I received a brand new recumbent bike for my 71st birthday which simply arrived a few days in the past. My recumbent was over 10 years previous as a result of I purchased it used, and among the parts like gears and brakes had been getting a bit out of date and arduous to tune. I may have simply changed it with the newest model of the identical mannequin (the Bacchetta Giro A20). However the Giro is a touring mannequin, and I spotted that for a similar value I may get a lighter weight efficiency mannequin, the Bacchetta Corsa. This was interesting as a result of I wish to go after Strava age group data. I used to be involved that the extra aggressive place on the Corsa may not be as comfy because the Giro, and luxury to me is extra necessary general than efficiency. Nonetheless, I spotted that if the bike has disk brakes, it’s straightforward to make wheel adjustments, and the Corsa could possibly be made as comfy because the Giro for each day driving. Then with a wheel and seat swap I may put it again in efficiency mode at any time when I wished. I’d been toying with the thought of doing this someday sooner or later, however Dana Lieberman, who owns Bacchetta bikes, placed on a killer “black friday” sale earlier than Christmas that I couldn’t resist. So I ordered the bike a couple of weeks in the past and it simply arrived.
My first rides confirmed it’s fairly a bit faster than the Giro, and I’m trying ahead to going after some Strava 70+ data with it. Sadly my current chilly intervened in order that received postponed until I recuperate. For longer rides the Giro does appear a bit extra comfy now, however that could be a matter of getting used to the brand new seat (additionally the brand new seat is extra comfy in a extra reclined place, which is nice for aerodynamics however could require a headrest). And I can over time look into swapping out wheels and seats for consolation vs. efficiency as mentioned beneath. Thankfully, by donating my non-electric upright bike I made room to retailer the brand new Corsa, so I can maintain each bikes a minimum of for now whereas I kind this out. This sort of experimenting is enjoyable for me as a retired engineer.