Different Recumbent Types:
Long WheelBase Recumbent Bicycles
a.k.a LWB or Long Rider
Advantages:
LWB Recumbent Bicycles Are Generally ...
- Comfortable and have plenty of room for panniers and other luggage.
- Suitable for many types of cycling- recreation, commuting, and touring.
- Sit in a fairly upright position.
- More stable and steady than SWB recumbents.
- Easier for a beginner to learn to cycle.
- Great for riding on a bicycle tours ... especially the LWBs with lower seats that are efficient at absorbing the road shock.
- Less bumpy on irregular and rough terrain.
- The larger wheels of the LWB tend to be lightly loaded, and consequently have a fairly long lifespan.
- When the tires do need to be replaced their size is pretty common and can be easily sourced.
- Steer independently and steadily.
- Designed to easily enable the legs to easily be put down on the road.
- Great for aspects of road safety as the cyclist is centered and balanced, with all their weight on the recumbent seat, learning their hands free for signaling.
Disadvantages:
LWB Recumbent Bicycles Are Generally ...
- Much bulkier and more unwieldy than the Short Wheelbase recumbent - making storage or transportation more problematic.
- The maneouverability and handling of the LBW is more difficult than on a SWB. Attempting 'U-Turns' can prove awkward.
- Not as aerodynamic as other styles of recumbent..
- Have suspension which is not as advanced as the other styles of recumbent bicycles.
- More dangerous at a blind intersection. The cyclist's vision is hampered by being set far back along the length of the wheelbase. This forces the cyclist to venture farther out into a blind intersection to see what is coming.
- Lower positioned and can inhibit the cyclists vision around bushes and stationary vehicles etc.
- Awkward in situations that require low speed and precise manoeuvres in combination.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: The LWB frame is LONG - (suprise! suprise!). It is commonly 64 inches or 1,625 mm long.
Pedals: The pedals are positioned right BEHIND the front wheel and (usually), lower down.
Tires: LWBs generally are fitted with larger wheels.
The front tires: 20 inches or 508 mm.
The rear tires: 27.5 inches or 700mm
Some LWB Bike Models:
Burley: Koosah & Canto,
RANS: Stratus LE, Stratus XP
Linear: LWB,
Easy Racers: Tour Easy, Fold Rush, Gold Rush, TI Rush, Cycle Genius LTX
SUN: EZ-Sport and Sport LTD.