Want to go for a bike ride without compromising comfort? Then you should look for the best recumbent bike for touring. Because riding a bike means cycling up the mountains, rocky roads, narrow spaces, and whatnot. And after hours of cycling, we may enjoy the tour but ended up having sore and stiff legs.
Thus, to add comfort to your tour with a bicycle, a new edition is added to the design that is a recumbent bicycle. You can now lay on the comfortable seat and enjoy the tour without suffering the leg like regular bikers.
Since it’s a new edition bike, it is actually difficult to find the best one, especially for touring. Thus, to help you get the best recumbent road bike, here I have picked the top 6 bicycles for you to review. Not only that, but I am also addressing some of the basic but most important information that you should know as a cyclist before you purchase the recumbent bicycle.
This information will also help you choose the right bicycle that will support you in any road tour. Let’s begin with its types and why do I suggest you buy one.
Top 5 best recumbent bike for touring Reviewed
Here you will get to see the best recumbent road bike for seniors and juniors. They are not only from renowned and reliable brands but also in high demand among users. In fact, real users are recommending others to purchase them for tours. Hence, I have picked the most wanted recumbent bicycle to analyze the features and address the strengths and drawbacks.
So, to decide which bicycle you would like to purchase, keep your eyes on the review.
1. Mobo Triton Pro- The best recumbent road bike for seniors
Do you need a safe and comforting beach bike? Here it is. This popular bike is from Mobo Cruiser. This US-based brand is renowned for manufacturing versatile bicycles for kids and adults, ensuring top quality and satisfactory performance.
This particular triton pro bicycle comes with three wheels, which make it a safe rider for anyone. You don’t need to train yourself up to ride this bike. Besides, the unisex design also gives freedom to both men and women to ride on this bike without any hesitation.
If you are looking for a bicycle for outdoor exercise, then you can choose this cycle for fun exercise. You can use this bike not only for the beach but also for regular road trips to the shopping, market or parks. Also, the bike came with an ergonomic recumbent seat and cushioned back, which will help you to ride longer and stay more relaxed.
Additionally, the quality of the bike ensures it is built to last long. In fact, it is made of a Hi-ten steel frame, which can withstand up to 250 lbs. Also, the adjustable frame also allows different heights of users to ride. So, if you are looking for a family recumbent bicycle, then you should definitely consider purchasing this bicycle without a doubt. This one is the best recumbent road bike for seniors.
2. Razor DXT Drift Trike – The best recumbent road bike
Eager to find an adventurous recumbent bike? Wait no more. This Razor DXT drift trike will restore all the fun and thrill in your life. When it comes to bringing innovation in cycle design, Razor never fails to amaze its cyclists. Here is the proof!
This bike comes with an outrageous design that rides will get the most thrilling experience. In this bike, the rider needs to sit at the edge and drift fast and smooth. No matter whether you are on a straight road or passing through the toughest curves, the moto-style bike will support you accordingly.
To make sure your bike lasts long, the body construction is made of steel trike style frame and super slider POM rear wheels. Additionally, the moto-style handlebars, pro-style grips, and adjustable bucket-style seats give you the fast speed for racing. All you need to do is hop on the bike and hold onto the handlebar and enjoy the ride.
When you are looking for the best recumbent road bike that can support you on your crazy ride, this can be the best one!
3. Mobo Cruiser – Alltime best recumbent trike
Do you want your kids to have all the fun and have some exercise? If so, then you shouldn’t miss the cool three-wheeled cruisers from Mobo Cruiser. Needless to say, how amazing their cycles are. Hence, I will go straight to the remarkable features of this bike.
This cycle is mainly designed for exercise; thus, it’s recommended to use on a flat surface and sloping terrain that is gentle. Whenever your kids want to play outdoors, you can simply let them roam around the neighborhood riding on the bike. Also, you don’t need to worry about injuries.
Because the bike is designed with a low center of gravity that ensures stability, so, your kids can just ride on it, and you don’t need to remind them every time to keep balance. Additionally, the dual joystick will support them for a smooth maneuver, slightly moving their delicate hands. Then, to have a comfortable ride while practicing the exercise, the ergonomic seat is positioned in a recumbent seat.
Also, the cushioned seat gives back support so the kids won’t feel pressure on their lumbar spine. So, without having any worries, you can get this bike for your children to have all the fun and exercise. Nevertheless, the adjustable frame also allows the children to a height up to 4’8”. The bike can withstand up to 180 lbs, which makes it an outstanding bike for overweight children to use for exercise. This one is the all-time best recumbent trike.
4. Schwinn Roadster Tricycle- The best trike bicycle for kids
This recumbent tricycle is for little kids specially designed by the American brand Schwinn. If you are looking for a bicycle for the toddler, then check out its features. This cycle is suitable for kids aging from 2 to 4 years old.
As it’s an ideal cycle for children, hence it’s made of a retro steel frame. The material itself makes it a strong and durable cycle to withstand injury and stress. Besides, the adjustable seat allows different sizes of children to ride on the bike. To make it look more kids friendly, you will also notice the bell and handlebar tassels. The color adds more fun and excitement that kids will surely love.
Then come comfort and performance. The steering of the bike comes with bent above and below the seat. If you want your kids to have a comfortable ride without stressing the arms, then you can easily bend it below the seat and ride on it. Also, the long recumbent comes with crank behind the wheel for a smooth ride and easy maneuver.
Overall it’s the best trike bicycle for kids that comes in a fun design, durability and safety assured. It’s an ideal choice for your kids to add playful items as a part of their game and outdoor activity.
5. Mobo Triton Pedal Go Kart Trike – The best recumbent bike
Here is another bike from Mobo Cruiser. And this time, it’s a fascinating one for kids. As you already know the quality and versatility of Mobo bikes, you can definitely expect some extraordinary features in their kid’s bike as well. Let’s check them out.
This three-wheeled recumbent kids bike is a suitable choice for outdoor activities. Talking about the durability, this bike is made of steel frame and strong wheel that ensures strength and proper balance. Additionally, the dual joystick steering also makes sure your kids have a smooth ride with maneuverability.
However, it’s recommended to run on a flat paved road and gently sloping terrains. Nevertheless, the adjustable frame allows kids from 3’8” to 5’2” with up to 200 lbs. So, though it’s a bicycle for kids, from toddlers to small adults can also ride this comfortable bike.
How to choose the best recumbent trike? – Buying guide
Whether you purchase a bike for an adventurous ride, fun or exercise, to grab the best one from the market, you need to consider some identifying features. Otherwise, how would you know which bike is suitable to support your ride? Hence, to get the most satisfying performance from your favorite recumbent bike, you must consider the following features while purchasing the bicycle.
Must-have feature to consider while buying a recumbent bicycle
Here is some must-have feature to consider while buying the recumbent bike for touring. If you consider all this you will get a super recumbent bike for you. No waiting, let’s see the must-have feature before buy.
1. Wheelbase
As users prefer a recumbent bike for fun and relaxation, you can only get the desired performance from the wheelbase. In this kind of bike, the wheelbase is much forward from the seat that ensures you have a comfortable, balanced and steady ride. You can also put the front wheel under the pedal.
And, according to your convenience and purpose of the bike you can choose from LWB and SWB, meaning the long wheelbase and short wheelbase. The basic difference between LWB and SWB is, LWB is about 60 inches on an average, whereas the SWB is 50 inches. So for easy maneuverability, go for SWB and for easy paddling go for LWB.
2. Seats
There is also a wide diversity in recumbent bike seats. Some seats are well cushion, and some are made of plastic or mesh. All of these seats are comfortable. But, choose the type and design of the seat that you find comfortable and will last long.
3. Frames
Frame quality is an extremely important feature because the durability of the bike depends on it. Usually, the material of the recumbent bike frame is steel or aluminum. Some are also made of carbon fiber or titanium.
You may also find an innovative frame design where you can fold and store the bike, three-wheel trike, bike with an upright position, and so on. So, choose the frame style and check out the material before purchase.
4. Handlebars
Then, check out the handlebars and their versatility. You can put the handlebar up above the seat or below the seat steering. These two terms are addressed as ASS and BSS. The ASS gives you the feeling like traditional bikes, whereas the ASS ensures your arms and shoulders are much more relaxed. So, choose according to your preference.
5. Other details
Besides the main features, you should not skip the minor details while checking the quality of the bike. For instance, how is the tire made, if the bike is chained or chainless, the width of the tire, wheel size, foot height, accessories, maintenance regulations, and so on!
What might happen if you don’t consider must-have feature
Well, if you don’t consider the features mentioned above, there is a high chance that you can make a wrong purchase. Because the first and foremost reason for purchasing a recumbent bike is to get comfortable, it’s a great vehicle for lumbar support, relaxing arm and leg muscle and, most importantly, ensuring a stress-free tour.
So, if you don’t consider those features, you can purchase a recumbent bike that does not give you expected performance. For instance, if you have arthritis problems, you may need a recumbent bike below the seat steering. But, that option may not be present in your targeted bicycle if you don’t check it beforehand.
Besides, there should be compatibility between the purpose of the bike and available features. If you want a fast recumbent, then you must check the drift performance and maneuverability as well as how well the bike is built. If you don’t consider these factors, then you may still purchase a recumbent bike that may not serve the purpose.
Hence, to find the recumbent bike that you actually require, you must think about the key features to find a long-lasting one.
What is a recumbent bicycle and what are the types of it?
As you have been researching for the best recumbent bike, you may have already noticed there is a wide diversity in styles, colors, design, and so on. However, considering the differences in functionality, the cycle comes in a few types. Before I get into its types, let me address what actually a recumbent bicycle is.
Most of the users are familiar with the recumbent bike for exercise. But, the good news is, you don’t need to stay in a boring atmosphere and ride on it to shred your sweat. Now you can enjoy a comfortable outdoor ride with a recumbent bicycle and get the result that you would get from exercising.
Compared to the traditional bikes, the recumbent bicycle comes with a reclined seat. The ergonomic seat is often laid back and comes cushioned. So, when the user sits on it, they immediately get the lumbar support, and this feature reduces any sort of pressure or stress on the back. Besides, the bike is long, which helps the user to distribute the weight evenly as they hop in.
The longer the frame of the bike supports the legs, hips, and buttocks that release the tension and pressure that you usually feel on your arm, leg, neck, and back on an upright bike. As you look for different types of recumbent bikes, you may notice there is a wide diversity in style and configuration. Find the details below to know the types and different styles.
1. Long Wheelbase (LWB) recumbent bicycle
Usually, the recumbent bicycle comes with a long wheelbase and short wheelbase. In a long wheelbase bike, the frame is quite longer than the usual bikes. Besides, the seat is upright, and the pedals are lower than the seat. Though it’s a recumbent bike, users don’t find much of a difference in riding than the traditional ones.
Also, the long frame help to comfortably deal with bumps on the road. It means you will hardly feel the bumps and ride smoothly. Also, you won’t feel uncomfortable while riding it from the beginning. Overall it’s much more relaxing and comforting.
2. Short Wheelbase (SWB) recumbent bike
Compared to the long wheelbase, the short wheelbase bike comes with a reclined seat and high pedals than the seat. When you are on a long tour on-road or mountains, you can stay relaxed and enjoy the ride because this bike is not only easy to carry but also ride much faster than the other.
Also, the overall style makes the bike more aerodynamic, which will help you climb smoothly and fast. Also, recline the body to enjoy the surrounding view.
3. Over Seat Steering (OSS)
Whether you pick the long-wheelbase or short wheelbase bike, the seat steering position actually decides how the riding experience will be. The over seat steering has the handlebars on a higher position than the seat. It means you don’t need to lean towards the handlebar to ride the bike.
4. Under Seat Steering (USS)
Just the opposite of OSS, the under-seat steering comes with the handlebars lower the seat. You can keep your hands beside the seat and hold the steering. This way, you can feel your hands are more related and no pressure on your wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Also, you can have a much clearer view of the atmosphere in this position while riding without any obstruction. Having said that, it takes a little bit of time to get used to riding in this position.
Because it’s different than the traditional bicycle, but, once you can master in this position, you can get the utmost pleasure riding a recumbent bike.
Why do you need the best recumbent bike for touring?
A lot of the new bikers wonder why they should go for a recumbent bike. Well, you won’t know the difference until you ride it. Let me address some of the key points to help you understand why do you need a recumbent bike for touring.
Recumbent bikes are supportive of the lumber. On a regular bike, you sit straight or even lean towards the handlebar, which affects the lumbar spine. And after a long ride, you feel back pain or stiffness on the muscles on the leg and arms. So, for supporting the lower back and without hampering the spinal posture, the recumbent bike gives you a comfortable ride.
Also, they are supportive of the other joints on your body. Not only your legs and arms but also your hips, knees, and ankles face less pressure and protected from pain and injuries. Additionally, they are safe to ride and not prone to cause accidents like traditional bikes. As you cannot stand up on the pedals, you can stay safe while riding.
Besides, if you have arthritis issues, they are supportive of your body without causing further pressure on your problem areas. And undoubtedly, they are comfortable and much more relaxing than traditional bikes. It’s a bike that doesn’t let you compromise with your comfort level, yet make sure you have a fast ride. It also helps you ride fast compared to the diamond frame bike.
So, for a comfortable ride and ensure support towards your health condition, you must choose a recumbent bicycle for any type of touring. Read about electric unicycles.
Benefits of riding a recumbent bicycle
Users prefer recumbent bikes actually for health benefits. There are other benefits too. Read through the details below to learn what are the advantages you can receive riding a recumbent.
First of all, it’s a cool bike to ride. If you are a fun-loving person and enjoy adventure, then you should definitely try riding a recumbent on the downhill. You will surely love it!
Compared to traditional bikes, they are aerodynamic and specially designed for touring. If you want to enjoy the surrounding view while riding a bike and staying in a comfortable seat, then recumbent is the right option.
Compared to a normal bike, you can go at a faster pace on the downhill.
Riding a recumbent, your muscles and joints will stay relaxed, the lumbar spine will not hurt, and you won’t feel any street after hours of riding.
You don’t need special clothes to ride on a recumbent bike.
In recumbent your legs to first then the head. So, you can easily tackle, or you don’t need to tackle the headwind, unlike the traditional upright bikes.
Recumbent bikes are unique, fun and relaxing. Read also about the BMX bikes.
Safety Precautions matter while riding a recumbent bicycle
Though recumbent bikes are safe and comfortable to ride, you should still take some safety measures while riding it. Below are some of the key points you need to pay attention to before and during your ride.
1. What to wear?
The fun thing is that you can ride a recumbent bike wearing your casual clothes. However, you should add some accessories to protect yourself from injuries.
- Wear a helmet
- Keep a water bottle to stay hydrated
- Wear reflective clothes, comfortable shoes, and goggles
2. Tips to follow during the ride
When you are riding a bike, make sure you are on the bike paths and lanes. Ride the vehicle on the recommended bike lanes because the bike is less visible to see from the opposite direction.
- Add lights to your recumbent bike front and back.
- Add safety flag at the back of the bike to mark yourself visible
- Use a vibrant and bright color for the flag
- Stay attentive when you are crossing intersections or drifting.
- Pay attention to traffic signs, signals, and markings.
- Learn the traffic rules of the area before riding the bike on the street.
FAQ
Question: Is upright or recumbent bike better?
Answer: A recumbent bike differs from upright and upright is also different from the recumbent bike. The taste of these two is not the same. Recumbent has a bigger seat than upright. A smaller seat can make you feel uncomfortable.
Question: What is the best recumbent bike for seniors?
Answer: For this article, I research a lot to find the best recumbent bike. For bringing a recumbent bike for seniors, it really gets tough. But I found the best one, and it is Mobo Triton Pro- The best recumbent road bike for seniors.
Question: Is it good to go for a tour with a recumbent bike?
Answer: With a recumbent bike, do not go for a long tour. It will the best choice if you go for a small tour. It will give you smartness and fell you a pro.
Question: Can you lose weight on a recumbent bike?
Answer: why not? Recumbent bike burn calories If you want to lose your weight all over the body including your stomach, go for exercise with the recumbent bike. If you exercise with the recumbent bike, it will help you lose weight and will build your muscles.
Question: What is the best recumbent bicycle?
Answer: There are too many recumbent bikes on the market, but all the recumbent bike is not best. You will not like all the bikes when you purchase them. In this article, I showed the top 5 best recumbent bikes for touring. Our top pick is the Mobo Cruiser, All-time best recumbent trike.
Final Verdict
In the end, recumbent bikes are unique and comfortable that you can enjoy the ride almost anywhere. As you now have quite an understanding of this bike, types, benefits, and how to find the best one, I hope you can now easily find the best recumbent bike for touring.
To make the most intelligent purchasing decision on your recumbent bicycle, don’t forget to pay attention to the must-have features. Read also about the unicycles for a newbie.
