Bacchetta 700c
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby rdp_au » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:05 am
David
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Riggsbie » Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:47 pm
You gotta love Recumbent Bikes/Trikes.....
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Phil » Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:30 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby rdp_au » Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:36 am
Assume you're buying it through Ian at Flying Furniture?
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Phil » Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:38 pm
After doing an Audax on the trike I figured that the CF frame was worth it just for the extra comfort. Got a couple of nice sets of wheels to go with the CA, some robust 1.6kg 38mm Niobiums with GP4000S 25mms (were my commuter tyres) and a set of Zipp 404s which I have a tubeless setup ready to go on with Hutchison Fusion 23mms - both of which I stripped off my roadbikes before they were sold.
Probably going to stay with the Double-sided SPD pedals on the Highracer - much quicker to get in and out of - well after I do the sneakers and platform pedals in the carpark first to get used to the whole 2 wheel recumbent thing.
No idea which I am going to go with for Audax rides - the trike will be a bit slower, but it does give me somewhere to lie down and recuperate, the 100kms last weekend was not particularly taxing, even though my biggest ride on the trike was only 55kms.
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby rdp_au » Wed Apr 18, 2012 2:45 pm
Those are nice wheels, will make it a very fast bike I suspect. How have you found the tubeless setup? I use SPD pedals as well - I find they work well, and retained compatibility with my more commuting oriented recumbent while I was getting used to the Bacchetta. I appreciate the good grip the soles give when putting a foot down. On the Corsa, with my leg length the ground is a long way away, and better grip makes it feel a bit more secure. I suspect you will find starting and stopping a bit of a challenge until you get used to it. I've around 500km on the Corsa now and am only just feeling confident about starting on any sort of hill - fairly important for me as it get used to commute to work. If the truth be known, my other bike is a much better commuter with a lower seat height and bottom bracket, sturdy wheels and tyres and plenty of carrying capacity. But the Corsa is smoother, more comfortable, 5kg ligher, and faster. Best of all, its new and shinyPhil wrote:Yes, through Ian (AT) FFC.
After doing an Audax on the trike I figured that the CF frame was worth it just for the extra comfort. Got a couple of nice sets of wheels to go with the CA, some robust 1.6kg 38mm Niobiums with GP4000S 25mms (were my commuter tyres) and a set of Zipp 404s which I have a tubeless setup ready to go on with Hutchison Fusion 23mms - both of which I stripped off my roadbikes before they were sold.
Probably going to stay with the Double-sided SPD pedals on the Highracer - much quicker to get in and out of - well after I do the sneakers and platform pedals in the carpark first to get used to the whole 2 wheel recumbent thing.
No idea which I am going to go with for Audax rides - the trike will be a bit slower, but it does give me somewhere to lie down and recuperate, the 100kms last weekend was not particularly taxing, even though my biggest ride on the trike was only 55kms.
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Baalzamon » Wed Apr 18, 2012 3:38 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:42 pm
First post, have been following conversation with interest. Seriously considering purchasing a Giro 26 as my first recumbent. Have been exchanging emails with Ian at Flying Furniture as there doesn't seem to be many dealers in Melbourne. Actually havent seen many recumbents around which surprises me. Ian has been helpful, in assisting me decide what type of recumbent would be a good choice. Quite excited about trying it out although a little concerned in the change in riding style after riding conventional bikes for most of my life. Anyway will see how it develops. Great to be able to read different peoples opinions and impressions.
Cheers
Bob
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Rowley Runner » Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:47 pm
I purchased two bents in quick succession. My first was a bent with 20" rear and 16" which is a fun to ride but very low, however my giro with 700c wheels is a way better. The giros high up position makes you feel safer on the road as you are more visable. I had no problems swiching from a normal bike to a bent. Down sides are you cant hop up and down kerbs and slicing though traffic is not reccomended (by me). The up side is comfort and speed i hit a very respectable 68kph the other day which is way faster than i have ever been before. I love riding the recumbent and people tend to wave at you as you go by, i find the riding experiance much more positive. I have also found that i can fit my bike inside my tiny Mazda 2 so am thinking of attending some races soon in ACT which appears to be the natural breeding ground of all things recument.
Go for it!
RR
Sorry about poor spellings
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Hotdog » Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:56 pm
I'd second what RR says. My first recumbent was a Giro 26 and I think they're very suitable as a first recumbent. The relatively high riding position makes me feel comfortable in traffic or on group rides with other cyclists on upright bikes. The combination of a sturdy frame, disc brakes, comfort and aerodynamics makes for a very versatile bike, I've used mine for everything from daily commuting to 100+ km recreational and charity rides.
I definitely prefer 700c wheels over 26” though, I converted my Giro 26 and have never looked back. In fact I liked it so much I bought a 700c CA 2.0 frame kit and built that up to be my weekend bike
Hotdog
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby rdp_au » Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:14 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:30 pm
I appreciate the words of encouragement. The change in riding style will take a little time I realize this but is achievable. Sounds from your comments looking into 700 instead of 26" wheels would be a worthwhile upgrade. There are a few options from what I have read and discussed with Ian. Any other options worth considering from you experience? Thanks again I appreciate receiving advice from people with experience of recumbents.
Cheers
Bob
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby bradwoodbr » Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:32 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Hotdog » Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:53 pm
Regarding other upgrades, I'm not sure what the current spec is but the Giro 26 used to come with Avid BB5 brakes as standard. These work OK but in my experience required quite a bit a regular tinkering to keep them working their best and replacement pads weren't easy to find. I found the modest upgrade to BB7 brakes to be well worthwhile, in my opinion these work a bit better but more significantly are much easy to adjust and require a lot less fiddling with, and compatible replacement pads are everywhere.
The other common change that people make with these bikes is replacing the shifters, though this is really a matter of personal taste. Bar end shifters are a popular alternative to the standard twist grips, though some do use thumb shifters. Personally I love Shimano's MTB 'brifters' on my Giro but I don't think they even make them anymore, they never did catch on with the MTBers.
I have found a few accessories to be excellent. The Fastback Double Century under seat bags are great for carrying water and essential tools, pump, spare tubes, etc. The Radical Design Solo Aero seat back bag also works really well on a Giro. I keep both on my bike all the time. Mirrors are important on most recumbents, a pair of Evo Lites from Calhoun Cycles works well for me. There are a few others I use, but those are the important ones.
I'd recommend checking out the official Bacchetta forums too, there's a lot of good advice to be had there.
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:40 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Hotdog » Fri Apr 27, 2012 3:22 pm
You're welcome Bob, happy to help.Bobmcar wrote:Thanks Hotdog for the suggested upgrades will take the recommendations on board.
One more thing that's probably best considered prior to purchase is the steering arrangement. You may have spotted that Bacchetta's Giros, Stradas, etc., come with a 'B-pivot' at the base of the handlebar riser/stem as standard, while the Corsa and Carbon Aero have no pivot. The pivot has an adjustable back stop which enables you to adjust how far the handlebars are away from you and also to fold the handlebars forwards when mounting/dismounting or storing the bike. This sounds like a good thing however in my experience (and I'm not alone in this) it's not actually very helpful in practice. Unless you have unusual proportions or use extremely upright or reclined seat positions it's very likely that you'll be able to get the handlebars into a comfortable position even without the pivot. In my opinion the ability to fold the handlebars forward does not help with getting on or off the bike either and it's actually a hindrance when handling the bike while on foot, the pivot has an irritating tendency to fold when you don't want it to. In fact I think the only real advantage to the pivot is it does enable the bike to take up a bit less space when being stored. The fixed angle riser/stem arrangement is lighter, simpler and stiffer, hence its use on Bacchetta's more performance oriented models.
It's worth thinking about this in advance because switching from with pivot to without at a later date requires buying a new front fork. This is because the pivotless setup requires an uncut fork steerer tube whereas when a pivot is installed the steerer is cut level with the top of the pivot base. I made the conversion on my Giro but only when I broke the fork and so needed to get a new one anyway.
Edit: Old forum post with photos of my Giro showing 700c wheels, BB7 brakes, pivotless riser/stem, under seat and seat back bags, mirrors and a few other modifications and addons (e.g. shifters and rear derailleur).
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:33 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Hotdog » Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:56 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:42 pm
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby william » Sun Apr 29, 2012 12:41 pm
I searched online for ages about what I wanted and had so many images of many recumbent bikes.
In the end I had my mind set on a Giro 20/26 because I didn't like the really high bottom bracket of the 650C wheeled Corsa. I was ready to purchase without seeing it but as many online riders had stated they suggested to ride as many as you can so...
Off I went to Canberra from Melbourne to get my Giro 20/26, so I thought.
After speaking with Ian about what I wanted to do he suggested a few including the Giro 20 but he wanted to steer me towards the Corsa but I really wasn't interested in a bike that needs a step ladder to reach the bottom bracket so I got on a low racer and that wasn't going to work as stability is distant to anything I'd ridden before And looking up to the door handles of a car was daunting with regards to safety. So, no low racer despite the fact they look sleek and fast and curvaceous and fast and, Oh! just lust I suppose.
Then I rode the Giro 20 being the last one I wanted to ride and buy but, when I got on and tried to ride off it was like I was a 5 year old again trying to ride my big brothers bike for the first time. Woah! Is this for real. I was wobbling all over the place with ian telling me to relax but I just wasn't getting it and felt totally disillusioned by all my research going down the drain.
I handed it back without wanting to go through a learning curve that difficult.
Daunted I reluctantly rode the Corsa as Ian suggested but I was merely killing time whilst I was there and needing to say I did test one. Ian made a few little adjustments and steadied me for a take off. I gently moved away and instantly was impressed with how much different it was. I was racing around the car park like a pro who grew up one a recumbent. Really chalk and cheese. And more responsive to power input.
I slapped the money in his hand and the bike went straight onto my car. The next day was spent cruising around on my new steed like I was the new King of Australia.
So, if people suggest Ian or any other recumbent dealer where you can test ride various machines BEFORE you commit to purchase. DO IT.
After some time with the Corsa I did get a low racer too and now do not regret that either. Its all mental perception.
Another tip: get a really bright tail light.
william.
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:06 pm
Thanks a lot for the comments quite reassuring, I have to admit I'm a bit paranoid regards riding a high racer. Not sure how I will cope with such a high BB. Ridden for years as I have mentioned before but this is something quite different. The support from everyone who has replied to me is terrific and helpful. Can see myself wobbling all over the place.
Just like you, had been researching on Internet, everyone is very passionate regards their stead - hard to choose. The Giro seems a good starting point though and I will visit Ian in Canberra during next school holidays and I will see if I can drop in on the monthly meeting of a group of recumbent riders ( cant remember their name of hand ) who meet down at StKilda pier to hear their opinions. Have seen pictures of the bacchetta giro but I havent even seen one in the flesh, can't believe there aren't more recumbent dealers in Melbourne. Thanks again - appreciate you outlining your journey regards recumbents, quite reassuring. Cheers Bob
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Hotdog » Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:59 pm
What lead me towards a Bacchetta high racer was that I live in a hilly area (they have a reputation as good climbers, at least by recumbent standards), I like going on group rides with cyclists on upright bikes (I'm high enough to easily talk with the other riders and even slot into a paceline) and I wanted to commute on the bike too (the high racer eye level is about that of the driver of a sedan car).
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby Bobmcar » Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:36 pm
What lead me towards a Bacchetta high racer was that I live in a hilly area (they have a reputation as good climbers, at least by recumbent standards), I like going on group rides with cyclists on upright bikes (I'm high enough to easily talk with the other riders and even slot into a paceline) and I wanted to commute on the bike too (the high racer eye level is about that of the driver of a sedan car).
Thanks again appreciate the explanation.
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby william » Mon Apr 30, 2012 2:34 pm
That is something I didn't explain in detail. That high bottom bracket that daunted me in photos is non existent when you're on the bike.
You have excellent visibility compared to a low racer that has tiller steering where the controls are in your face - so to speak.
You'll also find yourself riding 2, 3 or even 4 times the distances you used to do.
william
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Re: Bacchetta 700c
Postby rdp_au » Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:48 pm
Hotdog may remember the Bike North ‘Pie in the Sky’ ride. There aren’t big hills on this ride, but enough that if you can’t climb you’ll be pretty slow. As it happens, it was run last Saturday for the first time in over a year. I remember last time I did it when Hotdog was there on his Giro and watching him disappear off into the distance with the fast group. This time on the Corsa, I was genuinely surprised to find myself up there with the fast ones.
David
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