My recent article about a friend’s Day 6 Dream semi-recumbent bike sparked the imaginations of some readers who were inspired to write and ask for more information about this kind of bike which they’d never seen before. Clearly there are plenty of folks who would go cycling if they had a choice beyond the mountain bike or road bike. They like the idea of a more relaxed frame geometry, because that gives them a bike with traits such as these:

 
• Upright position when cycling
• Little to no pressure on hands and wrists
• Comfortable seat
• Feet can be placed on ground while sitting in the saddle
• One size of bike frame can fit many differently sized riders
• Lower center of gravity inspires confidence
• Easier to straddle than diamond frame bikes, especially if a step-through frame

 
Bikes with qualities like these are known by a number of terms, including:

 
• Comfort Bikes
• Crank Forward Bikes
• Semi-Recumbent Bikes
• Relaxed Geometry Bikes
• Flat-Footed Bikes

 
Whatever they’re called, there’s one thing which seems universal—bikes in this tribe allow the cyclist to stop and put his feet flat on the ground while still sitting in the saddle. That seems to be the most appealing characteristic, and it’s easy to see why. If your back, hip, or balance is wonky, you don’t need to be quite so concerned about toppling over when you slow down and stop. Furthermore, getting into the saddle is less arduous, especially if the bike has a very low top tube or a step-through frame (often seen on women’s bikes, but also with some unisex frames).

 
Here’s a diagram showing six different models of relaxed frame bikes, with a Surly Long Haul Trucker at the top for comparison’s sake:

 

 
You can see how the main elements of the different bikes compare with one another and with the more traditional diamond frame of the Surly. The saddles on the relaxed frame bikes are below the level of the handlebars, rather than on the same level like with the Surly. The pedals are very much further forward on the relaxed frame bikes than with the Surly. The distance between relaxed frame bikes’ saddles and the ground isn’t as great as with a traditional diamond frame bike, either. All these features endear the relaxed frame bike to folks looking for a, well, more relaxed ride.

 
These six bikes are only a sample of what the marketplace has to offer. So, if you’re intrigued by a bike which offers comfort and sure-footedness when parked, search the web for brands which suit your needs and pocketbook. Prices range upwards from a few hundred US dollars. They’re becoming more popular, and it’s possible you might even find one used. Before long, I’m betting you’ll be finding your comfort zone with a relaxed alternative to the diamond frame bike.

 
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