ShareThisWe asked Rick Steele, owner of Gold Country Cyclery in Shingle Springs, Calif., a leading seller of recumbent and tandem bikes, for a primer on what to look for in a recumbent.ModelsShort wheelbaseThe frame (average: 69 inches) is about 20 inches shorter than the long wheelbase. But the big difference is that the crankset (where you pedal) is located ahead of the steering fork, above the front wheel.Advantages: It's more aerodynamic than other models -- read, faster. Because it's shorter, it's easier to transport by car. It's good on hills because "the configuration lends itself to low-speed stability," Steele says. "You can drop below 5 miles per hour and still keep the bike upright."Disadvantages: Doesn't benefit from the use of a fairing, a fiberglass cover that blocks the wind. Because the seat is higher, short-legged riders need to make sure their feet can be planted on the pavement, for safety reasons.High-wheel racersThis is a short-wheelbase bike that improves on speed by elevating the crankset still higher and moving the seat back to a 25-degree angle. "This is good for high-end road cyclists used to conventional performance bikes," Steele says.Advantages: "The small aerodynamic profile leads to better performance," Steele says.Disadvantages: The often-extreme reclined seating bothers some riders.Long wheelbaseThe frame averages 89 inches. The crankset is behind the steering fork.Advantages: The longer frame gives a smoother ride. The frame can accommodate riders whose height ranges from 5 feet to 6 feet 8 inches. Easier on the knees for riders with range-of-motion issues.Disadvantages: The laid-back seating takes some getting used to. But most bikes have various recline settings. The long frame takes up more space on the road and is slightly more cumbersome on turns.Trikes (three-wheeled bikes)Tadpole: This design has two wheels in front, one in back. Good for stability and pushing into a corner turn.Delta: This design has one wheel in front, two in back. Great balance. The rider can sit down on the bike and start riding without worrying about falling off.SteeringUnder-seat: Steering handles are located parallel to the rider's hips.Advantages: A more comfortable position for the arms, especially useful on long rides.Disadvantages: It takes more training to learn how to steer. This style no longer is produced by U.S. manufacturers. "They are still available from Europe," Steele says.Above-seat: Steering is similar to that of a conventional bike, shoulder-level.Advantages: People are more familiar with steering.Disadvantages: People tend to pull on the steering, as with a conventional bike, thinking it will help their speed, which is not the case.PriceAt most retail dealers, low-end recumbents (both short- and long-wheelbase) run from $900 to $1,350. High-end bikes, often featuring titanium or carbon-fiber frames, run from $3,500 to $5,000. Tandem recumbents run from $7,000 to $10,000. On the Internet, low-end recumbents are selling for as little as $500.Recumbent Q&AQ: Are they difficult to ride?A: There are variations in handling just as there are in uprights -- some are fast, twitchy racing models and others are smooth, stable touring models. You use other muscles, mostly the quadriceps.Q: Do they "do" hills?A: Some think that because you cannot stand on pedals that you can't ride up hills. They are slower on hills, but as long as you keep pedaling, the bike keeps moving.Q: Are they faster than upright bikes?A: Most of the human-powered land-speed records are held by recumbent or semi-recumbent designs. Since the biggest factor limiting speed is aerodynamic drag, for maximum speed, use a fairing or a full-body (shell).Q: Are they safe?A: You sit lower than on an upright bike, so some recumbent riders add a flag on an extended rod or even a reflective hazard sign when traveling on heavily-used roads.Source: International Human Powered Vehicle AssociationOn the WebRecumbent & Tandem Rider Magazine: www.rtrmag.com(Contact Sam McManis at smcmanis(at)sacbee.com.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
What to look for in a recumbent
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