"A novel bicycle has been built in London which has been pronounced 'as comfortable as a rocking chair' and which shows remarkable mechanical ingenuity," proclaimed a review in "The Latest in Cycles." Although modern cyclists consider the recumbent bike a new innovation, the above review was published in 1905. Although technology has improved considerably in the century since those words were written, the comfort and mechanical ingenuity of recumbents remain largely unchanged.
Best Short Wheelbase
The Bacchetta Giro 20 combines the comfort and handling of its longer-wheelbase cousins with speed and performance to create a recumbent bike that is unmatched, according to Bike Radar. The Giro 20 features an uncomplicated steel monoframe, a combination of SRAM and FSA components and Avid brakes. In addition, the adjustable Re-Curve seat makes it one of the most luxurious rides on the road. The Bacchetta Giro 20 retails for $1,499 as of early 2011.
Best Long Wheelbase
The Longbikes Slipstream is a "touring bicycle without equal," according to website Bent Rider. The Slipstream features a fully-adjustable "Hip Hinge" seat that offers tilt, back recline and a rotating seat bottom for total comfort. Components include a combination of Shimano LX and Dura-Ace in the drivetrain, a Velocity wheelset, and front and rear Avid disc brakes. Although you can use the Slipstream as a commuter, it is designed for longer adventures. The Longbikes Slipstream retails for $2,795 as of early 2011.
Best Highracer
Bent Rider named the Bacchetta Carbon Aero 2.0 its "Bike of the Year" for 2010, saying it "may be remembered as the bike that brought carbon fiber recumbents to the masses." The Carbon Aero 2.0 features a full-carbon frame, Bacchetta Full Carbon Johnson fork, SRAM/FSA components and X-eyed CNC Dual Pivot brakes. It's light, fast and handles as well as any recumbent on the road. The Bacchetta Carbon Aero 2.0 retails for around $4,500 as of early 2011.
Best Lowracer
The CatBike Musashi is a recumbent built for sprinting. It's a "bike low enough to stay out of the wind, with aerodynamics that make the roadies hate you," according to Recumbents.com. The Musashi features an aluminum frame, superman handlebars, SRAM components and Tektro brakes. This is a lightweight bike that is built for speed. The Catbike Musashi retails starting at $2,350 in early 2011.
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