Re: [Paddlewise] offtopic -recumbents

Merijin;
On a conventional bike the rider has the advantage of being able to sit,
stand, sit up, lean forward, shift forward or back etc.  All of this brings
different muscle groups more or less to bear and speads out the effort.
Recumbent riders keep using the same muscles all the time.  There is no
relief.  Also, if you "spin" on a recumbent you are, in eccense, doing leg
lifts.  Unlike a conventional bike where you're exerting circumferential
effort on a recumbent you just can't do it continually.  You're not only
lifting the peddle/crank but you're also lifting your whole leg against
gravity.  To spin while climbing is incredibly inefficient.  It is necessary
though, as you said, to have a large range of gears.
John
----- Original Message -----
From: Merijn Wijnen <merijn_at_music.demon.nl>
To: johncw <johncw_at_narrows.com>; <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Monday, November 08, 1999 11:09 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] offtopic -recumbents


> F
> > Sorry;
> > There's no such thing as spinning a recumbent up a hill.  You'll just
burn
> > out your legs.  Instead, find an easy comfortable rythm while climbing
and
> > then catch your friends on the level.
> > John Winskill (ridden recumbent - Counterpoint Presto - since 1991)
>
> I do definitely not agree. Since 1990 I have ridden fully packed
> (heavy) recumbents all over Europe, and in my experience if  you
> do have a  large range of gears climbing is not different from
> conventional bikes. On an upright you can stand on the pedals, but
> only for a few hendres  meters, not for miles on end. Also on
> uprights the better climbers just sit and spin. However, your legs
> have to adjust to the different  position, so it will take you about a
> year to adjust fully.
>
> Greetings,
> Merijn
>
> ******************************
> Merijn Wijnen
> Vinkenhofje 8
> 5613 CN Eindhoven
> The Netherlands
> Tel.: 040-2939991          (job: 040-2650539)
> Fax:  same as tel., call before sending or try twice
> E-mail: Home: merijn_at_music.demon.nl
>         Job:  m.wijnen_at_ind.tno.nl
> Web-site: http:\\www.music.demon.nl

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