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For decades, traditional bicycles have dominated the cycling scene. However, in recent years, a compelling alternative has emerged—the recumbent bicycle. Whether you're an experienced cyclist seeking a fresh perspective or a newcomer eager to explore new biking horizons, recumbent bicycles present an intriguing departure from the norm. But what makes them worth considering? In this article, we'll explore the realm of recumbent bicycles, unveiling their distinctive advantages. In This Article: What Is A Recumbent Bicycle? [Dispelling Common Confusion] Why Recumbent Bicycles Are Gaining Speed on Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bikes The Advantages of Recumbent Bikes The Disadvantages of Recumbent Bikes Top 7 Recumbent Bicycle Brands What Is A Recumbent Bicycle? [Dispelling Common Confusion] We all know what a bicycle is right? Great. Let’s start with “recumbent”. "Recumbent" is an adjective that describes a position of reclining or lying down. In the context of bicycles or exercise equipment, "recumbent" typically refers to a design where the rider is seated in a reclined position with their legs positioned in front of them rather than beneath them as in traditional upright bicycles. Recumbent bicycles and exercise bikes are designed to allow the rider to pedal while in this reclined position, offering a more comfortable riding or exercising experience compared to upright models. “Recumbent Bike” is a term that can mean different things to different people. To one, it may mean the bike they ride to work each day in comfort. To others, it may be the machine that sits in the corner of their living room. And to others, it’s actually a recumbent tricycle they’re referring to. That gives us three distinct meanings of “recumbent bike”. 1. Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bike This type of recumbent bike is stationary, meaning it doesn't move from its position. It's primarily designed for indoor use, often found in gyms or home fitness setups. The user sits in a reclined position with their legs positioned in front of them to pedal. Stationary recumbent exercise bikes are focused solely on providing cardiovascular exercise and are not suitable for outdoor riding 2. Two-Wheel Recumbent Bicycle This is a recumbent bicycle that typically has two wheels, similar to a traditional bicycle but with a different seating position. The rider sits in a reclined position with their legs extended forward to reach the pedals. Two-wheel recumbent bicycles are typically used by cyclists that converted due to comfort. They offer a different riding experience compared to upright bicycles, with some riders finding them more comfortable due to the ergonomic seating position. 3. Recumbent Tricycle A recumbent tricycle, sometimes also referred to as a recumbent bike, features three wheels instead of two. Like the two-wheel recumbent bicycle, the rider sits in a reclined position, but with the stability provided by the third wheel. Recumbent tricycles offer stability compared to unstable two-wheel recumbent bicycles, making them suitable for riders who may have concerns about balance or those who prefer a more stable ride. These tricycles are also primarily designed for outdoor use and can be used for leisure riding, commuting, or touring. If you did a search on the internet 10 years ago versus today, the results for “recumbent bike” would be much different. With the rising popularity of recumbent tricycles, the meaning of the term is being questioned. Though stationary recumbent bikes currently sell the most units per year in the US, the recumbent tricycle has already passed the recumbent two-wheeler and is coming for the stationary recumbent. An aging population is creating the demand for a comfortable way to cycle that doesn’t require staring at a blank wall (*ahem* we’re looking at you, stationary recumbent).   Why Recumbent Bikes Are Gaining Speed on Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bikes So why is the recumbent bike industry growing more than the stationary recumbent market? The Outdoor Riding Experience: Recumbent bikes allow riders to enjoy the outdoors, experiencing fresh air, scenery, and the freedom of riding on roads or bike paths. This outdoor experience is far more enjoyable and stimulating compared to exercising indoors on a stationary bike. Fresh Air Beautiful Nature Variety of Terrain Social Interactions More Fun = More Exercise The Advantages of Recumbent Bikes Recumbent bikes offer several advantages over traditional bicycles and stationary bikes, including: Stability With three wheels instead of two, recumbent tricycles provide enhanced stability, making them suitable for riders who may have balance issues or those who are uncomfortable riding on two wheels. This stability can instill confidence in riders, especially older adults or individuals with physical limitations. A third wheel enables the recumbent riding position without the high instability of a two-wheel recumbent. Comfort Recumbent bikes feature a reclined seating position that distributes the rider's weight over a larger area, reducing pressure on the back, neck, and wrists. The ergonomic design can alleviate discomfort commonly experienced with traditional upright bicycles, making recumbents more comfortable for long rides. Safety The stability of recumbent bikes reduces the risk of tipping over, particularly when coming to a stop or navigating tight turns. Motorists generally give recumbent riders a wider birth on the road than traditional bicyclists due to their wider and ‘uncommon’ nature. Accessibility Recumbent bikes are accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with mobility impairments, balance issues, or neurological conditions – and simply easier for the everyday cyclist. The design and stable platform make it easier for riders to mount and dismount the tricycle, regardless of physical ability. Cargo Capacity Many recumbent bikes come equipped with storage options, such as baskets or rack, allowing riders to carry groceries, supplies, or personal belongings conveniently. The added cargo capacity makes recumbent bikes practical for errands, commuting, or recreational outings. Visibility The reclined seating position of recumbents offers excellent visibility to riders, allowing them to see the road ahead without straining their necks. This enhanced visibility can improve safety by increasing awareness of surrounding traffic and potential hazards. Low-Impact Exercise Like traditional bicycles, recumbent bicycles provide a low-impact form of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves joint mobility. The ergonomic design of recumbents reduces stress on the joints, making them suitable for individuals with arthritis or joint pain. The Disadvantages of Recumbent Bikes While recumbent bikes offer several advantages, they also have some potential disadvantages to consider: Wider Turns Recumbents typically have a larger turning radius compared to traditional bicycles, making them less maneuverable, especially in tight spaces. This can be a drawback when navigating sharp corners or congested areas. Size and Weight Recumbent tricycles are generally larger and heavier than traditional bicycles due to the additional wheel and frame structure. This can make them more challenging to transport and store, but there are many transportation and storage solutions available. Speed While recumbent bikes can be efficient for cruising and leisurely rides, they may not offer the same level of speed or agility as traditional bicycles, particularly on flat terrain or during sprints. The reclined seating position and aerodynamic profile of recumbents can limit the rider's ability to generate high speeds, which may be a consideration for competitive cyclists or those seeking a faster ride. Cost Recumbent bikes can be more expensive than traditional bicycles due to their specialized design, components, and manufacturing processes. The initial investment required to purchase a recumbent may be higher, but the value heavily outweighs the cost. Adaptation Period Transitioning from riding a traditional bicycle to a recumbent bike may require an adjustment period for riders to become accustomed to the different handling, seating position, and riding dynamics. While these disadvantages are worth understanding, for most they do not outweigh the benefits of riding a recumbent bike. Ultimately, the suitability of a recumbent bicycle depends on the rider's preferences, needs, and intended use. Top 7 Recumbent Bicycle Brands These are the top brands that sell recumbent bikes based on sales volume and product quality: Catrike TerraTrike ICE GreenSpeed SunSeeker Azub HP Velotechnik Note: You could get a stationary bike, which some would consider quite affordable compared to some recumbent bikes. But, in our experience, the stationary bike ends up being a very expensive piece of plastic in the corner of your living room.  While each option has its advantages and disadvantages, the decision ultimately boils down to personal preferences, fitness goals, and intended use. Whether you prioritize comfort, stability, speed, or cargo capacity, there's a recumbent bike option to suit your needs. Regardless of which type of recumbent bike you choose, one thing is certain: cycling offers numerous health benefits, from improving cardiovascular fitness to strengthening muscles and joints. So whether you're pedaling indoors or cruising the open road, embrace the joy of cycling and embark on a journey towards better health and well-being.

Choosing Pedals Cycling Shoes A good pair of cycling shoes for a recumbent trike is an essential piece of accessory for anyone who is serious about their riding and safety – but the best shoe for you will vary depending upon the type of cycling that you do. For sporty leisure rides during the week or weekend, your journey by trike is your best partner for your fitness and cycling life style. A good shoe that safely keeps your foot on the pedal so that you don’t get heel suck and is comfortable enough to walk into your local Starbucks is a must have. When riding your trike, you want to stay fit, healthy, and have fun and the best way to do this is with a good pair of cycling shoes to increase your performance and keep your feet safe. When it comes to selecting the right pair of cycling shoes, there are a plethora of options from a huge selection of brands. Choosing the right model at the best brand can be tricky. The key variables when it comes to cycling shoes are the fastening system, the sole, the cleat style, and of course the fit – we’ve researched in detail on each of these to help choose a good casual shoe that fits the every day trike rider’s lifestyle. We’ve narrowed it down to two main items, a good comfy shoe and a pedal that securely keeps your feet from falling off pedal and getting sucked under the trike, and is easy to release when you want to get out of the trike. Now shoe models may change from year to year, but the basic concept does not, so we found that a great shoe for a trike rider is either an urban or trekking shoe. These are usually comfortable and easy to put on. We found it best to match the shoe and pedal brand together so they are designed to fit and clip together perfectly. Of all the brands out there we’ve selected Shimano SPD shoes and pedals as the easiest to clip into and fit. The easiest pedal is going to be the Shimano SPD with Click’r technology. It’s has a versatile CLICK’R binding on one side and flat pedal on the other. It has a lighter spring which is easier to catch and clip into the binding. There are a few different models, we find most riders prefer the one which allows a regular shoe with better grip on the flat side for as quick ride around the block and a clip in side for longer rides and safety. The pedals we sell online, but choosing the best cycling shoes can be a difficult process, and if done incorrectly, it can be an expensive endeavor if you get a shoe that is uncomfortable. We recommend trying the shoes out at Laid Back Cycles or your local shop. Still Deciding If Clip In Shoes Are The Way To Go? Once you’ve done the obligatory “My feet slipped off the pedal” heel suck, cleats are safer and more powerful and a lot more relaxing way to go. When you’re clipped in you don’t have to expend energy keeping your legs up on the pedals. You also get around 20% more power for climbing with cleats versus none. They also help prevent your foot from going into the front wheel spokes on a narrow trike, which could end badly. The advantage of a trekking or urban Shimano SPD shoe is that you can walk in them without clunking and the wibbly wobbly feeling of leaning forward of an extended out cleat! For even more performance you can buy good stiff soled MTB shoes over a urban shoe. A stiff sole is important for efficiency and also protects your foot against hot-spot or localized pressure and numbness. You can also find SPD Sandals which works for regular or wider feet. For adaptive pedals check out TerraTrike Platform Pedals. Also, remember we are here to help with your recumbent cycling needs. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call, schedule an appointment to drop by or use the website chat box for a quick response.

History of the Recumbent Tricycle The recumbent adult tricycle or “trike” continues to grow in popularity. Recumbent trikes are, to many people, the ultimate ride offering comfort, stability, and staying power. So, how did the modern trike reach its current state and popularity? Let’s look at the history of the recumbent tricycle and the many changes this little machine has experienced since its conception way back in the late 1800s. It Starts with the Safety Bike We actually have to look at the history of the bike first. It was in the late 1890s that we see the first geared recumbents appear after the invention of the popular “safety bike” by J.K. Starley and Sutton in 1884. The safety bike was the closest to the bikes we ride today, with two wheels of the same size, a center saddle and peddles with a chain. It brought riders closer to the ground, making it easier to mount the bike, unlike the cumbersome and frankly perilous “velocipede” or “penny farthing” bikes of earlier days. The safety bike is the template still used today, offering better control, sturdier frames, and an improved bike riding experience.   Which Leads to the “Normal” Bike Now, back to recumbents. Charles Challand, an Italian professor living in Geneva, designed what he dubbed the “Normal Bicycle,” the first geared recumbent bike. This precursor to today’s recumbent got its name because, in the eyes of the professor, riding in a reclined position was more natural than awkwardly hunching over the bars of a safety bike. Now, we can go on and on about the many variants of the normal bike but let’s long-story-short-it instead: 1896: Irving Wales of Rhode Island creates a recumbent with hand drive that works like a rowing machine to propel the bike forward, relying on the arms as opposed to the legs. 1901: Harold Jarvis of Buffalo creates a longer wheelbase recumbent with a smaller front wheel and standard rear wheel, steered with a chain-and-sprocket link known as the sofa bike. 1905: P. W. Bartlett of Richmond, England, creates a short wheelbase with the front wheel much smaller at just 16 inches but with the addition of a comfy chair.   1914: A similar design to the sofa bike, an Italian inventor by the name of Guglielmo introduces a steering wheel instead of handlebars. At the same time, a long-wheelbase recumbent bicycle appears in France with possible ties to car company Peugeot, with a much larger rear wheel of 26 inches. 1921: Australian Paul Jaray working for the Zeppelin company, develops a treadle-driven recumbent dubbed the J-Rad, which became widely popular for middle-class families in the Netherlands. The 1930s Recumbent Boom We eventually end up in the mid-1930s when interest in recumbents hit a boom in Europe. Italian engineer Ernesto Pettazzoni developed the Velocino, an ultra-short-wheelbase semi-recumbent machine with a tiny 10-inch front wheel and standard rear wheel. Apparently, Mussolini commissioned the Velocino for easy urban transportation, but World War II put an end to that. We see many iterations of the recumbent through the 1930s, including: 1934: The Kington, designed by F. H. Grubb Ltd. of Brixton features a long-wheelbase with under-seat steering and 20-inch wheels with a welded “stretched” diamond frame and the more recognizable low seat. This leads to the Velocycle with a single main tube replacing the diamond frame, which is closer to the recumbents we see today. 1935: The Moller Auto-Cycle is introduced by Holger Møller of Copenhagen and manufactured by Triumph in England with an indirect steering system and steering wheel. The same year the French Ravat-Wonder factory produces the Ravat Horizontal designed by Henri Martin, which led to the sports version with a 28-inch rear wheel with Reynolds lightweight tubing. All told, the most popular was Charles Mochet’s Vélo-Vélocars which is too long a story to share here. We’ll fast forward to 1932 when the Vélo-Vélocar receives the Grand Prix Lepine for indirect steering for recumbent cycles.  The following summer a racing version of the recumbent broke records for 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, 20-kilometer, 30-kilometer, 40-kilometer, and 50-kilometer showing the world recumbents were much faster than standard bikes. The many race-focused refinements that came after made this recumbent the most influential of 1930s designs. Henri Martin, a worker of Mochet’s, went on to invent the iconic Ravat Horizontal in 1934. Picking Up Production While a few things went on in the 1940s, it isn’t until 1964 that the design of the Velocino gets a second chance thanks to Dutch manufacturer Union. They create the Strano designed by Bernard Overing of Deventer, and the next year, Emil Friedman of Germany shows off his take on the same idea with his “Donkey cycle.” In 1968, Captain Dan Henry builds a long-wheelbase recumbent with sprung 27-inch front wheels.  However, smaller front wheels are preferred because they have higher rolling resistance, weigh less, and have less air resistance for better steering. In 1967, David Gordon Wilson holds a cycle-design competition with first prize going to the recumbent Bicar designed by W. G. Lydiard. In 1972, H. Frederick Willkie II of Berkeley, California, designs a short-wheelbase recumbent called Green Planet Special 1, inspired by Wilson and unknowingly very similar to the Ravat Horizontal. His improvements to his design include the following: Lower cranks Moving the small front wheel back to clear the rider’s heels Under-seat steering Improved seat, wheelbase, and geometry The Finish Line There are endless versions of recumbents in the 70s and 80s, from the Avatar 2000 to the Bluebell and the Easy Racer to the Vector. But these recumbents were all about racing and speed. It took a lot of technical advancements to get to where we are today with recumbent trikes sold in the mainstream. However, it was worth the wait. Their low-to-the-ground position makes it almost (almost) impossible to tip over, the absence of “handlebars” takes the pressure off the wrists, arms and neck, and the wide seat avoids the infamous saddle soreness or crotch pain of the traditional bike seat. The reclined position also reduces stress on the entire body, and knee pain is greatly reduced or even eliminated after long rides. If you are interested in taking a modern recumbent trike out for a spin, pop into Laid Back Cycles.