Burley Koosah Recumbent Bicycles

Burley Koosah
New for 2004, Burley introduces the Koosah and Jett Creek recumbents, LWB
bicycles for riders seeking comfort on a budget. They both use the same
Chrome-molly frame, improved comfort seat and extremely adjustable
handlebars.
The Koosah is Burleys sub $1,000 economy bike built on their new long
wheelbase frame. This frame design absorbs smaller bumps and vibrations
with passive suspension to improve your comfort on moderately bumpy roads.
The improved Burley seat bottom has lots more foam than last years seat
which also helps. Though Burley says the Koosah frame is OK with riders up
to 275 lb (with optional sprint braces over 220 lb), large riders may
prefer the extra large seat base on the Sun EZ-Sport.

Burley Koosah along the Erie Canal path
The Koosah handling is very good at low and high speeds. I think novices
will feel at home on this bike very quickly, especially for under $900.
Stable steering and a low seat height combine to make starting and
stopping easy, especially nice for beginners. In fact I’d say the Koosah
is the most fun novice-friendly LWB recumbent in its price range.
The handlebars are very adjustable. They pivot up and down and in and out
making them more adjustable than most LWB bars available. If you like OSS
you shouldn’t have trouble finding a relaxed arm position on this bike.
The Koosah is a great value. Its component quality is comparable to the
Sun EZ-Sport and RANS Tailwind. The Koosah has Shimano components and
easy-to-use SRAM MRX Grip Shift twist shifters. The wheels using Weinmann
rims and DT spokes should keep it low maintenance. Before you buy any LWB
bike under $1000 I think you should ride a Koosah.

Koosah
My opinion unmasked:
First, let me admit my bias: I like to see bikes made in the USA. Burley
is a good company; we’ve done business with them since about 1990 and
rarely been disappointed.
Compared to the Sun EZ-Sport the Koosah is more fun to ride, better
quality and a bit lighter and faster. Its seat is adjusts in more ways and
its mash back is more comfy. Large riders may prefer the Sun’s extra large
seat base.
Compared to the RANS Tailwind the Koosah is more relaxing and stable
making it easier to get used to as a first recumbent. Its seat is adjusts
in more ways. On a Koosah you feel road bumps much less than on the
Tailwind. This is due to the Koosah’s passive suspension fame and larger
26” rear wheel. The Tailwind may be faster and has a bit more comfy seat.
Your opinion may differ; we recommend test riding before deciding. We try
to keep all these bikes in stock for you to try before you buy.
The Facts:
| |
Burley Koosah |
Sun EZ-Sport |
RANS Tailwind |
| Price |
$999 |
$878 |
$1149 |
| Seat back |
just
fine |
fair |
best |
| Seat base |
OK,
more adjustment |
OK,
soft & X-large |
best |
| Hand/arm
position |
best,
so adjustable! |
OK |
OK |
| Weight |
38 lb |
39 lb |
34 lb,
light! |
| Handling |
best:
stable & fun |
most
stable |
OK |
|
Components |
OK |
OK |
OK |
| Finish
quality |
great |
seat
etc look cheap |
great |
| Speed |
a bit
faster |
a bit
slower |
fine |
| Comfort
on bumps |
best |
OK |
worst |
| Origin |
Eugene |
Taiwan |
Taiwan |
If you have a pre 2004 Burley the new 2004 Burley
seat base is a $90 retrofit.
Django & HepCat
| Canto & Taiko |
Limbo
Jett Creek |
Koosah | Burley
2005 Models
Burley Parts and Accessories
We also carry these recumbent brands:
|