Weight loss success with recumbent bicycle??

Have you tried riding a bike outdoors? Or even at a different gym? There are literally thousands of different bike saddles, some are much better than others. Also, on a bike, your weight is going to be supported by your butt, but also your legs on the pedals and your hands on the bars (and your core muscles to a lesser extent); riding outdoors changes the dynamic in a way that many people find easier on the rear. For example you don't see people standing up to pedal much in a spin class (the ones I've seen anyway) but it's kind of common to do that when you ride up a hill. And, obviously, that takes some pressure off your derriere. Pedaling hard moves some of that burden to your legs, too.

With all that said, most of the energy you spend on a bike goes to pedaling to move it, not to keeping your balance. The formula for determining calories burned on a bike relies on torque and rotational speed (cadence if you measure at the pedals), not body position.

I ride the recumbent bike all the time due to back and knee issues. I ride 30 minutes, 4-6 times a week along with weight lifting. The amount of calories extra you might burn on a different bike won't be enough to make a difference. Also, if you want to ride that kind of bike, buy the shorts they make for them. They are padded and a little expensive but most people who spin wear them.

I think it depends on your fitness level and desired goals. I use a recumbent bike and I am able to get my heart rate up to appropriate levels.

i used one for over a year. did great with it, and lost weight faster than with lower calories alone, but of course how much one burns depends on intensity and speed. one person could burn 80 calories in half an hour with a relaxed approach whether another could burn 300 calories or more in the same amount of time by upping the level and really going for it.