Chosing a high racer

[RichardS]

It is time to upgrade from the old touring recumbent bike to a lighter, faster high racer. The question is which one? Well, it needs to be high off the ground for improved visibility and hence safety, a little more reclined for better aerodynamics, capable of carrying a few items for the day at work including a change of clothes a pair of shoes and lunch, and better performing than the old dear I have been commuting to work with for the last 5 or more years. This old dear is a FF 26/20 with a coreflute box/fairing behind the seat. Just changed all the working gear and now changing the rear and front rims with help from George C. I will keep using her for winter commuting and hopefully a new high racer for summer commuting. Back to that question! Which High Racer? I like the look of the M5 Shockproof 559 and also their High Bar 26/26, the Optima Cougar, and the Bacchetta. The Meta Physic also looks ok and will be interesting to see Rapto mid racer when it is unveiled. Any feedback on high racers would be appreciated. I would love to test ride one if available in Perth. Richard.

[Kalgrm]

G'day Richard,

You're welcome to try mine. It's a Bacchetta Giro 26 with 700c wheels fitted. I commute into the city from Spearwood and it fits the bill for me.

I don't know how tall you are, but if we are of similar height (5'11"), all you'd need to do is change pedals. Come along on one of our WAHPV rides (Sunday's at 7.00am, leaving from the Burswood and most often heading to Freo and back) to see what other bikes are around.

Another option you might consider is the Cruzbike Silvio. (I'll send you a PM about another option, but it's not public knowledge yet).

Cheers,
Graeme

[Freddyflatfoot]

You're not talking about the Vendetta, are you Graeme?
If you don't mind something a bit longer, the Rans X- Stream looks like a fast, comfortable bent!
Graeme brings up a good point about you're height, If are a bit on the height challenged side, like myself, a high racer is outa the picture.
I'm on a low racer, and with a tailbox is quite a competent commuter.
Best of luck on you're search!

[fredinver]

You may want to talk to Ben at Trisled as he ay have a Challenge Seiran SL High Racer (The Netherlands) available that he had on ebay. Test rode it a while ago but it was out of my price range.
Personally ride a Attack from TWBents. Average speed on commutes for me is 29 to 30 kmh and a rear rack can be fitted. Cheaper end of the market and good service from Ian at FF. My ride is 26km and country roads. Not sure I would use it in the city.

[RichardS]

Thanks Graeme, Rob and Fred (?) for your suggestions. There are more options than I thought. The Bacchetta Corsa, Rans X Stream and Seiran SL all look great. I have tried the Cruz Bike front wheel drive but unfortunately I felt very nervous and unstable as I increased speed - just couldn't see myself becoming comfortable with it. Next opportunity I will be at Burswood at 7.00 on a Sunday with a spare pair of pedals and take up your offer Graeme to have a test ride on your Giro 26 - thanks kindly. Will post a note here closer to the date - any date on or after Jan 3 should be fine. Cheers Richard.