Exercise bikes???

Upright is probably what you think of when you imagine an exercise bike. They have all the electronic gadgets and maybe even the handles move. It's a traditional riding position. The recumbent has you sitting down as if in a chair with your legs out in front of you. This is the one I see the most people sitting at and comfortably reading books. It's good if you have some back issues or can't get used to the seats on a regular exercise bike. Spin, well that's like a streamlined Porshe of the exercise bike world. It's set up similar to how a road bike might be configured. You're expected to change riding positions and just go crazy on it. I've never seen them with electronic controls and can't think of a reason why they'd need 'em.

Preferences and suggestions.... If you think a normal bike will be uncomfortable, then you're probably going to be happier on a recumbent. It's a more relaxed riding position. Like I said, you can probably sit back, relax, read a book, and move your legs. The reason why I won't use one. Can't get serious on it. I would suggest a normal bike for most people as you can do more on it. You can stand and pedal even, creating more of a workout than a recumbent could ever do. Spin bikes are typically for classes or somebody that has a routine they want to train with for their road bike endeavors. A spin class will kick your butt!!! I was racing cross country mountain bike and got my butt kicked in a spin class. Unless you have video's for training or are motivated enough to develop your own workout, I would stay away from them. They're really overkill for most people. I have a gym membership to a gym less than 2 miles down the road. I have access to all three as well as daily spin classes. I still want a bike for the house on the days I don't feel or have the time or ability to leave. I'll be getting an upright.

I used to think that exercise bikes were a joke, and then I used an Airdyne. Not sure what category these bikes would fall in, but they will kick your *kitten* (try doing sprints...30 seconds all-out effort, 1 minute rest, repeat). Definitely not a joke.