Recumbent bicycles have been around since at least 1895, when Charles Challand exhibited his Horizontal Bicyclette Normal in Geneva, Switzerland. The advantages of recumbent bikes over upright bicycles have helped the design endure despite the upright bicycle's market dominance. You can even find exercise bicycles in recumbent configurations.
Comfort
The rider of a recumbent bicycle sits almost as if in a chair, with his legs stretched out in front of him. Most recumbent bikes offer support for the back, a plus on long trips. Because the rider is sitting back instead of leaning forward, there's less pressure on the wrists, and the head is at a more natural angle for looking forward.
Speed
Because recumbent bicycles have lower profiles, they're more streamlined and offer less wind resistance. This allows them to reach greater speeds. Human-powered vehicles, or HPVs, are basically recumbent bikes with lightweight outer shells. According to the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco, HPVs have traveled up to 68 m.p.h. for short distances. Some races don't allow recumbent bicycles because of this advantage over upright bicycles.
Better Braking
Recumbent bikes offer more efficient braking than upright bikes, according to Recumbent Cycling Ontario. The rider on a recumbent bike can apply hard pressure to the front brake without fear of being thrown over the handlebars, as she would be with an upright bike.
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