Be careful of your knees when you start riding
recumbents. It's easy to overdo the pressure. Spin the pedals freely and
build up your stength over 12 months. Sore knees after a ride are a danger
sign - you've been 'mashing' the pedals again haven't you.....?
If pain persists (!) consider shorter cranks.
I'm six feet tall and I love my 147mm cranks.
Minimum cadence for recumbents is 80 rpm to avoid
knee strain. Even better is 90+
Cleats on the shoes for clipless pedals should
be set further forward than for an upright bike.
The sun penetrates under a normal visor. I use
a wrap around visor from Helmet Gear.
In traffic, ride out in your lane where you can
be seen. Don't skulk along in the gutter and never ride closer than one
metre to a parked car. Try not to get 'trapped' on the inside where you
can't be seen.
The Eco-Blast or Airzound air horn will fit in
the front Bidon (water bottle holder.) Very useful to warn reversing traffic
that you are approaching.
Ride at maximum speed down the hills, select the
highest gear combination, wait for the speed to drop a little then spin
fast and hard at your maximum cadence. As the oncoming uphill brings the
speed down, keep changing down and maintain the high cadence. This 'surfs'
the hills. If the uphill is not too long, you'll maintain high speed right
to the top. Air will be the problem, not muscles.
Tyre pressures are critical. Low pressures will
steal your speed.
Change to a low gear when you stop - saves your
knees and strain on the transmission
Don't remove the safety flag - wear a bright coloured
helmet - use lots of lights at night with relective tape on any and every
surface.
Use plenty of suncream on your legs - they're
more exposed than on an upright.
If you get numb or tingly feet, try lacing the
shoe a little looser and don't trap the lace knot under the velcro cover
strap.
To maximise your exercise, invest in a 'Polar'
Heart Monitor. They keep you in the right exercise 'zone' and prevent
overtraining or straining the 'ol ticker.... They're available from good
Sports Stores. I got mine mail order from
Renegade Cycles.
