Record Crankset

pub-8348084515547660

NEW Limited Edition 2005 Trek 24k Gold Madone 59 SL 62cm Armstrong Livestrong
Paypal

US $12,000.00

NEW Limited Edition 2005 Trek 24k Gold Madone 59 SL 60cm Armstrong Livestrong
Paypal

US $11,999.00

De Rosa Cinquanta Carbon Road Bike
Paypal

US $11,900.00

Colnago Ferrari 60th anniversary limited edition road bike campagnolo record
Paypal

US $9,999.00

Vintage RARE 1983 24k Gold Plated Pinarello Campagnolo 50th Anniversary Group
Paypal

US $10,500.00

Vintage Ken Rogers Tandem Road Tricycle bicycle Red Bike Modolo Huret 3TTT Steel
Paypal

US $6,999.00

Record Crankset

What to Look for When Buying a Recumbent Bike

Once something you would stop and stare at, recumbent bikes are quickly becoming more popular amongst the biking community. A recumbent bike is a cycle where the rider sits in a laid back reclining position, with the pedals in front of them.

Many riders ride recumbent bikes because they are much more comfortable that regular bikes. The body's weight is more evenly distributed over a larger area. Instead of all your weight being on your hands, feet and sitting area, your weight is supported by your entire back and bottom.

While it may not look like it at first glance, recumbent bikes are very fast. Their design is aerodynamically superior to traditional bikes. In the recumbent position there is less of a frontal profile to create drag, allowing for less resistance and more speed. In fact, a recumbent bike actually holds the world speed record for a bicycle. In 1934, this variation of bike was banned from international racing due to having such a big aerodynamic advantage.

Recumbents have safety advantages over road bikes, and other regular bikes too. Since you sit lower to the ground you less distance to fall and the severity of your impact is dramatically reduced. With a feet forward design it very unlikely that you will come to a complete stop and get fired over the handlebars, which, as any experienced rider will tell you, exposes you to serious head and neck injuries. Braking and stopping power is also much improved due to your low center of gravity.

Features

If you're interested in buying a recumbent, then check out these features to get more acquainted with this increasingly popular style of bike:

Wheelbase: Recumbent bikes have three main wheelbase set-ups: long, short and compact. On a long wheelbase version, the pedals are located between the front and rear wheels. On the short wheelbase model, the pedals are in front of the front wheel and compact wheel base models have pedals very close to the front wheel or above it.

Wheel sizes: The rear wheel on recumbents can range from 16 inches to 700c. The front wheel is usually a smaller tyre. The most common wheel combination of wheel sizes on the recumbent bikes is a 26 inch rear wheel and 20 inch front wheel.

Steering: When it comes to steering, recumbents are broken down into three main categories; over seat or above seat, under seat and center or pivot steering. Depending on what kind of steering you prefer you may opt for a bike with larger "Superman" handlebars to help you better control the bike.

Drive Systems: Just like their traditional cousins, recumbent bikes are usually rear wheel drive. Front wheel drive options are possible due to the proximity of the crank to the front wheel. There is also a unique system called Pivot-boom front wheel drive on some recumbents, too.

Suspension: Just like traditional bikes, recumbents come equipped with more and better suspension systems. Front and rear suspensions are very common on recumbents as well as a variety of systems like coil, air sprung and elastomer suspensions.

Fairings: Just like a motorcycles, many recumbent bikes have fairings to increase the aerodynamic properties of these bikes. Not only do they reduce drag but they also keep the rider warmer and dryer in nasty weather.

Variations

Just like road bikes and mountain bikes, the recumbents come in a variety of setups with different options for riders looking for different things. What variation will suit you best depends on a host of factors. Check these out and see if any fit you:

Low-racers: More common in Europe, these recumbents usually have two 20" or 26" wheels or a 26" in the rear and a 20" in the front. The seat is between the wheels rather than above them and provides an extremely reclined position. If you're looking for aerodynamic heaven, this is it.

High-racers: These versions have two large wheels with the rider's legs sitting above the wheels. This style is more stable than low-racers, and very popular.

Mountain Bike Recumbents: With the right tyres, gearing and a longer wheelbase, these bikes are awesome off road and on unpaved roads.

Crank Forward Recumbents: These variations provide a seating position between a traditional recumbent and traditional bikes.

Tandem Recumbents: Built for two, these versions are marked by having the stokers crankset under the captain's seat.

Recumbent Trikes: These bikes are available in two different versions. The delta has two rear wheels and one front one while the tadpole has the reverse set up.

Handycycles: Another form of recumbent bike, made especially for the handicapped who don't have much or any use of their legs. These are often referred to as hand powered vehicles (HPV).

Hand and Foot Recumbent Trikes: If you're looking for a full body workout then check out these recumbent variations that use hand power and leg power to propel you along.

About the Author

Campagnolo C-Record Crankset, Wheels, Brakes,