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Recumbent Frequently Asked Questions
Recumbents are our specialty. We offer affordable entry level recumbents, as well as that next level up 'bent that will help you enjoy the longer rides and tours.
We have ridden and sold recumbents for several years. Over the years we have answered some commonly recurring questions. Below is a sampling of these questions: if your questions is not listed below, please email us at: rdbikeshop@yahoo.com
- How do I learn to ride them?
- Where can I ride my recumbent?
- How do I transport my recumbent if I don't want to ride from my home?
- Do I need special clothes and shoes?
- What do I do with my bike in the winter?
- Where can I read more about recumbents and recumbent riding?
How do I learn to ride a recumbent?
We will assist you. We have several areas near our shop where novice recumbent riders can learn how to ride their new bike. Contact us and we will arrange a test ride.
Here are some tips we give to our new 'bent riders:
Relax-sit back, let your shoulder blades feel the back of the recumbent seat. Unlike your upright bike you do not lean forward to ride.
Do not tightly grip the handlebars. A recumbent rider needs only to lightly rest their hands on the handlebars. If you have difficulty with steering you are most likely riding with a tight grip on the handlebars.
The key to successful hill climbing is to gear down and spin, you cannot climb out of the saddle when you climb hills.
Where can I ride my recumbent?
You can ride your recumbent any place you would ride your upright bike. However, just as you would not take your road bike on a single track trail, neither would you take a performance/road recumbent on that same trail. You want to purchase a recumbent that is most suited for your riding style and the type of riding you enjoy.
How do I transport my recumbent if I don't want to ride from my home?
The make and model of the bike you buy may dictate the type of transport. Some 'bents fit easily on conventional car racks. If you have both a 'bent and an upright/wedgie try the Cycle-on hitch rack made by Saris. Other bikes may require a roof rack.
Do I need special clothes and shoes?
You will not need special cycling shoes to ride your recumbent. However, the use of clothing designed specifically for recumbent riders will contribute to the comfort and enjoyment of your ride. We carry Mt. Borah designs BentWear. Please contact us to find out what Mt. Borah items we currently have in stock. You can see their full line of recumbent clothing at mtborah.com.
What do I do with my bike in the winter?
If you want to continue to ride in the winter you have a choice of cool weather gear from a variety of companies. The right clothing will enable you to be protected to ride outside in any weather that you are willing to tackle.
If you are not a cool weather rider you may hook up your 'bent to a trainer and ride indoors.
Where can I read more about recumbents and recumbent riding?
A great source of information regarding recumbents is RCN. RCN stands for Recumbent Cyclist News. Published six times a year it is considered to be the #1 magazine for anyone who is interest in recumbents. You may view a sample issue online at their web site: recumbentcyclistnews.com.
Another good information source is 'BentRider Online -- from the buyers guide to the message board and the blog -- a heap of information can be found at this site.
An interesting book to read about the history and development of the recumbent is "The Recumbent Bicycle" by Gunnar Fehlau. The book is one of several interesting titles offered by Out Your Backdoor Press.
The link is to a REAL Recumbent Couch bike. Recumbents are comfortable bikes to ride, but this one takes comfort to a new level...........
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