Recumbent Bicycle Reviews
Terminology To Better Understand Recumbent
Bicycle Reviews
With the increasing popularity of
recumbent bicycles it is only natural that not only should new
models come out every year or so, but also new recumbent
bicycle reviews. This is apropos as such reviews will aid
potential buyers to give them an idea as to what they will be
buying. An important aspect to recumbent bicycle reviews,
however, is an understanding of the basic terminology that will
be encountered in the critiques. This article was written
for just this purpose.
The first point to be understood is that of steering.
There are two basic types of steering, USS and OSS. USS
stands for Under Seat Steering. While a bit more
difficult to learn to steer, the USS styles are generally
considered more comfortable on the upper body. One of the
disadvantages, however, is that this type of recumbent is much
wider than the OSS models, and is also difficult to steer when
walking the bike.
The OSS, or Over Seat Steering bikes (aka ASS, or Above Seat
Steering) are easier to learn and usually are much faster to
drive. The OSS models are also much easier to steer when
walking, though the shifting is rather slow performing and
often requires more upkeep.
No recumbent bicycle reviews would be without mention of low
and high racers. The low racer is a model type of
recumbent which is built low to the ground. This is ideal
for those seeking speed in their biking. This is the
style that professional racers utilize. However, on city
streets the low racers are less visible, thus a greater
possibility for being hit by motorists exists (as well as a
perpetual fear of this happening). Many bike enthusiasts
find the low racers awkward to adjust to riding.
High racers are also quite fast, as many recumbent bicycle
reviews will attest to. These too can become difficult to
adjust to, particularly due to the incline of the seat.
However, a characteristic that makes up for this, in many
circles, at least, is the increased height, compared to the low
models. The high racers are equivalent in height to
normal street bikes, allowing for increased sight both for the
rider and of the rider for motorists and other
bicyclists.
If a recumbent is in your future, consider these terms, in
addition to other glossary terms, all available online.
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