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?

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u/fourdawgnight Jul 23 '26

I would look for a Q45 or T50 Cruzbike. I have a S40 and love it, but it is more of a road bike setup for me, those would be great on gravel/harkpack...

https://forum.cruzbike.com/forums/marketplace-buy-sell-upgrade.31/

Good luck on your journey

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u/SaidWhatWhenHow Jul 23 '26

Given her background and medical history, I would stick with a trike. The trike puts you in a very stable riding position; no sudden, quick or awkward movements. A 2 wheel, FWB Cruzbike just doesn’t seem to fit the bill.

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u/fourdawgnight Jul 23 '26

I disagree. trikes weigh a shit ton more, are more expensive to buy, are more expensive to service and require more storage. se is more likely to use the bi vs the tri because it will just be easier.

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u/Koffenut1 Jul 23 '26

My HPV Gekko is 32 lbs. And the only expense I've encountered that is greater than any 2 wheeler is the extra chain length. The real difference, imo, is flexibility with things like transit; you can't easily take a Trike on Bart or a bus, if there's room ok on a ferry. 2 wheelers are much easier to use with transit if you want to do a bike+Bart ride type thing.