Bike Mania Club

Recumbent bicycles are bicycles that allow the rider to sit leaning back, with feet up to pedal. There are a wide variety of recumbent bike styles. Since they are usually manufactured in small quantity, they tend to have very unique characteristics.

Recumbent bikes can have over seat or under seat steering. In over seat steering, the rider uses a regular handlebar arrangement. In under seat steering, the steering is accomplished using a handlebar arrangement that protrudes from either side of the seat, allowing the arms to be down by the rider's side when steering.

Recumbent bikes can also have two or three wheels. The two wheel variety are harder to control at slow speeds, as the low center of gravity makes it harder to maintain balance. Three wheelers have greater stability, and are easier to get started and stopped. When stopped, the rider does not have to remove his feet from the pedals on a three wheeler.

Three wheel recumbent bikes come in two different types. The delta variety has two rear wheels and a single front wheel. The tadpole variety is just the opposite, with two front wheels and a single rear wheel behind the rider's seat.

Recumbent bicycles are generally much safer than upright bicycles. Because they are close to the ground, the fall from a recumbent bike is from a shorter distance, and less likely to be a head first fall.

It is also more comfortable to ride a recumbent bicycle. The body is in a seated position in something more like a chair, not straddling a seat as with a bicycle. There is no weight on the arms, hands, or shoulders as one would have in a upright bicycle. With the leaned back position, the rider is free to enjoy the scenery around him without straining his neck. Recumbent bicycles are a good choice for those who suffer from chronic neck and back pain.

Recumbent bikes are not always easy to find in some parts of the country, and they are fairly expensive to purchase. If you are unable to locate a bike to try, you may find a stationery one at a local gym or YMCA.