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For casual rides the upright bike is excellent. But when it comes to long distances everyones limit is different when it comes to the aggressive posture of roadbikes. I personally have had it after 30 km of being hunced forward. My wrists ache and neck starts to hurt. I don't have saddle problems because that is solved with a brooks saddle.
One way to solve it is to ride more upright but then the bike becomes even more aerodynamically a disaster. Aerodynamics matter, even at low speeds, period. Because a cyclist is often battling headwinds
Less frontal area is always a win.
I just don't enjoy the upright bike for long distances. When I am touring I want to see the view, not the asphalt. It sucks ass. But the headwinds force me in the drops.
I used to have a recumbent a long time ago and remember how nice it was for long distances. It completely relaxes your core. All the motor comes from spinning the legs. And that's what you want to do on a bent. Short cranks and spin that baby. Hills are not a problem at all as long as you got granny gears.
They are bloody excellent machines for that- long distance cycling.
No they are not competing with other bicycle types. A recumbent is also just another bicycle. A little different but a bicycle nonetheless, with all its own cons and pros. Just like MTBs are a different class from roadbikes with a different application. I remember hating getting into cities with one. Bad oversight, large turning radius, etc. But it did made avoidcities altogether which could be seen as a pro. My last bike ride made me realize how much I desire a bent again. So I just made an enquiry for a frame set.
