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SPECIALTY BIKE GUIDE  Bikes for every type of rider.

Because You're Unique

When searching for the perfect bike, many people find themselves looking for a bike as unique as they are. Luckily, Wheel & Sprocket truly believes in bikes for everyone and stocks a wide variety of specialty bikes.

Learn More About the Different Categories of Specialty Bikes:

RECUMBENTS & TRIKES

We’re proud to sell a unique type of bicycle that offers a cycling experience unlike any other. They’re called “recumbents” - a word that means reclining, the perfect description for the comfortable La-Z-Boy riding position on these amazing two-wheelers.

Gone is the sore rear-end, achy lower back, numb hands, and stiff neck. Instead, you pedal blissfully aboard a virtual rolling lawn chair. And, because you’re reclining, your perspective is completely new. Instead of hunkering over the handlebars staring at the pavement below, you look forward and up. You enjoy the scenery, watch clouds and birds, and really see the countryside around you. Also, because you’re not bent over, you can really breathe deeply so you feel fresh and relaxed.

In fact, you’ll probably find yourself riding further than ever and finishing loops with no soreness and little fatigue. When you stop for a refreshment on rides, you might even choose to rest while sitting on your bike, which is far more comfortable than the average picnic table or roadside boulder.

Don’t be fooled into thinking recumbents are land yachts simply because they’re so comfortable, though. They’re closer to go-carts in the way you sit low to the ground, feet out front, controls within easy reach. And, the ride is the next best thing to being able to whip around the house on that Big Wheel you had as a kid.

With such impressive attributes, it’s no surprise that recumbents are among our most popular bikes. This guide answers some of the common questions about these sleek machines. Be sure to visit our store to check them out in person. Call or email if you have any questions or would like to arrange a test ride.

Various Designs

One of the fascinating things about recumbents is the many available varieties. There are long-, short- and medium-wheelbase models, as well as models with three wheels. You’ll find ‘bents that have handlebars in front of you, chopper-style, and those that have them beneath you! Seat designs vary, too, though all provide unparalleled support, adjustment and comfort when compared to the seats on their upright bike counterparts. 

Just like there are touring and racing regular bikes, there are thoroughbred and leisurely recumbents. There are even tandem ‘bents for sharing the experience with your favorite riding partner. A recumbent’s spacious cockpit and ample throne are incredibly liberating—so much so that you can get people on recumbent tandems who might worry about trying a regular tandem.

Which recumbent design is best for you depends on the type of riding you have in mind and what you’re looking for in a bike. For example, if you ride for fitness and at a good pace, you’ll likely preder a quick-handling, medium- or short-wheelbase model. If you’re more interested in sightseeing, you’ll probably prefer a more leisurely design, such as something with a longer wheelbase and lots of comfort built in (some models include suspension to absorb road shocks).

Test riding some different bicycles is the best way to get a feel for how they differ and what you like. Like riders of conventional bikes, many people who buy a recumbent eventually purchase a second one of a different design in order to double their fun and have a new type to ride.

Brand-New Ride

Speaking of riding, it takes a little practice to become adept at recumbent riding. This is because as kids we learn to ride on traditional bicycles, not on recumbents. Which means that when we get on a ‘bent, we try to ride it the way we would our conventional bike. This can make for a wobbly start.

When you ride a recumbent, you sit lower and it’s easier to rest your feet on the ground. Take advantage of this, but be sure to apply the brakes because if you don’t, the bike will roll backwards, which makes it feel like you’re losing control. Before your first ride, just sit there for a bit (be sure to recline so that your back is touching the seat) and get used to the feel of resting your weight in the seat and holding yourself up with your feet while holding the brakes. This is the starting position and how you sit at stop lights.

To ride the bike, put your favorite foot onto the pedal, which should be at about 2 o’clock and push off. But, and this is important—look up and out, NOT down! Looking down is common on conventional bikes, but not on recumbents. Just look out at the road ahead of you and trust that the bike will balance and you’ll quickly be underway and having the time of your life.

Once you’ve got the knack of balancing the bike, work on relaxing. This comes naturally because the riding position is so comfy. However, if you’re used to a regular bike, you might tense up and wrestle with the handlebars the way you might on your upright two-wheeler. This is completely unnecessary and it will cause erratic handling on a recumbent. So, just release any tension and rest your hands gently on the grips and let the bike control itself, (it will do just fine if you let it!)

Pedal Power

It’s important to realize that you use slightly different muscles on a recumbent, which means that it takes most riders a few weeks to feel strong while climbing and working against headwinds.

You might actually feel stronger when you first get on a recumbent but don’t be fooled. This is the effect of having a backrest to push against. It's a great feature but it can also lead to problems if you abuse it. If you push too hard on the pedals before you’ve built up your recumbent-riding leg muscles, you risk injuring your knees, the same way you can riding a conventional bike.

We recommend using your gears instead of pushing against the seat. This ensures that you build good spinning and pedaling strength in your legs, that your heart and lungs are used efficiently, and that you keep those precious knees safe.

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