Linear Recumbent Bike Consumer Reviews

Since 1994 I have ridden close to 85,000 miles on the two Linear long wheelbase Linear bikes I have owned. I have loaded them with panniers every where you can put a bag, even hanging one under the seat. I have ridden my Linears recumbents in every state west of the Mississippi on every type of terrain and road you can think of. I have also ridden many other brands and types of recumbents but the Linear is still my favorite ride. Over the years I have allowed over 100 people to test ride my Linear and quite a few have become recumbent enthusiasts since then. Living in Utah there are not many places to ride without climbing. I have ridden century days that included 3 mountain passes with over 9,000 ft vertical climb for the day. Riding up hills loaded is a challenge but it can be done, just not very quickly. I just sit back and enjoy the scenery and prepare for the incredible ride down the other side. Narrow, winding roads are not a problem. The only times I have felt the long wheel base awkward has been in the crowd at the start of events. [eg: centuries, RAGBRAI etc.]

Peter at Bicycle Man llc has made some great improvements to the bike over the last few years. The newer ones have great handling characteristics. Don't get me wrong here, I didn't think my old one handled badly. I loved the bike and thought it handled great but when I got my new Linear 2.0 frame I noticed a huge difference in the first mile. If you happen to travel to the Salt Lake City area I would be more than happy to let you take a spin on mine.

Carpe Momentum,

Grant Aagard
Tour Coordinator/Owner
Tailwinds Bicycle Tours
www.tailwinds-tours.com

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In 2003 I rode my Iowa built LWB folding Linear from Ocean City, Washington to Kitty Hawk, NC. I rode it up over numerous mountain ranges (Cascades, Bitterroot, Rockies, Big Belt, Appalachians, etc.) I was no speed demon on the hills, in fact my daughter, who was with me on a regular bike beat me up every mountain and hill. However, I soon came to realize that while she was pumping away, staring at the pavement for mile after mile, I could just spin my way at my own pace and truly enjoy the view. Plus, my hands were pain free, my butt reasonably comfortable, and my neck was not sore from craning to see the road ahead. A bent is the only way to go uphill (unless you're racing). Going down hill, I beat her to the bottom every time (50 + mph for miles and miles.) But she pointed out I had a lot more experience going down hill fast (I was 55 at the time). I was in decent shape, but not what I would call athletic. By the time I got to Kitty Hawk, however, I was in GREAT shape. ENJOY!!!

Joe S.

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I have owned several recumbents, including LWB, CLWB and SWB. My first recumbent was an Iowa Linear folder (96 vintage). I own a version 2.0 Bicycle Man Linear as well.

I really like the ride on a Linear. My folder is my winter bike (I live in Michigan). The riding position is very user friendly and it is a stable ride. I can ride no hands on both bikes (not recommended, though).

The Linear is fine going up hills. I have never had to walk a hill. I have successfully climbed the legendary "Wall" in northern Michigan (22 percent grade) on my Bicycle Man Linear. Sometimes I hear that “recumbents can't climb." Not true, but you do have to have a few seasons on the bike to build strength and technique.

I would recommend the Linear LWB to first time bent buyers. Peter has made a lot of improvements to the design--more rigid, less noisy, better braking, and safer.
Enjoy the big grin.

Brad E.

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A friend and I rode long wheelbase Linears from Bangor, ME to southern GA in 2005. We were both over 200 lb and found them to be excellent for touring and all around riding. I rode a NY built Linear 2.0; my friend rode the first prototype Linear 3.0. He towed a Burley trailer for part of the tour and then switched to panniers for the rest of the way. The Linear towed great and handled the weight of the panniers also. The Linear performs similar to any recumbent- down shift to climb a hill, and enjoy the scenery; fly down the other side with great stability; maintain a steady cadence on the flats. I loved the under seat steering. The long wheelbase gave a very comfortable ride on rough roads, even with 100 psi high pressure tires to reduce rolling resistance. We had a great time. Peter has done a great job improving the Linear.

George

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Peter,

The new Linear certainly is a big improvement over the old model. Very quiet and the frame seems much stiffer. I have had no particular problems with the new Linear with about 400 miles on it at this point; it has been a rough winter to ride! The systems on the bike work well, the brakes are certainly a big improvement.

Chris

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Dear Linear,

The Linear (LWB) was my first 'bent, bought after trying every recumbent bike I could find for about a year. I fond some bents elsewhere in the US as business trips allowed. I thought the Linear LWB was a good decision and great bent then, and I still do now. It's a great all around bent for local riding or long distance and one of the easiest, most comfortable of 'bents I have tried.

Still smiling!

Fred

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Peter,

The wheel you made for my Linear has crossed the US (southern Cycle America route) two times without a flat or truing.

Chuck

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Peter,

I am so glad that I switched to this (Linear recumbent) bike and am finding it a new joy to ride again. Thanks for all of your help.

Sincerely,

John, Linear Iowa LWB folder

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Peter, I love my new Linear LWB bike! I rode it on Sunday farther that I have ridden a bike in recent years. I have let almost 20 people try it. Everyone likes it.

Mike.

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Hi Peter,

I bought my Linear Limo recumbent from you back about the beginning of June. Just thought I would drop you an email to tell you how much I have enjoyed this bike. Back in the summer I was off on 15-25 mile rides almost daily—pretty good for a 52 year old guy on his second artificial heart valve!

I used to ride my old diamond-frame bike for exercise; the Linear I ride just for fun!

Great machine! Thanks so much!

Brooks

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The program for the "Main Event" Criterium in Poughkeepsie NY said 10-12 year-olds could race "any type of bike." At the registration table they decided Karen’s Linear recumbent was "any type" so she was in her first race.

Karen had been commuting and doing weekend rides with us and rode the 400-mile Erie Canal Ride in 2002. She had good stamina if not blistering speed and noodled around the course at her usual speed, winning by outlasting everybody other than one USCF licensed guy. Though she didn't set the street on fire she did get the medal which she -really- likes and has hanging in a prominent place in her room.

And, she tells us she's never going back to an upright bike!

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After a 3 day, 300-mile ride.

I was 50 years old and over 230 pounds when I made a trip to The Bicycle Man to try recumbents. I found I liked the under seat steering (USS) much better. I took the Linear on a twenty-mile test ride, liked it and bought it.

The first day of our 3 day 300 mile ride I moved comfortably at a 17 – 18 mph pace on flat roads and rolling hills. On some hills I went as low a 6 mph. The Linear 3.0 shifted very smoothly and I was able to handle all of the hills of the trip.

I like the adjustability of the seat and handlebars. The thumb shifters are great and in just the right place for comfort and easy shifting. The rear disk brake is exceptional, stopping in the rain was as confident as the dry days. The ride of the 3.0 is very smooth and I took some big hits from some unexpected potholes.

I will probably switch to faster tires next year, other than that, the Linear 3.0 doesn’t need much refinement from my point of view. I found the Linear 3.0 to be quiet, strong and fast. It’s a bike you’ll be seeing me ride for a long, comfortable time.