Longbikes Slipstream Recumbent Bicycle

Single
Slipstream
Longbikes has a well-deserved reputation for beautifully built, rugged
USS recumbent bikes. The Slipstream’s frame is overbuilt, giving rigid
and predictable handling. Longbikes is so sure of their solo recumbents
they guaranteed the frames for riders up to 300 lb, 25 lb more than the
LWB USS
Linear Limo. For these larger riders the few extra pounds of a
Slipstream doesn’t make much difference. Smaller riders under 200 lb or
so may find the Linear Limo with its aluminum frame noticeably lighter.
The fittings & hardware made by Longbikes are well finished and high
quality. Their machining detail is excellent. An example of this is the
seat struts. They are machined out of solid aluminum rods making them a
bit heavier that most other struts. Then again I'd never seen a seat
strut break till RANS came out with the cut away ends in 2003. I don’t
ever expect to see a broken Longbikes seat strut.
The Longbikes Slipstream comes with linkage Under Seat Steering (USS.)
The 1978 Avatar was the first US made recumbent with this feature, later
found on the Ryan, Linear and now also the Slipstream. The linkage
allows the steering geometry and handlebar position to be independent
for optimum handling and arm comfort. Most riders find the linkage
steering on the Longbikes (and Linear) much better than on the old
Vision USS recumbents.
The Longbikes full mesh seats are similar to the Haluzak seat but a bit
more comfortable. Full mesh seats are OK but they are not my favorite.
Larger riders tend to like full mesh seats better. Skinny guys like me
(6’2, 170 lb) have bony butts and tend to prefer foam-padded seats, like
the RANS seat, an available option on the Slipstream. In 2003 Longbikes
came out with their adjustable angle - folding seat design. It allows
you to adjust the angle between the seat base and back and also folds
for transport (but not quickly). I don’t think the Longbikes seat
comfort is up to the high standard of the rest of the bike, but I’m
skinny and prefer a padded seat.

Slipstream
The finish on Longbikes is excellent. Smooth welds, replaceable
dropouts, glossy powder-coat paint and finely detailed and finished
machined parts combine to give a very finished appearance. With the
Slipstream you get a lot of meticulous durability for your considerable
investment. If you like the relaxing LWB ride and USS position of the
Slipstream (as I do), but saving over $500 sounds good to you consider
also the
Linear Limo recumbent. The Slipstream and Limo have very similar
geometry and ergonomics. The Avatar 2000 developed at MIT in 1978
influenced both designs. Most riders who like the ride of one will like
the ride of the other.
|
Linear Limo to
Longbikes Slipstream Comparison |
|
|
Linear |
Longbikes |
|
|
Limo |
Slipstream |
|
2009 Base Price |
$2,195 |
$2,795 |
|
Price W/ RANS seat |
$2,195 |
$3,095 |
|
weight |
35.5 lb |
37 lb. |
|
frame material |
6061-T6 aluminum |
4130 Chromalloy steel |
|
Frame tubing |
Custom extruded beam |
plain gauge round tubes |
|
machining finish |
fine |
beautiful |
|
max rider weight |
275 lb. |
300 lb. |
|
component quality |
Very good |
Very good |
|
LOA |
87 |
93.5 |
|
Wheelbase |
65 |
70.5 |
|
seat height |
27 |
23 |
|
bottom bracket height |
20 |
17.5 |
|
weight savings |
1.5 lb |
0 lb. |
|
$ savings W/RANS seat |
$900 |
$0 |
|