When comparing recumbent bicycles with traditional upright road, hybrid or mountain bikes, a number of factors make their way to the pros column for recumbent cycles. Recumbent bikes offer several comfort and health benefits --- particularly for those suffering discomfort from certain medical conditions. Recumbent bikes also carry benefits of safety and aerodynamics compared with their upright counterparts.
Functional Comfort
Seated on a recumbent bike, your posture is partially reclined, a position affording more comfort than traditional upright bicycles, according to Dr. Paul K. Nolan, writing for BikeRoute.com. The more relaxed posture combined with wider seats mean better distribution of body weight away from the backside and crotch, less back strain and ultimately more comfort, Nolan notes. Recumbent bikes also alleviate pressure on the knees, meaning less soreness after long rides, according to Womens-Health-Questions.com.
Safety
The size and design of recumbent bikes, which position you lower to the ground than does an upright bicycle, means a safer ride, according to SteadyHealth.com. If you wipe out on a recumbent bike, your fall is several feet less than on an upright bicycle. Nolan notes your feet-forward position on a recumbent bicycle makes collisions involving head trauma less likely, and the sitting position keeps your eyes forward, giving you more time to react to approaching hazards.
Special Conditions
Recumbent bicycles carry several benefits if you're a male rider suffering an enlarged prostate or any rider suffering back or knee pain. The traditional narrow seats of upright bicycles concentrate pressure in the area of the male anatomy containing the prostate gland, friction that aggravates enlarged prostates. Recumbent bicycles channel pressure away from the prostate region, providing "exquisite relief" if you have an enlarged prostate, Nolan notes. The reclined posture also means less strain on any existing back injuries and lower impact exercise on sore or problematic knees.
Overall Health Benefits
The increased comfort of recumbent bikes over traditional upright bikes often translates into longer riding times, according to SteadyHealth.com. The name of the game for effective cardiovascular workouts is sustained exercise over longer periods of time. If you're comfortable on a recumbent bike, longer rides that burn more calories, strengthen the heart and tone muscles become easier.
Speed vs. Upright Bikes
The lower sitting position of recumbent bikes make you more aerodynamic than the upright posture of traditional road bikes, giving you a speed advantage, according to Recumbent Cycling Ontario. Recumbent bikes possess about 30 percent less frontal surface area than uprights, meaning you catch less wind. Bicycling Life notes that cyclists using both upright and recumbent bicycles sometimes experience speeds 3 mph to 8 mph faster on their recumbent bikes.
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