We were surprised September 8, 2006 when Burley announced it was immediately stopping recumbent production. At the time Burley was one of the largest recumbent makers in the US. They reported that their recumbent business was profitable but they were losing money overall and needed to shrink and re-focus. Michael Coughlin purchased Burley and has a good track record of saving financially troubled companies. Burley is now focusing on importing their bicycle trailers.

The rest of the information on this page is left for historical purposes.

Burley Jett Creek Recumbent Bicycles

The Jet Creek bike is built on Burley’s new long wheelbase frame which 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 Jet Creek 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.

Its handling is very good at low and high speeds. I think novices will feel at home on this bike very quickly. Stable steering and a low seat height combine to make starting and stopping easy, a plus for beginners. In fact, I’d say the Jet Creek is one of the most fun novice-friendly LWB recumbents 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 Jett Creek is a good value. It comes equipped with 24 speeds using Shimano derailleurs and brakes, New Burley seat bottom, the NEW Burley Open Cockpit (OC) handlebars, SRAM MRX Comp Grip Shifters and Truvativ Touro cranks.

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 LTD the Jet Creek is more fun to ride, better quality and a bit faster. Its seat adjusts in more ways and its mesh back is comfier. Large riders may prefer the Sun’s extra large seat base.

Compared to the RANS V-2 the Jet Creek is more relaxing and stable making it easier to get used to as a first recumbent. Its seat adjusts in more ways. It absorbs road bumps better than the V-2. The V2 is faster and has a bit more comfy seat.

If you have a pre-2004 Burley the new 2004 Burley seat base is a $90 retrofit.