Recumbent Exercise Bicycles

What are the benefits of a stepper bike over mountain bike for fitness?

I need a new bike for fitness and I came across what are called "Stepper Bikes" has anyone ever heard of them? They don't have seats or pedals, I am not sure about this bike, I watched the videos and I think I can get a a great workout from a fitness stepper bike, but I am not sure I would want to take it out for a regular ride with my wife. Any fitness experts know about these bikes? http://www.randyrrross.com/ I don't know if I would want one in the mountains, but I live in Miami and the tallest hill here is the landfill.

Public Comments

1. It would be nice to try one out first. I never seen one before. I think a regular bike would be better for fitness.
2. I just checked out the stepper on youtube. It looks cool, but I suspect it's more of a novelty for the serious exercise freaks. It might be great, who knows? I've ridden 10's of thousands of miles on bicycles and found them to be excellent for work outs or leisure. Also, with the stepper, it looks like when you slip off of your pedals (murphy's law... it'll happen) you're going to have a nasty meeting with the rear tire.
3. My take is that it's all just for show. I doubt that there is any aerobic advantage over mountain biking. The advertisement - which is what it is, a paid ad with paid celebrities - makes it look great; pretty people riding helmetless on paved paths in front of a beach, wind through their hair, etc. Of course it's not going to paint a down side. I picture these as many other trendy cycle/scooters to fade away while bicycles continue on.