A safe and comfortable bicycle

The Roxy is a general-purpose bike.

The plan used for building the standard Roxy creates a recumbent bicycle optimized for ease of use. We have added to the plan a section which describes a small set of frame modifications which can be used to create an alternative "S" version of the Roxy. This version is optimized for somewhat greater aerodynamic efficiency and modestly increased cruising speed. As well, we know that some people prefer a more reclined seating posture, and the 'S' version does provide that. In this version, the seat is lowered slightly and reclined by an additional 15 degrees, and the bottom bracket (center of pedal crankset) is raised 4 inches. This ergonomic change decreases the frontal area of bike-plus-rider by 15%. Given the boxy wooden frame structure, these changes aren't going to create a speed demon, even if you do sculpt and round the frame and fork members. This position also more snugly fits the rider into the Aerojacket shell, "cleaning up" the aerodynamics for additional moderate efficiency gains. Starting and stopping are somewhat more awkward with the S-version, making the S configuration less appropriate for stop-and-go traffic, and more suited to the open road.