Recumbent Vs. Upright Bike
Recumbent bikes and upright bikes come in both stationary indoor versions and outdoor road versions, all of which provide a good way to exercise. If you are deciding on investing in a bicycle, you will want to know the differences between recumbent bikes and uprights.
Other People Are Reading
-
Features
-
An upright bike is what you might consider to be a traditional bike. You sit high off the ground, your seat is directly over the pedals and the handlebars are at seat level. You lean over the handlebars and look down when you ride. With a recumbent bike, it's more like you are sitting in a chair. These bikes have bucket seats and back supports. The handlebars are right in front of you to hold onto. There is no leaning over. The pedals are more even with the seat, so you pedal out in front of you.
Exercise Bikes
-
Both recumbent and upright bikes will give you a similar workout, according to the Trainer Secrets website. The main advantage to the recumbent exercise bike is that it is more comfortable than the upright exercise bike. If you are more comfortable, you may be more likely to exercise more. Recumbent exercise bikes take up more room than upright exercise bikes, so if space is a concern, you may prefer an upright exercise bike.
-
Considerations
-
If you plan to do a lot of riding in hilly areas, an upright bike is the better choice. You are able to stand up when the hills get steep on an upright. You can't do that with a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes are also heavier than uprights, making it that much harder to make it up the hill. Recumbent bikes are also harder to ride on gravel roads than upright bikes are. The lower center of gravity could cause you to fall more often on a gravelly road, and you can't shift your body around as you can on an upright to mirror fishtailing of the wheels, according to the Bicycle Touring 101 website. Also, in an upright bike, if you are going to fall, you can prevent the fall by putting your leg down. You can't do that in a recumbent bike.
Benefits
-
If you plan on riding in flat areas where the road is paved, or maybe along the beach, you might prefer a recumbent bike because it is more comfortable. You can also ride it longer for that reason. If you have any pain from riding an upright bike, you may be able to better ride a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes are also faster to ride in a headwind because of the smaller frontal area, according to the Bicycle Touring 101 website.
Significance
-
If you are planning to join a bike racing club or want to ride as a team sport, then an upright bike is the better choice. You will be better able to keep up with the other riders and stay in pace lines with an upright. If comfort is your main goal, then a recumbent is a good choice, especially if hills are not a problem. Recumbent designs vary widely, so you should try out the different types to see which fits you best, recommends the Bicycle Touring 101 website.
-
References
- Photo Credit bike image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
