Semi-Recumbent Bike

Like recumbent exercise bikes, semi-recumbent cycling units are designed to place the pedals in front of the seating area (instead of directly below, as in upright bikes). The rider leans backwards onto a seat shaped like a car seat, allowing most of his weight to be placed on the buttocks rather than the lower back or upper shoulder areas. The rider can then place his hands on forward handlebars (if offered) or to either side of him if the bars are built next to the seat cushions. Both types of bikes usually employ bucket-style seats that are fully adjustable to each rider's individual height.

The major difference between a recumbent and semi-recumbent bike lies in the amount of incline given to the seat's back support. The seat of a semi-recumbent bike is set at an incline roughly between that of an upright bike and that of a recumbent one. This mid-range setting is great for older riders or individuals with back or leg injuries who may have a hard time mounting and dismounting a bike. The sideways pedaling direction on semi-recumbent bikes is also much better for people with knee injuries.

Semi-recumbent bikes can be purchased with almost all of the major technological advantages that upright and recumbent bikes are now equipped with. These include electromagnetic brakes that are both silent and smooth reliability, or air resistance brakes that are a bit noisier but produce a pleasantly cooling breeze through increased use. They can also be fitted with electronic display consoles that digitally record the speed, distance, heart rate, calorie burn, and other types of performance data.

The Functional and Mobile Semi-Recumbent Bike

As semi-recumbent exercise bikes have risen in popularity, so have their mobile and street-worthy cousins. Recumbent and semi-recumbent street bicycles have been seen in many popular biking areas around the world. Many long distance cyclists, couriers and bicycle messengers have turned in their regular upright bicycles for semi-recumbent bikes due to the fact that they are more comfortable, more stable, and can be equipped with travel storage bags.