TerraCycle is now making the FastBack Designs line of innovative hydration products and accessories for recumbent bicycles.

Years ago, Mike Vogl discovered the advantages of recumbents over the conventional upright road bikes he'd enjoyed for years. But he was frustrated by the lack of options for carrying sufficient water for long rides in hot weather. Recumbent cyclists can't wear a hydration pack on their backs. Bladder packs must instead be attached to the bike or its seat. He tried strapping traditional backpack-style products on his bikes but they either dragged on the rear tire or the bladder was hard to get in and out. Plus, they looked clunky and out-of-place.

So he decided to develop his own hydration solutions for recumbents, with designs and features he thought others would like, too. He created FastBack products specifically for recumbents, and he has had a lot of nice feedback from the people using them.

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Mike always gave the kind of personal service people like. He had his products made locally by skilled men and women whose work he admired. Now TerraCycle is continuing that tradition, and expanding things in some new directions.

Just as Mike did, TerraCycle enjoys receiving suggestions and comments, both good and bad, because they help to refine the products to meet the needs of recumbent cyclists. Our guarantee is simple: 100% satisfaction. If you ever find that one of our products doesn't meet your needs just let us know.

FastBack Hydration Systems

FastBack Hydration Systems are designed to keep the weight of fluid/gear low and close to the seat or frame, where it has the least effect on bike handling. In most cases these packs can be used to carry gear instead of a bladder, if you prefer. Many riders don't use bladder fluid systems and prefer conventional water bottles but nonetheless should not miss out on the great versatility of the Hydration Systems as multi-use gear bags. We think this is an amazingly useful aspect of these Bags that they make such great cargo carriers. More aerodynamic and compact than conventional panniers, and with enough smaller bags, as seen in some of our photos, you can have the capacity to nicely organize your gear for anything from a long day ride to randonering event or double century in any kind of weather.

One of the best things about recumbents- and one of the worst - is the variety of designs, dimensions, and parts. That's good because it gives riders so many options. It's bad because a part or accessory compatible with one recumbent may not fit another. That is why we offer so many choices: Chances are good we have a Hydration System that will fit your bike or trike. Still, because of differences in seat fore-aft position, seat recline angle, tire size, and other variables, it is possible that a particular Hydration System won't fit a particular bike despite our recommendations or experience.

 

The top 5 features of the FastBack Hydration Systems:

1. Flexible strap systems for various seat types. Straps include clips for managing any extra material. Extra strap loops and Velcro patches for versatility
2. Very strong Nylon pack cloth fabric
3. Easy bladder access with high quality zippers
4. Aerodynamic attachment behind the seat
5. 3M Reflective tape works even when wet for better visibility

FastBack Bags

After the great success of the FastBack Hydration Systems, more and more recumbent and trike enthusiasts started asking for solutions to carry a little luggage and things like clothes and tools on their bike. So TerraCycle started to design a range of convenient and affordable frame-, seat- and pump bags.