Ride A Recumbent!
Posted by Joe Reichert on May 26, 2011
We’re proud to sell a unique type of
bicycle that offers a cycling experience unlike any other. They’re
called “recumbents,” a word that means reclining, the perfect
description for the comfortable La-Z-Boy riding position on these
amazing two-wheelers.
Gone are
the sore rear end, the achy lower back, the numb hands and the stiff
neck. Instead you pedal blissfully aboard a virtual rolling lawn chair.
And, because you’re reclining, your perspective is completely new.
Instead of hunkering over the handlebars staring at the pavement below,
you look forward and up. You enjoy the scenery, watch clouds and birds
and really see the countryside around you. Also, because you’re not bent
over, you can really breathe deeply so you feel fresh and relaxed.
In
fact, you’ll probably find yourself riding further than ever and
finishing loops with no soreness and little fatigue. When you stop for
refreshment on rides, you might even choose to rest while sitting on
your bike, which is far more comfortable than the average picnic table
or roadside boulder.
Don’t be
fooled into thinking recumbents are land yachts simply because they’re
so comfortable, though. They’re closer to go-carts in the way you sit
low to the ground, feet out front, controls within easy reach. And, the
ride is the next best thing to being able to whip around the house
on that Big Wheel you had as a kid again.
With
such impressive attributes, it’s no surprise that recumbents are among
our most popular bikes. So, we thought we’d put together a guide to
answer some of the common questions about these sleek machines. Be sure
to visit our store to check out some in person and call or email if you
have any questions or would like to arrange a test ride.
Space-Age Designs
One
of the fascinating things about recumbents is the many available
varieties. There are long-, short- and medium-wheelbase models. You’ll
find ‘bents that have handlebars in front of you chopper-style and those
that have them beneath you! Seat designs vary, too, though all provide
unparalleled support, adjustment and comfort when compared to the seats
on upright bikes.
Just like
there are touring and racing regular bikes, there are thoroughbred and
leisurely recumbents. There are even tandem ‘bents for sharing the
experience with your favorite riding partner. A recumbent’s spacious
cockpit and ample throne are absolutely liberating—so much so that you
can get people on them who might refuse to try a regular tandem.
Which
recumbent design is best for you depends on the type of riding you have
in mind and what you’re looking for in a bike. For example, if you ride
for fitness at a good clip, you’ll likely lean towards a
quick-handling, medium- or short-wheelbase model. If you’re more
interested in sightseeing, you’ll probably prefer a more leisurely
design, such as something with a longer wheelbase and lots of comfort
built in (some models include suspension to absorb road shock).
Test
riding some different bicycles is the best way to get a feel for how
they differ and what you like. And keep in mind that, like riders of
conventional bikes, many people who buy a recumbent, eventually purchase
a second one of a different design in order to double their fun and
have a new type to ride.
Brand-New Ride
Speaking
of riding, it takes a little practice to become adept at recumbenting.
This is because as kids we learn to ride on traditional bicycles, not on
recumbents. Which means that when we get on a ‘bent, we try to ride it
the way we would our conventional bike. This can make for a wobbly
start.
When you try a
recumbent, you sit lower and it’s easier to rest your feet on the
ground. Take advantage of this, but be sure to apply the brakes because
if you don’t, the bike will roll backwards, which makes it feel like
you’re losing control. Before your first ride, just sit there for a bit
(be sure to recline so that your back is touching the seat) and get used
to the feel of resting your weight in the seat and holding yourself up
with your feet while holding the brakes. This is the starting position
and how you sit at stop lights.
To
ride the bike, put your favorite foot onto the pedal, which should be
at about 2 o’clock and push off. But, and this is a big but, look up and
out, NOT down! Looking down is necessary on a conventional bike, but
not on a recumbent. Just look up or ahead and trust that the bike will
balance and you’ll quickly be underway and having the time of your life.
Once
you’ve got the knack of balancing the bike, work on relaxing. This
comes naturally because the riding position is so comfy, however, if
you’re used to a regular bike you might tense up and wrestle with the
handlebars the way you might on your upright two-wheeler. This is
completely unnecessary and it will cause erratic handling on a
recumbent. So, just release any tension and rest your hands gently on
the grips and let the bike control itself, which it will do just fine if
you let it.
Pedal Power
It’s
important to realize that you use slightly different muscles on a
recumbent, which means that it takes most riders a few weeks to feel
strong climbing and working against headwinds.
You
might actually feel stronger when you first get on a recumbent, but
don’t be fooled. This is the effect of having a seat backrest to push
against. While this is one of the great features of ‘bents, it can also
lead to problems if you abuse it. If you push too hard on the pedals
before you’ve built up your recumbent-riding leg muscles, you risk
injuring your knees, the same way you can riding a conventional bike.
So,
we recommend using your gears instead of pushing against the seat. This
ensures that you build good spinning and pedaling strength in your
legs, that your heart and lungs are used efficiently and that you keep
those precious knees safe.
It’s
also wise to build strength gradually, riding fairly easy gears on flat
to rolling courses, first, and then gradually increasing the distance
and hilliness of your rides. Before long, you’ll be fit enough to ride
everywhere.
Traffic Safety
We
think you’ll find that you get plenty of attention on the road due to
the recumbent’s unique appearance. Most motorists haven’t seen
recumbents and they are more likely to see you. However, because
recumbents are lower to the ground, you might wish to add a safety flag
to attract attention in traffic.
For
riding in traffic, we also recommend getting a mirror. It’s difficult
to turn your head and shoulders enough to see behind you and a mirror
will give you a good view of what’s going on. One of the nicest things
about mirrors is that they let you know when the road behind is clear so
you can use more of the lane.
Also,
while it’s important to protect yourself with sunblock anytime you’re
outdoors, it’s especially important when riding a recumbent. Due to the
reclining seating position, more skin is exposed to the sun, such as
your face and legs. To prevent sunburn, protect these areas.
Interestingly,
some typical safety gear is not required for riding a recumbent. You
can ride in any shorts you find comfortable because the seat won’t cause
numbness or pain. And, you may find that you don’t even need cycling
gloves because little weight is resting on your hands. Also, jerseys
with rear pockets aren’t necessary and can actually cause problems with
the seams irritating your back as you lean back on them. You will
appreciate moisture-wicking fabrics, however, which keep you dry and
comfortable.
FAQ
Q: Recumbents sure look weird; don't they require special tools and expertise?
A:
While recumbents certainly look different, they are made up of readily
available parts and are as easy to maintain and repair as any other
bicycle. This means you won’t need any special tools to work on yours
and that any shop can provide service.
Q: How do I get it around in my car?
A:
Depending on the type of ‘bent that you buy, you might need to consider
how you’ll transport the bike. Long-wheelbase models, for example,
might require a hitch- or roof-type vehicle rack. Some owners prefer to
carry their bikes in the back of a van or pick-up. If length makes it
difficult to use a particular vehicle rack or trunk, removing the wheels
will often solve the problem.
Q: It looks kind of big; where will I store it?
A:
Storage is usually as easy as with a conventional bike. We recommend
bike hooks, which can be screwed into a stud or joist. Then, you can
simply hang the bike from a wheel in a corner of the garage. Even if
it’s a long-wheelbase model, it won’t take up much more room hanging
like this than a regular two-wheeler.
Q: How are recumbents on hills?
A:
The only thing you can't do is stand up when climbing. Instead, you
shift into an easy gear and spin comfortably up hills. Different
recumbent designs feel differently in the hills and we can point out the
right model according to what you're looking for. Also, recumbents
aren't any different than regular bikes in that the more you ride in the
hills the easier climbing becomes.
Q: Can you carry gear on the bike?
A: Yes! It's possible to install a rack and panniers and some bikes even offer custom bags for more carrying capacity.
We
hope this answers most of the questions you have about recumbents.
Please call, email or visit if you’d like to learn more about these
wonderful bicycles!