The first part of my tour I cycled with my StreetMachine GT full suspension recumbent. Getting it used from the German HPV list (see hpv.org) with already 3000km I cycled more than 20.000 km with it without a major technical defect. So with the focus on quality the higher price was in no way lost money but a good investment. The benefits for long distance travel compared to a regular upright bicycle are big:
- You have a much more comfortable sitting/lying position with a big and soft contact area which results in a painfree riding
- You have a relaxed panorama view and the optional headrest is especially useful for long distance stages
- Even on wash board dirt roads the full suspension makes the ride comfortable and enjoyable
- You can use the seat pad as a sleeping pad and save some weight
- More attention resulting in advantages (getting access, help) in some places
- Easier to get back when stolen and in many places not a target of thieves because it can’t be sold
The components on the recumbent were:
- HPVelotechnik StreetMachine steel frame
- Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 gearing system (14 gears in one hub)
- Magura H33 hydraulic rim brakes (back)
- Magura Louise 2001 hydraulic disc brakes (front)
- special light setup and Forumslader batter/mobile/GPS charging unit
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- Busch & Müller light (have extended that with DIY dual Seoul 3.5W star LED front light – thanks to Ulli Horlacher!)
- additional Lucido 1 watt Luxeon light mounted to the top – with red blinking function for additional safety in tunnels, at night and bad weather conditions
- SON (Schmidts Original Nabendynamo) hub dynamo – extremely efficient maintenance free
(using the recumbent at home with front and tail fairing)
(detailed shots with special parts and modifications)
But the upright also has some advantages compared to the recumbent and that’s why, beginning in Australia, I continue with an upright MTB:
- Lower weight, allowing you to go faster especially in mountain terrain, and be more flexible when off the bike
- Higher flexibility when cycling in the city (going on (empty) sidewalks, cycling between cars, not having to get off when waiting, etc.)
- Higher agility and therefore more fun
- Less attention (from the police (some countries), crowds, interested touch-everything people)
The MTB is equipped with these components:
- Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 gearing system (14 gears in one hub, sponsored)
- Shimano Deore XT Disc brakes
- DTSwiss 4.20 rims
- Manitou Sliver suspension fork
- Centurion Backfire 40 frame (want to get a better, lighter one!)
- Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires (changing depending on terrain, using the Marathon XR for long off-road parts)
I can’t make a final conclusion about what bike is better for extreme long distance tours at this point. The fully suspended recumbent is far ahead as long as you don`t leave the road/gravel road/dirt road/any kind of road. Going on paths and trails over mountain ranges is definitely better done with normal touring(mountain)bikes
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