Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
The single most significant difference between recumbents and diamond frame (conventional) bikes.
A DF bike makes it possible to stand on the pedals for a quick spurt of acceleration. You can't do that on a recumbent. If you don't stand on the pedals quite a bit, you'll probably find yourself riding about the same speed on either a DF bike or a recumbent - and that includes uphills.
True indeed!
For any kind of acceleration bursts I just plant my hips deep back into the seat and push hard and fast. Certainly not as "Jack Rabbit" quick as an upright bike, but effective enough for my needs.