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upright bike vs. seated bike

what is the difference between the upright bike and the seated bike if any? which is better to use?

Wed. Apr 5, 8:47am

I'm guessing you mean the normal-looking bike vs. the one that has the back rest and looks somewhat like a chair. The normal-looking bike is better because you need to use your core muscles to hold yourself up. You'll get a much better workout using it. The bike with the "chair" is for people with back injuries or other reasons which they cannot stabilize themselves, or it's painful for them to stabilize themselves. If you find that your back hurts when you use the typical bike, and no amount of adjustments will change that, or you've had a back injury, then you should use the bike with the "chair." Otherwise, you should use the typical bike.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006, 10:30 AM

Actually I like to use both and it's completely untrue that you do not work your core on the recumbant bike.

A recumbant bike is awesome for a long, steady workout. It's exceedingly comfortable, easy on the butt, and does beautiful things for your thighs and @ss. As long as you do not slouch - your core will get a fine workout as well. I love it for crosstraining and it's made a HUGE difference in my ability to do hills (walking, hiking and running).

The upright bike offers more postions (you can stand or crouch like a racer) and you will be able to really get those rpms up there (you can't quite go as fast on a recumbant, but most people won't notice unless they're serious cyclers). You 'should' get more of a core workout because you have to stabilize yourself, but considering some of the aweful form I see with a lot of people using the stationary bike I don't think a large percentage capitalize on this. Unless you know and keep good form you will be putting some major stress on your lower back and not working your core much at all. These bikes can be hard on the behind until you've ridden quite a bit and 'toughened up'.

I feel I get a better leg workout on the recumbant (since gravity doesn't help you much and you have to push against those pedals harder) and increase endurance more rapidly because long workouts are quite comfortable. The upright is better for 'sprints' and stabilization exercise. As with everything - good form is the key to getting an effective workout. I would have to say good form is easier on a recumbant bike, especially as you get fatigued. I highly recommend using both.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006, 1:24 PM

what should a first time bike rider use? i have used the eliptical and treatmill but i'm lost when it comes to the bike

Wednesday, April 05, 2006, 1:56 PM

Assuming you rode a bike when you were a little kid, I'd probably recommend the upright bike - it'll feel more familiar.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006, 2:40 PM

I cannot imagine a first time bike rider would have much of a problem with either. Personally sitting on my butt feels plenty natural ;-) I would say if you have access to both (gym membership) then try both. In fact even if it's a piece of equipment for your home - see if you can a friend to get you a guest pass for a week and still try both. Really it's going to be a matter of preference, and you won't be sure until you have gotten a good workout on both. Then decide which you would prefer. If you have both available to you in a gym - why limit yourself? Mix it up!

If this is a piece of equipment you are buying for yourself, an upright will be a bit less $$, take a tad less floorspace (although not enough to notice unless you have a tiny apt), and as you increase your fitness level and want to work out at a faster pace, then the upright will probably 'age' with you better. If you are not very fit, have not biked much (ie: tender butt) and want to be able to ride for a long time very quickly, then the recumbant might be a better choice.

Try them both if at all possible - a good 20 minutes for a couple days.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006, 9:09 PM

OP here

I did the upright bike for 15 mins yesterday, not so bad but how do i keep from feeling like my bottom is falling off the seat?

Thursday, April 06, 2006, 8:58 AM

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