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

Please subscribe to us on YouTube (https://goo.gl/CHOOgX) and Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laidbackbikereport/) if you haven't already done so.

Lot's more info and you can also buy a hat on our website: https://www.laidbackbikereport.com/.

We would love to have you as a Patreon Patron where you can support all we do for as little as $1/month. Check out how it works and the benefits you can reap here: https://www.patreon.com/laidbackbikereport

*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/

Support the show

What does it take to design a world-class velomobile from the ground up? From Brazil, we talk to the designer himself, Paulo, to discuss the engineering, aerodynamics, and passion behind the Harpia. We go from the initial sketches to the open road and do a dive deep into the build process. Finally, we examine the challenges of velomobile production in South America and what's next for this incredible machine.

Catrike just changed the game for mixed-terrain riders. We interview the experts at Bicycle One in Gahanna, Ohio to see how the All Road stacks up against the competition. Don't miss this breakdown of features, how to add e-assist and ride quality.

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:30 What’s on Today’s Show
00:01:25 Panel Introduction
00:02:42 Sponsor Introduction
00:06:40 Honza Galla with Recumbent News Segment
00:16:30 The Harpia Velomobile from Brazil
00:49:00 Catrike All-Road-A First Look
01:10:30 Sports Report-Bike Sebring
01:15:25 Viewer Submission-Recumbent World Cup Grandfondo from Stefano Bonazzoli
01:17:54 Sponsor Thanks
01:21:50 Announcements
01:24:11 Goodbye to panel and crew

Please subscribe to us on YouTube (https://goo.gl/CHOOgX) and Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laidbackbikereport/) if you haven't already done so.

Lot's more info and you can also buy a hat on our website: https://www.laidbackbikereport.com/.

We would love to have you as a Patreon Patron where you can support all we do for as little as $1/month. Check out how it works and the benefits you can reap here: https://www.patreon.com/laidbackbikereport

*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/

*Guest Links*
-Paulo and his Harpia velomobile https://www.facebook.com/pauloqueiroz.queiroz.14
-Catrike All-Road https://www.catrike.com/all-road
-Bicycle One recumbent bike shop in Gahanna, Ohio https://bicycleone.com/
-Bike Sebring registration https://www.bikereg.com/2026-bike-sebring
-Recumbent Grandfondo World Cup https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582736984174

*LBR Review Team Links*

*LBR Crew Links*
-Recumbent News-online news website by Honza Galla https://www.recumbent.news/
-BentRider/Larry Varney http://www.bentrideronline.com/
-Nina Paley’s Links
-Nina’s blog https://blog.ninapaley.com/
-Nina’s bike merchandise http://www.palegraylabs.com/other-stuff-1/protective-bicycle-amulet
-Peter Stull https://bicycleman.com/
-Josef Janning https://www.facebook.com/josef.janning
-Tim Segard https://www.bentrevolution.com/
-Tray Bourgoyne Tray@netdoor.com
**The absolute best archive of early recumbent history is Recumbent Cyclist News**
Find years of publisher Bob Bryant’s hard work here: https://rcnpdf.com/

**Viewer Submissions or Questions**
Send to laidbackbikereport@gmail.com

Support the show

This year is the 25th Anniversary of one of the most highly respected recumbent manufacturers in the world. This past autumn AZUB Recumbents held a successful celebration event in the Czech Republic right in their home city, Uhersky Brod. Since the excitement has by now calmed down we thought it was a perfect time to sit down with the founders. CEO Aleš Zemánek shares some great stories of the origin of the company, its guiding philosophy, the challenges they experienced over the years and where they are headed today. Joined by marketing director Honza Galla, we also hear his take on everything including some wild stories and experiences. After the interview Aleš and Honza will be with us live to respond to your questions and comments along with special guest Matt Galat of Ja Yoe fame!

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:30 What’s on Today’s Show
00:02:00 Panel Introduction
00:04:00 Sponsor Introduction
00:06:50 Honza Galla with Recumbent News Segment
00:15:50 AZUB 25th Anniversary Celebration Event Coverage with Honza Galla
00:31:20 AZUB CEO Aleš Zemánek Interview along with Honza Galla
01:08:15 Discussion with Aleš, Honza and Matt Galat
01:25:38 Sponsor Thanks
01:28:30 Announcements
01:29:20 Goodbye to panel and crew

Please subscribe to us on YouTube (https://goo.gl/CHOOgX) and Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laidbackbikereport/) if you haven't already done so.

Lot's more info and you can also buy a hat on our website: https://www.laidbackbikereport.com/.

We would love to have you as a Patreon Patron where you can support all we do for as little as $1/month. Check out how it works and the benefits you can reap here: https://www.patreon.com/laidbackbikereport

*Thanks to these wonderful sponsors for making the LBR webcast possible*
TerraCycle https://t-cycle.com/ 800-371-5871
Trailside Trikes https://trailside.bike/ 352-419-4809
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/
Connecticut Yankee Pedaller https://www.cypbikes.com/ 641-774-5557
Steintrikes https://stein-trikes-us.com/ 931-237-0889
HASE USA https://www.hasebikesusa.com/ 802-382-0093
RAD Innovations https://www.rad-innovations.com/ 802-382-0093

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

*Guest Links*
-AZUB https://azub.eu/
-Matt Galat Ja Yoe Nation YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@JaYoeNation

*LBR Review Team Links*

*LBR Crew Links*
-Recumbent News-online news website by Honza Galla https://www.recumbent.news/
-BentRider/Larry Varney http://www.bentrideronline.com/
-Nina Paley’s Links
-Nina’s blog https://blog.ninapaley.com/
-Nina’s bike merchandise http://www.palegraylabs.com/other-stuff-1/protective-bicycle-amulet
-Peter Stull https://bicycleman.com/
-Josef Janning https://www.facebook.com/josef.janning
-Tim Segard https://www.bentrevolution.com/
-Tray Bourgoyne Tray@netdoor.com
**The absolute best archive of early recumbent history is Recumbent Cyclist News**
Find years of publisher Bob Bryant’s hard work here: https://rcnpdf.com/

**Viewer Submissions or Questions**
Send to laidbackbikereport@gmail.com

Support the show