Simply put, recumbent bikes have slightly reclined, low seats with full back support, and are pedaled with the cyclist's feet out in front of him. The front wheels of a recumbent bike are typically smaller than the back wheels. There are many types of this bicycle, which also differs from the traditional upright bike by its length. There is generally an adjustment period for cyclists who make the switch to recumbent bikes, but the bikes are known for their comfort.
History
Recumbent bicycles---also known as "bents"---have been around since the turn of the 20th century. Several reports indicate that one was on display at a bicycle show in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895.
European manufacturer Peugeot began manufacturing recumbent bikes in 1914, but the bikes didn't become part of the mainstream culture until 1933. At that time, Frenchman Charles Mochet, who built small cars, constructed a four-wheel pedaled vehicle for his son. The vehicle became popular and Mochet soon stopped building traditional cars to produce the vehicle he named the Velocar.
Racing Adaptation
Mochet built a two-wheel version of his vehicle and entered this bike in races. He enlisted Francis Faure to race the bike, and Faure set a world record in 1933 by covering 27.9965 miles in one hour. Less than a year later, the United Cyclists Internationale (UCI) banned the recumbent bicycle from any of its sanctioned races.
Organizations
The ICU has never wavered on its ruling and does not sanction recumbent bike races or records.
The International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA) was formed in 1980. It is the sanctioning body for world records in human-powered vehicles that travel on land, water and air. Its sanctions races as well.
The World Recumbent Racing Association was formed later but does not sanction races or records. Its website offers little info on its history; it dates to 2008.
Types
The wheelbase determines the category in which a recumbent bike is categorized. The term "wheelbase" means the position of the front wheel in relation to the cranks.
There are three categories of wheelbases. The long wheel base (LWB) is generally between 65 and 71 inches with the pedals located between the wheels. The compact long wheel base (CLWB) has a wheelbase of approximately 64 inches, but can be as short as 46 inches, with the pedals in front of the front wheel. The short wheel base (SWB) is between 33 to 45 inches and pedals are either close to the front wheel or above it.
The most common wheel sizes are a 20-inch front wheel and 26-inch rear wheel. Some CLWB bikes will use a 16-inch front wheel and a 20-inch rear wheel, or dual 20-inch wheels. Most recumbents are rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
Considerations
There are also three categories of steering for recumbent bikes: over-seat (OSS), also called above seat steering (ASS); under-seat (USS); and center, also called pivot steering.
A recumbent with OSS/ASS typically has high handlebars, much like a standard bike, which can extend well behind the front wheel. Bents with USS have handlebars that are below the seat so that the rider's arms are down at his sides. Center-steered or pivot-steered recumbents do not have a front fork and often do not have handlebars. If they do, they are not for steering--the legs have that job.
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