Recumbent Bicycle

A recumbent bicycle is a variety of bicycle which places the rider in a seated or supine position. The back of the rider is supported, with legs extended forward to pedals that are about the same height as the seat. The handlebars may be placed under the seat or in the more conventional position with arms in front of the rider's chest to form more normal handlebars. The wheels may be smaller and/or further apart than on an ordinary bicycle.

There are four general classifications of recumbent bicycles; under seat steering, above seat steering, short wheelbase and long wheelbase. These general classifications can be mixed and matched at the builders whim to form a multitude of variations. The short wheelbase has the rider's pedals in front of the front wheel and the long wheelbase has the front wheel in front of the pedals. The rear wheel is usually behind the back of the rider and is normal bicycle wheel size or smaller. The front wheel is almost always smaller than conventional bicycle wheel size.

Recumbents are considered to be fast since the rider can push against the seat back on the "power" stroke of the pedal and the low profile of the rider reduces wind resistance. Many owners prefer a "'bent" because it is easier on the hands, arms, shoulders, and butt. A disadvantage of the recumbent cycling position is that the rider is unable to stand on ascents and so tends to be slower going uphill than on a conventional bike. This may be noticeable especially during the early time of riding a 'bent when the muscles are not yet trained for the different exertion. Experienced recumbent supporters would point out that they can compensate for this disadvantage by being more aerodynamic. Most riders who switch styles find that they may be slower in hilly terrain but they are able to keep riding longer because they experience much less pain.

On a very low recumbent bike (a low-racer or a trike), some riders attach a flag to the rear end to make it easier to see in traffic. However the unusual appearance of a recumbent often means it is readily spotted anyway.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Recumbent Bicycle" and from http://www.treadly.com

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