While both upright and recumbent bikes offer a great workout, they do differ in a few key ways. On an upright bike, the rider sits in an upright position, with the pedals positioned directly below the rider's feet. On a recumbent bike, the rider sits back in a reclined position, with the pedals in front of the rider's body.
Recumbent bikes can be more comfortable, especially for those who are managing back pain, as they offer a larger backrest for added support. On the other hand, recumbent bikes traditionally offer a tougher workout, as it’s much more difficult to push yourself into a sprint on a recumbent bike.