Cycle Genius
Raven
Recumbent Bicycles

The Cycle Genius Raven (RDX)
Cycle Genius Raven recumbents
New for 2008 the Cycle Genius Raven has dual 700c wheels. They have not
arrived here yet but I am looking forward to riding one.
Though certainly not a race bike the 2008 Raven is the fastest Cycle
Genius recumbent ever made. It is a LWB bike with a moderately low BB
and geometry somewhat similar to the RANS Stratus XP. These bikes are
versatile enough for commuting, fitness rides or light touring. The dual
700c tires are a common size; a lot of variety will be available when
you need replacements. A dual 700c wheeled LWB recumbent is a large
bike. It will be a bit harder to transport then most 20x26 LWB
recumbents. Most dual-large-wheel LWB recumbents are a bit harder to
ride in a straight line when your speed drops on a really steep climb.
Keep this in mind if you will be riding in a hilly area. Test riding is
the best way to tell how you will feel on it.
The components on this bike are nice quality and work well.
The Raven comes in one size and fits most Riders from about 52 to
6'3". Shorter riders may find the handlebars are to close to their
chest, if so they can turn the handlebar stem forward to gain a bit of
distance. Taller riders may find they have to reach a bit for the bars,
especially if they like to recline the seat much.
As a sport-touring bike it is good for fast day tripping. For light
tours you can put a bit wider tires on the 700c rims and it should be
fine. It should be fast enough on flat roads to keep up with a lot of
upright riders and most recumbents. I believe it is the least expensive
recumbent on the market with two large wheels.
A note on wheel size and tire availability
Most dual large wheel recumbents use either the 26 559 size wheels
(mountain mike rims with road tires) or 26 650c rims (road racing
rims). The 26 559 is probably the most common recumbent size wheel. A
very wide variety of tires are available in the 559 size, from
lightweight, skinny ~1.1 110 psi tires to 2.3 wide monsters.
The 26 650c wheels are racing wheels, only racing tires are available
to fit it. If you want to go on a tour you will not be able to get a
1.5 wide tire. Most dual 650 c recumbents dont have room for a wider
tire anyway. They also may not have room for fenders.
The 700c size rim found on the Raven has been the most common racing and
touring size for a few decades. You can get skinny 23mm wide 125psi
racing tires and fat 38mm tires to fit it, depending somewhat on the
width of the rim.
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Frame/Fork |
Aluminum Frame & Fork |
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Rear Derailleur |
Sram X-9 w/alloy body |
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Front Derailleur |
MicroShift Triple 9 spd bottom pull |
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Brake Calipers |
Tektro Quartz w/ Carbon Fiber Inserts |
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Brake Levers |
Tektro Eclipse Carbon Fiber Levers |
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Crank |
Truvativ Elita Alloy Road Cranks w/ 52t/42t/30t Chainrings |
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Bottom Bracket |
Truvativ ISIS Cartridge Sealed Precision Bearing |
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Rims |
Alex D22 Alloy Double Wall w/Machined Side Wall, 700c |
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Hubs |
Alloy Sealed Precision Bearings and Alloy Quick Release
Levers |
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Spokes |
15ga. Stainless Steel with Brass Nipples |
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Tires |
CST 100psi Black Skin Side Wall
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Pedals |
Alloy single sided clipless w/9/16" axle |
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Chain |
KMC 9-speed w/quicklink |
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Rear Cogs |
SRAM X-7 9spd Cassette (11-13-15-18-20-22-24-28-32) |
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Shifters |
Sram X-7 27 speed Twist Grip Shift |
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Handlebars |
Kalloy 600mm Alloy w/ 2" Rise and Sweep |
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Stem |
Custom Kalloy Alloy with QR Adjustable Height Control & 2
Bottle Cage Mounts |
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Headset |
Alloy Sealed mechanism |
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Seat |
Custom 6 Way Adjustable, Contoured Foam Base & Mesh Back w/
2 Storage Pockets |
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Accessories |
Reflectors |
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Colors |
Midnight Black or DeLorian Brushed Aluminum* |
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Size |
One size fits most Riders 5'1" to 6'5" |
We also carry these recumbent brands:
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