Uses include frequent recreational riding, long distance touring, exercise, commuting and racing. Frames are often lighter grade aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber. Designed for consistent comfort. Uses are similar to road bikes and hybrids. Higher prices are the result of fewer bikes being manufactured and sold.
Frames are usually steel, but some aluminum and titanium recumbents are produced.
It is mistaken to believe that recumbent bikes are for older riders. Most recumbents are high-performance bikes compared with most upright bikes. Riding posture is seated with a slight recline. Recumbent comfort is mostly the result of spreading the rider's body weight over a much larger area than on conventional bikes. Andy Andersen, co-owner of Prestige Cycles in Clinton Township.