Expert Answers
Recumbent Pros and Cons

Bob's Question:
I have a bad back, but I would like to do some mountain biking as well as touring. Looking for a single bike to handle both, what is your opinion of recumbent bikes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of recumbents relative to mountain biking, touring, and riders with bad backs? Thanks.

— Bob

Steve Jones's Answer:

	Steve Jones The author of four mountain-biking books, Steve Jones has logged thousands of miles of trails and backroads. Meet Steve Answer Archive Biking Forums

Dear Bob,

A recumbent bike travels too close—and has a longer wheel base—for what many people feel is practical for classic off-road, single-track riding. With that said, and since you don't specify the exact nature of your back problem, I have had tightness and soreness in my lower back that disappeared after riding the traditional bike.

On Tour

But your question is directed more toward the advantages and disadvantages of a recumbent bike in general for someone who has a back problem. For touring, a recumbent offers many positive points. First of all, the back is fully supported by a seat and frame that allows the rider to put much more oomph into pedaling. As an example, imagine moving a heavy piece of furniture; you'd have a lot more power if you placed your back against the wall and pushed with your feet.

Another nice part of pedaling a recumbent comes from your head position. You look straight ahead instead of down at the front tire, thereby avoiding any"cricks" that can occasionally develop in the neck and affect the back.

Pros

In addition to these strong points, recumbents are fast! On level ground and downhill, a traditional bike stands no chance at beating a recumbent, the reason being that a rider in a recumbent position offers much less wind resistance than an upright rider. This is important because approximately 90% of your pedaling energy is used to overcome the effects of "drag." On an uphill climb, a traditional bike is only marginally better (less effect of drag and somewhat—about two pounds—less weight). But with better designs sure to come for recumbents, this gap will certainly be narrowed, if not overtaken altogether.

Cons

There are some disadvantages associated with biking a recumbent. Since you are closer to the riding surface, you're less visible to drivers (one study, however, suggests because of the novelty of seeing recumbents on the road, they actually receive more attention). This lack of visibility can be somewhat overcome by attaching a small—yet tall—flag, or even a battery-powered strobe light.

Anther disadvantage comes from the fact that recumbents aren't popular: you can't cruise down to the bike store and discuss recumbents with the local gear gurus, mostly because they aren't in stock. This is changing—but slowly. One reason comes from rider satisfaction (after a necessary re-learning curve that comes from having to adjust to its—and your—different center of gravity): Many have changed from a diamond-design frame to a recumbent, but never do recumbent riders revert back to the traditional cycle.

Hope this helps you get back to biking.