A Guide For Riding Recumbent Bicycles

By Virginia Myers


Exercise comes in many forms, but going on a bike ride is a great way to accomplish your goals without straining your knees and shins. The tradition ten-speed type of bike can cause other types of issues since you often have to hunch over the handlebars. Using recumbent bicycles provides a much more enjoyable experience because you can sit back and relax. Before you take off for the first time, you need to be aware of the differences from the ten speed type of bike ride.

Getting on and off these bikes is one of the first critical differences. If you don't swing your leg forward to get on or off the cycle, you stand a pretty good chance of falling over. The seat is a reclining seat so when you swing over the back, as with other bikes, you will probably hit the seat with your foot.

Be sure to adjust the seat and handlebars before you take off. It might be common sense, but with this type of cycle, it is more important in order to use it to its full potential. The bike is designed for you to be able to sit back and not have to reach for things. Adjust your bike until the fit feels good and allows you to recline.

Be sure to hold the brake when getting on or off. This may seem like common sense, but it is more important on this style of bike. Until you are used to getting on the bike, this will simplify the first and last step of the ride.

This cycle is not designed to stress you while you ride. With this in mind, be sure to start in a low gear and use the gears appropriately to be able to enjoy your ride. You can get great exercise without having to be a speed demon.

There is some debate on how to set your pedal before starting. Some suggest 2 o'clock but a 12 o'clock position is best for beginners. This allows you to put one foot on the pedal to get a good strong start.

While riding the bike, sit back and relax. This is designed with this purpose in mind. On other bikes, you lean forward and are looking at the ground just in front of you. Here, you actually need to look up and forward so you can use the bike to its full potential.

Use the pedal to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.

Stopping is more difficult at first. With other types of cycles, you put on the brakes and put one foot on the ground and lean the bike. With this one, you want to apply the brakes and plant both feet on the ground, almost standing up. Be sure to straighten the wheels or the bike may fall over.

These cycles are designed so you can enjoy the ride. Remember not to focus on the ground and use a light touch with the handlebars. You'll feel better and be able to ride farther and longer because of the reclining position. You won't tire as easily as a speed bike ride and your knees and shins will thank you.




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