Does any body have experience with these recumbents.

Any one have experience with Volae Century?
Actionbent Jetstream or any actionbent recumbents?
Also USArecumbents? Does anyone know anthing about this company?



I have been looking for a recumbent reasonably priced (for my budget).
There is a Volae Century small frame for sell that is over my budget but I am kind of interested in at least finding out more about it as it is american made?

Thanks

Sally

 

Sally,

I've looked into both companies as well and I'm really considering the Actionbent line. From what I have gathered online and from eBayers' comments, the RecumbentUSA line seem to consistenly make it to the buyer with missing parts, damages pieced, inconsistent welds, & various other problems. After seeing multiple people have the same problems has steered me away from them at this point.

Richard

 

I rode a Vole Century at last year's Midwest Recumbent rally. Nice bike. Vole frams are built by Waterford. Waterford is one of the top builders of high end DF frames in the US. They are also the original Schwinn. When the Schwinn family sold out, Waterford was born.

Mike

 

I agree with A.D., I have heard nothing but good things about Volae. However I have heard a few complaints about Actionbents. There is an Ac tionbent message board on Yahoo where you could probably learn more. My feeling would be it might be best to find a used one that someone has worked out all of the bugs.

You also might think about Vision's or burleys. There seem to be quite a few Visions out there used in the 500-600 range. They were well made bikes and seemed to have lead the market for years in underseat steering. Burley's are extremely well made, however, you don't seem to see too many of those for sale.

You might want to watch eBay as they usually have quiet a few for sale. Also, Bentrideronline in their message board they have a classified section.

Good luck
Ward

 

I'm not sure if Rob has signed up here or not, but he does have a Volae and I can tell you for sure that he absolutely LOVES it.

 

Volae is a good brand. Waterford is owned by a member of the Schwinn family and Waterford is all that remains of the original Schwinn company.
Waterford makes arguably the highest quality frames in the US.

Vision frames are incredibly straight and good. A used Vision would be very nice.

Burley made high quality bikes until last year when they discontinued their bike lines. (I am currently considering/negotiating to buy their tooling and remaining components to start making their bikes again). Used Burleys show up on ebay in the 450 to 600 range. The learning curve is very easy.

Actionbent is more for someone who is willing to assemble, tweak, and set up their own bike. They are not bad bikes, but if you are not mechanically inclined, stay away.

Bill

 

Bill that would be fantastic. I know that Burley's have a big following. Very strong dependable bikes wih comfortable seats. I almost started out on a limbo but was looking for something with a little more speed.

I am somewhat surprised that the Vision's havn't resurfaced as they are such great bikes also.

Ward

 

Are you the same Sally we rode with at Art & Anne's first ride a couple of years ago? If so, welcome back and if not, then welcome to the board.

Either way, we sure hope to see you at a ride soon.

 

I was wondering that myself (if you are the same gal) but was hesitant to ask. Good going Jo, (not afraid of asking) you can break the ice quite well.hahaha

Yes, welcome back welcome aboard just welcome welcome welcome....

 

Recumbents

Hello all
Thanks for the good info. Yes I rode with you guys on a mountain bike two or three years back at Art and Anne's.
I finally started to get back into the swing of things last year after really messing up my back in the summer of 2005. I was kind of out of commission for a year.
I went on a neighborhood bike ride that some of you were on I think last year.
Anyway I am looking at Hostel Shoppee , bentriders forum, ebay and anything else that has recumbents.

There is vision for sale on ebay but it has a small front wheel size. It has a 16 inch wheel on front and a 26 on back. visionR40.
It is about the same size I need too. 285$ is the bid now. It is a 2004 but I found a web site that said vision went out of business in 2003. Anyone know the details on the closing?

It looks in good shape. Anyone with experience with this particular bike.
I plan to look at any reviews I can find.
Thanks all I look forward to biking with you.
Sally

 

Visions are good bikes and anything under 500 is a good price. If you havn't spent much time on a bent try and get Artt to set it up for you and give pointers on riding it.

Ward

 

Sally,

The R40's are decent bikes. If you have short legs, that 16" front wheel makes it easier to reach the ground.

Mike

 

Recumbent Cyclist News voted the Volae Century the 'bent of the year last year. That should tell you something of the quality of the bike. I have a Vision R40 with a 16" front wheel and I have no complaints. Good luck in your quest...keep looking and you'll find something you like in the price range you want.
Chas.

 

Hello
I ended up getting a vision 40. I have ridden it twice now and so far I like it but need to get use to the steering. I find it a little disconcerting when you are going down hill and spinning or coasting. I feel the most unstable at that point. I have not done any real hills yet or twisty stuff so I will have to ride some more. I am enjoying it so far though.
The century I was looking at was already sold by the time I decided to go after it.
Thanks
Sally