There are several types of static bikes that you can use in the gym or buy for your home. While they all provide a high-intensity yet low-impact workout, a few key differences may influence your choice. What is the difference between a recumbent and upright bike? Recumbent bikes have a seat rather than a saddle, and the rider is in a reclined position with the pedals in front of them. Cycling from this position can be more comfortable as it distributes a rider's weight more evenly. It also puts less pressure on the joints and supports the lower back without the rider having to maintain their balance. For these reasons, recumbent bikes are often used in injury rehabilitation and recovery. Upright bikes are most familiar to people. They look more like the bikes we see daily on roads and paths. Like the recumbent bike, they also provide a low-impact yet high-intensity workout but in a more traditional riding position with the legs resting on pedals below the saddle. There are different types of upright bikes, including indoor fitness bikes, which use a weighted flywheel and have lower handlebars. The electricity-generating RE:GEN is an example of a fitness bike, and it's the type you'll commonly see in indoor cycling classes. You may also be familiar with air bikes. These static bikes use airflow to create resistance as the rider pedals. Recumbent vs upright bike The recumbent bike makes cardiovascular exercise more accessible to more people. It doesn't put as much pressure on the joints, allowing those with balance issues or poor mobility to get a great workout. Some recumbent bikes are also made to safely take a heavier body weight, which can be invaluable to people at the start of their weight loss journey. But upright bikes require more muscle use. Riders also use their core muscles for stabilization, unlike on recumbent bikes, where balance is distributed more evenly across the seat. Indoor fitness bikes also allow the rider to stand on the pedals, imitating a hill climb, making for a much more rigorous workout. The recumbent bike takes up more floor space, which can make it less suitable for smaller spaces. An upright bike's footprint is smaller, making it easier to position. Some upright bikes also have moving handlebars that provide an upper-body workout. Airbikes often give an upper body workout, too. A recumbent bike can be safer. Riding at higher speeds on an indoor bike does have an element of danger. There is an emergency stop button, but the fast-moving flywheel and rapid pedals can pose a problem if your feet slip off. You have more control on a recumbent bike. There's more choice when buying upright bikes. This is true both for gyms and home users. Of course, recumbent bikes are available at different price points, and some now have software to make riding more engaging, but you won't see as much choice as an upright. Both bikes offer a great potential workout. It really depends on what you want from the session and whether you have any special requirements. The recumbent bike is a better option for less pressure on the hips and knees, especially if you have sufficient floor space for it. If you want a wider range of bike options, including the option to generate clean electricity to power personal devices or a smart bike with digital resistance and performance tracking, then upright bikes will have a wider pool of options.