A Guide For Riding Recumbent Bicycles

Exercise comes in many forms, but going on a bike ride is a great way to accomplish your goals without straining your knees and shins. The tradition ten-speed type of bike can cause other types of issues since you often have to hunch over the handlebars. Using recumbent bicycles provides a much more enjoyable experience because you can sit back and relax. Before you take off for the first time, you need to be aware of the differences from the ten speed type of bike ride.

These bikes have a different way of mounting. Swing your leg forward over the frame rather than backward. Remember, the seat is a reclining style. Swinging your leg over backward will result in you kicking the seat and possibly toppling over.

Adjust your seat and handlebars before you begin your first ride. This is more important on this than other bikes because you will want to be able to sit back while you ride. You need to be able to have a light touch on the handlebars and easily reach the pedals without having to lean forward for either.

Make sure you put the brakes on when you start and stop. This type of bike is prone to fall over if you don't have a good sense of control. The first few times you use the cycle will be the most important while you learn the best way to get on and off.

With other bikes, people tend to work harder rather than using the gears. Use the gears to make it an easier ride. Make sure to set the cycle to a low gear to make starting an easy task.

Set your pedal angle before starting. While sitting on the seat, spin the pedal to 12 o'clock, straight up and down, so you can have the best push effort when you start riding. Some might suggest a 2 o'clock position, but having the pedal straight up gives you better starting power.

Use the reclining position to ride. The seats are made for you to be in a position where you can almost feel like you're not really exercising. You can just sit back and relax. In fact, you need to look up and forward, not at the ground, while going on your ride.

Use the pedal, not your foot, to push start. You might be used to pushing off from the ground and then start pedaling. This cycle starts by pushing the pedal and moving your ground foot up to continue the effort. Being in a reclining position will prevent you from adequately pushing off with your ground foot.

Stopping is a coordinated effort. At first, it might seem difficult, but stopping the bike is much the same that kids do when they first learn to ride a cycle. Apply the brake, then put both feet down on the ground and as you stand up, straighten the wheels.

This is one of the most enjoyable ways to go on a cycle ride. You can relax in the reclining position and once you get used to the differences you will find that you are not nearly as tired after a ride. You will usually end up going farther, on longer rides. You will also be able to enjoy the scenery since you are looking up instead of hunched over, looking at the ground.