‘Bents’ can be a cycling alternative

The excellent article on bicycle seats [“Cycling in the Hot Seat,” April 9] addressed the problems endemic with the basic design and offered the latest antidotes, except one -- recumbent bicycles.

The conventional upright bicycle embodies great efficiencies, but also forces one’s body into postures that can lead to the problems outlined, as well as pinched nerves in the hands and neck. I was forced to abandon upright bikes because of a bone spur in my neck and have been happily and comfortably cycling on my recumbent for over a dozen years, including one solo trek across the U.S.

TODD COLLART

Ventura

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Recumbent bicycles, or bents, eliminate the entire need for an article such as was presented in Health.

Gone are crotch numbness, wrist soreness, hand numbness, aching necks and aching backs. The rider sits in a natural position, fatigue-free, able to see the panorama around and ride for hours without the usual discomforts associated with conventional bikes.

I switched to bents almost four years ago and have not looked back. I still do as much distance as I used to, climb well (it does take a while to develop muscles) and descend very quickly.

IRWIN KORANSKY

Tarzana

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Recumbents take a little adjusting to learn how to ride them, but this can be mastered in about 30 minutes. The main difference is in getting started.

A conventional bike can give you the initial momentum for balance by standing with your full weight on the pedal to get going. The recumbent requires that you push off with your feet on the ground to get that initial balancing momentum. You also use a slightly different set of leg muscles.

I can ride for long periods of time without getting tired (even compared to my athletic grandson).

BOB BRASLAU

Santa Monica

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Who over there is trying to kill cycling? Here we are facing an epidemic of obesity and all of the health problems it engenders, an aging population of people looking for low-impact aerobic activity, and families desperate to find ways to get the kids out of the house and doing something healthy, and along comes this article dooming us all to sexual dysfunction.

There’s no easier or more fun way to get some exercise than to jump on a bike and take a ride, and we should be doing everything we can to encourage people, from children on up, to get out of their houses and cars and onto bikes.

I’ll trade the very slight risk of erectile problems (which the saddle manufacturers are clearly working to address) for the risks of heart attack, diabetes and stroke any day. And that goes double for my kids.

WILLIAM FORWARD

Mar Vista