handlebars

[alphamale]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'm new so, what are the pros and cons of high vs. low handlebars on recumbents?

[Recumbent_Guy]

Do you mean Under Seat Steering(USS) or Above Seat Steering(ASS)?

I am fairly sure that USS steering will not be affected by 'tiller'. This as best I can see only happens on ASS models. Hence, USS is more direct. However, it depends a bit on the steering linkage itself.

If youre talking about about the praying hamster positions or the superman position? Im not sure, ive only briefly ridden a superman style setup and found it to be comfortable, but my worrysome in that my legs could knock the bars when pedalling..:{

[tchazzard]

The used Vision R40 (Short Wheel Base) I bought came with USS. It was tough to get used to given I had never ridden a bent before. But once I got used to it, it was very comfortable and I really enjoyed the unobstructed view of the road. Despite this, I found it difficult to start in city traffic. I picked up Vision's OSS and now 500 miles later, will never got back to USS. It is far easier to manuveur in the city, at least for me, with OSS.

[alphamale]

what is "tiller"?

[Recumbent_Guy]

Basically, to move the steering wheel left or right, you have to swing the handlebars side to side. The further away the steering arm is from the actual steering pivot the more pronounced the tiller effect will be. Its simply because what you are turning the wheel with(handlebars) are not directly at the same point as the steering pivot point. Its easier to describe with pictures :)