The recumbent bike brings out the kid in you!
What in the world was that? A recumbent(HPV) what? Who's ever heard of a
recumbent bike?
I'm talking about that bike that almost everyone has hanging from the rafter in the garage. You know the one I mean. The same one you have, and your neighbor down the street, that you get out on Memorial Day, July 4th or Labor Day for a quick spin around the block. Then it's back to its well reserved place hanging from the rafter again. Why is that? Aside from the fact the seat is usually uncomfortable after about 15 minutes, and that the legs are not in real good shape, it's possible there aren't many other reasons. So the key word here is… comfort! Right? Come on…admit it! If it's not comfortable what's the fun in that! So what's my point here? I thought you'd never ask. What if you could ride a bike(HPV-Human powered vehicle) that IS comfortable for more than 15 minutes? What if you could ride for 30 minutes, or and hour without hurting you know where? Besides that, how about if your legs would actually be able to pedal for that long, would that get your attention? All right! Now we're talkin'! Let me introduce you to the wonderful World of Recumbents. Recumbent bikes, in all shapes and sizes. OK, OK. What the heck is a Recumbent Bike? If you want the formal definition you won't get that here. The informal translation of recumbent would be "laid back." You know, like in a lawn chair. No, I didn't say lying down like to go to sleep. It's like sitting on a chair with a back, so you have something to lie back against. AND, that other part of the anatomy has a nice, big, soft, broad seat to sit on, instead of that little "sliver" of a thing that just begs to make you uncomfortable. Sound good so far? Great! Now, imagine that instead of your feet and legs being directly underneath you, they are out in front of you. In a sense, like they would be sitting down to drive a car. Got that? Can you visualize yourself in that position? "On a bike," you ask? Get ready for a whole new experience in bike riding.
It will be the most comfortable bike ride you have ever had. If you can ride one of these without a smile from ear to ear wile enjoying the beauty of nature, it will be due to absolute shock that anything could possibly be so comfortable and relaxing! Too good to be true? Don't say I didn't tell you.
Are you ready? OK! Remember what I asked earlier, "What if you could ride a bike that IS comfortable for more than 15 minutes? What if you could ride for 30 minutes, or and hour without hurting you know where? Besides that, how about if your legs would actually be able to pedal for that long, would that get your attention?" Well, do I have your attention yet? Would you be more inclined to ride your bike if it was comfortable? If it were fun to go to the store, get some exercise, take a ride with the family or significant other, wouldn't you do it more often? Who wouldn't? We do things because we enjoy them, or we don't do them. Right? AND, if you knew it was a healthier less stressful way to get exercise or just have fun, that would be like the icing on the cake! As for someone who would laugh because you're doing something different, seems to me the laugh might be on them. Speaking of exrcise!,what a great way to get some. Think about it. Do you realize you'll be riding with your back fully supported? Your feet and legs will be in front of you instead of under you. Rather than pushing against your own weight, you'll be using your gluteus max and pushing with your hips while supported by the seat back. You can move two or three times your body weight with your leg power when you have something to support your back and hips. In other words, less effort but the same physical benefit. Now that can't be all bad! Those who ride recumbents know what a difference it is. Just ask anyone you see on one, and you see more and more every year. For the last two years running recumbents have outsold road bikes! If you would like to know of a location in your area drop me an e-mail. We'll see if there is a shop in your hometown that is a recumbent bike dealer, or if someone lives close by that would offer a ride on theirs. Most of us are passionate about the recumbent bike and letting others know how great it is to "get bent!" As my friend Jose Hernandez sez, "Getting bent is never having to say you're sore!"
Still need convincing? OK! Check out "Seat On The Saddle" and "Long Wheelbase Recumbent" pages below. There's some really great info...so jump right in! It's all good! here!
You can find new and used recumbents here! Just enter "recumbent bikes" in the search box and then "GO!"
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Looks a little different, huh? I know what's in your mind. You're probably thinkin' someone will laugh at you if they see you riding something that looks so weird…right?
