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950 cu. in.
Angletech Trunk
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Short Wheelbase Recumbents
Photos and Descriptions
Manufactured in Holland since 1989, we bring you the Challenge line of
recumbents. Having visited Challenges facilities, we 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 seat in 2 sizes 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.
CHALLENGE SL’s
In 2004, Challenge woke everyone up with the SL series of
bikes. Not 1, but 4 series of ultra light recumbents from 17.6-23 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.
The heart of this technology is the butted split tube frame
technology (see inset picture above) 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
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The Fujin SL has become known as the finest handling low racer
available. Challenge bikes have optimum front end geometry in any category
they offer bikes in.
Challenge's ground breaking Fujin SL II is an
honest 17.6#'s, w/ Preying Mantis cockpit. Features are the SL butted aluminum frame with carbon fiber boom,
crankset, fork, and seat. Shimano Dura Ace 2x10 drive, anodized finish, and
ultra light wheelset and tires.
FUJIN SL I
Butted aluminum low racer hard tail w/ Preying Mantis ASS steering riser.
Shown on the right in OC cockpit form, and also running parallel with Seiran SL
high racer for format perspective. 29º seat angle, carbon fork, and perforated aluminum seat. Note
the bolt on derailleur hanger and clean chain guidance system.
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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.
Fujin SL 1 weighs in at 22#.
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SEIRAN SL
| Challenge OC format has telescopic stem, and telescopic width adjustment
features for optimum fit. |
New Campagnolo component option,
SEIRAN SL CARBON RECORD |
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MISTRAL SL
  
Want a little plush with your SL without
added weight? The Mistral SL features a butted aluminum main
frame, easy to adapt to level crank position, carbon fork and 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.
CHALLENGE TRAVELING MISTRAL SL
We get a number of
requests for a quality folding recumbent that is an excellent bicycle in its own
right first, and travels easily as well.
The Traveling Mistral SL is
now orderable.
Shown and ridden here
at our visit to Challenge in
October 2007. Final sample prototype.
For the whole story click on this link:
..\folding\index.htm
HURRICANE SL
The 20/20 low racer with the elegant 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
E’s
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
E
  
26/26 high racers have been very well
received for their climbing ability, and superior aerodynamics. However, we have
not been able to fulfill the requests for a USS format until now. In any format, the Seiran is ready. The best USS system, plus ASS formats in
Preying Mantis
form and OC. All heat treated aluminum construction, with rear suspension, disc brakes,
and sport rack standard. Longest wheelbase in class at 49." Shown above in
USS, Preying Mantis, and OC cockpit format on the Voyageur XT w/ standard dual pannier rack
system.
A capsule ride: Confident tracking
control, no pedal steer, and a truly "bob" free rear suspension. The USS
ergonomics are just right with handlebars at a friendly bend and individually
adjustable. Lots of tire clearance front and rear for bigger tires and fenders.
The torsionally rigid frame makes this the ultimate touring bike of all the High
Racer offerings on the market. Elegant details are everywhere you look, clean
internal cable routing, graceful tube bends, thoughtful seat design, a tab on
the BB for a headlight, and design specific rear rack.
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Seiran E rear suspension. |
New rear swing arms for '08 with forged X Bridge,
Seat brackets. Solid and unflexing.
accentuating the split tube design, built in fender eye,
strong and beautiful. Available now. |
 Challenge
Cirrus ushers in the High Racer recumbent in 1992, 11 years ahead of the
rest!
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SEIRAN-24
A smaller "scale" Seiran, the Seiran-24 brings the easy rolling high
racer format to smaller riders with a lower seat height and easier to
maneuver size. Additionally, for any rider, the Seiran-24 has a faster
"off the line" response from the lighter 24' (507 format) wheels, while
keeping most of the momentum effect of 26's.
3 seats are offered, the
Challenge aluminium design as well fiberglass and carbon fiber designs
proven on the Challenge Trike with their extra width at the shoulders
and butt areas as well as a perfect "butt pocket."
Incorporating SL technology in the frame, Challenge has reduced the
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. |
VENTUS
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Originally introduced in 1995, the 26/20
format Challenge Wizard was a comfortable and easy to ride workhorse.
It was eventually discontinued, but customer demand was strong enough to
give the format a fresh examination.
The new Challenge Ventus builds on the legacy of the Wizard by
incorporating the latest technological developments
from the Endurance and SL series bikes of recent times.
- 26/20 level BB format features a new "split tube" aluminum swing
arm at the rear from the E, and the butted aluminum main frame from the
SL.
- 3 seat options, the Challenge aluminum
along with fiberglass and carbon versions of the new composite seat with adjustable.
recline angle, the most comfortable form in the market.
- A longer wheelbase and dual suspension
for more control.
- New Challenge Voyageur Rack
system mount
to the central "spine" , standard equipment
- A more upright posture than other Challenge designs.
- All 3 cockpit arrangements.
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Mistral Delux-2008
From our recent visit to Challenge, the Mistral Delux-2008.
The Mistral Delux-2080 features include the well
received composite seat from the Challenge Trike 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, dual pannier Challenge Traveler rack
systems, and slide adjustable seat angle fittings. New Ventisit and Lux seat pad
options complete the comfort.
The Mistral Delux-2008 features a
rear swing arm of the elegant "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 rear 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 Delux-2008 has the quicker acceleration and more
agile handling 20/20 format bikes are known for.
The optional Traveler dual pannier rear rack system shows the E nature
of the touring/commuter design retained with significantly less weight than a
Mistral E. Wheelbase is
optimized for better handling and rolling performance.
Cockpit choices are USS, Preying Mantis, and Open Cockpit.
MISTRAL E
TAIFUN
The original Hurricane refined with the arch style "split
tube" aluminum
rear swingarm, and invisible rear suspension. Fast accelerating low racer design
versatile enough for sport pavement (left picture), or multi-terrain touring
personalities. Preying Mantis or OC cockpits.
FUJIN E
Based on the Taifun but with a 26/20 format. The "comfort
low racer." BB is 2" higher
than the high racer Seiran, "invisible" rear suspension standard. ASS cockpit format
in Preying Mantis or OC. Fujin’s can be plushed up or stripped down with various options.
HURRICANE
The famous Hurricane low racer. Quick accelerating 20"
wheel format, rear suspension, aerodynamic profile. Preying Mantis and USS
cockpits.
JESTER
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 at the right, above.
COLORS
Most models come in 2 or 3 standard colors, however, for only $99 you can get a
custom color (19 choices). Click on this link:
Challenge Recumbents colors.
Challenges suspension fork is sticktion
free, adjustable, and has an elegant, built in look.
Classy rear Day Rack is included on
E series models, available side racks for tube style panniers, and the Traveler
Rack for dual panniers +.
Adjustable Challenge headrest.
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RANS RECUMBENTS. Rans has been
a force in recumbents since 1976. |
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INTERBIKE 2008
Randy Schlitter, seen here with 4 new children for the upcoming 2008
lineup. There are 2 short wheelbase newcomers in the group.
One is the Ti-Rex, and the other, a new F5 series. Find the
details below: |
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F5. After being know so well as a
truss frame builder, Rans re-introduces
the F5 series as a 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.
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The New F-5 |
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Some insights from Randy Schlitter: In building a
mono-tube frame, there was a large concern about the
strength of the rear joint, where the stays meet the main
tube. On the 2008 F-5, this joint is made up of a 1.25
diameter tube contacting against the main tube for almost
3”. The end of the main tube is bulk headed and welded to
the stays as well. Few competing brands of similar designs
have such depth of structure. The larger volume of contact
does a better job of load transfer to the main tube. In addition to a better load transfer, there is
another thing I believe the larger area does, along with the
non-tapered stays; it gives the frame a more even feel. To
have less beam deflection across the span could mean
favorable ride properties. Another reason for the mono-tube frame
is the cost to produce is less, we passed that savings on,
and it is reflected in the price. This is for a USA made
frame to boot, and in a two-tone powder coat finish. |
25.4 # in steel. |
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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
being too harsh. Now the open cockpit option completes the picture.
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. |
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V-REX LE:
The new 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 42 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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FORCE 5 ENDURO
FORCE 5 ROAD
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). $3195 reg, save $700 at $2495 special price while they
last, 7 only.
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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 the Enduro is a great expedition and dirt road touring bike.
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
the best torsional rigidity when carrying gear, and flex free power
delivery.
Get one
while you still can. We have available both frame sizes of this rare format bike. Rans will no
longer build this bike.
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ROCKET:
Value is always synonymous with Rocket. Open cockpit steering, and
performance like no other in its price range make it great. Handling is that fun feeling only available in a 20/20
format bike. |
CORSA SS and CORSA
An aluminum frame brings the top of the line Bacchetta into a
22.5-25 pound weight range depending on model and seat choice. Euromesh
breathable seat or opt for the Euroshell carbon fiber seat.
3 AngletechSpec versions available in addition to factory specs. |
BACCHETTA is a bike line of
performance recumbents from the pedigree of John Schlitter, Mark
Colliton, & Rich Pinto. The bikes are all about refinement and finesse
that produce comfort & speed. |
GIRO 20 TT.
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 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.
The 26/26 format Corsa, Strada, and Giro 26 "high racer's" are fast and secure, and have an
elevated crank position. 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.
For ultimate performance check out the
AngletechSpec models compared side by side with factory
spec on our Specifications and Prices
page.
Seating: 
Euroshell
Euromesh
Re-Curve |
STEEL:
Strada
Giro 26/26
Giro 26/20 Level crank position, more upright posture, S & M/L sizes. |
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