Last month's article on recumbent bikes was always going to get a bit of interest - a gadget lover's dream - and if your desire has been piqued then you may have found that recumbents can be a bit pricey. Oh yes, you have to pay for that exclusivity...

But we may have found a solution. Dutch Speed Bikes offer recumbent 'kits', the cycling equivalent of a kit-car, using some new parts and a scavenged mountain bike.

And all for only 449 euros!

But don't take our word for it, Patrick Coeman actually builds these things...

I started recumbent cycling years ago after a testdrive with a friend his bike. Because buying one is a hugh expense (1500 - 2000€), I rented one from time to time. Then DSB came on the market with its project. I ordered one. I have no special technical skills, but as a father with 4 kids I have basic bicycle repair skills...

The kit

The kit was delivered within four days. Just as the site promises. And the kit is as complete as promised on the site. Good job.

The instruction manual

The instruction manual in clear and comprehensive.

What I did miss though where some details. For instance the spoke that fixes the upper chain tube. It would be best to just put that on the site.