Cool, sporty, stylish...recumbents and HPVs - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

11-04-2003, 08:22 AM

"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:
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> 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:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

11-04-2003, 08:23 AM

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:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

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.

--

Jeff Potter
****
*Out Your Backdoor * [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
publisher of outdoor/indoor do-it-yourself culture...
...offering "small world" views on bikes, bows, books, movies...
...rare books on ski, bike, boat culture, plus a Gulf Coast thriller
about smalltown smuggling ... more radical novels coming up!
...original downloadable music ... and articles galore!
plus national "Off the Beaten Path" travel forums! HOLY SMOKES!