Recumbent bikes

kingrollo
kingrollo Posts: 3,198
edited April 2013 in Road general
After a 2 year battle with persistint back and groin pain while cycling - I am seriously considering taking the very big plunge and buying a recumbent bike. I just wonder if anyone else has considered this, or indeed rides \ have riddien one.

I am aware of the shortcomings, low riding position, hill climbing, visibility - so don't really want to go into those discussions - but just wondered if anyone has experience >

Comments

  • Gizmodo
    Gizmodo Posts: 1,928
    kingrollo wrote:
    After a 2 year battle with persistint back and groin pain while cycling - I am seriously considering taking the very big plunge and buying a recumbent bike. I just wonder if anyone else has considered this, or indeed rides \ have riddien one.

    I am aware of the shortcomings, low riding position, hill climbing, visibility - so don't really want to go into those discussions - but just wondered if anyone has experience >
    Obviously no one here, you could try the British Human Power Club
    http://www.bhpc.org.uk/

    and their general open forum
    http://www.british-human-power.com/forum/
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  • Velonutter
    Velonutter Posts: 2,437
    Lad in our village rides/drives one, don't try and draft him as on the the flat he can hold 45+ without any effort, he's a bit slower on the hills but regularly rides/drives to Holland, it looks a bit of a nail but never underestimate the speed of this. :shock: :shock: :shock:
  • farrina
    farrina Posts: 360
    Velonutter wrote:
    Lad in our village rides/drives one, don't try and draft him as on the the flat he can hold 45+ without any effort:
    Impressive speed for the flat - he's not called Hoy by any chance?
    Regards
    Alan
  • goonz
    goonz Posts: 3,106
    farrina wrote:
    Velonutter wrote:
    Lad in our village rides/drives one, don't try and draft him as on the the flat he can hold 45+ without any effort:
    Impressive speed for the flat - he's not called Hoy by any chance?

    Recumbents are renowned for flat road speed, I'd guess quite a lot of experienced recumbent users could hit speeds close to that.
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  • binkybike
    binkybike Posts: 104
    goonz wrote:
    farrina wrote:
    Velonutter wrote:
    Lad in our village rides/drives one, don't try and draft him as on the the flat he can hold 45+ without any effort:
    Impressive speed for the flat - he's not called Hoy by any chance?

    Recumbents are renowned for flat road speed, I'd guess quite a lot of experienced recumbent users could hit speeds close to that.

    Although not "without any effort". Unless it is some fully enclosed lowrider.

    To the OP, if you want to try them I say go for it (personally I have not interest but I am not uncomfortable on my bike) it solves your pain problems it will be worth it.

    Just avoid becoming a 'bent evangelist, they are so tiresome.
  • simonhead
    simonhead Posts: 1,399
    Dont trust them, saw a guy take a short cut by riding under a stationary truck.
    Life isnt like a box of chocolates, its like a bag of pic n mix.
  • danlikesbikes
    danlikesbikes Posts: 3,898
    Never ridden one & whilst I personally like the engineering that goes into them its not enough to make me spend my money.

    If your riding it to make your position better than good on you, why should you miss out on cycling if your don't fit the mould of a standard bike.

    As other have said perhaps get out there & try a few different types and find out what you like & get on with
    Pain hurts much less if its topped off with beating your mates to top of a climb.
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Thanks guys - the other consideration is the cost

    My first ever road bike was £90 ..........my last one was almost £2k - Problem is with recumbents - you can't dip your toe in the water.....2nd user your looking @ £750 .....

    Watch the classifieds for a pair of carbon clinchers.........which will break my heart !
  • Paul 8v
    Paul 8v Posts: 5,458
    I've always thought I'd like to give one of the fully faired ones a go, they look really fast! Just be careful not to turn in to one of those guys that wear trousers with weird patterns on that eccentric people wear :D I have a knackered back and I have thought about one of these, it's just like you say it's a big investment for something you might not like.
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  • Velonutter
    Velonutter Posts: 2,437
    @binky, yep it is an enclosed lowrider, this bloke can fly, give him some wings and he'll need an air hostess :roll: :mrgreen:
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Paul 8v wrote:
    I've always thought I'd like to give one of the fully faired ones a go, they look really fast! Just be careful not to turn in to one of those guys that wear trousers with weird patterns on that eccentric people wear :D I have a knackered back and I have thought about one of these, it's just like you say it's a big investment for something you might not like.

    Theres lots of different types - you can get ones which are quite high up (dual 26 wheels) - but then its a bit tricky getting your foot down - the real low ones are fast as hell - but perhaps not suited to uk streets - I have tested a few - and the one I felt most comfortable on, had a 26 rear - with a 20 in front - still pretty fast - and a medium height riding position...

    Will keep ya posted.....
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    This looks serious fun - from the BHPC club champs shrewsbury

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0ja8d56JMM

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