Under Seat Steering versus Above Seat Steering

When deciding for a specific recumbent bike model you will also have to decide between under seat steering (USS) and above seat steering (ASS), also referred to as over seat steering (OSS). Both have their advantages and disadvantages and it is to a high degree just a matter of taste which one you prefer. We will look at a few important points and compare how both steering options perform.

Getting used to it

For beginners it is easier to ride a bike with above seat steering because they are used to have a handle bar in front of them on a conventional bicycle. Under seat steering needs a little bit more time to get used to it. But after some time of riding it should not be a problem at all.

Shift Levers

On a recumbent bike you usually have fewer options to choose your shift levers than on a conventional bicycle depending on the angle between the ends of the handle bar and your hands. For under seat steering the best fitting shift levers are bar end shifters. Twist grip shifters are possible but because of the reversed bar end you have to shift with your pinky and ring finger and not with your index and middle finger. Rapid fire levers are usually not usable. With above seat steering you have almost all options. Rapid fire levers may work depending on the angle of the handle bar ends. Twist grip shifters and bar end shifters work fine.

Brake Levers

Brake levers should not be a problem. Only combined brake and shift levers should be avoided on most recumbents (especially when using under seat steering).

Rear View Mirror

You should not ride a recumbent without a mirror because it is difficult to turn around to look behind. Mirrors are often mounted at the bar end. This kind of mirror can not be combined with bar end shifters. Therefore it may be more complicated to fit a mirror to a bike with under seat steering.

Speedometer, handlebar bag

You may want to use a few other things on your recumbent bike that are usually mounted on the handle bar. With above seat steering this is no problem. You can fit a speedometer, battery lights and even a small bag to the handle bar. When using under seat steering this is not possible or at least not useful. You could fit a speedometer at the handle bar but you would not be able to see it while riding. You have to attach it at a different place on the bike.

Aerodynamics

A recumbent bicycle with above seat steering has better aerodynamics than a bike with under seat steering. This is because when using under seat steering your arms are in the air stream in their full length while with above seat steering your arms are stretched to the front and causing a smaller frontal area.

Leg clearance

On a bike with above seat steering you have to take care to get enough leg clearance when adjusting it to your leg length. You might have to raise the handle bar higher than you need it for steering because otherwise you would touch it with your knees when pedaling. Therefore bikes with above seat steering can be uncomfortable for people with very long legs.

Ease of Steering

On the first ride the steering of most recumbents may feel a bit nervous. That is because of the different angle of the steering rod and because of the small front wheel. You may find bikes with above seat steering even more nervous but it depends on the geometry of the frame. You will get used to it very fast. Bikes with under seat steering sometimes have indirect steering. You may need a short time to get used to it but as long as none of the bearings has slack it will be no problem.

Slow Turns

When riding through U turns at very low speed you can't lean into the turn. Therefore you need a bigger steering angle. But the steering angle may be limited. On bikes with under seat steering the bar ends can touch the seat or your legs at maximum steering angle. With above seat steering you may not be able to pedal at maximum steering angle because the bar ends limit your leg clearance. This will not be a problem when you are used to ride your bike but may be a concern for beginners especially when riding uphill.

Safety

Recumbents can be considered safer than conventional bikes with the possible exception of visibility. If you hit anything you are more likely to hit it with your feet than with your head. There is some difference between USS and ASS. In case of an accident it is easier to get off your bike with under seat steering. With above seat steering you always have the steering rod between your legs.

Comfort

Most people find under seat steering to be more comfortable especially for long rides. Some people have reported numb hands or fingers when using above seat steering.

Conclusion

It's up to you to decide between above seat and under seat steering. Take what you prefer. There is no technical reason to use one and avoid the other. As a tendency you might prefer above seat steering for racing and fast touring and under seat steering for relaxed touring and recreational riding. But in the end it's more a matter of taste.