| Frequently Asked Questions: |
--- What are the advantages of Above-Seat Steering vs. Under-Seat Steering?
Above-Seat Steering is easier for some new recumbent riders to get used to initially because it is more 'normal' in the sense of
you are not leaning over the handlebars and applying weight to them; you are still leaning comfortably back and holding the
handlebars loosely, more like a car steering wheel.
Under-Seat Steering will probably be more comfortable in the long run for the vast majority of riders, but some people do find it
more difficult to get used to. The other caveat is that underseat steering does restrict the turning radius because the handlebars
can contact with the seat. I myself find that with proper handlebar adjustment, the turning radius is not restricted more than it is
possible to actually turn the bike when you are riding it, but the restriction is quite noticeable when you are walking the bike. The
--- What is the difference between the understeering designs of the orginal Tidal Wave/Jet Stream models, and the Jet Stream
II/Tidal Wave II?
Above-Seat Steering is easier for some new recumbent riders to get used to initially because it is more 'normal' in the sense of
you are not leaning over the handlebars and applying weight to them; you are still leaning comfortably back and holding the
handlebars loosely, more like a car steering wheel.
Under-Seat Steering will probably be more comfortable in the long run for the vast majority of riders, but some people do find it
more difficult to get used to. The other caveat is that underseat steering does restrict the turning radius because the handlebars
can contact with the seat. I myself find that with proper handlebar adjustment, the turning radius is not restricted more than it is
possible to actually turn the bike when you are riding it, but the restriction is quite noticeable when you are walking the bike. The
--- What is the difference between the understeering designs of the orginal Tidal Wave/Jet Stream models, and the Jet Stream
II/Tidal Wave II?
Stem above the fork (Jet Stream,TidalWave) Stem under the main boom (Jet Stream II,Tidal Wave II)
The stem-over-the fork design puts the handlebars higher and more forward than the stem-under-the-main boom design. This
does restrict the turning radius more, but some people do prefer it.
The Jet Stream II and Tidal Wave II have the stem-under-the-main boom design. This is similar to the under-steering design used
by Vision(c) Recumbents. From this position, the handlebar can be either rotated parallel to the ground, or upright, or anything in
between. Turning radius is improved.
The stem-over-the fork design puts the handlebars higher and more forward than the stem-under-the-main boom design. This
does restrict the turning radius more, but some people do prefer it.
The Jet Stream II and Tidal Wave II have the stem-under-the-main boom design. This is similar to the under-steering design used
by Vision(c) Recumbents. From this position, the handlebar can be either rotated parallel to the ground, or upright, or anything in
between. Turning radius is improved.
The constraints of UPS/FedEx ground shipping rules require our boxes to be no more than what they call 'Oversize 2'. This means
the bikes have to be shipped in a somewhat disassembled state. If you are not mechanically inclined, you can take your shipping
box to any bike shop and have it assembled, usually for between $40-$60. Any good bike shop can do it; they don't have to be a
recumbent dealer. All the components are very standard. See the "Assembly/Tech Info" page for some links to tech data on
shifters and deraillers.
Every ActionBent bike comes with a free hex wrench set, a chain tool, a small length of extra chain, and a small bottle of touch-up
paint.
--- What is your policy on shipping damage, missing parts, and returns?
We will work with you to replace components found defective or damaged upon shipping as soon as possible, usually without
requiring you to return damaged parts to us. Non-defective bikes returned within 30 days in good working order will be subject to a
10% restocking fee. Buyer will pay shipping to us.
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