Comments on: RaptoBike Mid Racer: a front wheel drive recumbent

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:53:29 +0000

neuropathy, tissue damage, strained necks, aching backs and
leg edema … they don’t exist with DF’rs. Not really.

By: Luk Wynants

Luk Wynants — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:58:45 +0000

I’ve tested this bike some days ago and it was fantastic! Very stable and comfortable ride. Got home and ordered a framekit right away! (Currently 10% discount for pre orders)

By: kate

kate — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:57:22 +0000

Whats the feeling of riding this bicycle?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:38:08 +0000

One of the most amazing aspects of FWD is the ability to add Arm Power. This adds about 1/4 HP and Tom Traylor was beating everything faired or unfaired @ HPV events 25 yrs ago.

By: John

John — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:45:18 +0000

Bents are bikes, really. I race a Scott Addict R2 and consider this every bit as beautiful as the Scott. Brilliant, simply brilliant.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:33:14 +0000

I have ridden several FWD recumbents over the past 7 years, they have been around much longer than that. I assure you, the concept works fine. The drivetrain stays somewhat cleaner because there's nothing in front of it to throw up slop, like you'd have with a RWD. The factory bike I rode was a Flevo, apparently no longer available. My current ride is a homebuilt Flevo replica. It's wicked fast on my slightly hilly 25mi WV commute. It's getting close to time to replace it though. Good to see there will be an available alternative - hoping to see luggage racks and fenders available as I'll still be using it to commute. A fairing would also be nice.
As a point of interest, the bike that currently holds the world's speed record of 83mph (unpaced, standing start) is of this configuration. Georgi Georgiev's Varna.
Nick Hein, WV

By: Stupid_C

Stupid_C — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:02:36 +0000

This is the raptobike I've been waiting for! The original low-rider looks amazing but a little too low for my commute, this on the other hand looks to be a perfect compromise of speed and visability. If the price point is as good as the "low" then I'm seriously interested!

By: coundetu

coundetu — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:19:19 +0000

'bents aren't bikes. Not really…

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:18:10 +0000

It is great to see this innovation and to have another "front wheel drive" recumbent in the market besides our "front wheel drive" recumbent trike. http://www.Sidewindercycle.com

Michael

By: suganick

suganick — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:14:30 +0000

I was never much of an observer of recumbent bikes but this is some great innovation! I this is a great start for some awesome future products. Paint/materials could really make this pop. Great work!