Going for a bike ride is an excellent way to exercise. The strain on knees and shins caused by running can be relieved by going for a ride. Traditional bikes like ten-speeds are often the first thought of most new riders, but there has been a strong surge towards recumbent bicycles. The design is different because they allow you to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Before your first ride, there are a few differences that you need to learn.
First, mounting and dismounting are different. You need to swing your leg forward instead of backward over the frame. If you swing the leg backward, you may hit the reclining seat and probably fall 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.
Hold the brakes when you mount and dismount. Though this may be common sense, many people forget this and the front wheel turns or rolls causing them to fall. Simply holding the brake will prevent this issue.
Use the gears for easier riding. Some like to use a more difficult gear to get a harder work out on ten speeds, but on this bike, it is better to start in a low gear and work your way up as you need.
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.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. The whole idea of this type of cycle is to be able to look up and around while you are riding. You don't have to be hunched over the bars and front wheel anymore.
Use the pedal to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.
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.
These cycles are designed so you can enjoy the ride. Remember not to focus on the ground and use a light touch with the handlebars. You'll feel better and be able to ride farther and longer because of the reclining position. You won't tire as easily as a speed bike ride and your knees and shins will thank you.
First, mounting and dismounting are different. You need to swing your leg forward instead of backward over the frame. If you swing the leg backward, you may hit the reclining seat and probably fall 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.
Hold the brakes when you mount and dismount. Though this may be common sense, many people forget this and the front wheel turns or rolls causing them to fall. Simply holding the brake will prevent this issue.
Use the gears for easier riding. Some like to use a more difficult gear to get a harder work out on ten speeds, but on this bike, it is better to start in a low gear and work your way up as you need.
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.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. The whole idea of this type of cycle is to be able to look up and around while you are riding. You don't have to be hunched over the bars and front wheel anymore.
Use the pedal to get started. As stated before, you should start by pushing on the pedal. Quickly move your ground foot to the other pedal to keep going. Since you are starting in a reclining position you will not have enough leverage to push from the ground to get started like you would with a ten speed.
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.
These cycles are designed so you can enjoy the ride. Remember not to focus on the ground and use a light touch with the handlebars. You'll feel better and be able to ride farther and longer because of the reclining position. You won't tire as easily as a speed bike ride and your knees and shins will thank you.
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You can get a detailed overview of the things to consider when buying recumbent bicycles and view our selection of bicycles at http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617617.html right now.
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