Design Responses > About Bikes > Typology >
Recumbent

More comfortable than standard bikes the recumbent frame design reduces strain on the rider's neck, back and wrists. The laid-back riding position, with the rider reclining on a seat instead of sitting on a saddle, with their legs in front instead of below, improves aerodynamics and ergonomics and makes recumbents up 30% faster than standard bikes. The current speed record on the flat is over 80mph!

Unsurprisingly they have been banned from competing against conventional bikes since 1934.

Gears
Generally up to 9 gears

Brakes / Levers
Disc or V brakes

Typical Accessories
Lights, Rack, Computer

Strengths
• Comfortable over long distance
• Fast

Weaknesses
• Not as manoeuverable in traffic
• Not easy for short people
• Reduced visibility and vision in traffic