Exercise Bikes: Standard or Recumbent?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

This is Wisconsin and we're expecting a foot of snow tonight. Biking on the street is pretty much out of the question. And mountain biking?

:rofl:

Not in this weather.

So I'm looking for an exercise bike for the whole family (Me and Mrs. Jeff in Milwaukee are mid-40's and the kids are pre/early teens). Any suggestions as to which would be better?

Lightning Round: Recommend makes/models that you like.

NOTE: Cross-Posted from the Lounge

[trotsky]

1. Have you ever looked at ellipticals?

I had an exercise bike and hated it. Tried an elliptical and was hooked. Have used it several times a week now for 5+ years.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Seconded on the ellipticals

We have a Nordic Track CX925 and it definitely gives the body a workout. It has a timer, heart monitor, fan, keeps track of reps and calories and fat burned. One downside, It weighs about 12 thousand tons and is rather unwieldy to move, but it does have wheels. We have ours set by a big window on the north side of our home so I can watch the day go by as I sweat.

[kirby]

4. Hate elliptical...

It is an unnatural stride for me. My feet fall asleep (pins and needles) after about 15-20 minutes. I prefer a treadmill.

As far as bikes, recumbent are better for your lower back.

[MADem]

3. When I used to use exercise bikes in the gym, I spent more TIME on the

recumbents. They were closer to the tee vee....dunno if they're better, but they're more comfortable.

[sam sarrha]

5. excellent if the pedals aren't too high

[cosmik debris]

6. I have a NordicTrack SL 700

I like it but I don't think they make it anymore. (and you have to know how to do the repairs yourself because it is too expensive to pay for repairs)

Bikes that force you to lean forward strengthen your lower back. That is important to me, maybe not to you.

It is easier to watch TV with a recumbent.

Bikes are great for cardio, but not for full workouts. I will go with an elliptical next time I buy.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

8. Forced to lean forward...

That would be the upright model, then, right? I've heard that recumbents are "easier" on your back, but I think that strengthening my lower back would be beneficial, as well. Don't have back problems, but I'm 46 years old so it's just a matter of time.

[cosmik debris]

9. Not all uprights

The ones that force your posture forward as opposed to straight vertical. Like a racer.

Remember form is VERY important. Keep your spine straight and bend at the hips. Seat adjustment is also critical. Get advice on that from the manufacturer.

If it hurts, you are probably doing it wrong.

Here's mine

[Jane Austin]

7. Recumbant.

The seats on the uprights made my derriere go to sleep.

[Warpy]

10. I worked with a guy back in New England

who rolled in on his bike in one of those 18 incher blizzards. We asked him why the hell he'd biked in to work.

"Jeez, you don't think I'm gonna drive a car in this shit, do you?"

[Evoman]

11. Heh...if you can afford it, your better off getting a family gym pass or something.

Hitting the weights is almost as (or more?) important than cardio.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

12. We have some light free weights

I've noticed that one thing with recumbent bikes is that they have some limited ability to double as a bench.

Edit: The closest YMCA is several miles away and in an area where we don't go through even when we're on our way to somewhere else. I think we would be inclined to not use it. As soon as the weather clears, we have nots of good walking/jogging trails. It's just the winter time that's a problem.