| Re: Cool, sporty, stylish...recumbents and HPVs
"Jeff Potter" <jp@outyourbackdoor.NOSPAMcom> wrote in message
news:3FA7D25D.58E1505F@outyourbackdoor.NOSPAMcom.. .
> Here's a dose of diverse color and style for those who might still think
> of recumbents and HPVs as being only for slow, old, bearded geeks:
>
> http://speedbikes.ch/
>
> http://www.ligfiets.net/cyclevision/promotie.php3
>
> http://www.m5-ligfietsen.com/english...rijdnieuws.htm
>
> One of the things I've always liked about HPV racing is how diverse and
> inclusive it is, with several classes and kinds of bikes on the course
> at the same time. This creates a particular race culture. For one thing
> it requires a consistent use of etiquette in terms of passing and being
> passed which has worked great in every event I've been to. It also
> contributes to the 'small world' air of an HPV race day. --Even when
> very high performance action is going on. Crit riders averaging 35+mph
> are often on the course with those going only 20.
>
> Another amazing thing about the HPV scene is how the freeform
> construction technique results in so many interesting bike, frame and
> fairing shapes, designs and colors. This allows a VERY wide range of
> graphic design expression. Upright bike paint jobs can be nice, of
> course: but the range of expression possible for a few small tubes is
> VERY small. Smooth, gorgeously painted fairings can be designed
> amazingly or even sold as advertising space.
>
> Note from the M5 website that in open time trials and even hilly road
> races the unfaired recumbent (via Euro rules which allow a shaped seat)
> is winning recent UCI-type races.
>
> --
You forgot one, Calfee's new Stiletto:
http://www.calfeedesign.com/stiletto.shtml
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