Evox Semi-Recumbent Review

Originally Posted by blazingpedals

My $0.02 is that if you're thinking of a recumbent, don't get something with a saddle! If you do, you've missed the whole point! From what I've seen, semi-bents are designed to be ridden 100 miles or less per year. They just aren't enthusiast-level machines. What they're good for is putzing around the trailer park with the grandkids or riding alongside the spouse on a jog. But then a cheap mountain bike could do the same thing.

The CCM lineup is barely above department store level. That bothers me to say, because my first serious road bike was a CCM; it had 531 tubing, tubular tires, and some nice componentry for its day. It's sad to see how low CCM has sunk. My opinion of the Quetzal (a hand-me-down design formerly known as the Peugeot C105, IIRC) isn't fit for print. But as uncomfortable and ugly as it is, at least it is a real recumbent.

If you are interested in getting a recumbent, then get a recumbent. If not, then stick with your upright.

joelguy - where in Michigan are you? I'm in the Lansing area.

Originally Posted by CCM_Evox

Well said Bentriderlon! I'm sure that blazingpedals opinion is barely worth the 2 cents he claims. There are some issues with his post that need to be clarified. He warns people not to get a recumbent with a saddle but the famous Rans seat is a combination of a wide foam covered saddle with a full length back rest buckled to the back of the saddle. The Rans back rest is supported by rods that attach to the rear axle. I concede that the Evox back rest is not full length but it is effective nonetheless. The stock saddle on the Evox is a Drifter and it is 10 or 11 inches across so it is not a racing saddle by any means.

blazingpedals continues to prove his ignorance of the bike in question by claiming that he can only ride 100 miles or less in a year. Maybe I shouldn't poke fun of his disabilities. After all, many grandfathers would be glad to be able to chase his wife around the trailer park while she jogs ahead of him. Obviously, blazingpedals has never seen the higher end of the CCM Evox line or he would know that the components are well above the standard fare at Kmart. CCM is also offering a mid range class of the Evox that does have mid range components and if this is all he can afford, the Evox 140 is the best recumbent in his budget. When he boasts about his first CCM, he should be reminded that the mid range components available in the Evox 140 are superior in design and materials to the ancient parts he claims. Besides that, tubular tires would never stand up to the day to day use of an Evox for commuting. CCM has changed ownership since those days and they do offer a wide range of quality to fit everyone's budget. As a matter of fact, they always did.

The Quetzal LE that I referenced in my orginal post is exactly the same bike as the Evox LE. It is not a fully recumbent like blazingpedals insists. If he had taken the time to actually go to the links posted in my original review, he would not seem so misinformed. Finally, can you imagine if someone said " If you are interested in getting a pickup truck, then get a pickup truck. If not, then stick with your car!" There would be no SUV's! Maybe we should have listened!

Originally Posted by Bentriderlon

Well, this is certainly a prejudicial rant and one not really worth replying to. Rather than encouraging this sort of bike or dissing out that sort of bike, I'll repeat what I said before. Get out on lots of bikes and buy the one you like best and which is within your budget.

I wonder why Blazingpedals feels it to be so necessary to insult other rider's choices? BTW, I routinely ride my Evox 25 to 40 km at a time and have an absolute riot doing so.

Cheers

Charles

Originally Posted by Bentriderlon

I'm back again. I have made some changes to my Evox that result in what is rapidly becoming a fine bent. I replaced the stock saddle with a bigger seat. This has upped the comfort level enormously. I also removed a Shimano 200 GS crankset from an old mountain bike no one uses. (I have really canibalized this bike - it is pretty much frame bar and wheels at this point.) Mounted on the Evox, this uses Biopace rings and is a better colour match to the frame. With the new crankset, the chain line was shifted out slightly, and the chain was tapping the chainguard when under power. Off came the chainguard! I figured it only to be ornamental anyway and now there is no annoying tapping racket. I think the bike actually looks better with it off. You can better see the line of the tubes.

I've attached a few pics.

Cheers

Originally Posted by re_biker@yahoo.

Your Evox looks really cool: good job!! Speaking of alterations, on my CG STX, I've added a set of fenders and switched to a new hamster handlebar with a whopping 4-inch rise! This results in my arms completely down to my sides and keeps me way laid back on my seat; the comfort level has gone from excellent to even better!! Much happy riding to you!

Originally Posted by Bentriderlon

Thx for the complement. I have increased the sizes of the posted photos so the viewer can get a better look. (And yes, the chainrings need a cleaning!) Love to see your bike. Do you have a picture you could post?

...charles

Originally Posted by Bentriderlon

Does anyone know of a shock fork that will fit an Evox 140. I am interested in off-road riding and a shock would help the front wheel to remain on the ground.

Thx

Charles

Originally Posted by CCM_Evox

Check out a google search for Meks Recumbent Suspension Fork and you will see a few links for the Meks Carbon Forks in the 20 inch size you need. They are a bit pricey but they are made for the job. There are even a few Meks forks available on Ebay.