Riding a recumbent

[bumknees]

I am about to make a return to riding beyond short park rides with my son. A colleague of mine at work has a recumbent that he's willing to give me for next to nothing. Are there any recumbent riders here, and is there anything I should be aware of? Thanks!

[eddief]

There are many kinds of recumbent. I had a stint with them a long while back, including trike, long wheelbase, short wheel base hi racer and medium racer. They are all way different than a "normal" bike. Balance is different and since you can't stand up on the pedals, climbing is a spinning sensation. Steering at low speeds on most bents is a learned behavior. And starting from a dead stop on an uphill grade requires practice for most. Oh, and you have to grow a beard.

Other than that, a walk in the park.

Hi racer, not me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reQTpj_lEsg

My favorite was a titanium long wheel base Easy Racer. Smooth cruiser.

[bumknees]

Thanks! The recumbent in question is an older Rans Rocket.

[eddief]

Since you can easily get your feet on the ground, should be one of the easier to learn to ride. Have fun.

http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/rans/rans_rocket.htm

Thanks! The recumbent in question is an older Rans Rocket.

[Ken Robb]

I took test rides on several different types of bents and wasn't comfortable riding in traffic with the limited vision I had due to the low seats. OTOH they were very comfy and FAST on flats and downhills.

[bicycletricycle]

I used to sell rans recumbents and I owned one. Super fun in general , less so around town because of inability to go up curbs and low speed balance eccentricities .