The Linear Sonic Recumbent was
produced in Iowa until 2001.
The Iowa built Sonic is permanently out of production.
The Iowa built Linear Sonic
was an unsuccessful recumbent bike model in terms of handling,
reliability and sales. We have no plans to revise it though we do hope
to replace it.
Sonic Handling
"issues"
Most riders initially found the
Sonic difficult to ride due to its head angle and frame flex. I found more
pedal steer on the Sonic than I expect from a SWB recumbent. We had one
Sonic in our shop. We hid it in the back room because it riders who tried it
often came away intimidated. No one who tried it here liked it. Additionally
the Sonic seat was relatively high, to high for most riders under ~5'8" or
5'10". Once mastered it was a fairly comfy and somewhat sporty bike.
Some Sonic riders love their bikes and still ride them. If you ride a Sonic
I caution you to watch for frame cracks, they can lead to unexpected
failure, loss of control & potentially serious injury.
Sonic Reliability
problems
A few Sonic owners report that
their bike's frames failed. This was most commonly at the weld where the
bottom bracket attaches to the frame. The Sonic used the same rear
chain-plates as the Iowa LWB and had the same reliability problems as the
Iowa LWB there.
If you ride a Sonic I caution you
to watch for frame cracks, they can lead to unexpected failure, loss of
control & potentially serious injury.
Sonic Sales
disappointing
Given these limitations it is
easy to understand why the Iowa built Sonic was unpopular with most
recumbent riders and most Linear dealers. Linear (Iowa) made the Sonic
SWB USS recumbent bike until 2001 when Linear (Iowa) closed down. Most
riders found the Iowa built Sonic difficult to ride due to its vertical
head angle. It was a comfy and moderately fast bike once you
learned to ride it. Some Sonic riders love their bikes and still ride them.
If you ride a Sonic I caution you to watch for frame cracks, they can lead
to unexpected failure, loss of control & potentially serious injury.
Linear Recumbent Bikes in
Western New York is working on a NEW SWB USS bike to replace the Sonic -
stay tuned...
Due to demand for our Limo LWB
production of the new Linear SWB USS Recumbent Bike has been delayed till
2009 or 2010. Our prototypes have been well received by test riders. Most riders
have find it maneuverable and easy
to ride. It weighs under 31 lb, not bad for a prototype. over all
length is about 65 inches though The envisioned production 3.0 version with a 26" rear wheel, front V
and rear disk brakes and 27 speeds will be about 70 inches long. We still
have some work to do before it goes into production, we don't want to
release it till is is ready for prime time, stay tuned.
