Quest

This is the fully redesigned Quest 3.0, with a range of upgrades. On the one hand, it's a lovely commuting and recreational recumbent; on the other hand, it's a compact recumbent semi-folder.

The Quest comes with 26 inch (559) wheels.  Or, you can order 20 inch (451) wheels. The 20 inch version has a shorter front chainstay which makes it easier for packing into a large suitcase.

Upgrades from the previous model feature the highly praised SRAM Dual Drive three-speed internally geared hub, making it easy to shift into a low gear even when stationary and guaranteeing perfect shifting every time. The hub carries 9 sprockets for smooth close ratio shifts with a grip shifter.

The folding process has been simplified with a seat that removes with two thumb screws and a quick release. The frame has been evaluated and redesigned with a larger diameter seat post for added strength while retaining the same weight.

A unique folding rear rack is included. The rack magically folds down against the seat-back for transportation -- beautiful!

Quick releases now fix the steering column clamp to quickly drop the bike into the trunk of a car.

The Quest now takes 1.5" tires front and rear.

And! don't forget the new 42 tooth e-ring. This is an elliptical ring to a patent pending Cruzbike design. We believe this is the first time an elliptical ring has been offered standard on a recumbent. (If you see a triple chainring in a video, this is the Quest 1.0. Quest 2.0 has the elliptical ring.)

Together these improvements make an already great bike even better.

The 20 inch Quest currently has both front and rear suspension. The 26 inch Quest has rear suspension only,
We view this as a design improvement, which you can read about here.

Specifications

Specification

Description

Front Triangle

Custom designed power triangle with telescoping calibrated inner tube giving a huge 11” adjustment; plus oversize 34.9mm outer tube for additional stiffness, and constructed from quality 7005 T6 aluminum alloy. Diacompe Diatech headset.

Frame

Custom-designed Suspension 7005 T6 aluminum alloy in bright autumn orange color. Frame is designed for folding for compact travel in luggage.

Seat

Custom Cruzbike Seat, 2 piece, The seat base and backrest are independently adjustable. Pressed alloy, matching frame color with protective rubber edge trim. The unique seat design locates the rider in position on the bike to allow you to clearly feel and enjoy the handling.

Cushions, machine washable! Dual layer reticulated polyester open cell foam on top of EVA closed cell foam enclosed in a sportswear polyester cover.

Fork

Custom design FWD Suspension Steerer with 135mm wheel dropouts, 40mm travel and extra stiff spring, engineered exclusively for Cruzbike.

Rear Suspension

Kind Shock Kspeed 261 Shock in a cantilever rear triangle, delivering a pogo-free ride.

Vital Stats (20")

Wheelbase 1057mm (41 5/8");
Total Length 1625mm;
Seat Height (minimum) 545mm (21");
Crank (BB) Height 565mm (shortest xseam) to 356mm (longest x-seam);
Shortest fitting x-seam 914mm (36");
Longest fitting x-seam 1194mm (47") - extra long TFT available.

Vital Stats (26")

Wheelbase 1057mm (41 5/8");
Total Length 1727mm;
Seat Height (minimum) 593mm (23");
Crank (BB) Height 585mm (shortest xseam) to 496mm (longest x-seam);
Shortest fitting x-seam 971mm (38");
Longest fitting x-seam 1170mm (46").
Weight: 33 lbs 8 oz with all stock accessories (rack, pedals, etc.)

Components

Component

Description

Brakes

Disc brakes front and rear. Avid BB5 mechanical disk brakes on wave style rotors, 160mm front and 140mm rear, mated with Avid levers.

Bearings

Bottom Bracket Bearing: sealed bearing cartridge type; Head Bearings: steel, 1-1/8"*34*30mm

Gearing

SRAM Dual Drive Internally Geared 3-speed hub, with 9-speed 11-28 derailleur system giving 27 gears.
Crank length 155 mm

E-Ring

Also comes standard with the Cruzbike 42 e-ring, a 42 tooth elliptical front chainring to smooth out the pedaling action.

When you pedal you push with the left leg, then the right leg, etc.; in between these pushes is a 'dead spot'. The elliptical ring makes the dead spot pass a little more quickly. This makes pedaling feel smooth and most who use them report it makes riding easier.

Wheels & Tires

Front Hub: SRAM Dual Drive;
Rear Hub: Chosen alloy hub with sealed bearings
Spokes: 14g stainless steel & brass nipples, 32 count
Rims: A-RIM DC17 alloy double wall 6061
Tires: Maxxis Detonator 100 psi road tread Size:
20" 25x451; (Most 20" wheels are 406mm rims, this is a 451mm rim, which compares as a '22"' although everyone calls them 20's also.)
26" 26x1 The usual rim size for mountain bikes.)

Handlebars

600mm wide alloy seagull; 65mm drag; 43° down swept, Alloy anodised black; Grips: SRAM Dual Drive

Included Accessories

Folding Rear Rack, rated to 10 kg.
Bell, Kickstand, wheel reflectors, front and rear reflectors.

Weight

33.5 lbs weighed with rack, pedals and above accessories.

Testimonials

I was cleared to ride today, just 2 weeks post op from neck fusion surgery! How great it is to be back on my Quest. I had a wonderful 15 mile ride and it was like I never stopped riding these past 2 weeks. I had shown the surgeon a picture of the bike and he suggested "judicious use of the rear-view mirror". I knew there would be no problem as my Quest hastened recovery from a lumbar fusion a year ago. Now that my spine is stable again, I'm looking forward to another Century ride on my 65th birthday in a few months. I may try for 130 miles this time (2 miles for each year of life).
- Jack (Savannah, United States)
I have had my Quest now for several months and am happy as a speckled pup. Having been involved in the design and build of several hundred recumbents (http://www.calpoly.edu/~wpatters/), I think the Quest has hit it on the head. Above Seat steering, folding and front drive are all what I have had on my wish list. John covered them all. Prof Bill Patterson
- Bill (Santa Maria, United States)
thought I'd try and post a comment just coz I'm so wrapped with my Quest. Had it for about three months now and it is used daily for ride to work - fast and comfortable. For years I've been riding at weekends with a bunch of moderately keen guys who I can usually just about stay with and recently I took the Quest along instead of my usual road bike. I took a few cracks about the weight and the rear view mirror (some of the boys seemed to think it should have three wheels??) then left them for dead. How good is it to have one bike that copes with the daily grind to work, has a rack, kickstand and rear view mirror then outperforms carbon frame lightweight conventional roadbikes? Also comfortable and fun to ride. My only problem now is that I have 4 other bikes in the shed and don't seem to be using them. Thanks John and the Cruzbike team.
- Geoff
Well, it's been almost 2 months and I am loving the bike. ... I hopped on my MTB today, and wow did I miss the Quest. It's amazing how used to the Quest I've become, and how nice and efficient a ride it is. Thanks John and the Cruzbike team for a great bike!
- David (San Ramon, United States)
For me, it was an evolutionary process.  I found that I wasn't enjoying bike rides with the family anymore.  After even short rides of less than 30 minutes on my mountain bike, my neck, wrists, elbows and shoulders would all be aching (not to mention my backside).  I started to look for alternatives.  Most "comfort bikes" allow the rider to sit more upright but I thought the position was awkward because I ended up very high off the ground.  I didn't like the feeling of such a high center of gravity. I had read about recumbent bicycles and went to try a few out.  Although the seating position was a bit better, I found the turning to be awkward.  Additionally, the chain so ridiculously long that it bounced around a fair amount and actually slipped the rear drive on occasion. Research led me to the Cruzbikes and while I debated about purchasing a conversion kit, the Quest was announced and caught my eye.  What a sexy bike!  Everything about it intrigued me.  I loved the color, the design and the fact that it folded as well.  I eventually made the leap of faith and bought one for my own. Assembly of the Quest was easy and I was soon testing my balance in a nearby empty parking lot.  It was tricky at first but once I learned to relax and actually stop "trying" to ride the bike, things sort of clicked and I began to zip around without any problem.  My wife and daughters learned to ride as well! I'm back to enjoying family bike rides again and slowly getting used to people commenting as I ride.  I always smile whether it's kids saying "Cool bike, Mister!"  or older riders teasing "I think you assembled that bike wrong."  Whenever I stop, people inevitably come by and ask about the bike which I'm happy to promote and show off for them. So that's why Cruzbike is MY bike and will be for many years to come. Happy Cruz'ing!
- Tom (Norfolk, United States)
This bike I have set up with a child seat behind. Its fast and comfy for both Dad and bubs. Bubs loves it this way and is happier to go on the bike than in the car - lets go to daycare - yay! Great riding position.
- John (Perth, Australia)