Ask recumbent road bike riders or bike riders, and they might not know the fact that recumbent bikes have been here for two centuries, contrary to the myth that they only came forward in the 21st century. In fact, it was in 1892 that the general public was able to use recumbent bikes for the first time.
Moreover, these bikes even set some speed records, the most recent of which was beaten by a standard upright bike back in 1984. Hence, the next time a veteran rider chastises you for riding a recumbent road bike, show him this article to hammer home your point.
Best Recumbent Road Bike 2019 Comparistion Table
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMX Tornado F8 Recumbent Trike (2016) | 1 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
| Performer JC70 Recumbent Trike (27S, FRP seat) | 4 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
| Performer JC26X Recumbent Trike 27S FRP | 6 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
| Artifice Adult Recumbent Tricycle | 3 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
| KMX Cobra | 10 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Recumbent Road Bikes 2019 – Reviews
1. KMX Tornado F8 Recumbent Trike (2016)
If you’re looking for the best recumbent road bike, KMX Tornado might be a great choice.
From all recumbent road bike reviews, you will see here, this 3 wheels recumbent bike might be one of the best choices for you.
Comfort and enjoyable rides are the best features of KMX Tornado. Actually, it can be one of the best recumbent road bikes for seniors.
It’s also an ideal entry-level 3 wheel recumbent road bike, so if you’re looking for your first recumbent trike, you’re lucky. The best thing about KMX Tornado recumbent trike is that it has an amazing amount of available options. Both for comfort and for rider’s safety.
KMX Tornado F8 recumbent trike consists of a strong steel frame constructions and comfortable cozy seat which offers unrelenting euphoria and sporty comfort.
Whether you’re looking for a recumbent trike to push it to its limits, or just enjoy your easy ride on Sunday, KMX Tornado F8 might be the best recumbent tricycle for you.
It’s simple minimalistic, yet modern and sleek design will make you look good no matter how fast you are going. But believe me, with 8 gears on this recumbent trike, you will be able to achieve some high speeds.
This is just one of the recumbent trike reviews we have for you, so keep on reading.
2. Performer JC70 Recumbent Trike (27S, FRP seat)
When you’re looking for a recumbent trike for sale, it’s most likely that you came across Performer trike bikes.
The performer is a well-known brand in the world of recumbent bikes and trikes, while it also has one of the best, such as JC70.
The frame of Performer JC70 recumbent trike is made from aluminum, and the super comfy seat comes with mesh cushion which includes a headrest.
The combination of Microshift, Shimano, Sunrace, Tektro, and FSA parts for brakes, derailleurs, and wheels. The best feature of Performer JC70 recumbent trike is a bigger rear wheel that can be rarely seen on other trikes.
The bigger rear wheel will let you achieve more power and speed through the wheel. In my opinion, that’s one of the advantages that make Performer JC70 best recumbent tricycle.
No matter how long your rides are, the seat of this recumbent trike will allow the breathability through the vented mesh pad, which also boosts the comfort.
Basic tool kit set is included with Performer JC70, and you should keep in mind that this bike comes unassembled. It’s not hard to assemble it, however, if you are unsure how to do it safely – simply contact your local bike repair shop.
In my mind, this one is the favorite recumbent from our recumbent trike reviews we listed here.
3. Performer JC26X Recumbent Trike 27S FRP
This is another tricycle from the recumbent trike reviews we chose from their lineup. And we decided to put it on our recumbent road bike reviews. It means that there’s no doubt it can easily be the best recumbent trike for sale.
On the rear, with JC26X model, you will get rear rack and fenders included. It also features rear suspension for rear wheel that significantly improves the comfort of the rider.
Performer JC26X recumbent trike is a pretty lightweight trike. The reason for that is the durable, yet light frame material which is aluminum.
For the best comfort, you will have hardshell with mesh cushion seat. You will definitely love the headrest, which comes in handy especially on the longer rides. Your body will be comfortable no matter how long you ride.
Equipped with many different brands, yet one of the best ones such as Shimano, FSA, Sunrace, Michelin, and many others for parts such as derailleurs, crankset, cassette, brakes, and tires.
However, even although this trike has rear suspension and fenders, we don’t recommend you to use this trike as an off-road recumbent bike.
4. Artifice Adult Recumbent Tricycle
If you’ve met recumbent bikes, and were looking for a trike, Artifice is a great tricycle you could get used to.
The best and the unique thing about Artifice recumbent tricycle is that it’s foldable. Whenever you aren’t using it, you will be able to store it away more easily. Also, you will be able to take it on public transport, but it depends on your location.
The frame of the Artifice recumbent trike is chrome moly. Therefore, it’s lightweight, yet durable and safe. That’s why Artifice recumbent trike is definitely number three on our recumbent road bike reviews.
The rear wheel of Artifice recumbent trike is 26″ while the front is only 20″. Rims are made of aluminum. That boosts power and speed you can achieve through 24 speeds. The drivetrain of Artifice recumbent trike is 3×8.
Another great thing which I really like about this recumbent trike is that when you order Artifice recumbent trike, you will get it already assembled and ready to use. While other recumbent trikes come unassembled.
While the price of Artifice recumbent trike can be a little bit too high for some people, I’d definitely recommend you to save up some money if you are on a tight budget.
Investing in the best 3 wheel recumbent trike is better than buying cheaper recumbent trike which won’t satisfy your needs.
5. KMX Cobra
If you were looking for a recumbent trike which you can ride on all surfaces and terrains, KMX Cobra is the right way to go.
It’s easy to ride, no matter how old are you and where you are from. Anyone can get used to KMX Cobra easily, and ride it safely.
The best feature of KMX Cobra is hardshell bucket seat which gives you the ability to adjust it by choosing from multiple angles. It also features adjustable lumbar support.
If you’re a rider who always likes to keep up to date with the newest and the most modern technologies, you will be glad to know that KMX Cobra is upgradable. You will be able to even add and fit motor system.
Even although KMX Cobra comes unassembled, you will get all the necessary instructions and help to assemble it yourself in no time. There are even videos included which will guide you through the process more easily. We highly recommend this recumbent trike as the best recumbent road bike for seniors.
Why Recumbent Road Bike is The Best Option:
Are recumbent bikes safe?
I’m not implying that recumbent road bikes are not stolen – you’d have to secure them with the best bike lock for this purpose. Rather, they are safer than a road bike in case of a crash. Yes, since they have a low center of gravity that everyday bikes, the distance between you and the earth is very small.
Moreover, unlike a cheap road bike – which transfers the maximum impact to your upper body in case of a crash, it will be your feet taking the most impact if a recumbent bike crashes. For, you’ll be sitting in a laid-back position, making tipping over the handlebar impossible.
While they will keep you safe in case of a crash, recumbent bikes will also decrease the likelihood of such an accident. They will do so thanks to their increased surface area. By making you more visible – or more of you visible, to the vehicle coming from behind, it will alert the automobile driver in a much better way than a cheap road bike.
Break the rules:
Assuming that you are a millennial – or even if you aren’t, recumbent bikes will be the perfect match for the little rebel in you. Imagine, while all of the riders around you will be riding in an upright position, you’ll be the only one displaying your swagger by cruising it in a laid-back style.
Hence, if you want to look different from the crowd, riding on a recumbent road bike seems to be your best bet.
They are comfortable:
Unlike road bikes – where all your weight is on your hands and arms, it will be your seat housing the all the weight on a recumbent. Consequently, with no pressure on arms and wrists, there will be less chance of stress-related injuries.
Also, if you are fond of driving long distances, recumbent bikes will save you from the inner thigh chaffing which is a part and parcel of every upright bike. That is, while you normally look for the restroom to accommodate your inner thigh chaffing after riding 20 miles on a road bike, a similar distance ride on a recumbent bike will allow you to walk normally.
They are less likely to be stolen:
Although people like me often lament the decrease in population of recumbent bikes, it is areas such as these where their dearth seems to be a good idea. For, imagine being a thief who has stolen numerous road bikes, and is now facing the prospect of stealing a recumbent one.
Will he be able to do that? Of course not. Firstly, there won’t be many takers of a recumbent bike. Secondly, even if there are takers, the thief probably wouldn’t know how to ride it. Think about this advantage for a moment.
Recumbent Bikes Suit Everyone:
Whether you are a veteran or a novice learning the sport, whether you are a Trans America Tourer or a pro racer, recumbent road bike has got you covered. For, while there are some recumbent bikes which are designed to give you comfort, others are built to invite performance to the fore.
Hence, no matter what your riding style is – and where you want to ride, there is a recumbent road bike for you.
They provide you with a great view:
Imagine riding on an upright road bike, what’s the view you saw throughout your journey? It’s plausible that when you were not looking forward, you were looking at the road. There is no such case if you are traveling on a recumbent bike.
For example, when you are riding a recumbent bike, you look up. Whether there’s a bird in the sky or an airplane flying around, you’d be able to take everything in. In fact, it’s like somebody has fitted a wide angle to your head, and you are able to not miss anything.
Tell me, isn’t that spectacular?
They are fast:
While veteran riders won’t tell you – because they don’t know it themselves, but recumbent bikes are the speediest you will ever come across. It is because of aerodynamics. For, unlike to that of a road bike – where your entire body is a target for the aerodynamic drag, the seating on a recumbent bike provides a much smaller target, hence less wind resistance.
That is, for equal pedaling power that you normally apply on a road bike, you’ll be able to cover more distance in less time.