Over the past few years, adult tricycles have become increasingly popular, and most people are familiar with the standard upright tricycle. It's something many of us have likely tried riding at some point, even if it was just during our childhood. However, fewer people are acquainted with the recumbent tricycle, and even fewer have ever given one a try. Despite both types being classified as "tricycles," they share only a few similarities, yet each provides a completely different riding experience.
The recumbent tricycle, often called a recumbent trike, gets its name from its reclining seating position. This design places the rider in a laid-back posture, which is probably its most defining characteristic. Although it's quite different from an upright trike, there are still a few key traits they share. Both have the added third wheel, a broader seat, and similar braking options.
Most recumbent trikes come equipped with a larger, more conventional "cruiser-style" seat that has a wide base and a built-in backrest rather than the slim, sportier-looking saddles found on many bikes. The backrest allows the rider to sit comfortably without needing to lean forward towards the handlebars like you would on an upright trike. Typically, the pedals are positioned horizontally in line with the seat, enabling the rider to enter the recumbent position with legs extended in front of them, reaching toward the pedals. The overall posture feels very relaxed.
Cruising on a recumbent bike provides a good workout, but since it doesn't demand the same level of balance and stability as a regular bicycle, it tends to be less intense. While a recumbent trike offers an efficient workout, if your goal is to achieve the highest intensity cardio workout possible and you're capable of riding a standard bicycle, then a recumbent trike might not be the best choice.
Who rides recumbent tricycles? Essentially, anyone can enjoy a recumbent trike, but many choose the reclined position for ergonomic reasons. On a recumbent trike, the rider’s weight is spread over a larger area, supported by the back and buttocks. Compared to the upright trike position, which places all the weight on the sitting bones, hands, and feet, the reclined position offers a more comfortable and enjoyable riding experience. People recovering from injuries or surgeries, those with specific physical needs, and beginners are likely to find a recumbent trike particularly beneficial.
For individuals managing conditions like osteoarthritis, knee problems, or lower back pain, a recumbent trike reduces joint stress, making riding possible. Many who suffer from sciatica often find that a recumbent trike allows them to ride without discomfort.
A recumbent tricycle is far more stable than a standard bicycle or upright trike. The design aims to provide a steadier, more balanced riding experience, translating into a more comfortable and easier-to-control ride. Anyone who struggles with balance or feels uneasy in the upright riding position would likely feel safer on a recumbent.
Due to their ease of use and lower intensity, recumbent trikes are an ideal choice for newcomers to cycling. The extra stability and comfort also make them appealing to those unaccustomed to riding.
The history of the upright tricycle dates back to the mid-1600s, but the recumbent trike didn’t appear until much later. While the first geared recumbents emerged in the 1890s, it wasn’t until the 1930s that interest truly began to grow.
The first geared recumbents appeared in the 1890s, soon after two-wheeled safety bikes became popular. It’s believed that Italian professor Charles Challand from Geneva designed the first geared recumbent, naming it the "Normal Bicycle," referring to the more "normal" riding position compared to the hunched-over stance of non-recumbent vehicles. The recumbent tricycle trend originated from Charles Mochet’s pre-World War I invention, the Velocar, initially designed for his young son George. It featured four wheels, a lower sitting position, and was human-powered.
Although the old-school recumbent trike has evolved over the years, the similarities between the original and modern designs are clear. Like contemporary models, the original recumbent placed the rider directly above the back wheel and allowed direct steering of the front wheel. The crank axle was located several inches behind the steering head, and skid-shoe brakes were mentioned in a report of a timber-framed model at a Swiss National Exhibition in 1896. Impressed with Challand’s invention, the American consul in Geneva sent a sketch of it to the State Department, noting its positive reception on the streets of Geneva. Around this time, a Rhode Island man named Irvin Wales applied for a patent for his recumbent bicycle design. Wales’ design included equally sized wheels, cranks behind the steering head, and featured both standard pedals and the less traditional hand drive. The hand drive worked similarly to a rowing machine, by pulling back and releasing the sliding hand grips attached to the cranks via cables.
The recumbent trike design proved to be significantly faster, more efficient, and much safer than its two- and three-wheeled counterparts, quickly gaining traction in the world of racing. Recumbents set new records in speed and efficiency, drawing the attention of professional and amateur cyclists alike. This sparked a heated debate: Is the recumbent bicycle really a bicycle? The Union Cycliste International (UCI), formed in 1900 to manage competitive cycling through rule development, implementation, and oversight, was tasked with settling the issue. After a formal vote, the UCI decided the recumbent was not a bicycle and banned them from racing in 1934. This decision led to the UCI publishing a document defining what constituted a "bike," effectively sidelining these machines until the 1970s.
In 1969, Popular Mechanics featured a unique machine designed by Robert Riley—the Ground Hugger. In the mid-70s, MIT professor David Gordon Wilson and Chester Kyle rediscovered them nearly 50 years later. The rest is history: in 1975, the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA) was established, with Wilson becoming both an early supporter and one of the organization’s original directors. That same year, eight recumbents were entered in the first IHPVA-hosted International Human-Powered Speed Championship, sparking a steady rise in interest.
Like upright tricycles, there are various designs of recumbent trikes on the market, ensuring there’s one to suit everyone’s preferences. With growing interest, many bike shops have expanded their inventory of recumbent trikes, providing a better chance to test ride one before purchasing. Whichever style you choose, ensure it feels comfortable and safe.
The delta design features two wheels at the back and one at the front, resembling a standard upright trike. However, instead of placing the rider upright, it positions them reclined with a backrest. One or both rear wheels can be driven, while the front is used for steering (the usual layout). Steering can be achieved through a linkage with handlebars under the seat (underseat steering) or directly to the front wheel with a large handlebar (overseat steering).
Tadpole tricycles, or reverse trikes, have a recumbent layout with two steered wheels at the front and one driven wheel at the back. There’s a tadpole design where the front wheels are driven while the rear wheel steers.
Tandem recumbent tricycles resemble tandem bicycles in allowing two people to ride together. Riders are in a recumbent position on an extra-strong backbone frame designed to support the additional weight of an extra rider.
Understanding the basic features is crucial when choosing a recumbent trike. Safety-wise, brakes are one of the most important components. It’s essential to equip your trike with the best brakes you can afford. Coaster and hand brakes are the primary brake designs available for trikes. Coaster brakes are activated by pedaling backward and are not especially common on recumbent trikes, whereas hand brakes are operated by a hand lever.
Whenever possible, opt for locking hand brakes, which offer safer and more efficient stopping power while preventing the bike from rolling away. Hand brakes can be placed at the front or rear of the bike, but for those preferring extra caution, they can be installed at both the front and the back. Some high-end tadpole recumbents use two brake levers independently controlling the brakes on the corresponding front wheel. Trikes are often equipped with locking brake levers acting similar to a car’s parking brake.
Disc brakes have become common on various bikes, and the technology is now available on trikes. Disc brakes can be cable-actuated or hydraulic, with the latter offering more power and better modulation. The design of trike disc brakes resembles those installed on most motor vehicles, consisting of a metal disc anchored to the wheel hub and brake pads pressed against the disc through a mechanical or hydraulic caliper. Disc brakes are preferred over other braking systems because they handle challenging conditions, can be installed on the front or rear of the bike, and are exceptionally powerful. They are a necessity for anyone riding hilly terrain.
Modern drum brakes, often referred to as hub brakes, are unaffected by moisture or a bent wheel, making them a better overall option. Keep in mind that older drum brake models are known to overheat.
Drivetrain, shifter, and gears are only relevant if you plan on getting a geared trike; single-speed trikes don’t require these components. When it comes to trike drivetrains, there are two choices: standard derailleur or geared bike hub. While a standard bicycle derailleur is lighter and more efficient, a geared hub is notably lower in maintenance and more reliable. It’s also possible to get a hub with automatic shifting.
Bar end shifters designed for triathlon bikes are common on trikes because they work well on vertical handlebars. Most trikes require two-handed controls, but some can be retrofitted for single-handed controls.
There are multiple ways to carry cargo on a recumbent trike, including racks, mounts, and bags. The best method depends on your specific needs.
Protective gear is essential whether riding a bicycle, upright trike, or recumbent trike. Always wear a helmet, even for short rides. Ensure your trike is secured with a durable U-lock to deter theft. Packing a well-charged bike light is recommended to enhance visibility. Adding a bell or horn improves road presence, and a bike flag draws more attention. A water bottle holder is a must for hydration, and a phone mount should allow full rotation for optimal positioning. Mirrors are more common on recumbent trikes due to their lower profile, and opting for glass-based mirrors from reputable brands is advisable.
Regardless of what you ride, protecting yourself and your trike is vital. Locking up your bike, wearing a helmet, and increasing visibility with lights, flags, and bells are proactive measures. For unexpected events, consider bicycle insurance. Velosurance is a bicycle insurance provider that covers tricycles as well, offering peace of mind for unforeseen circumstances like theft, damage, or flats.
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