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Does Stationary Recumbent Riding Help Road Bike Riding?

Question: The gym in my office building has a stationary recumbent. Does using it provide the same benefits as riding outside on my road bike? — Jim N.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Many riders who switch between a recumbent and an upright bike say there is a noticeable difference to their pedaling muscles.

The respective riding postures and leg action are not identical. It can take several weeks for the body to fully adapt to the new orientation.

However, if you are alternating between the two bikes by riding each one each week, the difference will be less of a problem.

That said, it would certainly be more specific to your outdoor riding if you could pedal your own bike on a trainer.

If logistics don’t allow that, the recumbent can still provide a good bit of cardiovascular fitness that would carry over to your road bike.

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