If you're visiting this site after seeing me on my bike you may have some questions.......

What is it?

Its a recumbent, they have been around since the turn of the century and come various guises, these are:

short wheelbase (SWB),

long wheelbase (LWB)

compact LWB (CLWB).

Steering can be under seat (USS) or overseat OSS.

My bike is a SWB OSS model.

For detailed infomation on the development of recumbents click on this link Click here

It looks uncomfortable and awkward to ride?

Not so, on an upright or 'diamond' frame (DF) bike you put strain on your back, wrists and neck. With a recumbent there is no strain on any of these, also because you are laid back with your head up the chest is open and breathing is easier.

As for riding it, after a few minutes you get the hang of the different balance. However I did ride it in the country for quite a few miles before i ventured near traffic.

Why don't i see many?

Recumbents are 'different' and consequently they are not made in such large quantities as DF bikes and they can be expensive.

They are fast, many speed records are held by these things, but most cycling organiations don't recognise them and only acknowledge DF bikes. They have approximately 30% of the drag of a DF bike.

So, are they better?

Tricky, they are for some things and not for others and it depends who you talk to. They are fun to ride and it certainly get some attention.

For more details follow this link Click here

Why did you make it (i hear you ask!).....

I have always enjoyed cycling (for pleasure and commuting) and over the past few years have been intrigued by them.

There are many plans available on the internet, some free others to buy and having worked in engineering since leaving school i thought "i could make one of them "

I can't remember where i got the plans from, i intended to put a link to them on here but don't even know if they are still available. If anyone can point me at them i would appreciate it.

The plans were very detailed and were titled

hss/1 recumbent cycle by the Aalborg Liggecycle Klub (Demark)

I followed the plans but improvised a little too, they showed great detail of how to make every part. I reclaimed any parts i could off the donor bike i.e fork dropouts, cable stops, suspension bush etc etc. This saved alot of time and effort, one or two other minor changes were made too they are explained on the next page..... Read on!