Recumbent FAQs
What is the benefit of a recumbent?
Aren't recumbents less visible and thus more dangerous to ride since they sit so low?
Are recumbents difficult to ride?
Do you use different muscles on a recumbent than on an upright bike?
How are recumbents at climbing?
Which is better? A long wheelbase or short wheelbase recumbent?
Which is better? Above seat steering or under seat steering?
A recumbent is a bike designed to seat you upright with your legs extended forward as if in a lounge chair.
What is the benefit of a recumbent?
The main benefit of a recumbent is that it is exceedingly comfortable. It puts you in a more natural body position and prevents the aches and pains associated with upright bikes, particularly road bikes.
Aren't recumbents less visible and thus more dangerous to ride since they sit so low?
This is by far the first and most frequently asked question about recumbents. While it is true that recumbents sit lower than upright bikes, they do still remain in drivers' line of sight. As evidence, I submit that the seat height on the Slipstream that we offer is 23 inches. The seat height on my Subaru Legacy wagon, for example, is 21 inches. Moreover, it's said that drivers tend to see recumbents because they are unusual looking. I find this argument to be true. However, parked cars, or cars in the lane next to you, can obscure you from drivers pulling out of side streets or turning left in front of you. Like any bike, there are some specific hazzards of which to be aware. In my experience, drivers actually give me a wider birth on my recumbent than they do on my upright bike. Recumbents do tend to be seen AND remembered.
Are recumbents difficult to ride?
Recumbents are not difficult to ride, but there is a learning curve. You'll tend to wobble on the starts and at low speeds at first. The short wheelbase bikes are a little trickier than the long wheelbase bikes. Starting on up-hills can also be challenging, but you'll get the hang of it with a little practice.
Do you use different muscles on a recumbent than on an upright bike?
Yes. You'll use more glutes, paraforms, and quads on a recumbent than on an upright bike. You'll be surprised at your drop in speed, compared to an upright bike, as you develop a new muscle group. It takes a little while to get up to speed, probably two or three hundred miles. Expect your butt to hurt in the process.
How are recumbents at climbing?
Recumbents climb slowly, at least for us mere mortals. Since you can't stand on the pedals like on an upright bike, you have to spin in the low gears to climb. The good news is that being aerodynamic, recumbents go down hill very fast.
Which is better? A long wheelbase or short wheelbase recumbent?
Neither a long wheel base nor a short wheelbase recumbent is better than the other. They're just different. Short wheelbase recumbents lean toward performance, while long wheelbase recumbents lean toward comfort. Short wheelbase recumbents are light, responsive, and fast. The seat positions tend to be more laid-back, more aerodynamic, which is what makes them fast. Moreover, they're easier to transport, and have a smaller turning radius than the long wheelbase bikes. Long wheelbase recumbents, on the other hand, are very stable and have a very smooth ride because they take the bumps better. This makes them especially good for long distance touring. Whether you get a long or short wheelbase recumbent depends mainly on your use and your personal preference.
Which is better? Above seat steering or under seat steering?
Neither type steering is better than the other. It comes down to personal preference. Above seat steering feels more familiar to most people and it makes the bike easier to push around. Under seat steering, however, is more comfortable, especially on a long ride, because it allows the arms to hang in a more natural position.
How do you transport a recumbent?
Short wheelbase recumbents fit most standard bike racks. Long wheelbase bikes can either be put inside larger cars or pickups or carried with racks designed specifically to carry recumbents or tandems. Recumbent Bike Racks
Do you have to grow a beard to ride a recumbent?
It would appear so, but I'm not going to.
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