Recumbent Exercise Bicycles

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?

Public Comments

1. Good question, I'm thinking of getting a 'bent. Seems like you wouldnt have the problems with wrists and elbows (I do) from putting so much weight on them when riding a reg. bike They are suppose to climb better and be faster, but I smoke everybody I see on one, maybe they are just casual riders,(?)
2. Recumbent bikes are closer to the ground so less wind down there, still have your rolling wind resistance which is also less from the position you are in. You are able to apply more force seated because you have your back against a stationary object but force is bad for your joints. Spinning faster is better and more efficient. With an upright bike you can stand on climbs for added force if needed but it is easier on your joints, you are using body weight instead of pressure in the knees. I think recumbent are not as easy to spot by people in cars because you are so low to the ground, that is the thing that worries me the most. They are not much liked in pace lines also, messes up the draft, usually try to keep them in the back. They don't be able to sprint very well also if you are into that kind of thing. If you loose the draft without noticing and you want to stand , hammer back into the draft, I don't think it is that easy to do on a recumbent. Maybe some people with them will add their input. They are supposed to be good if you have lower back problems though, butt problems also I guess.
3. Recumbents typically have a significant aerodynamic advantage over uprights, and thus potentially higher top speed. Standard design is much more visible in traffic.
4. I ride both, and I hate to say it, but am slowly coming to the conclusion that my 30 pound $600 bent is a better bet than my 18 pound, $1800 Cannondale (which I love). Why? 1. Aerodynamics. Under equal conditions -flat or downhill, the bent is faster. I've hit 43 mph downhill on the bent in places where I could barely break 40 on the C'dale. 2. Comfort - as noted in another answer, it's easier on the neck, wrists, and yes, butt. 3. Fun - people look at bents and smile/wave. Advantages of an upright? -More nimble, manuverable- important if you have to deal with traffic and unknown roads. I'll ride my C'dale anywhere, anytime, with the knowledge that I can ride out of any situation. I only ride the bent on roads I know. -Easier to transport, especially by plane. - You don't get the smug looks from other cyclists that you get when riding a bent. (As if to say, you aren't a real cyclist on a bent). - Uprights are better than bents on hills. This can be important.
5. Food doc gave some good answers. Bents are better on the longer nonstop trips, commuting, touring, etc. Uprights (or up-wrongs as 'bent riders call them) are better for errand running short distance. hill climbing is tougher on 'bents but everything else is faster. you are frequently fighting long chain-line issues on bents- the chains are looong. riding a 'bent you better like talking to people, everyone wants to ask about them. quality service is a little harder to find; parts are easy but local mechanics that understand 'bent issues can be hard to find in some places.
6. not enough to replace the good old standard bike