The sight of the bike gives an idea of the storm that blows in the face of "ZR" riders at full speed. The low seat position and the aerodynamic rear fairing - which also has a lockable boot - offer riders of the bike dramatic advantages over upright cyclists in the battle against the wind.
However, recumbent beginners need a certain amount of time to familiarise themselves with the new speed - otherwise there is a risk of sore muscles and knee problems. The reason: pedalling horizontally uses different muscles than on a road bike, which also cannot be relieved by switching to the cradle position. It is advisable to cycle loosely at a high frequency at the beginning. The manufacturer Toxy from Schleswig-Holstein has given the bike a well-hidden secret weapon in addition to the standard nine-speed gearing. A planetary gearbox from the Swiss company Schlumpf is located in the bottom bracket, which is shifted against the crank by kicking the heel. After the kick, the 38 mm chainring becomes a 63 mm chainring with the help of the gearbox - sounds huge, but is put into perspective by the 20-inch front wheel.
The biggest technical feature of the ZR is the cleverly designed drive. As there is hardly any room for the chain under the seat, the front wheel drive is the only chance for reasonably unproblematic everyday characteristics. The chain runs from the bottom bracket to the front wheel hub via two pulleys, one of which is pivoted, and is twisted surprisingly little when steering. Steering at normal speed is no problem, only when manoeuvring very slowly can the chain touch the tyre when turning to the right. This does not result in any practical disadvantages. But the low seating position does. Because no other road user expects a cyclist whose head whizzes past at hip height, it is imperative to ride with foresight. ZR riders also often experience situations in urban traffic in which they lack an overview of the traffic. The bike is therefore not recommended as a vehicle for the city.
For country roads and tarmac farm tracks, on the other hand, it is a fascinating piece of sports equipment. Here, the black flounder mutates into the terror of all time trial bikes. Less than 30 km/h almost feels like walking pace. If you go for it, the speedometer display will show a "4" for a long time; sprints at 60 km/h are feasible. The riding position is pleasantly relaxed. A padded headrest can be attached to the panelling on request, although space for protruding helmets is then limited; we did not miss the support. The comfortably padded seat can be adjusted in many ways; if you like, you can even set it to an almost upright position. The single-sided, sprung rear swingarm neutralises even hard impacts surprisingly effectively.
However, the rush of speed is followed by a certain disillusionment on the first climb at the latest. Beginners should switch to an easy gear early on uphill, otherwise their muscles will quickly become sore. Although many recumbent cyclists swear that initial disadvantages on hills compared to racing bikes can be compensated for over time through specific training, there are also those in the scene who admit that a recumbent can never be as fast uphill as a normal racing bike.
It is therefore no wonder that the German recumbent scene has a strong north-south divide. The ZR is ideal for fast training laps on flat to slightly undulating cross-country routes. It is also interesting for commuters who regularly travel long distances to work - not least because of the boot. In addition, the ZR is an extremely elegant design with creative technical solutions that shows what is possible when racing bike designers do not allow themselves to be held back by the specifications of the UCI. But that's another topic entirely.
PLUScomfortable, aerodynamic, large boot, top workmanship
MINUS: low seating position risky in city traffic
Price complete wheel without/with aerodynamic rear fairing3,963/4,488 Euro
Price frame set2,670 euros (including Shimano 105 gears, 60-tooth chainring (without crank), Magura disc brakes front and rear)
Reference/InfoToxy recumbents & components, phone/fax: 04127/922-83/-84; www.toxy.de
Frame sizeAdjustable for heights from 1.70 to 2.10 metres by extending the bottom bracket arm
Seat height: 0.17 to 0.25 m
Seat tilt25° to 39°
Test bike weight13 kilos without/16 kilos with rear case
Maximum payload: 120 Kilo
EQUIPMENT
Brakes/gearsMagura Marta-SL hydraulic disc brakes /Shimano 105, 9-speed with SRAM twist shifter
Bottom bracketSchlumpf SpeedDrive (planetary gearbox with two shift positions)
Wheels/tyresToxy "lightw8" (20 inch)/ Schwalbe Stelvio (28-406), foldable
SuspensionMaintenance-free CNC aluminium air spring element
Fibreglass bucket seat with removable comfort pad (lightweight carbon fibre seat shell optional); fibreglass rear case (lockable, waterproof)
Photos: Daniel Simon
