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Get "BENT" Recumbent Cycling... A Great Alternative to the Traditional Bicycle!
Many people do not enjoy riding a traditional bicycle because...  Recumbent bicycles allow the rider to be seated in an up-right position with a greater view of the surroundings and the road ahead. Because the rider is lower to the ground, handling the bike on corners, and stopping are easier. Saddle soreness is eliminated because the seat is like a chair. You can breath! You can see! There are no more excuses not to ride! Selecting a Recumbent There are all kinds of recumbents to choose from. Start with the type of riding that you would like to do. Are you riding for fun and recreation? Do you plan to use your bike to tour? Do you want to race? There are different recumbents for each of these uses. In addition, you can purchase a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, or a tandem recumbent. There are three general types of recumbents: "Short wheelbase" (SWB), "long wheelbase" (LWB), and "compact-long wheelbase" (CLWB). These terms refer to the position of the front wheel in relation to the cranks. Within each of these catagories, you can then purchase a "two-wheeler", "three-wheeler", "tandem recumbent, and other miscellaneous "human powered vehicle" (HPV).Long Wheelbase Recumbent (LWB) The most common type of recumbent is the chopper-like, "long wheelbase recumbents". LWB's typically have relatively low bottom brackets that are placed behind the front wheel. Because the pedals do not have to be as high to clear the front wheel, the cyclist does not have to be laid back in an extreme riding position. LWB's are great for almost any type of cycling- recreation, commuting, and touring.  Compact Long Wheelbase Recumbent (CLWB) The "Compact Long Wheelbase Recumbent" typically has a bottom bracket that is slightly higher than Long Wheelbase Recumbents because it is closer to the front wheel. This places the rider in a slightly more laid back, aerodynamic position.  Short Wheelbase (SWB) "Short Wheelbase Recumbents" have pedals positioned in front of the front wheel so the foot position is very high forcing the rider into a laid back more aerodynamic position. SWB's are more appealing to individuals that want greater performance. They are lighter and more compact. The front wheel is under, or just in front of the rider’s knees, pedals are raised up to seat height or higher resulting in better weight distribution, and handling.  Short Wheelbase (SWB) Low Racer Low racers were initially designed only for closed-course racing. They are so low that your palms can touch the ground. Your body is laid back and your feet are up high. For safety reasons, these bikes are not recommended for street riding. They are so low to the ground that it is difficult for motorists to see a low racer on the road.  Short Wheelbase (SWB) High racer High racer's have laid-back seats and high pedals putting the cyclist in an extreme riding position.  Recumbent Trikes Recumbent trikes can either have two wheels in the front (referred to as a "Tadpole"), or two wheels in the back (referred to as a "Delta")   Recumbent Tandems Recumbent tandems are recumbent bicycles built for two people to ride on one bike together.  Steering There are two types of steering on recumbents. "OSS" means over-seat steering. "USS" means under-seat steering. You should select the type of steering that is most comfortable for you when riding.Finding a Recumbent
Selecting a recumbent that is designed for the type of cycling you
want to do, and finding one that fits you well will provide you with greater comfort, more efficient riding,
and help prevent unecessary pain and injuries. One of your greatest resources for information on selecting a
recumbent will be from people who ride, and have had experience with purchasing their own recumbent. They are
also a great resource for finding local recumbent retailers, fit experts, and can answer almost any other
question you may have. Start with your local recumbent clubs or on line resources such as
Bent Rider Online. What to Wear! Helmets
Everyone Should Wear a Helmet
By law, 21 States require bicyclists
to wear helmets when cycling. Recumbent Specific Cycling Jerseys Cycling jerseys typically perform two functions: 1. They are designed to carry things you need while riding, and 2. They are made of fabrics that are designed to take sweat, wick it away from the body, so that the air can evaporate the sweat, keeping the cyclist cool and dry. Most cycling jerseys, even the one's that look and feel like cotton, are made of polyester, or a polyester blend so that they have the ability to wick moisture and breath. Although cotton breathes well, it retains moisture. Wearing any 100% cotton garment while riding will be uncomfortable compared to wearing a shirt made of a technical wicking fabric. You can wear a traditional cycling jersey when riding a recumbent, however, the pockets will be of no use, because you will be sitting on them. As such, recumbent specific jerseys have pockets located on the front breast of the jersey, or on the sides of the jersey, rather than the traditional three pockets located on the back of the jersey.
Front jersey zippers are installed to controll ventillation. Zipper lengths can vary from 5"
to "full length". The purpose of the front zipper is to allow the rider to adjust ventilation
by raising and lowering the zipper. Women can now wear a coordinating sport bra under their
jerseys and ventilate just like the guys.
Other features that make you more comfortable are, articulated sleeves which allow you to reach
forward to steer, without having the sleeves of the jersey restrain your forearm. Recumbent Specific Cycling Shorts Traditional cycling shorts are specifically desinged for sitting on an up-right bike. The original bike pad was a thin piece of leather that was designed to prevent the cyclist from being chaffed as the rider slid back and forth on the seat while pedaling. With the advent of synthetic fabrics, the bicycle chamois was also designed to offer "padding".
Padding in a traditional cycling short is designed to cover the cyclists three sit bones. This is not
necessary when riding a recumbent bike because the seat is much more like a "reclined chair" than a "saddle".
That means that you are not sitting on three specific pressure points. Your entire buttocks is sitting
on the seat, and pressure is distributed evenly over the entire seat.
Form fitting shorts made of synthetic wicking fabrics are ideal for recumbent cycling. By double
lining the seat of the short, you can increase the life of the garment. Rowing is a very similar sport
to recumbent cycling. If you can't find a cycling specific recumbent short that you like- look for
rowing shorts made of wicking fabrics with a double lined rear panel. |
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