What is the reason that makes you prefer recumbents?

[erik forsgren]

I have met some people that use a recumbent for medical reasons, but I must admit they are quite few. Most of the people I know who ride a recumbent are just passionate bike riders in general who chose a recumbent after having tried other types of bicycles. So I don't understand where this myth about disabled or handicapped people using a recumbent for medical reasons comes from. In my country we have 160 users and more and not any of them are old disabled or handicapped.
The reason why I use a recumbent is simply because it is better: more comfortable, faster, more interesting and more beautiful.

[andrewh]

I have met some people that use a recumbent for medical reasons, but I must admit they are quite few. Most of the people I know who ride a recumbent are just passionate bike riders in general who chose a recumbent after having tried other types of bicycles. So I don't understand where this myth about disabled or handicapped people using a recumbent for medical reasons comes from. In my country we have 160 users and more and not any of them are old disabled or handicapped.
The reason why I use a recumbent is simply because it is better: more comfortable, faster, more interesting and more beautiful.

Comfort, fun and not wanting to be the same as everyone else pretty well sums up our reasons.
Regards
Andrew & Joanne
http://www.where2pedalto.gr8m8s.net

[bkaapcke]

At 57 years old, I had several problems with DF bikes. Low back pain, neck pain wrist pain and prostate aggravation. An easy sport limited ended all of these problems. After one ride, I realized that for over 50's, DF bikes are the wrong concept. In a word, it's; comfort. BECAUSE IT'S COMFORTABLE, i RIDE A LOT MORE. BK

[Gary Mc]

I bought a recumbent for comfort. I ride it more than I ever rode an upright. I do have carpal tunnel nerve problems, so the reason could be stated as medical but what keeps me on the trike is enjoyment.

Regards,

Gary

[aikigreg]

It's MUCH more fun. Instead of looking down at the road, I have the entire horizon in my sights. It's MUCH more comfortable on long distance rides. And there's the cool factor.

I don't have overwhelming medical issues. I have and ride my road bike and race in triathalons. But given the choice I choose the recumbent every time.

[johntolhurst]

When you look at a DF you can really appreciate the frame design and the details, how it all fits together so perfectly and efficiently. Then you ride and wow its fantastic.

And after you have ridden 10 minutes you realise, hey, this is actually all wrong. Its just plain dumb to sit this way and contort your body like this. Not only is it dumb, its unnecessary.

When I jump back on a DF aside from the ergonomic stupidity of the thing I feel quite unnerved by the twitchy handling and by being stuck up so far in the air.

Nope, I'm never going back.

As far as the wheelchair response goes, that happens because people assume that a standard seating position with wheels must be a device for the handicapped. They have simply never had the chance to open their minds I guess.

John

[steveknight]

Comfort, fun and not wanting to be the same as everyone else pretty well sums up our reasons.
me too plus it is different. everyone and thier dog rides a df.
I have never ehard anyone yell cool bike to me or anyone on a df. but I sure hear it (G)

[sbhikes]

I like recumbents because they are fun and different. They make people smile. I also ride a regular bike, but I only seem to be invisible when riding that. Or else I arrouse generalized driver anger toward cyclists. Drivers seem to prefer recumbents!

[bentcruiser]

Hi Erik,

My reasons are simple: comfort.

Comfort was the seed. Now it has blossomed me from a once fair-weather rider to a year long rider.

[ChiliDog]

Fun, comfort, variety, the people, the "being different"...I really like ending a ride with a feeling of being refreshed, not "beat up". There are so many different types of bents and trikes too and it's just different and interesting. But bent riders are the just the nicest group of cyclists...I feel like I'm part of a "family" and that we share a big ol' secret.."bents are a blast!".

[bnet1]

Comfort, fun, oh yeah, did I mention comfort? The geek factor (yeah , I'm an engineer). And it got me "back on the road again". Even the local constabulary waves as I go by.

[JenM]

Because my dad bought it for me.

[Big Bad John]

For me the initial attraction was the radically different approach to moving people on two (or three) wheels. I've always marched to the beat of a different drummer. Like 'bent Brian, I'm an engineer and when I really looked at the design concepts of the different recumbent styles, they just made more ergonomic and aerodynamic sense than the DF 'safety' bicycle.

After I got the new 'bent home, I rode 11 miles the first time out and returned tired and with 'rubbery' legs, but no pains or discomfort. The comfort factor set the hook since I could now ride further and longer than before.

After 3 or 4 rides on the bike, the friendly comments, the 'cool' factor, and the fun of the ride sealed the deal for me. I ride with some other folks who prefer DF bikes...and that's OK. As long as they're out there being healthy and enjoying the ride who cares what SOMEONE ELSE rides. Just don't rag on me for liking and riding my recumbent.

I can't see myself returning to DF bikes in the future when I'm having this much fun riding and enjoying my recumbent. Plus...it's DIFFERENT. Did I mention that? Different is a very good thing. Keep pedaling and DON'T wipe that big, stupid grin offa yer face! BBJ

[erik forsgren]

For me the initial attraction was the radically different approach to moving people on two (or three) wheels. I've always marched to the beat of a different drummer. Like 'bent Brian, I'm an engineer and when I really looked at the design concepts of the different recumbent styles, they just made more ergonomic and aerodynamic sense than the DF 'safety' bicycle.

After I got the new 'bent home, I rode 11 miles the first time out and returned tired and with 'rubbery' legs, but no pains or discomfort. The comfort factor set the hook since I could now ride further and longer than before.

After 3 or 4 rides on the bike, the friendly comments, the 'cool' factor, and the fun of the ride sealed the deal for me. I ride with some other folks who prefer DF bikes...and that's OK. As long as they're out there being healthy and enjoying the ride who cares what SOMEONE ELSE rides. Just don't rag on me for liking and riding my recumbent.

I can't see myself returning to DF bikes in the future when I'm having this much fun riding and enjoying my recumbent. Plus...it's DIFFERENT. Did I mention that? Different is a very good thing. Keep pedaling and DON'T wipe that big, stupid grin offa yer face! BBJI agree very much to everything you have said. I'm also very pleased to see someone on a bike irrespective of type. Ride on your bike and leave your car in the garage is my device.

[michiganj.frog]

I ride an upright bike, but I definitely don't dig on the people riding 'bents. I think they are pretty cool. Plus, as long as whatever you're riding puts a smile on your face, who cares what it is. The question that I have is, are 'bents faster than uprights?

[aikigreg]

The answer to that is, as usual, it depends. Mostly on the rider, but sometimes on the terrain, TYPE of bent ridden, etc. I am amazingly faster on my 25# bent than I am on my 17# racing road bike. And of course the landspeed record is held by a bent. On the TdF, I'd say an upright has the edge, but who knows? Definitavely, I sure don't.

[cjs1948]

I ride an upright bike, but I definitely don't dig on the people riding 'bents. I think they are pretty cool. Plus, as long as whatever you're riding puts a smile on your face, who cares what it is. The question that I have is, are 'bents faster than uprights?
And, outside of a sanctioned event, we would care because...? I outrun who I can, when I can. The trick is trying to look so casual about it that they don't notice. Because, if they think it's a race and start trying hard, I would likely be toast no matter what they ride!

Chip

[5port]

"What is the reason that makes you prefer recumbents?"

They are prostate friendly :)

[ChiliDog]

If you think riding a bent makes you a "geek" in the eyes of some DF riders, then go ride a trike...then you're seen as a "super geek"! Ah, the pain of "Geekdom"!

"Trike Grin" is bigger than "Recumbent Grin" (never thought I'd say that!). :D

[lowracer1]

I ride an upright bike, but I definitely don't dig on the people riding 'bents. I think they are pretty cool. Plus, as long as whatever you're riding puts a smile on your face, who cares what it is. The question that I have is, are 'bents faster than uprights?

certain bents are faster than uprights. lowacers tend to be faster. I can solo at the speed of "A" group pacelines

[mominboots]

"Trike Grin" is bigger than "Recumbent Grin" (never thought I'd say that!). :D


Chili - I've been wondering about that. Dang. I want one but I don't want to have to give up the bent. Guess I'll have to give it to myself as an AF retirement present. 1 year 7 mos and 25 days to go.....



I seem to get along on the varied terrain here and don't seem to slow the rest of the DF riding family. They may pass me going up some of the steep hills but I will fly right back by them on the way down. Most of the time I am the one at the front of our line.

My reason for preferring my recumbent is comfort, stability and view. I have Carpal Tunnel and issues with my shoulder that made riding my DF very painful. Add to that, I felt that my Allez was very twitchy and didn't offer me the clear comfortable view of what was in front or around me. My bent is solid and provides me the position that I need to see what's going on around me. I do have to admit to tipping over when I couldn't unclip fast enough to stop and point out a bald eagle that had landed in a little field next to the road we were on ~ I don't think I would have ever seen it on the DF.

[megaman]

Rail/trails are my cup of tea. Not just bike paths. My bent handles the different surfaces well, unless torn up by ATVs. Since my hands don't go numb and my rump doesn't bother me after a long ride-there ya go.

[Magilla Gorilla]

certain bents are faster than uprights. lowacers tend to be faster. I can solo at the speed of "A" group pacelines

You forgot to mention Bacchetta bicycles in your assesment of fast recumbent bikes. Yes they build "highracers" as you term them but I prefer the concept of speed bike.
I have seen no evidance out on the road that stock lowracers such as the Baron or Jester are any faster than a Bacchetta Aero. Matter of fact I strongly believe that they are slower especially on a hilly course.
I can't solo on the "A" paceline where I live since that is at over 27mph with trek sponsored pro's at our little training rides. But with guy's my age and ability I am faster on my Aero than my DF bike no matter the course.
Hey ride whatever bike turns your crank but this forum seems biased towards lowracers and I just want to point out to anyone looking at purchasing a 'bent that there are other options out there.
Another option is an Easyracers Goldrush with body sock and front fairing. Just as fast as most any lowracer or dual 26 high wheeler. And it's old school but it still works for a lot of folks.
And of course I have to point out that a modern DF speed machine with a well positioned rider fit to a tee on an Aero bar can have drag coeffecients as low as a lowracer with the added benifits of an extra two power transfer points with the elbows on the DF handlebars. Sorry to spoil your lowracer parade with some facts. Lance equals 34 plus on a TT on a TT bike by Trek.

Magilla

[lowracer1]

You forgot to mention Bacchetta bicycles in your assesment of fast recumbent bikes. Yes they build "highracers" as you term them but I prefer the concept of speed bike.
I have seen no evidance out on the road that stock lowracers such as the Baron or Jester are any faster than a Bacchetta Aero. Matter of fact I strongly believe that they are slower especially on a hilly course.
I can't solo on the "A" paceline where I live since that is at over 27mph with trek sponsored pro's at our little training rides. But with guy's my age and ability I am faster on my Aero than my DF bike no matter the course.
Hey ride whatever bike turns your crank but this forum seems biased towards lowracers and I just want to point out to anyone looking at purchasing a 'bent that there are other options out there.
Another option is an Easyracers Goldrush with body sock and front fairing. Just as fast as most any lowracer or dual 26 high wheeler. And it's old school but it still works for a lot of folks.
And of course I have to point out that a modern DF speed machine with a well positioned rider fit to a tee on an Aero bar can have drag coeffecients as low as a lowracer with the added benifits of an extra two power transfer points with the elbows on the DF handlebars. Sorry to spoil your lowracer parade with some facts. Lance equals 34 plus on a TT on a TT bike by Trek.

Magilla


Yeah and Lance puts out more wattage than both you and I put together to do that speed.
If you want to see if your high racer can beat a lowracer on a hilly course, come on out to the hilly hundred in Indiana this fall and have a go at it.

[jeff-o]

And considering that Lance's heart is 1/3 larger than average, and his lungs are somehow twice as efficient, I don't feel so bad about him being able to trounce anything else on the road. I'd like to see how he performs on a recumbent, though up until now all his muscles are tuned for a DF.

[hiracer]

Bents are so fast that they've been illegal for racing for over 70 years. How to not like that?

[pauncho]

It does seem to me that people who ask why others would choose a recumbent are asking a rhetorical question. One kind of bicycle is less expensive, easier to get around on a car, and has a cool reputation. It's use involves stradling something the size and texture of a brick. The other kind of bicycle is more expensive, too big to get around on a car easily, and has a nerdy reputation. It's use involves sitting on something very like a padded lawn chair. Golly, I wonder what would motivate the users of bicycle type 'B'?

[OldShacker]

I commute to work about 12-ish miles one way and had my Sun EZ Sport CX for about 13 days now with almost 250 miles on it and I feel great going and coming from work. The wind is bad at times so I now have an Edge wind shield. (great for keeping the bugs out of my face) I find myself going a tad faster than my cross bike because I enjoy pedaling almost the full commute. My take offs need work but I make up for it. Where I park my bike at work it gets a lot of attention. One of the garage attendants said that a lot of people wonder how my feet stay on the SPD pedals.
I like the bike and wished I got one long ago.
Now the bike I have is like a long tank but I like it and keep recommending it to all that ask or talk about it to. The funny thing is that most of the guys on my commute path who have a bent feel the same and we all have various comfort speeds my is about 14-18 mph on bike paths. I do find that I been set at 21 mph with a tad of effort. One hill I have I got it to go 37 mph down it without pedaling off my seat. I like it at 30-ish going down that hill. Going up hill I go only about 7 to 9-ish but I am not killing myself. I feel I can have a sip of tea on the way up. And did I say turns are fun? I have a few S turns that make my commute fun.
I really like the bike and will keep recommending it.

[PALux]

No more hand pain or cramping…. Even on my 5.2 mile commute my hands were becoming numb. Secondary is less butt pain and numbness. I just completed a 450 mile solo tour that was originally planed on a df touring bike. Starting each morning after the first day was so different. No butt pain to overcome and legs were not sore at all.

Up hills is still my downfall but the down run is exhilarating. I am finding that completing century and metric century rides seem to be faster than in past years on a df. With only 1,500 miles on the bent since May I seem to be getting better each ride. Am looking forward to next year for a full year comparison. On scheduled rides I am still passed by what seems to be everyone but I finish and find many are still out on the road.

Phil

[erik forsgren]

It does seem to me that people who ask why others would choose a recumbent are asking a rhetorical question. One kind of bicycle is less expensive, easier to get around on a car, and has a cool reputation. It's use involves stradling something the size and texture of a brick. The other kind of bicycle is more expensive, too big to get around on a car easily, and has a nerdy reputation. It's use involves sitting on something very like a padded lawn chair. Golly, I wonder what would motivate the users of bicycle type 'B'?I think you get a very quick answer to that question if you try a recumbent and learn how to ride it.

[madbadger4]

Rail/trails are my cup of tea. Not just bike paths. My bent handles the different surfaces well, unless torn up by ATVs. Since my hands don't go numb and my rump doesn't bother me after a long ride-there ya go.

Megaman,

DITTO (as to why I ride a 'bent) !

What 'bent are you riding (for trails) ?

I'm riding a Rans Stratus for city, light touring and trails; would be interested in any "trail tips" (set-up, etc).

My personal goal is to ride all of Wisconsin's rail trails and Rustic Roads on my 'bent, one at a time !

msm

[Magilla Gorilla]

Yeah and Lance puts out more wattage than both you and I put together to do that speed.
If you want to see if your high racer can beat a lowracer on a hilly course, come on out to the hilly hundred in Indiana this fall and have a go at it.

Listen dude,

I am not driving anywhere to prove anything to a knucklehead like you. If you want some action it will be at my time and my choosing. And I just got an email from Rich Pinto that full team Bacchetta support will follow any race you want to have.
Team Bacchetta is attracting lots of young talent to ride there bikes so I would just stop and shut my mouth right now Chris. This is just a little friendly advice to you dude.
The fastest non-pro training ride happens in Dousman Wisconsin at 8:00 AM every Saturday. Trek pro's regularly show since Tom's shop is a premere dealership for Trek bikes. We have many Cat 1/2 riders at this training ride who are young and fast. 27 mph average for about 40 miles. Lots of older top Cat riders also call this event home. So bring that lowracer. And BTW you better be faster than hall of famer 'bent rider AA on a lowracer cause he could not do anything with these folks.
The focking real honest to god facts man....

Magilla

[Magilla Gorilla]

Listen dude,

I am not driving anywhere to prove anything to a knucklehead like you. If you want some action it will be at my time and my choosing. And I just got an email from Rich Pinto that full team Bacchetta support will follow any race you want to have.
Team Bacchetta is attracting lots of young talent to ride there bikes so I would just stop and shut my mouth right now Chris. This is just a little friendly advice to you dude.
The fastest non-pro training ride happens in Dousman Wisconsin at 8:00 AM every Saturday. Trek pro's regularly show since Tom's shop is a premere dealership for Trek bikes. We have many Cat 1/2 riders at this training ride who are young and fast. 27 mph average for about 40 miles. Lots of older top Cat riders also call this event home. So bring that lowracer. And BTW you better be faster than hall of famer 'bent rider AA on a lowracer cause he could not do anything with these folks.
The focking real honest to god facts man....

Magilla


One more thing,

Tom, the owner of the shop who is 53 years old hangs with this group and drops them on the flats and keeps up with them on the hills with his Bacchetta Aero.
You will absolutely have your ass handed to you by a group of real road racers.
Its all about respect man and The Bacchetta Aero deserves that respect which you refuse to give.
Its your choice. Put up or shut up! But its on my terms and at my time. Drive to Wisconsin. Shut me up. put me down if you can. I have quite a few DF friends that will humble you and shut you up in a big time way.
I will tell them your comming....

Magilla

[Bianchiriderlon]

Hey, what means "DF?" Diamond Frame? I'm new to the term.

Thx

[bikerski]

my advice is always if you are comfortable on a DF, and many people are, ride a DF because you can get more bike for your dollar, they are faster overal if any hills are in your path. If you aren't comfortable, a recumbent is great. Or do like me, ride DFwith DF friends and recumbents with recumbent friends. Take the DF out and hammer the hills. Take the recumbent on rolling training rides and long tours. Get the best of both. DF also gives you a more full body work out. Abbs and glutes get more fully toned on a DF.

[BentBob]

I chose a bent because it gets me out of my shop and reminds of whats really important in my life - to enjoy it! I find the seat position is very comfortable, allows me to take in the scenery and when I want too - to enjoy pushing my limits. It also helps me to take in what I'm feeling. Each breathe and every pedal seems to resolve some of those agitated feelings that makes living on earth a real pain in the ass.
Enjoy your ride!
Bob

[Magilla Gorilla]

my advice is always if you are comfortable on a DF, and many people are, ride a DF because you can get more bike for your dollar, they are faster overal if any hills are in your path. If you aren't comfortable, a recumbent is great. Or do like me, ride DFwith DF friends and recumbents with recumbent friends. Take the DF out and hammer the hills. Take the recumbent on rolling training rides and long tours. Get the best of both. DF also gives you a more full body work out. Abbs and glutes get more fully toned on a DF.

I agree and disagree with your post here. I just did a 5 hour plus ride on my DF bike with the go fast guys in a really hilly part of Wisconsin. This was not a race but there was some friendly competition up the long climbs. The truth is that on the Aero on the same course I am faster on the Aero than the DF bike. But mixing with the DF'ers on a hilly course is easier on the same platform.
I was totaly comfortable on the DF machine. I know how to train and ride either a 'bent or an upwrong bike....

Magilla