Recumbent Exercise Bicycles

opinions on more power & speed with lever drive systems on recumbents or even regular bikes? I viewed the Sherer(sp?) has 20" arms. I've been designing lever and linear much longer but stopped yrs ago. Now back with it again more improvements and I'm certain my idea(s) will be great. Always power & can create variable speed within.

What do you think of recumbents? Comfortable ride for us aging cyclists, or for dorks only?

recumbents are more comfortable and (i think) can go faster--why get an upright bike? if they cant go faster than i guess please let me know and just say whether there are any other reasons.

Where can I find a listing of used recumbent road bicycles for sale? I live in the great buffalo commons (Kansas) about 250 miles from any major shopping area. I would like to try a recumbant bike for a season before I invest in a new one. Where would I find used recumbents listed?

Why should I NOT buy a Sun Recumbent Tadpole or USX? I want a recumbent trike. I am not wealthy. I test rode a Sun Tadpole & a Sun usx. It was fun, but things just did not seems to work as great as I would expect them to. I am pretty illiterate when it comes to talk about bike components. Please share your opinions on Sun recumbents &/or make other suggestions that won't break the bank. I am a casual rider looking for a comfortable trike.

How to choose between upright and recumbent exercise bike? I have a sit-down job at home and have heel spurs on both feet, which doesn't help my morbid obesity. I want to get an exercise bike for when my feet really hurt, but would like to know opinions on upright versus recumbent exercise bikes. Recumbent might be easier on the tushie and I could use hand weights more readily, but an upright is a little smaller. Help!

Can a stationary recumbent bike help me lose weight in all areas of my body? I have back and knees problems and live in the hills. Floor exercise is painful and walking is too high impact for my bad knee. I am aquiring a stationary recumbent bike and am crossing my fingers that it will help with weight loss. My problem area is my stomach. I have about 25 pounds to lose. Thanks for your advice!

What are the advantages of a recumbent bicycle over an upright bike? And vice versa-- what are the advantages of an upright bike over a recumbent?

What is the difference between recumbent bike &stationary bike? What is the exact difference between a recumbent bike and a stationary bike? I have an Edge 280 which has a "bucket" seat, and it does NOT have an actual "wheel" that spins when you pedal. Does this sound like it's recumbent or stationary? Thanks.

Is a recumbent Bike a great way to lose weight? I ordered a recumbent bike to help lose weight, i have a bad back, so I am limited on exercise. Will this equipment help me to lose unwanted fat?

How do I select/specify a recumbent bicycle/tricycle the first time/? I am mulling the idea of switching to recumbent bicycle/tricycle, but have little knowledge on the selection/specification for it. Sellers seems as lost about it

What is the best type (and manufacturuer) of recumbent bikes for a beginner? I am in the market for a recumbent bike for fitness and commuting purposes. I'm willing to spend up to say $1300 to buy a reliable bike from a likewise reliable builder. Any suggestions?

What are the pros and cons of having a recumbent exercise bike over a normal exercise bike? I'm hoping to buy an exericse bike and I want to know the benefits og having a recumbent bike over the usual exercise bike? I've heard there is less stres ony our knees. I'd liek to know which one is cheaper and more compact and which one tones which parts of the body?

does sitting forward on a recumbent bike work different muscles? I gained like 5 pounds so I started watching what i eat more and exercising harder. I find that sitting forward on my recumbent bike makes my heart beat faster cause I can pedal faster without putting so much stress on the front portion on my thighs. But still my pants seem like they are getting harder to fit into around the waist even though i've started loosing. I wondered if maybe sitting forward is working my lower abs more?

How is the recumbent bike different from the stationary bike? Obviously, one is lower to the floor than the other. But doe you exercise different muscles for each, does one burn more calories than the other, etc? Exactly how are they different? I just started going to the gym and not sure which is better to use.

What is the best home recumbent bike and elliptical? I'm looking to buy a recumbent bike and elliptical machine. Considering both price and quality. . . what are the best ones to get? What are the best brands? What are the best places to buy these? Is online best or are there stores that are best to shop at? Thank you for your time.

Why has the Schwinn 231 recumbent bike become unavailable? This seems to be the most recommended model, so why is it impossible to find? Any suggestions as to which recumbent exercise bike to go with?

Do recumbent and stationary bikes work different muscles? All I keep seeing is people saying recumbent is more comfortable or better on your knees, but is either one better for different muscles?

Where is the best place to find a recumbent bicycle? I am a novice at cycling, and am interested in purchasing a recumbent bicycle. What should I look for, and how much should I expect to spend?

How does using the recumbent exercise bike compare with walking? I have knee and back problems. I've been having pain from my walks. So I was wondering if a recumbent bike would give me comparable benefits? Thanks in advance for your answers!!! :)

Is there any difference between an upright and recumbent stationary bike? I prefer to use the recumbent bikes because they are more comfortable, but are there more benefits to using one over the other?

How long should I excercise on a recumbent bike? I'm a 22 year-old smoker, I weigh 220 down from 230 about 2 months ago. I used to run on a treadmill for one mile a day. I have since stopped because it is way too difficult being a smoker. (please spare me the responses on quitting) My weight loss goal is 20 lbs. I believe this is within reach but I would like someone with experience to tell me how long I should pedal per day to get the fastest results. Thanks!

What are the benefits of recumbent vs upright stationary excecise bikes? Which one is better? I want to lose weight overall but especially in my thighs.

How hard would it be to build a recumbent trike? I was wondering if it would be possible, and affordable, to sort of cannibalize a few old bikes and rig together a bare bones recumbent trike.

Where would I buy a new or used stationary recumbent bike? My doc wants me to get one as I have a knee that needs replacement, but I also need to lose weight between now and when that happens. Can't walk very far, other machines I've tried cause more knee pain, except for the recumbent bike. It was great-I just don't know where to get a new or used one. Thanks for your help.

What is the difference between supine and recumbent postures?

What type of AC adaptor goes with the Vital Fitness RB260 recumbent bike? I have a Vital Fitness recumbent bike RB260 but it did not come with the adapter--so I am trying to find out the type that is needed to purchase.

Does a recumbent bike really help with weight loss? I've been using an eliptical machine every other day. On the day between, I'm using a recumbent bike for 30 minutes. Although I work up a mild sweat, I still feel like it's just giving my legs a workout and not the rest of my body. Are recumbents good for cardio? PS- I should mention that the bike is stationary. Riding a bike in this NC humidity just isn't my bag, baby.

What exactly is the point of a Recumbent Bicycle? Are they for lazy people or old timers who need back support? Are they more aerodynamic so therefore faster than Roadbikes? Are they legal in any competitions or do they have any recumbent exclusive comps? Etc.

How can I sell a barely used Nu Step 4000 recumbent stepper? Where can I find a buyer? Exercise machine is excellent for people with various physical limitations. It is found in rehab and physical therapy facilities. This one is in new condition and available at a bargain price! Shipping arrangements would have to be made.

Any health hazards involved with the use of recumbent exercise bikes? I like the recumbent bike because it doesn't put pressure on my lower back. I'm thinking of exercizing on it 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Are there any health risks associated with the recumbent (such as overuse injuries)? Thanks.

Is it more difficult to climb hills on a recumbent bike than a conventional bike? I am not a physicist but there must be some scientific explanation about the hill climbing characteristics of a recumbent bike vs. a conventional bike. From my belief about leverage, a conventional bike would be much superior to a recumbent.

Any health risks associated with recumbent exercise bikes? I like the recumbent bike because it doesn't put pressure on my lower back. I'm thinking of exercizing on it 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Are there any health risks associated with the recumbent (such as overuse injuries)? Thanks.

Should I ride my recumbent bike for 1 hour a day or make it into 2 one half hour sessions? Do the two half hours a few hours apart spark my metabolism twice or is is it better to do it all at once? Does it make a difference?

What are the pros and cons of upright vs recumbent exercise bikes? Does one burn more calories than the other? Any other advantages or disadvantages that you know of? Thanks!

What is the diffirence in training on a magnetic resistance upright bike, and a recumbent bike? i want to buy one to loose weight, i am pretty overweight, and i dont want to hurt my knees. which is better. do they work out diffirent areas?

Where can I purchase a recumbent tricycle with suspension for a reasonable price? I am hoping someone makes one for 500-1000 bucks. I listed this question before and didn't get any responses - it was deleted because I asked about an "adult" trike! Yahoo censorship rocks!

Why is the side of my left foot hurting after riding a recumbent bike in the gym? I rode on the bike for 45 minutes and now the left side of my foot hurts to where i can barely walk on it and both of my feet and ankles feel stiff. What could have caused this?

Need a Recumbent Exercise Bike for Someone with Back Problems? Can anyone recommend a recumbent exercise bike in which the seat backing can be adjusted to either an angle or upright. My wife is looking for one but suffers from extreme back spasms and feels more comfortable in a seat with a near vertical backing. Thanks!

My bottom hurts while riding a recumbent bike? I ride a recumbent bije once a day for 32 minutes at around 95 rpm (or as the bike says 20 mph) when I get to about the 25 minute mark my bottom starts to hurt. Is there anyway I combat this? It makes the last 7 minutes quite unpleasant.

Do you just start pedaling to turn on a recumbent stationary bike ? if it has an "on" switch, where would it be at ?

How do semi recumbent trikes fare for riding long distance on bike paths? What are the advantages and disadvantages for semi recumbent trikes versus conventional two wheeler bicycles?

Based on physics, is it more difficult to climb hills on a recumbent bike than a conventional bike? I am not a physicist but there must be some scientific explanation about the hill climbing characteristics of a recumbent bike vs. a conventional bike. From my belief about leverage, a conventional bike would be much superior to a recumbent.

What is the appeal of recumbent bicycles? Relative to a conventional bike the recumbent appears to have no advantages - its heavier, wider and more difficult to store, park, get down narrow tracks, put on the roof of the car etc. Its also lower, so you can't see over hedges or over the roofs of cars. I know I will have riled the cogniscenti - so let's have your answers!!

Where to find the largest selection of recumbent bikes in Orange County (southern California)? I would prefer not to have to travel outside of Orange county, as I'll likely have to pedal the bike home. Thoughts, please?

Does anyone here own a recumbent bicycle? I have been thinking about getting a recumbent for commuting and fun. Does anyone have any recommendations? Would a SWB be better than a LWB for dealing with traffic? Also, does anyone know of any recumbent dealers in the Atlanta area?

What's better a recumbent or regular exercise bicycle? Is there much difference in calories burned, quality of exercise or comfort? The bicycle will be used for general weight loss and fitness purposes, not hardcore training.

How do I size a recumbent bike? Do they come in different frame sizes, like a diamond frame bike?

What is better recumbent cycle or upright stationary cycle? I have a membership to Golds but with school I find myself not being able to go as often. I'm looking into purchasing a stationary bike for home. I typically ride the upright at Golds. Is thier a difference in workout intensity? Which would you recommend =)

What is a better cardio workout for weight loss: jogging, jumping rope, elliptical or recumbent bike? A 20 minute average paced jog 20 minutes of jumping rope 20 on the elliptical at a medium setting or 20 on the bike at an average pace.

Which is better on the knees, a recumbent bike or stepper? I have had a knee problem for more than 30 years from a car accident. . Which would be easier on my joints and help me lose weight, a recumbent bike to one of those steppers?

Is using a recumbent bike an effective means to lose weight? When I go to the gym, I tend to use the recumbent bike quite a lot. I usually ride it for about an hour around level 9. I sweat like crazy, but after an hour it says I've only burned about 300 calories. Is this even going to be effective? Feels like from how much I sweat, I'm burning way more....

Anyone get good results from a recumbent exercise bike? trying to decide between a recumbent bike or an elliptical machine. I dont need to lose weight, I just need something to maintain weight and perhaps tone up my legs and buttocks.

I want to build a DIY recumbent trike. Am I being realistic? I've found several sites offering plans for around $20 to build a recumbent bike or trike. These projects supposedly rely entirely on off-the-shelf parts and common tools, except for the need to bend and braze frame parts. I'm not a fantastically mechanically inclined person. Am I setting the bar too high with this project? Are the plans any good? Anyone have experience with this type of project?

How good for you is using a recumbent bike? Is it useless? I just did 20 minutes on a recumbent bike.. I was sweating a lot and my legs are now tired but I heard bicycling isnt as good for you as other excercises? So is this a good work out? 20 minutes or so pedaling really hard? if u dont know what this is its the one where you pedal the bike at different elevations and your body sits back and your arms hang to the side (your not leaning forward like a regular bike)

How did the Recumbent Lion from Ancient Egypt influence other cultures? The Recumbent Lion from the Old Kingdom which guarded the entrance to the temple of Harsaphes. I know that the lion was very typical for this time period but how did it influence other cultures or how did other cultures influence it? yeah guys that's seriously what im asking

Can you ride a Trailmate Fun Cycle on a dirt or gravel road or does it have to be paved? I'm not talking speed here...I just want to ride it up and down my dirt road. Also, is the steering hard on the lower back? My lower back is the whole reason I'm looking at recumbents. Thanks...My phys therapist says recumbent or swimming is all she'll approve. I've done a recumbent stationary and it was ok but want to get outside. I looked up the Sun...it seems I'd have to have it sent to a bike shop here because they don't ship to consumers in the US. Or maybe someone around here already has one. I live in Little Rock, Ark., not a huge city, have already checked the rental places around here that I could find. I'm not an off-road or cycling enthusiast, just a 44-year-old woman with a bad back and a dirt road. Would the Sun work on dirt/gravel? It didn't say in the info I found. I read that you steer the fun cycle by leaning into the turn and that got me worried about the strain on my back. Sorry for my ignorance, please bear with me. And now I notice your detail about the J&B catalog...ok

Why are recumbents so rare when they are more comfortable and faster on the roads.?

Why do people ride diamond frame bikes? I don't understand why people ride regular diamond frame bikes when recumbents are so much more comfortable and efficient. Please can someone tell me why they aren't more popular?

Which Products do You Wish were Available for Recumbent Bicycles & Recumbent Cyclists? Hello, This question pertains to any type of recumbent bicycle or recumbent cyclist: "traditional," high-racer, low-racer, trike, and so on. The products you would like to see could include those for the recumbent bike itself, or for the rider, such as special clothing or protection. The items could pertain to just riding for fun, touring, or commuting. Specifically, I would like to hear of items for recumbents'cyclists that are not available, or existing items that should be improved. Thank you, CycleMan

Which exercise bikes are better, upright or recumbent? I'm looking to buy a (cheap) exercise bike, but i can't decide what would be better, the uprights or the recumbents (the ones where you sit back and pedal as opposed to lean forward and hold the grips). Also, if you have any suggestions as to which brands to get or NOT to get, that would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to spend under $150, just a very basic bike, nothing fancy.

Question about the pedaling system on a tandem recumbent bicycle.......? how do the pedaling systems work on tandem recumbent bikes? im designing a custom tandem recumbent bike for a mom and her child with downs syndrome. the child has to be able to pedal, but not at all times. i would assume that all tandem recumbents are made so both riders don't always have to be pedaling. is this so? if so, anyone have anywhere i can get information on how it all works? thanx! do you know if any of those places sell their IPSs? or any really good companies that donate and might donate one since its for a child with downs syndrome?

anyone tried to build a recumbent? i've been riding a bacchetta giro for awhile now and love it, but recently i've been looking at those low rider recumbents and thinking i want one of those. being a diy person i'm curious about building one, i've been reading on various websites and such, but wanted to know if anyone around here has tried building one and what their expierence was like, especially if you are lacking in welding or metal bending catagories how you got around that, as this seems like its going to be my biggest hurtle, especially since i want to keep the cost down.

Best 16" tires for a Folding Bike...? I've noticed that not many manufacturers produce this size for adults oriented bikes -mainly Foldings and Recumbents-, but I'd love to know if you know who produces this size and type -16" X 2.00- and capable of handling over 200 pounds... Any idea will be great, thanx!

low coast recumbent bike? Are there any recumbents that are reasonable priced? I want to ride to lose weight and have some back problems. someone must make a lower end model for casual riding

Which is right for me: a crank-forward or recumbent bike? I have some serious back problems that keep me from riding a conventional bike...I can't turn my neck at all, and if I am not in a neutral position with the rest of my back I get really uncomfortable easily. I am trying to find a bike for when I got off to college. I want something that won't hurt me and that I can ride around campus and around town on. I have ridden in a recumbent before and although it was MUCH better than an upright, I still had complaints. There was little to no shock absorption, It was very difficult to look around, and well, I was just SO LOW! Recently, crank-forwards (semi recumbents) have come to my attention. They look really nice...but I am worried that I would still have to lean forward too much...is this is a problem? Do you have any suggestions on what I should be looking at, or even brand names? I really don't want to pay much more than $1000, so when answering keep that in mind. Thanks in advance guys! Thanks so much for the great answer, Rockie! Do you know anything about the Day 6 Comfort bike?

How well Does the "IceToolz BB tapping and facing toolset" tap and face the bottom bracket,? I am an amateur bike builder (recumbents) and have need for a tool to cut or chase threads and face bottom bracket . I do not want to spend the $600 plus for the PARK tool because I may only use it a dozen times or less. I have seen but one picture of the "IceToolz BB tapping and facing toolset" Does the "IceToolz BB tapping and facing toolset" do what its title says it does? and if so how well does it? Are there bottom bracket tapping and facing tools other than the PARK bottom bracket tapping and facing tool out there and what would I put in the search engine like google or Yahoo

If I cannot put any weight on my knee, what is the most resistance that I can use on a bike? I am 3 weeks past a micro-fracture knee surgery and an still 3-5 weeks away from being allowed to put weight on the knee. I am in physical therapy and using a recumbent bike. I am considering buying a bike to use at home for the next month or so. I know the machine I'm using at therapy starts increasing resistance around 30rpm so I have to keep it there or lower but as I'm looking at inexpensive recumbents from places like Walmart, none of them say anything about zero resistance. So now I'm wondering, would the lowest resistance level be about the same stress level to the knee as non-weight bearing?

truth or fiction about recumbent trikes? My husband and I are looking into buying some bicycles for this spring/summer, I came across an article on how recumbent trikes are better for ppl with back problems (both of us have them). So I went to a local bike shop and the guy told me that there would be no point in a recumbent because you CANNOT go uphill at all. You can only ride them on flat paths. We live in tennessee there is no such thing as flat, theres barely a such thing as bike paths the guy also said that I wouldnt be able to pull my daughter behind me on a recumbent. Is all that true? I cant imagine ppl spending thousands on a bike they can only ride on a flat surface, dont get me wrong Im no going to try and go in the mountains with it, but a hill should be accomplishable. And do I have to spend 2,000 a piece on recumbents? I wouldnt mind after awhile but just to try it out that price seems steep.