As I have aged and grown rounder, it's become somewhat painful on my back and wrists to ride my normal bicycles (2 bridgestones) and I have been thinking about recumbants. I'm wondering if they are as enjoyable as they look, especially the tadpole style and what one might expect to pay for a better quality one. Also which qualities to look for in a recumbant. Thanks in advance.
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I test drove a recumbent and found I liked riding it on flat ground. They're harder to push up hill than "wedgies". They're also very expensive - plan on paying well over a thousand dollars for a decent used one.
Friends of mine both ride them and swear by them but I'm just not prepared to spend quite that much money on what for me is a moving exercise machine - at least until I can't ride a wedgie any longer. -
The LOML has one but I don't ride it much. I did, however, have the opportunity to go on a roughly 20 mi bike ride with my neighbor on one of his spares. I agree with Jack, they are a dream on flat ground but I found it difficult on steeper hills. I found myself wanting to stand up and push. He swears by his and the LOML loves hers so I think it is a matter of getting used to, and really working the gears.John
To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. ~ EdisonComment
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I also have had back problems and find that sitting with my legs out in front of me and my back taking the brunt of the jolts is not the answer.
Back problems vary, but I would start out by getting properly fitted at a good bike shop. A well-fitted bike should not put stress on your back or wrists.
As others have mentioned, recumbants are not great for hills, and another thing to keep in mind is they are not well suited to riding in traffic.PhilComment
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Hi Sleddogg
We sell the occasional 'bent at work. Some people use them even with lots of hills and traffic, although riding at the same level as the car tires gives me the willies. They definitely are more work on hills although people say you get used to it. Very easy on your neck and wrists. I think recembents are ideal if you have a bike path you can ride on, or at least a wide shoulder.
You can expect to pay just under a grand for a decent entry level two wheeler. Check out the Sun EZ Sport. Expect to pay $2500-$3000 for a tadpole. Check out Catrike from Florida, also Trice (folding tadpole!) from England.
A few warnings about recembents, especially tadpoles: They take up a lot of garage space and are a PITA to transport. Also, if you go the two wheel route, make sure you get at least a 20" front wheel. Smaller wheels can be very hard to control at higher speeds. Be wary of SWB (short wheel base) designs, as they can be very difficult to handle at low speeds.
Having said that, people who ride them are fiercely proud of their bents and are always bragging about how comfortable they are. There are recumbent forums that will make your head spin with all the modifications and expense people put into them.
As a last comment, you might want to also drop by you local bike shop and check out a "comfort bike". These are modified mountain bikes with really upright bars and big, comfy seats. They are closer to $350 and easier to store and transport. We sell a ton of 'em, especially to baby boomers who don't bend over so well anymore.
EddyComment
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Recumbents give me the willies too. That aside, I can see them being easier on the wrists and neck (as Eddy says), but not for low back. If low back is the issue then from personal experience, I'd recommend a full suspension bike.
BobComment
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I have been looking at the Rowbike (http://www.rowbike.com) as an alternative to a regular bike or a recumbent. Anyone have any experience with the rowbike? It looks like it would be fun and a way to get some good exercise.
BillComment
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you should rent one (if possible. the shop i used to work at did), and take it out for a weekend. i rented one when i was in holland one summer, and it was fun, but holland is flat like a pancake.
you could try an adjustable stem on your bridgestone, which may alleviate the pain. if your bike has a quill stem with a face plate, and long enough cables, you may be able to do it for minimum cost.
what's your inseam, and the frame size on your bikes?PeteComment
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