HP Velotechnik Body Link and Ergo Mesh seats

Here's a Rider/Robert Q&A

Hi Robert,

[Regarding HP Velotechnik seats] Can you send me any links regarding the different seat options? I know there is another option that come standard with the bike... I think this is probably a really important component for overall comfort. 

 

What are your thoughts for the Ergo Mesh seat? Also, does the headrest cradle your neck? Does it get in the way of your helmet? 

 

B--

Hi B--,

There isn't much on the HP site about the Ergo Mesh seat.  In my experience, it's more popular on the trikes than on the two wheelers.  The Body Link and Ergo Mesh are the same "price" -- you get either one at no difference in cost.

On the StreetMachine Gte, the Ergo Mesh seat requires the extra-wide underseat handlebars.  The seat is 8 oz heavier and softer, so requires more effort on the uphills.  It's also a bit higher and that, plus the shape with a straight front, makes it harder to touch the ground while stopped (e.g. at a light).

On the up-side -- the benefits -- in hot weather it'll feel more breathable and it has a nice 1 liter capacity zipper pocket at the top of the set. It also has good lumbar support for those who require that.

I sell more Body Link seats than Ergo Mesh, but I always have Ergo Mesh seats on hand for people to try.

Headrests

As for the headrest, it should be positioned at the base of the neck.  I wouldn't say it "cradles" the neck, which to me implies support left, center back and right.  The headrest only touches the back of the head, which is desirable so you can turn your head for views, watch traffic, etc.  You can adjust it fore-aft and up-down.  Some people like the headrest touching the helmet, some don't.  Some prefer it at the base of their neck (personally, that's where I like it).  Also, riders with a shorter torso may have less room for adjustments than a longer-torsoed rider because you can only lower it just so much until it bottoms out at the top of the seat.

I know of no page on the HP Velotechnik site dedicated to the Ergo Mesh seat but there is one (several, actually) dedicated to the Body Link seat and there are pages with some photos that may help you see the seat:

http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/images/produkte/ghp/HP_GrassHopperFx_tour_ErgoMeshSitz_rechts.jpg

http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/scorpionfx/index_e.html

http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/sm/gte/bodylinksitz_e.html

I hope that helps!

Robert

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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2017 Robert Matson

Amtrak to hold open house at the National Bike Summit

This just came in from the League of American Cyclists:

Have questions about Amtrak's bike service? This is your chance to ask it!

Amtrak will hold an open house at the National Bike Summit, where Summit registrants can check out train cars with different types of bike accommodations (bring your bike!) and ask questions of Amtrak staff about bike access, specific routes and stations, and how to bring your bike on an Amtrak train.

If you will be at the Summit you can register here to attend the open House (and get a Amtrak Loves Bikes T-shirt) - https://nationalbikesummit2017.sched.com/

If you aren't coming to the Summit you can submit your questions for Amtrak here- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT

Amtrak will give written answers to all questions and the League of American Bicyclists will publish answers on our blog. (for those asking questions, we can also send answers directly to your email if you provide it in the survey)

So ask your questions!!  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT 

Have fun and stay healthy,
Robert
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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2015 Robert Matson

Act now: improve bike access to George Washington Bridge. Port Authority taking comments

Port Authority taking comments on 10-yr Capital Plan

Our friend Neile Weissman has been working hard to ensure cyclists get improved access on the George Washington Bridge. This is important.

He writes us:

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Fellow Cyclist,

Between now and February 15, the Port Authority is taking public comments on its 10-year Capital Plan.  Now is the chance to call on them to include wider paths on the George Washington Bridge.

Please take a few moments to email the PA and the Governor.  Even a one-sentence email will make a difference.

Thanks!

Neile Weissman
Complete George | Facebook | Twitter

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Email!

The Port Authority

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo *important*

NJ Governor Chris Christie *important*

Sample Statement

“I call upon the the Port Authority to include the upgrade of George Washington Bridge paths to national standards in its 10 Year Capital Plan, both for the safety of all users, as well as to support the growth of bicycling across the region.”

Speak!

1/31 from 5-8PM at 4 World Trade Center (prep 1-2-3 minute versions of remarks)

2/7 from 5-8PM at 2 Montgomery Street, Jersey City

2/16 from 12-2PM at 4 World Trade Center

Call! 

Your NYC Councilmember to support Resolution 1072-2016

Find your local Councilmember

Follow Us!

Complete George on Facebook

Background

Starting in 2017 the Port Authority will undertake a $1.9 billion reconstruction and recabling of the George Washington Bridge.  This will include ripping out and replacing the 1931-era 7’ paths.

With weekend use averaging 3700 cyclists per day and growing at 10% per year, this should be the opportunity for the PA to widen the paths to national standards, instead they plan to restore them as “sidewalks."

More Info 

Complete the GWB

Image at top. Cyclists’ Proposal for the GWB: (2) 10′ paths for cyclists. (2) 7′ paths for peds-runners on the upper level. 9′ high anti-suicide barrier. Rendering by Joseph Lertola.

* * *

Have fun and stay healthy,
Robert
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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2017 Robert Matson

George Washington Bridge: efforts to widen and improve bike access

This came in from our friend and recumbent rider Neile Weissman.

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Fellow Cyclists,

In an 11/17 presentation to PA, I applied the World Health Organization’s HEAT tools to quantify the health benefits resulting from current and expanded bike travel across GWB.

• Presuming 14,000 cyclists per weekend access the GWB, that level of physical activity would prevent 21 deaths per year worth $195 million.

• Widened paths could save more lives than anti-suicide barriers.

Public Health

HEAT has been employed to assess the cost-benefits of bike-walk infrastructure throughout Europe and in Boston the impact of public transit service cuts and fare increases. 

Respectfully,

Neile Weissman
Complete George | CG Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

140 organizations, businesses and communities are now calling on the PA to widen the GWB paths, including Edgewater, Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs and six community boards in Manhattan and the Bronx.

For a current overview of the advocacy to widen the GWB paths: Complete the GWB

* * *

Have fun and stay healthy,
Robert
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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2017 Robert Matson