The spring season is just on the horizon for bicyclists in the St. Louis area. Even though winter doesn't officially end for a few more weeks, cyclists should be planning that first ride.
For those who may be aging, the thought of climbing back in the saddle might not seem very inviting. However, if they are in the market for a new form of transport, they might want to consider switching to a recumbent bike or even adult trike.
Recumbents have been on the market for decades, but today they are becoming more popular than ever. With a population that may be aging but don't want to give up their outdoor dreams, switching to a recumbent may be the answer.
Recumbent seats are larger, thus reducing that painful feeling one gets from being in the saddle too long. The angle of pedaling is quite a switch from a regular bike and may require training a different set of muscles in order to ride without aches or even injury. One should never attempt a new strenuous activity without gradual training and in some cases even consulting a physician.
Riders should also note that even though recumbents can climb those steep hills, they may be better adapted for more flat terrain. In the St. Louis area there are numerous trails, like the KATY Trail and Riverfront Trail, that are relatively flat and smooth.
Recumbent bikes or trikes can range in gears of just three speeds up to 24 or more gears. Some of the most popular brands include Sun, Catrike, and Terratrike.
Each of these brands has its own website to brows the latest offerings (http://www.sunbicycles.com, http://www.catrike.com, http://www.terratrike.com).
In the St. Louis area one of the best retail stores is The Bike Center located at 12011 Manchester Road. One can visit their web site at bikecenterstl.com, but a visit to the store can offer some hands-on experience since they will allow customers to test drive their bicycles and trikes before making a decision about purchasing.
If someone is serious about purchasing one of these modes of transportation, he should expect to pay anywhere from $700 to upward of $3,000 or even more for the very elite brands. But many riders who have switched to the recumbent experience will tell others that the investment is well worth the start-up price. Many have been riding their recumbents for several years well into their senior-adult era of life.
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