-Initial Review...First Impressions-

I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting things to review, and one day I came across Day 6- after a few emails and a phone call, we decided that the Dream would be the bike for me to test.

Day 6 makes two versions of their semi-recumbent bike- a 7 speed with an internal hub (Journey), and the Dream 21 speed. Optional components include backrest, fenders, and a rear rack. They were kind enough to send everything but the fenders!

I was told that they made some changes to their rear rack recently, but I haven't put it on as of this writing and will write more about that next review. I was also told that they've made improvements to the Dream's gearing system recently as well. I think the shifting was fine- it could use a little fine tuning, but nothing a screwdriver can't adjust!

It rained for almost four days straight after I got it, but once it stopped I hopped on the Dream, sat back, and went for a nice 10 mile or so ride around the block- I live in the northern, hilly part of Michigan, and a little in the sticks, so my blocks are a little bigger!

So let’s talk about my ride and the Dream a little bit. I rolled out the back door and onto the lawn, down the driveway, and a right turn downhill for about a half mile or so down to the lake. The Kenda Komfort 26 x 1.95's were beefy enough to ride through the soft grass and the dirt at the end of the driveway- something skinny tires just don't do so well- or at all sometimes.

Once on the road, I started going as fast as I could, sat back, and really cruised. It was super comfy going downhill, so relaxed with a backrest! Steering at high speeds kind of felt like riding a chopper- personally I liked it. Just leaning and going with the flow...it felt so good!

It does take a little getting used to at first though- The steering is a little different and it doesn't feel like riding a regular bike, but then again it's not supposed to...it's semi-recumbent- you're not low to the ground and stretched out in the same way that you would be in a full on recumbent either- It's a little in the middle...riding the fence so to speak.

It's got a really low step through making it easy to get on no matter what you're wearing. The handlebars adjust comfortably so it doesn't feel like you're riding a chopper at all though- It's a really comfortable, relaxed feeling all together.

Riding around the lake was really nice and it handles fine on flat ground too. Small and medium hills weren't a problem at all, but long, steep inclines weren't so easy to make, but I did make them all. You can't stand up and pedal, and it's a little difficult sitting back trying to make it up those really big ones, but possible. A little more downhill cruising into town, some more flat ground through, and uphill the rest of the way home.

For the most part it was an easy going, relaxing ride- big hills aside. I wasn't wearing anything special- just regular street clothes, and my back was pretty sweaty when all was said and done, but i'll take a wet shirt for a backrest any day...and it was a 10+ mile ride. Not THAT far by any means, but a decent ride any day!

I'm going to hold onto it for another week or so and then I'm letting Cole's mom test it out. He showed it to her online and she fell in love. I'm in my early 30's, and I think Day 6 is marketing to a little older crowd than me, so it will be nice to hear what Linda has to say. Not to say it's not for my generation at all- find something comfy and ride it no matter what age you are!

For full component specs check: http://www.day6bicycles.com/pdf/Dream_21_Specs.pdf

-Brandon