Recumbent - Need some help in picking a bike

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POLK727
12-22-07, 03:03 PM
Im currently in the process of looking for an indoor exercise bike. I don't want to spend more the $500 and have found 2 bikes that I like.

These are from the same company but this one is set up so you will be riding it upright.
Multisports Cardio Upright Bike (http://www.illpumpyouup.com/fitness-equipment/multisports/cardio-cycle-5000u-programmable-upright-bike.htm)

While the other one is Recumbent
Multisports Recumbent Cardio Bike (http://www.illpumpyouup.com/fitness-equipment/multisports/cardio-cycle-4050r-programmable-bike.htm)

They are the same price, Im just wondering which one will give me a better workout.

djsincla
12-22-07, 03:39 PM
Each bike uses slightly different leg muscle set. You will find with the upright bike you will be able to stand and use body weight/gravity to help you push up the big (virtual) hills. The recumbent I think will give you a harder work out as you will not be able to stand for the (virtual) hills while at the same time will be a much more comfortable exercise ride.

If you already have a road bike you ride, I would buy the exercise machine that matches your road bike so that you can build up your road bike muscles. Space in your house for a stationary exercise machine may be an issue and it appears the upright machine takes up less space.
JanMM
12-22-07, 09:22 PM
Not sure that you'll get a lot of useful feedback about a recumbent exercise machine in a recumbent bicycle forum. Although what djsincla says makes sense.

BlazingPedals
12-23-07, 09:25 AM
What the others said. Personally I don't see the utility in purchasing a machine that is only good for exercising indoors. Since this is a recumbent bike forum, the recommendation should be to get a recumbent bike and put it on a trainer. Your $500 budget makes that tough, though; you'd need to buy a $150 mag trainer and a $350 used recumbent (or some similar allocation of funds.) At least with that combination, when the weather turns nice you can take it outdoors and go someplace!
keith-pam
12-23-07, 12:08 PM
I bought ( 7 yrs ago )what looks similar to the recumbent exercise bike above. Mine (TREK 2200)looks identical except it has a led screen for pacing and mountain courses etc. I think it cost around $500. Pedal placement is the same as Tour Easy I use on street. I recommend this , especially if you live where the snow makes riding outside impossible.
Keith