Considering a recumbent bicycle, suggestions?

[Alice Sr.]

I used to ride all the time but it is just too uncomfortable these days . I have been considering one for awhile but have never ridden one, so a little apprehensive to spend the money. Any comments on whether you like them or hate them, or suggestions on a model? Thanks

 

[marybet]

I have one and I love it. I got it before I had knee replacements, much less stress on my joints, easier on the back too.

 

[elphaba91]

I use mine everyday and so does my Mum - she even used it the morning of her hip replacement, was back on the second the physio would allow it and is still using it while awaiting a knee replacement. We have a ProForm one that can also be converted to a cross trainer. It's similar to this one https://www.proform.com/hybrid-trainers/hybridtrainer although ours isn't as fancy and doesn't have the screen like that. We don't use the cross trainer as much (although it's nice to have to mix things up!) but find the seat and pedals really comfortable (you don't have to strap your feet in like with some).

 

[Alice Sr.]

I have one and I love it. I got it before I had knee replacements, much less stress on my joints, easier on the back too.

I use mine everyday and so does my Mum - she even used it the morning of her hip replacement, was back on the second the physio would allow it and is still using it while awaiting a knee replacement. We have a ProForm one that can also be converted to a cross trainer. It's similar to this one https://www.proform.com/hybrid-trainers/hybridtrainer although ours isn't as fancy and doesn't have the screen like that. We don't use the cross trainer as much (although it's nice to have to mix things up!) but find the seat and pedals really comfortable (you don't have to strap your feet in like with some).

Thank you both for your response. I am looking at the kind you ride on the street/trail. Any experience with those?

 

[Imzadi]

Whatever one you get, make sure you read the reviews to see if the reviewers mention if the seat is horribly uncomfortable and if you are able to remove the seat for another one or put a good padded cover on it.

I got a recumbent bike ages ago, in which I didn't pay attention to those reviews, even though MANY people warned about the seat. I thought I could just throw a folded towel over it, tape it down or buy a gel seat cover. The seat could never be removed and replaced. And no gel cover would fit onto the existing seat. It became unrideable after about 15 minutes. I ended up getting rid of it. Pricey mistake to make.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Whatever one you get, make sure you read the reviews to see if the reviewers mention if the seat is horribly uncomfortable and if you are able to remove the seat for another one or put a good padded cover on it.

I got a recumbent bike ages ago, in which I didn't pay attention to those reviews, even though MANY people warned about the seat. I thought I could just throw a folded towel over it, tape it down or buy a gel seat cover. The seat could never be removed and replaced. And no gel cover would fit onto the existing seat. It became unrideable after about 15 minutes. I ended up getting rid of it. Pricey mistake to make.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of and regarding that portion of the anatomy. Good ideal, I will read the reviews. Thanks

 

[John VN]

That's exactly what I'm afraid of and regarding that portion of the anatomy. Good ideal, I will read the reviews. Thanks

Please do your "online investigation" as to the actual style you are considering. I am at WDW-FW right now and came up to a gentleman on a recumbent today while riding my grocery grabber bicycle. Passed him by and guess he wasn't happy because he kicked in the electric assist motor and passed by me ASAP.

Beautiful recumbent, in the $5,000.00 range, and very comfortable.

https://www.perennialcycle.com/ice-...MI2_v4lK_O6wIVFGyGCh28JgicEAQYBCABEgJlFfD_BwE
Make sure you test ride before purchase.

 

[momz]

Go for a recumbent trike. I absolutely love it! No worries about balance. It takes hills easily.

 

[John VN]

Go for a recumbent trike. I absolutely love it! No worries about balance. It takes hills easily.View attachment 523649

ABOVE is called a Tadpole Recumbent Trike. Having the 2 wheels in front is much more stable.

https://laidbackcycles.com/recumben...TADPOLE TRIKE,expensive than the Delta trikes.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Go for a recumbent trike. I absolutely love it! No worries about balance. It takes hills easily.

ABOVE is called a Tadpole Recumbent Trike. Having the 2 wheels in front is much more stable.

https://laidbackcycles.com/recumben...TADPOLE TRIKE,expensive than the Delta trikes.

Thanks for the pic and link. Based on the above a revised my google search from recumbent to recumbent trike and got a lot more results. Aesthetically I prefer the 2 wheels in the back but I prefer function to beauty so will definitely try them both out. They seem to be more of a special order, not seeing many shops with inventory for a test drive, any suggestions?

 

[John VN]

Thanks for the pic and link. Based on the above a revised my google search from recumbent to recumbent trike and got a lot more results. Aesthetically I prefer the 2 wheels in the back but I prefer function to beauty so will definitely try them both out. They seem to be more of a special order, not seeing many shops with inventory for a test drive, any suggestions?

Bikes are in HIGH DEMAND so store stock might be down. DW was considering a Tadpole years ago so I surfed net for shops within 100/150 miles, found some and called about test rides. BTW, the old 2 wheels in the rear, of the 24" and 26" wheel size, can be awkward when turning so it is very important to test ride.

 

[Alice Sr.]

So far I like the HP VELOTECHNIK GEKKO FX RECUMBENT TRIKE. There is apparently a RT superstore in Indianapolis so I think I will check them out. Thanks

 

[momz]

So far I like the HP VELOTECHNIK GEKKO FX RECUMBENT TRIKE. There is apparently a RT superstore in Indianapolis so I think I will check them out. Thanks

You are in INDY?! Me too. Gray Goat on the southside currently has a TerraTrike Rover in stock I believe. It's the basic model like mine only newer. I bought mine on Facebook marketplace, drove to Cincinnati to pick it up. Also, there is a recumbent store on the west side called MidWest trike megastore...It's a hole in the wall kind of place, but they always have trikes, different brands too. They will order in and build it for you, can customize it to your needs.

What I like about mine: the seat is higher and makes it easier to get in and out of it (I have ms), the price, the dependability (I have had zero repairs), and the internal hub shifter (makes shifting a breeze). What I don't like about mine: the limited gears (I have only 8) limits my speed, it has fairly wide turning radius (they all do), they cost of accessories (also common no matter the maker).

Good luck shopping. I'd better happy to swap ideas on bike trails in the area. There are some good ones.

 

[Alice Sr.]

You are in INDY?! Me too. Gray Goat on the southside currently has a TerraTrike Rover in stock I believe. It's the basic model like mine only newer. I bought mine on Facebook marketplace, drove to Cincinnati to pick it up. Also, there is a recumbent store on the west side called MidWest trike megastore...It's a hole in the wall kind of place, but they always have trikes, different brands too. They will order in and build it for you, can customize it to your needs.

What I like about mine: the seat is higher and makes it easier to get in and out of it (I have ms), the price, the dependability (I have had zero repairs), and the internal hub shifter (makes shifting a breeze). What I don't like about mine: the limited gears (I have only 8) limits my speed, it has fairly wide turning radius (they all do), they cost of accessories (also common no matter the maker).

Good luck shopping. I'd better happy to swap ideas on bike trails in the area. There are some good ones.

Not in Indy, but love the city. I'm from the Chicago area but currently live in MI. I bought a vaca home in FL, I may be driving down to the house later this month rather than flying which would work great to stop by and take as many test drives as they have models available . I am fine with a hole in the wall as long as it's worth the trip. Which style do you have the two wheels in front or back. So 8 gears does not seem to be enough for you? I am not a speedster so I think I could get by with a lower gear number if it translated into a cheaper trike!. Thanks for reaching out!

 

[momz]

I have two wheels in front. This is called a tadpole trike. Eight gears is fine, on a flat and smooth surface I am going about 11 miles an hour when my pedals are spinning freely with no resistance. I’m sure I could go faster with more gears. But with more speed comes more risk of tipping. I use my brakes on downhills because I get scared. My bike is wonderful on paved trails and streets. However, I rode on crushed stone trail last weekend and it was hard. I imagine a person with better leg strength wouldn’t have a problem.

A trike with 2 wheels in back is called a delta. I don’t have any experience with these.

if you can get somewhere to try some out, you can narrow your search considerable. Factors to consider besides delta vs tadpole would be seat height (for getting in and out), type of shifter (derailer vs internal hub...love my internal hub), price (of course), How easy or hard it is to get parts for repairs (don’t recommend something obscure or overseas even), Type of pedals (this can be a big deal, you should find something that will keep your foot on the pedal so when you get tired your foot doesn’t fall and get caught up under your trike. Many people use the click-in type where you have to have a special shoe to fit the pedal. I use power strips that is basically just a strap over the top of my foot as I prefer to wear my sandals), also consider if you will be needing to transport your trike and if it will fit in your vehicle, although most fit in small suv, have seen some in a hatchback and also have seen some on a shelf hitch thingie.

Thats the basics, I’m sure I’ve missed something. But the more you learn about the different choices, the easier it will be to sort it all out. Safety, Fit and function are primary.

It will cost you a bit as these are expensive. If that is a concern, start taking a look at Craig’s list and Facebook marketplace. I found mine that way. It had been ridden a grand total of 3 times by an old man who grandson bought it for him. Then was stored in a garage for 3 years. Lol. It was perfect.

sorry for the novel. I love my trike and am excited for you to be considering one. You won’t regret it.

 

[Alice Sr.]

I have two wheels in front. This is called a tadpole trike. Eight gears is fine, on a flat and smooth surface I am going about 11 miles an hour when my pedals are spinning freely with no resistance. I’m sure I could go faster with more gears. But with more speed comes more risk of tipping. I use my brakes on downhills because I get scared. My bike is wonderful on paved trails and streets. However, I rode on crushed stone trail last weekend and it was hard. I imagine a person with better leg strength wouldn’t have a problem.

A trike with 2 wheels in back is called a delta. I don’t have any experience with these.

if you can get somewhere to try some out, you can narrow your search considerable. Factors to consider besides delta vs tadpole would be seat height (for getting in and out), type of shifter (derailer vs internal hub...love my internal hub), price (of course), How easy or hard it is to get parts for repairs (don’t recommend something obscure or overseas even), Type of pedals (this can be a big deal, you should find something that will keep your foot on the pedal so when you get tired your foot doesn’t fall and get caught up under your trike. Many people use the click-in type where you have to have a special shoe to fit the pedal. I use power strips that is basically just a strap over the top of my foot as I prefer to wear my sandals), also consider if you will be needing to transport your trike and if it will fit in your vehicle, although most fit in small suv, have seen some in a hatchback and also have seen some on a shelf hitch thingie.

Thats the basics, I’m sure I’ve missed something. But the more you learn about the different choices, the easier it will be to sort it all out. Safety, Fit and function are primary.

It will cost you a bit as these are expensive. If that is a concern, start taking a look at Craig’s list and Facebook marketplace. I found mine that way. It had been ridden a grand total of 3 times by an old man who grandson bought it for him. Then was stored in a garage for 3 years. Lol. It was perfect.

sorry for the novel. I love my trike and am excited for you to be considering one. You won’t regret it.

Thank you so much for the novel ! I really appreciate the information, most of which I had no idea about thus far into my research. I was considering a VW Jetta for my home in FL, does not sound like that would be a good choice. Do you have issues getting your trike folded down and into your vehicle? I like Tacoma's also but they are more expensive. Would it be hard to lift your trike up into the back of a small truck? Thanks!