The velocita is/was a British built recumbent bicycle (1980s, 1990s) designed by Julian Higgs (1).
It is a SWB (Short wheel base) recumbent with USS (under seat steering). It has a 20 inch wheel on the front and a 26 inch wheel on the rear. The handle bar(s) is a straight bar (so palms are facing backwards/down). They are connected directly to the front wheel with a steel rod. The seat is cloth that velcros onto the frame (it is showing it’s age a little, I would love to replace it). The seat is great, no discomfort where you sit, the only discomfort I sometimes feel is the frame on either side of the seat pressing against my upperback/shoulders
The luggage rack fits a good sized bag, which is convenient for tools, inner tubes and snacks. It also acts as a mudguard. Without it, the rear wheel can spray onto upper back, neck and helmet. Without the bag the seat does protect most of the rider. As there is a luggage rack you can have dual panniers.
I added two water bottle holders on the back of the seat, which are both conveniently accessible whilst riding.
Since the photos above were taken I have replaced the seat with a mesh seat from https://www.recumbentseatfix.com/ which is fantastic. The mesh is airy and I got the additional “honeycomb” seat cushion.
In August 2023 I rode the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway (100 miles) on it, it was super comfortable and handled the bigger hills just fine.
The front wheel, somewhat surprisingly, does not spray water everywhere, I think it hits the the seat rather than the rider. The front wheel is old style (raleigh) apparently, I have plans to replace it to match the newer rear wheel. They both have presta valves. When I first bought the bike the front inner tube caused me problems (self-inflicted via my not knowing enough about the valves) and I found getting the small 20 inch type on and off really difficult… so maybe a newer wheel and tyre combo would be easier?
Currently the rear wheel is a 8 speed ( originally was a 7 speed) shifters are Acera along with a new rear cassette. Front & rear derailleurs are Shimano STX.
In late summer 2023 I replaced the chain idler with one from t-cycle which is great; and the assistance I got was amazing. They were really supportive helping identify the right parts for this uncommon recumbent.
It’s neither too low or too high, so feels comfortable. Geting your feet to the pedals is not difficult. It had plain pedals (no special “clip-less” shoes) but I added some SPD Pedals which make riding a little more comfortable. The steering being under the seat takes some getting used to as does starting. At first I found (perhaps still do) wobble quite a lot when starting and the steering can be “twitchy” till you get used to it. The advice “steer with thumb and forefinger” was helpful and with time steering with leaning makes it a fun riding experience.
It weighs in at about 12kg, wheels and all.
Lights have been an easily solved challenge, a cheap Halfords LED wraps around the top of the frame (above where the pedals are) and a tail light clips nicely to the luggage rack or bag. Helmet mounted light would be ideal for a higher more visible addition.
It is not currently for sale, but I am always open to discussing it.
Owner: Lance (lw@judocoach.com)