Recumbent Bikes

 

 

I commonly hear such remarks from pedestrians and drivers when I ride my recumbent bike.

 

For those who haven't yet seen one, a recumbent – nicknamed a “'bent” – is a two-wheeled bicycle or three-wheeled tricycle that one rides feet forward, in a comfortable and aerodynamic position. By no means a new invention, a recumbent first made the news in 1930's France, when it broke the bicycle speed record in 1933 in an hour-long race. Today, while specialized race recumbents continue to hit higher speeds – the record is 82.39 mph as of September 2009 – they can be thoroughly enjoyed at a more leisurely pace for their many other qualities, such as being comfortable, safe and fun.

 

 

 

 

It is probably comfort, above all else, that draws people to 'bents. Whether it's the wider seat, the excellent back support, the easy positioning of the hands, or the relaxed expressions on the faces of the people who ride them, their reputation for comfort is well-deserved. In fact, frequently, they are searched out by would-be cyclists with injuries, stiffness or sensitivity in their backs, necks, wrists or hands which, as a result, cause them to no longer enjoy riding traditional upright bikes. (Recumbents are also sought after by male cyclists who believe the comfortable seat may help their fertility.) For long distance touring, recumbents appeal to cyclists of all ages, abilities and levels of health, since the comfortable riding position can make long miles easier and more enjoyable. As my wife puts it, “the vacation starts the moment you sit down.”

 

 

 

 

First, visibility involves both being seen and seeing.

 

In terms of being seen, which is the point of many questions about recumbent safety, although there are “low-racer” recumbent designs that travel close to the ground, there are excellent “mid-racer” designs with a height that feels natural in terms of surrounding traffic, with an eye-level of about four and a half feet off the ground. This positions the rider with an excellent view of the road to the front and sides, and at eye-level with drivers of ordinary, sedan-type cars.  Some riders will also install a bright safety flag to further increase ones visibility in traffic.

 

In terms of seeing, the head-up position of mid-racers provides a rider with excellent visibility.  Not only can the recumbent cyclist readily see the scenery he or she rides through, but many riders feel the upright head position allows them to see road hazards, such as potholes and debris, more readily than on a typical mountain or road bike, which usually place a rider's line of sight somewhat downwards. Many recumbent riders also use easily installed rear view mirrors to facilitate visibility to the rear.

 

Speaking personally, I have never felt the least bit “invisible” while riding a recumbent bike and, in fact, often feel I am treated by car drivers with a little more care than when I ride an ordinary upright bike. Many 'bent riders experience this. Some theorize it's because the bikes look unusual, so drivers are particularly cautious when they pass. Other 'bent riders believe that recumbent owners, on average, tend to be a little older and perhaps more mature than the average upright cyclist and therefore tend to behave more predictably. A few, of course, joke that perhaps the sitting position, with one's rear end down where it belongs, in a seat, as opposed to up at the eye level of the driver behind, is less likely to instigate road rage.

 

On the point of safety, the recumbent body position provides several additional safety features not available to cyclists on upright bikes.  First of all, because one's hands are in a relaxed position and not supporting body weight, one's ability to steer the bike is entirely unhampered, neither by body weight born by the hands, nor by fatigue after a long ride.

 

Secondly, because the center of gravity on a mid-racer is lower than that of an upright bike, a 'bent is far less likely to flip forward over the front wheel. A mid-racer puts one's center of gravity at about 30 to 36 inches off the ground. On an upright bike, one's center of gravity is closer to around 48 to 60 inches off the ground, or higher, depending on the height of the bike and the riding position. This proves to be a crucial difference when one is required to make an emergency stop, for example to avoid hitting a car door that is flung open in one's path or a jay-walker who steps in front of the bike. Rather unlike what one may safely do on an upright bike, on a recumbent, a rider can firmly brake, even to the point of nearly locking up the wheels, without tumbling over the bicycle's handlebars. On an upright bike, however, with the rider's higher center of gravity, such vigorous braking can cause a rider's body to fly over the handlebars, leading to terrible injuries.

 

Lastly, for adult riders who have difficulties with balance or mobility, there are extremely good recumbent “tadpole tricycles” – with two wheels in the front and one in the rear – that have all the advantages of two-wheeled 'bents, plus the benefit that balancing skills are only optional.

 

 

 

 

Regardless of the type of bike, upright or recumbent, bicycling is a blast. There's nothing like the feeling of traveling under your own power, enjoying a casual ride with a friend, or efficiently squeezing in some exercise as you commute to work (instead of being squashed in the subway or stuck in traffic in your car).

 

The fun comes from simply riding, more so than from the bike. However, if you are one of the many people who no longer rides a bike because you find the seat or handlebars or the position uncomfortable but you would still like to ride, then you owe it to yourself to at least give a good recumbent a try.

 

Meanwhile, there are numerous 'bent riders who will say, unequivocally, that riding a 'bent is particularly fun due to the combination of factors – the comfort, the speed, the safety, the ease with which one can travel long miles – and I will confess to be among those who think they're simply a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

You can buy one right here in Brooklyn. In years past, one had to travel to western New York State to see quality recumbent bikes.  But now, here at New York Naturals, you can see them for yourself.  Starting in October 2009, New York Naturals, in conjunction with The Innovation Works, Inc., will be displaying a selection of recumbent bikes.

 

Robert Matson, owner of The Innovation Works, and a fellow Brooklynite, began selling recumbent bicycles in 2008 via a service called “New York City Recumbent Supply.” With select high-quality recumbent brands in-house, such as HP Velotechnik (made in Germany) and Volae (made in USA), Robert gives one-on-one demos to people who want to experience these special bikes. To cover expenses, he charges a small fee for the service, half of which is refunded to customers who return and buy a bike within six months.

 

For more information, drop by New York Naturals or visit the New York City Recumbent Supply website at  http://www.NYCRecumbentSupply.com. Readers may also feel free to call Robert with any questions, phone (646) 233-1219.