| Zach Kaplan Cycles |
| Specializing in fitting people's unique cycling needs . |
| ![]() Easy Racers | | ||
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| 1. Customized Recumbent Fittings | 2. Fairings & Carrying Devices |
| 3. Custom Lighting Systems | 4. Suspension Specialists |
| . Importers of European Recumbents | Special Orders |
CUSTOMIZED RECUMBENT FITTING:
I offer everything from the smallest Zzipper fairing to a full F-40 fairing with custom fairing fitting and modification available.
While I do offer conventional racks and panniers, the area behind the seat of a recumbent provides the perfect place to mount an aerodynamic tail fairing or tail box which both increases speed and provides a large, weatherproof cargo compartment. Tail fairings also increase visability, particularly if brightly coloured.
For carrying larger loads I offer the single wheeled BOB trailer. I offer
upgraded versions with custom wheels and high quality tyres.
I have extensive experience with selecting and setting up and fine tuning full suspension recumbents for optimal performance, handling, and comfort. I also provide front suspension retrofits to non-suspended recumbents.
Full suspension is the wave of the future in recumbent design and most of
the recent European recumbent designs incorporate full suspension. Unfortunately, suspension is still rare on U.S. recumbents.
In general the European recumbents are more aerodynamic than the typical American recumbents through the use of more reclined seats and higher bottom brackets. More emphasis is placed on real world practicality such as providing full suspension, integral lighting systems, and cargo carrying tail boxes and under seat carriers. Other practical features such as chain tubes and chainring guards are also more prevalent in Europe.
The limits of unfaired performance are being pushed through ultra low bikes or low racers. These generally have a medium wheelbase with extremely laid back seat mounted at approximately axle level with various innovative chain management systems. While perhaps not well suited to riding in traffic these bikes are a blast to ride and the rider can stop with both feet still clipped in simply by putting a hand on the ground. Some low racers take a smaller rear wheel allowing them to fit within the 2 metre length limit imposed by the United States Cycling Federation. As such these can technically be raced in USCF races!
Another configuration of HPV being pioneered in Europe is the Velomobile. These are generally three wheeled fully faired vehicles designed to be car replacements. They commonly feature full suspension, integrated lighting systems, hub brakes, and plenty of room for cargo. Some even have a windscreen with a wiper. These vehicles can provide great comfort and efficiency in all weather conditions.
I feel the full range of the latest HPV developments should be available in
the United States so I offer to import the European recumbent of your
choice. Generally just the frameset is imported and the components are
installed to your choosing here.
![]() Recumbent Bicycles |
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