Recumbent bicycles for bicycle touring
Very good alforjeros! Surely you are also one of those who stay looking every time you see a recumbent bike pass, you know, one of those in which the cyclist is half lying wider than pancho ... The truth is that bikes are quite attention, at least to me, so this week I'll talk a little about them.
The recumbent bicycles, also known as recumbent, are bicycles in which the cyclist adopts a horizontal position, that is to say, that recumbent, with respect to the classic vertical position typical of the "normal" bikes. Although the position may seem a little strange, they are really very comfortable. In addition, and although it seems otherwise, these bikes are faster in plains and especially in downhills, on the contrary they are slower in ascent.
Although they are still not very common, they are usually used mainly in the city and in bicycle touring by road and bicycle lanes. Let's look a little more at the advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of recumbent bicycles
Comfort
If there is anything that characterizes these bikes is how comfortable they are because the person is half sitting half lying in a seat with back support. This prevents pain in the ass, neck, arms, hands, etc. Basically, the whole weight of the body is distributed in more support surface, not only in the crotch as in a vertical bike.
Visibility
They allow to enjoy better the views that are in front of you since you do not take your head down. They offer better panoramas of landscapes.
Speed
As I said before, they are faster bikes on flat and downhill since they create less resistance (between 40-50% less), that is, they are more aerodynamic, due to the cyclist's position since the front wheel is usually less size.
No need for a chamois
Yes, I know that those who have Brooks saddles are also bareback, but in general anyone who makes long runs on a bike uses a pad. In this type of bicycles it is not necessary, which allows to go with more street clothes. In addition, the seat is usually like a grate allowing good ventilation of the back and back.
Disadvantages of recumbent bicycles
Maneuverability
It certainly is not as agile as a mountain bike or to jump obstacles like curbs. Although they can be seen on paths and paths, they are for a more "quiet" use. Road, bike lane, greenways and tracks.
Stability when stopping
You have to get down to the ground quickly as soon as you stop as it is easy to lose your balance.
Visibility (to be seen)
The position is quite low so for a vehicle it is much harder to see it. That is why they usually carry pennants. To me personally it is one of the points that I like the least.
Price
A very important disadvantage for now. In general they are expensive because there are not many yet. Another disadvantage is that there are not many outlets yet.
Uploads
As I said, they are slower going up but watch out! In very steep climbs as they do not allow you to stand up or do as much force pushing with your own weight. On the other hand, if you are going to use it to travel without haste, this should not be a disadvantage. In moderate mountain passes the speed is the same as that of a normal bike.
Weight
They are generally heavier, although the latest models are as light as normal bicycles.
Types of recumbent bikes
2 wheels
It is the most common. Although they can carry the wheels of the same size, it is normal for the front to be of smaller diameter.
As for the handlebar can go in two positions, below the body which allows to take a more relaxed position of the arms, or above, motorcycle style chopped. This position makes the arms get tired a little more but it is more similar to the one we are used to with a normal bike.
3 wheels
Known as trikes . In this case we refer to two front wheels.
I particularly like this guy more. I see it more off-road and much more stable. On the one hand they are heavier, but on the other they allow us to stop and rest without having to get off the bike. If they are slower due to the three wheels, but allow to carry a large load of luggage.
You can see much more about trikes in this video of the Supertramp Family , a superfamily cyclist who travels in trike with trailers for children, take it now !. Greetings from here for them.
Another great advantage of trikes is that they are suitable for people with mobility problems.
REASONS FOR TRAVELING IN TRIKE
Cycle tourism on a recumbent bicycle
For me, recumbent bikes are a great option to travel by bike whenever you are clear that you are going to roll for good surfaces and you will not do much the goat (I would not be worth ...).
As we have seen, they are really comfortable avoiding a lot of the pains in the body. Obviously at the end of the day you will be tired but you will not have bones crushed. If you have had the opportunity to chat with a user of this type of bike, you will know that those who try them do not change them for anything.
As for luggage, they can carry carriers like any bike and conventional saddlebags, moreover, they tend to have more cargo capacity as they allow two pairs of rear saddlebags .. There are also a larger capacity panniers specially designed for these bikes.
The maintenance is the same as that of a conventional bike, even smaller, since they do not usually roll on very bumpy roads and do not drop so much weight on the pedals, so the transmission suffers less.
So far everything I can tell you about this type of bike. If you have any questions or you are one of those who use them, go and leave us a comment. Surely we all discover a little more about this wonderful pedal machine. Greetings alforjeros!
The recumbent bicycles, also known as recumbent, are bicycles in which the cyclist adopts a horizontal position, that is to say, that recumbent, with respect to the classic vertical position typical of the "normal" bikes. Although the position may seem a little strange, they are really very comfortable. In addition, and although it seems otherwise, these bikes are faster in plains and especially in downhills, on the contrary they are slower in ascent.
Although they are still not very common, they are usually used mainly in the city and in bicycle touring by road and bicycle lanes. Let's look a little more at the advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of recumbent bicycles
Comfort
If there is anything that characterizes these bikes is how comfortable they are because the person is half sitting half lying in a seat with back support. This prevents pain in the ass, neck, arms, hands, etc. Basically, the whole weight of the body is distributed in more support surface, not only in the crotch as in a vertical bike.
Visibility
They allow to enjoy better the views that are in front of you since you do not take your head down. They offer better panoramas of landscapes.
Speed
As I said before, they are faster bikes on flat and downhill since they create less resistance (between 40-50% less), that is, they are more aerodynamic, due to the cyclist's position since the front wheel is usually less size.
No need for a chamois
Yes, I know that those who have Brooks saddles are also bareback, but in general anyone who makes long runs on a bike uses a pad. In this type of bicycles it is not necessary, which allows to go with more street clothes. In addition, the seat is usually like a grate allowing good ventilation of the back and back.
Disadvantages of recumbent bicycles
Maneuverability
It certainly is not as agile as a mountain bike or to jump obstacles like curbs. Although they can be seen on paths and paths, they are for a more "quiet" use. Road, bike lane, greenways and tracks.
Stability when stopping
You have to get down to the ground quickly as soon as you stop as it is easy to lose your balance.
Visibility (to be seen)
The position is quite low so for a vehicle it is much harder to see it. That is why they usually carry pennants. To me personally it is one of the points that I like the least.
Price
A very important disadvantage for now. In general they are expensive because there are not many yet. Another disadvantage is that there are not many outlets yet.
Uploads
As I said, they are slower going up but watch out! In very steep climbs as they do not allow you to stand up or do as much force pushing with your own weight. On the other hand, if you are going to use it to travel without haste, this should not be a disadvantage. In moderate mountain passes the speed is the same as that of a normal bike.
Weight
They are generally heavier, although the latest models are as light as normal bicycles.
Types of recumbent bikes
2 wheels
It is the most common. Although they can carry the wheels of the same size, it is normal for the front to be of smaller diameter.
As for the handlebar can go in two positions, below the body which allows to take a more relaxed position of the arms, or above, motorcycle style chopped. This position makes the arms get tired a little more but it is more similar to the one we are used to with a normal bike.
3 wheels
Known as trikes . In this case we refer to two front wheels.
I particularly like this guy more. I see it more off-road and much more stable. On the one hand they are heavier, but on the other they allow us to stop and rest without having to get off the bike. If they are slower due to the three wheels, but allow to carry a large load of luggage.
You can see much more about trikes in this video of the Supertramp Family , a superfamily cyclist who travels in trike with trailers for children, take it now !. Greetings from here for them.
Another great advantage of trikes is that they are suitable for people with mobility problems.
REASONS FOR TRAVELING IN TRIKE
Cycle tourism on a recumbent bicycle
For me, recumbent bikes are a great option to travel by bike whenever you are clear that you are going to roll for good surfaces and you will not do much the goat (I would not be worth ...).
As we have seen, they are really comfortable avoiding a lot of the pains in the body. Obviously at the end of the day you will be tired but you will not have bones crushed. If you have had the opportunity to chat with a user of this type of bike, you will know that those who try them do not change them for anything.
As for luggage, they can carry carriers like any bike and conventional saddlebags, moreover, they tend to have more cargo capacity as they allow two pairs of rear saddlebags .. There are also a larger capacity panniers specially designed for these bikes.
The maintenance is the same as that of a conventional bike, even smaller, since they do not usually roll on very bumpy roads and do not drop so much weight on the pedals, so the transmission suffers less.
So far everything I can tell you about this type of bike. If you have any questions or you are one of those who use them, go and leave us a comment. Surely we all discover a little more about this wonderful pedal machine. Greetings alforjeros!
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