The Recumbent - A Human Powered Vehicle
May 08 '01
The Bottom Line Good choice for extended touring or just having weekend fun.
Also a good solution for cyclists with back problems.
The word recumbent refers to the reclined seating position of this HPV (human powered vehicle). Enthusiasts often refer to these bicycles as 'bents'.
Brief History
Recumbents have been around since about the 1850ies. In 1933 Charles Mochet built a recumbent named the "Velocar" which was used by pro racer Francois Faure between the years of 1933 and 1938. Faure set several speed records for both the mile and kilometer.
In Paris on July 7, 1933, Francis Faure broke the previous hour record of 44.247 km. by going 45.055 km. However, the the U.C.I. (Union Cycliste Internationale) decided against Faure's record and banned "aerodynamic devices" from racing. For this reason recumbents have not gained popularity in professional racing.
Styles
Recumbents are either 'above seat steering' (A.S.S.), or 'under seat steering' (U.S.S.). The above seat steering units have handlebars which are located at about shoulder height giving them the "chopper" look. On the under seat steering bikes bars are located just beneath the seat. Above seat steering is favored by beginners; but USS bents are not any more difficult to control.
Further, there are long wheel base (L.W.B.), short wheel base (S.W.B.), and compact long wheel base bikes (C.L.B.B.).
A long wheelbase bike (L.W.B.) like the Tour Easy is 65" - 71". The ride is smooth and stable but due to their length. However, low speed maneuverability can be difficult on city streets or on narrow paths.
A short wheelbase bike (S.W.B.) is 33" - 45". The front wheel of these units is located underneath or a little ahead of the riders knees, with the crankset mounted on a boom. They have quick handling, are easy to maneuver, and they are more compact, making it easier to transport and stow than a lwb. The Haluzak Horizon is a good example of a short wheelbase bike (see my review).
Compact long wheelbase bike (C.L.W.B.), such as the Bike-E are 46" - 64". These bikes are the easiest bikes to learn on. They are responsive, very stable, and with a higher seat- they are more visible, making great commuters.
Pros and Cons
Recumbents are comfortable. Their seats are larger and you actually sit in the seat. The handlebars are either above the seat at shoulder level, or below the seat at a position where your arms hang down naturally. This combination creates a more comfortable ride making riding and touring relatively free from saddle sores and wrist pain.
It will take time to get used to the feel and handling of a recumbent. There are variations in handling just as there are in regular cycles. Recumbents require the use different muscle groups. Thus, even if you are a very fit upright rider, you will experience difficulty climbing hills until you train your body. Expect soreness for a number of weeks.
What are you looking for in a bike?
A recumbent is not for everybody. They are more difficult to transport, require more room for storage and don't fit well into a standard bicycle workstands - making it difficult to work on derailleurs and cassettes. They are also more expensive and flats are more difficult to fix on the road.
In preparation for any trip on a recumbent be sure to purchase an air pump, tools and at least two tubes for each wheel (the wheels are often different sizes). You do not want to be stranded on one!
However, recumbents tend to be well built and are ideal for self-supported touring. They are fun to ride and if you love attention you are sure to get it on one of these. If you live in an area with hills it is essential to have the proper gearing, since climbing is not as easy as on a standard bicycle. I recommend Shimona XT cassette, derailleur and 42/32/22 crankset for these HPVs.
Finally, the recumbent should be a consideration if comfort is essential and you like to be different.
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akshobhyavajra
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Location: Boca Raton, FL
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~Carpe diem - vita brevis~
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