What's Inside

WHY A RECUMBENT?
If you’re reading this magazine, the odds are
good that you’re interested in buying and riding
a recumbent bicycle. There are many reasons
to ride a recumbent. Here are just a few:
• Superior comfort
• No neck pain
• No wrist pain
• No numbness or chafing
• Easier breathing
• Less fatigue
• Better view of the road
There are a few downsides to recumbent
bicycles as well, such as:
• They are more expensive
• Dealers and specialists are difficult to find
• Some models are sold only factory direct
• They are heavier than upright bicycles
• They are generally slower than upright
bicycles (with some exceptions)
• Some mechanics don’t like working on
them
• They use more proprietary parts
Recumbents work best for bike trail cruising,
rides of a dozen miles or more and touring.
Recumbents also work well for non-competive
rides such as Cycle Oregon and STP (Seattle
To Portland). While some recumbents are fast,
they don't always mix well with competitive
road groups due to their different power curve
(slower up hills, faster down). Recumbents are
also not as easy to manuever in town (long
wheelbases, reclined seats, high bottom brackets,
it's more difficult to see behind you, and
many recumbents are lower to the ground (can
be more difficult for motorists to see you).
CHOOSING A RECUMBENT
Selecting a recumbent can be an ominous
task — and our industry doesn’t make it easy.
Recumbents come in all shapes and sizes,
with multiple variations, for many different
purposes. Education and research are vital in
finding information about recumbents.
RECUMBENT TYPES
Here are the different types of recumbents:
LONG WHEELBASE (LWB): LWBs are
the original and classic style of recumbent bicycle.
They are long and low chopper-like bikes
that offer a luxurious ride. This design usually
places pedals low and behind the front wheel (a
few mono-tube models have the pedals placed
high and behind the head tube). These limo-like
models have wheelsets of 26”/20” or 700c/20”,
Recumbents 101
By Bob Bryant
Long Wheelbase: The RANS Stratus XP is a hot new LWB model
Compact Long Wheelbase: Cannondale
Bent 1 dual suspension CLWB
with a few 26”/26” models. LWBs are the bestselling
style of recumbent because of ease of
use and affordability. The LWB style is best for
touring, sport riding, commuting, and is a great
all-around model. LWBs are popular for new
cyclists, more casual riders or those looking for
a more forgiving all-around bicycle.
For: Easy to ride, easy to buy, unmatched
high-speed handling, affordable, comfortable,
and an excellent all-around bikes.
Against: Long, heavier, tiller steering effect
(some models), difficult to store/haul/maneuver
in tight spaces.
Fit: LWBs work best for shorter to tall riders.
Very tall riders may have a difficult time finding
a bike large (long) enough. Some models come
in sizes, which is great for folks who are not of
average height.
Cost: Entry level: $800. Enthusiast: $1,500-
$2,000. Top of the line: $2,500-$5,500.
Available models: Sun EZ Sport, Easy Racers,
RANS Stratus/V2, Linear & Lightfoot.
COMPACT LONG WHEELBASE
(CLWB): This type fits in between the LWB
and SWB. This is a more compact version
of the LWB. They are generally more affordable
for the entry level. The compact utilizes
a smaller 20”/16” or sometimes a 20”/20” wheel
set. The bikes are made more compact by plac-
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Short Wheelbase: The popular Bacchetta
Giro 20 SWB
ing the seat rearward, just above and forward of
the rear wheel. Compacts have been popular in
recent years as beginner or recreational bikes,
but they also make good short-hop commuters.
For: Compact size, affordable and easy to
ride/master.
Against: Small wheels (less bicycle-like
feel), heavier, poor weight distribution, rougher
ride, slower and less aerodynamic.
Fit: This model works best for medium or
average height riders. Very short riders may
have a difficult time holding the bikes up at a
stop, and most models don’t fit riders over 6’.
Examples: Cannondale, Giant Revive, HP
Velo Spirit Sun EZ1 & RANS Tailwind.
SHORT WHEELBASE (SWB): The SWB
has about the same wheelbase as a road bike
with the pedals high and over the front wheel.
Wheelset is 26”/26”, 650c/650c, 26”/20” or
20”/20”. SWBs are the enthusiast recumbent
models, for speed, racing, sport, recreation, club
rides and touring (some models). SWB models
can be lighter in weight and more responsive
handling and have more extreme riding positions
(laid back seats + high pedals). Highracers
are the skinny tire road bike recumbents. They
can utilize road bike components, thus making
them the lightest and most aggressive recum-