The first time you glimpsed a recumbent bike cruising down the street, this non-typical bicycle may have taken you by surprise. Rather than sitting upright, the rider was nearly as low as the ground and even reclining. If you listen to Dr. Paul Nolan, who writes about some benefits of recumbent bikes, he'll even tell you the riders are usually smiling because they are also thoroughly enjoying the ride.
Description
Recumbent bicycles, also known as "bent bicycles," are low, elongated bicycles that come in a variety of different types. The common thread among all of them is the way the rider sits. Rather than perching yourself high atop the wheels with your legs reaching down towards the pedals as on standard bikes, you sit low to the ground with your legs extended forward. The recumbent is a common style found on stationary exercise bikes and the bike is more akin to sitting in a regular chair than balancing atop a standard bike.
Types
The recumbent comes in myriad types, all with slightly different features. Some include the low racers, where you sit even lower than on the standard recumbent; the high racer, where you sit a bit higher; and recumbent types based on the length of their wheelbase, or the width between the wheels. These include long, short and mid-length wheelbases. Don't forget the folding recumbent, which folds up for easy transport, the recumbent tandem built for two or the recumbent trike that features three wheels.
The Good
One of the major advantages of the recumbent bike is its comfort level, American Fitness and Bike Route report. The bucket seat keeps your butt comfy while the setup distributes your body weight over a wider range, putting pressure on your already padded buttocks and back. The back support is also a major plus over traditional bicycles, as is sitting in a more natural, semi-reclined position rather than hunching over a pair of handlebars. Your arms and joints are not as stressed. Your arms are reaching for handlebars placed in front of you, rather than angling down and potentially pinching nerves. The bike also provides a lower impact on your joints.
The Bad
Even with all the good stuff going on, recumbent bicycles do have a few disadvantages, Bicycle and Bikes points out. A major one is the lack of visibility, especially if you're riding on the side of a road. Motorists are less likely to see a low riding bike than a standard, higher bicycle. Bicycle riders who switch from a standard bike to a recumbent will also find the recumbent needs a bit of getting used to. Since you're using different muscles to pedal, your speed will likely not be as fast at first, and it could even take you up to a year to reach the same speed as you averaged on your regular bike. The recumbent is for straightforward riding only, not for fancy stunts or play, and it is often costlier and heavier than traditional bikes.
Member Comments