needing more info before decision is made

[izzifureal]

Brad and Kat,

First, I have to say I found this site through a "tallbike" in instructables.com. I am absolutely in love with your designs and the such. many have piqued my interest. Here's my dilemma... I am a working dad and mom is stay at home. we have limited resources to draw from and gas is way to high at this point. I work 17 miles from where I live (at the present) with the last mile being uphill. It's all rural though and the route takes me along the Delaware river...quite scenic.

Anyway, I have been looking into electrics for awhile, but have my doubts on most. I would be willing to spend an hour commuting each way (if necessary) and can charge at both ends. (if necessary) The dilemma I am having is now become "human powered" vs "electric" and it's all due to your site and your designs. I find them incredible. You have a sale from me if I can figure out what I want to build first -- from your extensive catalog. If it's human powered, it has to be recumbent as that distance cannot be covered by me any other way ( I am 49, overweight, but not totally out of shape... i lift 100 lbs at a time hundreds of times a day) We don't have alot of money, but I am looking for something that takes Gas out of the equation for me. And I can build anything if given the right plans. any suggestions? By the way, The "male" in me wants to turn heads as I am "different" LOL! Give a guy a suggestion or two on how to give you his money even when there is really none to be had....LOL

[trikeman]

I am 49, overweight, but not totally out of shape... i lift 100 lbs at a time hundreds of times a day

Those kinds of excuses won't get you far here. Many of us are 60+ or approaching it and also overweight, but most of us can't life 100 lbs once a day. Two years ago, when I was only 56 and only about 10 pounds overweight I routinely rode 30 miles a day on my wedgie and 50-80 on weekends. Now, I am more out of shape from not riding enough and a 25 miler is about my limit unless I want to train for a month. I average about 12-15 mph now.

I'm only kidding ya a bit, but truly you are not too out of shape to ride significant distances, especially on a bent. Welcome aboard and I will let Brad suggest a ride for you. I like my Delta Wolf, but for commuting I might suggest the Meridian.

[izzifureal]

I am 49, overweight, but not totally out of shape... i lift 100 lbs at a time hundreds of times a day

Those kinds of excuses won't get you far here. Many of us are 60+ or approaching it and also overweight, but most of us can't life 100 lbs once a day. Two years ago, when I was only 56 and only about 10 pounds overweight I routinely rode 30 miles a day on my wedgie and 50-80 on weekends. Now, I am more out of shape from not riding enough and a 25 miler is about my limit unless I want to train for a month. I average about 12-15 mph now.

I'm only kidding ya a bit, but truly you are not too out of shape to ride significant distances, especially on a bent. Welcome aboard and I will let Brad suggest a ride for you. I like my Delta Wolf, but for commuting I might suggest the Meridian.

They were not offered as an excuse. They were simply put in as information so as maybe to help me make the right decision on a build as I have limited income and can't afford to make the wrong call, as the right one would then be way down the road for me, and a 4.09 a gallon, gas cuts me deeply. I had no idea of the age profiles here and frankly don't care about age. I was simply giving as much useful information as I thought of. My ICE gets 17 mpg and a gallon a day may not be much to some, but when you have a 15 month old son and wife to care about, it all adds up. I simply don't want to make a wrong decision when it comes to building one of brad's creations. He doesn't state speed on any human powered or for electric for that matter.If an electric can't get me 17 miles than human powered is the way to go, but if I can't huff it at at least 17 miles an hour without having a heart attack, then it's back to electric.

See? limited income, middle aged, overweight, out of shape, 17 miles, last MILE uphill (yeah I clocked it) and I don't want to commute over an hour and a half tops -- one way...the less the better. To formulate an opinion one must have as many variables pertaining to the specific situation and they all pertain to it. Please don't single out one thing as an "excuse" I don't ever offer excuses. I am always accountable for anything I do which makes the word excuse pointless. Variables Trikeman....Variables. Without them we'd all be lost.

This isn't for exercise or for recreation either. This is necessity. I am a Unicyclist, but that ain't gonna happen for 17 miles. It's a novelty at best. At the end of my day I am absolutely wiped out, but I do what I have to so my wife can raise our son. In the morning I hurt so bad it takes me 15 minutes just to get out of bed. Every day I discover muscle groups I didn't even know existed, much less I had...but determination, a woman's love and the smile of a little boy keep me going. i am just trying to make life easier on the wallet for my family. I was a electronics technician for 23 years, so the electrics really have appeal to me.(gadget freak extraordinare) But with Champagne taste and a beer pocket I need to be really careful. I can't let my love for gadgets get in the way of practicality.

[trikeman]

Sorry it was my bad attempt at humor. No offense intended. Most of us here build for fun and exercise, so we tend to joke around a lot. I should not have made any such presumptions about your conditions. I will butt out now, and let Brad answer your questions. Good luck with it.

[KoolKat]

I think the new and yet-to-be released Lode Runner Trike may be what you;re looking for. Brad hopes to have that one done in the next few weeks. It's designed for heavier riders, with optional electric assist motor, but also will have a rear carrying compartment. It sounds like that's the solution for you. Don't worry; we all like to bug each other here. As a newbie we gotta work you in, just to make sure you're legit. Welcome to the whacky world of the AZ Krew. Now you're official! :p

[TheKid]

Yeah. We dish it out, but we take it too!

[Richie Rich]

I am a Unicyclist.......It doesn't matter what Religion you are, just as long as you like to build bikes..!!

:D

...Richie >>

PS...Welcome to the group. You'll find that we're a bit eccentric, but that comes from breathing welding fumes too often...!! After all, we ARE Zombies...!!! :eek:

[Patrike]

I would think no matter what you build, you could put an electric assist on it.

With a front hub assist, the LodeRunner I think that would be prefect for going 17miles -- stop for grocercies or the beer store on the way home to boot! I personally would have enough bats to make the journey one way with 100% assist -- recharge at work and 100% assist home -- well the 1mile is from work is all down hill!!!! I am thinking this myself. My work ride would be approx the same at 30km. I want to get there in 45min-1hr so I have to do a little over 30kph. The new Geekchopper layout at Exertrike.com is also peaking my interest -- without the smugger that is. I like the thought of having 3 wheels but the 2 wheels may lend itself to the commute better.

All the best in your quest!
Patrick

[SirJoey]

Two years ago, when I was only 56...

TM, I must've missed that part the first time I read it, cuz for some reason, I thought you were still in your mid 40s. I'm surprised to discover that you have 3 years on me, but hey, us old dudes have still got a few human-powered miles left in us, eh? :D

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[Patrike]

I think the Meridian would be a good canadate for redesign and for a long range commuter -- Next choice for me is the LodeRunner as I do have to carry laptop and other stuff sometimes - might just build both and get if over with :>) Oh ya -- got that Kyoto to finish 1st :D

later
Patrick.

[Jolly]

If you are looking into building a recumbent, go ride some already made ones to get a feel of what you like. Then choose your ride to build.

[n9viw]

I had a great reply all set up, and then closed the window. Way to go, genius! :o

I'm 35, 200# (slightly overweight), and commute 30 miles a day on a DF Cannondale weighing in at 35-40# on its own. I've been cycle commuting for the last three or four years, and even now I don't AVERAGE 17mph... maybe 15. I might peak over 20mph if I have a good tailwind, or on a downhill run, or both, but can rarely, if ever, hit it on the flat in a slack wind. It takes me about an hour to do the 15 miles, give or take, depending on circumstances like traffic, weather, wind, etc. My best time is 50 min door-to-door, my worst is 1.25 hours. All that is to say, try to be realistic in your expectations.

If you're commuting with traffic, I'd recommend the Meridian or Bandito. Both will get you up in the 'traffic eye', and are comfortable enough to do the round trip you need to without becoming a shivering puddle by the end of the day. If you're just starting out, I think I'd recommend the Bandito (that's going to be my first build) over the Meridian, as there's less critical framework to do- just a 20" front wheel (and fork if you can get it), some welding on the outrigger BB and handlebar riser, and a bit of creative carpentry to make a good seat.

Welcome in, and keep the questions coming! We like to see the blossoming of a future success story! :D

[g-man]

i also commute everyday on a sears free spirit.when the fuel prices hit 2.48per gallon i decided to make my bike my primary transportation it has been 1 year since then and it was the best thing ever for my health and my wallet.nowadays i enjoy riding and will never go back! so here is my suggestion: if you haven't ridden much and your pockets are low pick up a used bike,anywhere,rummage sale, auction ,swap meet etc... and start riding!you have plenty of time to figure out what you would like to build/ride.along the way your health will improve and the wallet will grow cause you are not buying gas in no time at all you will have the cash to build whatever bike that suits your needs,worked for me.i just purchased two beach cruisers for my wife and i,paid cash with what would have been gas money!building is a great hobby but this is the fastest way to get on the road besides jogging ,ewe.

[bentbuilder_jawnn]

I have never been able to aford electric power so I have learned to use my legs the most effecient ways possable, its not easy but I beleive it can be done. Take a few years before putting a moter on the bike.

read what I have written about pedaling: http://funnyfarmart.com/Qring.htm http://funnyfarmart.com/actionbent.htm

[quote=izzifureal;2987]
The dilemma I am having is now become "human powered" vs "electric"