| You've noticed them on the trail and thought, | | | | same ease of control. |
| "gee, that looks so easy, and comfortable!" | | | | You will need to decide what type of recumbent |
| Welcome to the world of recumbent bikes, or | | | | bike you want and how much you can spend. |
| "bents" as they are sometimes called by | | | | Some ride and handle very smoothly, and some |
| enthusiasts. Ask anyone who owns one and they'll | | | | not so smoothly. Also, you use an entirely |
| tell you that riding a recumbent bike is | | | | different set of muscles when riding a recumbent |
| outrageously comfortable. | | | | bike. |
| When you are riding a recumbent bike you are | | | | Due to the way that you sit and steer a |
| leaning back, as if you are sitting in a chair with a | | | | recumbent bike you will need to develop new skills |
| back support. No sore butt or chaffed legs. No | | | | for stopping and for climbing hills. The best part is |
| sore back! Your legs are out in front of you, as | | | | that in the reclined position your legs are able to |
| they are if you are driving your car. Your butt is | | | | carry a much heavier load easier than when riding |
| comfortably cushioned in a nice wide seat. | | | | a regular bike, therefore going up hill will eventually |
| It will take time to get used to the feel of | | | | be easier on a recumbent bike. It will however |
| handling a recumbent bike. Recumbent bicycles | | | | take time for you to develop the legs to uphill |
| have steering located above the seat or under | | | | easily on a recumbent bike as you use different |
| the seat. The above seat steering handlebar is | | | | muscle groups than with an upright bike. |
| located about shoulder height. If you dangle your | | | | Talk with family or friends who may already have |
| arm down at your sides in your chair that is | | | | a recumbent bike to get some pointers. Visit a |
| approximately where the below seat handlebars | | | | few bike shops and talk to the pro's about a |
| are located. The type of steering your choose is | | | | recumbent bike. Most importantly, enjoy riding! |
| totally your preference, both have about the | | | | |