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| Recumbant
Bikes |
According to the people who know about these things nothing
that enjoys popularity with more than 18% of the concerned
population can be cool. This law of cool was laid down
in the 1970s* when some word-guru with too much time on
his hands become vexed by the popular overuse of the latest
cool word-(ie. Cool) - and decided that it was time a
bit of fun was taken seriously.
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The pictures are of the coolest thing
to happen to bicycles in a long time. Recumbent
bikes. You may be surprised to learn that they’ve
been around for a lot longer than the definition
of cool and have been breaking bicycle speed records
since the 30s. However the very un-cool figures
of authority decided then that the new fangled machines
were bestowing an unfair advantage on their users
and decided to ban them. This may largely account
for their underground image and low profile- pardon
the pun. Fortunately the ban by the ruling bodies
failed to wipe them out completely and their construction
has continued as a garage industry. The seventies
saw them enjoy a surge in popularity in the States
as the easy-rider image hit. Thirty years later
Europe seems ready to sit up and take notice of
the oldest new-kid on the block since Tom Jones. |
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So what are they all about? Aero-dynamics
is the simple answer. A rider in the recumbent position
presents a picture or profile to air he’s trying
to cut through 30% smaller than a conventional rider.
If you’re cycling at speed or over distance - or
both - that’s hugely significant. Comfort is also
a factor. Full support for the back and zero load
on the crotch and prostate areas are major considerations
for many cyclists - particularly older ones who
may have concerns about lumber & prostate issues.
Most cyclists will trade a ditch or stone wall for
their saddle at any opportunity as a prelude to
stretching their legs and aching back. The recumbent
rider can ride a major event covering 100 miles
or more and still step lively from his ‘chair’ at
the end of it. Indeed he may not wish to leave his
‘chair’ unless there is some seriously more comfortable
furniture around - like a couch! Handling is a third
factor. Being close to the ground has huge ramifications
for a cyclist. The top-heavy position of a normal
bike makes it a precarious machine to corner and
stop. The recumbent handles more like a go-kart
than a tractor. |
So why are they such a minority interest? Surely the ban
can only give kudos in the reactionary 21st centaury?
Their biggest problem may be about to become their greatest
asset. They’re different. They look different and they
feel different. Surprisingly the altered riding position
uses subtly different muscle groups to achieve power and
even a seasoned cyclist must allow a substantial breaking
in period before he feels truly comfortable with a recumbent.
He will not be able to make it ’fly’ immediately. In these
days of instant gratification that’s a drawback. They
are also notoriously poor climbers. However those who
persevere will find that their new steed is nimble and
quick and gives their legs a very intensive work-out.
By keeping the upper body completely calm it lowers the
heart rate and by un-curling the stomach it allows deeper
breathing. Once the legs have mastered the recumbent position
climbing becomes a lot less difficult and riding a conventional
bike does too! Another drawback is the attention a machine
as different/cool as a recumbent gets. Their ability to
turn heads is nothing short of unbelievable. If you can’t
handle attention you don’t want a recumbent bike. But
if you’re cool with it then maybe you should try one out.
They’re not difficult to ride. Just different. They’re
not everybody’s cup of tea. Less than 18% of cyclists
have ever ridden one. They’re cool! Officially. |
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