There frequently exists some discussions on the HPV listserve regarding the advantages of recumbents, and one of the more interesting ones was in regards to long distance / ultra-marathon events.
The following is an excerpt from a thread regarding the comfort and aero advantages that 'bents can offer:
Jeffrey,
Along this line, I just finished reading a brochure for the Michigan 24hr event in June. On the cover(s) was a large photograph of hundreds of riders apparently riding this event from a previous year. They appeared to be riding up a slight incline. I noticed, and commented to my son who is not a cyclists, on how many of the riders were riding on the brakehoods. My best guess would put that figure at 80-90% though the photo is somewhat blurry.
Here's my point. I feel the real advantage, aero wise, of riding a bent is best realized in endurance type of riding. Why, because it's very uncomfortable to hold the best aero position on a wedgie for hour after hour. Body parts start to hurt. I will concede that aero bars may ease this pain for a number of riders but the pain/speed issue is nonetheless very real for most riders. The beauty of the bent is that it's aero efficiency can be counted on hour after hour after hour. There's no changing of position due to carpal tunnel or painful rear ends. It's been my experience that the comfort/aero advantage starts especially to pay off in the second half of long events such as double centuries.
This past year, in a 275 mile one day event, with 130 miles of crosswind or headwind and 9,000+ feet of climbing, I was the last(that's a whole another story) rider, by quite a large margin, over the first pass. LAST as in 25th out of 25 riders. To say I was discouraged is an understatement as I'm not used to being last nor do I like it. Being the only recumbent, homebuilt at that, and up against some of the top ultra riders of the Pacific Northwest on "winged" and "beamed" Ti bikes and the likes, and throw in some riders less than 1/2 my age at that, I thought I might as well quit.
But......To make a long story short, with the help of a great sag chief-Paul Carter- we came in 6th overall. 6th!I say this to illustrate that the "aero" advantage and comfort factor while bucking winds can be a definite advantage. I found out later that the last 60 miles of the ride had a damaging effect on the other riders perhaps more so than myself. The last 60 miles were direct headwinds! I wasn't up on the brakehoods relieving pressure off my hands and creating far greater drag or shifting position/stopping for rear-end/neck/back pain. I was extremely reclined using the light pressure of several fingers on the bars to guide myself down the highway. Extremely fatigued--yes!
As far as I'm concerned, the comfort/aero advantage of a reasonably efficient bent pays off in the loooooong run and occasionally the short of it as well.
To good health,
John Williams
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