RCN NEWS 1999 V.1
Recumbent Jerseys now available from Calhoun Cycle
Calhoun Cycle, MN, announces the introduction of three very fine new jerseys designed specifically for recumbent cyclists. Once again theyve worked with Bouré Sportswear, premier cycling apparel designers and manufacturers, to create these fabulous jersey alternatives.
All three jerseys are made of the latest technical fabrics that effectively wick moisture away from your skin to keep you cool and dry. The PRO jersey is the top of the line. It features a traditional European cycling fit and two front zipper pockets. Luke Breen, owner of Calhoun Cycle, felt that simply moving a cycling pouch to the belly wasnt effective. Its not secure, comfortable and, well, its not very good looking. Instead, theyve come up with a thoughtful solution. Theyve made two large side pockets, with zippers for security, that are large enough for a couple of energy bars, map, sunglasses and yet they look great. Its available in a very hip lime green and a more traditional power blue and sells for $69.97.
For women, the sleeveless ELITE Jersey has the same great pockets and fabric as the PRO. But it features narrower shoulders, a shorter body, and a flattering contour cut for women.
And for riders who dont require the premiere pocketry of the PRO and ELITE, they offer the SPORT Jersey. Still made of wicking, technical fabric, the SPORT Jersey is a more relaxed, looser cut and features a simple breast pocket for a few ditties. It sells for $49.97.
In this, their fourth year of recumbent duds, Calhoun Cycle has made several improvements and additions to their collection, which includes 8-panel chamois-less shorts, bibs, atb-style double-shorts and of course the new jerseys for men and women. Each season we learn so much from our customers, it just keeps getting better. This season theyre also excited about the addition of San Francisco manufacturer Zoic to their catalog. Zoic is one of the most popular mountain bike apparel designers, and now Calhoun Cycle has worked with them to customize a double-short for recumbent cyclists. The new short has a lightweight shell which snaps down to lessen ballooning and a lightweight comfortex liner with gussetted crotch. Its a light, cool, comfortable short that is great for touring. Calhoun Cycle ships their recumbent apparel worldwide and guarantees your satisfaction. To receive a free catalog, call them at (612) 827-8231 or e-mail: bent4good@aol.com
BikeE Seat Back Kit now Available
An inexpensive BikeE seat back extension is now available from EZ Rider Cycles. After receiving complaints from otherwise satisfied BikeE customers about discomfort or lack of support from the height of the standard BikeE seat back, Jeramiah Mangini of EZ Rider Cycles developed a seat back extension kit to solve the problem. The kit includes two 10 aluminum tubes which raise the backrest 6; black mesh webbing material with straps; 4 mounting screws; 1 #29 drill bit; and two end caps. The total kit weighs less than 1/2 pound and sells for $30 + $5 S/H (WA state residents add $2.28 sales tax). An additional option would be to use this kit in conjunction with the new BikeE Sweet Seat seat base sold for $50 + $5 S/H (WA state residents add $3.80 sales tax). Those who have installed the extension kit have experienced improved comfort, support and performance on their rides. To order: EZ Rider Cycles, PO Box 896, Davenport, WA 99125. Tel. 509-725-4249; Email: ezrider@sisna.com.
RECUMBENT RUMORS
BIG BOYS UPDATE: Schwinn is rumored to be developing recumbents for the 2000 season....could they be in shops by this fall? Cannondale is rumored to have three aluminum recumbent prototypes in development for the 2000 season. A full suspension SWB, a 24-speed compact and an aluminum/composite LWB ASS. The Trek recumbents are still not out as of this writing (May 11, 1999). What is the hold-up? Ironically enough....Rans seats. COMFORT CYCLEIt appears as though Comfort Cycle has gone out of business. The former principals of Comfort Cycle have not returned our calls, nor did they send along any 99 info. Comfort Cycles contract fabricators in Texas will continue to sell the Chaise 3 and a new trike called the Cycle 2000 under the name of Cycle Creations Tel. 903-342-1111. The trike business in the USA seems to be difficult. We suggest that RCN readers buy trikes that are proven from manufacturers with a good reputation that have proven that they can stay in business. Huffy/ReBike Chapter 1 In some areas of the USA you can now buy a ReBike at Sears. The ReTrike has been discontinued. We are again out of the loop with ReBike. They expressed disappointment that we did not list them in our Adventure Cycling touring recumbent issue last year. LONGBIKESThe sale of Ryan to Longbikes has closed. Longbikes first run of LWB models should be done by the time you read this. SWB and maybe above seat steering options are coming. They will be sold through dealers. Longbikes is currently working on an ASS version as well as a SWB. Huffy/ReBikeChapter 2: A letter was forwarded to us from a dealer which states that, after a significant investment in 1997 and 1998, I regret to report sales have not met our expectations. Effective immediately, Huffy will sell the ReBike models through only one retailer. Therefore, Huffy will not be accepting any other orders for the ReBike models, signed William A. Smith, VP Marketing. We have not officially heard from ReBike since they called us to express their discontent over ReBike not being listed in the 98 Touring Recumbent Primer for Adventure Cycling. I am sure ReBike would love to hear from all of you transcontinental tourists riding ReBikes. ATP VISIONhas reintroduced the 16 front wheel equipped R40 SWB by popular demand. This is the original R40 configuration and works great for shorter riders. WHAT IF Angletechs Kelvin Clark invited Mark Colliton to help design a new lightweight high performance SWB recumbent dream bike and then had one of the best bike builders in North America, Mark Nobilette, build it of the finest tubes, parts and even a new state-of-the-art full sling/mesh recumbent seat. Well, this bike might turn up at the CABDA consumer show in Chicago wearing the moniker MC2 (does this stand for Mark Colliton squared?). Mark, friend of RCN for years (covers and scans) is a bike designer without a company. Mark co-designed the Rans V-Rex. Mark flew to Hays and convinced Rans to build a SWB based on the Rans Stratus frame tube kit. The rest is history. FLAT TIRES WITH PRIMO COMETS....if you have been having more than your share of flat tires on 98 or 99 model bikes, we suggest you check out your tire tubes. The Kenda tubes seem to have problems (be defective?) and produce punctures at the tube seams (near the stem). We have seen it in 349mm and 406mm tubes from Vision and Rans recumbents. The easy fix is to find Cheng Shin tubes in these sizes and your flat tire woes will disappear. LIGHTNINGThe entry level SWB Thunderbolt will retail for $850 with rigid fork, and $1050 with a Ballistic suspended fork. Look for a complete this fall in RCN (99). HALUZAK will be redesigning their offroad suspenion model the Traverse for 2000. Until then, the Traverse will not be available.
