Consider this note a digital ‘kudos’ to Robert Matson of New York City Recumbent Supply.  Robert is an exceptional Cruzbike representative.

My partner, S—, is an avid cyclist who became interested in your bike roughly three years ago, when the standard riding position became too unbearable for him to continue riding his LeMond.  We first contacted Robert in December of 2013.  He kindly agreed to chat with us, in-person, and provided articulate, knowledgeable, and informative descriptions of technical details, as well as giving us a sense of what it’s like to ride a Cruzbike.  We were impressed by not only what he knew, but his willingness to spend time with us.  He clearly loves riding and is passionate about Cruzbike.

We met again December of 2014 for a demo-ride.  He is a clear and patient teacher with a keen eye for necessary adjustments and tweaks of body position.  And Robert went above-and-beyond in terms of time spent with S—.

Over the past couple of weeks, S—’s been emailing Robert with very detailed questions regarding equipment specifications and purchase; part of S—’s final decision-making process of whether or not to buy a Cruzbike.  Robert responded immediately to all queries, with his usual detail and clarity.  We eagerly await the arrival of a new Silvio.

All the Best, E— H—

Cruzbike recumbent bicycles are among the world’s fastest bikes of any frame type. In the world of recumbent bikes, they’re among the most nimble and capable.

We also give lessons and demos on Cruzbikes.

Cruzbike S40

One of the newer recumbent bikes in the Cruzbike lineup: the S40. It’s versatile, functioning equally well as a commuting bike, touring bike, or fast road bike for club rides. With a 40-degree backrest angle, it is more upright and less aero than the V20 (née Vendetta) or the S40’s predecessor, the S30 (née Silvio), but that angle also makes it easier to handle on steep climbs. The S40 uses the same stiff and light power train as the V20, except it has a wider fork crown. As a result, it can accept wide and durable tires, e.g. 37mm Schwalbe Marathons. Manufacturer’s standard configuration is with disk brakes and 700c wheels, making this a great commuter/touring bike that has the braze-ons to easily mount racks. It can also be left lightweight and fitted with 23 – 28mm racing tires.

 

Cruzbike S30

We have the last new, mint Silvio S30 in existence, but only one. This is Cruzbike’s road bike analogue with 700c wheels and rear suspension. Accepts pannier bags, lights, road groups, your favorite wheel set, etc. Highly aerodynamic, fast and fun with an additional comfort factor due to the rear spring-leaf suspension.

Cruzbike V20 (née Vendetta)

The V20 is a race bike, possibly the world’s fastest non-faired bicycle. Due to the aerodynamics and the efficiency with which it uses the upper, lower and core body muscles, it allows riders to quickly accelerate to ridiculously high speeds. How to say this in a way that sounds credible…. The V20 can take you faster under the power of your own strength than you probably would have ever believed possible. The race results and records are for real. Suitable for ultra high speeds, not suitable for casual riding. I don’t think you believe me. You will after you buy one.

 

Cruzbike Q45 and Q-Series

The folding, commuting, touring model with 26″ wheels that climbs like a beast. Accepts fenders, rack, bags, lights. Breaks down for packing in a box.

My Story

Before all else I (Robert) should say that this is a case where I absolutely “eat my own cooking.” I ride a Cruzbike Sofrider every day. It is the scratched and stickered “beater” that I use to get around. I don’t own a car; these are my wheels. Furthermore, for rides with the New York Cycle Club, I almost always ride a Cruzbike Silvio. I say this up front so that you, reader, can be assured that anything I say here, pro or con, is based on real-world daily experience of someone riding on real roads and real hills and heavy New York City traffic. I’m not going to B.S. you about these bikes because their riding characteristics, great and odd, are in my face every day.

Lance Armstrong is reported to have said — though, looking back now, perhaps he meant it ironically — that “it’s not about the bike.” However, in the case of Cruzbike, it’s mostly about the bike: according to race results and records set on Cruzbikes, these recumbent bicycles are possibly the world’s fastest bikes, recumbent or otherwise.

If you want high average speeds, if you want a bike that can keep the pace on club rides, if you want to climb as fast as your diamond framed riding buddies, then you should consider Cruzbikes. And I’m not saying that just to sell you one. I’m saying that because it’s true, as I discovered for myself.

Although I’m fit and athletic, my performance on Cruzbikes stems more from the bike design as it does from my fitness and riding skill. This is true, as much as I hate to admit it.

Caution:

Cruzbike recumbent bikes require unique skills and higher coordination than standard recumbent bikes and standard road or mountain bikes. Riders rarely believe the extent to which this is true until they try one.

I strongly advise that all prospective Cruzbike riders get a lesson and demo ride before buying a bike from the Cruzbike website to make sure they (meaning “you”) are interested in mastering the riding technique.

I would compare Cruzbikes to a surfboard designed for big wave surfing. High skill is required for high performance. Take this seriously. Cruzbikes are appropriate for highly-coordinated riders. If this isn’t you, look at rear-wheel drive recumbent bikes or trikes from manufacturers like HP Velotechnik.

Recent and current records and race wins set by the Cruzbike Vendetta and Silvio include but are not limited to:

Sebring 100-mile
Mid-Atlantic 12-hour
Race Across America
Sebring 24-hour
Sebring 12-hour
100-mile Junior UMCA World Record
(some of these records have been broken).

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A Ride Story from Rob M.

The Cruzbike engages and uses your muscles in a way other recumbents do not, while still putting you in a reclined, comfortable and aerodynamic position. The result is a faster average speed. Riding a Quest 26″, my current average speed on my local training circuit is 20.2 mph over 40 hilly miles; no fairing, no tailsock, no drafting, no special shorts. (That’s 0.7 mph faster than my previous personal best race time, in a sprint triathlon, eight years ago.) Note I say “average speed.” If you’re looking to climb as fast as standard frame riders, and stay in the 20’s on the flats, consider one of the Cruzbikes. Any laid back bike — or plywood box car — can go fast down a hill.

In a ratio of price to MPH, every Cruzbike is an incredible deal. If you’re looking for something to park on the street, check out the QX100 or other Q-series bike. It comes with “entry-level” components and a mass-produced frame. However, due to the design, it’s an extremely capable recumbent at a good price and you can upgrade it with better components after a year or two. Q-series bikes fold and fit into a suitcase. – RM