[CIRCLES]

Hello Everyone

Need advise about exercise bikes.

Are they good for weight loss?
Which is best Recumbent or Up-right?
What is a good choice (brand)?

Thanks for any help

[Suzanne 3FC]

I can't find any reviews of exercise bikes. I think ellipticals are becoming more popular than bikes. I used to have a recumbent bike many years ago, and didn't like it. I didn't feel like I was getting a workout, and preferred a traditional style. I would suggest that you try out stationary bikes locally and not order one online, because they have to fit you well. Otherwise, they may be hard to use, hurt your back, and evolve into coat racks.

[MrsJim]

We do have some Lifecycles at our gym - recumbant and 'the regular kind'. They're not used as much as they used to be - like Suzanne said, most people seem to gravitate towards the ellipticals and the newest treadmills. They do have their following though - mostly people who have difficulty moving - seniors w/ mobility issues, very overweight/obese folks, gym newbies - just about everyone's pedaled a bike at some point in their lives so it's a familiar place to start for many people.

When I was a kid, Dad bought one of those old Sears stationary bikes - not the one with the moveable 'arms' just a regular stationary mostly for me to use (I suspect). I was tasked to do 5 miles each day according to the odometer. Rebel that I was, I would turn the tension all the way to zero and pedal really really fast for a short burst then move my legs out of the way while the pedals rotated by themselves...now WHY did I do that - I could've just pedaled while reading a book or something Like I said, just bein' a rebel

Anyways, if I was going to get a stationary for home use, I'd probably opt for a 'spinning' bike, like we have in our classes at the gym. I bet you could probably find a used one fairly cheaply...OR buy a wind trainer and attach your 'outside' bike to it...