Getting ‘bent for the fun of it – are recumbent bicycles a passing fad or wave of the future?

Getting ’bent for the fun of it

Are recumbent bicycles a passing fad or the wave of the future? By Tim Landon Recumbent bicycles (or ’bents) have been around nearly as long as the bicycle itself. Early experimenters found that IT LOOKS A bit like a reclining chair recumbents could be comfortably ridden with spokes. for long periods of time, and noted

We’ve all seen a recumbent bicycle performance advantages under certain by now, but these comfortable and conditions. efficient mechanical wonders continue to Riders on unfaired ’bents competed languish in obscurity. Are you intrigued successfully with upright riders, while by the relaxed and aerodynamic riding fully faired (streamlined) recumbents position that gives recumbent bikes shattered speed records by a wide their name? Or, perhaps you’ve gone margin. In 1934, amidst a flurry of one step further and considered joining press and controversy, the UCI banned the growing numbers of recumbent recumbents from competing with enthusiasts. uprights. Recumbent design stagnated

If you’re yearning for some pragmatic until the 1970s, when interest in the information to help you decide if a potential of HPVs (human-powered recumbent is right for you, here’s the vehicles) as alternative transportation was scoop from a cyclist who enjoys both reborn. Today, highly sophisticated HPVs uprights and recumbents. built by scientists, artisans and aerospace engineers (and piloted by elite cyclists) are attaining speeds of 130 km/h!

There are several good reasons to ride recumbents, and there are both advantages and disadvantages compared with their upright cousins. Comfort, especially over the long haul, can be far superior on the ’bent. Experienced riders are well aware of this, and a few disparagingly refer to upright bikes as “wedgies” for reasons that become obvious when a typical racing saddle is compared with a recumbent seat.

And, the comfort factor goes far beyond the nether regions. Hands and wrists are pain-free at the end of a long ride and tingling fingers are but a memory. On a ’bent, the rider’s weight is supported by the relatively greater

expanse of the derriere and lower back, instead of the feet, crotch and hands. Neck pain is also alleviated because the head tilts slightly back, providing the added bonus of a superior view of the whole sky up front. For these reasons, recumbents make great commuters and superb touring rigs. Many riders, having savoured the pleasures of touring on a ’bent, would never go back.

Recumbents have the potential to be very fast and efficient machines, depending upon design, the rider’s fitness level and the terrain. Recumbents can be very fast on flat or rolling roads and perform well in headwinds due to their aerodynamic superiority. A ’bent rider usually presents less frontal area and “pushes” less air, and the difference becomes even more pronounced as speeds increase. So, a rider will often have a slightly higher average cruising speed on a ’bent with less effort than an upright bike requires.

Fairings are popular accessories because they further improve aerodynamics and overall performance, even though they add weight. Fairings also offer significant protection from the elements, and tailboxes or full streamliner kits are also worthwhile options to consider.

In hilly terrain, however, the pendulum swings back to giving the advantage to conventional bikes. In the mountains, upright riders have the option of shifting up a gear, standing on the pedals, and using body weight to quickly power up. Recumbent riders have no such option. Once the pressure on the knees reaches a certain point, they can only gear down and spin. Body weight on the downstroke doesn’t work when the pedals are way out front, although some riders can generate additional force by pressing harder into their seat backs or pulling on the handlebars. Training for a smooth spin and higher cadence does improve climbing ability.

Another major difference between uprights and recumbents is the near-total lack of “body English” required for the latter. Athletic riders who enjoy jamming up hills and throwing themselves into corners may be disappointed in the static nature of riding recumbents. On a ’bent, you basically plant your butt down and pedal, with virtually no weight shifts. Wheelies are next to impossible and bunny hops are a distant dream, so recumbents are not usually on the harddriving mountain’s biker’s Christmas list. While there are plenty of full-suspension ’bent models available, going off road is not particularly recommended. Do yourself a favour and ride a mountain bike instead.

Recumbents come in a variety of design configurations and classes. Long wheelbase bikes with the front wheel ahead of the crankset are available from Rans, Easy Racers and Linear. Generally, these bikes are preferred for loaded touring because they boast increased straight-line stability and an abundance of room to carry gear.

Short wheelbase bikes have the front wheel behind the crankset. Athletic riders prefer these bikes for their lower weight, climbing ability and sporty handling. Like any good road bike, these virtues manifest themselves when accessories are kept to a minimum. Ultimately, any bike’s handling characteristics come from frame geometry. Many recreational riders tend to enjoy the lower cost mid- or compact wheelbase models, such as the Rans Tailwind for its all-round utility. ’Bents may have over-the-seat steering (OSS) or under-the-seat steering (USS). The OSS bikes can have an aerodynamic advantage and mounting a fairing is simpler. They may be more intuitive to steer and ride, especially for new recumbent enthusiasts. USS bikes can be more comfortable, with the arms in a natural position down by your sides and provide a unique riding experience akin

to a “street luge.” You may also be able to pull harder on the handlebars of USS bikes to increase your pedalling force. Beware of USS bikes with poorly designed linkages connecting the bars to the fork. Some linkages are very solid, while other USS bikes have the handlebar stem connected directly to the fork (ATP/Vision).

Recumbents come with a variety of seat types. Performance bikes will usually have a solid seat shell made of carbon fibre covered with foam padding. These seats enable a rider to push hard into the seat back with little or no flex. However, mesh-backed seats allow sweat to easily evaporate from a rider’s back. These can be very comfortable and recline angle is more easily adjustable.

Buying a recumbent is much more involved than buying an upright. Take plenty of time to research models and remember the Internet is a reliable source of information to assess what’s available. A good place to start is www.hpv.on.ca with links to manufacturers. For in-depth product reviews and all things ’bent, subscribe to Recumbent Cyclist News at www.recumbentcyclistnews.com.

There are excellent, knowledgeable retailers in the Toronto area, including Sandy’s Cycle, Urbane Cyclist and The Bicycle Spokesman that stock models from several respected builders. In Ottawa, a few bike shops also stock only one or two recumbent models (Cyclo Sportif/G. M. Bertrand). Bike shows and demo events hosted by recumbent clubs are great places to see and test-ride ’bents. Many builders sell directly to the consumer, and new recumbents are often purchased this way.

Recumbent bikes are well suited for commuting and make excellent touring rigs. If you ride mostly on pavement and are looking for a comfortable and versatile ride, consider buying a recumbent. Far from being a passing fad, you’ll be joining legions of riders who’ve added a new dimension to their cycling experience. They can often ride longer, farther and faster with fewer aches and pains. Grab the bars and ride feet first into the future! — Tim Landon is a youth counsellor and facilitator at International School for Earth Studies near Ladysmith, Quebec (www.earth-studies.ca). He is also a Can Bike Instructor and Certified Mountain Bike Trail Guide.