A recumbent bike is a special kind of bike in which the rider sits in a laid-back reclining posture. It is generally ergonomic, distributes the rider’s weight uniformly, is fairly more comfortable, and offers better support to the buttocks and the back.
The upright exercise bike, on the other hand, is a special kind of a bicycle which comprises pedals, a saddle, and handlebars that are arranged much the same way as in a normal. It is however used for exercising rather than transportation. It is also called a spinning bike, exercise bike, exercycle, or the spin bike.
The aim of the discussions that follow is to explore the differences between these two kinds of exercise bikes. The overall goal of this differentiation is to aid precious would-be users in making the most informed decision.
What Are The Differences Between The Two?
These two kinds of exercise bikes differ in the following regards:
Position of the Pedals
The pedals are the components of these exercise bikes that are used to strengthen the feet and the lower portions of the legs.
In a recumbent bike, the pedals are fixed in front of the body of the bike. They are located at a distance that is slightly higher from the floor. In an upright exercise bike, however, the pedals are located under the body and much closer to the floor. It, therefore, follows that the pedals are more accessible and convenient to engage in the case of the recumbent bikes.
Because of this, the recumbent bikes are more effective in strengthening the said body parts. It is hence the preferable option in case the primary motive of acquiring this bike is to strengthen the lower portions of the legs.
Body Posture
This refers to the overall position in which the bikes hold or support the bodies of their users while exercising. In the case of a recumbent bike, the body is held in a reclined position. In the upright bike, however, the body is held in the upright position.
The former i.e. the reclined position is safer and better than the latter. That’s because it is less prone to backaches, unnecessary pains, bone dislocations, and other potential side effects of exercising. Moreover, the upright bike predisposes its users to the risks of bone dislocations, muscle imbalances, and postural distortions.
It, therefore, follows that the recumbent bikes are the better bet for intense exercising of the backs. The upright bikes may hence be opted for in circumstances where other parts of the body besides the back are to be impacted.
Safety of the Riders
Overall, riders of recumbent bikes are safer than those of upright bikes. This is brought about by a confluence of factors. The main factor is the seats i.e. their overall size, shape, design, and functionality. In a recumbent bike, the seats are larger in size, are firm, and have a fully-functional backrest. In an upright bike, on the other hand, the seat is smaller, lacks a backrest, and is not as firm as should be the case.
Because of these structural differences, riders of recumbent bikes are spared of unnecessary pain and other associated problems such as bone dislocations or back bending. The recumbent bikes are hence more suitable for those riders that have back problems. This, therefore, means that those who opt for the upright bikes need to exercise more caution while utilizing them.
Comfort of the Rider
Closely related to the safety of the rider is the comfort of the riders. These two bikes are adapted to provide comfort in varied ways.
The recumbent bike has more comfortable seats and seating posture. Due to this, the riders are stationed in a more comfortable posture as their bodies are in a more naturally inclined position. These two factors help to ward off body fatigue and reduce muscle soreness, among other health benefits.
The case is however different when it comes to the upright seat. The bike has smaller seats. Moreover, the rider is placed in the hunched position and is slightly bent in the neck and the back areas. This posture brings along several dangers. These include unnecessary fatigue, muscle soreness, aches and pains in the buttock regions, and boredom.
Efficacy
The term efficacy refers to the thoroughness with which each of the said pieces of equipment carries out the tasks of fitness. On the whole, the recumbent bike is the more effective of the two exercise bikes.
This is due to the combination of several factors. These include the overall design of the bike, the size, and comfort of the seat, the position of the pedals as well as the posture of the riders while utilizing the bike.
The recumbent bikes take comparatively shorter time to burn plenty of calories. It is also safer and more comfortable as has already been stated, and is less prone to the dangers that may naturally arise out of such intense exercising. This being the case, it should be given topmost priority while on the search r lookout for a suitable exercise bike.
Overall Size and Cost
Upright bikes are generally less costly as than their recumbent bikes counterparts. This is for the simple reason that they are less sophisticated, have fewer parts and components, and may be utilized for a limited range of uses.
Recumbent bikes are on the other hand larger in size when compared to their upright bike counterparts. This means they generally require plenty of storage space whenever they are not in use. It also means that they are overall more cumbersome to handle, carry around, deploy, and eventually utilize. Users who lack the necessary muscle power may find themselves at a significant disadvantage.
Those potential riders who have limited financial resource endowment may hence look up to the upright bike. The same case also applies to those who have limited storage space by virtue of residing in smaller housing units.
Final Verdict
All factors considered, the recumbent bikes are by far the better of the two options. That’s because they are effective in discharging their fitness role and are comparatively comfortable. The only major downside they have is the fact that they are more expensive than their uptight seat counterparts. This is however understandable given that items of high quality are understandably also equally expensive.
In case your financial resources are limited, you may consider opting for the upright seat bikes though. Otherwise, you should try all means possible to grab a recumbent bike in case you hope to derive the highest level of satisfaction.
Recumbent exercise bikes vs. Upright exercise bikes: What are the differences between the two? Click here to find out more…
