Recumbent - First 30 miler on my new bent...

I've been doing some short rides and quite frankly was disappointed. I just didn't like my new bent. It was to twitchy, uncomfortable and awkward.

But! I did seem to get a bit steadier each ride, with my longest being a whole 5 miles. I've been doing some decent miles on my uprights but just didn't feel comfortable on my bent. Today started out about the same.... then I stopped and re-adjusted my seat. It was immediately better. I rode a few more miles and stopped and moved my seat again, better yet. A third adjustment with similar results.... the last 10 miles was a blast.

I can honestly say this was the first ride I throughly enjoyed on the bent. I'm still not certain if I have the seat just right, but I'm definitely closer. Every adjustment was to tilt the seat back lower, to try and relieve pressure off my tail bone. I've got it almost as low as it will go.

Does this sound right? (normal?)

It doesn't sound normal to me, but whatever works...

In the bent world, tensing up makes the bike feel twitchy. Most beginners balance easiest and have the least problems with tensing if their seats are adjusted as upright as possible. If you've found a position that works for you, don't sweat it that you don't fit the norm. Just ride that way until it becomes second nature.

... I'm still not certain if I have the seat just right... I've got it almost as low as it will go. Does this sound right? (normal?)

Yes. A lower recline will distribute body weight more evenly over the back instead concentrating it on your butt and tailbone. Recumbent is reclining more than sitting. There is also the benefit of an improved aero position. Go as low as you feel is right.

There's lots of ways to adjust your bike, and it does take some tweaking to get it dialed in for you.

To get mine set up, I ride with a mini tool in my jersey pocket, and ride some, adjust some, ride some more, adjust some more, knees hurt, move the seat, etc...

I feel most comfortable on the long rides on my lowracer with or w/o a headrest; a lowracer allows you to recline to angles approaching 20 degrees. As long as I can see over the handlebars I'm happy.