[OHPV-list] Gold Rush vs Calfee

[tha_capt]

Hi Steve ~

I encourage you to not be to down on recumbent weights. My last premium 
up-right bike was a Cannondale ST 600 touring bike. Brand new it was a 26 
pounder. After stripping it down and upgrading wheels plus a few components 
it still was only a 24 pounder. If one is going to put any weight at all on 
a bike - the rider has to be careful with frame design integrity.

Your comment :  (getting a light recumbent is a real pain in the rear (G) if 
they are
 light they can't handle much weight.)

The same goes for the up-right bikes also - so here we are - always asking 
for the impossible or near to it ;-)) You might consider having a favorite 
touring bike for weighty uses and save the weenie bikes just for hauling you 
around in a spirited way.

 The reason I personnally favor a Gold Rush is because last year I could 
load it down for self supported TransAm tour across the United States - come 
home - take the racks off - change to light wheels and tires - and go Time 
Trail club racing and participate in Bicycle Idaho the week after. I do not 
know of a more flexible platform "too do it all" with one bike as the 
infamous Gold Rush. It will come in at 30 lbs plus with a speed kit on. If 
you can see yourself in a body sock then the weight becomes not a factor 
once you've been Wowed by the speed enhancement that allows you to cruise 
with the cars. "If" you hesitate to deal with the body sock then the 
Baccetta bents might be worth you investigating. They tip the scale lighter 
but have a different performance window from the Gold Rush. As for a 
Baccetta Aero as a heavy hauler - I doubt it. They are among the light 
weight weenie bents that are on the horizon. I can't imagine loading any sub 
25 LB bent down much at all - well - unless the Aliens are willing to share 
their alloy secrets ;-))

Personally I will stay with the already tested exotic metals of Aluminum, 
Boron and Titanium for durability. Carbon Fiber is a wonderful  material for 
some uses but it is not a material for all purposes and it's life span is 
not infinite.

Good Luck hunting for your dream bent.

Isn't choice wonderful ;-)))

later ~