Recumbent bikes have some advantages over conventional upright bikes. You can sit upright or lean back, with your legs stretched comfortably before you, and often you can steer with handlebars under the seat so your arms rest comfortably by your side. In a brief history of recumbent bikes at CycleGenius.com, the recumbent design's potential for higher speeds is noted as another advantage over its upright counterparts. You can increase these advantages by choosing a specific length, or wheelbase, to further affect your recumbent's speed and handling.
A Specific Wheelbase
The best wheelbase for you depends on several factors. Your height and weight will play a large part in determining your ideal wheelbase. If you are tall, you will find a longer wheelbase more comfortable for your legs. Whatever your height, you should be able to operate your recumbent without feeling hunched over or cramped, and each leg should be nearly straight when its respective pedal is at its farthest point forward. According to Recumbents.com, if you are obese, have heart disease or respiratory problems, choose a longer wheelbase in conjunction with a lower bottom bracket and an indirect steering mechanism to provide the smoothest, easiest ride possible.
Speed and Space
All recumbent bike designs have an advantage over traditional upright bikes because they allow the front wheel to be extended significantly in front of the rest of the body. In a long wheelbase, which AdventureCycling.org lists as reaching up to 71 inches but not falling below 61 inches, the vehicle's extra space compensates both taller drivers and storage bags, known as panniers. Some recumbent designs also facilitate racing, allowing the driver to lean or lie back to achieve greater aerodynamics. Combined with indirect steering, longer wheelbases also allow smoother, easier turns at both high and low speeds.
Short Wheelbases
By moving the front wheel beneath or behind the pedals, a short wheelbase can be as little as 40 inches. The main advantage of a short wheelbase is in its improved handling and tighter turning radius. The vehicle's smaller size also allows a reduction in weight over longer wheelbase recumbents. The exact weight difference between short wheelbase recumbents and those with longer wheelbases will depend on their body style and the materials used in their construction. Short wheelbase bikes can also perform with smaller wheels than long wheelbase bikes, which allows the rider to expend less energy per revolution.
The Compact Long Wheelbase
A compact long wheelbase typically reaches 50 inches. This design aims to capture the advantages of both short and long wheelbases, providing an improved turning radius over long wheelbase bikes and the greater speeds and storage spaces commonly associated with long wheelbase bikes. Blending the features of the other, more specialized styles of recumbent bike, compact long wheelbase recumbents make a functional starter vehicle for new recumbent enthusiasts, and may be used as an introductory vehicle before moving on to a more specialized recumbent design.
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