'bent questions (quite a few)

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Hello!! I'm realy new to recumbent riding, and getting back in the saddle after years and years of not riding. I chose a semi recumbent (giant's revive) because convential (sp?) bikes made my back and knees ache- the two problem areas in my body. So now that I have been riding a bit I have some questions that I have been pondering, and now that I found a place to ask them, well, here goes.
Recumbutt- I am glad I am not the only person who has this problem. I thought it was my fat ass. I also found that the problem was compounded by regular bike shorts- the seam around the padding would dig into my rear and cut of the blood. Does anyone make recumbent bike shorts? I feel that they would have more padding in the back.
Hills- I am such a grandma going up hills. And I find this is normal. *whew* Can anyone give any hints?
Backpacks- I finally found a waterbottle/backpack that lets me carry water and clothes and sits high enough that it doesn't get in the way of the seat back. Does anyone make a recumbent backpack or have any sugesstions on how to carry stuff?
Sidewalk clearance- I hate going up and down sidewalks with no ramps. I clunk really hard and I am afraid I will scrape something. I think it's a clearance problem- but is there any way to get past this? Hopping? Skipping sidewalks completly?
Mostly looking for some friendly voices who have had/are having the same problems I am so I know it's not just me ...
Thanks
Loretta :D

Oh, and one more thing:
Carrying: How the crap do you carry the thing? My husband and I will often ride to a light rail station and take the light rail home (it's kind of a train/trolly thing.) You have to carry the bike onto the train, and I have the worst time with it. Last time, I bent down to grab it by the middle bar which is really low, hefted it, and WHAM! nailed myself in the head with the handle bars. HELP!!

Hello!! I'm realy new to recumbent riding, and getting back in the saddle after years and years of not riding. I chose a semi recumbent (giant's revive) because convential (sp?) bikes made my back and knees ache- the two problem areas in my body. So now that I have been riding a bit I have some questions that I have been pondering, and now that I found a place to ask them, well, here goes.
Recumbutt- I am glad I am not the only person who has this problem. I thought it was my fat ass. I also found that the problem was compounded by regular bike shorts- the seam around the padding would dig into my rear and cut of the blood. Does anyone make recumbent bike shorts? I feel that they would have more padding in the back.

Yes they Do LOOK here :) :D http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?category=306000

Hills- I am such a grandma going up hills. And I find this is normal. *whew* Can anyone give any hints?

Takes time to get faster, just take time-the more you ride the easer it gets.

Backpacks- I finally found a waterbottle/backpack that lets me carry water and clothes and sits high enough that it doesn't get in the way of the seat back. Does anyone make a recumbent backpack or have any sugesstions on how to carry stuff?

Yes they do :) :D http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?category=200500

Sidewalk clearance- I hate going up and down sidewalks with no ramps. I clunk really hard and I am afraid I will scrape something. I think it's a clearance problem- but is there any way to get past this? Hopping? Skipping sidewalks completly?

;) Get on the road, you are better out there, Cars has more chance hiting you cause they dont see you! If your scared then work in a safe place till you fell more in control of the bike...Recumbents are made for the Road and you have every right to be there :D
Mostly looking for some friendly voices who have had/are having the same problems I am so I know it's not just me ...
ThanksNot sure on the bike? What kind is it? If you have a bar then mabe tie it down? Please explain what part of the bike is hiting you?


Hope this helps



Tom

Oh, and one more thing:
Carrying: How the crap do you carry the thing? My husband and I will often ride to a light rail station and take the light rail home (it's kind of a train/trolly thing.) You have to carry the bike onto the train, and I have the worst time with it. Last time, I bent down to grab it by the middle bar which is really low, hefted it, and WHAM! nailed myself in the head with the handle bars. HELP!!
OK it looks like you are doing fine. Lots of stuff on the forums and the internet. You should be able to find anything you need.

Recumbutt- increase the amount of seat recline. This takes weight off of the butt and puts more of in on your back. Also as you ride you develop different muscles than on a regular upright bike. The glutes are no exception.


Ride in the road. It is easier for traffic to see you and I've found that traffic will give you more respect than if you are on a regular bike. If you are unsure about visibility add a flag to your bike.

Hills- use a low gear and make your feet spin the pedals at a reasonably fast tempo (this is called cadence). If you use too high a gear and pedal slow with a lot of force you can damage your knees. Use a lower gear and pedal faster.

As to the bonk on your noggin, be carefull.

No go ride your bike and have fun!

Sidewalk clearance- I hate going up and down sidewalks with no ramps. I clunk really hard and I am afraid I will scrape something. I think it's a clearance problem- but is there any way to get past this? Hopping? Skipping sidewalks completly?
Mostly looking for some friendly voices who have had/are having the same problems I am so I know it's not just me ...
Thanks
Loretta :D
better check, in some places riding on the sidewalk is illegial