Recumbent vs "normal" bicycles.

I've been thinking about buying a recumbent bicycle for quite some time.

Anyone ever ride one? Pros/cons?

Only Con I can think of is the price.

 

You're apparently confusing "recumbent" with "stationary".

Recumbents, other than price, are good if your, ahem, "profile" is not exactly a wind-cutter. Depends on where you ride them, too-- vehicular traffic that isn't watching out for you is a bit harder to get out of the way of in a dicey situation.

 

Agreed. Which is another way of saying they're not as maneuverable as a traditional bike. Would probably be fun on a protected paved bike trail, but in traffic, I want something that can twitch and dodge the cars whose drivers are on autopilot. And I wouldn't want to try one on gravel or other dicey soft surfaces. There's good reason why the recumbent bikes remain just a novelty.

Although, if you're looking for novelty, go for it.

 

I have an old Trek 830, that I still own for about 13+ years or so. Just looking into a possible upgrade. I know that some larger recumbents are a pain for getting out of tight spaces. The smaller ones are better.

Just wanted some thoughts. Probably won't be until next year before I buy one.

 

The top of the levee on the east bank of the MS river here is asphalt-paved for over 20 miles, terminating at Audubon Zoo. It's a great ride, no matter what kind of bike.

 

That would be a recumbent exercise bike.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recumbent_bicycle

 

A recumbent bike would be a lot easier on the bike and stomach muscles if you have any of those kind of issues.

Here's some other stuff too

http://www.hpv.on.ca/recumb.htm

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/biking/expert/recumbent.htm

 

Au contraire...with a recumbent you cannot "cheat" and put your weight behind the pedal to push harder. You literally have to pedal it with your muscle strength, making it a far cry from the lazy option.

 

Recumbents, especially long wheel base bikes, are way safer in a crash than a normal bike.

I've been looking at buying one for a while now and have a lot of friends that use nothing but bent bikes.

 

so then you dont have stomach and muscle issue (maybe your not that old already)

infoseeker

 

Bent bikes are easier on your shoulders and arms.

 

When I see people riding them I always think they look like smartass's,like a regular bike isnt good enough "ooo my bike recumbent and causes less wind drag,look at you stupid people riding upright bikes"

Saying that I wouldnt mind a go on one

 

Since now I live in a small city, I figure that I could use one. A lot more pavement, then the backroads of my old home.

I'm just trying to figure out between having the steering mechanism as a normal bike, or near the seat.

 

You should check out www.organicengines.com Pretty neat stuff