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