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.
First, mounting and dismounting are different. You need to swing your leg forward instead of backward over the frame. If you swing the leg backward, you may hit the reclining seat and probably fall 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.
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.
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 to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.
Stopping is a coordinated effort. At first, it might seem difficult, but stopping the bike is much the same that kids do when they first learn to ride a cycle. Apply the brake, then put both feet down on the ground and as you stand up, straighten the wheels.
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.
First, mounting and dismounting are different. You need to swing your leg forward instead of backward over the frame. If you swing the leg backward, you may hit the reclining seat and probably fall 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.
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.
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 to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.
Stopping is a coordinated effort. At first, it might seem difficult, but stopping the bike is much the same that kids do when they first learn to ride a cycle. Apply the brake, then put both feet down on the ground and as you stand up, straighten the wheels.
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.
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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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