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Alternative bike styles - 12/3/2005 11:15:43 PM

FelinePersuasion

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I saw a guy on a real neat bike, I wanna try to find one, instead of perching on a hard narrow seat with no back support this bike was like a seat you had this back piece to support your back and the peddles were out in front

I think that would solve a lot of problems about lower back fatiege from perching on an uncomfortable seat with no back support

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/3/2005 11:46:49 PM

stef

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Those are called recumbent bikes. There are several different styles (there are even 'bent trikes) but they're all generally more expensive than uprights.
If you're interested in finding some local information, you might want to spend some time on the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and Bikeroute.com websites.

~stef

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 1:25:52 AM

FelinePersuasion

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Thank you very much. I did find out their names after I posted the alternative bike thing, but I did not know about those links.

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 5:48:52 AM

KatyLied

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Where's HappyPerv when you need him?

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 6:31:43 AM

happypervert

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ok, Katy, here I am.

quote:

I think that would solve a lot of problems about lower back fatiege from perching on an uncomfortable seat with no back support

Perhaps back fatigue and saddle comfort are problems for you, but they aren't common problems or somebody would have come up with a better design in the 100+ years bicycles have been around. For example bike racers spend 6 or more hours a day in the saddle, and if they were uncomfortable they simply couldn't do it.

And the recumbent design introduces a far more serious problem -- getting up hill. On normal bikes a rider can stand on the pedals and let gravity and body weight turn them over; with a recumbent you rely on pure strength. For somebody living in an area that is flat as a pool table that might be ok, but a lot of folks are surprised when they first ride a bike around a place that seems flat in a car and they discover all the little hills and gentle but long elevation changes.

I've known folks to consider getting recumbents because they have real back problems like bad disks, and there are fans of recumbents almost like a cult. Beyond that though I'm not aware of a good reason to get one.

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 11:44:49 AM

stef

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quote:

ORIGINAL: happypervert

And the recumbent design introduces a far more serious problem -- getting up hill. On normal bikes a rider can stand on the pedals and let gravity and body weight turn them over; with a recumbent you rely on pure strength.

Recumbent riders have the seatback to brace themselves against when pedaling, something the upright riders don't, and that offsets a good deal of the gravity/bodyweight benefit that upright riders enjoy. The gearing can also be set up to make hillclimbing easier. It's not nearly as much of an issue as you think. There's a good article on the subject here.

FWIW, I ride a Specialized Crossroads Comp upright, but I've ridden recumbents before. I wouldn't want to take one up l'Alpe d'Huez but for regular riding they're just fine.

~stef

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 12:44:56 PM

happypervert

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That's an interesting article, stef. Thanks. I'm not sure what to make of it, though, because it is written by a recumbent advocate and so by design may minimize the disadvantage on hills. For example when he talks about doing intervals to improve climbing and keep the "wedgies" in sight I have to wonder if the wedgie riders are also doing intervals; if not he is doing extra training to compensate for a less efficient position on the bike.

I haven't ridden a recumbent so it can't compare directly; I did work out on a recumbent exercise bike in a gym and I didn't like that at all because it felt like more strenuous from pushing off that seat back and also because the position was static -- on a normal bike I can get out of the saddle occasionally and use muscles a bit differently.

But I'm probably sensitive to the hills issue because the terrain is real hilly where I live. Perhaps if I lived in a flat windy area I'd be singing the praises of recumbents because of the aerodynamic advantage.

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 1:09:18 PM

DesertRat

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I've never ridden a recumbent, but have been on lots of long tours where I've seen recumbent riders struggling on long hills. In my view, if they are less efficient (or effective, which is not the same thing) on hills, then they must be less efficient in all circumstances and hillclimbing just accentuates that. On flat terrain they should have an aerodynamic advantage, though. The idea that someone is more comfy in a chairlike position is something you see expressed a lot in motorcycle circles. With or without a motor, I have always found it more comfortable to be in a forward-leaning stance, with a considerable portion of my weight supported by my arms and shoulders. The upright and forward position also allows instantaneous shifts of weight and, therefore, balance. It's active, rather than passive. Orthopedically, I think that's better. Gotta watch out for numbness of the crotch, though. Sounds funny, but it's not.

Bob

ps: I ride an old (but beautiful) Trek TX900. All Columbus/Campy/Cinelli. The bike and my riding gear all look like something pulled out of a time capsule. It's even a TEN-speed. LOL

< Message edited by DesertRat -- 12/4/2005 1:12:25 PM >

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 2:43:46 PM

Sunshine119

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I've never ridden a recumbent either but I know what you mean about those hard skinny seats. Can't even imaging trying to mount one after being paddled or spanked. However, I have found replacement seats available at places like Target and Walmart that have a wider seat, more padded and provide much more fun for me.

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 3:06:48 PM

stef

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quote:

ORIGINAL: happypervert

I haven't ridden a recumbent so it can't compare directly; I did work out on a recumbent exercise bike in a gym and I didn't like that at all because it felt like more strenuous from pushing off that seat back and also because the position was static -- on a normal bike I can get out of the saddle occasionally and use muscles a bit differently.

It's a very unique feeling riding a recumbent. The mechanics aren't the same and you use your muscles in different ways. If you ever get the chance to try one out, I'd be interested to hear what you thought of the experience.

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesertRat

In my view, if they are less efficient (or effective, which is not the same thing) on hills, then they must be less efficient in all circumstances and hillclimbing just accentuates that.

That logic doesn't really work. Recumbents are *more* efficient on flats and downhills than uprights. Long hills are the only place where uprights "win."

~stef

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 12/4/2005 3:38:16 PM

FelinePersuasion

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Numb crotch aint funny he's right.

I have gotten off my bike and even in the best of health and shape the crotch lips were so numb from all the sitting. It's the same as numb butt ass in chair to long sundrome butts get:P

I have rode my moms bike sunshine, not in ages, but her bikes had the wide huge seats tapered by the crotch a bit and wide and flaired by the butt,

However it's very uncomfortable on my back muscles to be perched essentially. And the leaning forward to reach your handle bars crating a rounded back isn't good for the health of the back in any given situation but in a weak damaged back it's worse.

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RE: Alternative bike styles - 1/7/2006 11:57:02 AM

FelinePersuasion

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tried to ride the recumbent bike I got yesterday and it was just a total disaster I can't reach the brakes and the steering under the seat cause Recumbents have under seat and above seat and it's no use trying to learn it if you can't reach the steer and break, and then it started to tip over and I jumped up to keep from falling an a big piece of the bike raked my thi and my knee and I have three brand new lumps and bruises lol and then my dress got cauught in the chain and dad had to free it. yes yes I know don't ride in a dress, but dresses are all I wear. I wasn't even riding it when my dress got caught I was sitting on it trying to learn to balance myself.

I am going to see about trading for a trike.

My dad and I are both of the opnion that certain types of recumbent bikes are just plain dangerous, since there's no protection over the bike chain and your thighs are right next to it as you peddle.

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