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Radius Hornet II
'A two-wheeled symbiosis of fun and utility' is how Radius describe their recumbents - and who could disagree? The Hornet II is a sporty tourer, for the rider who wants a lively but comfortable machine with good luggage-carrying capacity. The elastomer suspension at the front is complemented by a hydraulic/pneumatic system at the rear, carefully designed to resist the 'pogo effect'. The bike emphasises rider comfort, with a patented seat design allowing easy, stepless adjustment. Similarly, the remote steering can be shifted forwards or backwards for a perfect fit.

The powder-coated cro-mo frame comes in four colours and three sizes, to fit riders between 1.60m and 1.96m. The wheels are 20" (406) front and 26" (559) rear. You can choose between LX and XT transmissions, and either V-brakes or Magura hydraulics. Other options include a dynamo lighting system, several rear rack systems (carrying up to four panniers), mudguards, and Ortlieb or Velocase luggage.

The medium-wheelbase C4 replaces the Red Pepper, which we featured in Encycleopedia 4, and the former Radius Viper. Two versions are available. The C4 Allround features over-seat steering and Sachs Power-Grip shifters, while the C4 Touring has under-seat handlebars and Shimano bar-end shifters. The two models share a TIG-welded cro-mo medium wheelbase frame, V-brakes and Sachs 3x7 transmission. Rack, mudguards, and lighting are all fitted as standard, as is the anti-pogo rear suspension as used on the Hornet. There are two frame sizes, to fit riders between 1.62m and 1.98m, and the wheels are 20" (406) front and back.

Many riders prefer the low bars for longer journeys, but find above-seat steering more natural for town use. Luckily the C4 makes both possible: with a simple conversion kit and a few hour's work, the steering can be converted from above-seat to below, or vice versa.


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