C y c l i s t Recumbent - Steve Briggs
C y c l i s t Recumbent - Steve Briggs
C y c l i s t Recumbent - Steve Briggs
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RCN Road Test:<br />
The HP Velo Grasshopper<br />
The Art of Comfortable Cycling<br />
The GrassHopper is the new touring recumbent<br />
from HP Velotechnik. The bike is a fullysuspended<br />
compact sporty short wheelbase<br />
model for cyclists who enjoy a fast ride and<br />
seek maximum seating comfort. The bike<br />
rides well over smooth roads as well as unpaved<br />
trails. The adjustable suspension on<br />
both wheels helps you relax even on rough<br />
roads. Our famous No Squat Design works<br />
without any influence from pedaling forces.<br />
The ergonomically shaped BodyLink recumbent<br />
seat and the bottom bracket height<br />
of 26-inches significantly above the seating<br />
height of 21-inches support an aerodynamic<br />
riding position that keeps the rider fresh<br />
and relaxed on a long ride. Both make the<br />
GrassHopper the perfect touring bike. — HP<br />
Velotechnik<br />
By Bob Bryant<br />
bob@recumbentcyclistnews.com<br />
The HP Velo GrassHopper is yet an<br />
other very refined short wheelbase<br />
(SWB) under-seat steering (USS),<br />
full-suspension touring recumbent from the<br />
talented designers at HP Velotechnik in Germany.<br />
The GrassHopper has a unique new<br />
two-piece BodyLink seat that is more adjustable<br />
and arguably more comfortable than<br />
other Euro-style shell seats. The<br />
GrassHopper is outfitted with dual fullysuspended<br />
20-inch wheels and comes with<br />
your choice of over-seat steering (OSS) with<br />
a FlexStem, or linkage under-seat steering<br />
(USS). There is a host of custom component<br />
options to help you build the perfect<br />
GrassHopper to suit your needs.<br />
SYSTEMS<br />
Frame: The frame and swing arm are TIG<br />
welded of 7005 T6 heat-treated aluminum<br />
made in Taiwan. The powder coating and<br />
builds are done in Germany before being<br />
shipped on to the customer. HP Velo warranties<br />
the frame for ten years.<br />
Fork: The Meks AII carbon fiber suspension<br />
fork works smoothly and offers two<br />
inches of suspension travel. Upgraded Meks<br />
forks are optional.<br />
Suspension: HP Velotechnik’s trademark<br />
“No Squat Design” rear suspension is very<br />
plush and offers 4.25” of rear suspension<br />
travel. The shock is a German DMN which<br />
was also on our Street Machine test bike.<br />
All I can say is that it will spoil you. The<br />
For<br />
1. Excellent fit & finish<br />
2. Smooth & comfy ride quality<br />
3. Compact size<br />
4. Lots of options, OSS or USS<br />
5. HP’s BodyLink seat is excellent<br />
6. Great company; friendly folks<br />
Against<br />
1. Heavy (see weight section)<br />
2. Very laid back riding position<br />
3. Expensive, especially when<br />
upgraded<br />
4. V-Brakes are standard<br />
5. No brand name double big ring<br />
crank<br />
Why Buy This Bike<br />
If you want a compact, state-of-the-art, well equipped, full suspension sport<br />
touring SWB OSS/USS — and prefer a very laid back riding position<br />
Contact<br />
HP Velotechnik<br />
Web: www.hpvelotechnik.com/<br />
Specifications<br />
Model: Grasshopper<br />
Type: SWB OSS/USS full suspension<br />
Size: One size fits most<br />
Wheelbase: 40.5”<br />
Seat height: 21”<br />
Pedal height:26.25”<br />
Weight: 35 pounds (RCN)/ 30 (HP Velo)<br />
Frame: 7005 T6 Heat Treated Aluminum<br />
Suspension: ft. (2” travel) & rear (4.25”)<br />
Fork: MEKS Carbon AII<br />
Price: $1990 + options ($2274 as tested)<br />
Seat<br />
Back/Base: Two-piece composite shell with<br />
velcro’ed foam or optionional Airflow cover.<br />
Components<br />
Crank: Alloy 40T/60T 170 mm<br />
Bottom bracket: N/A<br />
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore (rr.)/105 (ft.)<br />
Cassette: 11-34 9/18 speed<br />
Shifters: SRAM Attack Twist<br />
Chain — SRAM<br />
Gear inch range: 22-104<br />
Pedals: Wellgo<br />
Wheels: 20” x 1-3/8” 406 mm<br />
Hubs: Quando alloy quick release<br />
Tires: Schwalbe Kevlar Marathon<br />
1.375” 95 psi<br />
Brakes: Tektro V-brake<br />
Colors: Two layer powdercoat<br />
14 <strong>Recumbent</strong> Cyclist News