.with
so many nice bikes out there it's nice to receive
a helping hand to find the best ones and so this month
we're pleased to find richard bloodworth extolling
the virtues of the nazca fuego sport
Launched
in 2006, the Fuego is a ‘semi-low racer’
suitable for touring and fast commuting. In the recumbent
world, bike formats differ to a far greater extent
than their diamond frame (DF) cousins. One thing is
agreed though. Low bikes are popular, look good and
offer less drag than even a DF rider tucked in using
tri-bars. It’s estimated that at a 250 watt
output, a semi-low racer can do 42 km/h which is 5km/h
faster than a tri-barred bike and a full 10km/h faster
than a rider in an upright position on a road bike.
It really slips through the air so readily that the
disc brakes fitted are handy to check the speed.
So
what else is good about it apart from comfort and
speed?
Well
there’s practicality. The Fuego comes fitted
with a rack, so unlike a traditional sports bike you
can carry up to 30 litres (of luggage) behind your
slipstream and not on your back. That’s more
than enough for a daytrip. Plus when you stop you
can unzip and reach in rather than guddle with a pannier.
Weight
wise the bike comes in at around 15kg including rack
with rear light (whilst roadies reading this might
have collapsed in shock, even though ‘bents
are typically heavier a lot of this weight is offset
by improved aerodynamics). There are lighter ‘bents
available such as the (<13 kg) Super Light
models from Challenge but this is not bad at all for
a bike that can be ridden on rougher surfaces and
carry heavier luggage. Gearing is a choice of triple
chainset or SRAM Dual Drive giving a 27 speed range
so most hills are possible with practice. Underseat
panniers are available so that a Fuego can carry 100/90
litres of luggage between the top bag and the side
panniers; more than enough for an extended tour. The
standard of finish is excellent with the steering
tiller being one of the best in the business at any
price. Suspension is either a quality coil spring
or air shock. Wheels are 24 spoke Folex. The three
Fuego models, Allround, Sport and Top Sport share
the same frame. Although this particular bike is black,
other colours are available at no extra cost.
