P!N20 said “kinda like fixed gear track bikes”. Touche. Pot + kettle = black.
However, FWD low racer recumbents are even less suited for commuting than FG track bikes are suited for use as messenger bikes.
The hipster/fashion victim appeal of FG track bikes seems to be the clean-lined aesthetics, the ghetto heritage vibe (from when NYC bike messengers first rode them because they were cheap & low maintenance), the danger/difficulty of riding them, the ‘Zen’ mystique, and the scope for trainspotting nerdiness (e.g. “are those real vintage NOS C-Record Campy track hubs, or are they vintage Sunshine NJS Sheriff Star Pista hubs, or are they new All-City knock offs?”). The redeeming thing about FG track bikes is that they can still be ridden on the road without looking like a total knob – particularly if you fit a front brake.
FWD low racers won’t replace track bikes as the trend setters’ bike toy because they don’t have those same attractions (other than danger), and because riders will look too damn stupid riding them on the road wearing skinny leg jeans (or whatever replaces them as trendy street clothing).
b.dub says “I can just picture the chain snapping and whipping the rider in the face”. It’s an evil idea — but so very possible. If I was bike designer, I’d be fitting a full-length chainguard.
the owner is living up tot he recumbent owner ethos too, ‘being an old man who won’t pay for anything’.
that chain and chainring is completely rooted:p
end rant at people who refuse to replace shit that needs to be replaced.
otherwise it is pretty cool, except having worked on a couple they are fairly freakin cumbersome.
FACT: Most recumbent riders seem to have an Engineering degree and remind you of it… although none of them seem to be engineers.
The explorer socks with SPD sandals urban legend is infact alive and very real. I very stealthily took this pick of of a recumbent riders feet in our workshop.
So, so true. I made the mistake of talking to a recumbent rider on an audax ride once, back in the day. Fuck me, it made that ride ten times longer than it already was.
