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Spirit

Recumbents will never be mainstream cycling. That has been the industry reaction to laid-back cycling over the years. But while there may only ever be a few intrepid souls willing to zoom along with their pedals level with their eyes a mere couple of feet off the ground, it is surely only a matter of time before all the mainstream manufacturers are offering Easy Rider type, reclining bikes.

Small specialist recumbent builders have been producing these user-friendly recumbents for several years now and the latest entry is the Spirit from HP Velotechnik. The Spirit is designed to appeal to first-time riders, but has enough know-how to make an ideal everyday bike for the experienced rider. The low step-over height is very handy and the well-balanced geometry of the compact frame design gives good control, which is essential in traffic. Measuring only 117cms (67) in length, it is in fact no longer than an average upright touring bike, making it relatively simple for storing or transporting in the car etc.

As youd expect from a producer of highclass recumbent touring bikes, the Spirit is also a good touring bike with full luggage facilities. For everyday riding there is a waterproof bag that quickly clips on behind the seat, and for longer trips you can attach two extra conventional bike panniers on the luggage carrier under the seat. This keeps the load at a central point and lowers the centre of gravity thereby increasing stability and further stabilising the steering. Quickrelease levers and aluminium rails give quick and easy seat position adjustment the unisize frame is suitable for people from 150 - 200 cms (5 - 67) tall and you can also vary the angle of the seat. Front suspension is via a steel spring, and the back has a hydraulically dampened spring giving comfortable smooth rides even on dirt roads.

Sidebar

The complete bike weighs approximately 16.9kgs (39lbs), and is available with a full range of accessory options such as Magura Clara hydraulic disc brakes, Rohloff Speedhub, Son hub dynamo etc. Tektro disc brakes are fitted as standard and prices start from 1,695 euros.

Manufacturer

HP Velotechnik was founded in Kriftel, Germany in 1993 by Paul Hollants and Daniel Pulvermullër while they were still students and they have gone on to establish themselves as the leading recumbent supplier in Germany.

Still only 27 and 30 years old respectively, there bikes are exported across the globe and in particular to the UK, Australia, Japan and the USA. They are very careful only to supply their bikes through qualified bike shops, and always encourage these dealers to offer test rides. Other recumbents in their range include the zippy Speedmachine and the classic Streetmachine tourer.

HP Velotechnik
Bleichstrasse 5
Kriftel
65830
Germany

phone: 49 61 92 97 99 20
fax: 49 61 92 91 02 18
email: mail@hpvelotechnik.com
web: www.hpvelotechnik.com

Author

Alan Davidson

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