Reply #14: Enough that they pose a storage problem...

[Rjnerd]

I build my own recumbent bikes. I have 5 that are currently rideable, including a three wheeled tandem, and a dedicated commuting machine. (sealed gears and brakes, built in lights, and a luggage trunk). Steel cut for at least two more. (including a fully enclosed "velomobile" for winter use).

Here is the storage problem: The tandem has to hang from the ceiling for the rest to fit.


And here are less encumbered views of two of the bikes...
Frankenbike: my "sport" machine


Solvang Trondholm, our tandem.


We have had the hybrid (a prius) for 4 years now, and just took it in for its 30k service. (had Susan's father not taken ill, and caused us to make 12 trips to NJ in the past 18 months, it would still be a year before we hit that total). Now when I wind up in a car that doesn't shut the engine down when sitting at a light, it feels wrong...

The median auto trip in this country is under 2 miles. It should not take 2 tons of steel, several ounces of petroleum, and the time of an adult to deliver an otherwise healthy 12 year old kid to an athletic practice. Same for a half pound videotape.

Oh yea, even as badly practiced as cycling is in this country, its still safer (per hour) than driving. Done "correctly" (think driver of vehicle, following same rules) it can be 5 times safer than "average". And thats before you factor in the anti-obesity effects of regular exercise.

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