What happens when a young upright bike racer makes the switch to recumbents?

In this episode of the Laidback Bike Report, we’re joined by Matthew Lefthand. For Matthew, the transition wasn't just about finding a more comfortable seat—it was about finding a new way to satisfy his competitive drive and improve his longevity on the circuit.

Matthew takes us through his evolution from overweight couch potato to the world of upright bike ultra racing and now to discovering the speed and efficiency of recumbents. We discuss the learning curve of racing in a new position, the gear that keeps him competitive, and how the recumbent community has embraced his racing spirit.

In this interview, we specifically dive into:

How Matthew's professional background in psychology helps him persevere.

His decision to lose weight and get active again.

Why he started biking and his early experiences in ultra racing.

How he was introduced to Cruzbike and its racing culture.

The technical and physical differences between racing upright vs. laid back.

His advice for other competitive cyclists considering the switch.

If you’ve ever wondered if you can still "go fast" after making the move to a recumbent, Matthew’s journey is the perfect proof that the finish line looks just as good from a recumbent seat.

Stay Connected: 👍 Like this video if you're a racer at heart! 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with the legends of the recumbent world. 💬 Comment below: What was the biggest challenge YOU faced when switching from an upright?

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:30 What’s on Today’s Show
00:01:30 Panel Introduction
00:02:35 Sponsor Introduction
00:06:50 Honza Galla with Recumbent News Segment
00:18:10 Matthew Lefthand World Champion Ultra Racer
01:22:35 Matthew joins us live right after his 600 mile Bike Sebring 24 hour race
01:41:00 Sponsor Thanks
01:47:00 Announcements
01:24:11 Goodbye to panel and crew

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*Thanks to these wonderful sponsors for making the LBR webcast possible*
TerraCycle https://t-cycle.com/ 800-371-5871
TerraTrike/Greenspeed https://wizwheelz.com/ 800-945-9910
Laidback Cycles https://laidbackcycles.com/ 916-668-8766
Bicycle Man https://bicycleman.com/ 607-587-8835
AZUB https://azub.eu/
RecumbentPDX https://recumbentpdx.com/ 503-231-1000
Steintrikes https://stein-trikes-us.com/ 931-237-0889
Utah Trikes http://utahTrikes.com 866-446-2065
Catrike http://catrike.com 407-999-0200
Bacchetta Bikes http://bacchettabikes.com 818-358-2740
Angletech cycledifferent.com 719-687-7475

*Honza’s News Report Links*
--Recumbent News https://www.recumbent.news/

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Young Upright Ultra Racer Now Breaking Records on Cruzbike!