Ergonomics of the upper body on recumbent trikes
We have already discussed the benefits of recumbent trikes for the pelvic and lumbar spine in a previous article. However, cycling in a recumbent position also brings considerable improvements for the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, regardless of whether you like it very comfortable or sporty.
Lower handlebars
The lower handlebar inevitably ensures a relaxed shoulder posture. The shoulders can hang down as normal and you don't have to lean on the handlebars, which prevents tension in the neck area. This in turn not only has a positive effect on the shoulders, but also on the wrists, which are also strained when leaning on the handlebars. In addition to the generally relaxed position of the handlebars, hand rests can be installed directly underneath the grips so that the wrists can rest comfortably cushioned. More comfort for the wrists and hands is hardly possible.
Headrest
Occasionally there is the objection that you strain your neck when you are half lying down. However, this could only be the case if there is no headrest above the recumbent seat, which is either standard equipment on the vast majority of recumbent trikes or can be installed.
(Recumbent) seat
The recumbent seat with headrest is ergonomically far superior to a classic saddle, as the weight of the cyclist is distributed fairly evenly on the trike from the bottom to the back of the head. This means that there are no extreme point loads, which can sooner or later cause severe pain. The reclining seat on the trike is similar to what people usually use to relax outside of bed: armchair, deckchair, couch. You can have a comfortable picnic on many trike seats, usually more comfortable than on so many uncomfortable public seats.
If you like it extra comfortable, you should buy a suitable trike. The "Ergo Luxe structured seat from ICE which, with its upholstered reclining seat, should fulfil the highest demands in terms of seating comfort. But here too, everything has its pros and cons: the upholstery reduces the air supply to the back, which can be a little sweaty when riding sportily without electric assistance. But it's not as if ICE that no thought has been given to this. Firstly, there are ventilation slits in the airy padding and secondly, the fabric feels skin-friendly and absorbent.
The mesh seats of many other brands, such as those of our own brand TrikExplor, are a compromise between seat and sweat comfort. Here, the back is not quite as wide, but all the more airy, and is bedded in a similar position. Many models also offer adjustable reclining seats.
With Hase trikes, on the other hand, you can actually speak more of a "seat". The position is more upright and is similar to some fabric- or leather-covered designer chairs. This seating position is somewhat more agile and offers more neck room for turning round, which can be an advantage in heavy traffic. Of course, mirrors also help with this problem.
If you prefer a sportier ride, you can opt for bucket seats, which offer maximum freedom of movement but are nowhere near as comfortable as the other reclining seat types. Bucket seats are suitable for sporty riders who ride with a lot of muscle power and less cadence (pedal revolutions), as the seat does not give way when "pushed in" and therefore no loss of power occurs.
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