A Guide For Riding Recumbent Bicycles

By Virginia Myers


Going for a bike ride is an excellent way to exercise. The strain on knees and shins caused by running can be relieved by going for a ride. Traditional bikes like ten-speeds are often the first thought of most new riders, but there has been a strong surge towards recumbent bicycles. The design is different because they allow you to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Before your first ride, there are a few differences that you need to learn.

Getting on and off these bikes is one of the first critical differences. If you don't swing your leg forward to get on or off the cycle, you stand a pretty good chance of falling over. The seat is a reclining seat so when you swing over the back, as with other bikes, you will probably hit the seat with your foot.

Before you start the ride it is important to adjust it for your fit. Set your handlebars and seat so that you can reach the handlebars and pedals without having to lean forward. This will allow you to sit back and enjoy the ride without struggling.

Hold the brakes when you mount and dismount. Though this may be common sense, many people forget this and the front wheel turns or rolls causing them to fall. Simply holding the brake will prevent this issue.

Use the gears for easier riding. Some like to use a more difficult gear to get a harder work out on ten speeds, but on this bike, it is better to start in a low gear and work your way up as you need.

Set your pedal angle before starting. While sitting on the seat, spin the pedal to 12 o'clock, straight up and down, so you can have the best push effort when you start riding. Some might suggest a 2 o'clock position, but having the pedal straight up gives you better starting power.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. The whole idea of this type of cycle is to be able to look up and around while you are riding. You don't have to be hunched over the bars and front wheel anymore.

Push off with your pedal, not your foot. Many traditional rides begin by pushing off with the foot that is planted on the ground. With this type of ride, you are not in a strong position to push off with the ground foot. Instead, start pedaling and immediately move the ground foot to the other pedal to get going.

Stopping is also different. When you apply the brake you need to plant both feet on the ground and make sure the wheels are in a straight alignment. The tendency is to turn the handlebars to allow you to put one foot down. This bike does better if you plant both feet with the handles straight to avoid falling over since you are riding in a reclining position.

These cycles are designed so you can enjoy the ride. Remember not to focus on the ground and use a light touch with the handlebars. You'll feel better and be able to ride farther and longer because of the reclining position. You won't tire as easily as a speed bike ride and your knees and shins will thank you.




About the Author:



0 commentaires:

Enregistrer un commentaire