Recumbent - Sizing

How do you tune a recumbent to fit your height?
What size options are generally available?

I am 6' 4" with a 36" inseam
Would I have to go custom to get something to fit me?

32 views and not one reply?

Am I asking dumb questions?

None of the bikes on the Optima or Challenge websites have sizes listed.

The crank is on a boom, and it extends by means of loosening the sleeve, so in essence it is one size fits all. There are issues, relative to positioning you relative to the wheels stearing and so forth, but there is far more adjustment in a given recumbent bike than on the frame of a standard bike.

Why not email the manufacturers or asking dealers of the bikes you're interested in?

Optima and Challenge are both made in the Netherlands, and it's sometimes been opined that you have to be 2M tall in order for their bikes to properly fit you. Some recumbent mfgs, like Easy Racers, have frames in several sizes. Without a specific brand to talk about, it's hard to answer your question accurately.

How do you tune a recumbent to fit your height?
What size options are generally available? I am 6' 4" with a 36" inseam
Would I have to go custom to get something to fit me?

Two bikes I know fit the bill, depending on what you're looking for:

- BikeE with XL frame, for riders up to 6' 9". It's a CLWB format with over the seat steering, the seat simply slides forward or backward without affecting the chainline or the cable routing. You can even lend it to a child, then readjust it for you.

- Optima Condor: unlike what Optima claims, 6' is a bare minimum to ride this bike in my opinion. The taller you are, the better. It's a 26/26 in SWB format, USS or OSS as a special order. Very strong if you're also heavy, with great off-road abilities thanks to the full suspension, but presents a bit of a learning curve (count on riding at least 500km to master the thing completely). Caveat: if you choose USS and have a wide rear-end, or want to keep the ability to ride with your pockets full of stuff, plan on making a custom wider handlebar, or having one made. The stock bar is just too narrow.

I'm sure there are other nice bents for you. These two are just the ones I know well.

How do you tune a recumbent to fit your height?
What size options are generally available?

I am 6' 4" with a 36" inseam
Would I have to go custom to get something to fit me?Most recumbents have seats of different sizes like Small Medium and Large. As for the boom it is normally adjustable owing to a telescopic construction of the thing. When it comes to the seat it is adjustable in various degrees according to the mark. Azub is certainly one of the most adjustable recumbents on the market. Look for azub on bentrideronline!

Yo, Stoner. It may have taken a while before your original question got a response, but I appreciate finding your questions, as several of my own were answered.

You need to know your x-seam for sizing a recumbent. Sit with your back against the wall, and measure out to the soles of your feet, legs flat on the floor, with your shoes off. Then look online at the manufacturers websites and see if they make them in your size. A Lightning P-38 in XL frame size would accomodate someone with an X-seam up to 47.5 inches. What's your X-seam?