Recumbent Versus Conventional
The vast majority of bicycles that are out on the trails are what are considered conventional bikes. That is, they have two wheels, a small seat at or above the top of the tires and are steered by handle bars that pivot the front wheel. There may be variations in the color size and number of ancillary features, but the bike is conventional. Most of these bicycles have 5 to 15 speed derailleurs and are suitable for most riders. A few conventional configurations also are made in a tandem model for two people to travel together. The power to weight ratios for the Captain and the Stoker is quite good for most designs.
Then there are the few. Some people choose a recumbent bike for one of two reasons. One, they want to be unconventional. Or, two, a conventional bike doesn't meet their needs or their abilities.
A conventional bicycle requires a few things that not everyone is prepared to provide. Good strong, durable trunk muscles and a spine that doesn't cause pain to the rider, are two of those items. No one would CHOOSE a recumbent because it is easier to pedal. While riding with Bill, a recumbent bike user, a woman on a conventional bike asked as she passed, "is that way easier?" Bill said, "No." The said to me, "everyone wants a bike that's easy."
In the recumbent style, there are two wheel models and three wheel models, the trike. The trike configuration accommodates an additional aspect of riding. It compensates for a lack of balance. It doesn't fall over, either while moving and dodging obstacles or when you stop. Well, you can make it tip over if you turn too fast or steer over a steep cross-slope, but they are very stable under most conditions.
Here are a few of the comparative characteristics:
| Conventional | Recumbent Bike | Recumbent Trike |
| Sit up straight/lean forward unsupported | slightly reclined, back is supported | Slightly reclined, back is supported |
| Body weight is above pedals and can augment leg muscle strength | Body weight is behind legs so it cannot assist with pedal power | Body weight is behind legs so it cannot assist with pedal power - with Hand trike arms provide all the power |
| Typically fewer gears (5 to 10) are needed for most situations. | More gears to compensate for lack of assistance from body weight (24 to 81 gears) | More gears to compensate for lack of assistance from body weight (24 to 81 gears) - higher number of gears is essential for hand trike models because the rider typically cannot get off and walk it up a steel grade. |
| High center of gravity | Lower center of gravity | Lower center of gravity - hand trikes have the lowest center of gravity. |
On a bicycle of any kind, balance at start-up of movement is a critical consideration. Balancing a recumbent bike is a bit harder to handle at slow speeds. Some novice riders and those with leg muscles that are not yet the size of hams have difficulty getting moving. They sometimes get a pushing start by running one foot on the ground like one would to motivate a scooter until minimum balance speed is achieved. Trike riders have no problem with balance at any speed, unless one counts making a tight turn on the cul-de-sac out in front of one house at too high a speed within a week of getting the darned thing.
Final Decisions
If you want to blend into the background, buy a conventional bike. If you opt for a recumbent, be prepared to get turning heads and comments.
If you ride a recumbent hand trike, be prepared to get a LOT of comments, turning heads and questions. Kids especially think they are way "way cool" and blurt out their excitement. Adults are not much different, but are a bit more restrained in their enthusiasm. One little girl shouted out as I went by, "I want one of those for Christmas!" I said to myself, "Sorry, I'm not Santa Claus."
