Maximum power and speed across even the most daunting of elevation profiles.
Maximum power and speed across even the most daunting of elevation profiles.
Ride Cruzbike.
Cruzbike vs. Bacchetta
Go ahead, compare.
Cruzbike takes the best of performance road bikes like the Trek Domane (the efficient drive system) and the best of old style recumbent bikes like Bacchetta (the aerodynamic riding position) to create a bike so wicked fast and fun, it is in its own category.
Compare Cruzbike vs. Bachetta
Below: Cruzbike V20c (left) and Bacchetta Carbon Aero (right)
Cruzbike is the best of all cycling worlds.
Climb and sprint fast.
Cruzbike's direct connection between upper body and cranks through the drive system means you can climb and sprint fast with upper body input - similar to traditional road bikes.
No terrifying heel or chain strike.
Heel and chain strike is the tendency of some recumbent bike styles, like Bacchetta, to have interference between your heel and/or chain and the front wheel when you turn. Cruzbike’s Dynamic Boom Front Wheel Drive solves this problem.
No long heavy chain
Old style recumbents like Bacchetta require nearly 3 full bike chains which add weight and complexity including routing through idlers which causes power loss and flex in the frame under high torque.
Cruzbike's Drive System is stiff, light and efficient
Dynamic Boom Front Wheel Drive is stiff, light and efficient, unlike Bacchetta’s rear wheel drive system which requires long heavy chains that reach across the whole length of the frame causing frame flex and power loss.
Run top of the line performance road cycling components on a Cruzbike
Cruzbikes require fewer specialized parts than old style recumbent designs like Bacchetta. Plus the drive system is familiar to bicycle mechanics because it looks just like a traditional road bike drivetrain, simply shifted forward.
Tight turning radius on a Cruzbike
You don’t have to worry about heel strike and our wheelbase is comparable to a traditional bike (not overly long). There is also no chain-to-tire strike on a Cruzbike.
Aerodynamics and comfort
Cruzbike and Bacchetta share this huge advantage over road bikes. On a bike like the Cruzbike V20c, your aerodynamic profile is comparable to a TT tuck. Except it is insanely comfortable and maintained for the entire ride.
Compare Cruzbike vs. Bacchetta
| COMPARE CRUZBIKE VS. BACCHETTA | WINNER | EXPLANATION |
| Power Transfer Efficiency | Cruzbike | Cruzbike’s drive system is light, stiff and efficient and allows input from the core and upper body. |
| Race wins | Cruzbike | Cruzbike riders have taken records from old style recumbents and now hold the most records in the category. See records listing here. |
| Climbing speed | Cruzbike | Upper body and core input increases propulsion, resulting in more power and faster climbs. |
| Aerodynamics | Tie (model-dependent) | Both Bacchetta and Cruzbike offer very aerodynamic models. Cruzbike's most aero road bike is the Cruzbike Vendetta V20c. |
| Weight | Tie (model-dependent) | Cruzbike might have the advantage here because of its standard chain length but we awarded a tie because both can be built up with very light components. Cruzbike's most lightest-weight road bike is the Cruzbike Vendetta V20c. |
| Turning radius | Cruzbike | In a turning radius contest, Cruzbike beat all other recumbents. This is because of our Dynamic Boom Front Wheel Drive which gets rid of chain and heel strike interference during turns. |
| Component Compatibility | Cruzbike | Cruzbike’s drivetrain is the same as a performance road bike and so riders can run whatever performance components they prefer. |
| Chain Configuration | Cruzbike | Old style recumbents like Bacchetta require nearly 3 full bike chains which add weight and complexity including routing through idlers which causes power loss and flex in the frame under high torque. |
| Comfort | Tie | Both Bacchetta and Cruzbike get rid of damaging pressure on the saddle area and wrists. |
| Fit | Cruzbike | Old style recumbents like Bacchetta are more difficult to adjust to various rider sizes - moving the seat position changes the way the bike handles. Moving the bottom bracket requires changing chain length. |
| Front Wheel Traction | Tie | Front wheel slip is rarely an issue but can happen more readily on very steep wet climbs with front wheel drive. However, in these conditions riders on other styles of recumbent bikes are more likely to be walking uphill. |
| Aesthetics | Cruzbike | Cruzbike frames beat stick bikes in beauty every time. |
| Design innovation | Cruzbike | Cruzbike has innovation in its DNA. Cruzbike frames and tech continue to evolve and raise the bar. |
| Customer Service | Cruzbike | Cruzbike has been in business for 15+ years under the same ownership and its excellent customer service is well known. As one reviewer wrote, “they run a company the way it should be run.” Cruzbike also is the only company in the category to offer a 100 Mile Trial. Details on product pages. |
How does climbing compare on a Cruzbike vs. a Bacchetta?
Climbing is very different on a Cruzbike than a Bacchetta, being much more like climbing on a standard road bike, which very significantly involves a firm grip on the handlebars.
On a Bacchetta, you must actively avoid any muscular input into the handlebars while climbing or it will cause the front wheel to twitch. Our Bacchetta-riding friends often use straps below their handlebars and put their hands in the straps while climbing to avoid any use of the upper body. They pedal only from the hips down, and must keep their upper body relaxed.
If you want to climb with the upper body relaxed, then choose a Bacchetta and be happy to be slow.
If you want to climb fast, then you must learn to use your upper body and core muscles, like standard road cyclists do.
It is not that hard to learn to climb on a Cruzbike. Certainly you must practice, but within weeks or months, you will be climbing confidently and not weaving all over the road.
If you get a Cruzbike, do not try to switch back to your Bacchetta while you are learning. The two bikes may look similar, but they are very different, and you must concentrate on learning your new Cruzbike skills.
Here is what owners who have made the switch from Bacchetta to Cruzbike have to say:
Rick Y.I owned a Bacchetta Corsa, Rans Xstream, MetaBike, to name a few…I don’t consider the Bacchetta to be in the same performance class as the Vendetta. Since owning the Vendetta my riding area increased substantially by incorporating more hills and mountain areas in my rides. I live in northern California with lots of mountainous riding available. I need a good climbing recumbent bike and I believe the Vendetta to be the best climbing recumbent available. There is absolutely no other recumbent I would want to ride other than the Vendetta.”
@cruzKurtI rode a [Bacchetta] CA 2.0 prior to my V20…If I had to choose I would hands down go with the V20.”
@Bent not BrokenThe issue of heel strike can’t be overstated. The Cruzbike has no heel strike and can turn much tighter, while still under power.”
@HeyHealyI went from a Bacchetta CA 2.0 to a Cruzbike S40 in 2021. I thought maybe I would switch between the two, but ended up selling the CA2 a year later.”
@Frito BanditoThe V20 makes it very difficult to leave the KOMs alone.”
@Robert V.I used to have a Bacchetta, two of them actually, a Corsa and a CA 2.0…I currently own a V20 and a V20C…The front wheel drive makes it so easy for climbing hills as you can sit up and engage your arms and core and really lay down the power. It always takes DF bikers by surprise! I think one of the best benefits of a Cruzbike, unlike the Bacchetta, is that you can fit standard bicycle parts on it, whether it's 700C wheels, drivetrain, brakes, you name it…I no longer have the two Bacchettas, because there is no way I'd ever go back to riding those after being on a Cruzbike.”
