Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
the ones in the gyms (i.e. Lifecycles) are abysmal in my opinion. I've been forced to use them on occassion on business travel. They hit different muscles, and just don't feel right. I've found it almost impossible to get a decent aerobic workout on them , and I can't spin a decent cadence on them. Anyone I've ever seen use one was working at a pretty low level. My take is that if you want to do 20 minutes at 125 watts at 60 rpm while you watch TV, and the alternative is sitting on the coach watching TV, this could be a good exercise option. If you want to train to ride a bike forget it.
It's definitely different. My gym has both the regular exercise bikes and the recumbent exercise bikes. While I hate the 'bents... i try and switch my workout up and the recumbents are good for at least that... as far as not getting a good workout with them, I'd say that it's what you put into it i guess.