HP
Velotechnik Speed Machine Recumbent Bicycle

Speed Machine
The Speed Machine is a low racer recumbent with dual hydraulic disk
brakes, full suspension and a well-padded carbon seat for folks who want
to go fast without giving up comfort. At 35 lb it is a bit heavier than
non-suspended (without suspension) low racers. It is the most comfortable low racer I have
ridden. The suspension is well designed. It gives a plush ride but does
not adversely affect your hill climbing performance.
One example of this bikes innovative detail is the way the seat recline
adjusts. On most recumbents adjusting the seat recline angle changes your
effective leg length setting and you have to re adjust that too. On the
Speed Machine this is eliminated. This adjustment is done with two
quick-releases: one under the seat bottom and one under the back. You can
raise the seat angle, like for a long climb, and later lower it for the
decent without readjusting for leg length. The seat is very comfortable in
both positions. I found even with the airflow seat pad I got a bit
sweatier than I would on a mesh back seat.
The no squat suspension does an admirable job and does not adversely
affect hill climbing. The Speed Machine climbs well for a 35 lb bike. Its
high-speed handling is solid and confidence inspiring, low speed handling
is good but not great. Maneuvering on trips to the convenient store may
sometimes be inconvenient. The forward handlebar position stretches your
arms out for improved aerodynamics, not my favorite comfort position. Both
handlebars need to be adjusted to not hit your legs or interfere with your
line of sight. The rearward handlebar position may be a bit more comfy but
makes entry exit a bit gymnastic and can be harder to position away form
your knees.
For it’s price range this is a pretty heavy bike. It weighs ~10 Lb more
than the Lightning P-38, but the Lightning does not have suspension or
disk brakes. The lightning is a faster climber; the Speedmachine is faster
on flats and descents. Riders will disagree which is more comfortable; we
will each have our favorite.
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Street Machine |
Grasshopper |
Speed Machine |
Spirit |
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HP Velo Owner's Manuals
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Street Machine Gt owner's manual (January 2008 version,
PDF Format, 624 KB) |
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Street Machine Gte
owner's manual
(January 2008 version, PDF Format, 600 KB) |
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GrassHopper / fx
owner's manual
(February 2008 version, PDF Format, 676 KB) |
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Speedmachine
owner's manual
(January 2008 version, PDF Format, 673 KB) |
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Spirit
owner's manual
(January 2008 version, PDF Format, 1021 KB) |
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