Recumbent-gallery.eu

It seems that there are only few of them existing. Most probably only three, although there are far more back-to-back recumbent bikes on the roads. It is a bit strange as people are more interested in recumbent tandem trikes than bikes because they are afraid of manouverability and problems with balance. The main two reasons why there are only there or so B2B trikes are that it is pretty complicated to design a trike like this and to build it and the second would be the lenght of the vehicle as it is even longer than the B2B bike.

The picture shows an ICE version and you can read a bit more about it here. There is also a little video showing it in work.

We have found pretty interesting picture of a recumbent tandem with two front wheels. It is offered by Turner recumbents from Tuscon, Arizona, USA. Here is the explanation from their web site:

“With two riders providing twice the power as an ordinary bike, much higher speeds on a tandem are possible. Safety becomes paramount, especially when a front-tire blowout, or slipping on a sharp turn, can turn a good day into a disaster.  But with the T-4-2, the extra front, in-line wheel provides a critical safety backup.  A flat will just slow you, not throw you.

The second front wheel provides this safety without compromising speed or agility.  That is because both front wheels are connected by the steering bar, so that even the tightest turns at speed are “locked-in the track” for maximum traction and control, similar to a rollerblade skate.  Both front wheels have their own brakes, controlled by a single caliper, thereby increasing front braking power by 100%.  All told, there are four sets of brakes, with the driver controlling all three wheels, and the stoker rider also controlling the rear for the ultimate in braking safety.

The frame design follows the Turner philosophy of “strength through triangulation,” not the flimsy, flexy designs often found in the other tandem bikes on the market.  Whether used for romantic rides in the sunset or power-pedalling across the flats, this bike is built for dependability, durability, and efficiency.  As with all other Turner bikes, the tandem follows the tradition of providing maximum comfort to the riders.  The T-4-2 has firm padding on an ergonomically designed composite seat to provide maximum logitudinal power to the pedals along with a luxurious ride.  The T-4-2 is sold by custom order only.”

Honza Galla and his wife Eliška have travelled many thousands kilometers with recumbents. They did many  tours  with prototype of AZUB recumbent tandem. They have visited most of the european countries but they really love the eastern part like Ukraine, Romania, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo or Greece. Their old web pafe is not working already, but the new one at www.galla.cz informs very well about all their journeys. Good pictures shorter and sometimes also longer stories posted. Worth your visit.

There are not many videos which contains only one shot and are enough interesting so you stay watching them complete. But this one from FlevoMartin is so great that you will definetely see it from start to its finnish.

Enjoy!