Recumbent bicycle
A recumbent bicycle is a variety of bicycle which places the rider in a seated or supine position (rarely, in a prone position). The back of the rider is supported, and the rider's legs are extended forward to pedals that are about the same height as the seat. The handlebars may be placed under the seat or in the more conventional position with arms in front of the rider's chest to form more normal handlebars. The wheels may be smaller and/or further apart than on an ordinary bicycle.
There are four general classifications of recumbent bicycles: under seat steering, above seat steering, short wheelbase, and long wheelbase. These general classifications can be mixed and matched at the builder's whim to create a multitude of variations. The short wheelbase has the rider's pedals in front of the front wheel and the long wheelbase has the front wheel in front of the pedals. The rear wheel is usually behind the back of the rider and is the size of a normal bicycle wheel or smaller. The front wheel is almost always smaller than conventional bicycle wheel size.
On the flat, recumbent bicycles are substantially faster than upright bicycles for the same level of effort because the low profile of the rider reduces wind resistance. Many owners prefer a "'bent" because it reduces the strain on the hands, arms, shoulders, and buttocks. A perceived disadvantage of the recumbent cycling position is that the rider is unable to stand on ascents and so tends to be slower going uphill than on an upright bicycle. This is most noticeable during the initial period of riding a recumbent when the muscles are not yet trained for the different exertion. Some riders who switch styles find that they are slower in hilly terrain but they are able to keep riding longer because they experience much less discomfort. Others (especially those who would otherwise NOT stand up to climb a hill) find that the ability to brace against the seat-back gives them the perception of being faster uphill than they were on an upright bike.
Some riders of very low recumbent bikes (low-racers or trikes) attach a flag to the rear of the bicycle to give themselves greater visibility in traffic. However, the unusual appearance of a recumbent often means it is readily spotted anyway.
In 1933, riding a "Velocar" recumbent bicycle made by Charles Mochet, Francis Faure set a record of 45.055 km for the hour, one of cycling's most prestigious events. In response, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) banned all recumbents from mainstream bicycle racing in 1938.
Racing and record-breaking on recumbent bicycles is now governed by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association. As of 2004, the hour record on a recumbent bicycle is 84.215 km (52.32 miles), set by Sam Whittingham on July 31, 2004. For comparison, the equivalent record for an upright bicycle is 49.441 km (30.723 miles), set by Chris Boardman in October 2000. (The UCI no longer considers the bike Boardman rode for his 1996 record to be in compliance with its definition of an upright bicycle.)
External links
- International Human Powered Vehicle Association (http://www.ihpva.org/)
- 'BentRider - Forum, Buyer's Guide and more (http://www.bentrideronline.com)
- Cycling Forums - Recumbent bicycles (http://www.cyclingforums.com/f152)
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