bikes and things

I like to think I like all forms of cycling and have had the pleasure of owning and riding most types of bicycle. From mountain biking, folding bikes, fixed track bikes, downhill bikes, singlespeed mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX and I even harbour a desire to ride a touring bike over great distances. I’ve also plan to buy a cargo bike one day for various reasons.

What I still can never understand though is recumbents. I mean I just don’t get it and I’ve really tried to get my head around the idea. For me one of the best things about cycling is the elevated position that you have and seeing things differently – seeing over the hedgerows in the countryside or traffic in the city. It just seems weird to be in that low down position, barely visible to drivers and sucking on everyone’s exhaust fumes whilst lying on your back. The token flag the only indiction that someone is there below your line of sight. Every single one I’ve ever seen in London seems to be an overly angry individual who has to shout at everyone to survive from this low down position.

Image © kenjonbro.

It also seems to be a strange form to use considering that the bicycle we know today has evolved over the last 150 or so years into a fairly well developed and recognisable form. A rear then main triangle and then forks of some kind with an axle at the bottom and generally two wheels. It’s a form that has proved to be adaptable for the variety of types of riding above but also fairly constant and has served us well I feel.

The position of lying on your back also seems counter to the idea of being able to get out of the saddle to climb, accelerate or even just take the pressure off one’s derriere. The form would seem to limit the range or usefulness of the bicycle which is almost entirely counter to the amazing freedom offered by one.

Image © m4barcelona