What is a recumbent bicycle?

• A leisurely ride on a recumbent
  
  A recumbent bicycle uses a chair-like seat in place of the narrow saddle on conventional bikes. Riding position is more reclined than the leaned-over position of the road cyclist. People who ride recumbents find them more comfortable, and are worth considering if you've experienced pain from riding a traditional road bike or mountain bike.
  
  

Got Back Pain?

• Rider position on a road bike
  
  The bent-over position of the road bike can cause low-back pain, stiffness and soreness because the rider's spine is compressed by the riding position, a problem that's especially serious with long rides. Neck pain can result from being bent over the handlebars and having to constantly look up to see the road.
  
  

Can A Recumbent Bike Help?

• Recumbent bikes are designed to evenly distribute your weight on the bicycle, instead of concentrating it on your "sit bones" and your hands. Sitting on a recumbent bicycle is similar to a sitting in a comfortable chair. Your bottom rests in the seat, not on a thin, hard conventional bike saddle that pushes against the base of your spine. For men, there is no pressure on sensitive areas that can cause pain and numbness, and even temporary impotence.
  In addition to the comfort differences, a recumbent lets the rider generate more power by pushing through the pedal stroke as opposed to the push and pull of a road bike with clipless pedal. There's far less neck pain because the rider's head remains in a "neutral" position. Arms and shoulders don't bear any weight, relieving any pain in those areas. People with sciatica and herniated discs report that riding a recumbent bike reduces or eliminates the pain in their lower back.