VARNA

In July of 1998, Team Varna set seven new world records, and Robert Lafleur set one.
"Report by Carole Leone"
"Report by Paul Buttemer"

Some Team Varna competition results "Varna in Competition"
Pictures of Varna Orpheus at PIR by Jeff Wills "Jeff Will's Varna Pictures"

Georgi Georgiev builds handcrafted recumbent and specialty vehicles. Each bike is built to order, so it can be modified to your personal specifications, and he also does custom designs.

Each of these bikes is described below. These are links to let you skip ahead.

Varna Cycles/Georgi Georgiev
Site 54-13-RR 2
Gabriola Island, BC
Canada V0R 1X0

Phone: (250) 247-8379
FAX: (250) 247-8361

Varna 2 handcycle

The rider is seated in a semi-recumbent position for greater comfort. This position also enables the rider to apply power more efficiently. The steering pedal-crank column lifts up and away from the seat and while doing so, raises the seat for easy transfer. The column also adjusts to individual arm length. The Varna 2 is highly maneuverable, giving it a great advantage in crowded conditions. This cycle can accomodate people up to 6'5" in height and weights up to 250 lbs. Recommended uses: recreational, racing, touring, all-terrain

Because of the weight distribution, this cycle can climb steep hills without loss of traction; on other front wheel drive designs, this can be a problem.

Georgi on a Varna 2 built for Rick Hansen

Specifications
Front wheel drive three wheel hand-powered cycle with one driven front wheel and two rear wheels.
 Frame breaks down into two pieces for transport. 
Price: $1700 U.S.
Frame: TIG welded chrome-moly steel
Available Colours: black, red
Drivetrain: 18 speeds
Brakes: single hub brake on front wheel, operated by a MTB-style lever.
Weight: 37 pounds
Dimensions:
  Seat: 14" wide, 11" deep, cloth on foam
  Seat back: 25" high, 30 degree angle to seat
  Wheel diameter: 20 inch front and rear
Warrranty: 2 years on frame
Delivery time: 2-4 weeks

Varna 1 handcycle

The Varna 1 established a world record in the arm powered division of the International Human Powered Vehicle races in 1993. It reached a speed of 32.5 mph, making it the fastest handcycle in the world. The Varna 1 is an excellent recreational and commuting vehicle, to be enjoyed by both athlete and amateur alike. It is extremely agile and maneuverable.

The model's steering is controlled by leaning the torso left and right, tipping the seat and rear of the cycle while holding the pedal arm-cranks. These arm-cranks are adjustable to acommodate varying arm lengths but do not lean. This allows a place for steady upright support. Having this support eliminates the usual problem with lean bikes, tipping without stability. The Varna 1 is especially suitable for amputees.

Custom Varna 1 built for David Wesley

Specifications
Three wheel hand-powered cycle with two front wheels and one driven rear wheel.
 Steered by leaning. Adjustable footrest. 
Price: $2500 U.S.
Frame: TIG welded chrome-moly steel
Available Colours: black, red
Drivetrain: 18 speeds
Brakes: single hub brake on rear wheel, operated by a MTB-style lever.
Weight: 38 pounds
Dimensions:
  Seat: 14" wide, 12" deep 
  Seat back: 30" high, 45 degree angle to seat
  Wheel diameter: 20 inch front and rear
Warrranty: 2 years on frame
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks

Varna Recumbent

Features

Designed around your anatomical dimensions and personal preferences
A full and complete range of quality components are available.
Titanium frames are available upon request.

Advantages

A more natural and comfortable riding configuration is achieved reducing fatigue and strain.
Aerodynamics are improved and can be further refined with the addition of wheel covers.
Power, efficiency of energy transmission (accelaration and endurance) are increased..
Potentially unlimited cornering angles are possible due to the position of the crank assembly.
VARNA also has considerable advantages over virtually all other available recumbent designs.

Specifications
Short wheelbase recumbent, under seat steering.
Price: 3-speed: $1400 US
       9-speed: $1700 US
       18-Speed: $2000 US
Frame: Main section of frame is TIG welded high-tensile steel;
 the fork, elevated chainstays and extendable bottom bracket are TIG welded chrome-moly steel
Optional braze-ons: rear rack, light, water bottle.
Available Colours: blue, black, red
Drivetrain: 
Brakes: 
Weight: 
Dimensions:
  Overall: 
  Seat: Mesh sling-style seat
  Seat back: 
  Wheel diameter: Front: 20 inches Rear:
Warrranty: 2 years on frame
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks

Varna Velocipede

Specifications
Compact long wheelbase (CLWB), above seat steering
Price: $1200 U.S.
Frame: TIG welded chrome-moly steel
Optional braze-ons: rear rack, light, water bottle.
Available Colours: black, red
Drivetrain: 18 speed
Brakes: 
Weight: 
Dimensions:
  Seat: Mesh back, cloth over foam seat
  Wheel diameter: 16 inch front, 20 inch rear
Warrranty: 2 years on frame
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks

No picture yet!

Varna U-Bicycle

Now you can cycle in comfort Come - Discover the Varna bicycle designed for leisure riding

Its new patented geometry lets you merge with a quiet performer. Some of its many advantages are:

First and foremost, the machine is extremely safe. The rider can put both feet on the ground at any time.
It is easy to get on and off this bicycle.
The cyclist sits in a chair-like upright position, giving a comfortable and confident ride.
The saddle is fitted with a back support enabling the rider to apply more pedal power. This makes the Varna Bike an excellent climber.
The smaller front wheel allows ample space for mounting a child's seat, giving better parental supervision, or a large basket.
No more strained backs, necks, or numb arms. The Varna Bicycle eliminates all saddle discomfort so common on a standard bicycle.

The Varna U-Bike is safe, easy to handle and comfortable.

Specifications
Semi-recumbent bicycle.
Price: $1200 U.S.
Frame: TIG welded chrome-moly steel
Available Colours: black, red
Drivetrain: 
Brakes: 
Weight: 
Dimensions:
  Overall: 
  Seat:
  Seat back: 
  Wheel diameter:
Warrranty: 2 years on frame
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks

The Sprite Trike

The rider is seated in a recumbent position for greater comfort. This model's steering is controlled by leaning the torso left and right while holding the U bar. This is an excellent slalom trike, great for entertainment and recreational use.

Because of the weight distribution, this cycle can climb steep hills without loss of traction

Due to the speed and agility of this trike, caution should be exercised during the initial adjustment period. Do not use excessive downhill speed.

Specifications:
Three wheel foot-powered cycle with two front wheels and one driven rear wheel.
 Steered by leaning. Bottom bracket mounted on adjustable boom. 
Price: $1500 US
Frame: TIG welded chrome-moly steel
Available Colours: blue, black, red
Drivetrain: 12 speeds (lower end Shimano components)
Brakes: single hub brake on rear wheel, operated by a MTB-style lever.
Weight: 32 pounds
Dimensions:
  Overall: 66L x 24W x 30H
  Seat: 13" wide, 12" deep 
  Seat back: 30" high, 45 degree angle to seat
  Ground rail height: 6 inches
  Wheel diameter: 20 inches (various options for tires)
  Turning radius: 15 feet
Warrranty: 2 years on frame
Delivery time: 4-6 weeks

Comments from the HPV list

Comments received by email on the Varnas and Georgi.

Here are some pictures that were uploaded to the server. I am pretty sure they are Georgiev creations.

arm_cycle1.jpg(640 by 480, 49k) arm_cycle2.jpg(640 by 480, 46k)

Varna 1 Here is a picture someone sent me. (Includes a description)

http://www.ihpva.org/SourceGuide/Vehicles/Varna/

revised 10/13/95 bhw