BS> More seriously, I believe that part of the theory with them is  
 BS> that the "lying down" posture transfers more power to the drive 
 BS> wheel than the "up right" posture-- which is probably why all of 
 BS> the enclosed "speed record" bicycles use it.  When going for 
 BS> speed, control is secondary, I guess.
 SM> Dear Brian:
 SM> I'm not so sure.  I would think control would be more important 
 SM> at highway speeds.  I think the reason the fastest bikes are the    
 SM> "lying  down" style has more to do with their slicker aerodynamics   
 SM> and lower frontal areas than "up right" postures.
 
 DK> [snip] The "recumbent" style of bike 
 DK> most were using was being used because when you push on the pedals, 
 DK> you can get more force by pushing against your back (the back of the 
 DK> seat) than if you were pushing down and relying on your weight and 
 DK> gravity. [snip]  Anyway, 
 DK> according to them, the aerodynamic position, while needed to attain 
 DK> the speeds, was secondary to being able to push harder on the 
 DK> pedals, like a strongman lifting a piano.
I stand corrected.  I hadn't considered how having something to "push 
against" like that could increase the power transfer.  Sounds good to me.  
Thanks for the info.
Tailwinds to you,
Steve
... 10W666:  The Motor Oil Of The Beast
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