Difference Between a Recumbent & an Upright Bike

Recumbent bicycles have developed a following among recreational cyclists. Cyclists who have gained the most from the modern recumbent bike (or "bent") are those who find upright cycling prohibitive. Physically challenged athletes can participate in cycling events with recumbent handcycles. Cyclists for whom the body position on a road bike is painful have also found relief on bents.

  1. Geometry

    • A standard upright bike is based on a "diamond frame" model. All bicycles sanctioned for international competition must fit this shape, according to the rulebook of Union Cycliste International. Recumbent bikes are characterized by a reclined body position in which the rider's feet are in front of him rather than under him. Recumbent handlebars are usually above or in front of the rider rather than below him as on an upright bike.

    Speed

    • Because of a rider's flatter body position, a recumbent bicycle offers a similar aerodynamic advantage to riding behind another cyclist or in a time trial position. Because of its aerodynamics, a recumbent is about 30 percent faster than a solo upright bike. However, because a recumbent cannot safely ride in a pack, the rider loses the amplified drafting advantage of those farther back in the group. Bents are slower climbing hills because they are usually heavier than upright bikes.

    Comfort

    • Riders who have breathing difficulties may find a recumbent helpful because its hand positioning leaves the chest open. The riding position on a bent prevents many of the discomforts of an upright frame in the wrists, neck, lower back, butt and groin. However, a recumbent rider is restricted to one position, which may lead to gluteal discomfort on long rides.

    Technical Riding

    • Although a few off-road bents exist, a recumbent bike is mostly made for the road. A bent's longer wheelbase gives it a wider turning radius, making tight, off-road turns around obstacles all but impossible. Being reclined on a bent prevents bunny hopping over obstacles. Even on the road, the rider's lower center of gravity makes it harder to balance on a recumbent than an upright bike at low speeds.

    Safety

    • Because there is no risk of flipping over the handlebars on a bent, head injuries are rare. Also, because of the lower riding position, falls cause fewer injuries. The biggest safety issue with bents is seeing and being seen. A recumbent rider has a better view of what is in front of him but cannot see traffic behind him. A recumbent bicycle is also harder to see from an automobile because it can easily disappear behind other cars. An upright rider's head, on the other hand, is at about the same level of an SUV driver's. Many recumbent cyclists get around visibility issues by attaching a flag to their bikes.