Cupcakes fabrication

Haha, I'm afraid to count! I would guess about 2.5 normal chains should do it. I've got an Alfine 11 rear hub to go on there which will reduce the chain length a bit, and also improve some other recumbent madness:

• the rear mech is perilously close to the tyre when in the largest sprocket
  
• the low gear isn't low enough for proper hills (i.e. Scotland) and a bigger cassette would foul the stays, while using a smaller chainring would make the high gear insufficient for cruising
  
• if you forget to downshift when you come to a stop, you're pickled when using a derailleur gear system because you have to be in a low gear to get started without falling over
  
  

All in all, the recumbent is really amusing while also being kinda terrifying, and surprisingly inefficient.

I wouldn't have bought one, but a friend has been developing something of a recumbent-related problem: he had three, and only a small shed to store them in. I have a garage and a moderate amount of patience for ridiculous bike-related stuff.