Guide To 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.

First, mounting and dismounting are different. You need to swing your leg forward instead of backward over the frame. If you swing the leg backward, you may hit the reclining seat and probably fall over.

Before you start the ride it is important to adjust it for your fit. Set your handlebars and seat so that you can reach the handlebars and pedals without having to lean forward. This will allow you to sit back and enjoy the ride without struggling.

Make sure you put the brakes on when you start and stop. This type of bike is prone to fall over if you don't have a good sense of control. The first few times you use the cycle will be the most important while you learn the best way to get on and off.

Use the gears for easier riding. Some like to use a more difficult gear to get a harder work out on ten speeds, but on this bike, it is better to start in a low gear and work your way up as you need.

Set your pedal angle before starting. While sitting on the seat, spin the pedal to 12 o'clock, straight up and down, so you can have the best push effort when you start riding. Some might suggest a 2 o'clock position, but having the pedal straight up gives you better starting power.

Use the reclining position to ride. The seats are made for you to be in a position where you can almost feel like you're not really exercising. You can just sit back and relax. In fact, you need to look up and forward, not at the ground, while going on your ride.

Use the pedal, not your foot, to push start. You might be used to pushing off from the ground and then start pedaling. This cycle starts by pushing the pedal and moving your ground foot up to continue the effort. Being in a reclining position will prevent you from adequately pushing off with your ground foot.

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.

This is one of the most enjoyable ways to go on a cycle ride. You can relax in the reclining position and once you get used to the differences you will find that you are not nearly as tired after a ride. You will usually end up going farther, on longer rides. You will also be able to enjoy the scenery since you are looking up instead of hunched over, looking at the ground.




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