Vision 2001 VR50 Older Recumbent Bike

Average Rating: 4/5
MSRP: $ 1695.00
# of Reviews: 1

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Submitted by Matt a Recreational Rider from Suburbs of Chicago

Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001

Strengths:    --dual suspension comfort
--quality manufacturing
--fun to ride
--pretty good component mix
--not as heavy as most other dual susp. recumbents

Weaknesses:    --it is still fairly heavy at 33 pounds
--it is still fairly expensive at $1700

Bottom Line:

Although I only rode three or four other brands of bike, I did some pretty thorough online research before buying. Vision bikes appeared to have the best combination of engineering, componentry, and features for the money. Unlike many recumbent manufacturers, they appear to be a stable-professionally-run company that is likely to be around for a while.

Although I have not come across any lighter dual-suspension recumbents, I still am not crazy about the weight of this one. I am probably spoiled by my 21-pound upright roadbike (of course, in all fairness, that bike is not only an upright aluminum bike, but it is unsuspended).

I got the Vision because I had injured my back, and was told I'd never be able to ride a regular (upright) bike again. I figured the dual suspension was important, since I wasn't supposed to submit my back to any high impacts, and recumbents don't let you get out of the saddle when you're going over bumps.

Well, one year and many chiropractor visits later, I am back on my roadbike, and am actually now contemplating selling this one.

I say "contemplating," only because this bike is so much fun to ride. It is so comfortable I can only describe it as riding a lazy-boy lounger down the street. Bumps that rattle your teeth on a roadbike just disappear soundlessly beneath you. The aerodynamics of an above-seat steering recumbent are also a big benefit. I switched the bike to above-seat steering because of this, and for the improved maneuverability. If you're new to recumbents, I'd cast my vote for going the above-seat steering route (it also gives you a place to put cyclocomputer, bell, headlight, whatever).

I'd rate it at a four out of five on both accounts. If it retailed for $200 less and weighed four pounds less I'd give it a five for both.