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What Is Better: a Recumbent Bike or an Upright Bike?
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/159951-w.../#ixzz1hUCS2eRePhoto Credit miniature bicycles image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
It can be a challenge to decipher whether an upright or a recumbent bicycle is more appropriate for an individual. Both bikes provide the same caliber of energy expenditure. Where they differ is in comfort level and orthopedic limitations. Each bike has features that make it favorable to a particular rider.
Differences
Upright bikes and recumbent bikes have there own unique components, which set them apart from each other. Upright bikes resemble more traditional outdoor bikes in design and function. The seat is located directly over the pedals and is height adjustable to accommodate riders of different sizes. The handlebars on an upright bike also duplicate road bikes to allow the body to position itself while pedaling. Recumbent bikes place the body in a more supported plane by utilizing a back pad, while still creating an appropriate pedaling angle for efficiency. A recumbent doesn't allow you to stand up and use your body weight. You're locked into a static position for the duration of the activity.
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Pros of Upright Bikes
Upright bikes feature varying body positions. They can simulate different activities such as hill climbing and sprinting. You can lift your body off the seat to pedal with a much greater force and exertion. This allows a person to burn more energy per minute of exercise. Upright bikes also take up less space. They are smaller and take up less surface area than recumbent bikes, making them better for home use.
Cons of Upright Bikes
There is a low comfort level. People complain about handlebar placement and comfort of the seat. The handlebars on upright bikes force you to lean forward more and this is uncomfortable for many people. The seat has no back support, which can cause discomfort through the lumbar, or lower spine. Upright bikes also have size limitations. Shorter people don't have the limb length to be situated comfortably on most upright bikes, even at the lowest seat setting.
Pros of Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes offer better joint alignment and thus better trunk stabilization. This can be especially important for adults with back pain. These kinds of bikes are more comfortable because your weight is evenly distributed.
Outdoor recumbent bikes are much safer than upright bikes for every segment of the population, including obese adults and young children. A person can provide a great deal of force through the pedals, while still keeping weight shifted back.
These bikes also offer more upper body relaxation. A recumbent bike doesn't require exertion of the upper extremities. You can use your arms to read a book, hold an iPod, or just stay still. This way you can isolate your energy to your lower body, creating a better aerobic workout in the legs.
Cons of Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes can be bulky and large. These bikes tend to be much bigger than uprights, which makes them harder to store, transport, or accommodate for use in a small space. They are also expensive and tend to be a little pricier than their upright counterparts. This is due to the fact that they are larger and usually have more parts. Recumbent bikes don't allow for movement off the seat to get a more strenuous workout. You are basically stuck in one position for the duration of the activity.
Read more:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/159951-w.../#ixzz1hUB6m6td
