Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Slipping on gravel and for when you do.

This will be short.

Ouch.

Suggestions:
Use the fattest tires possible. In turns, instead of leaning the bike into the turn, lean your head and upper body as much as possible to provide the counterbalance, as you'd do on a trike, and keep the bike as near vertical as possible. Avoid pebbles like the plague. If it looks like you are going to be forced to turn on gravel, you may safely assume you are going to fall. Brake hard and dramatically reduce your speed to a crawl before you reach the gravel patch.  This is your only hope for avoiding a fall, but even then....

For protection, since frequent riders may find a gravel skid nearly inevitable, wear body armor such as that used by mountain bikers.  A friend of mine (Neile, Ti-Aero rider and a New York Cycle Club ride leader) wears Six-Six-One armored shorts and roller blade-style elbow pads.  I now own some too.  Why not.  I'd consider some mountain bike body armor with shoulder pads, too.

Lots of MTB armor here, but I don't know much about the shop.
http://www.xsportsprotective.com/mountain-bike-protective-gear.html

If and when you lose skin from a skidding fall, take the injury seriously.  There is no such thing as "mere road rash."  Anytime you lose skin -- one of your body's main defenses against infection -- and dirt (pebbles, gravel, etc.) gets into the wound, you are at substantial risk of infection, which, if inadequately treated, can lead to death.  No joke.  Immediately scrub the entire road rash wound thoroughly with a medical sponge (or clean gauze pads) and soapy water.  The scrubbing will hurt, but you must clean out every speck of dirt, leaving a clean wound that can heal properly.  Dress the wound with clean bandages to prevent further infection.  If the wound is large, immediately see a doctor.  If you're treating someone else, isolate yourself from their bodily substances (like blood) before touching them.

Those are the basics, but they are not the whole story.  You must get training before you give first aid.  I strongly recommend taking one of the Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder courses offered by SOLO before another day goes by.

Best,
Robert

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson

Escape New York!, First Flight for Ornithopter!, Fall Foliage!

Robert with HP Velotechnik Street Machine Gte.

Escape New York and photos of the fun.

We had a great time at Escape New York, one of the jewels in the crown of the New York Cycle Club.  We had a small recumbent display with an HP Velotechnik Street Machine, a Volae Tour, and Rick Horan brought a Flevobike Green Machine. Dan (blue Volae Century) helped too!

I thought you might enjoy some photos showing the "action" from our bent stand at Escape New York.  Thanks to the organizers and all the riders!

We had a great time, met a lot of nice people, and saw some old friends too.

(These are from two riders' Flickr and Smug Mug streams, so links may get broken over time.  If they do, and you notice it, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know.)

This guy looked like he'd be fast regardless of what he rode. (Am I grabbing a screwdriver out of the air with my back turned? I don't think so....)

Robert, eating Siggi's skyr (yogurt). Don't try this while you're riding....on a diamond frame.... (or anything else, really). (I actually got to meet Siggi Hilmarsson himself and fitted him on a Street Machine Gte!! Man, that guy is TALL (like 6'6" or so)!

The Flevobike Green Machine.

Hee hee: could this be a future proud owner of an HP Velotechnik Street Machine Gte? (Obviously, this photo may not be published and/or republished without explicit permission.)

More, and more!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nick10025/5033405506/in/set-72157624928006923/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nick10025/5032801901/in/set-72157624928006923/

http://javierfraga.smugmug.com/Sports/NYCC-ENY-2010/13933188_EK7Te#1023210937_qyJfS

There's Peter!

Check out this helmet.

Here's the whole bunch of 'em.  And the other bunch.




First Successful Flight of the Snowbird Human-Powered Ornithopter



Interestingly, but not shockingly, the Snowbird ornithopeter uses Derk Thijs’ Rowingbike mechanism instead of a bicycle mechanism.

Lazily, I shall simply point you to the organization's website:

----------------------

Successful Flight of the Snowbird!!!!

Wed, 09/22/2010 - 11:22

On July 31st and August 2nd, 2010 the Snowbird succeeded in completing several sustained flights!! On the longest flight the altitude and airspeed were maintained for 19.3 seconds, setting a world first, and achieving the age-old aeronautical dream of self-powered flapping wing flight! The accomplishment of our goal is a success shared by all, and I must thank everyone who was involved for their help, sponsorship, advice, or simply for their interest in our project, which has motivated us when times where hard.

Please check out the media section of our website for pictures and video.

http://hpo.ornithopter.net/




Fall Foliage Map



It's soon to be here, folks.



Best,

Robert

------------

Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson

Monday, September 27, 2010

Packing list - self-contained tour

Packing list for a self-contained tour.
(If you feel I've forgotten something that's important to you, tell me about it.)


Clothes, Day / “Warm Wet”

Head:
Bike helmet
Sunglasses

Top:
Short sleeve base layer, merino wool (1) (spring, fall) or merino wool tank-top base layer (1) (summer, winter)
Long sleeve shirt, merino wool (1)
Vest, merino wool (shoulder season and winter)
Arm warmers (optional)
Sweater - windproof fleece
Elbow pads (fall protection)

Bottom:
Bike shorts/tights/undershorts (merino wool or synthetic) (1)
Bike overshorts/loose (wool or synth) (1)

Hands:
Thin high viz gloves for daily riding and as base layer for hands.
Gloves - windproof, warm when wet. (1)

Feet:
Socks - wool (1 pr.) (fall, winter, spring) (Thin wool in summer. Two pr. if long trip.)
Bike shoes (walkable) (1)

Rain/wind/cold:
Hat - windproof fleece or wool (1)
Shells - mittens, wind- and water-proof (1)
Socks - waterproof
Socks - wool/synth liner for waterproof socks
Rain coat/wind coat - breathable, light, high-viz, synthetic
Rain pants - breathable, ultra light (Dri Ducks)
Tights, long, merino wool, no fly (1)
Windproof pants or knickers if very cold.

Bugs
Deet (100% concentration, in small container)
Bug net/head net

Clothes In Camp: Evening/Morning
Warm coat with synthetic insulation (warm when wet)
Crocs or sneakers.
Travel towel (micro size)

Clothes at Night / "Dry or Die"
Balaklava - merino wool or synth
Possum fur gloves
Possum fur socks
Underwear (shorts) - base layer, Merino wool
Long underwear bottoms, Merino wool
Long underwear top, Merino wool
Down jacket (stored inside waterproof bag with down sleeping bag)

Shelter
Sleeping bag (stored inside waterproof bag inside stuff sack)
Vapor Barrier
Tent/Bivvy sack
Ground cover
Sleeping pad, full body length.
Pillow
Rope, 50', strong, light (strong enough to support body weight).
Lightweight tarp to cover and hide bike.
Camp flashlight (helmet-mounted light)
Extra batteries for camp flashlight

Kitchen
Stove
Fuel
Lighter/flint and steel
Lightweight back-up stove (for long, remote trips)
Pot, for boiling water.
Cup, insulated with lid, for hot drinks
Spork
Plate/bowl, insulated with lid, for hot foods (or use a second insulated cup)
Knife or single-edged razor (one or the other)
Odor proof sacks
Food canister - bear and animal resistant (or Pacific Coast Trail - type bear bag)
Trash bag, odor proof

Personal Hygiene and Health
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Castile Soap (use as shampoo and dish soap)
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Extra toilet paper (keep in a zip-top bag)
Any other personal items.

Off-Hours
Pen (Waterproof) / Drawing pen
Sketch book
Entertainment: meditation, yoga, stretching, prayer, what you like.
Bathing suit and goggles

Emergency
Cell phone in water-proof bag (w/ charger for long trip)
Emergency beacon
Extra batteries for emergency beacon
Whistle - audible in high traffic
First aid kit (and Wilderness First Aid training)
Set of emergency chemical hand/foot warmers
Razor - single-edged (see knife, listed under “Kitchen”)
Extra lights white and red, steady/blinky
Medical information: name, age, pre-existing conditions, list of medications (prescription and otherwise, including herbal supplements). Write with permanent marker on waterproof paper (like tyvek) and tape it to the top tube of your bike or other prominent location. Include emergency contact name and phone number.

Health and Hygiene for the Machine
Before leaving, check:
 - Headlight/Rearlight, dynamo.
 - ALL bolts on bike retightened, reapply thread grease, Loktite(tm) or beeswax
 - Pedals good, spin freely, clean, re-grease mounting threads
 - Chain clean, greased with all-weather lube
 - Check entire frame, fork, wheels, handlebars, etc. for cracks, fatigue and anything unusual.
 - Check wheels for alignment
 - Pannier hangers (tighten) and straps.
 - Gear shifting: limits and indexing.

Tools:
 - Multi tool w/ chain tool
 - Tire irons (good ones that won't break)
 - Crescent wrench, small
 - Complete patch kit, full, w/ new glue, w/ valve patch.
 - Pump
 - Presta to Schrader adapter
Duct tape
Chain link (SRAM Powerlink(tm)-type, but compatible)
Zip ties (2)
Heavy chain oil/lube (.2 oz bottle) (longer trips)
Spare brake cable (for longer trips)
Spare gear cable (for longer trips)
Rags (to clean greasy hands)
Baby wipes (to clean greasy hands)

Wheel repairs:
 - Extra tubes (2) for front and rear
 - Extra tires (2) front and rear, light, foldable bead
 - Spare spoke, cut to size (1 for the front, 2 for each side of the rear wheel) (especially for longer trips)
 - Note: for touring wheels and tires, you can minimize trouble by using a heavy-duty, touring-quality wheel set with “puncture proof” tires like Schwalbe Marathon Plus rather than mount “fast” tires on a lightweight wheel set and have to carry numerous spares.

Batteries (Energizer ultra lithium) - One set of batteries for each electronic device for each period of battery life.  For essential devices like lights, navigation or medical devices, take an extra set.  Add it up like this: if your light runs for 10 hours on a set of batteries and you predict you'll hit 20 hours of darkness during your trip, take three sets: one to load the device at the start, a second to predictably refill the device at hour 11, and a third in case of reasonably possible night-time mishaps such as a flat tire, losing the route, or navigating rough or busy roads.

Gear on the Bike
Panniers: 2 under seat, 2 rear (and rack top bag if longer trip)
Pitlocks: locking front and rear wheel, fork/Ahead, seat
Bike Lock, folding (Abus) or other good security plan.
Mirrors: left and right
Speedometer/Odometer
Maps. List: ________________, ________________, ________________, ________________
Map case - clear, waterproof
Compass
Cue sheets
Holder for route/cue sheets
Maps and cue sheets prepared as necessary (pre-folded, marked, trimmed, etc.)
GPS in waterproof case (w/ backup battery)
Mace for dogs/bears/people
Bungee cord (for securing bike on the train and securing stuff to the bike rack)
"Bungee netting" (long trips)

Other
Wallet in form of heavy-duty zip-top bag
Cash ($100/week)
Credit cards
Identification
Reading glasses
Train tickets
Bike permit for train
Camera w/ extra batteries and memory

Food/Water (on the road)
Water bottles (2 bottles of 1 liter capacity): 1 for nutritional drink, a 2nd for vinegar/water anti-dog mix.)
Water Reservoir (2 liters) in seatback bag or daypack.

Nutritional energy drink:
Ratios, in terms of "serving sizes": 2s Gary Null's Greens and Grains : 2+s Carbo Now : 1/2s Gatorade : 1s Hemp protein : 1s sea salt (in water base).

Scroggin/Gorp:
 - Peanuts, salted roasted
 - Walnuts
 - Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower
 - Ginger, candied
 - Goji berries
 - cocao beans, raw
 - dates, prunes, raisins
 - raw chocolate chunks, carob and greens chunks, vanilla and almond chunks

Lunch (1 per day)
 Example:
 - Scottish oat crackers
 - Sardines
 - Dried fruit
 - Dessert - low sugar, high fat

Food (in camp)

Dinner (1 per day)
 Example:
 - Kamut flakes with dried vegetable soup mix, soup bullion, hemp protein, Gary Null's (“GN”) Green Stuff, sea salt and olive oil/coconut oil.
 - Dried fruit
 - Dessert with mostly high count of healthy fat calories.
 - Steak and eggs or hamburger
 - Freeze-dried food

Breakfast (1 per day)
 Example:
 - Chia seeds, pre-mixed for pudding. With GN red stuff, cinnamon, sea salt, goji berries, dried coconut.
 - Gary Null’s muscle or Spiru-tein protein drink
 - Coffee w/ powdered goats milk or hot chocolate and agave nectar
 - Dried fruit
 - Granola/Muesli with GN red stuff.  Pre-mixed with powdered goat’s milk and/or GN muscle.

One extra day of food (1 per trip or 1 per week)
 - lightweight and small sized, high calorie, nutritionally dense meals, e.g., protein drink mix, beef jerky, dry soup mix.



What I don't take that others might, and the reason.

Arm warmers.  If merino wool, okay. Otherwise too itchy and not warm enough given their bulk and weight compared to a thin merino wool shirt. Synthetic arm warmers don’t keep me warm.
Leg warmers.  Same as above.
Chamois Butter.  I’ve never needed it on a recumbent, but I use good low-friction bike shorts/tights.
Book/E-reader.  Heavy and I’d rather draw than read if there’s any daylight.
Bike gloves.  They don’t help me on a bent.  They’re not warming, or cooling.  Not as useful as basic high-viz “cop gloves.”
Alcohol and mind-altering substances.  Causes dehydration and recklessness.  The dehydration can hurt you.  The recklessness can kill you.  Neither will help you get where you want to ride.
I-pod.  Who needs music when you have the wind?

And I don't take a tiny amount of very light gear for the reason that I wish to be able to handle most typical incidents that may reasonably occur. Perhaps, someday, that will change.


Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
copyright 2010 Robert Matson

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Get Bent: coast to coast by recumbent bike

Here's a really nice _big_ write up of a cross-country trip by bent, by New York's Glenn Elert.  From Rockaway Beach, OR to Rock-rock-rockaway Beach, NY.  The writer was the high school teacher of a customer of mine.

I'm sorry to read he didn't enjoy Michigan.  I guess the Leelanau peninsula and Ann Arbor were too far off track. :-)

"Get Bent: Coast to Coast by Recumbent Bicycle"
http://hypertextbook.com/bent/

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson

Monday, September 20, 2010

Recumbent Times: news and discounts (Fall 2010) - the BLOG version -


Greetings NYC Recumbentologists,

I hope the early fall finds you well.  I enjoy this time of year because it means -- as the "fair weather" bike season slows down -- I'm free to do more long bike rides.  Ironic, isn't it.  Thankfully, I enjoy cold weather rides.  (And thanks to Busch & Mueller's extremely good high-intensity lights, early darkness isn't a problem.)

The other weekend, I took a spur of the moment three-day bike tour in up-state NY where I had nothing but great weather, great hills, and could see the beginnings of fall in the trees.  With a fully-loaded HP
Velotechnik Street Machine Gte, I spent the days riding the endless rollers of the Taconics and the nights sleeping under the stars.  Nothing quite like it.  There are many wonderful two- and three-day tours right outside our doors, for NYC bent riders, so what are you waiting for?  The hardest part might be carrying a fully-loaded bent down the front stoop.  (The easy part is granny-gearing up the 3-mile long hills.  Maybe.)

I've attached a photo of the expansive lowlands heading up towards Chatham.  As for those hills in the background?  Yes, eventually you get to climb them again, and again, and again... :-D.

Best,
Robert



-- News --

:: Metro North and LIRR Repeal Restrictions on "Recumbents" ::

After a long period of allowing short recumbents on the regional rail without trouble, as long as it wasn't a holiday, last Spring, the MTA suddenly instated new prohibitions, specifically naming "recumbents" as disallowed on the Metro North and Long Island Railroad.  Previously, the limit had been simply on bikes longer than 80" and with protrusions (which would mean, among other things, long wheelbase bents).

Chun, an NYC Bacchetta Giro-rider I met last year, brought the new restrictions to my attention.  From there, I posted a note on the e-mail list for the Metro Area Recumbent Society (MARS) and on Bent Rider On-line reporting on this change and asking who in the community would like to join me in efforts to create a fairer rule.  It seems like only a matter of seconds before Neile (a Bacch./Rans/Lightning rider and veteran New York Cycle Club ride leader) leaped forward with wherewithal, whatwithal and whowithal, including the support of both NYCC and the Westchester Cycle Club.  Among those was David, with WCC.  (If you want to know more last names, etc., join me on the Third Sat. bent ride and I'll fill you in.)

At Neile's request, I wrote what was apparently a compelling letter, explaining that many bent riders were either riding bents, or nothing.  Neile knew exactly what to do and who to contact, what to say and I can't imagine what else in order quickly to negotiate the red tape.  And David claims he did nothing more than put the final nail in the coffin, but it was obviously one heck of a nail, because it was within a matter of weeks, that the prohibition against short bents was lifted.

Even better, the MTA now more clearly defines their concerns and what they want us to do.  For example, don't get dirt and grease on the train and other passengers, don't block the aisle, and generally don't inhibit the smooth operation of the train.  Seems fair enough, and it's now easier to make sure we're properly traveling with our bents.  Just look out for those holiday and rush hour trains.

Just so you know, the maximum dimensions for a bike are 80"x 48".  I think we can safely assume that this is the length and height, though it isn't specifically said. The width of a FOLDING bike is limited to "32 inches in width."  I'm well aware we don't have an exact definition of the envelope of a bike here, or even for a folding bike, but I do hope no one creates problems for New York bentriders by bringing a limousine bent on the train and starting an argument with the official about how the rules aren't specific.  Do that and we'll be back to square one except maybe this time they'll rewrite the rules to say that recumbent bikes are fine; it's recumbent RIDERS that aren't allowed.

Trikes are still named as disallowed, but there seems ample allowance for a folding trike especially if it goes into a bag, becoming merely bulky luggage.  The HP Velotechnik Scorpions fs and fx and HPV's new Gecko all fold and fit into a bag.  The Greenspeed trikes fold even smaller, so a bag would seem to do the job there as well.

Oh, and though it goes without saying, please be courteous to the
conductors and train officials.

Suggestions: to cover chain rings I carry a strong lightweight plastic bag.  You may know it as a "Chinatown grocery shopping bag."  Costing only about $3, they're available in all your favorite colors, as long as you like black/white plaid, red/white plaid or blue/white plaid.  As for chains, I recommend chain tubes or covering chains with a plastic trash bag cut open length-wide.

For folding bents, the HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx is a true folding bike that goes into a bag.

Related links:

Metro North Bike Rules
http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/bikerule.htm

Metro Area Recumbent Society
(ignore the dates on the website's home page. The e-mail list is active.) http://www.recumbents.com/mars/

Bent Rider On-line
http://www.bentrideronline.com/

New York Cycle Club
(They don't encourage bents on rides but they're worth supporting simply for their wonderful ride library.)
http://nycc.org/

Westchester Cycle Club
A very nice group of riders.
http://www.westchestercycleclub.org/

HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx
http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/ghp/index_e.html



:: Everything On Sale Forever: 4% Discount on Everything ::

Until further notice, customers get a discount of 4% off on all new recumbent bikes and accessories.  No catch.  That's all there is to it.  No club card, no forms to fill, no cash-back, no passwords to remember, no points to keep track of, just a simple 4% discount on everything when you buy it.  There's nothing more you need to know, but if you have any questions, just call me.



:: The East Coast’s Newest HP Velotechnik Premium Dealer ::

This summer New York City Recumbent Supply(tm)/The Innovation Works, Inc. became a Premium (top-level) Dealer for HP Velotechnik.  What this means for you is that I will always have at least three HPV models in stock for demo rides and am committed to developing and providing the highest levels of expertise on HPV products to riders in the region.  If you have questions about HPV, call and ask.

At this time, demo models consist of the Street Machine Gte, the Scorpion fs, and the Grasshopper fx.  I'm also carrying the full line of HPV accessories and options.

This is where I say that HP Velotechnik makes the world's best bents, but you already know that.  What you may not know is that they can be sized to fit small riders.  Or that when you’re going 47mph, fully loaded with 40 lbs. of gear, they feel rock solid and comfortable.  (Yes, that orange blur ripping down Rock City Rd. onto County Rte. 66 in Old Chatham, NY, the other day was me.)



:: Reminder: HP Velotechnik sets new prices on October 1st. ::

Last year, HPV was unique in that they _dropped_ their 2009 prices due to the strong Euro.  This year it's a different story.  If you've been thinking of ordering a Velotechnik, consider doing it before the end of September 2010 to get this year's prices.



:: Blog ::

Everyone has a glob.  I mean a blog.  And I do too.  In my case, I'm posting useful information for bent riders and breaking news about the brands I carry.  My aim is to create the best knowledge base I can to help more people ride bents in the metro area.  Anything you'd like me to cover?  Just drop me a note.
http://nyc-recumbent-supply.blogspot.com/



:: Mirror, Mirror, Who's the Fair(ing)est of Them All? ::

Last summer, recumbent accessory maker Terracycle ("TC") bought Windwrap ("WW") fairings.  They've made some changes, they've organized the line-up, they've made it all easy to understand, and now I've started bringing in TC's new strong and lightweight fairings.

It's simple to get the right fairing for your bent.  TC has two fairings for Volae and HP Velotechnik.  And then, of course, HPV has their own brand of fairing (the Streamer).

If you want a TC/WW fairing for your HP Velotechnik, you will use either the GX or XT fairing (with mounting hardware).  Though, in general, I advise HPV owners to use HPV's Streamer fairing to keep it simple and most useful.

For Volaes, you will use either the GX or XT fairing (w/ hardware).  Easy.

For Greenspeed tadpole trikes, you'll use either the GX or XT.  (Anura delta trikes take the BLC.)  And for Rans short wheelbase bents, it's either the...wait for it...GX or XT.  (Rans LWB's are a different story.)

The fit chart is at: http://www.terracycle.com/ww_Fit_Chart.htm

Where it gets interesting is when you want to add a headlight to the mix.  Terracycle recommends you mount one or two headlights to either side of the fairing or else attach one to the hardware below the fairing at the front of the bike.  This is because the light from a headlight situated behind their fairing will simply reflect backwards off the material.

So, how does HP Velotechnik handle this, when their bright B&M headlight is mounted on the front boom, behind the Streamer fairing?  Doesn't it just reflect backwards?  No, it does not.  That is to say, HPV solves problems before anything goes out the door.  Put simply, there is no problem combining a HP Velotechnik Streamer fairing along with a
headlight.  Extra parts are required, but HPV supplies them at no extra cost when you buy a fairing.  Don't worry.

The easiest thing to do is this: if you own an HP Velotechnik, get the Streamer fairing.  If you own a Volae or Rans or Greenspeed, get the TC fairing.  In either case, follow the manufacturers instructions.



:: Four Reasons to Use a Front Fairing ::

1.  It keeps your feet warm when you come out for the Third Saturday "Grant's Tomb" Bent Ride in January.  And any other time you ride on a cold day, you'll be glad you have it.

2.  It keeps you drier when it's raining.

3.  It's the easiest way to add a few mph for no additional effort due to improved aerodynamics.

4.  Maybe, like me, you wear glasses and you think your bike should wear glasses too.



:: Flevobikes?  And Green Machines?  Here in NYC?! ::

Did you know you can buy a Flevobike Green Machine right here in New York City?

Rick Horan, the USA Flevobike distributor, lives in Queens.  And I can get you Greenmachines.  For those who don't know it, the Green Machine is a remarkable bent with a fully enclosed drive system and Rohloff speedhub.  Basically, it's a nearly zero-maintenance bent.  It's not feather light, but it's not too heavy either.

Recommended for everyone who doesn’t like greasy chains.  (And who does?)



:: Volaes: "best for the buck" ::
Ideal for road biking, commuting and light touring

If you want the fastest bike for your dollar, you should be considering a Volae.

They're light.  They're fast UPHILL.  They have attachment points
("braze-ons") so you can install high quality Tubus racks and fenders, too.  Dynamo lights can be added with no hassle.  They carry up to 250 lbs. for commuting and touring.  With Pitlocks they can be locked to a bike rack.  They're well-made and have good components.  They're better than anything in their price range.  Special orders arrive in a week.  Each bike is a custom-fit (for no extra charge).  They even have great paint.  And the price is right.

Call me for a test ride.



:: Greenspeed Tadpole Trikes ::

Greenspeed trikes are like second cousins to HP Velotechnik Scorpions.  That is to say, they're a very good machine by any definition.  But they're the perfect choice when you want a fast, strong trike that handles well, but you don't need the maximum performance and suspension of a Velotechnik.

Most notable about Greenspeeds is their incredibly tight turning radius.  They also place the rider close to the ground, so there's high stability and a low center of gravity.  Vital, for when you take those tight turns at speed (and you will).

One fun machine.  And great colors.



:: Got Photos? ::

I'd love to post more photos of customers enjoying their bents.  If you have a photo you'd like to share on my website, please send it in!



:: Current Brands Carried ::

HP Velotechnik, Volae, Rans, Greenspeed, Flevobike, Ortlieb panniers, Tubus racks, Busch & Mueller and Spanninga lights, SON hub dynamos, Terracycle accessories, Schwalbe tires, hand built wheels by Peter White.  And more.  Just ask.



Have a great fall!!

All best,
Robert

------------

Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Setting your Cat Eye odometer for "normal" sized recumbent wheels

A common front wheel tire size for SWB 20x26 recumbents -- a 20" wheel with a 1.5" tire -- is often missing from the Cat Eye cycle computer tire size chart, making it a bit of trouble to set up an odometer.  (A 20" wheel with a 1.5" tire gets a setting of 1490 mm, by the way.  A 20"x1.35" tire has a "rollout" -- a setting -- of 1460.)

Since bent riders frequently mess around with "odd" size wheels, the following tire size chart from the Cat Eye knowledge base is helpful. (Go straight to the downloadable PDF "Tire Size Chart." The last time I looked, the link to the graphical table was missing.)
http://knowledgebase.cateye.com/questions/66/Where+can+I+find+a+tire+size+chart%3F

Actually, while I'm at it, the short knowledge base index is worth a link.  Many common problems answered. Also provides a procedure for measuring "tire roll out" so you may callibrate your computer to your tire.
http://knowledgebase.cateye.com/categories/Cycle+Computers/

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson

'city recumbent' by jean davignon - 'seoul cycle design' competition shortlist revealed



Nice idea.


http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/11438/city-recumbent-by-jean-davignon-seoul-cycle-design-competition-shortlist-revealed.html

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson