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oVo tandem on visit

(6 posts)

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  1. LaidBack
    Member

    Hope this will be of interest and the guy is making to order. There aren't that many recumbent tandems around and certainly none that can compact down to this size.
    Richard Cresswell has designed quite a few bikes before...
    "Cresswell Cycles were absorbed into Pashleys who I believe still make the Tri-1 and the Robin and Wren two children's disability trikes designed by Richard."

    Today's visit

    Richard presented a very different take on cycling for two. The oVo tandem breaks down quickly and cleanly allowing it to become luggage.
    I did a test ride with him on back and managed fine - even U-turned it on Lauder Road on uphill. After getting a postive crit from The Bike Works I went on back and Richard bumped off kerbs with the full suspension soaking up everything really.

    It's quite easy to use although it would maybe help to have had experience on a solo recumbent bike. Uses Rohloff and hope discs. Design has no cable breaks and can be put together with a 4 and 5 mm Allen key.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. ruggtomcat
    Member

    Nice idea, Have to say I think its ugly as sin tho!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. Roibeard
    Member

    I think it's the square section being used - that never seems right to me on a bike. Bikes should have tubes, round or oval, but tubes none-the-less.

    Botheration. I appear to have developed a concept of a "proper" bike. Must not succumb to bike snobbery...

    Still, here is another exhibit:

    http://www.dutchbike.co.uk/Work5.htm

    I'm pretty certain there as a Dutch recumbent tandem with square section too, but I can't find it online now.

    Must not succumb to snobbery...

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. LaidBack
    Member

    I've clipped Richard and Alison at oVo a link to the forum BTW (!)

    Sure he will be happy to hear views. Some people tell me the Fuego (rtc's bike) is ugly and Bacchettas are beautiful.

    Aesthetics aside I think you also have to look about how something works.

    In the case of the oVo the laser cut box section frame allows smaller batch production with a good way of holding seats securely with a channel to slide them on. The dip in the frame allows a low step over for the rear rider. It also locks together very well and keeps both halves upright automatically and makes re-assembly easy.

    I know bike 'traditionalists' look at box section with suspicion but there is an engineering principal behind this choice. Curves and colour we could argue about for ever - witness the endless changes that car makers make from year to year. oVo are making their frames in England and using Hope discs so they deserve some praise even if it's not everyone's cup of tea.

    BTW Richard met Paper Bicycle Nick Lobnitz yesterday and had a wee shot of the PB.

    As ever the creative minds of designers should be encouraged and I would hope people can understand that the motivations to design unusual bikes such as the Pino or oVo. These are not just about making money but adding to the choice of machines available. I also note that they have used this bike on public transport many times so is relevant for those who don't own a car (is expensive but only due to quality of gear and finish)
    oVo stowable recumbent tandem

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. LaidBack
    Member

    Full review of this bike and others can be found in the latest Velo Vision mag.

    Interesting review of the Nihola family trike versus the Bakfiets trike.

    Velo Vision Exact Editions

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. chdot
    Admin

    Posted 12 years ago #

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