News from HP Velotechnik

Your 2017 Dollar Goes Further: Most Prices Unchanged for Base Models from HP Velotechnik

In early November of most years, HP Velotechnik publishes new prices for continuing models. Compared to 2016 prices, the new 2017 prices for base models remain mostly unchanged.

Scorpion fs 26 base model: unchanged at $4590
Gekko fx 26 (USA): unchanged at $2390
Gekko fx 20 (USA): unchanged at $2290
Grasshopper fx base model: unchanged at $3290
StreetMachine Gte base model: $40 increase to $2990
(New prices effective Nov. 1, 2016.)

This simple comparison does not reveal something unusual they’ve done for customers. In the new pricing schedule, they are now including customs and duties in the retail price but not origination fees — the cost of shipping costs from Germany to USA. This is notable because the net 2017 price that many customers see on their final receipt will turn out to be slightly lower for many models in 2017 because duties, especially for two-wheelers, have been very high in the past.

HP Velotechnik Offers New Options

Drivetrain:

2017:  SRAM GX 30-speed drivetrain with SRAM 500 SL bar-end shifters for under seat steering. This replaces prior years’ Shimano XT 27-speed drivetrain with Dura-Ace bar-end shifters.
The 81-speed trike drivetrains still use the XT 27-speed.

Human-generated Electricity and Lighting: Big Upgrades in 2017

While the high-end SON Delux dynohub remains HP Velotechnik’s premium option for an electric power source, they’ve added the SP 8-Series Dynamo Hub as a low-cost option. More about the SP 8-Series Dynamo Hub here.

Regardless of which you choose, both dynamo hub systems include the incredible, new 100-Lux IQ-X headlight from Busch + Müller (B&M). This is an amazing light, representing yet another break-through from B&M. See the other article in this newsletter.

Meanwhile, the Dymotec 6 tire dynamo is paired with B&M’s new 80 Lux IQ Fly Premium headlight. B&M’s Dymotec 6 remains a great low-cost, low-weight option and is the basic light for the Grasshopper fx/Air.

Features of IQ Fly Premium:

• Extensive light field
• Light at close range
• Stand light & sensor (a.k.a., parking light)
• 80 Lux with front reflector

Pedals: Shimano PD T780 pedal

As an upgrade from the (cheap) standard pedal that comes with HP Velotechnik trikes and bikes at no extra cost, they now offer the newer PD T780 pedal, part of Shimano’s Deore XT product line. This is a really fine pedal that costs less when ordered with a new HP Velot. than it does at standard retail prices.

The Pre-Built Scorpion fs 26 is here.

Only available in the USA.

This past summer, HP Velotechnik began offering a pre-built Scorpion fs 26 “USA” model for United States customers. It could be ordered and delivered in only 7-10 business days instead of the 5-7 weeks typical for custom models. It includes a few commonly-requested upgrades at a good price: $5057. Warehoused in the USA.

Specs:
Your choice of ErgoMesh, ErgoMesh XL, or BodyLink seat.
Drivetrain: SRAM GX 30 speed with SRAM 500 SL Bar-end shifters; Full-suspension (medium payload) with RockShox Monarch RL rear shock; Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes with parking brakes; front boom with derailer tube; standard color option: white/grey.

Just a shout-out to the people at Bend-It Cycling.  I saw them again at the Recumbent Cycle Convention this past October in Cincinnati.  Nice guys.  I hope they do well.

http://www.benditcycling.com/

They make practical cycling shorts and shirts for recumbent riders.

I just received a shipment of recumbent bike shorts as well as a recumbent bib short!  They look great.  I particularly like bib shorts in general so I look forward to testing these soon and writing a review.

Be sure to drop by their site the next time you’re buying recumbent bike shorts.

Bib wishes,
Robert

Discounts at New York City Recumbent Supply

Grasshopper fx, demo model: $3,890. Save $700.
While supplies last.
(Photo above shows a model that is similar but not identical to the one for sale.)

Specs

• HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx
• Color: Magic Green
• Front boom with derailer tube
• Body link hardshell seat
• Steering: above seat tiller, foldable stem
• Drivetrain: standard SRAM dual drive 24 speed
• Short cranks: 155mm
• Front shock: Grind 2 AL, standard medium spring
• Brakes: disk brakes Avid BB7
• Light system w/ SRAM D7 disk hub generator and IQ Fly front light
• Water bottle set: bottles, cages, mounts
• Mudguards, SKS black
• Kickstand, swing arm, Pletscher Zoom
• Rear rack

Do you want to learn how to ride a Cruzbike?  Or learn advanced handling skills for your current Cruzbike?  Join Maria Parker, Rob Matson and other members of the Cruzbike Tribe.  We’ll host a Cruzbike school on Sunday Nov. 6 at the Chamounix Mansion in Philadelphia.  Address: West Fairmount Park; 3250 Chamounix Drive; Philadelphia, PA.

Register here:
http://cruzbike.com/come-ride-events

Cruzbike will also be at the Philly Bike Expo Nov. 5 – 6, 2016.
Separate registration required
http://www.phillybikeexpo.com/

Take a recumbent bike on your next vacation!

Introducing the Grasshopper fx/Air from New York City Recumbent Supply, the recumbent bike that packs into a suitcase.
Manufactured by HP Velotechnik.

Supplies are limited.  Order today.

At New York City Recumbent Supply, we took HP Velotechnik’s best-of-class folding recumbent, the Grasshopper fx, and created a lightweight version that packs into an airline suitcase: the Grasshopper fx/Air.

Only available from New York City Recumbent Supply.
To purchase, contact Robert at: RM@TheInnovationWorks.com or call +1 (646) 233-1219 (USA).
Price: $5075 (plus shipping and/or sales tax)

Includes suitcase and personal instruction.  Some disassembly and assembly is required but you only need rudimentary mechanical skills (if you can change a flat tire and unscrew a bolt, you can handle this).

The Grasshopper fx is our most popular 2-wheeled recumbent bike and for good reason: it folds quickly; it is relatively lightweight; the ride quality and engineering are superb; and it looks great.

Many of our customers want to travel with their recumbent bikes, whether by plane, train or automobile. For many years, there have been “travel” versions of recumbent bikes. But (nearly) all of them have had critical flaws: poor quality, too costly, too complicated to pack, poor manufacturer support, or the ride quality was so bad that no one wanted to use them after they got to their destination.

At New York City Recumbent Supply, we took this challenge head-on and created the HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx/Air.

• Like all HP Velotechnik recumbent bikes, the Grasshopper fx/Air meets the highest standards and is built to last, with a 10-year warranty for the bike frame.
• Similar in price to the standard Grasshopper fx with many of the same options and accessories.
• Unlike hard-to-pack models from other manufacturers, the Grasshopper fx/Air packs easily and quickly — figure about 20 minutes. (After one “practice run,” Robert (Hi!) could pack it in about 15 minutes and re-assemble it in about 25 minutes.)
• As with all HP Velotechnik machines, you can count on HP Velotechnik for world-class manufacturer support.
• Riders all over the world recognize the HP Velotechnik brand as synonymous with quality manufacturing and excellent riding characteristics.
• The Grasshopper fx/Air fits in the trunk of an economy rental car with the back seats up!
• Fits on Amtrak, the New York City Subway, Metro North, NJ Transit and many other regional trains and buses.

Specs:

HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx with lightweight components, under seat steering, dynamo light system (B&M Dymotec 6 and IQ Fly headlight), semi-hardshell suitcase, personal instruction in assembly/disassembly.

Limited supply at this price!

Call and order your Grasshopper fx/Air today.
Only available from New York City Recumbent Supply.
To purchase, contact Robert at: RM@TheInnovationWorks.com or call +1 (646) 233-1219 (USA).

Bike Breakdown:
What’s in your tool kit?

This is a photo of my current tool kit. The kit is a work in progress. I add and subtract things as I discover new gear, new ways of using gear, and better ways to do more with less.

Here’s what I currently carry in my day-ride tool kit:

Zip ties (I’m carrying too many.)
Tire levers – two, nylon
Tire boot (if large gash in tire)
Flat tire patch kit
Inner tubes – two
Super glue
Small crescent wrench (only if the bike I’m riding has disk brakes or a SRAM Dual Drive)
Small phillips head screw driver
Chain tool (removed from a multi-tool)
Small flat head screw driver
Space pen (I might start carrying something smaller and lighter.)
Hex keys (only for the bolts on my bike, nothing extra): 3, 4, 5, 6 mm with 8 mm adapter removed from a multi tool)
Gloves (e.g., Nitrile) for handling greasy parts
Lube – bottle of T9 (The bottle size shown here is big — what I’d take when touring. I could carry a smaller bottle on day rides.)

The reasons I don’t carry a multi-tool:

• I find the shape too bulky to be usable in tight spaces;
• They contain tools I may not need for the bike I’m riding (e.g., the torx adapter, the bottle opener, the tiny hex key);
• Often some of the tools don’t work well (e.g., the screwdrivers are usually useless);
• Four hex keys take up less space and are cheaper, easier and faster to use than a multi-tool with four hex keys;
• If my bike is so seriously messed up that I need a tool to fix something or else I can’t safely ride — as opposed to simply making due with sub-optimal tuning — I want a proper tool so I can do a proper job in a reasonable amount of time.

Cruzbike Rally

Cruzbike Rally, East Coast
with Brevet and Philly Bike Expo
Philadelphia, Nov. 5-6, 2016

Join Maria Parker, Robert Matson and other members of the Cruzbike Tribe.

We plan to have outdoor demos, pot-luck dinners, cue-sheet-based morning rides, round-table discussions (topics may include high performance riding techniques and customizing Cruzbikes for touring and racing).

Do you want to burn calories and test your Cruzbike skills in a brevet? You can!

Cruzbike Riders and Friends: save money and have more fun while visiting the Philly Bike Expo by staying with us!

Only $175 for a bunk! Limited availability.
Register here for a bunk and the outdoor demo.

Separate registration required for the Philly Bike Expo and the PA Randonneurs’ brevets by following these links:
PA Randonneurs. Registration for brevets opens late summer/early fall.
Philly Bike Expo

Program

Friday

• Dinner with roundtable discussion

Saturday

• Morning ride
• Philly Bike Expo
• PA Randonneurs 100k and 200k brevets
• Dinner with roundtable discussion

Sunday

• Morning ride
• Cruzbike Outdoor Demo
• Philly Bike Expo

This customer recently needed some under-warranty repair.  At the conclusion of our resolving the issue, he wrote the following note to the HP Velotechnik team and me.  I thought that people who are considering buying an HP Velotechnik trike or bike would appreciate seeing it.

——– Original Message ———-
Subject: Scorpion repair
From: MT
To: “Robert Matson”
——————————————

Hello David, Alexander, and Robert,

I just want to thank you for 1) identifying the part and 2) getting it to me in time for my local bike shop to install for my trip.

When I purchased my Scorpion FS 26 last year from Robert Matson of New York City Recumbent Supply, he boasted about HP Velotechnik, about the company’s attention to quality and detail; the precision of its technicians; and the responsive support should I need any.

He was right on all counts.

Together, you make a great team.
Happy trails,
M T

Route Finding

Gear list for day rides

• Sense of humor
• Sense of adventure
• Sensible attitude
• Cue sheets/map
• Cue sheet holder (a binder clip rubber-banded to handle bars works fine)
• Bright lights: front and rear
• ID, medical info., insurance card, $60 cash, credit/debit cards (in waterproof bag, e.g., cheap zip closure plastic bag)
• Cell phone (in waterproof bag) (optional)
• Extra phone battery and connecting cable (optional)
• Tools/repair kit
• Tire pump
• Water
• Energy snacks (5 ounces of high-carb snacks with some sodium to replenish sodium lost while sweating)
• Lunch (if no lunch stop is planned) (5 ounces of protein and carbs)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (optional)
• Gloves
• Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Reading glasses (optional?)
• Extra layer: thin top and bottom (for sun protection or cold train) (optional)
• Wind/rain layer: thin tops and bottoms (optional) Preferably high-viz color like lime green, safety orange or shocking pink
• Train ticket and bike pass
• First aid kit with medical (e.g., Nitrile) gloves and CPR mask
• 12 feet thin rope: strong, reflective. For tying up bike on train, as added night-time reflective material, and to knit a pannier if necessary.
• 10 liter pannier (Radical Design Solo Racer)