In the present time, recumbent bicycles, also called sunburned bicycles, are no longer a rarity on the road in this country. However, it is catching up reclining more than any other vehicle the attention of other road users. Currently about 30,000 baby bikes are used nationwide. To have a successful comeback reclining the further development of existing recumbent bicycles help.

What is a recumbent bicycle?

As reclining a wheel is referred to, in which the handlebar and the seat are inclined backwards. A recumbent bike still differs from a conventional bike in that it does not have one saddlebut is equipped with a comfortable shell or net seat. Most recumbent bicycles are equipped with a top link. The top link is positioned in front of the user’s chest. A lower link, however, is positioned under the seat. In a lower link, the handles are usually attached laterally, slightly above the seat.

Different versions of recumbent bicycles

The comfortable recumbent bicycles are offered today by various manufacturers in a wide variety of variants. Who is one reclining The choice is between a conventional two-wheeled bivouac, a tandem recumbent, a three-wheel variant, such as the MOBO model cruiser„Triton“ and a particularly comfortable recumbent bike with integrated engine assistance.

Safety of recumbent bikes

For recumbent bicycles, the wheelbase is longer than with a conventional bike. Furthermore, the seat is mounted significantly lower. These two factors prevent a rollover, for example by a blocked front wheel. In collision with an obstacle, the consequences of the accident for the driver of a recumbent bike are also much lower than for cyclists who are traveling on a conventional bike. The head of a recumbent rider does not bounce on the obstacle, so severe head and spine injuries can be ruled out. Instead, the driver encounters the obstacle with his feet. The risk of injury is further minimized when driving at low speeds due to the low seat height. Therefore, there is currently no helmet required for recumbent bicycles. A special insurance or road holding permit is at one reclining also not required.

Criteria to consider when choosing a recumbent bicycle

Users of recumbents are more exposed to rain and wind than cyclists who use a conventional bicycle. Rain hits the driver of a recumbent bicycle on the full body length. When choosing a recumbent bike, it is therefore essential to ensure that a rain cover, such as a front panel or a so-called streamer, can be retrofitted, which can also be fitted with a rain cape. Fully covered recumbents, which are offered under the name Velo, provide good rain protection. In the selection should continue to be taken to ensure that the recumbent bike in addition Bicycle bagsand / or transport boxes.

Advantages and disadvantages of a recumbent bike

Compared to a conventional bicycle, riding a recumbent bike makes it much more relaxed and comfortable to cycle, as it does not strain the back, shoulders, arms or wrists. Since the user of a bouncer, except for models in which the seat is particularly low-mounted, not constantly have to look up, the neck is relaxed. The problems that usually bother the cyclist when sitting on a saddle, are also not a topic in a recumbent bike, for example, the model EXIT Triker by manufacturer Dutch Toys Group. Disadvantages of a recumbent are the much higher purchase price, the reduced maneuverability in sharp turns and maneuvering and the fact that recumbent bikes behind parked vehicles can easily be overlooked by other road users. Another disadvantage is that a recumbent bike is more difficult to accommodate due to its dimensions and can be taken along in a train, as a common bike.