Exercise bikes are available in two general designs: upright and recumbent. An upright bike looks similar to a standard road bike, while a recumbent bike has a larger, semi-reclined seat. Recumbent bikes take up more space and aren't designed for cyclists, but they are more comfortable and provide the same style of workout as an upright bike.
Function
A recumbent exercise bike offers a low-impact workout that is less stressful to your joints than other cardio machines. The American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit fitness watchdog organization, recommends a recumbent bike for individuals with low-back pain or those who are new to cycling.
An upright bike better simulates a road bike. If you are an avid cyclist or want an indoor alternative to a road bike, an upright bike may be a better option than a recumbent bike.
Design
A recumbent bike has a large, semi-reclined seat with back support. Unlike an upright bike, which has the seat above the pedals, the pedals on a recumbent bike are on the same level as the seat, so you sit in a semi-reclined position. You might find the design of a recumbent bike to be more comfortable than an upright bike.
Because of the seat and pedal position, a recumbent bike is longer and takes up more space than an upright bike. This might not be an issue in a commercial gym, but it might be an issue if you are selecting an exercise bike for your home.
Features
A recumbent bike offers pedal resistance as a way to increase the difficulty of your workout. The number of levels and the type of resistance varies among brands and models. Some recumbent bikes have a tension knob that you turn to adjust the pedal resistance; other, more technologically advanced models, have buttons on the console that you press to digitally adjust the pedal resistance. The more resistance levels the bike offers, the more variety you can create in your workout.
Considerations
Every recumbent bike model has a slightly different design and features. If possible, try the bike before buying.
If you have mobility issues, consider a step-through recumbent bike. This style of recumbent bike has an open space between the console and the seat. You simply step in and sit down. Other recumbent bikes have a frame or support bar that you have to step over to sit on the machine.
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