Birth announcement: Kranky Lives!!

[Greg M]

This is to inform you that "Kranky" the recumbent bicycle was officially christened this morning on a thirty mile ride around the Saanich peninsula.
I've put build details and "baby pictures" on my website at: http://www.members.shaw.ca/gmerkley/bent/Kranky.htm

Now that that's finished, maybe I can get started on my trailer

-Greg

[BrwBier]

If it's like with teardrops and you want to build a second one, I guess I would be willing to take this one off your hands.
Brwbier

[Nitetimes]

Nice job on the bike. I'm not exactly sure about riding one of those, looks like I could spend a lot of time on the ground. But anyway, I went looking at them and I hafta say I am much more impressed with your chain/gear setup than I am with the manufactured ones. Just seems to make more sense than than ultra long chain flopping in the breeze. Lots cleaner looking too. Seems to me keeping the shifting chain fairly short is a better idea. I'm sure there is a reason they don't do it your way (extra cost maybe) but I just can't see it. It sure isn't for looks cause all that extra stuff up front looks like crap.
BTW your bike looks nicer too.
Good job.

[Lazybones]

Very nice bike! Congrats on finishing the build and taking it on a ride.

[Jiminsav]

let me ask a silly question..
why have a bike you recline on and stick your feet out in front of you and peddle?..whats the benefit?
just doesn't seem natural to me.

[Kevin A]

let me ask a silly question..
why have a bike you recline on and stick your feet out in front of you and peddle?..whats the benefit?
just doesn't seem natural to me.

One advantage I can see is a lower center of gravity. any other advantages?

[Jiminsav]

Kevin, a lower center of gravity is only a plus if your falling off a bar stool..

I have never fallen off a bicycle seat in the 40 years I been riding them.

[Kevin A]

Well, you DID ask,

[Spadinator]

I know for people like me who have arthritis in their knees the recumbent bike is more comfortable to ride. I have also heard that those with back problems can ride the recumbents easier. I have the plans and parts for a long wheel base recumbent but need to finish my trailer first.

[Greg M]

Actually, the lower centre of gravity is both a blessing, and a curse. While you have less distance to fall, you don't have the stability advantage that being further from the pivot point gives you. For example go balance a yard stick upright in on hand, easy right? Now try it with a one foot ruler, much harder.
The real advantage to recumbents is comfort. After a full day of riding nothing hurts. Not my butt, not my neck, arms, shoulders, or wrists. I don't chafe in sensitive spots because I'm not rubbing those parts against the horn of a regular seat, and all the equipment keeps working right because I'm not putting all that weight on a fairly delicate nerve bundle.
With some recumbent designs there are aerodynamic advantages, but you need to be a much more powerful rider than me for that to come into play.
So for me it just comes down to the comfort.

-Greg