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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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Suspension

On long-wheelbase recumbents suspension does not need to be considered at all. The ride of a long-wheelbase recumbent is so silky-smooth that it is almost like riding on rails. Some mid-wheelbase recumbents are available with suspension because the rear wheel is closer to the rider. The closer the cyclist is to the top of rear wheel the rougher the ride. That is why stokers on upright tandems get a rougher ride than the driver.

Some tandems have been designed so that the rear wheel is actually underneath the stoker, in the spot where it will transmit the most road shock possible to the stoker. Some short-wheelbase recumbents have a very direct road feel that transmits more road shock to the rider. Some cyclists prefer that ride quality. Some short-wheelbase recumbent riders develop a taste for the ride and feel of suspension forks, which also raise the bottom bracket.

Some short-wheelbase recumbents would actually benefit from rear suspension if they are ridden on rough roads with high tire pressure. Some short-wheelbase recumbents have wheelbase configurations that are so smooth that suspension should not be considered.

No recumbent has a mandatory requirement for front or rear frame suspension. Suspension adds weight, complexity and maintenance. A naturally smooth ride can be obtained from a suspension-free long-wheelbase recumbent. The padded seats on some recumbents also provide a level of suspension. One can also resort to a time-tested method developed by road racers who ride on rough roads in Europe. Just lower the tire pressure. The two tires on a bicycle are actually dual suspension tires. If there is a danger of pinch-flats just put on bigger tires.

The desire for suspension on recumbents probably has more to do with the psychology of recumbents than it does to do with an actual need for suspension. It is safe to say that once people discover the comfort of riding a recumbent they realize that their bicycle can be as comfortable, or more comfortable, than reclining in front of the TV at home. A short-wheelbase dual suspension recumbent is absurdly comfortable and the novelty of its ridiculous level of luxury is irresistible to some.