Recumbent Exercise Bike

crossor

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a recumbent exercise bike for my dad for Christmas and I'm looking for a little bit of advice/help. My dad's overweight, in his early 60's, has a bad back and wouldn't be used to exercise of this type. For all these reasons I thought a recumbent bike would be best for him to help him lose some weight. I've 3 areas I was looking for help with:

1. Is my logic right and would a recumbent bike be best for dad?
2. What should I look for when buying a recumbent bike?
3. Anyone know where I'd get one at a good price? Would anyone have an old bike that's gathering dust that they might consider selling at a good price?

I'd greatly appreciate any help you can give. Thanks

hunnymonster

would you consider getting him gym membership instead? I say this because someone in the gym could advise him based on his back difficulties and design some strength and conditioning stuff for him? In theory, yes a recumbent bike does place less strain on your back than an upright one but it's hard to tell without knowing your dad if this will be sufficient for him. Just a suggestion.

BossArky

Before buying one get him to go for a test cycle.

Zamboni

Nice thought.
The only fear is that it ends up as a clothes horse.
Its also requires him to exercise in isolation. Do you think he will?
A gym membership has a social aspect to it.
You could go with him and make it a regular part of his lifestyle.