Any recumbent riders out there?

[WileyGrrl]

I'm looking for advice about recumbents--I know almost nothing about them, but thinking about maybe getting one.

I've got a wonderful Waterford bike that I just love, but I've been having some serious back issues lately. I'm working with a chiropractor and physical therapist, but don't know how much they can do for me.

I've noticed that when I ride the recumbent bike at the gym, I have no back pain afterwards, whereas I do still have pain when I try to ride my road bike. So I'm wondering if a recumbent road bike might be the way to go. So, any words of wisdom from seasoned 'bent riders out there?

Thanks/Wiley

[Surlygirl]

You might want to check out Adventure cycling's website, www.adventurecycling.org. They have lots of people who ride recumbents and may be able to head you in the right direction.

[Biking Kitsune]

My husband had a Sun Cycle (?) EZ cruiser 1 for four years and LOVED it. He only retired it because after I got into singletracking he couldn't bike with me much- they're not good at off-road stuff. ;) I'd recommend it, though I never really got the hang of the balance of recumbants...

[bounceswoosh]

I've seen recumbents on trails that I can't ride on my mountain bike without dabbing ...

True, I haven't seen them on any of the *really* nasty stuff, but still ...

[MomOnBike]

I will be a recumbent rider as soon as I get the thing out of hock. (I have a lovely Sun EZ Sport on layaway at my favorite LBS.)

I started looking hard at recumbents when Physical Therapy co-workers suggested them because of my Carpal Tunnel + arthritis in thumbs. An upright bike *hurts* my hands.

Recumbents are often easier on bad backs than uprights, too. If your gym work is less painful on a recumbent, you'll probably love one on the road.

Google around and see what's out there. There are enough many styles & types out there to confuse Solomon, but you'll eventually find one or more that will speak to you. And then take some test rides.

Bent Rider Online (BROL) is a good resource, too.

By all means, check 'em out. You never know until you try. I'll give a full report on my new baby at the end of the summer. (Ummm, fall, perfect biking weather)

[WileyGrrl]

Thanks to everyone for comments and suggestions. MomonBike, I'll be especially interested to hear how you and your new ride get along. You've got the right idea season-wise--fall riding is delicious--right now, it's too hot anyway. :)

[maureenjg]

Hi,

I've had 2 recumbents...first an EZLite, and now a Cannondale Easy Rider. I've liked both of them alot...they are extremely comfortable, no back/butt problems. They helped me to get into riding bicycles when I hadn't ridden in years because I'd been thinking of bike riding as just suffering. I'm actually now selling the cannondale and planning to buy another bike, but I tend to do that, I like changing bikes every 2 years or so. The bentrider online suggestion is a good one, as is trying as many different recumbent's as possible. I know that that's not easy as there are not many stores out there that carry a selection.

[RitaG]

I've not been on a recumbent, but thought I should invite you up to Wisconsin for the annual Recumbent Rally in Stevens Point. It's hosted by the Hostel Shoppe, which is a large recumbent dealer. The rally is this weekend, and it brings in tons of riders and experts from around the country. You could certainly get some tips there! A little too far, and too short of notice, but maybe someday...

Here's the link for info:
(http://www.hostelshoppe.com/recumbent_rally.php)