[fifi]

I was wondering how fast can you usually go on a recumbent compared to a regular bike? It seems like they might be slower.

[Oneway]

With a sail?
What are you up to kid?

[pedalpusher]

Yea, recumbents might be slower, because I enjoy riding mine so much, I purposely take a lower speed to lay back and enjoy the scenery, fresh air, and smooth ride! Those of you siting on a small saddle are in constant pain, bent over the handle bars trying to go as fast as you can to get the ride over with, so you can get home and smear on some more Preparation H! REally, there is less wind resistance on a recumbent style bike (they hold the land speed record, I believe) and you can really muscle those pedals if you want to, compared to just lifting your own weight on a conventional diamond frame bike, so I can usually pull away from another biker if I want to crank them! Recumbents may be harder to balance, but the ride can't be beat!

[funetical]

I believe that. Recumbent s are the only exercise I've seen taken in a Hammock position. Hammocks are awesome. I looking into all kinds of rigs now so I have to ask what got you into recumbents Peadalpusher.

[Oneway]

Bents have the reputation of being fastest and different; begging conversation. The fine print is they weigh more and, riders being equal, are slower in hills. There is an anti-social aspect relative to diamond frames, slower up hills, faster down, no one wants to draft in a peleton of diamond frames. Bents with windscreen and shroud are warmer in teh winter but more subject to side wind. I don't find any difference in being noticed in traffic.

[pedalpusher]

funetical: I LIKE THE RELAXED RIDE OF A RECUMBENT, WITH 27 SPEEDS I pick an easy spinning speed and enjoy the ride more than on a conventional bike. I picked the recumbent style because the bike is my only form of transportation for nearly two years now, so it needs to be something one can look forward to using on a daily basis!

[funetical]

If I could find a cheap one I'd be chillaxing with you. I like the look. I had to pass a guy on a recumbant a few days ago, when I looked at his face, 90% joy 5% curiosity 5% terror. I'd say. I'm not a scientist.

[Oneway]

When I finish a long ride on my Goldrush, I put my feet down and stay seated; I get off my diamond frame.

BTW, I rode my bent to work because windscreen and shroud are warmer, I can jam all kinds of carry ons and the long wheel base bent is far less likely to be stolen). I rode my Single speed diamond frame to a meeting in town because lights and fenders are already installed, better night handling in town.

[funetical]

There a recumbent for every purpose then?

[Oneway]

In my case I have one semi enclosed recumbent and several diamond "traditional" frame bikes including a mountain bike (off road), a standard racing/touring bike and a single speed/fixed with 35c tires, fenders and lights (great for noodling around and winter slush, salt and sand). Seem reasonable?