by James Lynne

Created on: May 07, 2009

Since the invention of the velocipede in the 1860s, bicyclists have sought a better, faster, lighter, more effective bicycle design. The recumbent bicycle, placing the rider in a laid-back reclining, leg forward position, provided the answer to many of cycling's dilemmas. Unfortunately, for this same reason, the recumbent bicycle was banned from international racing in 1934.

A recumbent bicycle still holds the world speed record for a bicycle. The fastest bicycle in the world is the Varna Diablo recumbent, clocked at 80.55 miles per hour in 2001. Because of their unique design, deviating from the standard racing bicycle, recumbents have a greater speed advantage. Speed advantage along with greater ergonomic design and rider comfort make the recumbent a desirable bike for the riding enthusiast.

The traditional upright bicycle positions the rider upright with his full body weight resting on a few square inches of his gluteus maximus and hands in a tripodal fashion. Simultaneously his body, unless he hunches completely forward, functions as a wind catch, creating friction that slows his ride. Although this forward hunched position minimizes the rider profile it is an exceedingly uncomfortable position taking considerable wear and tear on the rider over long distances.

The object of bicycle racing is to create more speed with minimal effort. Accomplishing that requires limiting wind resistance against the rider's body. Recumbents post an aerodynamic advantage by placing the rider in a legs forward position, which presents a smaller front profile, creating less wind friction thereby increasing speed.

The position of the rider's body on a recumbent is a definite advantage in long distance as well as speed racing. With the rider seated, legs forward, there is no awkward lean onto wrists and no painful balancing act on a tiny riding seat. The recumbent rider also has the advantage of being able to look forward and laterally with minimal neck strain since he is not hunched forward in an uncomfortable and confining position.

Breaking systems on recumbent bicycles are also more efficient than those of traditional bikes. With the legs forward position on the recumbent the rider can apply greater force to breaking and is less likely to dive head first over the bike in a sudden stop.

Safety is another advantage of recumbents. The height from the ground to the seat on a traditional bicycle along with high speed cycling can create some nasty falls with serious injury to the rider. Because recumbents are so low to the ground they are less likely to toss the rider in an emergency. Falls from a recumbent cycle are almost nonexistent.

Although providing many advantages to the sport of bicycle racing, recumbents remain banned from competition. The uniqueness of their design creates what cycling enthusiasts believe to be an unfair advantage. As a result, the traditional, standard upright bicycle, even with its unique modifications is the standard for bicycle racing. There are groups of enthusiasts, however, who have prevailed in enjoying competitions allowing unrestricted designs who take full advantage of the unique benefits of the recumbent bicycle.

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