|
|
 |
 |
 |
What sets Turner recumbent bikes
apart from the others?
Fashions in bikes come and go, but Turner is committed to
certain design philosophies in all of our bikes with an emphasis on durability
and ergonomics. Here are some highlights:
|
The Frame
The Turner frame design is primarily based on the strength of the triangle (as
is outlined in yellow in the image to the right) providing solid, dependable
support without the creaky flexing so common in other manufacturers’
designs. Because of this design, maximum strength can be provided
with a frame that is light in weight, whether in the chromaloy models or the
new, carbon graphite fiber frames.
|
 |
T-Lite Deluxe
with Carbon-graphite frame
 |
While always committed to providing high-perfomance, short wheelbase models,
Turner has also been carefully researching ways to bring a practical,
high-performance, long wheelbase design to the market.
Long wheelbases have always provided the most comfortable ride, especially for
long excursions. But they have been plagued with the problem of too
large a turning radius. They often require two-lane turns in city
streets, particularly in models with over-the-seat steering.
By changing the frame geometry, Turner has now provided the market with the
T-Long, which incorporates a frame that combines comfort with superior
maneuverability. Now, one-lane turns are a reality for the long
wheelbase.
|
Ergonomic Seat
Unlike the flexible, non-durable, mesh designs on lesser-grade recumbents, our
research has shown that the strong support of a solid seat foundation is
critical for racers and other high-speed enthusiasts who need to ensure that
maximum power is transmitted longitudinally from the lower back to the
pedals. Constructed of a firm, composite material, combined with a
breathable cover over waterproof padding, our seat is adjustable forward or
backward and can be tilted at various angles.
| |
 |
| Click photo to enlarge. |
|
For riders in hot climates, the center of the padding, between the shoulder and
lumbar region, can be cut out just leaving the mesh to provide additional air
circulation at the center of your back and still provide padding support
in the areas that need it.
Unlike any other bike manufacturer, we also provide a special, separate lumbar
cushion which fits between the seat cover and padding to provide critical
lumbar support. For fine-tuning your comfort, this lumbar cushion
can be slid up or down under the seat cover, but will still hold firmly in
position.
For added comfort, especially for those who like extended, cross-country
adventures, we offer an optional, gel cushion that can also be placed between
the seat cover and padding, but on the horizontal portion of the seat.
And, as a bonus, the back of the seat has a handy pouch to store tools, spare
inner-tubes, water bottles, or other necessities. Holes at the end
of the frame fork are provided to enable the attachment of a rack frame for
toting extra items on long outings.
|
The photo to the right is a detail shot of the newly redesigned seat support
for the T-Lite and the T-Long bicycles. Note how the seat crossbar
sits on just one tube rather than the three of the previous versions of this
frame, and how the seat rests directly on two rubber
pads ("elastomers") to give the maximum in shock absorption and yet
still provide firm support.
This simple and direct approach effectively supports the rider without the
heavy suspension systems that too often flex the frame on other manufacturers'
models. Combined with other less obvious design changes over
previous models, this has made the bike much cleaner and more open, and helps
the bike shed a few ounces, which is always welcome. |
|
| Click photo to enlarge. |
|
Egonomic Steering
The T-Lite bikes come with USS (under-the-seat-steering). The
T-Long, however, comes with either USS or OSS
(over-the-seat-steering). For those new to the sport of recumbent
cycling, USS may seem a peculiar feature. But, many serious
enthusiasts of recumbents prefer it for the following reasons: |
Under-the-Seat-Steering
option
shown with bar-end shifters
Click photo to enlarge. |
| |
· USS offers the most ergonomically correct arm position with the arms at your
sides. This results in far less fatigue, especially on long
treks. And, the nice thing is that it is surprisingly easy to get
used to.
· Particularly on long wheelbases, a steering problem exists on many
competitors’ OSS models, in which the long handlebar stem extending from the
front of the bike force wide movement of the arms when making turns, resulting
in the so-called, "tiller effect". This awkward swinging of the
handlebars from side to side results in a serious impediment to
maneuverability. The T-Long offers OSS as an option, but has
eliminated this effect by designing shorter stemmed handlebars intersecting the
frame closer to the rider.
· The long handlebar stems of the OSS designs, for long-wheel bases especially,
also result in an unacceptable addition of unnecessary weight, particularly to
the die-hards in the sport. The shorter stem on our T-Long greatly
helps to minimize this problem as well.
Either way, OSS vs. USS is always a matter of personal preference, and we are
pleased to be able to provide both steering systems that are optimized to
provide you with the maximum in control and satisfaction.
|
|
|
