Every so often you'll see a recumbent bicycle on the street, and for a second you can't figure out what you're seeing. Low to the ground, sometimes with pedals high above handlebars, a recumbent bike is an odd fish in the world of traditional bicycles. But not for long: the popularity of recumbent and specialty bicycles is growing steadily as people search for new ways to save gas money and "go green" with their commute.

Specialty bicycles encompass a wide array of non-traditional bikes. Recumbent bicycles are the original break-out specialty bikes, but new types of specialty bikes are appearing every year. Here's how to get in on recumbent and specialty bicycles basics:

1. Brush up on the pros, cons, and FAQ's of recumbent bikes.

2. Carry your bike in your hip pocket with a fold-up bike.

3. Go space-age with velomobiling.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide whether a recumbent bike is for you

Recumbent bikes attract very devoted followings. Users tout their power, flexibility, and constantly evolving style. And although recumbents may look awkward to the newbie, users swear by their comfort and superior ergonomics compared to a standard upright bike.

I recommend: Let the Bicycle Man answer your questions about recumbent bicycles, then join the Recumbent Blogger on his Multi-Modal Commute to see how using a recumbent really works. Sold? Go to "How to Choose a Recumbent Bicycle" for all the information you need to make a wise purchase.

Collapse your fold-up bicycle and carry it with you wherever you need to go

One of the great benefits of a specialty bike is its flexibility. Fold-up bikes can be collapsed down to fit into a 27' x 27' knapsack, which means you can bike to the subway or bus stop, fold up your bike, and hop on to finish your commute. And fold-up bicycles are available in some very funky new shapes and designs.

I recommend: "The Folding Bike Solution" describes the basics of this specialty bike and has photos of bikes folded up into knapsacks. At "The Best of the Best: Folding Bikes" you'll see specific models in a wide array of cutting-edge designs.

Choose muscles or motor with the newest specialty bike: the velomobile

Velomobile is one type of the new UPVs: Ultralight Personal Vehicles. A velomobile is usually a hybrid, allowing you to switch between pedals and an electric motor. The big benefit of the velomobile is that this specialty bike shields you from the elements as you ride -- a big plus in rain and snow.

I recommend: Get every bit of information you could ask for about velos, from recumbent bike manufacturers that offer them to velo owners' organizations, at "Buying a Velomobile." Check out Velomobiling.net for all things velo, including an almost endless list of velo manufacturers. Hear one man's story of how he came to love the velo at "Riding Around in Style."

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're considering a velomobile or other specialty bike, remember to look for one that offers splash protection underneath the bike; many models have roofs, but no floor, leaving you vulnerable to a soaking from puddles.

Recumbent and specialty bicycles seem to be the wave of the future, and while specialty bicycles and recumbents don't suit everyone, they can be a great selling tool in any bicycle shop. Find a sleek specialty bike or two to draw customers in by finding a good manufacturer.

Adding recumbent bicycle manufacturers that also design other specialty bicycles can be a time-saver for you as you'll be spending less time dealing with different producers and more time selling your recumbent or specialty bikes.

1. Look for manufacturers that produce specialty bikes and recumbent bicycles so you can do all your shopping in one place.

2. Stock a few specialty or recumbent bikes along with your usual models. Even if they aren't big sellers, they're great marketing tools to draw people into the store.

3. Establish a working relationship with a good custom bicycle maker so you can easily offer customized options to your customers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find recumbent bike manufacturers online

Look for recumbent manufacturers that specialize in the unique shape and design of the bikes. While you may find a few manufacturers that offer a recumbent bike, you're better off with a manufacturer that produces an entire line of recumbents.

I recommend: Barcroft Cycles designs a unique series of recumbents that puts the pedals higher than the bicycle seat making for an even smoother ride. Shop the line of three-wheel recumbents from Terra Trike, or find a recumbent bicycle at Bacchetta Recumbent Bikes Company with unique style and design.

Stock parts for recumbent bicycles

Whether you've sold only a few recumbent or specialty bicycles, or sell one a day, you'll want to have the specialty parts on hand for customers who need them. Find good recumbent bicycle manufacturers that also supply parts and accessories.

I recommend: Order recumbent bicycle parts as your customers need them from the Hostel Shoppe, or stock parts and accessories from Bicycle Man. They carry a wide selection of parts and accessories including mirrors, bags, seats, chains, tires and more.

Stock some unique specialty bicycles

Find fold up bikes, custom designed bikes or even kits to turn an old bike into a recumbent bike. Look for specialty bicycle manufacturers that carry a full line of bikes to choose from. Find the fit and style your customer wants, or have a bicycle designed specifically for a customer.

I recommend: Get recumbent bike plans from Dutch Speed Bicycles to turn an ordinary bike into a recumbent, or contact Beamer Bikes to get a custom-designed bicycle for your shop or special-ordered for a customer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A cool looking specialty bike works great in a window display to get people in your store. Once they're there, selling them that specialty bike, or any bicycle, will be a lot easier.

Recumbent bicycles are a type of specialty bike that puts the rider in a reclining position, instead of leaning forward as one would on a traditional bicycle. This position is more ergonomic, putting less pressure on the knees and backs of riders. However, riders can still get about the same amount of speed from the bicycle.

Many bike enthusiasts build recumbent and specialty bikes as a weekend project, but many types of recumbent bikes are manufactured. If you want to work with recumbent bikes, you can learn more about building and selling them through a variety of recumbent and specialty bicycles education and training opportunities. These include:

1. Seminars that teach building techniques and introduce the latest technology.

2. Detailed assembly instructions for different recumbent bicycle designs.

3. Resources available through recumbent bike manufacturers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to build a specialty bicycle with detailed instructions

Specialty bikes come in many forms. The most popular types are fold-up bikes, tandem bikes and recumbent bikes. Because of their distinct features, these bicycles need to be carefully built with detailed instructions. Many manufacturers include assembly instructions on their website.

I recommend: Ibex Bikes provide detailed assembly instructions for its line of mountain, youth and specialty bikes. Ibex also provides detailed maintenance and repair instructions. DownTube, a manufacturer of fold-up bicycles, provides detailed assembly instructions for the model, plus instructions on how to adjust the bike to the consumer's specifications. To learn about the wackier side of recumbent and specialty bikes building, take a look at Kinetic Kingdom.

Explore assembly instructions and tips from specialty bike manufacturers

Another way to learn more about building recumbent bicycles is to utilize resources provided by manufacturers. These online resources can offer additional instruction on assembling a bike, tips for maintaining and repair the bike, and instructions for additional features consumers can purchase for a recumbent or specialty bike.

I recommend: ActionBent Recumbents provides detailed assembly manuals for its line of recumbent bicycle products. Lightning Cycle Dynamics provides tech tips for those who assemble bikes. They include assembly directions and instructions for adding additional features to this type of bicycle.

Attend seminars that feature the latest in specialty bicycle models and accessories

Professionals and enthusiasts alike can benefit from attending one of many workshops and seminars on the topic of specialty bicycles. These sessions will teach you the skills necessary to assemble a bike, different features you can add, and the latest technology in recumbent cycling.

I recommend: Hostel Shoppe, host of the 2009 Midwest Recumbent Rally, details the seminars that will be available at the event. The sporting shop Hoigaards provides listings of seminars and other events, including those for specialty bikes, on its website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Another popular model of specialty bike is the fold-up bicycle. This is a bicycle that can fold up to less than half of its size and is still sturdy enough for expert bikers.

Higher fuel prices, more auto gridlock, greater concern over pollution problems and more overweight people looking for exercise has led to a renewed interest in bicycling. If you want to offer truly innovative bicycles beyond the ubiquitous mountain bike, look past the traditional diamond-shaped frame with its seating position that leaves newbies squirming within minutes of riding or apprehensive over where to safely leave their cycle upon arriving at their destination. Familiarize yourself with some recumbent and specialty bike terminology to expand your acoustic ride offerings.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Recumbent

A recumbent bicycle, whether mobile or stationary, places the rider in an upright or slightly reclined seating position with the legs stretched in front to reach the pedals.

I recommend: Bicycle Man offers a concise glossary of recumbent bicycle terms, plus links to a number of recumbent bikes.

Wheelbase: LWB, SWB, CLWB

Recumbents come in three basic lengths, based on the measurement from front to rear wheel hub. Long Wheelbase (LWB) recumbents measure 64 inches or more with pedals behind the front wheel. They are the most stable with lower seats for better shock absorption. Short Wheelbase (SWB) recumbents measure from 38 inches to 45 inches with the front wheel behind the pedals. SWBs tend to be more maneuverable, are able to climb inclines better, and are easier to store and transport. Finally, the Compact Long Wheelbase (CLWB) bikes fall in between, with pedals close behind the front wheel. They attempt to combine the advantages of the two extremes: more stable than the SWB, more maneuverable than the LWB.

I recommend: Recumbents.com points out the differences by wheelbase, helping riders choose which length best fits their riding style.

OSS/ASS (over/above-seat steering) or USS (under-seat steering)

Over or above-seat steering (OSS or ASS) places handlebars over the front wheel. Since riders recline, they don't rest their weight on the handlebars, so it's easier on the wrist. However, depending on how far back they lean, it could interfere with their line of sight, or they could hit their knees on the handlebars. Under-seat steering (USS) feels more counter-intuitive, but riders won't hit their knees on the bars and there is no pressure on wrist, arms or shoulders, as they are in line with the torso.

I recommend: ActionBent Recumbents demonstrates both USS and OSS bikes.

Trike

Just like regular cycles, recumbents come in three-wheeled or trike form. Make that two trike forms: tadpole, with two wheels in front and one in back, and delta, with one wheel in front and two in back.

I recommend: The Recumbent Blog shows both types of trikes at the bottom of the page.

Folding bikes

Folding bikes make transport problems nearly disappear. Fully adult-sized, some with full suspension like a comfort or off-road bike, these bicycles can fold up into their own backpack to transport in a car trunk or on a bus or subway for what some term 'multi-modal commutes.'

I recommend: EcoGeek showcases what they consider to be the best of folding bikes, including two prototypes not yet on the market.

Velomobile

If your shop's territory caters to customers who would love to ride year-round, even in inclement weather or cooler seasons, check out a velomobile, a fully enclosed recumbent bike or trike that can even be fitted with an electric motor.

I recommend: Condenast Digital's Wired site posts an article on velomobiling's popularity in Europe, given their cooler, wetter weather.