feeling of stability. I also found my wrists getting a little uncomfortable, and I wasn’t about to take my hands off the bars. Knowing this I think bars that are about 2″ wider on each side would add tremendously to the “feel” of stability for a recreational rider like myself, while the racer will probably want to keep the tight aero bars this shipped with this bicycle. Catch me in a month or two and I’ll probably be saying “Boy I’m glad I have these narrow bars, I wish I could go faster!”.

While riding (even on my very first ride) I was amazed at how much difference the riding position makes not only to comfort (I like the M5 Seat – I have a very long back and the large seat fits me well, if anything it might be 1 or 2 inches too short, but it feels good) but to the speed you can attain and more importantly maintain in a headwind. It is so much easier to pedal into the wind. I noted a rider about 300 yards ahead of me riding into the wind on his upright road bike, and within about 5 minutes of casual pedaling I had closed at least a hundred yards on him. This bike may be too much for your riding goals, style, or budget, but recumbents in general will open your eyes to how much easier it is to ride in the wind. The shockproof 559 Titanium excels in a head wind! I think my first impressions were based a lot on fear of the unknown and as I ride this bike I’ll like it more an more.

SEXY AND FAST

Sexy is local slang we like to use among friends to describe things which are “cool”, “innovative” and just easy on the eyes. This bike has all of that! I didn’t mention that I’m fairly large at 6′4″ and about 210lbs. I felt very much at home with the dual 26″ and really liked the M5 Seat (I’ve said that twice now!). This bike feels very fast to me! It’s SEXY! But I just can’t get over the weight because I have to do a lot of climbing where I live. This is a good bike for people that don’t have to climb.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are very few options in the dual 26″ recumbent market right now. I wanted and got dual suspension. The ride is firm yet forgiving, when I push hard on the pedals the seat provides the support I need to really accelerate. The seat is comfortable for my body (although a headrest would be nice) but it did seem to get a little bit hot. I left a trail of sweat on the nylon covered foam pad. I would sacrifice a little aero for the more secure feeling wider handle bars would bring – although not full on wide like the “tweener” bars on other bikes. I really like the fact that my knees are nowhere near hitting the handlebars. I did rub my right leg slightly on occasion against the chain housing. And while this bike is not perfectly silent the chain noise didn’t bother me much, I could barely hear it. I usually ride with my MP3 Flash Player (iRiver) and ear buds so I couldn’t really tell. I set the volume very low so I can hear traffic. I just like the rhythm of music when riding it helps me keep a nice smooth pace. And a final thought about low speed handling. Yes it’s possible to have “heel strike” but only at very slow speeds and relatively sharp turns.

Good – Benefits

• Performance: Fast, Fast, Scary Fast on the flats and downhill!
• Sexy looking.
• Top quality welds, stiff yet forgiving. This frame will be around 200 years after I’m 6′ under. I just can’t impress upon you enough the quality of the frame, and overall “feel” of this bike.
• I was happy with Bram’s willingness to take the time to answer my questions and work with me through the minor glitches. I’m sure an authorized dealer and dealer assembly would have avoided the problems I had.
• Great Website – Love the information on Energy/Speed expectations.

Bad – Downside

• Unless you are experienced in recumbents you may choose bad components for the money. Hopefully you’ll find a dealer you can trust. Don’t buy direct unless you want to be screwed.
• I still don’t like the brakes! I don’t think I’ll ever like these brakes, but they will stop you once you get used to them, but they are nothing special. If you are going too fast you’ll need plenty of room to slow down before stopping.
• Handling is a little “Twitchy” – this is a cyclists bike – not Grandpa’s campground cruiser material and definitely not something you are going to teach the kids to ride on.
• I’ll probably do something stupid and die on this thing due to the tight handle bars (I’m already getting a false sense of security as I get comfortable on the bike which is followed quickly by extreme fear when something goes even a little awry. Steering is NOT forgiving.
• It’s heavier than I expected for Titanium (but rock solid construction).
• No dealers here in the USA. This (as I now know) is not a good choice for casual bikers, but if you have good balance, want to go like hell, and have everyone look at you with envy – go get one! or Buy mine! Bram is NOT concerned in the slightest about making good on promises. Customer support is terrible.

COMPONENTS ON MY BIKE

• Frame – M5 Titanium
• Fork: Carbon Fiber – Mfg. ?
• Rear Shock: DNM – DV22
• Steering – OSS Scary Tight Bars
• Seat – M5 w/nylon covered foam pad
• R. Derailleur: Shimano Deore black
• F. Derailleur: Shimano 105 black
• Shifters: SRAM Rocket
• Crankset: Shimano 105
• Wheelset: Custom Aero M5 36 Spoke
• Hubs: Shamino 105
• Brakes – Tektro Mini V
• Weight: 33lbs 2 oz (15kg) w/Ti Rack

Note: Please feel free to link to this review as you see fit, but please don’t copy it or repost it without permission.

Shockproof Ti 559 Pictures

Box Contents

M5 Shockproof 559 Box Contents

Dropouts

Ti Dropouts

Bars/Shifters

Handle Bars and Shifters

Boom Welds

Boom Welds

Fork Dropouts

Fork Dropouts

Frame Pivots

Frame Pivots

Left View

M5 Shockproof 559 Ti Left Side View

Right View

M5 Shockproof 559 Ti Right Side View

Stock Pedal

Stock Pedals

Ti Tubing

Shockproof 559 TI Tubing

Carbon Fork

Carbon Fiber Fork

Front View

M5 Shockproof 559 Titanium Front View

Rear Shock

Rear Shock Absorber

Rear Derailleur

Rear Derailleur

Rear Brake

Rear Brake

Ti Rack

Titanium Rack

Idler

Idler

Front Brake

M5 Shockproof Front Brake

Bicycle Talk - Forums

You can add to this Recumbent Forums list by sending me information on active forums not already listed, including forums in Europe and other parts of the world. Sure this site is in English, but I have no problem posting links to sites in other languages.

• BentRider Online Forums – Probably the most active Recumbent Community site. I believe the participants in this community are the most active and enthusiastic. Honestly these guys get my endorsement as one of the top spots to really get involved in Recumbent Riding.

• Bike Forums Recumbent Forum – As part of a larger bicycle community this site offers a large amount of posts.

• Cycling Forums Recumbent Bicycles – This one has been around awhile

• Human Propulsion Vehicle HPV Forum – French site for information on HPV and Recumbent Bicycles.

• The Recumbent Bike Forums – Hosted at recumbents.com

Our site Recumbent Bicycle Source is really about Bikes you ride on the streets and paths, but somehow the Stationary Exercise Bikes always get mixed into search results and a lot of people end up her at the site when they are actually looking for Stationary Exercise Bikes.  So these are listed as a courtesy.

Ebay Exercise Bikes and Equipment Classifieds

You can view Ebay listings without registering, but to bid on a bicycle on Ebay you must first register. Ebay mixes Stationary with Actual Bicycles so you might want to check the Recumbent Classifieds as well. Listings change as auctions change.

Link to Register for Ebay > Click Here to Register to Bid

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