Training & Nutrition - How much training value in a recumbent stationary bike?

I got a Nautilus NR2000 recumbent exercise bike for almost nothing from a neighbor who was moving. Had to take it. Coincidentally, I'm just getting back into cycling after more than 15 years of not. I've been running and am generally pretty fit, but obviously need to work on the cycling-specific muscles and some anaerobic work for sprints.

I'll get outdoors on my new bike (Specialized Roubaix Elite) as often as possible, but will frequently want to work out indoors due to weather or other reasons. That's just the way it'll be... but I'm still wondering about your experience:

- How much value do you find in using a recumbent stationary bike for cycle training?
- What are the biggest limitations?
- If I use it mainly for strength building (probably what needs the most work), will it hit most of the right leg muscles? Or what will it miss?
- I had toyed with getting a CyclOps 2 Fluid before learning that I'd get this equipment. Can I skip the CyclOps now and get "close enough"? I won't be racing, but would like to build my speed and duration capabilities.

Thanks for any of your thoughts on this.

I found nothing in it...I can pedal 50 miles on a recumbent but have trouble doing 10 on a regular! When i realized I was wasting my time on a recumbaent I never went back.

It seems like it works more ass then quads/calves.

When im at the gym I only see OLD people and people who look like they'd rather be eating chips and wathcing TV on them...not that that means anything, just an observation.

Rule #1: Never take recumbent advice from someone who can't spell recumbent.

You'll fund you get hotter on a stationary bike than an outdoor ride (no moving air). That can affect your HR, as well. My biggest problem with mine was that it was so boring, I just didn't ride it enough. Now, I ride my recumbent bicycle 100 miles a week, and haven't climbed back on the stationary bike since I bought the bicycle. YMMV.

Rule #1: Never take recumbent advice from someone who can't spell recumbent.



Wow, I didnt realize this was spelling 101...


Its like comparing leg press to squats...yeah your legs get worked out...but none in the same...squats are much more difficult and work a lot more of your body...