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You've noticed them on the trail and thought, "gee, that looks so easy, and comfortable!" Welcome to the world of recumbent bikes, or "bents" as they are sometimes called by enthusiasts. Ask anyone who owns one and they'll tell you that riding a recumbent bike is outrageously comfortable.

When you are riding a recumbent bike you are leaning back, as if you are sitting in a chair with a back support. No sore butt or chaffed legs. No sore back! Your legs are out in front of you, as they are if you are driving your car. Your butt is comfortably cushioned in a nice wide seat.

It will take time to get used to the feel of handling a recumbent bike. Recumbent bicycles have steering located above the seat or under the seat. The above seat steering handlebar is located about shoulder height. If you dangle your arm down at your sides in your chair that is approximately where the below seat handlebars are located. The type of steering your choose is totally your preference, both have about the same ease of control.

You will need to decide what type of recumbent bike you want and how much you can spend. Some ride and handle very smoothly, and some not so smoothly. Also, you use an entirely different set of muscles when riding a recumbent bike.

Due to the way that you sit and steer a recumbent bike you will need to develop new skills for stopping and for climbing hills. The best part is that in the reclined position your legs are able to carry a much heavier load easier than when riding a regular bike, therefore going up hill will eventually be easier on a recumbent bike. It will however take time for you to develop the legs to uphill easily on a recumbent bike as you use different muscle groups than with an upright bike.

Talk with family or friends who may already have a recumbent bike to get some pointers. Visit a few bike shops and talk to the pro's about a recumbent bike. Most importantly, enjoy riding!