Upright Bicycles
Upright bicycles are also known as diamond frame bicycles and these are the most popular form of bicycles all over the world. In fact, many countries are not exposed to bicycle models other than upright bicycles.
These bicycles do not have any sort of competition in the amateur consumer market but among professionals, a better mode of transport is always a matter of discussion. The major opponent for upright bicycles is recumbent bicycles that have mixed responses from biking professionals. However, the popularity of diamond frame bicycles remain the same even today and many cyclists prefer to use these for various reasons.
- Lower Weight - Compared to other prominent bicycle models, diamond frame bicycles have relatively lower weight.
Most of the bicycles weight right under 30 lbs while some of them are even under 20 lbs. Lightweight of these bicycles help the riders to maneuver it with least effort and in emergency situations, carrying this bicycle is also very easy.
- Universal Spares - When it comes to upright bicycles, most of the major manufacturers in the world follow the international standardized measurements for wheels, rims, handlebars, bearings, chain and sprockets.
This makes it quite easy for a bicycle rider to repair his/her upright bicycle at any strange locations. Spare parts of these bicycles can be sourced from any part of the world without many problems. This makes it a very desirable touring bike.
- Same Tire Size - Compared to upright bicycles, the major opponent of diamond frame bicycles, the major benefit is that you can manage with only a single spare tube because both front and back wheel gets the same size.
However, upright bicycles usually have wheels with different sizes.
- Faster On Hills - Upright bicycles are not as fast as recumbent bicycles on flat surface because of the aerodynamic disadvantages. However, these bicycles are quite ideal for steep hills because the rider can use different muscles to exert force on pedals and there are very low chances of losing the angle.
For recumbent bicycles, it is very hard for the rider to keep the bike going in a straight line.
Diamond frames also have an advantage when it comes to starting or stopping on steep hills. The standing position helps the rider to easily stop or start the bike. For recumbent bicycles, starting the bike from a steep hill is a great challenge due to the horizontal positioning of feet.
- Better Aesthetics - With a regular upright bicycle, you are not going to grab a lot of unwanted attention.
These bikes look "good" for most among the public and you can avoid plenty of staring compared to recumbent bicycles.
- Visibility - The visibility factor is a long debated one but in flat surfaces, upright bicycles provide the rider with a better visibility because of the tall saddle and the riding posture.
The ability to twist a rider's back allows him to see both his sides but on recumbent bicycles, large seats are placed and it is very hard to see around. Due to the lower height, which is done to reduce the impact from falls; you are always left with poor visibility except on hills.
- Easy to Transport - An upright bicycle is extremely lightweight and can be kept on top of your car's carrier or even inside the trunk. In occasions where you have no way to pedal your bike (mud, streams, rocks and a broken tire etc), you can carry your bike and reach a safe place easily.
Due to the heavy weight of a recumbent bicycle, it is not very easy to carry it for long distances. The large seat can cause discomfort while carrying.
- Options - Compare to recumbent bicycles, there are many options on upright bicycles and for many uses, upright bicycles are the most ideal choice. Off road rides and mountain climbs can be done only on upright bicycles but you can't modify a recumbent bicycle to this functionality.
Even if you manage to modify one, it will not excel as a great off roader or on bad roads.
- Cornering - Leaning on curves is a major aspect of cycling, it doesn't matter whether you are planning a tour or a casual trip.
If you can't lean on curves and move on effortlessly, the bicycle ride will not be much enjoyable because you have to bring down the speed to a very large extent.
This is where upright bikes have a benefit compared to recumbent bicycles. Even though recumbent bikes can be effectively maneuvered through a corner, it takes a lot of time to learn cornering on these bikes but on upright models, learning to corner is very easy.
There is no doubt that the upright bicycles have so many advantages compared to the recumbent bicycles and these are usually priced lower.
Like any good things, there are some disadvantages which give recumbent bicycles an edge in certain aspect.
- Comfort - Compared to recumbent bicycles where your body is placed in a very relaxed manner, upright bicycles do not provide you the same level of comfort.
- Poor Aerodynamics - Compared to recumbent bikes, upright bikes have lower aerodynamics which results in high wind resistance and lower speeds.
- Energy Efficiency - If you have noticed, many touring cyclists prefer recumbent bicycles for one sole reason; comfort. These bicycles are extremely comfortable due to the seating position and the horizontal pedals allow them to use energy effectively.
On upright bikes, we are using most of our energy to fight against wind resistance but only a very small percentage is used to pedal the bike and eliminate the friction.
Most of us learn to ride a bicycle on an upright model. These are very affordable and plenty of brands are making them.
You can get it repaired at any corner of the world because the basic mechanism of these bicycles remains the same all over the world. Many parts are easy to source and they are easy to dismantle when you want to put them in a cargo box.
