Stationary Bike Recommendations?

[Limper]

Hi all - I am booked for resurfacing surgery in January, and I am trying to get my ducks in a row.  I am looking into various exercises that may aid in recovery, and I have read that exercise bikes are helpful.  I am considering buying one, and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on whether the reclining or standard version was more suitable for recovery and rehab purposes. I have gone to spin classes for years, and am familiar with the spin class type bike used in gyms.  I would be inclined to buy that kind as I am familiar with it, but I wonder if it is harder to get on after surgery, or if the risk of falling off is somethign to consider.  Anyway, I'm interested in any suggestions. 

Thanks.   

[Dannywayoflife]

Keiser rwd is what I've got  ;D

[hernanu]

It also depends on whether your surgeon has a 90 degree rule - mine didn't so I could use the spinning bike withouth a problem, other folks with the 90 degree rule have found the reclining type better.

[Dan L]

I have both types, and have been using the reclining one exclusively, more out of habit, as I could not sit on the other one early on during the rehab from the first BHR.  I like that it seems to focus on/isolate the leg muscles a bit more than the other one had long ago.

Thanks

[imgetinold]

This is difficult to answer without knowing your budget.  However, about 10 years ago I purchased a used Lifecycle (from Lifefitness) on Ebay.  Just like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Life-Fitness-Lifecycle-9500-Exercise-Bike-/121028964243?pt=Exercise_Fitness_Cardio&hash=item1c2de36f93

At the time, I got it for $500 which was good then, since it was relatively lightly used.  I've probably put 2000 hours on the thing, have performed NO maintenance, and it runs as good now as it did then.  They are indestructible.  On the other hand, this model has very limited "programs"....the fit test, hill, random, and manual.  I just do manual and make my own intervals. 

The newer model has more functionality, and costs about what mine did then:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Life-Fitness-Life-Cycle-9500HR-Next-Gen-Upright-Bike-/330772190919?pt=Exercise_Fitness_Cardio&hash=item4d038f16c7

I'm sure there are other great bikes, but if you think you'll use it from now on, you can't go wrong with it.

[Boomer]

Limper - I don't think you need to invest in a stationary bike at all. Just buy or borrow a wind trainer and set your road or mountain bike up and ride like you normally would. You've already been fitted for your bike and have muscle memory based upon the riding you have done prior to surgery. The geometry of any new stationary bike tou buy will be entirely different than what you have been riding. Why put your body through another adjustment after all its been through already?In three months you will ditch the inside riding and be back enjoying riding in the fresh air. I used my road bike and wind trainer to recover from two resurfacings with some success.

You are right to worry about getting on and off your bike during recovery. I stationed furniture on both side of my wind trainer to enable me to get on and off using my arms mostly. You will notice very rapid progress once you start riding. The circular motion of riding a bike is perfect for increasing strength and flexibility without putting too much stress on the damaged tissue.

You have to ditch "Limper" and come up with a better name. Your days of limping are soon coming to an end. What do you think about "Strider".

My best to you.

Boomer