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I regularly use a recumbent bike at the Y. I have found the atmosphere there is conducive to regular workouts. I like the recumbents because of my aging back although on occasion I do use the upright bikes.
Definitely upright. recumbant is for folks who can't use an upright bike for whatever reason (back issues, etc - there are many valid reasons).
Upright is more conducive to hard efforts, interval training, and other things. It's a more active type of position. Recumbant is fine so don't get me wrong here but an upright bike is what you want if there are no major isses stopping you.
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Use recumbent bike if:
-You have back problems that prevent you from sitting upright for extended periods of time.
-You find it hard to sit on any standard bicycle seat.
Use standard bike if:
-You plan on doing hard workouts or sprints
-You want to be able to change cycling position. The regular bike allows standing up and thus engaging different muscle groups.
In general, either will be fine for stationary bike, although I'd give a slight advantage to regular bike, if you can ride it without any problems.
As far as riding on the road, I'd say use recumbent bike if you ride on flat terrain in strong winds. Due to better aerodynamics, recumbents rule in such conditions.
If you ride a lot of hills, regular bike is better because it allows more leverage when climbing. Recumbents are slow on hill climbs.
I like the recumbent because the seat is easier on the behind. I also like the spin bike because its a different workout & it simulates hills better. BUT, I can work my ass off, so to speak, on either. I like having different options, as I prefer to rotate my cardio. I do not want to be stuck dong the same thing, day in, day out.
If you are a young man without the problem of back pain then upright is best. Recumbent is also ok if you want to it in a bit easy way...
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