Cool Tool: Cruzbike Freerider

Autonomous Motion

Cruzbike Freerider

Front wheel drive recumbent bicycle

Although it takes a bit to master the ride, the Cruzbike's a blast once you get the hang of it. It's a front-wheel drive bike, so it gives you the comfort and speed of a recumbent without the long, long chain (one of the few negatives of most recumbents). The lack of chain in the rear makes it a perfect complement to the Xtracycle free radical SUB (sport utility bike), which is specifically why I bought the Cruzbike. Now I can, as much as possible, avoid having to drive a car entirely.I have the stock 65 psi tires on mine now (I ride the Freerider model), but I'm thinking of upgrading to new wheels with disc brakes and 100 psi tires to make it even more of a cargo-hauling truck.

I first bought a recumbent in 2000 after testing a bunch of them and, a week later, gave my upright to my father-in-law (I knew I wasn't going back). I've since ridden bikes like the EZ-1 and have four recumbents currently: a Rans Rocket (my first), a Rans tandem, a BikeE (for my wife for quick jaunts around town) and the Cruzbike, which I bought last fall. The Cruzbike's grip-shift handles the same as any other bike, and it takes hills pretty well for a 'bent, albeit with the proviso that no 'bent climbs as well as an upright because you can't stand up on the pedals; small price to pay for being able to ride for hours without feeling any pain and for having a pleasurable touring ride experience. It feels great to glide through the world with your head in a normal, comfortable position, at a comfortable height (no craning to see traffic). I find I'm faster because you are more aerodynamic than on an upright, so it takes less work to maintain the same speed. And the Cruzbike in particular feels amazingly light, even with the Xtracycle.

-- John Gear