Beginning with the wheelbase, depending upon the model you are selecting the wheelbase will be classified as either long, short or compact. A long wheelbase will have the pedals placed between the front and rear wheels. A short wheelbase will have the pedals placed in front of the front wheel. A compact wheelbase will have the pedals either close to the front wheel or above it.

Now, onto the wheels, the rear wheel of the bike is typically behind the rider. Depending upon which type of biking you are planning on doing (racing, mountain biking, or general use) the wheel may be any size. Usually the rear wheel is about 16 inches and the front wheel will be a little smaller. The larger the wheel, the lower wind resistance you have. Racers generally prefer a dual 26 inch wheel on their recumbent bike.

With the steering of your recumbent bike, you have 2 options: over the seat or under the seat. Most 3 wheeled recumbent bikes are under the seat. What this means is the bars are linked to the headset of the bike. For an over the seat steering option, the steering will extend behind the front wheel (it looks like a tiller).

The drive of your recumbent bike is usually rear wheel. There are some bikes that offer front wheel drive because it allows for a shorter chain and you are able to pivot from side to side. Many riders prefer front wheel drive because it helps to reduce heel strike. However, front wheel drive comes with some disadvantages. You have increased pedal steer and this leads to a lower ability to stay in a straight line.

Fairings are usually fitted to a bike to reduce wind resistance. They are not commonly sold on recumbent bikes and you will have to install them yourself or pay someone else to install them for you.

The most important part of your recumbent bike is the seat. Most people will stop exercising if something is uncomfortable. This is especially true for people who bike ride. Those old banana seats just aren't built for comfort and this is the recumbent bikes greatest advantage. The seat allows you to sit like you are in a chair, so you have full back support and your buttocks isn't forced to sit in an uncomfortable position. Typically the seats of recumbent bikes are made up of mesh stretched over a frame. Some can be hard shells, but they are usually more common in Europe.

So now that you know a little about the specifications of recumbent bikes, you need to determine which style of recumbent bike you need. Are you a mountain biker, racer, hand-cycle biker, or just general recreation biker? Here are some tips to help you choose which style of recumbent bike you need:

Mountain bike recumbents

Recumbent bikes are best used as a racing or recreational bike. With mountain biking, you tend to run over rocks, bushes, and puddles. If you have an upright bike, you can simply yank on the handle bars and pull the bike up over the rock or up so you don't get splashed by that muddy water. With a recumbent bike, you do not have this advantage and you will get nailed with muddy water and your chances of taking a few pebbles to your legs increase tremendously. However if you are dead set on a recumbent mountain bike here are a couple suggestions:

1. Look at the thickness of the tire. Large diameter wheels are designed for mountain biking and for driving over rocks without popping.


2. Look for a recumbent bike that has a crank-forward design. These are great for climbing uphill.


3. Make sure the trail you are going on is wide. Because recumbent bikes have a longer wheelbase from an upright bike, they are not easy to maneuver on tight, curving paths.

Officially recumbent bikes were banned from bike racing in 1934 by the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) after Francis Faure broke the world hour record on a recumbent bike. The UCI and the US Cycling Federation both have specific guidelines of geometric requirements that limit recumbent bikes from being re-introduced to bike racing. There are several open bike races across the country that allows recumbent bikes to participate. This means that bike racing is broken down into recumbent bikes and upright bikes, with only upright bike racing being "officially" recognized as bike racing. Several top cyclists are petitioning to get the UCI and US Cycling Federation to reconsider their standards, but for now, we are stuck with being hobbyists if you are a recumbent bike racer.

Recreational recumbent bikes

It is fairly common to see recumbent tricycles in tourist cities or to see 2-seater recumbent bikes. They not only allow for comfort, but many people prefer them because you can simply stop and take a picture without having to worry about holding the bike or using the kickstand to park in. The tricycle recumbent bike provides the driver with several advantages including the ability to turn sharply without having to lean to the left or right. Elderly people or those with balance or limb disabilities have found recumbent tricycles to be easier on the joints and back.

Hand-cycle bicycling

Recumbent bikes are wonderful for paraplegics or others who have little or no use of their legs. The recumbent bike has been reshaped for these individuals to pedal with their hands. Hand cycles function in a typical delta design with the hand holds attached to hand cranks that power the wheels. The brake levers are also attached to the hand holds. The hand holds also function as the steering wheel, allowing the driver to have all the controls at their hands. Even though our arms are not as strong as our legs, hand cyclists have been known to top speeds of 30 miles per hour!

There will always be debate in the cycling world as to which bike is better, an upright or a recumbent. There isn't really a good answer to either argument. It all comes down to your personal preference. Recumbent bikes do have some excellent advantages over upright bikes.

First, a recumbent bike is unique. If you have grown up with upright bikes and this is your first time trying a recumbent bike, chances are you are going to enjoy yourself. Anything different is always exciting the first time you use it. Recumbent bikes are wonderful for a peaceful afternoon bike ride to your favorite park or just around your neighborhood.

Second, your body won't tire as easily with a recumbent bike as it does with an upright bike. Recumbent bikes allow your back to be supported during the entire ride and for you to push against the seat for times when you need rapid acceleration.

Third, recumbent bikes offer a greater advantage to those with repetitive injuries to the wrist, neck or back. These individuals can continue riding bicycles without the added pain and pressure on their injury. Leaning on handlebars can be quite uncomfortable for anyone with one of those injuries. Injuries to your back can also make you avoid an upright bike because of the constant strain on your back muscles. Recumbent bikes offer reduced pain and pressure on your arms and neck. When you first begin using a recumbent bike, you may notice additional pressure on your knees as your body is learning to adjust to the next cycling.

Fourth, recumbent bikes have a greater safety feature than upright bikes. Because recumbent bikes are unique, motorists tend to notice you more and hopefully avoid clipping you in the backside! If you have a recumbent tricycle, your chances of falling are pretty small. However, most falls from a recumbent bike will land you on your backside. Typically riders of recumbent bikes don't topple over the handle bars; instead they slide right out of the seat and wind up next to their bike. Most falls from recumbent bikes are from inexperienced riders or from higher bikes. Just be sure to wear your helmet and take it easy as you are getting used to this new style of biking.