In trying to relate my experiences riding the Voleae Club, I am a little torn. I don't want to ruin a glorious riding experience with descriptions of tedious technical details. Yet, it is those details that make the bike ride the way it does. The rider experience is effortless, because of the engineering behind the design of the bike. On casual observation, the Volae looks like other high wheel racers on the market. But, the fact that Rolf Garthus and his design team have sweated out the details with great focus and discipline, means that riding a Volae is what riding a recumbent is supposed to be. 
When Rolf graciously invited me to test ride the Volae on over 25 miles of rolling Wisconsin back roads for a weekend, I can honestly say that I could just kick back and enjoy the zen of the ride. The bike was free from nagging shortcomings, so my senses where completely open to the changing fall colors and bright sun of a perfect October day.
I have owned and ridden dual 650 wheel recumbents extensively over the last several years. Yet, I knew within the first few seconds of riding that this bike was the best within its category. The longer I rode it, the more convinced I became. As a recumbent dealer and as a rider, I know how important it is to dial in the bike to the rider's physique and riding style. On the Volae, he thoughtful arrangement of the seat and handle bars allows quick and easy on-the-go alterations. Rolf performed some preliminary set-up before our ride, and was on hand to suggest minor adjustments during the first few minutes of the ride in response to my comments. So within the first fifteen minutes or so, I had a bike that was perfectly tuned to the way I ride, and I had complete confidence that the adjustments would stay that way.
I was pleased to see how easy it was to remove, adjust or switch out the seat, and yet I had no fear that the seat would wiggle, detach, or slide back while climbing a hill or accelerating. The geometry of the bike allows the best use of core muscles for surprisingly powerful climbing, optimal weight distribution, and steering. I could climb hills and descend with confidence. The bike was stable yet responsive at both slow and high speeds. Last, but not least, the Volaes look great standing still, and even better when gliding by.
In the end, I'm torn again. I have to make the usual disclaimer, that not every bike is right for every person. But the pursuit of excellence is evident throughout the Volae line, and will be appreciated by many a recumbent enthusiast. --Chris.
