A customer who recently bought an HP Velotechnik Gekko fx 26 wrote me with a couple questions.

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Ed– L— wrote:
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Hi Robert,

I’m likely to pose a few questions/comments over the next week or so.

1) how do the front wheels come off?
I imagine there is some quick release system you’ll have to show me ….

2) I have to find a place to put front and rear “blinkies”…….

Sent from my iPhone-please pardon typos and grammatical shortcuts!

Thanks….

Ed

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Reply:

Hi Ed,

Very positive review of the HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs Enduro in Velo Vision magazine.

VV51-HPVelotechnik-Scorpion-fs-Enduro

Excerpts:

“Full-Feature Creature

“The Scorpion fs has the looks and features of a genuinely capable off-road machine. We had the enviable task to investigate its full capability and find out if the GO SwissDrive made it a trike to take on the wilderness….”

“CONCLUSION

“The Scorpion fs 26 is a rugged machine with a chassis to cope with whatever conditions prevail. Its class-leading handling feels safe and predictable at speed and the front suspension keeps roll under control while also being soft and comfortable.

“Additional to its ‘mountain trike’ label, the Enduro could easily be prepared for a trans-continental tour with the optional 25 kg rated rack. The fully-adjustable suspension would, I expect, accommodate the additional load easily. Our well-worn example gives confidence in the long-term reliability, too.”

 

New and Novel

Cruzbike Silvio S30 (2016)

Notable changes in this most recent version of the Silvio

Price drop:
$2,400: frameset
$4,100: complete (manufacturer’s standard build)

Changes in Specifications:
Seat angle: 33 degrees. The seat is less reclined than the previous version, which had a 27 degree angle (some riders have measured it at 29 degrees). So, it may be preferred by people who want clearer visibility of the road and who ride with groups. The slightly higher seat angle will make it easier to chat with other riders and, along with the lighter weight, will help the 2016 S30 perform more like standard frames on the ups and downs. I’ve had customers with health issues (usually neck) who wanted a Silvio with a more upright seat and I imagine that group will be pleased.

The front shock has been removed. This reduces the weight, cost and a component that required maintenance. While the front shock might smooth out some pot holes, it’s a matter of debate whether it performed well-enough to offset the cost, weight and hassle. It’ll be nice not to wonder if you should pack a shock pump for a long trip.

The 2016 S30 uses the same drive triangle (front-end) as the Vendetta. In the past, the Silvio drive triangle had to be unique due to the presence of the front air shock. The new front-end is stiffer, more aerodynamic, has a slightly lower handlebar position and feels more like a Vendetta due to its stiffness. Also, since the handlebars are lower, there is no longer a need for a curved front boom for shorter riders. Riders should also be aware that Silvios have three sizes for the chain stays: short, medium and long. Size medium is best for most people, though some riders, even those of smaller stature, opt for the large to bring their feet and legs up in front of their body and into a more aerodynamic position.

The new Silvio version is a little more distinctly in the category of a road bike that can handle light touring and randonneuring if so desired. On that point, the new version is constructed with attachment points for an under-seat rack which, according to Jonathan Garcia with Cruzbike, Terra Cycle plans to manufacture. The rack will accept standard small “front” panniers.

While I still prefer Radical Design panniers for carrying luggage, since they zero-out the cost and weight of the rack and the poor aerodynamics of standard under-seat panniers, I’m happy to see this option for those who have already invested in a pair of quality panniers. Also, this is wonderful for riders who absolutely need the expanded carrying capacity and low center of gravity of under-seat bags. In spite of how much I like Radical Design panniers, there remains the challenge of fitting the larger sizes on the Silvio due to the absence of the rear rack. (For RD panniers, the headrest serves the function of the rack, but there’s nothing to keep the bags away from the wheel.) I wonder if the new under-seat rack may actually enable the size large Radical Design side panniers to be used more successfully.

Jonathan Garcia describes the Silvio as a nice combination of speed, temper and handling. While the low seat angle still creates a need for a headrest, it’s good in traffic. He says it “feels like a Vendetta with a higher seat angle.”

The 2016 S30 is now available through the Cruzbike website. For your $100 discount from New York City Recumbent Supply, be sure to type in the code I gave you after your demo ride. If you didn’t do the $100 demo ride with me (at NYC Recumbent Supply), just type a note when you place your order that you’re one of my customers.

 

Free Money: Claim your $100

Cruzbike and HP Velotechnik customers get $100 cash or cash-back
Did you have a demo or lesson at New York City Recumbent Supply and paid the $100 demo fee? Remember: you get $100 cash or cash-back when you buy a new bike or trike from New York City Recumbent Supply or Cruzbike.

This includes purchases directly on the Cruzbike website. In this case, you simply use your special discount code when you order from their website. For HP Velotechnik, you get the cash back at purchase. If you lost your code or forgot to use it, no problem. Just contact Robert for a new code.

If you already bought a bike from Cruzbike and forgot to use the code, again, just contact Robert and he’ll mail you a check for $100. This applies to everyone who paid the $100 demo fee, regardless of what year you did your test ride.

Cruzbike Rally, West Coast
Portland, Oregon, July 22-24

Sign up at cruzbike.com

Pack your bag, bike and helmet and meet the Cruzbike Tribe at Camp Lacamas a rustic retreat center nestled in the scenic Lacamas Lake area. Join us for the whole weekend or just a day or two for food, fun and epic rides. The camp is located just twenty minutes east of Portland International Airport and west of the Columbia River Gorge.

Your Ride Retreat Weekend registration includes a 2016 Cruzbike Ride Retreat cycling jersey, food, rustic bunkhouse accommodations, group rides, entertainment and education. You’ll need to bring your own twin sheets and towel. Everything else is covered!

If you’re new to Cruzbike, we have a half-day registration option for Cruzbike School only. It is Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.. Registration includes riding lessons, participation in the hands-on Cruzbike School workshop, the beginner ride and lunch on Saturday.

I (Robert) am unlikely to attend this rally because I’ll have just returned from Finland, but I recommend people go. I expect it’ll be a lot of fun.

Advocacy

“You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo.”
– Eminem

George Washington Bridge: One chance for a wider bike path.

Neile Weissman, cycling advocate, recumbent rider and one of the best bicycle day-trip leaders I’ve ever ridden with, has been advocating for the past few years to widen the bicycle-pedestrian paths on the George Washington Bridge.

Back Story
In 2012, cyclists became aware of plans by the Port Authority of NY & NJ to recable the George Washington Bridge. Although this project would take the better part of decade and involve gutting its bike and pedestrian paths, the Port Authority had announced no plans to maintain access to those on bike, foot, or wheelchair.

So Weissman and other cyclists began a campaign to a) secure ADA-compliant access for the duration of the recabling; and b) to realize the once-in-a-lifespan opportunity to expand the GWB’s capacity to match the growth of bicycle traffic expected for the rest of this century.

The campaign appeared both reasonable and natural, given the growing crowds on the Bridge path; the 6% target for bike use set by both NY and NJ; and that these goals accorded with Port Authority’s own statements and mandates.

In March 2014, PANYNJ announced it would undertake a number of improvements to the GWB paths including upgrades to both NY-NJ entrances, the removal of stairs on the North Path, and the inclusion of anti-suicide barriers.

While welcomed and advised, these changes paled next to another announcement: That PANYNJ would keep the main spans of the Path at their current 6.75′ —  less than half that recommended for “high use” — effectively making the GWB “walk-your-bike” through the rest of the century.

Which, if you consider that the GWB connects two of the most heavily traveled bike corridors in the US; Hudson Greenway and 9W, is one heck of a disconnect.  So the advocacy continues.

There are two quick and easy things you can do to help improve access on the GWB:

1. Ask your NYC Council Member to support Resolution 1072-2016.

Co-sponsored by Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez and CM Costa Constantinides, 1072-2016 calls upon the Port Authority to widen the GWB paths as part of the upcoming recabling.  And if they already support the resolution, thank them!

2. Share this with your friends and on your social media.

That’s it.  Thank you!

This message is from Neile Weissman with “Complete George.”

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– To find your local Council Member, click here.  

– For the text of 1072-2016, click here.

– For more info on widening the GWB, click here.

– For an online version of this press release, click here.

I’m leading this 10-day bike tour in Finland this July for the Appalachian Mountain Club. Preceding that tour, I plan to take some time for myself to scout an 8-day route of about 575 miles around southern Finland. The route may form the basis for a guided tour I offer in the future.

For those who are curious, here is information about the AMC trip.

Bike Finland: Island Hopping in the Turku Archipelago
Unfortunately, it’s sold out, but I may offer it again next year.

Group Rides:
NY Cruzbike Ride on June 25 (NY Metro)

June 25, 10am. Poughkeepsie, NY
75 miles, 13 mph pace

Ride starting point: Meet on the Walkway over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Planned route: Poughkeepsie to Bell Pond and back.
At the half-way point, we’ll have lunch. We’ll get ice cream at Stewart’s at the end.
Robert Matson (Silvio, New York City Recumbent Supply), Peter Maron (Silvio) and Jim Lipscomb (Silvio) came up with this idea. Join us!
Map and cue sheet: https://goo.gl/maps/qE8YwWe6xCv
Ice cream: Stewart’s: 85 Creek Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cruzbikes: http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/
This is an unorganized, leader-less meet-up, but here are some ride guidelines:

• Keep it mellow: 13 mph average pace, ride in a loosely-spaced single-file line, obey traffic laws.
• You need to be able to fend for yourself: no tech support, no sweep
• Bring your own map/cue sheet, tools, tubes, drinks, etc.
• If you go off the front or fall off the back, you’re on your own.
• It’s nothing personal if you get dropped. It’s an easy route. We’ll meet you again at lunch or at the ice cream shop.
• That’s all folks. It’s just a group ride.
• RSVP if you’d like to receive last minute updates such as cancellation due to weather.

…highly recommend you…

6/3/16

Have highly recommended you to someone in your area. R—L— and his father-in-law an…but still active. Judicial system, I think. Name?

My experience yesterday with you will remain with me for the rest of my life. It was a glorious day that totally changed my view of Brooklyn and of New Yorkers.

The recumbent [HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26] surpassed my already high expectations. I appreciate your work ethic and tone of your website, the quality of the company you have chosen to represent, your attention to detail which requires much patience, and obvious care. Am looking forward to doing business with you.

R– R–
Beach Haven, NJ