Introduced in the Spring of 2000, the Burley Limbo¹s highly tuned riding position and steering geometry quickly earned praise for its excellent high and low speed handling. Featuring a heads-up position for better visibility, the Limbo¹s optimized seat-to-pedal relationship enables easy start-up, ideal ergonomic position and efficient power transfer.
The versatile Limbo is winning high praise from cycling media and winning the hearts of seasoned ‹ and new ‹ recumbent riders all over the world. The supple and responsive RockShox coil-over rear suspension smoothes out bumps, reduces fatigue and makes greater distances more attainable. An all-aluminum, tilting and telescoping steering mast, together with the world¹s most adjustable seat designed in partnership with Mike Corbin, create a rider compartment that is easily fine-tuned to fit most body types.
Using proven materials and high-quality conventional bicycle components, the "designed and built in the U.S.A." Burley Limbo is easily serviced at any professional bicycle shop.
Strengths: Value, the Burley had an affordable price tag. Visibility, the higher seat position not only allows me a clear view of what is around, it allows others to see me. Comfort, this was the clear reason that I bought a Burley. Switching to a recumbent made me feel about as graceful as a hog on ice...until I rode the Burleys. They all seemed to make me feel more comfortable and secure, but the Limbo was by far the superior bike for comfort in the Burley line.
Weaknesses: Same as all other recumbents, it sucks on long steep hills.
Bottom Line:
After years of riding my upright bike, I began to have more and more pain and numbness in my hands. So I had to find another option. The recumbent was the natural choice. The Burley Limbo was the clear winner among the many bents that I test rode, including many that cost a lot more $$$.
Similar Products Used: Bike E, Rans, Vision, other Burleys, and a bunch of others that I test rode.
Bike Setup: My Limbo is set up in the long wheel base. It is a little harder to do u-turns but I don't make that a habit anyway.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ed L. Beckers
a Recreational Rider
from Hibbing, MN. USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Strengths: While am perfectly happy with my 2000 Rans Stratus, both my wife and I tested out the Limbo. I'm so sold on recumbents that I wanted my wife to purchase one as well. What we both enjoyed about the Limbo was its ride and its handling. We had limited time and space for a real test ride, but while we cruised up and down some city streets in Minneapolis, we noticed how well it steered and how comfortable it was. What may have sold us on its performance was the knowledge that it can be converted from a SWB model to a LWB in about a half hour. (Or less, if you're really handy). This is a feature which I think will sell the bike more so than its comfort factor. When we buy at next bike for her, it will probably be the Limbo. Recumbents are not only for older folks with certain health problems. I'm 58 and have a heart condition. I USED to have serious pain riding my uprights, I have NO pain on my recumbent. So, who should buy a recumbent? Anyone who wishes to ride a bike pain-free!
Weaknesses: In the time we had, neither one of us noticed anything, with this exception. After a year and a half on my Rans, I do enjoy the handlebar position on it better than the Limbo. My wife did not comment on this.
Bottom Line:
The Burley Limbo is a most welcome addition to the recumbent ranks. I understand, two additional models have been introduced for 2001.
Bike Setup: What does this mean? I'm a recreational cyclist, and a long distance tourer.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Commuter
from Redmond, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Strengths: Well built-fit and finish are excellent. The seat is the most comfortable of them all and I tried them all. Having the option of a SWB or a LWB in one bike. Smooth ride. Excellent price compared to others.
Weaknesses: The only problem I can find with the bike is "pogoing" from the rear shock climbing hills or hard pedaling. Tried all the adjustments but no improvement. Most of the other suspended bikes I have tried have the same problem, although this isn't a big problem.
Bottom Line:
This is a very well built bike and I highly recommend it. If comfort is your number one priority then this is the bike for you and with an added bonus of a very reasonable price tag.
Similar Products Used: Vision VR54, Rans VRex Vivo Gliss Stratus, BikeE NX, Trek R200, Lightnign P38
Bike Setup: I had mine set up as LWB but switched it to SWB. Dealer installed rear rack, waterproof saddle bags, kick stand and fenders.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
AL
a Recreational Rider
from LEICESTER,MASSACHUSETTS
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Strengths: COMFORTABLE,FAST,VERSATILE AS YOU CAN CHANGE WHEELBASE FROM LONG TO SHORT AND COST-COMPARED TO OTHER BENTS SUCH AS VISION OR OPTIMA.GREAT SEAT-VERY ADJUSTABLE.THREE WATER BOTTLE CAGE PORTS(1 ON STEERING MAST,2 ON THE SEAT FRAME. THE CRAFTSMANSHIP IS EXCELLENT,PAINT,FRAME WELDS ETC..
Weaknesses: A LITTLE HEAVY AT 36 lbs,BUT NOT EXCESSIVE.SOME OF THE COMPONENTS COULD BE UPGRADED.THERE IS A BIT OF PEDAL OVERLAP WHERE YOUR FOOT CAN TOUCH THE FRONT WHEEL ON TIGHT TURNS(WHICH IS NOT UNCOMMON ON RECUMBENTS),BUT AFTER A FEW RIDES,YOU'LL KNOW THE TURNING RADIUS AND FORGET ABOUT THE OVERLAP.
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE IS AWESOME.THE UPGRADES I'VE DONE WERE IMPROVEMENTS BUT NOT NECESSARY.THE LIMBO IS A BLAST TO RIDE.IT HANDLES GREAT AT JUST ABOUT ALL SPEEDS AND IT IS SO COMFORTABLE.THE ONLY PART OF YOUR BODY THAT GETS TIRED IS YOUR LEGS.THIS THING IS FAST AND THE ROCK SHOX DELUXE REAR SHOCK DOES A GREAT JOB OF SMOOTHING OUT THE HARSH NEW ENGLAND ROADS. I'LL BE UPGRADING THE FRONT RIM AND THE CRANK(TO ULTEGRA)ONLY BECAUSE I LIKE TO TINKER AND SHED A LITTLE WEIGHT OFF THE BIKE. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A RECUMBENT,CHECK OUT THE BURLEY LIMBO BEFORE YOU BUY.YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED.
Bike Setup: I'VE GOT MINE SETUP IN THE SHORT WHEELBASE FOR A MORE SPORTIER RIDE AND TO FIT A NORMAL BIKE CARRIER FOR TRANSPORT. I'VE UPGRADED REAR WHEEL TO MAVIC CROSSLINK,REAR CASSETTE TO XTR 12-32 TITANIUM,AND REPLACED GRIP SHIFTERS WITH "98"XT RAPIDFIRES AND XT REAR DERAILLER(TOUGH TO FIND 8 SPEED STUFF).OUTFITTED IT WITH A NITERIDER DIGITAL HEADLITE(BATTERY FITS GREAT IN THE WATER BOTTLE CAGE SUPPLIED ON THE STEERING MAST).I'VE REMOVED STEERING LINKAGE AND FRONT HEADSET USED FOR LONG WHEEL BASE TO SHAVE A LITTLE WEIGHT.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Recreational Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001
Strengths: An almost infinitely adjustible seat that lets you adjust the seat base and back independantly. The handlebar set up allowed me to telescope and tilt to perfection. The bike was not as heavy as I thought it would be.
Weaknesses: Stock grip shifters were a pain, requiring too much effort to click into gear. They felt (are?) cheap. Under heavy peddaling there was noticable "pogoing" from the rear shock - dialing it much tighter helped.
Bottom Line:
Great ergonomics, comfortable & predictable ride, but you won't like the shifters. I'm holding out for Burley's new Django.
