New /Gekko/: what the heck is the price?

HP Velotechnik has announced a new /Gekko/.  This /Gekko/, instead of folding, has a separable frame.  This is a nice solution for riders who don't expect to benefit from the easy and fast fold.  Also, it enables a still lower price point for the USA version, with savings provided by having no folding technology.

I haven't yet seen the trike in order to know how the chain is managed when the trike is separated but, in their usual way, I expect HPV will have a clever solution.


Pricing.

There will be a European version and a less expensive USA version.

The European version /Gekko/ will be $2,590.
The USA version /Gekko/ will be $2,190, with a faster delivery time for New York riders.

If this is planned out like the Gekko fx, this means the European version will have a higher-end spec and a choice of the full range of options and accessories.  The following are the differences between the European Gekko fx and the USA Gekko fx.  If the /Gekko/ follows this pattern, I would anticipate similar differences.  I would also anticipate that the difference in cost will be partially attributable to reduced customs duty and shipping.

In the USA version Gekko fx:
- no snake seal
- no chain guard
- slightly different bolts
- Isoflow cranks
- different rear hub (cheaper)

Same with the USA /Gekko/?  We shall see.


Best,
Robert

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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Gekko fx: differences between USA and European models

Riders of HP Velotechnik's Gekko fx often want to know the main differences between the USA and European Gekko fx models.

On the USA version, the differences are:

- no snake seal
- no chain guard
- slightly different bolts
- Isoflow cranks
- different rear hub (cheaper)

Additional savings comes from reduced customs duty and shipping.

The other main difference is that if riders want most of the upgrades and special options listed on the HP Velotechnik website, such as light systems, custom colors, upgraded brakes, etc., then we have to build up from the European model.

The price confusion is more psychological. I use the German model as my demo because I like to show the top of the line features. Riders shouldn't worry too much about the difference in price. Just buy the trike you want. After several years, you won't think about the difference in price, but you will notice whether or not you own the right trike for your purposes.

Best,
Robert

------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Good lightweight camping food - it exists

Better pre-packaged lightweight camping food.

(This entry is as much a "note-to-self" as it is a note-to-readers.)

First of all, the nutritionally conscious will buy a dehydrator and make their own dehydrated meals (which are generally considered more nutritious than freeze-dried meals.)

Or, if you want someone else to do the work for you, here are two nice options, recommended by reliable sources:

Hawk Vittles
Lightweight gourmet meals made by a chef.  Nutritious, creative recipes.
(Post trip review: good taste and looks good, but doesn't thoroughly soften and bag shape makes it difficult to stir. Quantity size: okay.  Those who need more calories may want to buy double-sized meals.)
http://hawkvittles.com/order.html

Pack It Gourmet
Haven't yet tried it.
http://www.packitgourmet.com/



This one is an internet discovery.  Haven't tried it.

Pack Lite Foods
Try it and let me know how it is.
http://www.packlitefoods.com/

Wise Company
http://wisefoodstorage.com/

But better than what?

Alas, both these brands have carried me through hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of miles.  But, I'm simply no longer enthused by their offerings.

Backpackers Pantry
http://www.backpackerspantry.com/

Mountain House
http://www.mountainhouse.com/


Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Riding with weight

The other day, an ex-standard frame customer looking to save a buck or two, asked whether underseat racks are really necessary.  How weird looking they must appear to SF riders.

Yes.  On bents they are.  Even more so than rear racks.

In fact, I'd rather have only underseat racks if I could only figure how to put two of those dippy bike baskets -- the best/worst of which I have on my rear rack -- on the sides.  Maybe someday soon I will (w/ apologies to my fashion-conscious friends).  But since I like having a bike basket w/ bungy netting for fast and easy storage, I'm looking at spending more time w/ a rear rack.  (Tempted to get a still bigger basket on the back, in fact.  Shelly Mossey and his NYC bent-based courier service better look out.)

My knock-around city bent is an old Rans Rocket.  Great urban bike, but serious balance problems if I load up the rear rack, most of which is actually outside the wheelbase (beyond the rear wheel), causing the front wheeeel to elevate if you have something heavy back there, like a heavy lock and a couple laptops.  Normal stuff, in other words.  But makes for some scary sh*t when you hit construction zones at speed, w/ that front wheel leaving the ground every time it hits a fresh bit of asphalt laid New Yawk-style.

Problem solved: put the weight in side panniers on my bent -- I mean scratched and bended, not recumbent -- underseat racks.  There are times I've considered stripping off the rear rack, but I like the rear light bracket (making it all one heck of a large and heavy light bracket!) and I can put big, puffy and light things back there in the basket like...boxes of salad greens, swim gear and warm jackets.

All that to say, I'm all for saving money.  But not by trying to go w/o the underseat rack.  (Less aerodynamic than a rear rack?  Well, I suppose so.  Who cares, I'm in traffic.)

Yers,
Robert

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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

Another nice testimonial

This customer wrote me a nice note:

# # #


---------- Original Message ----------
Subject: Gekko fx, testimonial
From: "Greg G."
To: "Robert Matson"
------------------------------------------

It's fantastic to have a local NYC recumbent dealer. There are ways to buy new and sometimes used as well. I can test the bike and ride it home instead of renting a van and spending the weekend driving back and forth!

Robert is knowledgeable, passionate, painstaking, patient, and honest as the day is long. He's a good listener too, soaking up details about my tendonitis, knee surgery and other biomechanical issues.

I purchased an HP Velotechnik Gekko from him, and he pointed out how it is a newer model for the German domestic market, with a few better details that are unpublished.

Robert lives it. He really knows the brands he carries (and many others besides). He's got a huge fund of general recumbent lore at his command as well.

What I like best about dealing with Robert is this - not only does he go all out to help you, but he gives you the straight scoop. In the hours of talking about recumbents, I never once felt I was getting sales spiel. I'm now considering a RANS or Volae, and would buy from him with peace of mind.

- Greg G.


# # #

Best,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson