If you want to get a beneficial workout on an exercise bike, the resistance you feel while pedaling is vital. The mid-range to higher price recumbent bikes use magnetic resistance as opposed to the cheaper bikes that may use other resistance mechanisms. The magnetic recumbent stationary bike allows riders to adjust their levels of resistance, in a quiet and transitionally smooth manner, according to website Bicycle Man.
Identification
A recumbent stationary bicycle is much different from a traditional upright stationary bicycle. First of all, on a stationary recumbent bike, the rider is sitting in a semi-reclined position; arms, hands and shoulders are out in front of the rider, and at the same level as the neck and head. The rider's back is supported by a comfortable bucket seat, and the legs are out in front resting on the pedals. According to Dr. Paul Noland in his book "Medical Benefits of Recumbent Bicycles," because the rider is in a semi-reclined position, it allows the abdomen to be flat and straight, which helps with the full expansion of the lungs and better circulation of the blood.
Types
Recumbent stationary bikes rely on mechanisms to create resistance and power the braking system. Price, resistance variability and the smoothness of the ride are the primary distinctions between recumbent stationary bikes. Wind resistance mechanisms work by using a fan blade to create resistance. Another type of resistance mechanism is the direct tension or direct friction mechanism. The rider must make manual adjustments to change the tension level; these bikes are noisy, awkward and harder to find these days because of a decrease in popularity.
Magnetic Resistance
A recumbent magnetic exercise bike relies on a mechanism called a magnetic eddy current brake, also known as a magnetic ECB. This mechanism involves using two magnets on each side of the flywheel; as the flywheel spins, it creates circular, swirling, ECB magnetic currents. As soon as the rider pedals, magnetic resistance is created because the ECB currents are going in the opposite direction of the flywheel. According to website Bicycle Man, the faster the flywheel is spinning, the greater the resistance force, and once the bike begins to slow down, the braking action will remain very smooth as it transitions between the resistance levels.
Considerations
According to Galt Home, a buyers' guide dedicated to exercise bike reviews, when choosing a recumbent bike, the magnetic resistance bikes offer a much quieter and consistent workout; experts also recommend choosing push-button controls over knobs. Most magnetic recumbent bikes come with 16 to 20 different resistance levels and have built-in workout programs to help meet the fitness goals of the riders.
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