Oracle Recumbents
We no longer carry Oracle recumbents.
We used to stock both Oracle Cycle Works models, the Oracle
Omega City and Omega Tour. We no longer do so since Oracle
emailed us to say “demo bikes don't qualify for warranty. “
Because we encourage extensive comparison test riding so our
customers can make a good decision this won’t work for us.
Before you
buy a full suspension, European type recumbent we suggest you try bikes
from at least two brands on this list:
Azub;
HP-Velotechnik;
Optima or Oracle. Azub has the
beefiest frames and offers both 20”x26” models and 26”x26” wheels for
taller riders to ride off road. The HP Velotechnik is the best known and
offers their 20”x26” Street Machine and a dual 20” folding bike, their
Grasshopper. Optima has some slightly less expensive models. You
also might consider a few lighter, US made 20”x26” SWB USS bikes without
suspension. The
Linear Roadster is a
new aluminum SWB USS bike. The
Longbikes
Eliminator is another SWB USS bike, this one is steel. Try a few
brands before you buy and you will know you like it when you get it
home.
Oracle is a Canadian company whose designs, in my opinion, show a lot of
European influence. European recumbent manufacturers from the Czech
Republic (Azub); Germany (HP
Velotechnik)
and Holland (Optima)
also have these features found on the Oracle Tour and City recumbents:
Under Seat Steering (USS), reclined, rigid seats; adjustable pedal booms
and full suspension. The Oracle Omega is not a direct copy of the HP
Velotechnik Street Machine. We try to keep several SWB USS bikes with
suspension in stock, ready to test ride, from
Azub,
Hp Velo,
and
Optima.
We also stock The
Linear Roadster
and the
Longbikes
Eliminator for you
to try. We recommend contacting us to check our current inventory before
you make a trip to try these popular SWB USS recumbents.

The Oracle Omega City
Oracle’s two bike models are the Oracle Omega Tour and
Oracle Omega City. The shorter wheelbase Omega City is a bit lighter and
a bit more compact than the Omega Tour but the biggest difference I felt
on rides was a smaller turning circle. The City’s shorter frame gives a
shorter wheelbase but also put the rider’s weight farther forward. It
has good low speed maneuverability but in a panic stop the rear wheel
could lift or slide fairly easily. I thought the Haluzak Horizon and
Hybrid Race SWB USS recumbent bikes did this also, but their owners
didn’t seem to mind. With a touring load on the rear the City would be
better balanced, as one of our Haluzak owners found on a coast to coast
trip. As a side note, I’m 6’2”; as is Brian in the picture above. On
adjustable pedal boom bikes like the Oracle, Hp-Velo, Haluzak and Optima
taller riders have more weight on the front wheel so shorter riders may
fit the City better. On the AZUB the pedal boom and seat are both
adjustable so you have more control over your position than on most
other recumbents.

The Oracle Omega Tour
The Oracle Tour has a longer frame and puts more of your
weight on the rear wheel, an improvement over the Oracle City. The
Oracle Tour’s turning circle is rather large as a result. I didn’t find
this offensive but “U” turns require a bit more planning and skill.
Taller riders or dedicated tourists should probably consider the Tour
over the City, but I is good to ride bikes from a variety of brands
before you decide.

Oracle Omega City
The Oracle frames are smaller diameter than bikes like
the Azub. They handlebars mount directly to the fork without a linkage
which adds to their large turning circle. The Oracle rear suspension
has a single pivot with a stainless steel axle and sealed bearings. The
Oracle bents have a Euro type hard-shell seat somewhat similar to the HP
Velo “Body Glove” seat from Germany. Oracle’s seat is not a rigid as
the HP Velo seat, I had trouble getting the Oracle seat to stop creaking
when I pedaled hard. Oracle runs the chain through chain tubes without
idlers.
Both Oracle models (the City and Tour) sold for $3095
plus shipping. Standard equipment includes 27 speed derailleurs, Bar con
shift levers, front shock fork, a rear shock, dual disc brakes and a
breathable, open cell seat pad. All Oracle Omega bikes come with
“options” including a kick-stand, fenders and a rear rack. I found the
kiskstand a bit short for uneven ground and the rear rack is bolted
together rather than welded together like the more sturdy Azub, Hp Velo
and Optima racks. These “free” options are nice; most would be extra
cost upgrades on the Azub, HP-Velo or Optima recumbent bikes.
I found both the Oracle Omega Tour & Omega City to have comfortable
seats, though I iprefer a mesh seat as is available on bikes by HP Velo,
Linear and Longbikes. Their open cell seat pad looks similar to the
air-pad available on the Street Machine but does not stay put quite as
well. The Omega's seat recline adjusts between 45 and 55 degrees without
wrenches. The Omega’s bottom bracket is a couple of inches lower than on
similar bikes. Recumbent novices and tourists may like this; the more
performance minded may prefer the higher BB on the Street-Machine. The
headrest on the Omega is nice but not removable or adjustable. Actually
it is removable with a hand saw, but is really not adjustable. The
Oracle City and Tour headrest pad fell off fairly often, a bit of Velcro
would be a welcome addition.
On our scales the Oracle weighs about the same as the similarly priced
base model HP Velo Street Machine GTe. Both bikes were weighed without
kickstands, racks & fenders.
Looking for a tour capable USS bike with plush suspension and a reclined
rigid seat? Don’t take my opinions here as facts, try offerings from two
or three of these brands: Azub; HP Velotechnik; Optima or Oracle Omega.
You might also try unsuspended SWB USS bikes from Linear and Longbikes.
We try to keep several SWB USS bikes
with suspension in stock, ready to test ride, from
Azub,
Hp Velo,
and
Optima.
We also stock The
Linear Roadster
and the
Longbikes
Eliminator for you
to try. We recommend contacting us to check our current inventory before
you make a trip to try these popular SWB USS recumbents.
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