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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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Seat Height: Center of Gravity, Lowracers

Recumbents of both types (long and short-wheelbase) can have low or high centers of gravity (ie a lower or higher seat). A low center of gravity is important to recumbent cyclists who enjoy the sensation of luge-like cornering. The low center of gravity is not vital to recumbent cycling, it is strictly a matter of taste. If a low center of gravity were vital, no one would be riding upright bicycles. Some people actually prefer a high recumbent seat for visibility over cars in city traffic. A low center of gravity just makes a recumbent more like a Formula One racing car.

Some recumbents have such a low center of gravity that they fall into their own special category called “lowracer”. The seat base on a lowracer may be only inches from the road. Lowracers have minimal wind resistance and unbelievable and addictive cornering performance. This is perhaps the recumbent that motorists might legitimately ask the question “aren’t you afraid of being so low”. The lowracer rider may answer: “why yes actually, now that you mention it, the view of the underside of your Sport Utility Vehicle is a bit disconcerting.” As usual, it is not himself the lowracer has to fear, but a negligent motorist in a Sport Utility Vehicle who gets too close for comfort.

Keep in mind that there is no logical reason why a lowracer would be in any more actual danger than any other cyclist or motorist. It is the low-down perspective that may entertain such thoughts. Sport Utility Vehicles are a danger to all road users.