David Otway wrote:

Good Morning folks

I hope everyone is safe and healthy is this weird season.

My wife is very interested in getting a recumbent bike 

She has had a few mishaps with streetcar tracks; this is the first time in years she has ridden quite a lot.She thinks that she will be more comfortable on a recumbent bike and less prone to falls.I have never ridden one and can't answer all her questions Any help will be greatly appreciatedRegards

David Otway

Hi David

Is your wife thinking of a recumbent bike, or a trike? 

A recumbent bike might pose the same problems as a road bike, ie. with streetcar tracks, etc.  Being closer to the ground means they are a bit harder to balance, and usually require  higher speed to maintain comfortable balance.  Also the geometry is not great for climbing hills. They can be quite fast on level ground..

A trike is much more stable, but very close to the ground.  This poses a problem of visibility in automobile traffic. Riders usually fly a flag on a pole for visibility.  Same problem with hills because of the geometry, and heavier in weight because of more structure needed in the frame.. Awkward to transport by car as well.  I believe Urbane Cyclist handles recumbent trikes.  Talk to them.

Another possibility would be a road tricycle.  Some can be quite light and fast, and quite stable.  But it would be equipped with a conventional saddle, not a seat with a back like a recumbent.

Roy Bourke

Late to the party here, but Bruce has had both recumbent bikes and trikes, and I tried the bike when I had my arm injury a while back. I just couldn't get the hang of it. It is a very different feel, and very, very tough on hills. But he likes it. The trike is different again, still tough on hills, but of course much more stable. Got more questions, or is this all too late?