There is one thing that is very puzzling to me, and that is why recumbent bicycles are rarely seen in the United States? Everywhere I go, I never see anybody riding a recumbent bike. As a matter of fact I can only remember seeing people riding recumbent bikes only two times in my life. I really don’t know how the bent, as they are called, caught my eye but I now own two of them. I have a long wheel based over-seat steering and a short wheel base under-seat steering bents. I brought mine from a flea market used bicycle dealer. They where not in the best of condition and were not shiny and beautiful but for the price of forty dollars for one and fifty for the other, I was very happy without any complaints. Recumbent bikes are priced from $495 to $5000. And I am sure that is one of the reasons they are far less popular then the traditional bicycles I see everyday.

The bicycle is the most used mode of assisted transportation in the world. There are twice as many bicycles then automobiles the number of about one billion the world over. Using the same energy it takes to walk, one can travel about ten to fifteen miles an hour as opposed to three to three point five miles an hour riding a bicycle.

Everybody just about can ride a bicycle, we all learn at a very young age. It is the second form of transportation where there is a learning curve to master, of course walking being the first. Cycling is a good form of exercising too.

I think the recumbent bike should be more popular then the traditional upright bicycle. They are much more comfortable as sitting in a chair type seat then with a small saddle type seat poking up to be perched upon. This makes for a very uncomfortable condition with the hip bones suffering the most. That is why the rider of the upright bike sits awhile and stands awhile for comfort. Riding the recumbent bike uses different muscles than the traditional bike which makes it a little difficult to learn to ride. It seems a bit tiring at first but after a while your muscles will adapt to this new riding position.

By Bobby Joeheart

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One of the premier electric bike conversion kits is the Crystalyte Phoenix Brute. This baby adds true muscle to your favorite bike. The Phoenix electric bike conversion kits are the most powerful on the market today.

The model 4840 delivers a monstrous 2.6 HP. (Now remember this a bicycle, not a Ford Mustang!). The Phoenix Brute’s motor is wound to churn out an outrageous amount of low end torque. As such, it can be used to pull a trailer or support a big strapping guy (or two small girls…..just kidding). The point is, of course, that it can handle the load!

Like all electric bikes you can run on pure electric power, or pedal power, or both!

With the Crystalyte Phoenix Brute you get super fast off-the-line acceleration, extreme hill climbing ability and plenty of power to conquer uneven or off-road terrain. The 3640 model can reach speeds up to 19 mph in 11 seconds. The more powerful 4840 can reach speeds up to 25 mph in 11 seconds! The motor is a brushless hub motor. Absolutely no maintenance is required.

In addition, there are no chains, belts, gears, pulleys, or sprockets. The electric motor is connected directly to wheel hub. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to charge the battery pack.

The range for the Phoenix Brute is quite decent. Using the 3640 controller, you can go 11 miles on battery power alone. The 4840 controller will increase your range to 12 miles. If you pedal some of the time, the range will increase substantially.

The Brute is also customized for your needs. You choose the controller (4840 or 3640 system), throttle, front or rear wheel drive, rim size and the bicycle to attach the Brute to. This electric bike kit comes pre-wired and is simple to install.

Let’s take a look at some of these options individually:

Rims: You can choose from 20″, 24″and 26″ rims. All have heavy duty 12 gauge spokes and are double walled.

Throttle: You can choose from a half-twist, full-twist or thumb throttle. If your bike has twist shifters, you’ll want a thumb throttle.

Rear Basket/Rack: The 3640 system comes with a bike rack to hold the pannier bag, controller and batteries. The larger 4840 system comes with a rear basket to hold the pannier bag, controller and batteries.

Cruise control: You simply set your speed, then release the throttle. The cruise control works just like the one in your car. Couldn’t be easier!

Brake inhibit: This safety feature triggers when you use the brakes. It turns off the throttle and cruise control, just like in your car.

The kit also includes the Crystalyte smart charger, battery indicator gauge and keyed ignition.

Electric bikes are environmentally friendly, fun to ride, quiet, cost pennies a day to charge and are a fantastic way to bypass the price at the pump! In addition, no insurance or license needed. You can ride them ride them anywhere you can ride a pedal bike. The “electric bike” classification lets you to operate without a driver’s license or registration in most states. The Phoenix electric bike kits does exceed federal power and speed limits for electric bicycles, so they may be an exception to the rule. Be sure to check with your local Police Department and/or DMV before purchase.

By Bill Boren

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