Thorco

Just curious as to why some prefer above or below steering.
thanks,
Thor

jeff-o

below seat steering is a more natural position for your arms, so they don' get as tired. Also, it's more aerodynamic.

Thorco

Is it harder to climb hills with a below steering set up? Also, is there any big advantage to having below steering "under the bar" other than being able to adjust the bars to the "joystick" position?
Thanks,
Thor

bentrox!

Actually, it's slightly less aerodynamic according to racing folks. Arms-at-the-sides presents a larger drag profile. That's one reason all lowracers have either "praying hamster" or "superman" arms-in-front positions. That said, below seat steering is more comfortable, especially over long distances. That's why many touring setups are below seat.

GeezerGeek

I prefer USS for comfort and yes they are less efficient at high speeds.

jeff-o

Wow, so USS isn't as aerodynamic after all. So does that make the Windcheetah's between-the-legs steering arm more aerodynamic than a "regular" joystick setup on a trike?

gwd

Before purchasing my first recumbent I tried several and liked under seat steering. Above seat steering seems to interfere with the esthetics of these bikes. The hands and handlebar seem to block my view and raise the center of gravity. My preference is all mental. I worry that if I crash the handlebar junk is an extra source of pain. After riding with underseat for a few years the above seat steered recumbents look awkward and uncomfortable. How do they dismount? Don't their arms get tired on a long ride?

I don't recall wishing for the extra weight of above seat steering while hill climbing with full panniers. Relaxing the upper body and breathing seems to help on the very steep hills. For me the mental aspects seem to dominate whatever physics is involved. But, I grew up in flat Florida so hills seem like a personal insult no matter what bike I ride.

erik forsgren

If you want a racer with the best aerodynamic features, I would say that a lowracer with above seat steering is the best option. But in terms of manoevrebility I would certainly choose an underseat steering. Therefore the USS is mostly found on touring recumbents like Streetmachine Azub 4 Challenge Twister and so forth.