For questions and
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950 cu. in.
Angletech Trunk
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Short Wheelbase Recumbents
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Manufactured in Holland since 1989, we bring you the Challenge line of
recumbents. We visit Challenge's facilities annually and have witnessed all phases
of construction and development.
The first thing that draws people are the flowing lines of the
curved tubes. Most models have rear suspension. Challenge makes their own
aluminum seats in Endurance and SL formats in addition to fiberglass and carbon fiber options, custom fitted racks, and the largest range of crank
elevations out there. Short wheelbase design is the center of the Challenge
universe, with level crank, high racer, mid
racer, and low racer variations.
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CHALLENGE SL’s
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In 2004, Challenge woke everyone up with the SL series of
bikes. Not 1, but 4 series of ultra light recumbents from 18-23 pounds in various formats,
low racer, high racer and level BB. 3 cockpit formats: open cockpit, USS,
and preying mantis, provide the widest choice of any manufacturer. |
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The heart of this technology is the butted split tube frame
technology (see inset picture above, left) combined with carbon fiber seat, fork, and
boom technology. Compare these bikes, and you will find no lighter bikes
available in their price range. You will note that the frame is one piece,
from boom insertion point at the front, all the way to the rear dropouts.
No welded on stays! |
FUJIN SL II
FUJIN SL I
Butted aluminum low racer hard tail w/ Preying Mantis ASS steering riser.
Shown on the right in OC cockpit form.
29º seat angle, carbon fork, and perforated
Challenge SL aluminum seat.
Note
the bolt on derailleur hanger and clean chain guidance system. Fujin SL 1 weighs in at 22# max. Lower it with options or
set up a "fast touring" format.
Roy Longcrier with his Fujin SL in the Colorado Rocky Mountains
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Challenge OC cockpit option featuring angled forward telescopic stem for a
spacious feel, and a telescopic width adjustment feature for a personal fit.
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Perspective! Challenge Fujin SLI low racer on the left, Challenge Seiran SL high racer on the right.
SEIRAN SL
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Challenge's butted aluminum high racer hard tail w/ carbon seat and fork. 3
cockpit options, Open Cockpit ASS, USS format, and Preying Mantis ASS. The Seiran SL's 49" wheelbase with fixed seat
position and adjustable boom keep handling dynamics consistent, with more sure
contact with the ground than other high racer ultra lights. The curved frame, in addition
to looking nice, provides a seating position with more foot contact to the
ground when stopped and diffuses road vibration. Spec configurations and detail options to
build
just the right bike for your passion.
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Details are carbon boom, and
new SL idlers, a 20# Seiran SL is
possible! Challenge
OC
format has telescopic stem, and telescopic width adjustment
features for optimum fit.
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Campagnolo component option, SEIRAN SL CARBON RECORD |
SEIRAN-26
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The Seiran 26. Rear suspension on your high racer from SL to Touring specification!
Other details include the most rigid seat back support of all high racers to deliver the power, built in rack mounts, and adjustable seat angle. The wide range of seating options include fiberglass, carbon fiber or Challenge SL and E aluminum seating.
3 cockpit choices, Preying Mantis, Open Cockpit, and Under Seat Steering.
Seiran 26, the most refined and versatile high racer recumbent. |
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Specifications and Prices
Options and Accessories
MISTRAL SL
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| The Mistral SL features the Challenge butted aluminum main
frame, easy to adapt to level crank position, and carbon rear swing arm rear suspension.
23# with rim brakes and ASS! (With USS and disc brake shown, 25#.) The rapid
acceleration only a 20" wheel format can deliver, and ultra light weight
with the surprise of the silky smooth suspension ride. All 3 cockpit options,
USS, OC, and Preying Mantis. |
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Check out the wide selection of Mistral SL demo, used, and new bikes in our Experienced Recumbents section.
HURRICANE SL
The 20/20 mid racer with the elegant Challenge carbon fiber rear suspension. Also
available with dual suspension, disc brakes, and USS
or folding Preying
Mantis
tiller
version shown here in Nuclear Yellow. Traditional drive or Dual Drive version,
single chainring with 27 speeds
at the rear.
CHALLENGE
TOURING SERIES
E stands for Endurance. This segment
of Challenge recumbents is all about touring, and
commuting
with emphasis on
ultimate durability.
Custom rack systems, rear suspension, dual
suspension formats available as well. The
most elegant systems out there,
including some
invisible to the eye solutions.
SEIRAN
VOYAGEUR
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The Seiran Voyageur is the Range Rover of recumbents. Beefy oversize heat treated aluminum frame, rear suspension, longest wheelbase in class, and the cargo
capacity range is huge.
The dual 26 wheel format rolls over imperfect terrain with ease. Challenge
ergonomic seating
in 2 lengths,
low gears, disc brakes, and the best front end geometry in short wheelbase recumbent design.
Elegant details are everywhere you look, clean
internal cable routing, graceful tube bends,
thoughtful seat design, a tab on
the BB for a headlight mount, and design specific Day or Voyageur rear rack systems.
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A capsule ride: Confident tracking
control, no pedal steer, and a truly "bob" free rear suspension.
USS
ergonomics are just right with handlebars at a
friendly bend and individually
adjustable. The Open Cockpit format features a telecopic stem for reach adjustment, and the handlebars plug in individually for ultimate rotational and width fine tuning. Finally, the Preying Mantis offers tilt adjustable access and ergonomic adjustment, and is the friendliest if your mix includes unknown off road adventures.
Lots of tire clearance front and rear for bigger tires and fenders.
The torsionally rigid frame, and the stoutest seat support structure makes this the ultimate
touring bike of all the High
Racer offerings on the market.
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| Some history: The Challenge Cirrus ushers in the High Racer recumbent in 1992,
11 years ahead of the rest! |
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FUJIN TOUR
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Based on low racer design, the Fujin Tour runs a higher seat height and a wider range of seat angle adjustment (read more upright) in the Quazi class. The beautiful Fujin Tour has a BB height 2" higher
than the high racer Seiran yielding a more aerodynamic profile into the wind.
Completely updated for 2009, the Fujin Tour has a SL format frame and rear swing arm technology for lighter weight without sacrificing strength, plus an array of ergonomic aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber seats for optimum comfort. The new generation Challenge rear suspension keeps all roads smooth. Click on the links to see how it works:
Challenge New Rear Suspension
Challenge New Suspension Views
Above seat steering cockpit formats are available in fixed or adjustable Preying Mantis or Open Cockpit.
Linkage format Under Seat Steering, the best of it's genre, is available on the FujinTour for an unobstructed view of the world, and a relaxed position to ride the day in.
Fujin’s are plush, but you can also preserve the plush and slim down the package with SL items like a carbon boom, air shock, SL wheels with narrow format rubber, carbon seat and cranks, and SL hollow pin/hollow plate chain options. |
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TAIFUN
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A new generation suspension design improves rider comfort and reduces weight while maintaining the excellent handling characteristics and good looks. The new design places a central shock absorber below the frame and accepts a wide selection of shocks.
Click to watch how it works:
Challenge New Rear Suspension
Challenge New Suspension Views
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| The Taifun, originally based on the Hurricane refined with the arch style "split
tube" aluminum
rear swingarm. Now further refinement with new SL technology frame and rear swing arm lighten the bike, also opening the door to carbon fiber boom and seat options for the lightest Taifun ever offered, 22 pounds is possible. Fast accelerating low racer design
versatile enough for sport pavement, or multi-terrain touring
personalities. Preying Mantis or OC cockpits. |
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The Case For 24
During my visit to Challenge in the Fall of 2007 there were a couple of unexpected prototypes around. A 24" Seiran and
a 24" Taifun (to become the Furai when introduced in mid 2008) being assembled in the shop. Another company had introduced
2 models in 24" based on putting 24" wheels in existing 26" formatted framesets with a 24" fork. This lowered the seat height of
their high racer design somewhat, but the bikes were still "26". What was different at Challenge is that Paul Voerman was on a course of pure designs "to scale."
The fundamentals of 24/24 are the wheels are lighter than 26, so you get faster acceleration, but the wheels are large enough you don't trade off cruising speed much like you do on a 20/20 bike, and you still roll easier over the road imperfections. Seat height is lowered about an inch for easier ground contact in the case of the high racer Seiran format.
The Seiran-26 is a big bike, and the Seiran-24 has a "just right" feel as to its size, nice maneuverability, the usual exceptional Challenge steering dynamics, and the quick uptake when you step on the crank.
In the Furai application, you get the low racer body position of ultimate aerodynamics, but instead of the low seating position, not so friendly in urban situations, what I found when riding a Furai in Winterswijk, Holland in the Fall of 2008 is the 24/24 elevates you to an 18" seat height so you are very comfortable in traffic, and you gain the "centered" gyroscopic feel in the steering you don't have with the 20" front wheel, typical of low racers. Acceleration remained snappy, and rolling over the brick textured street was easy and undaunting.
The bikes are offered in 507 format for touring/commuter application, and 520 format for the speed centered, minimal weight rider. They're worth a look.
-- Kelvin
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Paul Voerman riding the Challenge Furai
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24
SEIRAN-24
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Seiran-24 brings the easy rolling, climbing ready high
racer format to new "scale" with a lower seat height and easier to
maneuver size. Additionally, the Seiran-24 has a faster
"off the line" response from the lighter 24' (507 or "SL" 520 format) wheels, while
keeping most of the momentum effect of 26's.
3 seats are offered, the
Challenge aluminium design in E and SL as well as fiberglass and carbon fiber designs
with their extra width at the shoulders
and butt areas as well as a perfect "butt pocket."
Incorporating SL technology in the frame, Challenge saves
weight of the bike while maintaining a high load capacity. Shown
above the Challenge Day Rack on the Mango bike, and the Challenge
Traveler Rack on the Blue bike that will take 4 panniers for the total
"unplug from the world" tourist.
For the faster ride, the Seiran-24 can be built with 520 format wheels, and lighter components all around including a carbon fiber boom, and all the SL goodies. |
Specifications and Prices
Options and Accessories
FURAI
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The Challenge Furai brings the ultimate aerodynamics of the low racer position elevated to traffic friendly height. A quality commuter recumbent with weekend speed abilities.
Challenge has chosen 24" wheels so that you sit somewhat higher, but you can still get your feet onto the ground at stoplights and intersections, even if you aren't very tall. A seat height of 46 cm (18 inches) with a bottom-bracket height of 70 cm (27.5 inches) makes for a spicy, fast bike. The seat angle of 27 to 33 degrees isn't too extreme for a good view in traffic, and the steering geometry combined with the 24" front wheel provides a nice, stable ride!
SL frameset technology keeps the weight in check and allows those SL type options like a carbon fiber boom and seat to fit right in.
Wide tire 507 format or narrow tire 520 format for the speed bias.
Just introduced: USS option. PM and OC cockpits also available.
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The new generation Challenge rear suspension design improves rider comfort and reduces weight while maintaining excellent handling characteristics and good looks. The design places a central shock absorber below the frame and accepts a wide selection of shocks.
Click the links to watch how it works:
Challenge New Rear Suspension
Challenge New Suspension Views
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FURAI (with SLII package)
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The idea of ultimate aerodynamics of the low racer body position at a more traffic friendly height, the fast acceleration and centered steering of "24" have captured your attention, but minimal bulk and the fastest way is your mode.
The bike at your left is Furai done for fast while keeping the plush of rear suspension. The Challenge SL tubing set, 520 format SL wheels with Schwalbe Stelvio performance rubber, SL hollow pin/hollow plate chain, carbon boom, adjustable angle carbon seat, and crankset. Adjustable compression/damping rear shock, fixed riser Preying Mantis cockpit (OC and USS also available). As a WRP package, it weighs in at 26.2 pounds with disc brakes! |
Specifications and Prices
Options and Accessories |
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CALYPSO -24
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To complete the 24 picture, the Calypso-24. The level crank position and more upright seating posture plus the increased cruising speed and centered steering feel of 24.
The Calypso-24 is a simple spec entry designed to be a grab and go commuting recumbent bike at a more modest price than you expect from Challenge, $1700-$1900. Day Rack and mudguards included.
Aluminum frame and seat, 4130 Chrome Moly fork and rear swing arm, coil/oil rear suspension, Preying Mantis above seat steering or USS cockpits. Paint scheme that accentuates the graceful Challenge curved frame form.
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VENTUS
MISTRAL
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The Mistral features include the well
received Challenge composite seat option with 5cm of extra width at the
butt and shoulders, a concave shape, and perfect butt pocket zone. Fiberglass
standard, and a carbon option. The new
"spine" behind the seat gives flexless seat support, built in rack mounting
infrastructure for the Challenge Day rack (right) , dual pannier Challenge Voyageur rack
systems, and slide adjustable seat angle fittings. New Ventisit and Lux seat pad
options complete the comfort.
The Mistral features a
rear swing arm of the elegant Challenge "split tube" aluminum design which reduces weight
and makes an elegant form. The frame blends SL technology at the front
with the Challenge butted SL main tube, also allowing the carbon fiber boom option to be
ordered.
Mistral series in general feature a more
"level" bottom bracket position found on many of the most popular SWB designs.
This format provides more upright seating, friendlier urban dynamics, and a
great touring platform. Standard dual suspension plus a long list of
possibilities in components and peripheral options make a very personal bike.
Relative to 26 rear wheel bikes, the Mistral has the quicker acceleration and more
agile handling 20/20 format bikes are known for.
The optional Voyageur dual pannier rear rack system (above) shows the nature
of the touring/commuter design. Wheelbase is
optimized for better handling and rolling performance.
Cockpit choices are USS, Preying Mantis, and Open Cockpit.
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HURRICANE
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The famous Hurricane "quazi low racer" is a completely updated design for 2009. Retaining the quick accelerating 20"
wheel format and aerodynamic profile, the Hurricane gains SL technology butted frame and rear swing arm technology, lightening the weight, and enhancing the form. Seat choices have doubled, and the door is open for SL frame and component upgrades.
Adjustable Preying Mantis and USS
cockpits. |
A new generation suspension design improves rider comfort and reduces weight while maintaining the excellent handling characteristics and good looks. The new design places a central shock absorber below the frame and accepts a wide selection of shocks.
Click to watch how it works:
Challenge New Rear Suspension
Challenge New Suspension Views |
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JESTER
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For the extreme minded, it’s the wild
Jester. BB is 3" higher than the Fujin, 23º seat angle, and seat height at
10.2." To make a clean chain run and bring ultimate aerodynamics, you will find
the monoblade Katana fork with the special Challenge tapered and cut out front
hub. Trademark heat treated monotube split wishbone
frame design. Perforated aluminum or carbon fiber shell seat choices. New,
lighter weight spec shown be low.
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Challenges suspension fork is sticktion
free, adjustable, and has an elegant, built in look.
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The Challenge Voyageur
Rack for 4 panniers
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Classy Challenge Day Rack is included on
E series models
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The light, elegant, adjustable Challenge headrest.
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RANS RECUMBENTS Randy Schlitter has been
a force in recumbents since 1976 with a legacy of outstanding designs.
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INTERBIKE 2010
Randy Schlitter introduced 1 new SWB this year. The Enduro Sport very steel sport machine with some unexpected refinements to the genre.climbing support.
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F5
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After being know so well as a
truss frame builder, Rans continues intro
monotube
design. Not a clone of brand B or brand V,
this F5 has leveled the
main frame of the bike through thoughtful rear
dropout design for a more user friendly hip/crank relationship while
maintaining the
aerodynamic position high racers are known for. Non tapered stays with a large weld attachment area yield a more torsionally even frame than the others. |
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25.4 # in steel. Less in ANGLETECH SPEC SHO version. |
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F5 PRO
Almost a pound lighter than the F5, the 700C wheeled F5 Pro works well for the taller rider who wants the feel of the 700 wheel.
3 variations. |
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ENDURO SPORT
Rans new entry into the 26/20 format, "level" crank position recumbent world has delivered a very refined seeling bike with just right front end geometry, friendly seat height, and the choice of Sling Mesh or Hoagie seat designs for your favorite posture use. Factory spec, and a host of ANGLETECH SPEC models coming soon. |
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Ti-REX Something
unexpected. We have always found that the level crank position short
wheelbase format has a lot of fans when people come here for
Recumbent 101. The V Rex has always had good weight distribution,
and great front end geometry. The triangulated frame delivers power
well, and the open under frame architecture keeps the ride from
Compared to the high racer and low racers, you sit more upright on
the level BB bike making it a better bike for a mix of daily
commuting in semi urban or urban settings, easier to start and stop
at lights, better vision down the road, etc. It's still fast, and a
great climber.
The Ti-Rex adds the great Ti ride smoothing out the vibration from "chip 'n
seal" country roads, and drops the weight into the 23-24 pound class
to climb the hills.
Rans offers the Ti-Rex to us as
framesets, and we spec them out on our popular and well respected ANGLETECH/RANS Ti-Rex HO27, and ANGLETECH/RANS Ti-Rex SHO specification packages.
A detail: The Ti-Rex has V Brakes, making it the only Ti
recumbent with tire possibilities from 1 1/8-1.75 in width on our
559/406 format wheels. So a Ti touring and commuting bicycle is a
reality with the Schwalbe Kojak Kevlar beaded tire option. Any Rans
seat of preference will fit. A truly refined bike. Open cockpit format suggested. |
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ANGLETECH/RANS TI REX SHO W/ Z IV SEAT |
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V REX LE The B39 open cockpit brings a nice piece of refinement to the classic V
Rex.
A strong choice in SWB design. Fully triangulated frame
structure, well mannered 43 3/4" wheelbase
with great steering geometry,
and vertically compliant ride make this a favorite choice for a
variety of uses. |
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RANS FORCE 5
The last few years have been filled with a lot of praise for the new
generation 26/26 wheel "high racer" format SWB bikes. They have proven out to be
good
climbers and speedy.
The Force 5 frame design is
the only multi tube space frame structure in the genre, a Rans
tradition, with special ovalization done in key areas. This make for
great torsional
rigidity when carrying gear, and flex free power
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Get one
while you still can. We have available XL sized SHO versions of this rare format bike. |
Limited time offer. The Force 5 road
in ANGLETECH SHO top of the line spec, custom color Black, size XL only
(42-49" X-Seam). $3295 reg, save $700 at
$2595 special price while they
last, 7 only.
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ICE BIKES FROM ENGLAND
ICE HPV in England has been building Trice trikes since 1998. As of 2008 ICE has entered the bike world. Quality is first rate with 4130 Chrome Moly mid frames brazed together
and finished in very high gloss powder coat in Blue. The rear section and front boom are 7075 heat treated aluminum
finished
in a bead blast texture. |
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The ICE B1 is a friendly level crank position recumbent with adjustable angle mesh or shell seat choices, rear suspension, and fold / break down able (phase 1 below, phase 2 unplugs the front and rear frame members for a real compact package). ICE workmanship is first class. Available with adjustable Preying Mantis or Open Cockpit handlebar options. The 20/20 wheel combo accelerates quickly for around town nimbleness and the path scene.
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ICE's B2 is a dual 26" high racer format recumbent. The elevated crank position and corrisponding reclined body position adds aerodynamic advantage. The adjustable angle "tiefliegersitze" shell seat is an excellent shape and includes the favored Ventisit pad. Modular frame construction makes the B2 break down able (phase 1 at the right, phase 2 unplugs the front and rear frame members) for the most compact high racer package for travel available). ICE's first class workmanship is evident throughout the B2. Available with adjustable Preying Mantis or Open Cockpit handlebar options.
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BACCHETTA is a bike line of
performance recumbents from the pedigree of Mark
Colliton, John Schlitter, & Rich Pinto. The bikes are all about refinement and finesse
that produce comfort & speed.
The basics of all models are the 47"
wheelbase. This produces a nice ride, good tracking,
superb weight distribution, and no pedal steer. A great seat mount
system pioneered on our MC2 that is trackless, clean and
secure. 3 seat formats are available. Euroshell, Euromesh, and ReCurve.
Cockpit wise, these bikes
introduced what has become the favorite above seat steering format in
the market.
Available
with the tilt/adjustable B Pivot stem or lighter Stiffie stem with the riser curving forward rather than
back. This gives a modest reach position and places your knees inside
the bars. You can run a lower bar height this way, and the curved down
bars provide a vertical hand position.
For ultimate performance check out the
AngletechSpec models compared side by side on our Specifications and Prices page.
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HIGH RACERS
Dual 26 wheels for a crank position 3" above your hips, and a laid back body position. Result? Better aerodynamics into the wind, and a good
climbing position.
CORSA SS and CORSA
An aluminum frame and carbon fork bring the Bacchetta into a
22.5-25 pound weight class depending on model and seat choice. Euromesh or Carbon.
The 26/26 format CarbonAero, Corsa, Strada, and Giro 26 "high racer's" are fast and secure, and have an
elevated crank position.
3 AngletechSpec versions available in addition to factory specs.
STRADA
Steel frame, 650 wheels, racy format. Tweener bars with pivoting steering riser
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CARBONAERO 2.0
The CarbonAero 2.0 due in the Summer.
Monococque 1 piece frame design. The lightest and fastest Bacchetta at 19.5-21.6 pounds.
Factory spec plus 3 Angletech Spec versions to optimize the choices for your individual environment. 650C wheel format. 700C available in Angletech Spec versions.
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GIRO 26
Steel frame, and wider tire formats. Tweener bars with pivoting steering riser.
GIRO 26 ATT
Aluminum frame, disc brakes, better spec, lighter weight. Tweener bars with pivoting steering riser.
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CORSA 24
Corsa 24 shown above with 26/26 Strada in the background for
perspective. 1" lower seat height, and 165 cranks
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Seating:
Euroshell
Euromesh
Re-Curve |
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LEVEL CRANK POSITION
GIRO 20 ATT
The aluminum frame lightens up the Giro 20 for the rider friendly
level crank position design. Disc brakes top off the refinement.
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The Giro 20 and Giro 20 TT have a level crank
position, more universally friendly to both urban and country riding and
a more upright seating position. Adjustable seat angle, 3 seat choices. |
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GIRO 20
Level crank position, more upright posture, S & M/L sizes.
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GIRO 20 ST27D
w/ racks & Schwalbe tires.
Cobalt
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GIRO 20 GL81
Red Gold w/
Techwind Panniers & OFA pack
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GIRO 20 ST27
Ti
Silver
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GIRO 20 ST27
Purple w/ ZZipper fairing
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