I obtained a brand new recumbent bike for my 71st birthday which simply arrived a few days in the past. My recumbent was over 10 years previous as a result of I purchased it used, and a number of the elements like gears and brakes have been getting a bit of out of date and exhausting to tune. I might have simply changed it with the newest model of the identical mannequin (the Bacchetta Giro A20). However the Giro is a touring mannequin, and I spotted that for a similar worth I might get a lighter weight efficiency mannequin, the Bacchetta Corsa. This was interesting as a result of I prefer to go after Strava age group information. I used to be involved that the extra aggressive place on the Corsa may not be as comfy because the Giro, and luxury to me is extra essential general than efficiency. Nevertheless, I spotted that if the bike has disk brakes, it’s simple to make wheel adjustments, and the Corsa could possibly be made as comfy because the Giro for daily using. Then with a wheel and seat swap I might put it again in efficiency mode each time I needed. I’d been toying with the concept of doing this someday sooner or later, however Dana Lieberman, who owns Bacchetta bikes, placed on a killer “black friday” sale earlier than Christmas that I couldn’t resist. So I ordered the bike just a few weeks in the past and it simply arrived.

My first rides confirmed it’s fairly a bit faster than the Giro, and I’m wanting ahead to going after some Strava 70+ information with it. Sadly my current chilly intervened in order that obtained postponed until I get well. For longer rides the Giro does appear a bit extra comfy now, however which may be a matter of getting used to the brand new seat (additionally the brand new seat is extra comfy in a extra reclined place, which is sweet for aerodynamics however might require a headrest). And I can over time look into swapping out wheels and seats for consolation vs. efficiency as mentioned under. Luckily, by donating my non-electric upright bike I made room to retailer the brand new Corsa, so I can hold each bikes at the very least for now whereas I type this out. This sort of experimenting is enjoyable for me as a retired engineer.