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.
These bikes have a different way of mounting. Swing your leg forward over the frame rather than backward. Remember, the seat is a reclining style. Swinging your leg over backward will result in you kicking the seat and possibly toppling over.
Be sure to adjust the seat and handlebars before you take off. It might be common sense, but with this type of cycle, it is more important in order to use it to its full potential. The bike is designed for you to be able to sit back and not have to reach for things. Adjust your bike until the fit feels good and allows you to recline.
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.
Use the pedal to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.
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.
These cycles are designed so you can enjoy the ride. Remember not to focus on the ground and use a light touch with the handlebars. You'll feel better and be able to ride farther and longer because of the reclining position. You won't tire as easily as a speed bike ride and your knees and shins will thank you.
These bikes have a different way of mounting. Swing your leg forward over the frame rather than backward. Remember, the seat is a reclining style. Swinging your leg over backward will result in you kicking the seat and possibly toppling over.
Be sure to adjust the seat and handlebars before you take off. It might be common sense, but with this type of cycle, it is more important in order to use it to its full potential. The bike is designed for you to be able to sit back and not have to reach for things. Adjust your bike until the fit feels good and allows you to recline.
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.
Use the pedal to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.
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.
These cycles are designed so you can enjoy the ride. Remember not to focus on the ground and use a light touch with the handlebars. You'll feel better and be able to ride farther and longer because of the reclining position. You won't tire as easily as a speed bike ride and your knees and shins will thank you.
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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.
