Guide For Riding A Recumbent Tricycle

By Martha Murray


Summer days excite many people with the opportunities to get out and have some fun in the sun. A great way to stay fit is to ride a bike. There a number of people that enjoy moving around but have trouble riding because it is not easy to lean over the handlebars due to back pain or other issues. Using a recumbent tricycle is a great way to enjoy the summer fun without the pain that a traditional bike may cause.

Some may question why using a trike with three wheels. In the past, the tricycle actually came before bicycle. People had trouble balancing the bike and often reverted back to the more stable trike. It's an easy way to ride and be able to view the scenery without worrying about toppling over.

Another question is why user recumbent vehicle rather than the traditional bike or dirtbike. One of the advantages of riding on a recumbent vehicle is that you are able to sit back and lean back and you're not crunching all of your mid organs while leaning over the handlebars for an entire ride. Traveling several miles this way may also cause back pain.

One issue some people are concerned about is how difficult it is to get in and out of the vehicle. It doesn't have to be difficult because you can start by making sure the brakes are locked. This keeps the vehicle from rolling away while you prepare to enter the vehicle. The initial step is to be sure to straddle the front section of the trike and leaned back into the seat as you sit down. Since the brakes will be locked you can sit down without worrying about the vehicle rolling when you do. Do not use the handlebars as they may become damaged because they're not designed to hold your weight but rather just to steer the vehicle. Exiting the vehicle is the reverse. Simply begin by locking the brakes and as you stand up you'll lean forward and then step to the side of the vehicle.

Pedaling can also be difficult at first. A serious recommendation is that you have pedals that have a strap or some way to clip your foot into the pedal. If your foot slips off it could hit the ground and get pulled under the bike which could cause a lot of pain. You don't have to worry about falling off the trike when you stop because there are three wheels.

There are two types of steering mechanisms that are popular. The first is the linkage steering which feels more like power string for a bike. This type uses a sway bar and can be controlled with just one hand. The direct steering seems to be more like a sports car where you would need to use both hands.

Gear changing is very simple. It is pretty much the same as the traditional 10-speed bike. Some will have just one set of gears, while others will have the combination gears to achieve more torque when you're going uphill. Change it as needed and don't worry about what gear you are in.

Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy exercise, fitness, and riding bikes. Not everyone can ride the traditional 2 wheel bike so using a recumbent version is helpful. Being able to look up and watch the landscape as you ride enhances the experience. With options like a trike that leans back, everyone can easily get out and enjoy the summer.




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