The latest design includes two types of hpv design based on identical suspended rear frame. The rear frame is in fact a sawn-off BikeE frame (note: BikeE went out of business in 2002). The Grasshopper 5F (Front Wheel Drive 'FWD') uses a toothed belt drive, a Sturmey-Archer 5 speed hub and a Mountain Drive 2 speed in the pedal shaft (I don't like the term "bottom bracket" - on a recumbent it is usually not on the bottom). The wheels are 349x37, using either Primo Comet or Schwalbe Marathon tyres. The rear hub has a freewheeling system for retrofitting an electrical uphill assist motor - our next project. The FWD is a delight to ride, once you get used to steering, pedalling and maintaining balance - all with your feet! This frees your hands for various vital tasks such as taking a photograph, flapping your wings or peeling a banana while riding.
The Grasshopper 5R (Rear Wheel Drive) - for "the rest of us" (for example: Nili) who cannot yet handle the FWD. It uses a combination of a toothed belt drive in the front and a chain in the rear. The picture shows the BikeE FX intermediate drive shaft, however we now use a smaller and simpler intermediate drive, allowing the belt to be mounted on the outside. The rear hub is a split hub design having a 7 speed derailleur cassette on the right and a freewheeling system for retrofitting an electrical uphill assist motor on the left.
