Tandem Bicycles

Recumbent bicycles have been around nearly as long as the traditional upright model has. However, this bike didn't really gain in popularity until the 20th century. It was then that the world bicycle land speed record was set by a recumbent bicycle. Racing officials decided that recumbent bikes had an unfair advantage over the upright models and so they were prohibited from international biking competitions. Today, the recumbent bike is making a comeback, especially the recumbent tricycle.

Recumbent bicycles come in several variations. The first variation is the low racer. This model is designed for speed and it is commonly found in bike races and in bicycle competitions that feature bikers with mobility limitations. Their seat is positioned so that it sits inline with the wheels instead of on top of the wheels to improve the bike's performance. A windshield is also sometimes added to these models to cut down on wind drag.

The second variation of recumbent bicycle is the tandem recumbent. This model is built like a regular tandem bicycle, however, both seats in the recumbent bike are reclined instead of set upright. This type of recumbent usually is designed as a tandem tricycle, but tandem recumbent bicycles are also available.

The third variation of recumbent bicycle is the recumbent tricycle. This model has one wheel in the front that is used for steering and a pair of wheels in the back. You can take advantage of the space between the back wheels by installing a storage rack or a second seat.

The recumbent bicycle has several advantages over the traditional bicycle. It offers bikers more configuration options, it is a safer bike, it is more comfortable and it is generally faster. However, while recumbent bicycles have several distinct advantages, they also have a few disadvantages. These disadvantages include: they are harder to balance, you can't stand up on the pedals when climbing a hill, they have a wider turn radius and they cost up to 15 percent more than a traditional bicycle.

Tandem bicycles are the perfect way for couples to exercise together and for families to experience the joy of riding together. Learn about the history of tandem bikes, the terminology that is associated with tandems and the variations that tandems come in. If you are a fan of the classic lowrider car, or if you grew up in the 60s or 70s, then you are going to love lowrider bikes. These fun bicycles offer you the chance to rekindle memories from your childhood and relish the tales of customizing your first bike. Learn how to identify a good deal when shopping for used tandem bicycles. Folding tandem bicycles can come pre-made, or they can be made from retrofitting a regular tandem with a special coupling device.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland