Recumbent bicycles have been in existence for over 100 years, but the popularity of this model has only recently gained popularity because of fitness enthusiasts' desire for workouts that put less stress on the body. Recumbent bike designs enable riders to sit lower to the ground and navigate in a natural, chair-like position. This prevents neck and shoulder strain caused by hunching down toward standard bicycle handlebars, which puts weight on wrists and shoulders.
History
The recumbent bicycle appeared in cycling culture as early as 1896 with the French invention of the Challand recumbent, one of the first cycles made with horizontal pedaling that enabled greater thrust on the pedals. Later, a London-built recumbent bike appeared in the United States in 1905, and in 1933 a recumbent bike set a world record in France, going 45.055 km in one hour, beating competitors riding standard bicycles. The following year, the Union Cyclist International (UCI) ruled that the recumbent was not a bicycle and banned it from UCI events or for UCI records. The resulting lack of competitive recumbent bikes could explain why their popularity waned, until now, and especially because riders have discovered that recumbent bicycles are indeed faster than upright models.
Types
All recumbent bicycles share a single unifying design element: the large chair-like seat that enables riders to sit upright and low to the ground. Designers typically produce recumbent bicycles in one of three major designs, with the bike's overall length or wheelbase the major distinguishing factor that separates each design.
Different wheelbases perform better for different uses, such as commuting, racing or touring. For example, a compact long wheelbase bike (CLWB) has a wheel base of from 46 inches to 64 inches. In a long wheelbase recumbent (LWB), the pedals are situated between the front and rear wheels. On a short wheelbase bike (SWB), the pedals are in front of the front wheel. In all instances, the rider remains low to the ground, which provides better balance, stopping control and wind resistance.
Features
Recumbent bike features vary from two-wheeled to tricycle-style designs, and the location of the pedals and handlebars can be modified according to the needs and uses of the individual rider. For example, the handlebars can be moved to below seat level, which puts less stress on the upper body. For riders with limited mobility, one-hand steering controls can be situated in an area near the thighs. Dual action bikes can be fabricated for riders who want to pedal with their arms and legs for a full-body workout. Unlike an upright bicycle's standard design, the interchangeability of recumbent bicycle features is only limited by a rider's budget and imagination.
Function
Recumbent bikes mean freedom for all riders, even for individuals with limited mobility. They can be used for transportation or fitness by riders ranging from competitive road racers looking for a heavy-resistance workout, to overweight individuals who want to get in shape but lack the coordination needed for upright bicycles, to wheelchair-bound individuals who might not be able to walk but can pedal using their hands. Recently, cargo-style recumbent bicycles, which have trailers attached to the rear, are being manufactured for the commuting needs of urban residents.
Warning
Recumbent bicycles have smoother stopping power than upright models, and because the rider naturally looks forward instead of straining the neck to look up, riders can make better eye contact with car drivers. However, although their unusual style makes them more noticeable on the road than upright bicycles, recumbent riders are still advised to practice safety precautions by using reflective tape, flags and clothing when riding.
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