Quote:
Originally Posted by tooth
I'd imagine that on a stationary bike you are only working your legs, where on an actual bike you are using your torso/upper body as well in keeping balance and steering.
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This is what I'm thinking. The stationary bikes that I've used have you sitting in a rather relaxed and stable position, where your legs are doing all the work. The nice thing is that your legs will get nice and strong as there's no "coasting."But I figure when you're on a bicycle your body still has to work to maintain balance and control.
And there is no comparison when hills are concerned. Building up a good bit of speed on the approach, pulling up on the bars for leverage as you make your way, then having to get out of your saddle and mash on the pedals when you realize the hill was much steeper than you thought...the variables keep you on your toes and make you work. I can't say the same for stationary bicycles as they just get boring very quickly.
Are there any fairly quiet neighborhoods that you can ride through? I have the misfortune of living by the exits of 2 freeways (710 and 10), so I pretty much stay out of the main roads unless I'm biking in a group. Thanks to Googlemaps I was able to scout and map a course that mostly takes me through quiet streets with a few hills.