Upright and recumbent bikes both provide a cardiovascular aerobic exercise for burning calories and developing strength. Upright bikes are much more commonly used as an outdoor bicycle, but both types are used as indoor stationary workout bikes. Whichever bike is better for your needs depends on comfort, prior or current injuries or other conditions, and overall preference.
Benefits of Upright Bike
On an upright bike, the seat is easily adjustable to accommodate different heights of users. According to TrainerSecrets.com, one of the main advantages of riding an upright bike is the extra mobility that the rider has by being able to lift his body off the seat while pedaling. This produces a greater exertion of force, which helps burn extra calories. An upright exercise bike has various levels of resistance, which help simulate sprinting and climbing hills. Most upright bikes have built-in heart rate monitors on the handlebars, and uprights are usually smaller -- taking up less floor space than a recumbent bike.
Disadvantages of Upright Bike
Often people who have prior or current neck, back, shoulder or hand injuries find it painful riding an upright bike for an extended period of time. Because the rider is crouched over on an upright bike, the weight of the body is placed on the hands and wrists, and the back has no support, which can be problematic for those with back injuries, according to website Bicycling Life. Most upright bikes -- even stationary varieties -- have a hard, slim seat that can be uncomfortable on the buttocks after a long ride.
Benefits of Recumbent Bike
The advantages of riding a recumbent bike are that it allows the rider to sit in a semi-reclined position, which allows a broad distribution of body weight, unlike that of an upright bike. According to Dr. Paul Noland in the article "Medical Benefits of the Recumbent Bike," the back and buttocks are padded with the bucket seat, so the weight of the torso is not bearing down on the arms, shoulders and hands, and the rider is in a much more relaxed position. In addition, because of the semi-reclined position, the rider's abdomen is flat, which allows for full and easy expansion of the lungs.
Disadvantages of Recumbent Bike
For those who have knee problems, riding a recumbent bike can be problematic. On the upright bike, a rider can use her body weight to push harder on the pedals, but a recumbent bike does not allow the rider to stand up -- the knees and legs do all of the pedaling, which places additional strain on the knees. Recumbent bikes also have different levels of resistance to create a challenging workout, but for those with knee problems, the resistance should be set low.
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