The Advantages of a Recumbent Bike

Recumbent bikes offer a variety of advantages for cyclists. By providing a different body position that reduces stress on the back, knees, wrists and hands, recumbent bikes can make cycling more comfortable and sustainable for many riders. They also brake more effectively and can be less dangerous in a fall.

  1. History

    • Recumbent bikes have been around for years, with new innovations dramatically changing their look and function over time. Some of the earliest versions were called the "Armchair Bike" and the "Easy-Chair Bike."

    Features

    • Recumbent bikes offer a different body position than upright bikes. On a recumbent bike, the cyclist's seat is farther behind and level with the pedals. Steering is usually accomplished by manipulating the handlebars on either side of the seat.

    Significance

    • The construction of a recumbent bike dramatically changes the forces on the cyclist's body. Recumbent bike enthusiasts argue that the body position creates significantly less stress on the back because the cyclist is not hunched over. The cyclist, instead, leans back against the seat in a comfortable reclined position.

      The recumbent cyclist must use leg and gluteus muscles to exert full force on the pedals. On an upright bike, a rider can stand up and use body weight to help turn the pedals on difficult climbs. On a recumbent, that's not an option, though pushing back against the seat helps use the legs effectively for more force. Recumbent bikes eliminate the stress on the knees and ankles that is caused by standing on the pedals on an upright bike. No weight is on the recumbent cyclist's wrists or hands, which can be more comfortable.

    Function

    • Two other advantages of recumbent bikes relate to the mechanics of cycling. One is that recumbent bikes' braking is more efficient because the front brake can be used more fully than on an upright bike, without fear that the rider will be flipped over the front wheel. Another advantage is that falls on a recumbent bike are less dangerous because it is closer to the ground than an upright bike and its frame tends to better protect the rider.

    Considerations

    • Choosing to purchase an upright or recumbent bike depends on your personal preferences and typical cycling activities. Keep in mind that many cyclists need some time to adapt to the recumbent design and become used to its handling. You'll also likely want a flag or light to mark the bike's position on the road to make it more visible to motorists. This is important because recumbent bikes are so much lower to the road. Be aware that it may be somewhat more difficult to find service and accessories for a recumbent bike than an upright bike because there are significantly fewer sold every year.

    Misconceptions

    • A major misconception about recumbent bikes is that they are slower than upright bikes. In fact, the world bicycle speed record of 81 mph was set by a recumbent bike with a fairing (a carbon cover) mounted over it. On flat roads and downhill, a recumbent can be as fast as an upright bike, but it may be somewhat slower on hills because of its greater weight and because the rider's use of a different set of muscles for power. Overall, however, there is little speed disadvantage for recumbent bikes.