Hi all
Sorry for poking a bit of fun at recumbent bikes, but I think the general consensus is that they are a bit whack. However, after years of trying to make various bike types work for touring, I am starting to think they may present a viable solution for my situation.
Basically, I have pretty decent flat-back syndrome, which I believe to be at the core of my struggles. I am quite fit, I cycle 2-4hrs a week, go to the gym 3 times (mostly weight lifting and core), and play basketball. But when I cycle, a whole chain of things happen. My ulnar nerve gets compressed (tingly and numb ring and small finger), my rhomboids start getting painful, and the outside of my feet start hurting. All of that after about 1hr of cycling.
I know what you want to scream at me now: get a bike-fit!
I have had 3. Each more expensive than the last. None of them really fixed anything. Also had physio. Didn't help either.
These issues also persist across my various bike types, from my (fairly upright) endurance bike, my MTB, as well as my city bike. They have also gotten worse, which I believe is due to building out my upper body muscular mass.
Since I work on my own bikes, I have tried to manipulate nearly every conceivable ergonomic dimension, at least on my endurance bike – to no avail.
The thing is, my core muscles aren't weak. Any exercise my PT throws at me, be it for the core or the back, I can complete at a decently high level. it's only composite exercises that emulate the bike position where my muscles fail.
I believe the reason for that is that my flat back does not allow my core muscles to work together effectively. I cannot conceive how anyone can keep weight off their hands. Seems like a mystery to me.
Anyways. I love bicycle touring. I stopped it because of the issues, but I want to get back into it. The way I see it there are two solutions:
1) A really really upright bicycle, where my torso is so upright that there cannot be any weight on my hands, purely from the physics/geometry of it
2) A recumbent. I understand these have drawbacks, and ngl, I cringe a bit when I picture myself on one. But if that's what it takes to start touring again, maybe I need to get over it.
Do you have any insight here? Are recumbents actually awesome and fast (I love(d) speed touring)? Curious to here your feedback!
by brian-the-porpoise
3 Comments
Recumbents are for people with mobility or other concerns who can’t ride a standard bike, in my view. You are one of those people. You already know the trade offs. So get one if it’s right for you, stick a fairing and one of those whippy flags on it, buy some SPD sandals, and ride in comfort.
Can only comment on recumbent trikes… Couldn’t ride a recumbent bike as I found the wheelbase too long and couldn’t balance.
My trike is Fast… When going downhill… Uphill not so much.
Super comfy tho and I’ve done some multi-week tours.
The big downsides I see:
* Transporting it on a plane, train, bus, or shipping it would be difficult, expensive, or impossible. The specifics depend on what specific type you get. I’ve never done a longer tour that didn’t involve transporting the bike somehow.
* You’d have to avoid hills.
An alternative to consider: backpacking. It’s not the same but it’s similar.