Many people are confused when it comes to which type of bike they should buy. The recumbent bike is a more comfortable, upright riding position that is more conducive to long-distance riding. On the other side, the spin bikes are for riders who want to get in “great shape” with intense cardio workouts that include resistance training and cardiovascular exercises. There are many benefits of either type of stationary exercise bike but both have their advantages and disadvantages. Before you invest in your next ride, make sure you know exactly what each type has to offer!
Table of Contents
What Are Recumbent Bike and Spin Bike?
Recumbent Bike
A recumbent bike is a workout machine that has a seat that reclines so the rider can lie down while pedaling. As you pedal, your body stays in a comfortable position without feeling any fatigue from the effort. This upper-body workout lets you focus on upper-body strength and cardio exercise while your legs remain relatively stationary.
Spin Bike
Spin bikes are designed to be stationary bikes with special features that make them more efficient for cardio workouts. The seat is usually mounted on the back of the bike and your handlebars are positioned at the front of the bike. Due to this vertical position, you are able to pedal really fast, similar to how a road cyclist rides.
Recumbent Bikes and Spin Bikes: What Is The Right Stationary Exercise Bike For You?
Many Recumbent bikes make for better long-distance exercisers. They are more comfortable because the rider is not straining muscles to pedal. This type of exercise bike is also recommended for individuals who are recovering from the spine, knee, or hip injuries because it allows the rider to maintain a good position to avoid strain on joints.
If you can afford it, choose a recumbent bike over a spin bike because of how powerful they are. Because of their sturdy construction and upright position, you will be able to work out your upper body without stressing your joints. However, if you want to work on your legs as well as your arms, then the spin bike is definitely the way to go. It incorporates resistance exercises that help tone and strengthen all muscle groups throughout your body.
Make sure you weigh the pros and disadvantages of each stationary bike before making a purchase so that you receive precisely what you want. Remember, an exercise bike can get expensive if you get one that is overpriced. Consider how much space it will take up and whether or not it is within your budget.
How To Pick Between Recumbent Bike And Spin Bike
When it comes to choosing the finest stationary bike for your house, there are many variables to consider. The benefits and drawbacks of each kind of bicycle are outlined below.
Pros Of Recumbent Bike
More Comfortable to Ride
Many people find recumbent bikes uncomfortable because they rest on your back and the seat sometimes hurts. For this reason, some people prefer spin bikes because they can sit upright and pedal like a normal bike. However, these models also tend to be less comfortable than the more relaxed reclined position of a recumbent bike. It’s worth noting that certain designs enable you to add a couple of cushions to the seat to make it comfier. Placing a pillow behind your head will give you extra cushioning and support for your neck and back.
More Cardio Workout
Although there are machines that provide a more controlled and efficient workout for the legs (spin and recumbent bikes alike), the extra resistance on a recumbent bike allows you to pedal even harder and burn more calories. Since the recumbent bike may be used in tiny spaces like a garage or even indoor training, it is one of the most essential features of the machine. It also makes it easier to find resistance levels appropriate for any level or age of exerciser, which is why they are very popular among children, teens, and adults.
Quieter
If you’re more worried about storage space than intensity, a recumbent bike is an ideal option. The more upright position on a spin bike makes them louder than a recumbent bike as you pedal forward and backward, especially if there is no music. A spin bike also needs to be mounted on a more secure stand and some will make noises whenever you shift your weight. moreover, the pedals on a spin bike will make more noise as they crash and bump against the non-moving parts of the machine.
Good for all Ages
Recumbent bikes are for everyone from children as they build strength, to the elderly as they strengthen the core and leg muscles from sitting upright, to those who want a more gentle workout as recumbent bikes provide less strain on the knees. Spin cycles are great for everyone since they enable you to pedal extremely quickly, but if you lack upper-body strength, they might be a problem. While the lower ab muscles are getting a workout on a spin bike, your arms and shoulders will work hard to keep up with pedaling at high speeds.
Good for Beginners
Recumbent bikes are good for both beginners and advanced riders. The upright position will place less strain on your back, allowing you to ride for longer periods of time. Allows for more control over the bike, hence preventing muscular injuries, as well. Spin bikes are slightly harder to learn due to the fact that you sit in a horizontal position instead of an upright one. Also, your arms and legs will get tired much quicker if you don’t have any experience riding a spin bike.
Cons Of Recumbent Bike
Storage
Space is always an issue at home so if you have a small apartment, you may need to get rid of your bike when you are not using it. Therefore, spin bikes are probably a better choice for people who do not have much storage space in their homes. Furthermore, the vertical handlebars on spin bikes mean that there is more surface space to store all accessories.
Poor arm Workout
Even though recumbent bikes are more comfortable for cardio workouts, they can get tedious after extensive use. Since your arms are placed in front of you while pedaling forward or back, there is little to no resistance on the arms at all.
Lower Back Pain
The lower back is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body in previous recumbent bikes. The taller seat can cause your knees to hit your thighs which can put extra pressure on your lower back. This is why many people choose to buy spin bikes instead of recumbent bikes because they are more forgiving than recumbent bikes. The way most spin bike handles differ is that they place handles at the base of the seat rather than the front. This eliminates this worry about hitting thighs when riding at high speeds on a recumbent bike since you are still lying down when pedaling on a spin bike.
Pros Of Spin Bike
Better Workout
The main benefit of a spin bike is that it provides a more intense workout for your lower body because you are pedaling vertically like on a normal bike. This allows the legs to get more resistance and thus, provides more cardio benefits. People who aren’t in peak physical condition may find this tough since it’s difficult to cycle at high speeds. If you are relatively fit, you will be able to cycle at high speeds which will cause your heart rate to go quicker and burn additional calories.
Efficient Workout
Spin cycles, as opposed to recumbent bikes, are better at tracking how many calories you burn during an hour of exercise since they are built for indoor training. Spin bikes also provide a more efficient workout for the body since they provide resistance on the legs and arms while recumbent bikes only provide resistance on the legs. Due to this, spin bikes tend to be better for people who want to lose weight and increase muscle endurance.
More Stability
Most spin bike models have a wider base which provides more stability during exercise. A wider base also means that you can ride on a spin bike even when you are outside or in windy areas. The way it is positioned (vertically) is much more like how you would ride a normal bike, meaning that if you drop your bike, it will be easier to pick it up yourself rather than carry an awkward recumbent bike around.
More Comfort
Since you are sitting upright, your back will not be strained in any way when you exercise. Because the seat is so large, you can sit on it for a long time without discomfort.
More Compact
Since all the accessories (like computers, tablets, clothes) are stored in the back wheel cage, it helps to make your space much more organized. This is especially helpful if you have limited storage space. Further, the handlebars are close to the ground instead of touching the ceiling like with recumbent bikes which makes it much harder to reach when exercising.
Cons Of Spin Bike
Bad for the Back
If you have a bad back, a spin bike can be very painful. The way you are sitting while peddling at higher speeds is unnatural and may cause injury to your lower back. Some recumbent bikes come with back support while some do not. However, even with the support, it is still good to remember that if you have a bad back, then a spin bike or any other exercise machine should not be considered at all.
Not good for Beginners
It is very exhausting to use a spin bike if you do not have any cycling experience or are out of shape. You will need a lot of upper body strength to keep up with the high pedal rate which can be very demanding.
Not good for Tall People
People who are tall might find it difficult to hold the bike upright when they are on their own. There is the risk that the seat will not be tall enough for you to pedal correctly with your knees in your thighs, putting extra strain on your lower back muscles.
Best Global Recumbent Bike and Spin Bike Brands
Schwinn
Schwinn is a well-known brand that is known for producing quality exercise bikes. Schwinn exercise bikes are available in both recumbent and spin bike models. They offer many different styles and features which makes them one of the best brands to go with, especially if you want something stylish.
Spinner Pro Cycle
Spinner Pro Cycle has been creating exercise bikes since 2002 and is one of the most popular brands for indoor cycling. Their spin bike models come in either single or double seats. They also offer an exercise bike model that includes a tablet holder and a cycling computer display. These models all have magnetic resistance which makes it good for workouts on any type of fitness level.
Sixsevens
Sixsevens is a spin bike brand that has been making high-grade exercise bikes for over 8 years. They offer both recumbent and spin bike models which are designed to help you lose weight, gain muscle, burn fat, tone up your legs, or improve endurance. Their exercise bikes are known for their quality construction and streamlined design. They are also user-friendly which makes it easy for beginners to use them right away.
Schwinn Airdyne Fitness Exercise Bike
Schwinn Airdyne Fitness Exercise Bike is a popular brand that has been producing excellent recumbent bike models since 1978. They specialize in exercise bikes and offer both two-seated and single-seated models. These recumbent bikes are designed to burn calories, tone your muscles, improve endurance, and increase strength. Their exercise bikes are made with quality materials which makes them long-lasting. It also comes with various other great features like an easy-to-use LCD display, shock-absorbing fat-burning pedals, a comfortable padded seat, a built-in water bottle holder, and other great features that are not available on other brands.
Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike is a brand that produces great spin bikes for beginners who are looking to get started on an affordable home exercise bike. They have been designing and producing high-quality exercise bikes for over 20 years. Marcy exercise bike models are equipped with an LCD display that helps you know the status of your workout. They also come with magnetic resistance pedals which ensure a smooth ride and a comfortable sitting position for beginners.
FAQ
1/ Do I Need A Personal Trainer When I Use Recumbent bike or spin bike?
If possible, yes. A qualified personal trainer can help you get the most out of your exercise bike by challenging you to go farther than you ever thought possible. As a result, they can help you devise a fitness regimen that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. As a result, they can help you devise a training regimen that is tailored to your specific needs and fitness level. Having a personal trainer hold you accountable to this plan is great motivation. It also helps to have someone there to answer any questions/concerns that come up throughout the process of getting fit with an exercise bike.
2/ Can I use my exercise bike outside?
Yes. Exercise bikes are designed to be used indoors. However, if you want to use yours outdoors, it is best to purchase one that has a weather-resistant frame.
3/ Are there any disadvantages of using an exercise bike?
Some people might find holding onto the handlebars of an exercise bike uncomfortable especially if they are used to biking outdoors. You may need gloves or padded handlebars if you think this might be a problem for you. Using an exercise bike can also be inconvenient if you live in a small place and don’t have much room to move around with them. Some models also do not fold up and it can be difficult to fit them into small spaces like closets or under beds.