COSMIC BIKES GUIDES
RECUMBENT BUYERS’ GUIDE
Introduction to Recumbents
Buying a recumbent bike or trike can be a significant investment, and making sense of the available choices may be overwhelming.
Information available online from manufacturers, dealers and online chats can seem contradictory and ultimately unhelpful.
Individual rider needs vary, and the bike you eventually decide you like best may be quite different from anonymous recommendations you get online. Our personal, one-on-one consultations allow you to take advantage of our 30 years experience to help you find the bike that isn’t “best” or “fastest”, but one that is right for YOU.
We hope this introductory Recumbent Guide will serve as a primer for you to begin to narrow down your choices, and understand what questions to ask. But we know there’s no substitute for talking to a human, and trying bikes out in person, so we invite you to come and visit.
IN THIS GUIDE:
SPECIFIC FEATURES & CONSIDERATIONS
Overview of Recumbent Bikes and Trikes
WHY BUY A RECUMBENT
Recumbent bikes and trikes offer a comfortable, ergonomic ride, thanks to a semi-reclined seat with full back support, and cranks that extend in front of the rider. Because they eliminate the typical pain points of riding a bicycle, they make it possible to cover longer distances without discomfort, and can be a good solution for riders with physical challenges due to illness, injury or age.
RECUMBENT ERGONOMICS
On a recumbent bike, your body weight isn’t resting on your sit bones and your hands, like it is on a regular bike. You ride in a semi-reclined position on something that looks very much like comfortable seat, with your legs in front of you. Your body weight is distributed over a wider area, with excellent hip and back support, and angles that make your neck happy.
While all recumbents offer the ergonomic, semi-reclined rider position, there’s also a lot of variety among the designs, models and applications. Our experienced recumbent consultants at Cosmic Bikes can help you narrow the choices, and dial in the right combination to meet your physical needs and cycling goals, as well as handle any modifications and customizations.
BENEFITS OF A RECUMBENT TRIKE
Recumbent trikes combine the recumbent comfort with the stability of the three-wheel design. Compared to standard upright trikes, they are vastly more agile, maneuverable, lighter, and focused on quality components, longevity and performance. Recumbent trikes are certainly a logical choice for riders who never learned to ride a two wheeler, or those with balance issues. But they are also excellent for anyone who prefers to avoid falling or injury. Although you can certainly push them to ride fast, trikes offer the option of a relaxed ride, which makes it easy to enjoy the scenery, have a conversation, and even stop in the middle of a climb without fear of falling over
REGULAR BIKE
Skinny seat
Back strain
Wrist pain
Craning the neck
Discomfort & Fatigue
Fear of falling
Physical challanges
RECUMBENT BIKE OR TRIKE
Comfortable, supportive seat
Full back support
Natural, stress-free wrist position
Natural neck position
Long rides without discomfort
Trikes offer unmatched stability
Wide range of adaptive modifications available
RECUMBENT BIKE & TRIKE VARIATIONS
Recumbents are available in two-wheel and three-wheel configurations. Within these two broad categories, there’s a tremendously wide range of option having to do with wheel size and wheel placement, seat height, steering placement, crank height and more. A choice of electric-assist options is available on many models.
Wheel configuration
Two-wheel recumbents
Short wheelbase (SWB) recumbents have the front wheel tucked behind the cranks, below the rider’s calves or knees. SWB recumbents also have a higher crank position (see below) are quite agile and responsive, and generally more performance-oriented, as well as easier to transport.
Long wheelbase (LWB) recumbents have the front wheel in front of the cranks, and usually a lower crank position. They are a bit easier to get on and off, and offer stability over long distances. However, they can be more cumbersome to transport.
The majority of two-wheeled recumbents are rear-wheel drive. There is a niche category of front wheel drive SWB recumbents sold in the US under the Cruz brand.
Recumbent Trikes
Delta trikes have two wheels in the rear and one wheel in front, used for steering. Pedaling drives one or both of the rear wheels. They are generally easier to get on and off, plus they offer excellent stability and tight cornering. They are relatively easy to walk with, and some can be parked or stored upright.
Tadpole trikes have one wheel in the rear and two wheels up front, which are used for steering. Pedaling drives the rear wheel. The seating position is generally a bit lower than on a delta trike, and mounting and dismounting is a bit trickier. A growing number of tadpole trikes feature a moderately high seat, and features that make them more accessible to older people, larger riders, or those with limited mobility. There are also performance tadpole trikes with very low, almost fully reclined, seats.
It is worth noting that tadpole trikes also break down into short and long wheelbase categories, though in this case it has to do with how far back the rear wheel is positioned. Long wheelbase trikes offer more stability and can potentially carry larger loads, which makes them a good choice for long distance touring. Short wheelbase trikes (under 45”) are more maneuverable, but can be easier to tip. They are easier to store and transport than long wheelbase trikes.
Wheel size
Recumbent bikes and trikes most often use 20” and 26” wheels, sometimes in combination. Less often, 700c wheels are used.
Delta trikes usually have 20” wheel all around
Tadpole trikes can have three 20” wheels, 20” in front and a 26” (sometimes 700c) in the back, or 26” wheels all around.
LWB two-wheelers usually have a large 700c or 26” wheel in the back, and a 20” wheel in the front
SWB recumbents run the gamut with dual 20” wheels, 20”/26” wheel combo, dual 26” or even dual 700c setup found on high-racer recumbents.
Larger wheels are thought to be faster-rolling and offer better protection from bumps in the road. However, smaller wheels provide more maneuverability and agility, and can make the bike more portable. They are also an excellent choice for smaller riders.
Seat Height & Crank Position
Seat height determines how easy the bike is to get on and off from. However, once seated, the relationship between the seat and crank position affects how the bike will feel. More casual and recreational recumbents tend to have a lower crank position relative to the seat, and performance-oriented models feature higher cranks. Delta trikes generally offer the highest seating and relatively low crank position.
Steering
Trikes have steering handles positioned on the sides near the rider’s hips.
Some delta trikes are available with upright steering, with handlebars positioned in front of the rider’s chest.
Two-wheelers usually feature above seat steering, with the handlebar coming up to the rider’s chest. The handlebar is often moveable to make getting on and off easier.
Under-seat steering is available on select two-wheel models. The handlebar is placed under the seat, with handles and controls below the rider’s hips. It takes some getting used to, but it’s a very comfortable option, which allows your arms and wrists to be completely relaxed during the ride.
Other options
Suspension: front and rear suspension is available on many recumbent models, and can make for a luxurious ride. It’s especially useful if you like riding over unpaved trails.
Folding: many recumbent trikes feature a folding frame, and/or removable seat and wheels for easier transport.
E-Assist: electric assist is available as an upgrade or standard on many recumbents.
WHO RIDES RECUMBENTS
The market is saturated with look-alike bikes.
Recumbents provide a healthy dose of excitement, both for the customers, and for us. Recumbents allow us to fill the needs of those customers who would not be well-served by a standard upright bike.
Recumbents naturally appeal to more mature riders, who have had to give up cycling because of back or other injuries, or who cannot get comfortable on a standard bike for reasons of their own. Recumbent trikes in particular, eliminate fears about injuries from falling as they get older.
But let me dispel the notion that recumbents are solely for the aging population or those in declining health. Regardless of age or physical condition, we all can benefit from more movement, and the more enjoyable the movement the more we’re likely to stick with it.
So, the main reason our customers are attracted to recumbents is because they combine great ergonomics with excellent performance. They are fun to ride, and really, really comfortable. And, in the case of trikes, amazingly stable. This also happens to make them a natural choice for people with physical limitations, or those who never learned to ride a two-wheeled bike.
In short, recumbent bikes and trikes are designed for comfort. They eliminate some of the less pleasant aspects of cycling (sore butt, back, neck & wrists), without sacrificing any of the joy!
How to Choose a Recumbent Bike or Trike?
As with any bike, so with recumbents: it’s difficult to use another person’s experience to know what will work best for you. You have to consider a number of factors, including not only your physical needs and your budget, but also your lifestyle and your goals for riding, the places you will want to ride, the quality of the ride you seek, and even how you will transport and store your recumbent.
START WITH “WHY”
When deciding to purchase a new recumbent bike or trike, the most important consideration is your purpose for getting one in the first place. Some reasons people purchase recumbents include:
You enjoy recreational cycling, but you’re looking for a more comfortable and relaxed ride.
You want to increase your cycling distance, and don’t want to put up with the discomfort of using an upright bike.
You want to do self-supported long distance touring in comfort and carry a lot of gear.
You need to increase mobility and exercise, but you’re unable to handle a standard bike due to age, disability, injury or balance issues.
You want to be able to ride longer, or ride with a stronger partner.
Chances are your reasons will include some of these, and also other factors in your life that only you are aware of.
YOUR RIDING GOALS & LIFESTYLE
Recumbents are a great solution for anyone who wants to cycle without the typical discomfort, such as sore butt, wrists, neck and back. Trikes especially can be a perfect solution for anyone with physical limitations, and can allow people to stay active if regular cycling or exercise becomes difficult or impossible. Recumbents are the perfect choice for recreational riding, long distance rides, and expedition-style touring.
However, it’s difficult to generalize what will work best for each person, and therefore, as with out other guides, our aim is to give you information and insights based on our many years experience, so that you can make your own informed choice.
Regardless of your reasons, all recumbents will allow you to ride longer without discomfort,
and because there is no discomfort, you will want to ride longer!
RECREATION, FITNESS & LEISURE
Whatever your age or physical ability, a recumbent trike is a great, comfortable vehicle for cruising down recreational trails. Because of its undemanding, comfortable riding position and stability afforded by the three wheel design, it’s easy to use at almost any fitness level. Therefore, you can enjoy many types of outings while staying active: sightseeing, birdwatching, photography, riding rails-to-trails and more.
Recumbent trikes are also a practical solution for individuals wishing to lose weight. If you have found yourself in a quandary of wanting to shed extra pounds, but finding that you exceed weight recommendations on standard bikes, you are in luck. Many recumbent manufacturers offer models that accommodate larger riders, so you can enjoy a comfortable ride, increased cardiovascular fitness and better health.
For recreation, fitness and leisure, you can use almost any recumbent or trike that suits your taste and budget. For leisure rides, you may prefer a trike with higher, more upright seat position. For more comfort on unpaved trails, look for front and rear suspension. Heavier and larger riders should look for three-wheel models with size and weight rating appropriate to their stature.
DISTANCE & ADVENTURE
If you’re heading our on multi-day cycling explorations, a recumbent will let you enjoy luxuriously comfortable days in the saddle. You can really exercise your muscles and log in the miles, without the more punitive aspects usually associated with long distance biking. A recumbent seat will not only keep your butt happy over long stretches of road, it also allows you to take in the glorious sights (that’s why you’re doing this, right?), because it helps keep your head and neck in the normal upright and forward-facing position. On a trike, you can stop and enjoy in scenery, take photos or refreshments without dismounting. Compare that to laying your pannier-laden touring bike on the ground!
Speaking of panniers, recumbents offer generous space for luggage and touring gear, and because the entire load rides closer to the ground, you can maintain a low center of gravity and good stability.
For distance riders and cycle touring, the features to look for include: longer wheelbase (45” or longer), lower, more streamlined seat, cargo carrying accessories, broader gear range, suspension or larger wheels for unpaved terrain. Electric-assist may not be ideal for traveling to remote areas.
MOVEMENT & EXERCISE
A recumbent trike will allow you to move longer and more consistently without pain. The low, reclining and comfortable position is a great alternative for cyclists who are older, those with physical ailments and balance challenges, and riders who want to keep active, but have safety concerns about using a conventional bicycle. Cycling is a terrific low-imact exercise, and recumbent trikes make it possible to enjoy if you no longer want to or even if you’ve never learned to ride a two wheel bike.
A recumbent trike is a fantastic tool for those who wish to add movement and adventure into their lives, and remain active longer.
For older riders seeking comfort and added security, the features to look for are: higher seat position, added handholds to help with getting up and down, lower crank position, suspension for comfort, electric-assist, and folding for easy transport.
MOBILITY OR RECOVERY
A recumbent trike is an ideal vehicle for individuals rehabilitating from injury or illness, or those living with a physical disability. A trike takes away the problem of balancing, which allows you to travel safely at very low speeds as you recover strength, and virtually eliminates the risk of injury from falling. Standard upright trikes are heavy and come with low-end components, so they can be a struggle to ride. In contrast, quality recumbent trikes are nimble and easy to turn. High quality drivetrains offer a range of gears to make starting and rolling easy, and dependable brakes for secure stopping.
Recumbent trikes ca be modified with adaptive accessories, including foot and leg support, alternative steering and braking, and some models can be linked together in tandem. Plus, electric assist systems can be added for more support on longer rides.
It should be noted that two-wheel recumbents can be a great option for riders who are not concerned about balancing, but are living with or recovering from back problems or injury, or other issues that prevent them from riding a standard upright bike.
For riders looking for mobility or rehabilitation key features include: a higher seat position (delta trikes are a great option), handholds for ease of getting up and down, electric assist, linking ability, and specific adaptive accessories (foot and/or calf supports, single side braking, handcycle adaptations, etc.)
COMMUTING
Riding in traffic on any bike has some inherent risks, and you definitely have to use some judgment if you decide to use a recumbent bike for your commute. A recumbent trike may not be an ideal choice, unless you’re lucky enough to commute on the trail. However, two-wheel recumbents are just as agile in traffic as regular bikes, and can just as easily carry your office papers and gear. The rider is at a height comparable to drivers, and with the foot-forward position, there is less risk in getting doored. If you have a long commute, the recumbent position can definitely make the ride more pleasant
For commuting in urban and semi-urban areas, look for a two wheel recumbent, with dual 20” wheels or 26/20 combo and SWB for best maneuverability, the ability to set the seat more upright, and consider adding safety accessories such as lights and a flag.
WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO RIDE?
The types of roads or trails you’re likely to travel will inform your recumbent buying decision.
For example, if riding on popular local trails or streets where you’re likely to encounter many other users, you’ll probably want something with a higher and more upright position. For long, uninterrupted paved trails or roads, you may prefer a somewhat longer wheelbase, larger back wheel, and a higher crank position. For a mixture of pavement and crushed limestone, or gravel, you’d probably choose larger, wider tires, or some suspension.
You’ll also want to choose a recumbent with gearing that’s appropriate to the topography of your area. While much of Chicago is quite flat, many local trails feature overpasses that will cause you to go down to the “granny gear”. Trails in surrounding areas, especially near rivers and moraines, definitely have variations that require adequate gearing. And if you intend to go on long-distance tours, you need to have the widest gear range available.
TEST RIDE: HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Online reviews and videos can only tell you so much. The best way to learn about recumbents is to spend some time test riding various models, including some you may not be considering, just to make sure, and to gain a better understanding of the differences.
If you’re lucky enough to have a shop that stocks recumbents or demos in your local area, that should be your number one stop. While not every shop will have everything you may want to try, they are likely to have a selection that will help you narrow down choices.
They will also have experience to show you how various fit and comfort adjustments or add-ons can optimize the feel of the bike to your preferred riding experience.
Not everyone takes to recumbents right away, and even a trike can be intimidating on first encounter. With that in mind, we’ve written a short guide on how to ride a recumbent trike.
As you test ride various models, pay attention to the following:
Can you get on and off without difficulty, or are modifications available to make that easier?
Does the seat have sufficient adjustability and support for your needs? Seats vary from rigid Euro-style that are great for fast paced riding, to full-mesh, which are light and breathable, to luxuriously padded that offer both cushion and support.
What’s the feel of the ride? Is it cushy and comfortable, or quick and responsive?
Does it feel high enough to make you feel secure alongside other trail or road users?
Does it seem like it’s suited to ride at the speed you’d enjoy?
Is the steering responsive enough? Would you prefer more relaxed steering?
Test-riding even just two or three bikes will help you clarify some of the answers and help you narrow the choices. At this point, you can work with your local recumbent shop to help dial in the bike and features that will make up your ideal setup.
BUY FOR THE LONG TERM
All of the recumbents we sell at Cosmic Bikes are high quality, durable vehicles, built with reliable and time-tested components, and they come from very reputable manufacturers. This is great news, because –like their high quality standard bicycle counterparts– they are fully serviceable and upgradeable over time. So, as you gain experience riding, and want to add features and modifications, it will usually be possible.
However –again, as with standard bikes– you can’t change a recumbent into something it is not. Most obviously, a two-wheeler will never give you the stability of a trike as you get older and may become more concerned about falling. Likewise, a sporty, low-slung trike may feel difficult to get in and out of as years go by.
All of this does not mean that you should not buy a recumbent that serves your needs today; only that you should give some thought to what your needs may be in 5-10 years. For many people, it will be viable to replace their recumbent at that time. If your budget is more restricted, it might actually make more sense to invest in the best you can afford today to increase the likelihood that you will be able to adapt it to your changing needs for years to come with more minor modifications.
Which brings us to one of the biggest decisions bike buyers everywhere are making these days.
Specific Upgrades & Considerations
TO "E" OR NOT TO "E"?
Should you buy a recumbent bike or trike with electric-assist?
Let’s say you don’t feel you need an electric motor today, but you may in a few years. Do you spend the money now in anticipation of that time? Not only that, do you have to deal with a heavier and more complex system before you are ready for it, just in case your needs change down the road?
Let’s take a step back for a moment and evaluate the presumed need for e-assist.
Regardless of your age, if you are able-bodied and reasonably fit and active (you can walk a couple of miles without difficulty), you may find an analog recumbent quite enjoyable to ride. Over the years, we’ve had a number of customers ride two wheel pedal-powered recumbents well into their 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s. Trikes make that even easier, since in most cases falling becomes a non-issue.
However, if you’re experiencing some physical limitations already, or if you’re simply not a strong rider, and want to keep up with a faster riding partner or friends, or to enjoy longer outings, an electric-assist trike could be life-changing. That little boost from an electric motor will help you get plenty of movement and exercise without pain, and allow you to enjoy the freedom of long rides that you might otherwise avoid.
Here’s the really good news about recumbents: because of their unique design with a boom tube that slides in and out of the main frame, they are relatively easy to convert to electric-assist after the initial purchase. Some major recumbent suppliers, including Catrike, Terratrike, Greenspeed and to some extent AZUB, offer upgrades featuring either Bosch or Shimano-equipped drive units which replace the existing boom tube on trikes from those companies. Viable after-market options are also available.
While we don’t necessarily recommend retrofitting e-assist systems on standard bikes, recumbent trikes are a different story. First of all, the above mentioned replacement units make the conversion seamless and elegant. But there’s also a cost issue. E-assist upgrades are not cheap, and may not make sense on an older upright bike that cost a few hundred dollars a few years ago. But if you have a $3000+ recumbent trike that fits you well and serves your needs otherwise, upgrading to a quality e-assist motor can be a good investment in your continued enjoyment.
RECUMBENT SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
The recumbent seating position and the construction of the seat itself functions to provide some suspension for the rider. However, you will definitely still feel the bumps in the road. While occasional road bumps are not a big deal, if you plan to spend any time on crushed limestone, gravel trails, or even rougher surfaces, a suspension system is not a bad idea.
As with any such upgrade, you should expect suspension to add to the up-front cost of your recumbent, and to increased cost of maintenance down the line. Suspension also adds to the bike’s overall weight.
REAR SUSPENSION
Rear-suspension recumbents have a shock absorber integrated into the rear of the frame behind the seat. It causes the recumbent to flex when riding over uneven terrain. It doesn’t have a huge effect on the handling and steering, but helps to smooth out all the jarring bumps that can be transmitted through the recumbent seat. It’s an excellent choice for riders who want additional comfort without a huge price tag.
FULL SUSPENSION
Full suspension recumbents have both rear and front suspension. Adding front suspension enhances the handling of the bike, since the system works to help keep all wheels on the ground at all times. Particularly on a trike, it helps maintain stability at higher speeds or going into turns, giving the rider a greater sense of control in those situations.
If you prefer a lighter, more streamlined recumbent, and you plan to ride primarily on well-maintained pavement, suspension might not be for you. However if comfort and performance over longer distances are on your list of must-haves, then a quality suspension system is definitely an investment worth considering.
STORING AND TRANSPORTING YOUR RECUMBENT
For those fortunate enough to have trails or roads to ride on from their front door, transporting the recumbent may not be an issue .
But if you have to travel to the start of the trail, or you want to be able to visit a variety of trails (or, heck, maybe you’re an RV-er, and your recumbent needs to go wherever you go!) you’ll have to make some provisions for transporting it on or in your vehicle.
Most two-wheelers and even some trikes will slide into an SUV or hatchback, and two may fit side-by-side in a minivan or pickup. A two-wheeler can be made to fit on a car rack designed for standard bikes. Trikes are tricker. There are specialty car racks for carrying one or more recumbent trikes on the back of your vehicle or RV. Those racks can be quite expensive, easily exceeding $1000.
Fortunately, many recumbent trikes on the market today feature a folding mechanism which makes them much easier to transport. It also makes them easier to store if your home or garage space is more limited.
Short of riding straight out of your garage, transporting your recumbent will require some lifting, so make sure you can handle its weight by yourself, or plan to ride with a partner who can assist. This is especially true for riders with special needs and those purchasing electric models, since those can weigh upwards of 50lbs.
ACCESSORIES & ADD-ONS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Like any bike, a recumbent can be accessorized with a variety of add-on to increase your comfort, safety and riding enjoyment. Some accessories are made specifically for particular recumbent models, because they rely on precise fit (eg. fenders, headrests, some cargo racks). In other cases, accessories made for standard bikes can be used. For some hard to fit and hard to find items, there’s a company called T-Cycle that specializes in clever accessories, mounting brackets and add-ons for recumbent bikes. And there are also DYI options, such as attaching a fanny pack to the back of the seat in lieu of a specialty seat bag.
Once you find a recumbent that fits your needs, consider some accessories you need for your safety, comfort and accessibility, or just fun ways to personalize your new ride.
Popular Recumbent Accessories
SAFETY
Secure foot retention
Lighting
Bell or horn
Flags
Mirror
CARRYING THINGS
Phone holder
Water Bottle Holder
Racks & Packs
Seat Bags
Frame mounted bags
RIDER COMFORT
Neck support
Enhanced seat pads
Wrist Supports
Taller Handholds
Fenders
OTHER
Computer / GPS
GoPro / Camera mounts
Fairings
Additional Accessory Mounts
Portable repair kit
Buying Your New Recumbent Bike or Trike
Buying a recumbent is a bit of a different experience from buying a standard bike. Many first-time recumbent buyers experience sticker shock, as there are virtually no recumbents available for under $1500, and many can run into several thousand dollars. Because it’s such a heavy investment, you will definitely want the experience of a test ride. Yet finding a local recumbent dealer may prove difficult.
Since there’s really no substitute for in-person test rides and consultation, we feel that finding a dealer locally, or one that you can reasonably travel to, is the most important step in buying your recumbent.
WHY ARE RECUMBENTS SO EXPENSIVE?
Recumbent bikes and trikes are available from a variety of manufacturers. Some of these manufacturers include entry-level models in their line up, others concentrate on more premium models.
There are several well-respected brands offering recumbents different types of recumbents:
Two-wheel recumbents currently represent a smaller segment, and are primarily available through Bacchetta and AZUB (there are also front-wheel drive two-wheeled recumbents made by Cruz).
Tadpole recumbent trikes are available from Catrike, TerraTrike, Greenspeed, ICE Trikes, HP Velo and AZUB.
Delta trikes are available from Hase Bikes and Greenspeed.
At Cosmic Bikes, we represent a number of these brands, and have many demo models in stock. Others are available by special order.
In general, new, good quality recumbents range in price from $1500 to upwards of $15K. It’s fair to say that within that broad range you're likely to find something that will fit your needs and budget.
With most consumer goods, more sophisticated products command higher prices. The same is true for recumbents. The unique design, more complex frame structure and additional comfort features, such as specialized seats, suspension systems, etc. cost more to produce. The resulting end-user experience is superior to conventional bikes in terms of comfort, safety, speed, usability, and ride quality. You definitely get your money’s worth with recumbents.
Despite booming popularity, recumbent bikes and trikes remain a niche product category, with relatively few players providing products globally. According to the laws of supply and demand, this means prices remain relatively high. Fortunately, in the case of recumbents it also means there’s excellent quality control, and you’re far less likely to end up with a shoddy product from an unscrupulous vendor.
A recumbent is a long-term (sometimes a lifetime) purchase, and it’s likely to continue serving your needs as you get older. Because it can be so enjoyable to ride, you will get a lot of mileage out of your initial investment.
In fact, some people consider a recumbent bike to be life-changing. And that’s difficult to put a price tag on.
WHERE SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR RECUMBENT?
WORK WITH A LOCAL DEALER
We believe that all bikes should be sold in a face-to-face transaction with a competent consultant and service expert, and this is even more true of specialty bikes like recumbents.
Your local recumbent dealer is your best resource for everything from the initial consultation and test-ride, configuring and ordering your recumbent, and ongoing maintenance and support after your purchase. If you have an established dealer in your local area, it makes no sense to order your recumbent online. This is so important, that it may even be worth investing some travel time to a dealer a couple of hours away if there isn’t one in your immediate area.
At Cosmic Bikes, we take the time to research and partner with highly reputable companies, who have a track record of delivering quality products, excellent technical support, and —when needed— solid warranty service. We stand behind each bike we sell with onsite post-sale follow-up, support and maintenance. Our commitment to you includes the initial consultation and test ride, thorough, meticulous assembly of your new bike, and follow-up service for up to 18 months.
This is something no online reseller can do.
If you really intend to use your bike and make it a part of your life, the bike purchase itself is not the end of a relationship with your shop, but a beginning. And it should be one you feel great about!
CONSULTATION AND TEST RIDE
Finding a local shop you like, trust and can work with is the crucial first step in a successful new recumbent purchase. This is where you will have your preliminary questions answered, and also where you can start test-riding a few recumbents to narrow down possible choices. For some people, buying a recumbent is a multi-step process, and it is normal and expected that you may come back for a more focused test ride and consultation after the you’ve gotten a general overview.
At Cosmic Bikes, we understand that a specialty bicycle purchase represents a significant investment that is not to be taken frivolously. We promise to work with you before you make a decision to purchase, to ensure that you end up with a solution that fulfills your expectations.
We give all new customers a free introduction and overview of their desired products. We also offer a free basic consultation and test ride on most of the bikes we carry.
For those who are getting close to making their recumbent buying decision, we offer a premium for-a-fee personalized consulting & test ride option, along with sizing and instruction (if needed). Specialty setups like recumbents generally require more time for questions, comparison test rides, sizing and fitting. Our premium service ensures that we give you adequate time and attention.
All consultation fees incurred will be 100% applied to your purchase. Customers who are serious about making a purchase have nothing to lose: you can take all the time you need with your test rides, adjustments and questions.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the best use of our time with customers who are committed to making a purchase, and help ensure they are making the right decision before committing to a purchase that may amount to a few thousand dollars.
OREDRING YOUR RECUMBENT
CONFIGURING AND ORDERING YOUR TRIKE
Throughout the season, we may have recumbents that are available for purchase from our stock. However, we find that most often recumbent buyers prefer to have us order a bike specifically for them.
Once you decide on your choice of recumbent, it’s time to get down to specifics. Some bikes (for example AZUB and Hase) are quite customizable, down to specific components selection, drivetrain choices, colors, add-ons and adaptive modifications. Other models have fewer customizations, but may offer some choices, such as sizes, colors, and —of course— accessories.
Based on our consultation, we will do our best to help you select a complete package that will result in the riding experience you desire. In some cases, we may suggest additional modifications that we will perform for you in house. For example, if you’re very concerned about flats, we may suggest upgraded tires to replace the ones that come on the bike. If you’re a larger rider, or are looking to log heavy miles on the recumbent, we may suggest hand-built wheels.
At the end of this process, we’ll compile a complete quote, send it to you for confirmation, and tweak as necessary. After you approve the quote, we’ll collect a deposit, and place an order for your new bike.
FINAL SETUP, DELIVERY & FOLLOW-UP
Your new recumbent will arrive within a couple of weeks (longer for bikes coming from Europe, or certain custom options).
The bike will be expertly assembled by one of our skilled mechanics. Even though recumbents arrive from the factory mostly pre-assembled, we take ample time to go over all systems to ensure that adjustments are perfect and will hold.
We do not consider it a waste of time to take a pre-assembled bike out of the box and begin by taking it apart to ensure everything is prepped and tuned correctly. It can be a lengthy and time-consuming process (see sidebar), but it will make your bike run better, feel better, and last longer. Although these items are essential for the safe functioning and long-term durability of your bike, they are commonly overlooked in typical shop assemblies.
We complete the final fitting of the bike when you come it to pick it up. This will involve sizing the length of the boom tube with your cycling shoes and pedals on, and adjusting the chain length if necessary. We’ll also make sure you know how to clip in and disengage your feel from the pedals.
We will set the seat to your preferred angle, and make sure you know how to make on-the-fly adjustments. Dialing in your positioning on the bike may also involve adjusting the handlebars and headrest.
If your bike comes with any adaptive modifications, we’ll make sure they are properly positioned for good fit, and that you or your helper know how to operate them.
If your new recumbent is equipped with a folding system, suspension or electric motor, we will make sure you’re familiar with those systems before you take it home.
And that’s it!
You’re ready to be one-on-one with your new recumbent. We can help you load it up in your car, or —if you prefer— we offer FREE delivery to hour home in the Chicagoland area.
Like all new bikes purchase from our store, your recumbent is covered by our comprehensive 18-month maintenance package, included in your purchase price.
OUR ASSEMBLY PROCESS
Out of the box bike visually inspected for any flaws, defects or shipping damage; bike configuration verified against your order.
Wheels pre-stressed using our proprietary process, dished, trued and spokes properly tensioned.
The headset (internal bearing assembly that allows for steering) adjusted to correct tension, and secured to ensure it won't loosen.
The pedals, crank assembly and internal bearings properly tightened and secured.
Hub bearings adjusted to correct tension and secured.
Brakes adjusted for dependable, noise-free stopping, and secure attachment of brake shoes and cables checked.
Shifting mechanisms precisely adjusted. Secure attachment of cables checked.
Frame hinges and quick release mechanisms inspected for proper functioning and secure attachment of levers.
If applicable, electrical system charged and tested.
All component and accessory fasteners and bolts tightened and secured with Loctite as appropriate.
Tires inflated to correct recommended pressure.
Bike has been test-ridden, test-folded (if applicable) and quality-checked by a second mechanic.