Riding a bike is a great way to get exercise and in most cases can save strain on your shins and knees from running. Most people think of a traditional bike when they decide to start up this exercise, but a trend towards recumbent bicycles is surging. They are different in design from the traditional bike but allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery when going on a ride. Because of their different design, it is important to remember a few things before your first trip.
Getting on and off these bikes is one of the first critical differences. If you don't swing your leg forward to get on or off the cycle, you stand a pretty good chance of falling over. The seat is a reclining seat so when you swing over the back, as with other bikes, you will probably hit the seat with your foot.
Adjust your seat and handlebars before you begin your first ride. This is more important on this than other bikes because you will want to be able to sit back while you ride. You need to be able to have a light touch on the handlebars and easily reach the pedals without having to lean forward for either.
Make sure you put the brakes on when you start and stop. This type of bike is prone to fall over if you don't have a good sense of control. The first few times you use the cycle will be the most important while you learn the best way to get on and off.
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.
There is some debate on how to set your pedal before starting. Some suggest 2 o'clock but a 12 o'clock position is best for beginners. This allows you to put one foot on the pedal to get a good strong start.
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.
Push off with your pedal, not your foot. Many traditional rides begin by pushing off with the foot that is planted on the ground. With this type of ride, you are not in a strong position to push off with the ground foot. Instead, start pedaling and immediately move the ground foot to the other pedal to get going.
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.
This is one of the most enjoyable ways to go on a cycle ride. You can relax in the reclining position and once you get used to the differences you will find that you are not nearly as tired after a ride. You will usually end up going farther, on longer rides. You will also be able to enjoy the scenery since you are looking up instead of hunched over, looking at the ground.
Getting on and off these bikes is one of the first critical differences. If you don't swing your leg forward to get on or off the cycle, you stand a pretty good chance of falling over. The seat is a reclining seat so when you swing over the back, as with other bikes, you will probably hit the seat with your foot.
Adjust your seat and handlebars before you begin your first ride. This is more important on this than other bikes because you will want to be able to sit back while you ride. You need to be able to have a light touch on the handlebars and easily reach the pedals without having to lean forward for either.
Make sure you put the brakes on when you start and stop. This type of bike is prone to fall over if you don't have a good sense of control. The first few times you use the cycle will be the most important while you learn the best way to get on and off.
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.
There is some debate on how to set your pedal before starting. Some suggest 2 o'clock but a 12 o'clock position is best for beginners. This allows you to put one foot on the pedal to get a good strong start.
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.
Push off with your pedal, not your foot. Many traditional rides begin by pushing off with the foot that is planted on the ground. With this type of ride, you are not in a strong position to push off with the ground foot. Instead, start pedaling and immediately move the ground foot to the other pedal to get going.
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.
This is one of the most enjoyable ways to go on a cycle ride. You can relax in the reclining position and once you get used to the differences you will find that you are not nearly as tired after a ride. You will usually end up going farther, on longer rides. You will also be able to enjoy the scenery since you are looking up instead of hunched over, looking at the ground.
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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.