Looking for bent owners/riders in Mid TN

Hi, I'm currently still looking for my next peddle powered transport. I have had several trikes recommended to me, and am also eyeing a couple of LWB bikes. If you live in or around Mid TN, and would be willing to let someone with a long history in bikes, but who is completely new to the recumbent scene take a test ride, I'd like to hear from you, because there is a decided lack of dealers in the area with 'bents in stock. Thanks in advance.

 

I will be riding at Clarksville (1 hour north of Nashville) in August 30th, 2008. If you would like to try my RANS V Rex before or after let me know.

 

Rocketmantn, the location works well for me - what's the draw to Clarksville on that date? Ideally, I will already have something by that time, however I may still not turn down the opportunity to ride something different, since I can see the possibility of my spending a lot of time on two (or three) wheels in the future based on my current (somewhat limited) experience with 'bents so far.

FYI, I actually live closer to Clarksville than Nashville, but obviously we don't have a Clarksville section for TN yet

 

Others of us with the 'bent orientation will be in Clarksville Sept. 30 for the Sunrise Century, maybe the world's flattest and fastest 100 mile ride. Based on past turnout, with good weather, I would guess you could see several dozen 'bents amongst the many hundreds of riders. Check out http://www.clarksvillecentury.com/

Dave

 

Cool, I'll look into that. Certainly looks like a place I might be able to at least put eyes on some stuff I wouldn't otherwise get to see.

 

Drew,

Where in middle TN are you? is Chattanooga too far for you to go? If not I recommend giving Art Hagood a call. He is the largest stocking recumbent dealer anywhere within an 8 hour drive of Knoxville.

 

Does Art own the shop in Signal Mountain? If so, you'll be the second suggestion for paying him a visit I've gotten. I'm nearly in Clarksville, so it would be an all day trip for me. If that's what it takes though, I may have to do it.

 

Drew,

Yes, Art owns EasyChair Recumbent Bicycles on Signal Mountain. I bought my first recumbent from hin in 1998 and between my fiance and myself have bought 5 'bents from him over the years.

Art does not run a bike shop in the traditional sense. Both he and Ann are retired. They run the shop out of their house and they travel a fair bit. Hence their hours are by appoitment only.

Art will tell you to plan on spending 4 or 5 hours with him. He will teach you the tricks to make recumbents do everything people say they can't do i.e. climb hills, start on hills, turn around in a slightly larger radius than the wheelbase of the bike (unless its a trike, their turning raidus is based on their design), etc. He will also have you ride every different kind of 'bent he has built up since when it comes to 'bents, different folks really do have different strokes.

It's well worth the drive and the time. The next closest area to you I can think of to find a dealer with floor stock is in St. Louis.

 

I don't know a thing about this shop, but might be worth a shot.

Carney Recumbent Bicycles
2804 Elm Hill Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-889-5000

 

Paul,

I'm not familiar with your shop. What 'bents do you stock?

 

Hi!!! My daughter goes to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. I am planning to ride the Sunrise Century ride in Clarksville on September 20, 2008. Dave looks like he is going to be there and I am planning on it also. We both have our eyes on the 100 mile ride which may be a bit ambitious for you. Anyway, let's try to meet there and get to know each other.

 

I found it by doing a Google search. I have not been to this shop, so I don't know much.

 

Paul, thanks for the pointer - I'm going to guess they sell suns, but I don't know what else. I'll certainly be calling them this afternoon.

A 100 mile ride is absolutely out for me for at least a year - I'd kill myself if I tried it right now. But since it looks like there will be a couple people there on bents, I'm going to try to make it just for the exposier to the different bikes.

 

Don't forget. Razor's Edge Bicycle Company manufactures and sells SWB/LWB here in East Tennessee. We start production in a week or so. We would love for you to try one of our bikes one day.

 

Honeybee, I'm specifically looking for something that's usable on non-paved trail surfaces. These are well maintained trails (old rail beds, actually) that simply aren't paved. Does REB have plans for an offering that will be suited to those conditions? Any information on planned models, pricing, etc? Where in East TN are you? I've got to drive through any time I go visit my family (central VA) so odds are I could stop in some time.