I'm 59 and have been riding DF bikes for about 6 years. I've been laid up from riding from a pinched nerve in the neck, persistent neck and shoulder pain (no medical suggestions, please, unless you slept at the Holiday Inn Express last night).

So I've sat on my butt and accumulated 10 pounds.

I told my family and a few friends I was considering a 'bent. I caught more than the usual flak from almost everyone about it for all the usual reasons. If you have not caught the usual flak for the usual reasons, consider yourself blessed and leave it at that.

On the spur of the moment I dropped by about the only LBS that carries recumbents and tried this one on for size:


I spent the first 5 minutes Fred Flinstoning it around and then reminded myself of all the principles of cycling, such as relax, let the bike do the work, etc etc. Soon I was riding around the very large parking lot.

To be succinct, I thought it was great.

My teenage daughter, who was with me, assured me that it was stupid looking and why would I want something that ugly to ride?

If the weather holds, I'm going to go back and see about longer test rides. I must say I'm intrigued.

But I need the encouragement of you brave 'bent riders to talk me through it.