Upright vs. Recumbent Bicycles

[Sylvia]

Today I bought a used upright bicycle because I am looking forward to going for bicycle rides with my husband soon and want to practice first. However. my friend told me upright bikes are bad for people with knee replacements. I am about 9 weeks post surgery and was using a recumbent bicycle while in physical therapy. Does anyone have any experience with these two types of bikes?

 

[Clunker]

Hi Sylvia,
I would not worry one bit about a upright bike. I have rode a lot of bike,both recumbent and upright. I have a recumbent at home ,but at times wish I had a upright. The main thing is ,,make sure you set your seat height properly.Make sure the bikes fits. I might even take my outside bike and set up on rollers for the winter.

I wish you and hubby many happy rides.

 

[mtngal67]

My dad's had both his knees replaced and his PT person told him to get and use an upright bike specifically. I know at my PT place they only have the upright bikes. Not sure if that means anything specifically, but it leads me to believe the uprights aren't bad lol
Gale

 

[rhondavous]

Upright bikes hurt my rear end. I need that wide seat. I feel I can ride longer on the recumbent bike, but whatever works.

 

[loggon]

Most of the PT places have both bikes but they try and get you on the upright as soon as possible. I was told to try and do the upright because it was better.

 

[Surfsister]

I rode 20 miles yesterday on my road bike. My knee feels fine. My surgeon races bikes and knew I used to race bikes. He never warned me not to ride. So, you're fine with an upright bike.

 

[Surfsister]

I rode 20 miles yesterday on my road bike (which is upright). My knee felt just fine.

 

[Texas]

Yes i love mine i did the same used it at pt i know they sont want you to use tread mills but pt uses them so i have one at home and its great...........

 

[ship4]

I have an upright. It has been fine for me. Enjoy the riding!

 

[NLVCa]

I have a recumbent at home but ride an upright at the gym. I find it easier to quickly adjust the upright, riding the first 10 minutes set at one height, then lowering it one position for the next ten minutes, then lowering it another position for the last 10 minutes.

 

[Josephine]

Hello, Vern! It's good to see you. :thmb:

 

[calling_all_angels]

Hi Sylvia,
I started out at home on a upright bike. And then in PT used a recumbent bicycle. I like both I feel they work different muscles in your legs. And it is all about making those muscles strong. And if you do not have a stationary bike you can do as Mark said and set it up as one this winter.

 

[Jamie]

In many cases you are able to get more bend by using the upright cycle because of the way they adjust, but I think either is VERY good.

 

[Pat29627]

I had a semi-recumbent that I liked at first, but later it caused the sciatica in one leg to be so much worse that my foot would go numb and I'd be in pain all night.

I have a Schwinn upright exercise bike now that I love....the seat is fairly comfy and it has handlebars made for leaning on, a heart rate monitor, etc. I looked into putting my road bike on a trainer, but that would have cost a lot and I would not have had the features and comfort that this exercise bike has.

 

[cindy88fan]

At PT I rode an upright. They had the incumbent too but I was told by my PT that I would be on the upright. At home I have an incumbent and I have no problems with it. I feel I get more ROM with the upright. I am a very short person and I have my incumbent as far forward as possible. It fits just fine but I no longer feel the pull against my knee like I do on the upright. Happy riding!!!!

 

[tom67]

Have A Great Weekend Sylvia!!!