Gold Rush Replica: Koolback or Sprinter Seat??

Hi Everyone,
I'm a newbie; 5'11, 153 LBS, 60 yrs old, recreational rider, riding in the mountains, hills, and valleys. I'm planning to order a GRR.
The question is, should I go for the Koolback or Sprinter seat back? I'd also appreciate any other suggestions regarding the outfitting of a GRR; gearing, fairing, etc. Thank's in advance.

 

glad you could join. I think he best person to answer your question would be Mr. Buddy Bishop, since h has a Gold Rush and out of all the bents he has owned and sold, that is the one he always keeps.

 

GRR is nice

Could well be the most in comfort, and fast with a Zipper and sock.
The Koolback seat is the best by far. The Cobra seat hangs in the shed.
Fast Freddie Markham is lurking here and is the top voice and may be
back with Easy Racers, if so, give him a call.

BTW, you sure have nice numbers. Mine are 5'8, 200, 74...that works
for me. Still getting in 70-100 miles weekly.

Hope life is good to you and you get the bike of your dreams.

 

I have both, and I much prefer the Koolback. They both use the same seat base so the seat backs are interchangeable. My issue with the Sprinter is that it has a large hollow section in the middle of the back support, which means your lower back is essentially only supported by the sides of the seat. The Sprinter seat back is carbon fiber with a thin layer of foam with a lycra cover. It is very inflexible. The Koolback conforms to your back and provides support all the way across. I'm actually in the process of modifying my Sprinter to fill in that space with some dense foam, and I'm replacing the current foam pad with a Ventsit pad I had from a prior bike. One thing about the Easy Racers seats is that the foam padding is glued to the base, so replacing or modifying the foam is not as easy as it is with other seats.

All of this is based on my personal preference and your mileage may vary.

I just got my Gold Rush in April, so feel free to write if you have any questions. The one option I would highly recommend is the carbon fork. It really makes a big difference in the ride of the bike. Regarding gearing, Easy Racers does not have many options for the crankset on the GRR. I ordered mine with a 11-34 rear cassette. It came with 52-39-30 chain rings. I changed those to 48-38-24. I'm able to climb 14% grades fairly comfortably with that set-up. I had a Tour Easy before the Gold Rush, and the GRR is much stiffer laterally which you can really feel when climbing. The power transfer is greatly improved.

A fairing is a nice but not essential option. I've used both the Zzipper and the Windwrap (TerraCycle). I prefer the Windwrap, as it is much quieter. It's cheaper to buy a fairing direct from Zzipper or Terracycle than from Easy Racers and they are easy to install. Unless you want a carbon fiber fairing, then ER is your only option.

 

Too Old and out of touch

Didn't know this.....took it from BROL

Oh well, time marches on and leaves me behind. I'm with
Freddy, I'm over it.




"
freddy markham

Hey, leave me out of it!
Lord knows I tried my best at ER. I even had a solution for a double kick stand, but that's beside the point.

Nobody is more frustrated at what has happened to Er than me, but I'm over it.

Need proof of total dysfunction. Look at the latest photo of the GRR just flopped on its side on the lawn for a photo. I'm sure you could get all the updated info off of the ER web page, oh wait you can't, its never been updated.

ER can just whither and die for all I care anymore."

 

It is very sad. They have such a great product, but are incredibly poor at dealing with the public. My new Gold Rush* is hands down the best bike I've ever owned. Its made up for the fact that the order and delivery process was less than satisfactory.

( *or whatever they are calling it, as the name of the current model isn't clear, they refer to it as the "EVO" on some of their Facebook postings)

 

Gardner Martin created an extraordinary LWB in the GR. I have ridden many and have gone back to the GR for good. Like Adadaba I prefer the Koolback. It conforms to your back and I find the seat really comfortable. Having said that, after reading about many GR-riders experiences with ACD1's (username on BROL) custom seat, I have just ordered one. Although I like the Koolback, I would prefer more lumbar support. ACD1's (A.D. Carson: https://sites.google.com/site/recycledrecumbents/home ) seat is lighter, greater lumbar support, less expensive, and provides more ventilation. I'll like ride it with a Ventisit pad.

I set my GR's up with a Shimano 105 triple: 52-39-24 and a 11-34 cassette. I really like using Shimano Bar ends on Paul Thumbies that sit the Bar Ends right next to the brake lever. Also decided to go with Paul BMX Brakes to be able to switch from 406 to 451 wheels. I am riding with a 406 front wheel now, but just ordered a 451 wheel from Peter White in N.H. (reasonable price from a top wheel builder). I prefer a 451 wheel, however that is a very subjective/personal preference.

I happen to really like riding with a fairing.....to enhance aerodynamics and it is great in cold weather. I have used a number of Zzipper fairings over the years. For comparison sake, I just purchased the WRX Fairing from T-Cycle (Windwrap). I'd recommend riding without a fairing for a bit....then consider a fairing.

I also decided to ask my buddy at my LBS to install ceramic bearings in the 105 external BB.....a real smooth enhancement that feels great. Like Adadabba....if you have any other questions please feel free to get in touch.

The GR is a gift to many from Gardner Martin....a True genius.
Enjoy!
Bob