The idea of a tricycle may make you think of a little child who can't go across the road by themselves. And maybe that sounds ominous at your ever-increasing age.
But not all trikes are created equal. And a trike for the big boys and girls can be awesome if you give it a chance.
It's not just the very old and the very young who find themselves pedaling around on three wheels.
And somehow "trike" sounds a bit, dare I say, avante garde with the word "recumbent" parked in front of it. In other words, some of the cool kids ride them too.
Recumbent trikes are for anyone who wants to be able to go fast, without stressing their knees, backs and behinds, and without danger of losing their balance and taking a spill.
You don't have to be a senior to feel the appeal. But seniors with vertigo or other types of problems with balance, or who have arthritis or fibromyalgia pain or stiffness will especially benefit.
Along with the decrease or elimination of pain, you may also experience a decrease or elimination of genito-urinary problems that can often arise on an upright bicycle, as well as an increase in your blood circulation.
A recumbent trike has its own look. You'll know one when you see it.
A recumbent tricycle has a low-slung chassis which provides back support. The pedals are near the same height as the seat.
Wheels are generally spaced further apart and are smaller than those used on an upright bike.
You'll notice the contrast between the comfort of riding a recumbent trike and the lack of it on an upright bicycle.
Instead of bracing yoursel for the rude shock of the seat, the strain on back, shoulders and arms as you work to maintain balance, you'll step across the low frame and settle yourself into the embrace of the recumbent's seat.
You're nestled comfortably in a bucket seat. You sit back with your feet in front of you while you work the pedals.
That low lying frame is a safety feature, making you less likely to go head first over the handle bars or take a spill, and if you do, you won't fall far.
You will discover that there is no need to be leaning forward to stay on or keep your balance. You'll also be able to take in the scenery since your head isn't aimed downward looking at the road while you're pedaling.
Instead of focusing on keeping your bike upright, and gritting your teeth because of the uncomfortable seat, you can pedal your trike without strain at a speed of your preference, and enjoy watching the world go by.
That's not work, my friend. That's a joy ride.
Sources:
The Recumbent Bike: A Serious Exercise Option. Senior-exercise-central.com. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
http://www.senior-exercise-central.com/recumbent-bike.html
Why Is Recumbent Safer? Ehow.com. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7355322_recumbent-safer_.html
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