| A recumbent bike is a bike in which the rider | | | | Most recumbent bikes have two wheels, though |
| is seated in an upward-facing position. This | | | | some have three. The power to run these |
| position is known as a supine position. This | | | | machines is provided either by your hands or |
| is the most common position for riding a | | | | feet, or in some cases, both. |
| recumbent bike, but there are rare cases in | | | | |
| which recumbent bikes have the rider seated | | | | Recumbent bikes do take a bit of getting used |
| in a downward-facing or prone position. | | | | to, since the location of the steering and |
| | | | other handling equipment may seem a bit weird |
| The pedals are located at about the same | | | | by normal standards. Recumbent bikes can be |
| height as the seat and there is a support | | | | hard on various parts of the body, depending |
| provided for the back. This makes for a very | | | | on the type you use. So even if you are a |
| comfortable riding, since you are actually | | | | very fit bike rider, this machine may have |
| sitting in a seat and not on top of a narrow, | | | | you use muscles in your body that you |
| hard saddle, which can cause quite a bit of | | | | normally would not on a conventional bike. |
| discomfort, particularly in your rear, | | | | |
| especially over long distances. | | | | Let's come to the most controversial topic |
| | | | regarding recumbent bikes - speed. Official |
| The handlebars are located at shoulder level, | | | | speed records for recumbent bikes are |
| above the seat or below the seat at a | | | | governed by the International Human Powered |
| convenient location, and allow your arms to | | | | Vehicle Association (IHPVA). In IHPVA |
| hang down naturally. The former type is | | | | sanctioned events, all land speed records are |
| called Above Seat Steering (ASS) and the | | | | held either by recumbent or semi-recumbent |
| latter, Under Seat Steering (USS). | | | | bikes. However, they were banned from |
| | | | international racing in 1934. |