Not sure

Aussie Steve said:

how you people do it, it looks mighty uncomfortable :eek: and on a normal double diamond frame, we get out of the saddle to go up hills, how do you ppl arc up the effort ? I dont understand how pedalling with legs out in front can be efficient ?😕

It's interesting, the first time I rode a recumbent, I kept grabbing at my helmet because I thought it was blowing off of my head. I simply wasn't used to actually looking ahead of myself rather than staring down at the pavement. If you've ridden a diamond frame for years, you'll be shocked at how much of the world you don't see from that stooped-over position.

There is no comparison between the comfort and natural posture of a recumbent and the palsied, bent-over, post-in-the-rear riding position of a "wedgie," and I've been riding wedgies for 40 years, and still love 'em.

As far as climbing goes, it's all about gearing, and the "sit-and-spin" technique. While you don't have the leverage that standing on the pedals provides, you can avail yourself of the seat back to gain some push.

stooped-over? I ride in the usual possie, and dont have a problem with vision, i'd reckon sitting back looking upwards would be more of an effort to get used to...on the DD i can turn my head easily to see important stuff like boxed bozos (cars)...I know you can fit mirrors to Rec's ( i got one on my DD)...

Aussie Steve said:

stooped-over? I ride in the usual possie, and dont have a problem with vision, i'd reckon sitting back looking upwards would be more of an effort to get used to...on the DD i can turn my head easily to see important stuff like boxed bozos (cars)...I know you can fit mirrors to Rec's ( i got one on my DD)...

Well again, I'm not denigrating diamond frames at all, I'm simply saying that you can't appreciate the difference if you've never ridden a 'bent.

Aussie Steve said:

how you people do it, it looks mighty uncomfortable :eek: and on a normal double diamond frame, we get out of the saddle to go up hills, how do you ppl arc up the effort ? I dont understand how pedalling with legs out in front can be efficient ?😕

DFs, (a.k.a. DDs) are optimized for climbing. OTOH, recumbents are better at downhills, flats, headwinds, tailwinds... in short, everywhere except climbing. I don't understand how pedaling with your legs perpendicular to the airflow can be efficient. And I can say that from the perspective of having experience on both platforms. So how do we do it? We work a little harder on uphills but we get to the top. Same as you suffering into a headwind.

This is partly conjecture on my part as I have 1,000s more miles as a DF rider than Recumbent but I think its a physics deal. Your weight and the efforts from shoulders and arms plus your leg power gets the hill climbing done on a DF. On a Recumbent, its more just the legs...so more muscle development there will be needed...plus appropriately reconfigured gearing. At least on my Catrike 700 I don't need to worry about "tipping over" when it's me against gravity. - Terry

I started road cycling since I was a teenager, I rode from the Pacific coast to Atlantic coast on DF road bikes, twice. I started riding recumbents because I was riding with my GF at a leisurly pace, no out of saddle climbing, just enjoy the ride. Recumbent allow riding without pain in the butt, back, neck, shoulders, wrists..

If the rider's back is properly supported on a recumbent seat, the rider can generate more power than a rider out of saddle on a DF bicycle. It's a different kind of riding than DF bicycle.. Personally, I can ride farther with more comfort than DF bicycle... being fast on a bicycle is all in the rider's legs, given the same amount of proper training on a recumbent vs DF frame, more than likely, you could also be as fast if not faster.

My guess is, responding to the title of this thread, if you want to be sure; spend a fair amount of time on a recumbent that is sized for you as you would a regular DF bicycle.

"If the rider's back is properly supported on a recumbent seat, the rider can generate more power than a rider out of saddle on a DF bicycle. It's a different kind of riding than DF bicycle.."

A-ha, I was thinking a bit like that posture allows more of the "leg press" situation as on a Universal gym. Sure, if the back and bottom are kept from being pushed upward, more of the strength moves the pedals.

Aussie Steve said:

how you people do it, it looks mighty uncomfortable :eek: and on a normal double diamond frame, we get out of the saddle to go up hills, how do you ppl arc up the effort ? I dont understand how pedalling with legs out in front can be efficient ?😕

It all seems a bit odd until you ride one for a while. It all comes together when you ride a full century and realize that aside from your tired leg muscles - nothing else hurts!

🙂

Oh, you're confused? That's cute. Let me break it down for you: recumbent riders don't need to get out of the saddle to climb hills because we're not fighting gravity like you upright dinosaurs. Our legs are in front of us, but that means we can use our body weight to push the pedals, generating more power with less effort. And as for efficiency, maybe you should try it before questioning it. I mean, have you ever even seen a recumbent bike up close, or are you just trolling? 😂

"Blasphemy! You question the efficiency of recumbent cycling? It's not about pedaling with legs out in front, it's about harnessing the power of your entire body, not just your legs!"

"It's not about being comfortable, it's about being efficient. You're not going to win any prizes for style points in road cycling. As for getting out of the saddle, you'd be surprised how much power you can generate with your legs in a horizontal position. It's all about leveraging your body weight and using your core to drive the pedals. And yes, it does take some getting used to, but once you adjust, you'll be flying up those hills in no time."

You're telling me, right? I mean, who needs efficient pedaling when you can just flail your legs around like a flamingo on roller skates?

"Wow, you're just now realizing that recumbent riders don't bounce up and down on the saddle like a jackrabbit on a pogo stick? 😂 Efficient? Ha! We're too busy being comfy and going fast to worry about aesthetics."

"Efficiency lies in optimized body positioning, allowing for more power output with less energy expenditure. Try adopting a slightly reclined seatpost and adjusting your handlebars for a more aerodynamic position, you'll be surprised at the difference!"

Oh, the horror! You think our legs are stuck out in front of us like some sort of cycling cripples? 😂 Newsflash: we're not pedaling with our legs splayed out like a pair of flailing flamingos! Our legs are bent, our knees are flexed, and our pedaling stroke is as smooth as silk. And as for efficiency, let me tell you, my friend, a well-fitted recumbent bike can be a marvel of aerodynamics and comfort. You might want to try it before you knock it. 🚴‍♀️💨

"Ah, you think we're crazy, don't you? 😂 Well, let me tell you, it's all about redefining 'comfortable'... or having a high pain threshold. As for getting out of the saddle, yeah, that's so last season. We recumbent riders are all about finesse, not brute force. And trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be climbing hills like a pro... or at least, a pro with a wonky back 😜."

You're skeptical about the comfort and efficiency of recumbent bikes, and I don't blame you. At first glance, they do look unconventional. But let me tell you, the comfort aspect is a game-changer, especially for those of us who log serious miles. The laid-back position takes pressure off your back, neck, and hands, allowing you to focus on the ride rather than nagging discomfort. And as for efficiency, it's all about the power output. With a recumbent, you can maintain a consistent cadence and generate more power with each stroke, thanks to the aerodynamic position and improved leg extension. It's not about "arcing up the effort" as you put it, but rather, it's about optimizing your pedaling technique to maximize output. Trust me, once you get accustomed to the unique riding style, you'll find that recumbents are more efficient and comfortable than you ever thought possible.

You're questioning the efficiency of road bikes? Let me tell you, it's all about power-to-weight ratio and aerodynamics. Those "legs out in front" allow for a more aggressive riding position, reducing air resistance and increasing speed. And as for hills, you think getting out of the saddle on a hybrid bike is efficient? On a road bike, you can maintain a steady cadence and power output while seated, conserving energy for the long haul. It's not about "arcing up the effort," it's about sustained speed and endurance. If you're struggling to understand, maybe it's time to try a real road bike and experience the difference for yourself.

The eternal question: how do we weirdos manage to pedal with our legs out in front of us? 🤣 Well, let me tell you, it's all about magic... and a little bit of masochism. Just kidding! (Or am I?) Seriously, though, it's all about technique and getting comfortable with an unorthodox riding position. Think of it like riding a unicorn, but instead of a horn, you have a suspension fork 🦄. As for getting out of the saddle on hills, we just use our ninja skills to hover above the saddle while pedaling like maniacs 😂. Okay, fine, we actually just use our legs and lung power, but where's the fun in that? 😉