Framebuilders - what's the story with "pedal forward" designs?

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elarrecostao
03-21-09, 11:03 PM
where do they come from? are they influenced by recumbent bike designs? how comfortable are they and why?

unterhausen
03-22-09, 11:37 AM
It seems to me that you are putting yourself in the traditional "drops" position without the aero benefits and without the neck strain. I don't see anything wrong with it for low intensity rides.
jhota
03-22-09, 02:05 PM
if you're referring to bikes like the Electra Townie, etc.: it lets you have complete leg extension (better pedaling efficiency), but place your feet down flat footed without standing at stops (more comfort).

NoReg
03-22-09, 09:23 PM
It seems to play on the idea that lying down is more comfortable than being upright. Leg extension without one's weight over the pedals makes it difficult to develop power or deal with bumps. The neck position can be just as uncomfortable in reverse as cranking the head up off drops is. It can be hard to do a shoulder check. Like anything else it is a mater of trying it out, if your LBS has something for you to try, and seeing how you like it.
AllenG
03-23-09, 10:46 AM
Where I live by the coast all the day rental beach cruisers are foot forward.
It is all about riders being able to put both feet flat on the ground while still in the saddle.

It's amazing how many riders (mostly new) cannot start a bike moving forward without being in the saddle.