2022  Cycle-Con - It’s in the books

It was quite a show! Although the number of cyclists riding recumbents continues to grow it is still a small percentage compared to mainstream cycling. And although there are a growing number of dealers where you can view or try out a recumbent that resource is rather thin across North America. That is why the Montgomery County Fairgrounds  in Dayton, Ohio was such a Mecca for the recumbent  enthusiasts and the just plain curious the weekend of October 7th thru 9th, just past. They came by the hundreds and were not disappointed. 

Recumbent Cycle-Con was cancelled the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. There was a danger that this year’s event would also be cancelled as the  organizer and owner Charles Coyne wanted to retire. Faced with this dilemma and the likely demise of Recumbent Cycle-Con, Wiz Wheels the manufacturer of Terra Trike and Greenspeed Trikes  boldly undertook to purchase the assets of Mr Coyne’s operation with the goal of not only insuring there would be a 2022 Cycle-Con but the concept of a non-partisan Cycle-Con show would continue in future years.

 Manufacturers  from around the globe and/or their agents/distributors were there in force with an inventory of dozens upon dozens of models….all available for anyone to take for a test drive on the gravel or paved track. There was every configuration imaginable.When the doors opened to the first dealers on Friday morning a trickle quickly turned into a deluge as dealers from across the continent streamed in anxious to see, compare, and try the offerings.

After signing a waiver, you were free to approach any cycle display in the huge centre and request the opportunity to ride any cycle there. Requests were quickly granted, machines adjusted to fit you and with a few safety instructions you were sent out to the test track. It was a steady stream out one door, back in the return, and onto your next machine. On Saturday and Sunday the Cycle-Con was opened to the public. The deluge turned into a flood. It continued for a total of three days. Smiles and exhaustion were evident on the faces of exhibitors and attendees by closing on Sunday afternoon!

Many recumbent dealers have a machine or perhaps several in stock that you can book an appointment to try. At 2022 Cycle-Con there were a couple dozens exhibitors with dozens upon dozens of machines. From deltas to tadpoles, from budget to deluxe, from three wheel to two wheelers, even quad-4 wheels, rigid  frame to articulating tandems, racing tires to fat tire, all terrain, adaptive units for those with various physical limitations, suspension- none, partial and complete,  fixed to chain derailers to gearboxes to automatic shifters….. and e-assist of every sort.

If you missed it you can watch some of the many videos and reports that will be coming up on The Laidback Bike  Report. But the best way would be to check your calendar for October 2023 Cycle-Con again expected in Dayton Ohio

I’ll post some pictures and I have some interviews I did. The new trike is ordered but not yet delivered. Watch for the details

Let's Get Back to Living 

It has been two years since I lost my wife Norma, my Pearl of the Orient. We were just nicely into this dreaded pademic then and it is only now we are able to travel freely again. In spite of being reasonably careful and fully vaccinated I still managed to contract a mild case of Covid-19 last July and fortunately was not very ill and only managed to pass it on to one other that I know of. Got my 5th shot this week and hope I manage to travel this winter without another bout.

It will be different heading south without my Pearl of the Orient. We were married for 51 years, 5 months, and 7 days. Although Norma vocally insisted I was crazy getting "that stupid trike", she became it's biggest fan when she saw how it inspired me to exercise and regain a healthy life style. I still heartily enjoy pedaling my butt up and down the road.

I've been pretty silent on this blog the last couple of years but I notice a number of visitors still touch base to see if I'm still kicking.

Old Rover II must have well over 45,000 km on it by now and is still rolling along just fine. It is probably due for some maintenance and TLC but I'd rather be riding than tinkering and it's just a very reliable ride. Like the Hot Rod Lincoln, "the brakes are good and the tires are fair"

Update on E-assist

Two years ago I purchase a TSDZ-2 from Eco Cycles... great people. I was going to put it on another trike- a used Terra Trike Tour II, however before I got all the way into that project, one of the clutches in my Bafang BBSO2 B  after what has to be +25,000 km of hard use started jumping so I shuffled the TSDZ 2 onto Rover. I will overhaul the old Bafang, I think, but again tinkering vs riding... an easy decision, particularly when the logistics of getting repair parts with border restrictions was difficult and costly. Interestingly some of the cables, controls and displays were interchangeable between the two systems.

Which is best?

I don't think one is better. They are just different.

1. The batteries are the same size but the TSDZ is 52 V vs 48V for Bafang. Mounting ia different Q-TACH but either unit could run either voltage by changing settings
2. Range is about the same but generally go a bit faster (22-26 kph) with TSDZ2 as you have to keep presure on pedals to maintain power. tend to coast a little more with the Bafang. The controller software and firmware in the BBSO2B is much different than the cheap controller packages I have on a trishaw with a Bafang hub motor ( I don't like that trishaw e-assist package)
3. The TSDZ 2 has a brass reduction gear that is noticeably noisier at slow speeds in lower gears  than the BBSO2B. At higher speeds (+20 kph) road noise and "old ears" don't notice it. That noise was initially worse but dropped as the gear "seated in"
4. Have a double front  (44T and 52T) but never use the 44 as few hills here. I run 55-60 cadence w standard cranks and often run in 6th or 7th on the cassette for better wear life than on the 11 tooth 8th. Most of my miles are on the highway Around town I pooch along at maybe 15 kph. I do not have a shifter on the front chainrings as I rarely shift. It is simpler to take hold of the chain tube and lift it up or down onto the desired chainring
5. The BBSO2B seems to have more power and runs cooler than the TSDZ 2 which has the extra packing of thermal paste. It gets warm after a two hour 40 km ride on a summer daybut not "hot" per se. The Bafang never gets more than just warm.
6. The newer display that came with the TSDZ 2 is much brighter but it does not have a watt meter like the Bafang.

What Else?

Lots of things, I just haven't written about. Really looking to getting down to Recumbent Cycle Con in Dayton next weekend. Will be doing some interviews. Love to talk to anyone. I'm about ready to invest in a new trike and have my "wants & needs" list.

I need:

1. Suspension: My old arthritic neck needs some relief and maybe a head rest too. Full suspension or just rear?
2. It must fold- quick & easy Tired of hauling a trike over 1000 miles of salt and sand and worrying about the thieves.
3. It must take an e-assist system. I am happy with my TSDZ-2 and cost wise it wins hands down. That being said I like to try one of those RR systems
4. Rear big wheel to avoid deraileur in the dirt.

I want:

1. To try a rear geared hub. I don't need 15 gears. I rarely if ever use the grannies on the cassette. Whats happening with the redesigned 5 speed Sturmey-Archer. Sure like to try one
2. An enclosed trike for bad weather. Not a velomobile I cannot get in or out of and that cannot go over a railroad crossing or a pot hole
3. What's happening with fairings? Terra Cycle Wind Wrap which I have used won't quite cut it for we poor souls who cannot go south but still need to trike. This picture from Osoyus, B.C, a.k.a. Lotus Land in 2016/17 amply demostrates the problem! 

See the problem?

Looking forward to seeing you on the trails or at Dayton Recumbent Cycle Con