Dispatches from the Staff
3:26 pm | Monday, Nov 26th 2007
Recumbents Return
Posted By Mark
After a noticeable absence from our store, Walt’s is excited to re-introduce a bigger and better selection of recumbents and recumbent trikes. More customers have been asking about “bents” and trikes, so we thought the time was right. We made the trip to the industry tradeshow this fall and had the chance to speak with numerous “bent” manufacturers and importers. The available design options and price-points are almost overwhelming. It is obvious that the recumbent market has grown and the industry is keeping up with the demand. Of all the international brands, we chose two partners right here in the states: Rans Recumbents of Hayes, Kansas and Catrike recumbent trikes out of Florida.
Rans has represented the best of recumbent design and manufacturing experience for over thirty years. Product ranges from the worlds most popular “bent”, the Status LE, to more exotic titanium V3 racing machine. Not all Rans are welded in Kansas, but all are pre-assembled there. Rans does not produce a below-seat steering bike, but prefer the above-seat steering for stability and ease of use. We have made the commitment to keep several different models in stock in order to compare and test ride. We also carry a great starter recumbent bike from Sun brand.
The award-winning Catrike recumbent trikes are simply a blast to ride. Commonly known as “tadpoles” by design, Catrikes are welded and pre-assembled in Florida. We stock two models: the Trail and the Road. We also have their flagship-touring model, the Expedition, available for rent. All models are fine for packed gravel and pavement. We also carry more affordable Sun brand traditional upright trikes and recumbent trikes.