Recumbent bicycles also known as Trikes, are born out of the marriage between a bicycle & a deckchair. Recumbent bicycles have a long, low design and a full-size seat with a backrest which offer a laid back reclined and very comfortable riding position. The rider’s back & buttocks are well supported. You can sit upright if you ride a recumbent bicycle. This can help riders with back, neck, or hand problems.
The wind resistance is less in recumbent bicycles due to smaller frontal profile. Most recumbent bicycles offer an aerodynamic advantage over conventional bicycle types.
Recumbent bicycles are available in a wide range of configurations. They are available in two-wheel and three-wheel designs. They may have long to short wheelbase, with mixed sized wheels. They can be rear wheel or front wheels drive which may offer different steering methods– over seat, under seat or no-hands.
Many recumbent riders feel that they are the most comfortable option available for bicycling. However, they are more difficult to pedal up hills due to rider’s sitting position. If the rider would like to carry a recumbent bicycle in a car it’s a challenge.
- May help those who have back, neck, or hand problems.
- Fast downhill and on flat surfaces.
- Recumbents are harder to make sharp turns, swerves less quickly than traditional bicycles.
- They are difficult to climb hills.
- Difficult to transport on cars.