The beginnings of Reverse Gear
Back to Front Recumbent Cycling Clothing
Why Bent Specific
Have Your Say
Our Mission
How We Operate
About Us
About Our Product Names
The Beginnings of Reverse Gear
For 'bents by 'bents'. We've been recumbent cycle riders since 2001 when we bought a Greenspeed tandem.
Early on we recognised that regular biking gear was not too useful. The lack of useable pockets was not so much of a problem on the tandem since the stoker can ride hands-free and reach a saddlebag when the captain needs sustenance. However, after we bought individual trikes as well, the pocket issue became more personal.
When we moved from Australia back to Canada winter-riding six inches off the ground required whole new recumbent cycling clothing - weather-proof pants, vests and jackets.
So we started sketching ideas for both tops and bottoms to meet our needs - and yours. Finally we have done something about it. We have converted those sketches into cycling gear that we think will be both comfortable and practical.
We also want the clothes to be versatile and fashionable, sometimes doubling as walking gear.
We are still in the early stages, but with your support and suggestions we can make 'bent riding even more enjoyable. As we develop new product lines, we will incorporate new designs, new fabrics and more colours.
Please give us your � on what you find comfy or would like to see in new features.
Back to Front Recumbent Cycling Clothing
Years of 'bent experience is built-in to these key features of Reverse Gear - back-to-front recumbent gear:
- Pockets in our tops where you can reach them easily - on the front or on the arm.
- Pockets in most cases are zipped for added security.
- Most pockets are large enough to carry multiple items (not just a credit card).
- Shorts are made to be comfortable, chafe-resistant and also modest while riding or walking.
- Longs have wind-proofing to protect the front of your legs. But if you ride a trike, you will also find the added protection on your back-side a bonus if you ride in rain and/or snow.
- Reflective materials and/or bright colours are used to make gear as attractive and visible as possible .
- Since rain-capes don't work well on recumbents, rain-proof and wind-proof materials are used for outerwear where practical.
- Some gear has been designed to 'look good' anywhere - on or off the cycle. We use our trike as a method of transportation so when we go to the theatre or a restaurant, we want to look stylish too.
- We support our own economies. All of Reverse Gear is quality made and most is sourced from North American companies.
Why 'Bent Specific
We are not the only ones who think that cycling gear is better when it has been redesigned and purpose-built as recumbent cycling clothing. See below for what others say about recumbent-specific clothing.
Wayne Estes has toured over 6,000 miles on a recumbent bicycle. Wayne describes some of the different needs and benefits of recumbent touring, including this description of clothing requirements.
Clothing considerations when touring on a recumbent bike:
- Padded gloves aren't needed for comfort, but many recumbent riders wear gloves for crash protection.
- Padded shorts aren't needed for comfort, but many recumbent riders wear spandex shorts to prevent bees and wasps from flying inside their pants.
- Rear jersey pockets are useless. Front pockets would be useful, though.
- A recumbent rider is more likely to want a sun visor due to the "heads up" position.
- Recumbent riders get more sun exposure on the "front side" and less sun exposure on the "back side" (you need to apply sunscreen in different places!)
- Recumbent riders don't need a cycling-specific jacket with a long tail because they aren't hunched over forward.
- Rain capes don't work well on a recumbent.
- Pedal reflectors are useless on a recumbent because they face down.
Source: www.bicycletouring101.com/BikeUprightVersusRecumbent.htm
We didn't realize that recumbent riders wear form-fitting spandex for the bees and wasps. We just thought they were more modest in a recumbent position. But Bill Cook's story here confirms the need for cycling shorts (or a bee-sting solution � carried in a handy Reverse Gear front pocket):
In my pre-Lycra recumbent days, I sustained two different bees-up-the-pant leg episodes, both on long-distance rides. Ever since, I've worn tight-fitting shorts.
I was stung both times. The swelling and itch lasted a week or more the first time. Since then, I've always carried the universal bee-sting remedy: Adolph's Meat Tenderizer. Make a paste, put on sting, cover with bandage. You'll barely feel the sting by next day.
Bill Cook, Barcroft Cycles, Falls Church, VA
Have Your Say
Don't just take our word for it. Try Reverse Gear back-to-front recumbent cycling clothing for yourself. And if you are not satisfied, you can send it back for a refund - as long as you tell us why you don't like it. We will use your experience to improve our products in the future.
We hope you have as much fun riding your recumbent as we do and we want you to be comfortable doing so. We will see you out there - in Reverse Gear.
Our Mission
We ride bikes and recumbents because we want the world to be a better place for ourselves and our grand-children. Our mission is that whenever we can contribute to making the environment more sustainable - we will.
We seek customer satisfaction in our personal lives. Our goal therefore is to meet your expectations for a quality experience. And if we haven't we want to know how to correct it so you will come back - with your friends and fellow 'bents.
How We Operate
Reverse Gear is a web-based retailer. Your security is our business and your privacy is our concern. That's why we use PayPal. Signing up for PayPal is quick and easy ... and secure. They accept multiple means of payment and your card or banking details remain safe with them, eliminating one more concern for both you and us. Using PayPal saves you time and effort in entering your card details and mailing address every time you make a purchase.
For more information, visit PayPal.
If you have any issues, �about them.
About Us
We are a team, personally and in business. We previously rode regular bikes, but since buying our Greenspeeds we have become passionate about 'bents. We are equally passionate about travel. In Australia from 1999 - 2006 we rode our tandem on independent tours and on several 'big rides' (Tasmania with 1700 cyclists and New Zealand with some 1000 others). We now reside in Toronto to be closer to the grand-children but still hope to tour major parts of North America and elsewhere as time allows. The folding trikes are part of that plan.
When we travel our itinerary will be on our web site, News & Views so perhaps we will see you somewhere on the road.
About our Product Names
While we lived and cycled in Australia we were struck by the size and diversity of gum trees (Eucalypts) and other trees. Many Australian trees are evergreen, most are very tall and all are rugged, ideally adapted to their often harsh environment. Judi always wanted to be tall so she decided to name our product line for Australian trees.
We hope you get many years of enjoyment from Reverse Gear durable products and that you endure what the 'bent experience throws at you.
Len & Judi
