Recumbent bicycles offer the cyclist a supported and comfortable ride as well as speed, aerodynamics and a wide variety of configurations. Recumbent bikes have been around longer than you think with the first models being patented around 1900.
Today recumbent bicycles and tricycles are popular among cyclists looking for ways to increase their cycling pleasure as well as for those with disabilities.
Why ride a Recumbent Bicycle?
In a nutshell, they are just more comfortable. The seat allows you to recline taking the weight off your wrists and groin area. Your lower back is supported and your neck remains relaxed while you ride. You can breathe more deeply too, so your overall performance improves.
Safety wise car drivers are more wary of recumbent bicycles as they are larger and take up more road space than a traditional bicycle. Add to that the fact that your legs will be the first part of your body to hit on impact and you won't dive over the handlebars when you slam on the brakes and you have to admit a recumbent bike sounds safer than a traditional bicycle.
Health is another big advantage for recumbent cyclists as the rider's legs are nearly at the same height as the heart which encourages blood flow back to the heart, improving circulation which in turn increases rider endurance and power output on long rides. Lung capacity is also improved as the rider is not bent over the handle bars and pressure on the perineal nerve is relieved with the wider seat.
Disabled Cyclists prefer Recumbent Bikes
Disability shouldn't stop you cycling. A recumbent bicycle or tricycle is the perfect and preferred choice for people with disabilities as the ranges extend to hand powered cycles and offer the possibility of combined hand and foot power input with the potential for a full-body workout as well as allowing cyclists with weak or missing leg(s) to power a cycle.
In one recumbent tricycle design the user makes the two front wheels change direction by shifting his centre of weight, and moves forward by rotating the rear wheel. There are also hybrids between a hand cycle, a recumbent bike and a tricycle. These bikes make it possible to cycle with legs despite a spinal cord injury.
Other advantages of Recumbent cycling
Cycling enthusiasts are not always convinced about the advantages of recumbent cycles and tricycles so we asked Zena Bratcher, owner of Buy Buy Bicycles in London to tell us more about the advantages of the recumbent.
"Traditional cyclists often ask about the speed as they believe recumbent bicycles are slower but that's not true. Recumbents have improved aerodynamics with your legs in front of you so they are generally faster than upright bicycles if you are measuring level of effort.
What people enjoy about the recumbent is the comfort of the ride and the feeling of safety because motorists view them with caution because they are unusual and larger than a normal bike.
They are a little more cumbersome but we actually sell folding recumbents - like the Cobra - as well."
Pricing and availability of Recumbent Bicycles and Tricycles
Recumbent bikes are generally more expensive than upright or traditional bikes because they are not mass produced at a high level and they have those extra comfy seats. Entry level recumbent bicycles start at around £650.00 but are often quite heavy. Online shopping shows that recumbent bikes are being offered at good entry level prices in comparison to a street retail outlet. This is due to the reduced costs involved for the online retailer so take advantage and get online to secure your recumbent.
If you intend to ride more than once a week it's best to aim for a lighter bike around the £800 - £1000 mark. Over this price, you are paying for less weight, higher specification components, suspension and more speed so think about it before you buy. Recumbents come in a wide range of configurations, colours and styles and price is dependent on stock and availability ranging from £769.00 to £6000.00.
Cyclists are increasingly looking to online shopping sites to ensure that they get the bike they want at the price they can afford.
Jane van Velsen - writing for online retailer Buy Buy Bicycles who offer a wide range of bicycles (uprights, recumbent, fold up) and accessories such as helmets, cycle clothing and spare parts. The best part is that this independent online retailer has less overhead and can pass on the saving to the customer in sensible pricing for entry level bicycles and accessories. Being online also enables them to offer fast turn around combined with friendly, impartial advice. All the bicycles featured in this article are available online at http://www.buybuybicycles.com
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