Recumbent bicycles on the move
With the Queen Mary as backdrop, Jonathan Dietch zips along on his recumbent in the Long Beach leg of the Los Angeles River bike path. The cycle’s low, reclining position helps take the pressure off the neck, back and wrists. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Dietch passes a 30-mile marker near the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area along the San Gabriel River path. The longtime bicycle enthusiast bought his first recumbent in 2004 and has been hooked ever since. I was so surprised at its versatility, speed and fun that it became my primary mode of cycling, he says. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Dietch passes under the Queensway Bay Bridge in Long Beach. Recumbent sales, always a small percentage of the bike industry, have been growing steadily over the last several years, according to retailers. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Dietch passes other bicyclists in the Long Beach portion of the Los Angeles River path. When Im on my recumbent, people wave and say hi, he says. Even the transients wave at me. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Dietch says that he feels safe when he’s on a recumbent and that drivers give him a wide berth. Not like a road bike. When Im on a road bike Im invisible. Its like I dont exist,” he says. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
The short wheelbase on the Carbent HPV Sea Dragon makes for a speedier, more agile ride. It’s lighter than other styles, but is less stable at higher speeds and harder to ride. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)
If youre looking for extra stability, try a sporty three-wheeler like the Trice T. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)
The long wheelbase on the Bacchetta Bellandare makes the bike ideal for touring trips because of its stability and comfort, but it tends to weigh a bit more than other styles and has a larger turning radius. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)
Dana Lieberman, owner of Bent Up Cycles, demonstrates the pedal positions on the Trice T, a three-wheeler. Most of the customers for recumbents are baby boomers, he says. Theyre getting older, theyve kept themselves in good shape, economically theyve done well, and their regular standard bicycle isnt cutting it for them anymore. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)