After doing a search I am unable to find even a reference to recumbents on this forum but I'll go ahead and jump in at least this one time.
I ride almost exclusively gravel here at the extreme southwestern edge of the Kansas City Metro Area. I ride for fitness and recreation. I started on a hard-tail 29r mtb and have recently been riding a Cruzebike Softrider. The only adaptation I made to the Softrider was to add 2 inch mountain bike tires. Cruzbike recently discontinued this formerly low-end model.
Cruzbike is best known for their high-end road racer, the Vendetta. The unusual design of all their bikes employs front-wheel drive and a moving bottom bracket.
I decided to try the Cruzbike, despite not being able to test ride one, because I recently retired and wanted to spend hours everyday riding the gravel roads that begin a quarter mile from my house. I found a regular bike was just too uncomfortable to be on everyday for more that about 90 minutes. The Cruzbike is proving to be the right choice for me.
It can be difficult to ride in deep, loose gravel but the rider is in such a natural and comfortable position that I look forward to the challenge of every ride.
I just wanted to let members know of a alternative bike that is being enjoyed by at least one gravel enthusiast.
Great to see someone riding a recumbent on all roads. I never felt confident on mine on loose surfaces but then I usually had 1" tires on my highracer. Recumbents are easier to be comfortable on longer rides though I have found with a good fit and improved fitness it is no longer a problem for me to spend hours on my CrossCheck either. And I feel much more confident when riding unpaved surfaces on the CrossCheck. Ride what works for you.
Barley Join in on some of the local free social gravel rides this fall. Most of the rides are winding down as MTB is taking over for the summer but September they will come again. check out http://gravelgrinders.blogspot.com/ we have been grinding gravel for well over 10 years in KC.
