HPV, which stands for human powered vehicle, refers to any kind of transportation that relies on human power, including vehicular and non-vehicular devices. A recumbent, which means to recline or lean back, is a bike that is categorized as a vehicular HPV. Today, recumbent biking is a sport of its own. The World Recumbent Racing Association was founded to recognize the accomplishments of HPV recumbent racing.
History
The first bike, known as the draisienne or hobby horse, was invented in Germany 1817. Over the next several decades, variations on the walking bike developed in Europe improving on the front wheel, pedals and tires. In 1870, a chainless bike was invented. It was a fast bike, but its large wheel and non-existent braking technology made it a dangerous HPV. In 1914, the French company Peugeot introduced the first recumbent bicycle.
Choosing a Recumbent Bike
There are at least 200 types of recumbent bikes. To choose the right bike for you, according to Warren Beauchamp of the Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center, you should consider your price range, your height and weight, riding style and fitness level. Recumbent bikes typically cost more than uprights because there are fewer of them and they are not mass-produced. An inexpensive recumbent can cost about $500, as of 2011. Because recumbent bikes are designed by height range, a shorter person may be more comfortable with a bike that has a small front wheel. Those who are overweight likely are more comfortable on bikes with a long wheelbase and lower bottom bracket.
Design
While recumbent bikes often are designed to be more comfortable than conventional bikes, recumbent bike manufacturers also make performance bikes that are faster and more aerodynamic. A bike with a higher bottom and reclined seat is more aerodynamic. Some of the most common complaints when using a recumbent involve numb toes and lower back pain. A recumbent has a seat that is positioned either above the pedals or below. A low seat, which positions your feet above your buttocks, forces the blood to flow upward and can lead to numb toes. Tilting your seat back slightly can help relieve lower back pain, if you experience this while riding.
Types
A longrider, or long wheel base, LWB, refers to a recumbent with a long frame. A bike with a LWB positions the pedals behind the front wheel. These bikes are suitable for long-distance rides and are known for their comfort. One of the first longrider bikes was patented in 1901. A shortrider, or short wheel base, SWB, positions the pedals in front of the front wheel. The seat is straight and comfortable. Steering on a SWB bike is not as steady as on a longrider because of the short distance between the wheel and steering bar. One of the first U.S. patents for a shortrider was filed in 1946. A lowrider is named for the seat set low to the ground. A lowrider has a narrow steer bar and chain positioned close to the front wheel. The fastest HPVs, according to cyclist René K. Müeller, are lowriders. These lowriders are able to set speed records as HPVs. Alterations to the chassis can even decrease resistance and improve speeds even more.
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