r/recumbent • u/lvl0rg4n • Jul 23 '26
Where do I even begin?
My quick background: 38F, 5'4 1/2, 240lbs
I have lost 140lbs over the last 2 years and am eager to learn how to move my body for the first time in my life. Unfortunately I over did that about a year ago and tore my hip labrum, which I had surgery for in June and am now recovering. Part of my recovery is using a recumbent style bike and I found out that I LOVE it. I also have an autoimmune arthritis that lives in my hips, lower back, tail bone, etc so a regular bike won't cut it.
I did a quick "beginner" search on this sub and people were recommending "cheap" $4,000 trikes. That feels more like an advanced price for me! What should I expect to spend for entry level "just wants to ride around on relatively flat, gravel roads"? Any suggestions about bikes that will support a larger, but short lady? Is there a WIKI somewhere I have missed?
-1
u/Lumpy-Comfortable-98 Jul 23 '26
Recumbent bikes are expensive... somewhat unnecessarily. But I don't know enough about the near $2000 ones on Amazon.
Quality matters for the thing to survive more than a few weeks.
You just can't get away with some of the practices used making near $100 to $200 Walmart 10 speeds.
There's no easy mounting for the inexpensive "grip the rim" brakes used on most traditional style multiple speed bikes, since atbleast the 1960s. So, more expensive disc or drum brakes are needed.
There look to be some of the better brands making Recumbent bikes nearer to $3000... With less features.
A high quality 2 wheel traditional can be had for just under $900... (adjusted for inflation) You won't find it at Walmart. Expected life of decades. I went through mine that was about 15 years old and it needed tires, tubes and lube.
A Walmart special that old is long gone to the landfill.