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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 coming to the market in 2008. Shown and ridden here, October 2007, in final sample prototype.
The history of the folding recumbent has delivered a design or two that will fold into a case eventually, but not deliver a bike you would enjoy riding as your primary bike, let alone travel on high mileage days once you’ve resurrected it from its case for a tour.
Enter the Challenge Traveling Mistral, based on the Challenge Mistral SL (shown in the studio shots here), a truly fine recumbent cycle. Butted aluminum frame construction with an injection molded carbon fiber suspended rear end. First rate weight distribution and front end geometry already established. All 3 handlebar formats, USS, Preying Mantis, and OC will be available, USS being introduced first by popular demand.
Seating is a fiberglass (carbon fiber optional) shell design, 5cm wider at the butt and shoulder zones than most designs with a nice concave internal shape with a nice butt pocket retention zone at the base for a secure feel. S, M, L, XL, then fitted with a breathable pad. This seat has had very good reviews on the Challenge Trike this year, better than any shell seat feedback in our experience. The backrest angle is adjustable, and the seat removes by quick release mounts. Note: All raw aluminum bits in these photos will be painted to match the frame color as on other Challenge bikes Quick release fittings abound for boom, riser, stem, seat, rear swingarm/shock, and front & rear wheel.
Drivetrain choices are being finalized. One is a single chainring system with Schlumpf Drive 2 speed BB with an 11-34 cassette giving 18 speeds operated with a Shimano Dura Ace Bar End shifter. Another is a Dual Drive option. The chainring has a dual chainguard, and without a front derailleur system, you have no cable issues upon folding, and no need to take apart the chain. Chain management is by Challenge idler and chain tubes, which also prevent chain contact with clothing or flesh. Weight of the Challenge Traveling Mistral SL with USS and Schlumpf drive is an "SL" 24.25#.
Braking options will be caliper, V brake, or disc. Tire selection is based on the braking option chosen; the 406 format tire widths span 28c-40c.
Case. A molded, well appointed case. 33.5” x 26” x 13.5.” This case has a grab handle and rollers, and weighs 20.9#. The case will take the complete bike plus the trailer option, if ordered.
Trailer. For touring, and taking the case with you, there is the trailer option. 16” wheels, aluminum and carbon fiber construction with push button release wheels. The case mounts in the trailer vertically, so does not stick outside of body width for better aerodynamics, and the width of the trailer keeps your profile narrower for traffic and clearance purposes. Details. There are details such as a draw string chain bag, boom bag, boom alignment/memory band, head light mount, SON light wiring, disc rotor protection, a CNC machined “1 wrench” to address special items, among the list. The ride. The Traveling Mistral delivers the rapid acceleration of a 20/20 format bike. The BB height is a friendly level to hips position, so you get good climbing leverage as well as urban friendly body posture for easy stops and starts. Challenge cockpits represent the best of their formats. With USS, it is a linkage type design that does not over steer, the individually adjustable handlebars come out from a beautiful investment cast stainless stem, and their curved out from the bottom shape allows full lock turns without bar/leg interference, and maintains a minimal profile to the wind unlike other USS designs. With the OC format ASS, the stem angles away from you for an open feel, and the handlebars are individually adjustable for angle, to achieve a perfect hand/wrist position, and telescopic width adjustment to address shoulder width, and leg diameter. Front-end geometry is neutral. Friendly turn ins, with good grip all the way through, and brisk connected acceleration out the other side. The ride is first class. In SL class hard tail bikes you get the light fast ride, but road texture is definitely present. On the Traveling Mistral SL when you hit a tar strip, a manhole, or have some aggressive chip and seal road texture, you get the audio, but not the physical.
Kelvin
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