Recumbent vs Road Bike Comparison, Pros and Cons

I own both a recumbent bike and a road bike. After about 2000 miles on each, I can help you decide which bike is for you. I'll give you an unbiased breakdown of both recumbent and road bikes.

[@robertlemoine4404]

I have been commuting to work for 41 years - anywhere from 8 miles each way to 23 miles each way. I have had a Tour Easy by Easy Racer since 1989 and prior to that I had a very nice Bianchi road bike. On average, I was 10 percent faster with the Tour Easy than with the Bianchi. I cannot say that all recumbents would be that much faster, but as my Tour Easy is not a recumbent that is specialized for racing, I figure that any similarly configured recumbent would be faster than a road bike. Frankly, it is also far, far more comfortable than any road bike. You can play with a standard bike seat as much as you like, but the human ass is not made to sit on those damn things. Not to mention wrist, neck, back and shoulder pain. Also, if you fall off a road bike you usually go head first into the pavement. IF you fall off your recumbent you fall on your side and get scraped up, but no major damage. The only disadvantage that I can see would be versus mountain bikes, most recumbents simply cannot perform in rough terrain in the way that a mountain bike can. Other than that, recumbents win every time.

[@corybikes]

Good input Robert - with all your experience. Looks like the Tour Easy is about 30 lbs and made of Cro Mo. So its not the weight that gives you the speed. Is it simply the aerodynamics?

[@robertlemoine4404]

@@corybikes Yes. The fact that you have the equivalent of close to two bike frames means that it is not going to be a lightweight, although the Tour Easy is lighter than many. When I bought the bike in 1989, Easy Racers promotional material claimed that the bike was about 5% faster as it stood, and 10% faster with a fairing which I bought from Zipper fairings. I have found that estimate to be extremely accurate. Unfortunately, as I get older (I'm 64 now) and slow down, I no longer find as many benefits in terms of speed, but the comfort and freedom from discomfort still make the recumbent much preferable to a road bike. It is just too bad that they can be so expensive, although top end road bikes are also pretty pricey.

[@odontomatix]

@@robertlemoine4404 I also have a ZZipper fairing, small teardrop shape. It not only reduces aerodynamic drag but also it cuts down on wind chill and deflects rain around your body if you happen to be out in a light rain. Riding into a headwind is definitely easier with the fairing on versus fairing off.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Great info! Only thing missing is the addition of inclines and declines. In mountainous regions the upright wins - aerodynamics are actually bad downhill where your top speed is not as limited, and air braking is not enough. Uphill it also loses because an upright bike rider can output more power onto the pedals (although that almost entirely dependant on standing up, and if you don't like that, it's not a big difference). The general added weight of a recumbent is also problematic on uphills. If you want to go bicycle touring, meaning with weights - a recumbent will be cumbersome on uphills, because it's balance is more of an issue.

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

Some bicycle seats are true ass-splitters.

[@z0uLess]

5:32 I am not sure the road bike is more aerodynamic tho. I would say that most recumbant bikes are more aerodynamic than road bikes.

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

the upright bike is NOT more aerodinamic, the opposite!!!!!

[@anant6778]

@@hpvspeedmachine4183 True, road bikes experience ~ 30% more drag.

[@stevec3872]

I've ridden bents for 18 years now and there's no way I would ever go back to a wedgie. I am 68 and retired and I ride for comfort and not speed, doing 30 miles a day. I have lost track over the years how many times people young and old have called out to me, "Cool bike!" or "I love your bike!" I've never had that happen with any upright. I've had times when an upright has come to a downhill just before me and started coasting and I coast behind and before we're halfway down I'm passing them. Watch out because the first time you ride a recumbent you will get the bent smile and there's no going back to a wedgie.

[@corybikes]

Well said Steve. I've had similar experiences. I call a recumbent "the savvy cyclist's bike". Ride on Steve!

[@odontomatix]

Ditto. I did a coasting comparison with my recumbent versus my daughter on her carbon fiber upright. We started from dead stop at the top of a gradual downslope, pushed off just barely enough to get going, and like you said, by about half way down, I was ahead and finished well ahead of her, neither of us pedaling. The difference is the air resistance. I've read that about 90% of the effort of riding a bike on level ground goes into just pushing the air aside. Even when a road racer is in their crouched tuck, they have more cross section area than a recumbent rider does. That's why recumbents were banned from international bike racing way back in the early days. The recumbents had an advantage by design. However, instead of just setting up a separate class of bikes for racing against themselves, the racing association outright banned them completely. That's why you don't see a recumbent Tour D'Anything.

[@andrej1953]

@@odontomatix Because your daughter had a lighter bike (carbon fiber), you were at an advantage. To race downhill, the bike must be as heavy as possible. Therefore, in competitions, cyclists are not allowed to receive a drink before the descent.

[@odontomatix]

@@andrej1953 The acceleration due to gravity is the same regardless of the mass of the object.

[@andrej1953]

I am 67 . I mounted an electric motor on my recumbent bike. I have 2 smiles since then. The bent and the motor one.

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Great video. Thanks, Cory!

[@RobertBeriault753]

Thank you for the good comparison

[@euka1625]

Thanks for the video, keep it up, you are really good at this. Peace

[@TM-tw1py]

Nice and completely objective comparison. Thanks for your video.

[@jesseheath7718]

Iam much faster on a Highracer recumbent than any diamond frame road bike which on account of its geometry is still rather upright . The aerodynamics on many recumbents is far superior being reclined accounting for the higher degree of air resistance and lack of drag.

[@jesseheath7718]

@书中自有黄金屋 Specific recumbent cycles ',high racers ' are relatively mobile cornering and handling more than adequately couple with the fact that experienced recumbent cyclists can climb without undue difficulty and at a reasonable speed. As for an Areo bike this type of cycle vs a recumbent would be interesting to see. However bear in mind a reclined riding position as opposed to a hunched over one might be better in opening up the chest and hence enhance overall breathing explaining why recumbent riders are very successful in ultra distance cycling . In any case the current cycling speed world record for an hour is held by a recumbent not not a areo bike.

[@jesseheath7718]

@书中自有黄金屋 Yes agree but the same goes for dimond frame bicycles that are pure TT or compete for the hour record their not exactly practical neither. There is probably not bike on the planet that is perfectly suited for everthing. As you know its a balance a compromise. I respect all bicycle types and human power endeavor for that matter. But personally the best fit for me in terms of comfort and performance is a recumbent yours no doubt is different. But that's fine your still a cyclist like me. We have a shared interest along with the bicycle community to encourage, support and shape the influence of the bicycle as means of transportation and a sport . Would love to see a real world competition regarding dimond frame cycles vs recumbents.

[@mashaelalsaleh4674]

Hello, I’m collage student and for this semester I’m designing a recumbent bicycle, so if you have the time i would like to make an interview with you because I need real users who are using this type Thank you for your time

[@jesseheath7718]

@@mashaelalsaleh4674 Sorry I haven't responded but if you are referring to me and wanted to communicate you can drop me a line and I will give you my email address. I am part of a group of cyclists in my region that are members of the Human Powered Vehicle Association . The biggest Vehicle subsection of The HPVA is recumbents

[@mashaelals3714]

Jesse Heath yes please if you can give your email or any app i can do the interview because I’m designing a recumbent bicycle i need some users that actually use it?

[@buynsell365]

Good Video. I have ridden my Bacchetta Giro 26 for the last 20 years. Where I live I get to ride on the levee where there are no cars. My rides are around 40 miles and I average 14mph. I also ride a mountain bike to give me a well rounded work out each week. I would argue that I get a better workout riding my recumbent than I do riding a traditional bike. The reason is that there is no cheating when riding the recumbent.......ever inch you move forward is because of your legs only........you can not stand up and use your body weight. As for as speed.....I installed a 60 tooth front chain ring .......which gives me a even better workout and I have reached speeds of 23 mph on flat road for about 1 mile......then had to slow down to 18 .....because I was wore out. The Giro 26 is a GREAT bike..........I LOVE it . I get compliments on it all the time.......but after 20 years of riding....I still only see two other people riding recumbents....people still refuse to try it.

[@corybikes]

In Florida, we are seeing more and more recumbents. People want to be comfortable!

[@wayfarerchris.4116]

Hi Cory Great review, especially for someone like me who's only ever ridden upright bikes and never even sat on a recumbent bike and needs a good comparison review. I'm going to attempt making my own recumbent very shortly. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@corybikes]

That would be amazing! Have fun!

[@AWriterWandering]

Actually wider tires have lower rolling resistance than narrower ones, for the given pressure. The reason narrower tires have traditionally been preferred is because they have less rolling mass, thus better acceleration. Also better aerodynamics on traditional rims (though wider aero rims have nullified that issue).

[@rossbrumby1957]

In addition, a smaller diameter wheel can accelerate faster than a larger wheel of similar mass, so is more responsive during sudden acceleration.

[@robertwylie4296]

Great review! Thank you!

[@garyp.7501]

I have a recumbent Cruzbike S30 and a cross frame road bike. Over 46 miles (round trip), my old commute, the time was about the same. When I first got the S30 I was 10% to 15% slower. The ride had 2500 ft of climbing (1500 one way, and 1000 ft back) and the slower climbing ability and my lack of "bent legs" on the recumbent ate up the time. However after a year of riding, my time became almost the same. Some days the road bike was faster, some days the cruzbike. The S30 was definitely faster downhill and on the flats if there was a headwind as it's more aerodynamic. I have identical tires on both bikes, so that's not an issue. I had thought that the more downhill ride home would have given me more of a time benefit from the more aerodynamic bike, but due to things like stop lights and stop signs, the advantage was eaten up by the wait at the intersection and the necessity of having to stop. |'d say the worst aspect of the recumbent is starting from a standstill going uphill. The worst aspect of the road bike is numbness of my hands and the bent back/shoulders/neck. Also I don't think my S30 would fit on the bike racks on the front of a bus. So if you do a mixed commute or rely on a bus as backup in case of an accident or a serious parts failure it might not work. YMMV. The S30 is not a faired bicycle. The tire sizes are identical front to back. That's one thing against bikes with two different tire sizes is that you need to carry two different tubes. Cruzbike no longer makes the S30, but instead makes an S20 and an S40, although used S30's are occasionally available. The S20 has some pretty impressive distance and speed records. (The number basically refers to the angle of the seat. The S20 being more reclined and the S40 being more upright.) The S40 had provisions for racks and gear for touring and commuting, while the S20 is designed as a speed demon. I bought the recumbent because after years of commuting on the road bike I was damaging my shoulders and couldn't lift my arms over my head. If you buy a recumbent, be sure to allocate some time to re-learn to ride. They are all a bit different and require some new training of both slow speed skills as well as maneuverability and to build up your "bent legs."

[@corybikes]

Excellent input Gary! Your speed comparison on a route you've traveled many times with both bikes is great. I've tried a Cruzbike and it especially takes getting used to - with how your pedaling affects the steering. Thank you!

[@taufikabidin412]

I think you meant V20.

[@garyp.7501]

@@taufikabidin412 No I have an older model the S30.

[@johnsimion2893]

Respect for your opinions. I'm another road bike/recumbent owner and this is my take from a different perspective. I am just a casual rider; thirty miles is about my limit and most of the time I'm with my wife and we're doing 15-17; we also live in the West in pretty hilly terrain although we also lived in South Florida for several years. IMO the recumbent is/was the perfect bike for South Florida, comfy and faster than any road bike for casual use. In the hills where we live now, the road bike both accelerates faster and goes up the hills better, but with enough gears I can keep the recumbent spun up so the hills are not really a problem. I have no regrets for either one but for the type of riding we do, I usually take the recumbent. BTW, we have the exact same bike rack for the car. Ours came from Performance Bike about 15 years ago -- if they're still selling it, it's a great rack for a recumbent and will even work with two recumbents.

[@ricardogarcia9330]

thanks for your review information. it helped me so much

[@davidwarner6755]

Good pointers...thanks!

[@Rottingboards]

Your review is spot on. I have the Bacchetta Carbon Aero 2.0 and I can go faster then my road bike because of low wind drag. Yours is more the cruising style. I love all Bacchattas!

[@peteydog9037]

You nailed it. This is a good video!! Thanks

[@bentrider1972]

no he didnt

[@olivertull86]

Thanks for the thoughtful video. I have been totally recumbent riding for a while now, and I understand why people would like either one, but for me... the truth is that I wasn’t going to win any speed contest, but I can be comfortable for the duration. On my ‘bent bike, the only thing I have to think about is my legs because everything else is relaxed. Hills are an issue, but only until you get used to spinning up a hill instead of powering up one. Uphill starts are my only complaint, but I live where it’s pretty flat so that’s not a deal breaker. The longer the ride, the more I would rather be on a recumbent. Also, in a crash I’d much rather be on a recumbent because your feet are out in front instead of your head. Plus, you’d have to work really hard to go over the bars.

[@taufikabidin412]

Owait until you have a fast velomobile and start snapping roadies legs who cant keep up

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

Well said!

[@robertlemoine4404]

I have no problem with uphill starts with my Tour Easy by Easy Racer. While moving slowly forward with the back I can easily step over the bar and sit on the seat and keep the bike moving, essentially getting a rolling start. This doesn't work on my Rans V-Rex (or most short wheelbase recumbents) which has a higher seat and less room between the seat and handlebars to perform the maneuver.

[@timcoalwell2179]

My sentiments exactly, although one of these days, I would love to do a long X-country. In my experience, one can’t use muscles to power up a hill, one has to use the gears or the knees WILL get abused!

[@NaturesTranquility]

Agree with a lot of what you say. I think the question of speed is more nuanced. Either bike can be setup to go faster vs slower via choice of tires and inflation. Depends on specific frame geometry (how laid back). Also depends if you're measuring straight line speed, or uphill, downhill, or a specific combination. Tucked on a roadbike is FAST, but most don't ride that way. At this point, I think speed is more about the engine than the bike, but no doubt about it, 'bents suck in comparison for uphill. re: nimble - looking behind you is more difficult on a 'bent for sure (mirrors are more of a necessity). Forget emergency maneuvers like going up/down curbs on a 'bent (however that hasn't really mattered to me). I find I easily turn just as sharp on my bent as I'd want to on an upright. YMMV.

[@corybikes]

In the video, I compare speeds - where I compare my (aluminum frame with 700c x 25c tires) road bike with what I call a "typical recumbent" bike (steel frame and touring tires). While I mention that "specialized recumbent" bikes can be made to go faster than road bikes, I could have been more specific with the speed comparison. I also realize that my road bike and recumbent bikes are made of different materials. Here's some additional (but not exhaustive) info: * Recumbents can come in various shapes and configurations and materials. 2-wheel, 3-wheel, steel, carbon, aluminum, wide seats, narrow seats, front wheel drive, and back wheel drive, etc... * Recumbents can be made to weigh less than 20 lbs or 9kg. * Recumbents can use the same tires as road bikes (700c x 23c for example). * My recumbent bike (shown in the video) is heavier and has touring tires. I think both of those account for my slower speed on my recumbent. * Aerodynamics on the recumbent are much better. Which translates to better speed. * Uphill speed on the recumbent would be slower than a road bike with comparable materials and tires. I hope this helps in the speed comparison. I was really comparing apples to oranges due to the materials and tire differences between my two bikes.

[@jesseheath7718]

All good Cory I welcome any discussion regarding recumbent cycles as they are far too often ignored hence on the fringe of the bicycle industry. My recumbent is not a specialized bicycle rather a factory built moderately priced, touring specific Bacchetta Giro 26 with an aluminium frame and forks weighing around 13kgs. Much Heavier than most dimond frame road bikes as most recumbents are . But this seems to be offset by the stated above comment of the significant aerodynamic advantage one that has contributed to a higher average speed . Who would have thought being lazy and laying down while cycling contributes to less effort being expended and enbles greater performance.

[@mashaelalsaleh4674]

Hello, I’m collage student and for this semester I’m designing a recumbent bicycle, so if you have the time i would like to make an interview with you because I need real users who are using this type Thank you for your time

[@AWriterWandering]

Another factor for speed would be muscle groups. Recumbent bikes don’t use exactly the same muscles as upright ones. So if you’ve spent years on the latter, your body is going to be optimized for the upright position, not so much for the recumbent one.

[@avoycendeether8869]

@Cory InTheArena you should review the Vision Recumbent data from the Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel. At 20mph they found that a road bike with the rider on the tops had about the same aerodynamic drag as a VR40EU...which is comparable to your Bacchetta bike. If the road bike rider got in the drops and bend his elbows ('aero tuck') the road bike had 27% less drag than the recumbent. They didn't take the data but almost certainly a road bike with the rider on the drops in a more relaxed position has less drag than your recumbent. So I think there is data out there supporting your assertion...regardless of what others on this forum will say. But, as you point out, a more aggressive style of recumbent is going to be much more aero than the road bike.

[@odontomatix]

I got a recumbent (compact long wheelbase from Easy Racers) because no matter what kind of saddle I got, my crotch got sore on my upright road bike. In my experience, road bikes are faster going uphill; my recumbent is faster going downhill due to less air resistance (smaller cross section of my body due to reclined posture). I also find that my neck is more comfortable with the recumbent and definitely my hands and wrists have less weight on them.

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

I am 65, recently retired, and I am enjoying undertaking bicycle tours. For trips in the flat, lets say along rivers, I will use a comfortable recumbent which I just have acquired. For trips across the alps (I live in Switzerland) I am using an E-Bike with an additional battery pack.

[@corybikes]

Cycling in Switzerland sounds wonderful! It's great you have a choice of bikes for different conditions.

[@geriannroth449]

Great comparison

[@Siravingmon]

Some good points here, particularly the details, but most recumbents with pedals out front of the front wheel should be more aerodynamic and so faster on the flat once you've trained your muscles for the different forces, and consequently also have more momentum at the start of climbs (a bit slower on hills as you say, but because you can only use your legs and because the reclining , more open position reduces the peak power you can produce). There are also many non-carbon performance recumbents out there that are sub 30 lbs and can fit skinny race tires. Such recumbents are also far more nimble than any race bike at speed because you can pedal through sharper corners and (due to the much lower centre of gravity) change direction so much more quickly and brake harder with no risk of going over the handlebars

[@RaulLopez-tw1jn]

__ýf: c c: ::j

[@andrej1953]

Hi! I have ridden over 120.000 kilometers on a recumbent bike. From my own experience, I can say that the downside of recumbent bikes is the lack of proper equipment for the driver. There are no protective clothing for driving in the rain. Wind protection is also poor. The wind blows under your sleeves and into your pants. There are no good sunglasses to protect against the wind from below. All helmets are too open at the front, so they do not protect against the glare of the sun. If I push the helmet deep on my eyes, I can’t fasten it well with a belt. Pants and T-shirts have pockets with zippers on the back. I have to cut them off so they don’t sting me. A lot of pants have a lining that I don’t need and it just gets in the way. The collar does not fit the position of the head.

[@traviskelly4941]

I wear biking knickers that go slightly below the knee -- this helps for sun protection and keeping wind and bugs from blowing up my legs. I wear a visor under my helmet for sun protection.

[@JerryWebb]

Thanks for sharing Cory. I have a Bacchetta Giro 26, what made you opt for the model you're riding with the 20" front wheel? I have been considering changing the forks and wheel on mine to reduce the height by 6" and make it easier to get started on hills or in traffic - that's the area where I am currently finding the recumbent a little hard to handle - and there can be interference between the front wheel and the pedals at low speed.

[@corybikes]

Hi Jerry! I found this used for a good deal. I rented one and liked it prior to that. You bring up good points. Theoretically you would go faster on the Giro 26, but not by much. The only downside with the Giro 20 is I have to pack 2 sizes of spare tubes. Otherwise its a great recumbent!

[@glenswada]

I agree with your pro's and con's. The issue really is how one personally rates all the pro's and con's. For me, comfort was the primary factor. I have ridden 8 hours straight and was happy to remain in the seat for another 10 minutes to recover when I arrived home.

[@corybikes]

Comfort is a huge factor for me too!

[@ThomasBomb45]

8 hours, wow!

[@pigletofgreed7747]

Other note. Generally will feel warmer on a recumbent, less airflow around your body, especially your back. Even a " mesh" seatback doesn't allow airflow as On a diamond frame. Drawback of you cycle in a hot place. Can be good in cooler places..also much easier to adjust for cold on the recumbent, can wear a.sweater, jacket, sweatpants, even thick socks and boots, easier than On upright.

[@Woriviol]

In my experience I can say that the advanrage of the recumbent is in flat and slightly hilly areas. I also ride a Bacchetta giro 28 Inch both wheels, and this can get quite fast so the roadbikers geht frustrated very often as long as it dosen"t go uphill too long. Downhill I'm far faster with the recumbent. 4%downhill with pedalling I can make 65 km/h. With my roadbike never possible. And as mentioned here the position is much more comfortable on a recumbent. The disadvantage is going uphill. Much more exhausting, flexibility in urban zones is not as with an upright, so in town I prefer the normal bike. The overview of course is much better with the upright because of a higher position. When it's dark it's not so nice because on the recumbent you are at the same hight as the cars and their headlights dazzle which is sometimes very unpleasant. Transportation in trains and in cars is more diffucult because recumbents are longer and take more space because of the seat. But despote of all this I love the recumbent. To travel with it it's so relaxed espacial where I live in Germany. In this area iwe don't have high montains to climb up. I live not far away from Netherlands where have the best bikepathsystem and there it's a pleasure to use the recumbent. I made long tours with it 130 km a day no problem totally relaxed. Next year I plan a tour to greece. In this case probably I will use the upright. To ride the alpes with a recumbent I don't know. Could be frustrating.

[@corybikes]

Excellent breakdown! I have similar experiences on my bikes. I just finished an 160km bike tour (1 night) so watch for that video coming soon!

[@michaelfasher]

Cruzbikes are supposed to be good at climbing.

[@dwightbla]

Hi Cory- I’m sorry if you’ve answered this before. I like the phone holder you’re using- what product is it, where did you get it? Same question for the mirrors. Thank you!

[@corybikes]

Thank you Dwight! The phone holder is from Amazon. See the link below. The mirror is actually a Frankenstein of two products - using parts from both. The only problem is the bike shop did it for me so I don't know the products. www.amazon.com/dp/B07PVMV49J?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@EZSteve]

You alluded to an aerodynamic advantage of the road bike over the recumbent, yet I wonder if the recumbent actually has the advantage, because the torso (which collects the most air when on any bike) is angled back away from the incoming air flow, allowing air to slide up and over the torso. In comparison, on a road bike, the torso is angled forward, directly into the oncoming air flow, and would seem to me to be a collector of air, trapped somewhat on the frontal torso area, and then forced to exit on the sides of the torso, re-entering the existent air flow, creating a turbulence on the sides of the torso. Although this is simply curious speculation, in my opinion, it really doesn't matter for most riders, who likely are not worried if their speeds vary by a mile or two per hour. I think that recumbent riders are not usually concerned about setting speed records, instead just being out for an enjoyable (and comfy) bike ride. Based on what I see here on KZbin (like GCN videos and others), a fair percentage of upright bike riders like to buy expensive road bikes that emulate Tour de France rigs, probably being mentally immersed in speed racer lifestyle ideologies. I have owned an Easy Racer Gold Rush LWB recumbent, and the comfort is beyond dispute. I am now awaiting a new LWB recumbent on order. Thanks for the video! steve

[@corybikes]

Hey TrikeHobo! I might not have been clear. I think the recumbent is much better aerodynamically and comfortably but the road bike provides a more agile feel. I also compared tire resistance of these particular bikes but as we know could be swapped. Thanks for asking for clarity! Great points!

[@kufman01]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It would be interesting to see a side by side with similar bikes. The Bacchetta you have there is equivalent to a mountain bike with road tires where as the road bike is a more serious machine that would be comparable to a Cruzbike Vendetta or a Bacchetta Carbon Aero or even a Bacchetta A70. I wouldn't really call these specialized bikes as they are commercially available. I am also curious about what you used to weigh the bikes? My old aluminum mtn bike with road tires weighs 26lbs and my Cruzbike QX100 weighs 32 lbs. I would expect your road bike to be sub 20 lbs unless you have a lot of stuff loaded on it. The Bacchetta shouldn't be out of the 30's even with the bag (unless you have lead in it, lol). This comment reflects some of the others when it comes to aerodynamics. Most all recumbents have better aero than upright bikes. There is just far less frontal area. Again, apples to apples comparison would be nice too. I could see comparing your Bacchetta to a mtn bike or comparing your road bike to a Cruzbike Venetta or a Bacchetta A70. One last thing is the idea of hills and recumbents. Yes, it takes time to learn how to do hills on recumbents and for the most part they will be slightly slower. Moving bottom bracket bikes like the Cruzbikes will be very close to their upright counterparts gong up the hills and the descent will not even be close. Recumbents in general, due to the aero properties, will fly down the hills.

[@corybikes]

Lots of good perspective. Here is my experience for what its worth: The recumbent I have is probably best compared to a bike with touring grade tires somewhere between a gravel bike and a hybrid. Good point on the "specialized" comment since they are available. Albeit on the expensive end of the spectrum. In other words, comparing a $1500 road bike to a $3000+ recumbent is something to consider. The aero properties are super important and beneficial as you mentioned. Fully agree! I really enjoy using both bikes. The variety of experience is something I really like. Thank you for commenting. I'm sure you info will resonate with a lot of people!

[@kufman01]

@@corybikes Yes, the price is something to consider. Recumbents don't benefit from mass production at this point which makes them a bit pricey but there are also $5k+ road bikes out there too. To be on equal footing, you need both bikes to have the same kind and size of tire. A recumbent with 26/20 general purpose tires will never keep up with a road bike using 700C tires. Heck another upright with 26" general purpose tires will not keep up (my converted mountain bike uses this setup). I did some weighing on my bikes and here is what I got. Cruzbike QX100 with custom WeeHoo hitch = 37.2 lbs My wife's Bacchetta Giro 20 (steel frame) = 33.4 lbs My wife's mtn bike with road tires (front shock) =31 lbs My kids generic 7 speed, 20" bike = 27.4 lbs My Giant ATX 840 with road tires (aluminum, 26") = 27 lbs My Cruzbike Vendetta (stock) = 25 lbs

[@phil3038]

Im guessing that the lower popularity of recumbent bikes is due to a lot of riders wanting to emulate the professional athletes in the tour de France and other races. Really want to make the switch to a recumbent, they look a lot more comfortable and aerodynamic. I enjoy smashing out half hour or hour rides as fast as possible for general fitness and also ride the short 3 miles to work every day. Love the feeling of speed under my own steam. I can only imagine what it feels like downhill on a recumbent at 50mph+ when your so low to the tarmac!!

[@mardiffv.8775]

The Dutchman Walter Hoogerbeets cycled twice from the Netherlands to the North Cape, Norway, and back. In just 5 weeks, on a recumbent bike with camping gear. Averaging 100 miles/ 160 KM per day.

[@chrisby777]

Subbed and liked. I am seriously thinking about buying a recumbent trike but I need advice because of health issues. I have titanium knees and unable to ride an upright bike. My spine is fused from L3 to S1 which also rules out an upright bike. I’m 69 and since the last operation ten months ago I am putting on weight. I have cut my food intake down to a ridiculous level and cut out all extra sugar. I don’t want to purchase a trike and then find out that I can’t use it. I’ve tried hiring one but can’t find a place that does this. Sorry this is so long but any advice you can offer would be very much appreciated. Kind regards, Chris.

[@corybikes]

Trikes are usually very comfortable. One of the most comfortable positions you can be in. It's like a lazy boy recliner. Some things to think about: Transporting in a pickup truck or specialized rack. A bike shop to help you assemble it. If you're in Florida, look up Bent Revolution in the Tampa area. Some brands are Catrike, ICE, and HP Veloteknik. It's a great way to get some exercise! Hope you find something!

[@jamesmcgowan3871]

I would have liked to see you do this video using a more equivalent recumbent model, perhaps a Cruzbike S40 or V20(c). Otherwise, great job.

[@kx4sam]

Good video. One question. I never stood to climb my local hills. With that in mind, I can still climb then on a recumbent?

[@corybikes]

Thank you Sammy! Yes you should be able to climb your local hills on the recumbent. On hills you may just need to downshift more than an upright bike, but climbing hills is definitely workable on the recumbent.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

I live in North Vancouver BC and we have hills in the 22% range. I do not walk any of these hills ,however I certainly do not race up them either. My Bacchetta Giro A20 touring recumbent is geared lower than stock and I have 3 gears below a 1:1 ratio. 17-93 gear inches as I lowered my top end as well ,as I seldom spin at 90 rpm in that high a gear and on a loaded touring bent you are prone to sight seeing vs pacing beside the roadies! You can climb any hill on solid ground if you combine muscle power and good gearing.

[@RowRideRun]

A big category you didn’t mention is safety. A major reason I gave up diamond frames 20 years ago was too many close calls when turning into a headfirst ballistic missile off the front of my road bike. With a recumbent, you may scrape your side or bottom in an accident but FAR less likely to snap your neck.

[@corybikes]

Great point and thank you for adding that input!

[@MusiCaninesTheMusicalDogs]

It's questionable if you're in a more aerodynamic position on the road bike.

[@corybikes]

I agree. The recumbent is more aerodynamic for sure. The road bike is just a more aggressive riding posture, but not as aerodynamic.

[@cbpaton53]

... agree, the drag area is smaller on the recumbent.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

A Danish Designer made a recumbent with the handlebar below the legs!

[@B.A.512]

I have never ridden a recumbent, now actually thinking of building one. Question: when accelerating, do you pull your handlebars on the recumbent to stay seated?

[@corybikes]

No need to pull on the handlebars. The pedaling motion keeps you snug in the seat naturally. It's very comfortable!

[@corybikes]

Exciting that you're planning to build one!

[@B.A.512]

@@corybikes Thank you, I appreciate it! I fell in love with recumbents after seeing Rohorn's "F'lowroller". It might not be the best example, but it looks good!

[@zazugee]

your input is valuable bc there isn't much recumbent feedback online, but one criticism to this video is you're comparing one type of touring recumbent to a road racing bike, they can't be compared or be used to represent all upright and recumbent bikes.

[@corybikes]

Well said. As I tried to explain in my "pinned" comment, the comparisons are not meant to suggest "equal bikes" but to draw some kind of references from a common road bike so folks can learn about recumbents in this format. 😉

[@denismaftei691]

witch its better for menisc problem ?

[@corybikes]

That's a tough one. I would guess a road bike would be better for a torn meniscus. Just a hunch though since I don't suffer from that.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

Diamond frame gives me speed , a bit more nimble in turning and traffic, and the ability to stand up and get body weight into the drive train. which is really good on hills. I will never ride a diamond frame bike again as the recumbent is speed and comfort and at the end of any ride I am still sitting in a comfortable seat , IN not on . Although I have no problem in city traffic my 49" wheel base is not as nimble as the 42-44" base of a diamond frame bike. 4:10 weight ? My Bacchetta A 20 touring bent is 28 pounds which is comparable to most diamond frames. Yours being steel is going to be a bit heavier. However by the time I go for any ride my bent weighs close to 40 pounds due to all the stuff I carry . 2 liters of water , a U-lock, all the tools and 5 tubes in various sizes 20,24,26,700C and the patch kit as well. I lead rides, so I need to be equipped for others. I am not a weight weenie! Where I live there are carbon bikes galore and people with a lot of disposable income where they buy the bike for 16,300.oo and then upgrade it? I like my bent as I go places their bikes will not. 4:44 reclined position? You are on what is considered a cruising recumbent ,good for all sorts of rides , however if you had the high racer type of recumbent , dual 26 or 700C wheels, you would be more laid back and a great deal more aerodynamic. If you train for hills you are just as fast as a diamond frame bike will be . Key word here is TRAIN for hills. 5:10 leverage to get up hills ? I live in North Vancouver and we have a couple of hills here in excess of 22% , I do not walk my bent . I run 153 mm crank arms which gives me all the power I need and a higher spin with less effort. I did mention I have a touring bent, so I have low gears . 6:34 UCI is the governing body for what bikes are allowed for racing and what are not. A recumbent due to aerodynamic efficiency is an unfair advantage over the diamond frame rider. The race is supposed to be between riders ,not bikes. 7:50 tires lots to choose from and thin tires may or may not be as efficient as we like to think they are . You can run narrow tires on any recumbent if you choose to. Narrow tires means less traction when stopping . 8:55 The only parts that are different from a diamond frame bike is the handlebars/ stem , and the seat , everything you can buy for a diamond frame , you can put on the recumbent. 9:24 chain is chain ,and the recumbent generally takes 2.3 lengths of chain . If your lbs can not figure out how to put it together , find another shop! Transportation of your recumbent or your road bike is only limited by what you want to spend . My bent fits on the roof of my 4x4 locked in with a quick release on the front fork and tied down at the back wheel. No problem , no wiggles . Nice review but I think you have not been exposed enough to what is available in the recumbent world. BTW the seat you have is a Recurve , one of about 4 seats that Bacchetta can equip your bent with. I had a seat frame made by recycledrecumbent.com and custom designed it for my use. I sit in the mesh and at the end of any day I am still comfortable , which on the Recurve as much as so many people love it , I was not completely satisfied.

[@corybikes]

Thank you Bruce for the added perspective! I was considering adding details like this, but kept the video short. Bike technology and options are almost endless!

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

@@corybikes Ahhh but you made the video which is better than I have accomplished. BTW it took close to a year to be comfortable with slow speed turns and balance at below walking speeds. Slow behind adults not to much of a problem , but slow behind a 4 year old walking with a mother is real slow.

[@BryceLovesTech]

Comfort, for that reason I will never get on a diamond frame road bike again. Recumbent for life

[@SW4GGATRON]

Thanks for the video. I'm just now entering the world of recumbent bikes. Does anyone know if the Sun bicycles EZ Sport CX is a good bike. There's one in my area selling for $600, not sure if that's a good price or not. Also can anyone tell some good brands to look into that won't break the bank?

[@markfeldman6509]

I have a Sun EZ long wheel base and it is a super bike. I also have two Catrike recumbent trikes…a Trail and a 559 plus the conventional Specialized road bike. I will tell you the conventional bike is the least used and least comfortable. Once you have ridden a recumbent with their speed and comfort there is no going back. One can do so much more mileage on a recumbent. I generally ride the trikes as they are the most comfortable and easiest to climb inclines than the LWB 2 wheeler. I paid around $1700 for my Sun Ez Sport new so $600 is a great deal. I live right off Cape Cod and if you are nearby then you are more than welcome to borrow mine and give it a trial run before buying.

[@SW4GGATRON]

@@markfeldman6509 thanks for the offer but I live near Chicago.. I ended up buying an ez sport classic sx for 400 that still had hairs on the original tires and in great shape! So far I love the bike, and dont want to ride any other bike than a recumbent from now on. It brings back the fun when riding instead of being hunched over, looking down. You actually get to enjoy the scenery. I'm trying to get my and brother to get one but they're all about action. I think I just need to get them to ride it though. Cheers man!

[@markfeldman6509]

@@SW4GGATRON enjoy your new ride. You will,love it for many years to come. And every part of your body will be thankful that you switched to a recumbent.

[@spacegazette4781]

Great review m. But I thought you might be able to charge uphills with a recumbant? I thought you have more leg power. I dunno.

[@corybikes]

Yes, momentum helps on the uphills. Once I lose momentum then I like to downshift.

[@vanreliant5584]

Looking at the saddle on the racing bike I'm not surprised it's painful, sitting on the crossbar would be no worse,

[@bos621]

Where to buy recumbent bike online? I live in Indonesia

[@taufikabidin412]

facebook.com/setyana.yana.77 , he makes bents in Bandung. For online, you could go for performer cycles, but the price and tax will make it very expensive

[@robertwylie4296]

Can’t you press your back against the seat v standing up? I thought that’s one of the reasons they were made illegal, to much of an advantage

[@corybikes]

I can't speak to the legal stuff, but will say, "yes" you can press your back against the seat to generate power.

[@omarlanda7]

which do you ride more often?

[@corybikes]

I have a mountain bike also. I ride each about an equal amount. I have a lot of good options for routes around me. Dirt and paved trails. Very fortunate. What are your preferences?

[@omarlanda7]

@@corybikes I spend the most time riding single-track on my mountain bikes. I'm in the market for a more road oriented machine and was curious about the recumbents. I am probably going to be going for a conventional double triangle frame, for visibility while in heavy car traffic.

[@BHman841]

I have a Bachetta Corsa V60 and it is faster than my upright bikes, even though slower up hills. There is less fatigue since th3 upper body stays relaxed. The steering on the recumbent is twitchy and takes getting used to.

[@PsyKeks]

Hmmh, I am not quite satisfied with this comparison. You seem to have compared a racing bike with a city or touring bike. That recumbent es very upright. Getting something more aerodynamic is not hard. The wheels are not typical for performance recumbents. Comparing them by the choice of tyre is really useless, as that's one of the first parts to change to your liking or that can often be ordered as wanted right from the beginning. Also you say to be limited uphill because you are not standing above the pedals? I would say you are more limited on the road bike, as you can only push down with the force of gravity, not brace against the rigid seat. (I have heard that knee problems are more often on recumbents, because you can produce more pressure.) And this only is a factor if you want to press hard uphill instead of using cadence and if you don't use click pedals to pull un the upstroke, which provides the counterforce for pressing down - While I think on a recumbent you can more easily angle your foot and provide power on more of the circulation, even on non-pinned flat pedals, because you don't need to worry about supporting your weight with your feet. (For some testing I just changed my click pedals for some random cheap rubberized granny-pedals and went for a more midfoot-heel placement. I was really flying yesterday. Could still push great through the heel and angling the foot allowed for good up and down power, maybe even some pulling. I have no roadbike to compare, but very steep uphills always where only testing my power and balance, not how I could put my power into the pedals.) Also I think, you did not mention how on a roadbike people tend to look only 5m in front of them, because lifting your head is much harder than lowering it. But I really get, that the agile and active feeling of an upright road bike can be real fun and they are often lighter and cheaper.

[@PsyKeks]

Scrolling down, I saw that you already addressed some of this in your own comment. 😅

[@juanosorno8153]

I have been reading about recumbent bikes. Someone said they are faster than road bikes. You stated the opposite.

[@corybikes]

Great question! This is a sensitive subject for some, but think of it this way - The average / majority of road bikes have certain specs (weight, rolling resistance, etc...) that make them faster than the average / majority of the recumbent bikes on the market. But yes, the high end recumbent bikes are faster than the high end road bikes (depending on rider of course). Hope that makes sense!

[@juanosorno8153]

@@corybikes Thank you for clarifying

[@hubster4477]

You're dead on about the bike racks, it's a bugger to tie them in. Non of the bikes upright or rucumbents are that crazy slow, so to me comfort is a priority. Being in an urban setting on a recumbent is not fun! Huge advantage for the upright. Everyone who has test ridden my bent has ridden off into the weeds! It has a few scratches! Good video!

[@ampassionstruck9138]

..recumbent bikes r ultimate in comfort, for long rides no other bike comes near, its kinda like u put wheels on ur couch, u have back rest , head rest and ur feet r in an angle which is just so right for this type of a bike and ofcourse, when u push the peddles the strain of this force is born by the seat and not by ur spine , the only thing that is against the recumbant is the way it looks when ridden , people find it weired and sometimes laugh at it !!!😊😊😊

[@JustClaude13]

I don't see an advantage to a road bike in part availability. The recumbent uses the exact same components as a road bike. Some of the cables and chains are longer, but not outside the length seen in tandems, and the chain is the same as a road bike, just spliced longer.

[@rossbrumby1957]

Cables can be bought on a roll, to be cut to any length needed. No bike shop will have problems recabling a recumbent.

[@boatman222345]

I totally disagree with your comments regarding uprights being more nimble and better handling. I rode a RANS Rocket thousands of miles in hilly, twisty hilly terrain and compared to my upright the Rocket was like driving a Ferrari while the upright was more like driving a dump truck. Corners I would take at 20 mph on my road bike I could take at 40 on my Rocket. As far as hill climbing ability the vast majority of recumbents are geared for relatively flat terrain and thus don't climb well. Living in a mountainous area of Maine I had to immediately junk the high standard gearing on my Rocket. I first tried a Shimano 105 Triple with a 11/34 rear cassette and it was an improvement but not quite low enough. So I switched to a Shimano Deore Mountain Triple and with that I could almost ride of the side of a building! All in all I have seldom meant a bike I didn't enjoy riding but the bikes at the top of my list are all recumbents.

[@pigletofgreed7747]

No need for specialised clothing on a recumbent..bike shirts, jerseh, gloves. Even shoes.depending on your preference. I prefer normal shoes on the recumbent but use cleated.shoes on the upright omes. Saves.quite a few $/ over the years, plus no need to walk around in spandex off the bike😊

[@tomyoung1739]

Not bad but you got rolling resistance WRONG.Do the science it is out there and you would see thin and hard no longer rules.

[@diesistkeinname795]

It's a little more complex than that. His recumbent has Schwalbe Marathon tires, they are not made to be fast, but to not be punctured. These are commuter/touring tires. Narrow tires at high pressure roll faster than lower pressure wide tires on smooth pavement. The rougher the road surface gets, the more the wider tires get an advantage as they can conform to the uneven road surface better and produce less vibration. The fastest tire on a smooth road is a 23 mm at maximum pressure. On a regular road 25 mm at decently high pressure is the fastest choice. 28-32 mm is a common choice these days due to the higher comfort and terrible road conditions in many places. And on cobble you want the fattest tire your bike can fit, 50 mm or more at rather low pressures.

[@rossbrumby1957]

@@diesistkeinname795 it's the large diameter that rolls better over rough roads. As for good surfaces, smaller diameter wheels of a wider size (but not super wide) have a rounder, smaller contact area which has less rolling resistance and easier turning ability for any given tread pattern when compared to taller, narrow wheels.

[@lschexnaider]

Good comparison. But he is comparing a road bike with recumbent that I would not really consider a recumbent ride bike. Try a high racer recumbent or a Cruz bike vendetta

[@polyrhythmia]

I wouldn't have a road bike without clip on aerobars, or a recumbent without FWD, moving bottom bracket. Cruzbike works the abs in a way other recumbents don't. I can pass most recumbent bikes coasting downhill using the aerobars. I like to switch back and forth, though mostly riding upright bikes.

[@rogerchildres9035]

i ride all bikes,i mean all - and unicycles and ebikes as well.they all have good and bad things about them,but they are all.FUN.

[@corybikes]

100% !!!

[@odontomatix]

If you want to see how fast a recumbent can go, check out the International Human Powered Vehicle time trials at Battle Mountain, Nevada. These are highly engineered for the one purpose of going as fast as humanly possible on a straight flat road for 5 miles to reach a top speed by the end. The bikes have full fairings, which means they have an aerodynamic shell all around. The top speed has been over 89 mph. ihpva.org/hpvarech.htm

[@traviskelly4941]

I've owned both SWB and LWB recumbents - the SWBs climb much better than LWBs up steep hills at very slow speeds. The SWB is more stable, whereas the LWB is extremely twitchy with a lot of tiller sway - I was weaving all over the road trying to stay upright in the LWB, which are supposedly more stable at high downhill speeds. But I often exceeded 35 mph downhill on my Rans Rocket SWB, and never felt unstable. I see no advantages for the LWB bikes -- also very awkward to maneuver in a tight corners. Riding my mt. bike is not so uncomfortable as an upright road bike. On a mt. bike, if it's more than just a groomed dirt road, you're up out of the saddle more often and shifting your body around and wrestling the bars to maneuver through obstacles, so not as monotonously tiresome as a diamond-frame road bike, which I will never ride again after going 'bent. I'm in it for comfort and distance - I could care less about speed, although passing other bikers gives some cyclists a real ego thrill.

[@taufikabidin412]

It might be because of the geometry. For example, mpst LWB have a slack head tube angle, big trail and that huge bending of the fork, meaning it is stable at high speed but harder to turn and unstable at slow speed

[@Honyakker]

Excellent comparison! But I think you are perpetuating a myth when you claim that skinny, high-pressure tires are invariably faster than wider, supple, lower pressure tires. Check out the studies conducted by Jan Heine, publisher of "Bicycle Quarterly" magazine. He has long ago laid to rest the myth of skinny tires. The main thing about skinny, high-pressure tires faster because they transmit every little bit of road vibration to bicycle and rider, creating the illusion of speed. Note that some of the fastest cars in the world, Formula I racers, most certainly do not have skinny tires!

[@henryk8253]

5:05 You say you don't have leverage to go uphill. I completely disagree. You can push your back against the seat on a recumbent. Can't do it on a upright bicycle.

[@PrescottHome]

I'd disagree with comments on comparable weight. The 40 lb you refer to on the recumbent is plainly wrong. The Bacchetta you have used is `loaded' with optional equipment: gripshifters, brainbox, heavy seat with padding, etc. Though I've made some personal adjustments to my Bacchetta the weight diff between the standard Bacchetta and my Bacchetta is negligible. Comes in at around 25 lbs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nISahHeul92SmdE

[@charliebozzo9948]

Only real cons is if your not in the conversation. Ride both!

[@bentrider1972]

45 lbs?? (4:15_) what recumbent you riding...My catrike is not even 45lbs lmao..Bacchetta Pelso only is 25 lbs WITH disk brakes..you can get a Bacchetta CarbonAero 3.0 all the way down to 21 lbs...even a long wheel base bike will only be around 30-35 at best..Rans PHOENIX is only 31.4 lbs and it is one of the bigger LWB bikes..Tikes can be around 40-45 lbs and the biggest one i can think of is the Ice full fat coming in at 49.2lbs before you add things to it..45 lbs for a recumbent bike?? not sure what you are riding but i would sell it for something much better lmao

[@FACE-PROFILERZ]

Road bike or racer and diamond frame bike all pertains to pyramid geometry. As you visualized the constructions of early pyramid in Egypt, how hard to be on your body? Let's face it, get out of bondage don't torture yourself. Compare to recumbent bike or recline bike of milk and honey. Some scenario on a burning bike warehouse full of smoke and may suffocate you in a few seconds which bike you'll use SUV type of bike (high center of gravity) or Lamborghini type of bike (low center of gravity)?

[@corybikes]

Very thoughtful. I would like a Lamborghini bike!

[@FACE-PROFILERZ]

Ahhh less smoke inhalation lowracer

[@philiprayner]

the recumbent is the beach cruiser of the road lol

[@deezynar]

You were doing great until you started describing the road bike. The riding position on a road bike is not more "aggressive." It is less natural, and less comfortable. The position on a road bike is only more aerodynamic than a recumbent that has a very upright seat back like yours. Other recumbents lean back further, and their drag goes down as the seatback goes down.

[@Leonardo-ql1qu]

Recumbent bikes are ergonomically wrong! Here's why: Stand straight and lift one leg. Now sit down on a chair and stick one leg out horizontally. Move that stretched leg up and down and feel how much more muscle power it takes and how much more fatiguing it is compared to the vertical leg lift. Resting your feet on the bike paddles does not make any difference. Pure physiology!

[@davesup5059]

Apparently you don't ride recumbents.

[@davesup5059]

You are wrong on so many levels. I'm faster now on a Bacchetta CA2 than I ever was on a road bike. Components are the same. Only difference is more chain. Hills are not an issue and takes more training. Aerodynamics are better on a recumbent. Recumbents have the same wheels and tires as a road bike. Obviously yours doesn't. Wrong on getting parts. Easy to work on. No different than a road bike. As fas as bike racks go, most people use tray racks these days. Recumbents fit them no differently. You need to do more research

[@Fab2Mc]

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