What to Look for in a Recumbent Bicycle

Recumbents are bicycles that place the rider in a reclining position, which distributes body weight more evenly. This leads to less pressure-point pain and also reduces neck, shoulder, and back pain. Recumbent bikes are also more streamlined and aerodynamic, and in fact, a recumbent holds the world speed record for any bicycle. According to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, 20,000 recumbent bicycles are sold each year in the U.S., with the mainstream bike manufacturers offering over 200 models for sale. For help in choosing the best recumbent for you, keep the following tips in mind.

  1. What to Look For

    • Recumbent bicycles are designed either for comfort or performance, with the latter type generally more expensive. If you're going for comfort, the first thing to consider is how the bicycle feels when you are seated on it. If you're short, recumbent bikes with a smaller front wheel and lower seat height will probably be easier for you to ride. If you're taller, most recumbent styles will work well. For riders who are heavy or have circulatory leg problems, a long wheelbase (LWB) with a lower bottom bracket are best, although people with circulatory issues in the arms should choose under seat steering (USS).

      For riders seeking a performance recumbent, chose above seat steering (ASS or OSS), which is more aerodynamic. In low-traffic areas, a lowracer or quasi-lowracer is a good choice, but in areas with more traffic and/or hills, the highracer design with its more visible position and higher efficiency drivetrain makes more sense. Keep in mind that the higher a bike's bottom bracket (BB) and the more reclined the seat, the more aerodynamic the bike will tend to be.

    Common Problems

    • You should always test-ride a recumbent before purchasing one. If you have friends with such a bike, ask them to allow you to try out their equipment. Some bike stores even have parking lots and test tracks you can use. New recumbent riders should keep in mind that these bicycles feel quite different and can at first be difficult to balance, start, stop, and maneuver. Although it seems as if these bikes would be ideal for the less fit, that's not the case. Since you can't stand up on the bike to gain momentum, you have to work harder to go uphill with recumbents than with regular bikes. Note, too, that although there's less distance to fall off a recumbent, the safety trade-off is that the recumbent bicyclist's feet, legs and knees are more vulnerable than they would be on a a standard bicycle.