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.
These bikes have a different way of mounting. Swing your leg forward over the frame rather than backward. Remember, the seat is a reclining style. Swinging your leg over backward will result in you kicking the seat and possibly toppling over.
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.
Be sure to hold the brake when getting on or off. This may seem like common sense, but it is more important on this style of bike. Until you are used to getting on the bike, this will simplify the first and last step of the ride.
With other bikes, people tend to work harder rather than using the gears. Use the gears to make it an easier ride. Make sure to set the cycle to a low gear to make starting an easy task.
Starting takes some practice. Set your pedals to the 12 o'clock position for best starting. You do not push off with your foot but instead will use the pedal to get started.
While riding the bike, sit back and relax. This is designed with this purpose in mind. On other bikes, you lean forward and are looking at the ground just in front of you. Here, you actually need to look up and forward so you can use the bike to its full potential.
Use the pedal, not your foot, to push start. You might be used to pushing off from the ground and then start pedaling. This cycle starts by pushing the pedal and moving your ground foot up to continue the effort. Being in a reclining position will prevent you from adequately pushing off with your ground foot.
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.
Enjoying the scenery and avoiding strain are two big benefits of these bikes. Once you get a couple of good starts on the cycle, you will naturally get a feel for how it works. It is different in some ways, but you will find that you ride longer and farther without tiring as much.
These bikes have a different way of mounting. Swing your leg forward over the frame rather than backward. Remember, the seat is a reclining style. Swinging your leg over backward will result in you kicking the seat and possibly toppling over.
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.
Be sure to hold the brake when getting on or off. This may seem like common sense, but it is more important on this style of bike. Until you are used to getting on the bike, this will simplify the first and last step of the ride.
With other bikes, people tend to work harder rather than using the gears. Use the gears to make it an easier ride. Make sure to set the cycle to a low gear to make starting an easy task.
Starting takes some practice. Set your pedals to the 12 o'clock position for best starting. You do not push off with your foot but instead will use the pedal to get started.
While riding the bike, sit back and relax. This is designed with this purpose in mind. On other bikes, you lean forward and are looking at the ground just in front of you. Here, you actually need to look up and forward so you can use the bike to its full potential.
Use the pedal, not your foot, to push start. You might be used to pushing off from the ground and then start pedaling. This cycle starts by pushing the pedal and moving your ground foot up to continue the effort. Being in a reclining position will prevent you from adequately pushing off with your ground foot.
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.
Enjoying the scenery and avoiding strain are two big benefits of these bikes. Once you get a couple of good starts on the cycle, you will naturally get a feel for how it works. It is different in some ways, but you will find that you ride longer and farther without tiring as much.
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You can get a detailed overview of the things to consider when buying recumbent bicycles and view our selection of bicycles at http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617617.html right now.
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