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Introduction: Bicycle Design
Why Upright Bikes?
Why Recumbents Cost More
Types of Recumbents
Seat Height
Handlebars
How Much To Spend?
The Importance of Wheels
Types of Wheels
The Importance of Weight
Frame Materials
Frame Alignment
Parts, Derailleurs etc
Brakes
Suspension
Are Recumbents Invisible?
Acclimatizing to a Recumbent
Hills on a Recumbent
Clip-On Pedals
Racks & Mudguards
Bicycle Trailers
Trikes
How to Ride a Tandem
Credit Card Touring
Information Sources
Vancouver, British Columbia
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Handlebars

Photo: The classic chopper handlebar designed by Gardner Martin for the Tour Easy bike (also a classic). Note the use of white 3M Scotchlite reflective tape on the handlebars, forks, crankarms and Zzipper fairing.

Two basic types of handlebars are available on recumbents. Generally, individual bikes are designed for one type of handlebar or the other but some manufacturers offer a choice of either type of bar on the same model of bicycle. The more popular type of steering is called “above seat steering” (ASS). It is probably popular because the handlebar is in a familiar position for many people. The other type of steering is called “under seat steering” (USS) and is exactly what it says. The steering mechanism is below the seat and the handlebars are at the level of the seatbase.

The advantage of USS is that the riders arms are in a natural resting position similar to that obtained in an armchair. The disadvantage to USS is that the position leads to some aerodynamic drag, especially at higher speeds. Most USS bikes also have a wider profile that has to be taken into account when squeezing through narrow spaces.

ASS may provide less aerodynamic drag and ASS handlebars provide a very nice spot to put a rear-view mirror. Rear-view mirrors on upright bicycles are rather useless because there is no good spot to mount a mirror on an upright bike. The rear-view mirror position on an ASS recumbent is stupendous and makes cycling more enjoyable.

Some people will experience moderate discomfort with the ASS position when they first try it. A little time must be allowed for acclimation. The secret to absolute bliss with some types of ASS bars on short-wheelbase bikes is to bring the bar close to the chest and low but still allow room for sufficient steering. Some ASS bars, especially on long-wheelbase bikes, allow a very arms-forward position that many people enjoy.

The handlebar on a recumbent may be connected directly to the headset or the recumbent may have indirect steering. There may be a linkage rod (or, more rarely, linkage cables) connecting the handlebar to the headset. The purpose of linkage steering is usually to accommodate a fairly upright head-tube angle while avoiding a tiller-steering effect.

A handlebar becomes a tiller when, in order to make a sharp, low speed turn, the handlebar must swing in a perpendicular arc in front of the cyclist. Tiller-steering is not necessarily a bad thing. Properly designed and set up tiller-steering produces very desirable steering characteristics that may also provide luxurious vibration damping.

When learning to ride a recumbent, you must remember that the handlebar is really just a comfortable place to rest your fingers in proximity to the gear shift levers and brake levers. A very light touch is all that is required for steering and control. As on any bicycle, steering is actually accomplished through subtle body english and not just by turning the handlebar.