Any recumbent riders out there?

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

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.

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...

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 ...

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)

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. :)

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.

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)