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