The Radius C4 MWB

A Very Cool Euro-Commuter/City Recumbent

Imagine a suspended SWB-style recumbent with a long wheelbase and no heel interference or overlap whatsoever. Add racks, lights, fenders, rear suspension and a choice of USS or ASS and what do you have-a 2000 Radius C4. This is a very unique recumbent that is designed in Germany and built overseas to European bicycle standards. The bikes are imported into the USA by new distributor/importer Radius USA/Buchanan BikeWorks which is run owned by Gregor Buchanan.

I. SYSTEMS

FRAME-The frame is TIG welded CroMo. The fork is a unicrown 20" style with a very long head tube. Our test bike was dark blue. The powdercoat is okay, though not exceptional. It has a 'flat' look to it. We have seen better, though the coverage was good and the paint was not coming off.
The smooth rear suspension comes from a CroMo swing arm mated with a coil/oil shock. Unlike the Cane Creek airshocks that require that you check the pressure, know how much air to put in and take quite a big bump to get them to move (generally), the smooth Radius coil/oil sets it apart from the competition. In fact we would even call this an active-suspension connoisseur's suspension-very, very smooth. The front end has no suspension, but with it's LWB-like weight distribution, the hits come with much less JOLT than with a SWB so there is less of a need for a front suspension fork.
The C4 weighs in at 36-41 pounds depending on equipment and frame size. Our 'large' model weighed in at 39-41 depending on equipment. The C4 is a heavy bike, however, it is rather well equipped with full com-muter/tourist gear. The bike is stout, rugged and should hold up very well to just about any condition you can dish our.
DRIVETRAIN-The C4 has your basic user-friendly SRAM 3x7/21-speed with SRAM 3x7 Grip Shifts. They are dead feeling, plastic grinding, passionless shifters that work particularly well and don't miss a shift. Hey, I'm not kidding. This set up does nothing special for me, but it does seem to be highly dependable. The 3x7 hub shifted expertly and never missed a click. Even given our rear dropout problem, the shifting was a no-brainer and stayed in adjustment perfectly throughout our winter all weather test. I guess its just the the retrogrouch in me that wants to savor the 7/21 speed drivetrains while they are still available.
CHAIN MANAGEMENT-We loved the C4 dual chain tubes. They will keep your thighs and jeans free from grease. We wish that more manufacturers would consider the dual chain tube method of chain management. Radius' chain tube mount system was exceptional. The tubes were suspended on rubber (thick bands) that allow the chain to move dependent on what gear the bike was in. unfortunately, we did have two experiences where the tubes slipped in their clamps which required some roadside maintenance- This could be solved completely with a rubber spacer and wrench. Smooth is the key word with the C4-smooth and quiet. The MWB chain line is easy and free flowing.

II. COMFORT

RIDING POSITION-The C4 has a fairly user-friendly 'extreme' riding position. The seat is of average height, and very reclineable, yet the bottom bracket is higher than the seat. It looks to be higher than it really is. In actuality, the seat is 23" high, and the BB is 24". If the position is too extreme, just recline the seat a bit more. There are several inches of seat recline.
DESIGN-The C4īs modem MWB design has the headtube at the bottom bracket (BB). This positioning produces a very refined and smooth ride further contributing to its user friendly description. The C4 is a one-size fits all frame, and will fit most riders well. Medium to tall riders in the low 6' range will probably work and fit best. The bike fit my 6' XL-sized body perfectly, though it won't fit some taller riders.
The ergonomics adjustments are very good. Our ASS test version had a multi-position stem and the riding position dialed in quickly and very well. The available USS system for the C4 is also of high quality. We were able to see it and check it out. though we didn't ride with it. I would imagine that USS fans will absolutely love the smooth comfort of the C4.
SEAT-The seat is not world class, and with its laid-back position doesn't need to be. The mesh back and frame are excellent. The slide-adjustable base mount and very reclineable back. and semi-extreme ergonomics make the very mediocre seat base less of an issue. The seat base appears to be naugahyde covered surf foam on plywood. The semi-triangular base is Velcroed onto the seat frame. This did not appear to us to be adequate, though it never created a problem for us during our test.

III. RIDE/HANDLING

STABILITY-The C4 offers refined, safe and stable handling in most all conditions. We rode the bike through our Port Townsend test loop over every imaginable terrain. The high BB made emergency response (putting your feet down in a hurry) a bit slower than normal, and it detracts from the C4's off-road abilities, though is an exceptional example of the MWB design style (the best we've tested). It is nearly possible to ride with no hands as the C4 has excellent balance. The C4 tracks as straight as you can hold it and we experienced no pedal steer as is so common on SWB recumbents. The C4 is longer than most SWB machines, though nearly as maneuverable. The maneuverability is more user-friendly, as there is no possibility of heel overlap/strike with the front wheel. This makes more confidence-inspiring urban performance.
The C4 is no speedster, though no slouch either. It will be on par with an average SWB, possibly a bit slower over hilly terrain, primarily due to the weight. Our experience with the C4 was enjoyable. The bike has a 'cruiser' aura about it. It is different, fun to ride and very, very smooth- "kick back and ride" is how I will describe it.

IV. OWNING/PURCHASING

VERSATILITY-The C4 is a VERY versatile recumbent, it is capable of riding over any type of terrain. It is probably best at urban commuting, touring or recreational riding over diverse terrain.
OPTIONS & ACCESSORIES-The very Euro accessories sets the C4 apart from the R32 and many other North American recumbents for that matter. Also unique is the fact that they come standard on the bike. We were very impressed to find a custom rear rack, generator lighting. custom fit renders (with cool mud flaps) internal cable routing and rear tail light all pan of the standard set up. Bikes must include this equipment in Europe where bikes are for transportation as well as sport, unlike in the USA, where they often come with no usable options and are marketed like toys.

V. RCN GROUP ANALYSIS

VALUE/DEPRECIATION-The C4 is a good value. As it is a fairly new product, resale and depreciation are unknown at this time. Since the bike is pretty nice, we would expect that it will hold its value average or just below average until Radius becomes more well known in the USA. At $1395, the C4 has some tough competition in the Vision R32. new Buriey Limbo and even the BikeE AT. All of these models differ slightly. As a city/sport commuter, the C4 really shines. The optional equipment sets it apart from some of the competition. Only BikeE offers as many trick options for their bike, though the Radius C4 will be more comfortable (reclined seat) and perform a bit better due to the 20" front wheel.
VERDICT-The C4 was a pleasant surprise and a worthy competition for LWB, Compacts and even SWB. The C4 seems to fit the description of a 'does everything' bike better than most of its type.

ACCESS
Radius Recumbents USA
Buchanan Bikeworks LLC
Tel. 973-340-9006
Email: RadiusUSA@aol.com
http://www.radius-recumbents.com

ABOUT THE BIKE
The C4 All Around (ASS) sells for $1499 fully equipped. The optional USS kit adds $310.
The C4 Tour (USS) sells for $1699 fully equipped. The optional ASS kit adds $150.
The Hornet (SWB) sells for $2020-$2150.

MODEL- RADIUS C4TYPE-MWB: STEER-USS/ASS (w/hybrid adjustable stem): WB=43.75": SH=24": BB=25" : WT=#36-41: FM-TIG CroMo.; FK-CroMo: SUSP/RR-Coil/Oil shock: SUSP/FT-None

COMPONENTS
CRANK-Dotek Pro 170mm; BB-NA; HS-FSA; DER-SRAM 3x7=21-spd; GEARS-7-spd.; CHAIN-Shimano IG; GEAR INCH RANGE-NA; PEDALS-Wellgo WHEELS-406mm 20" X 1.4" ; RIMS-Alex AL DM18; TIRES-Vredstein Monte Carlo Puncture Resistant; HUBS-Sachs; WHL BLD-NA; BRAKES-Alhonga V-type & levers; WARR-Limited lifetime frame + fork/orig. owner; COLORS-Blue, red, black, yellow.

KEY: WB=wheelbase; SH=seat height; WT=weight; FM=frame; FK=fork; SUSP/ RR=rear suspension; SHIFT=shifters-speeds; BB=bottom bracket or BB height; WT=weight: BB=bottom bracket; HS=headset; DER=derailleur; WARR-warranty