The rider's position differs on recumbent bikes and standard bikes. Instead of sitting upright with the pedals under the body, a recumbent bike puts you in a reclined position with your legs extending forward to pedal. Understanding the pros and cons of each type of model can help you decide which bicycle version is best for your fitness needs.
Features of Each Bike
One of the most distinguishing features of a recumbent bike is the chair-like seat, which features a bucket design and back support. This differs from the small, slim seats on standard bikes. While a standard bike requires you to lean forward to reach the handlebars, recumbent bikes' handlebars are placed at a position that is a natural extension from the shoulders. The crank shaft and pedaling mechanisms are essentially the same on both bikes. Recumbent bikes, because they are more specialized, tend to cost a bit more.
Types
Road, mountain and hybrid models of standard bikes differ very little in basic pedal and steering design. Recumbent bikes, however, can vary significantly according to model. Steering for recumbents may be over the seat, under the seat or "no hands" pivot-style. Recumbent configurations also vary in terms of long to short wheelbase, size of wheels, and rear or front-wheel drive. Recumbents also come in two or three wheel versions.
Pedaling Differences
You use different of techniques for riding an outdoor recumbent cycle than a standard bicycle. On a standard cycle, you often increase the gear and "stand" on the pedals to obtain power to get up hills or surge your speed. On a recumbent bike, you do just the opposite, notes John Anderson on the website "Bicycling Life." The center of gravity is different, so you achieve more powerful results by decreasing the gear and increasing the speed of your pedaling.
Considerations
People with back pain may prefer stationary or outdoor recumbent bikes because of the support offered by the seat. Wrist pain is less likely to occur on a recumbent bike because you do not put pressure on the hands while riding. The reclined position on a recumbent allows for better site-seeing while riding.
Workout Effectiveness
You can achieve a strong cardiovascular workout session on either model of bicycle. Monitoring your heart rate will help you determine if you are working to an appropriate fitness level to burn significant calories and improve endurance. You may tire sooner while riding a recumbent cycle, according to a study published in a 2010 issue of the European Journal of Applied Physiology. Researchers tested fatigue rates in 11 cyclists pedaling at the same intensity in an upright and supine position. The cyclists experienced significantly greater fatigue during the session performed in a recumbent position.
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