Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi there,
Since my niggling back injury is not going away, my friend got me thinking about getting a recumbent bike.

I have been reading all the threads here, and got a look at the Silvio.

I am finding the silvio an attraction option, as I can utilise most of my road groupset.

Does anyone here have a silvio?

I am quite interested to know how sturdy the bike is. Especially with their suspension bits.

Would also welcome any tips to a recumbent newbie in making my first bent purchase. I am not very clear as to the on-the-road difference between a trike and the two-wheeler.

I haven't got a Silvio, but I ride regularly with John Tolhurst, the designer of the bike. He usually rides his, although occasionally he'll choose another bike from the stable.

The Silvio is a very fast and stable recumbent. John often rides with both hands off the bars as he explains one concept or another to his riding partner of the time. That's made possible by the front wheel drive system, which allows straight line steering modifications with the legs.

The suspension itself is rudimentary and sturdy. The rear is an elastomer style, so keeping it working is a simple feat. No bearings or bushes to wear out on pivot points. It's not an off-road vehicle: the suspension is there just to keep the wheels in contact with the road surface.

It's hard to advise you regarding the best style of 'bent without fully understanding what you want to do with your riding. Some 2-wheelers are speed machines (eg the Silvio), some are commuters and some are great touring bikes. Trikes are great for touring and commuting in some circumstances.

Generally, trikes are slower, but more fun (although having said that, one of my mates has had his trike up to 90km/h down a hill ....). Generally, bikes are faster but harder to get the hang of.

Cheers,
Graeme

Ooh - just noticed you're in the ACT. Flying Furniture is your local 'bent supplier. One of the few in Oz. Also contact PoiterH (a member here) - he has thousands of kms on 'bents under his belt and he lives in the ACT too.

Cheers,
Graeme

Thanks for your comments. I have been reading more stuff abt recumbents, and think that the best thing to do at this stage would be to visit flyingfurniture, and test ride one (or possibly a few).

Is there a big difference in terms of visibility on the road between using one that take 700C wheels and 26in wheels ?

I noticed that the 650C/26in wheel versions are more popular.

You don't need to worry about not being seen on the road, whatever recumbent you ride. They get noticed, not "just seen", which is more important. An inch of extra height is not going to make you more visible.

I feel much safer riding on the road on my 'bent than I ever did on my common bike. I'm no longer "invisible", which becomes an issue when I jump back on the MTB and ride on the road: I forget to think for everyone else.

The 26" wheeled 'bents are becoming popular because they have a lower rolling resistance associated with tyre diameter than the smaller wheeled bikes. It makes them faster!

Cheers,
Graeme