For cycling
For cycling, leg press rates higher on our research criteria: more carry-over to cycling.
Stationary bike is easier to learn and fit in.
Both are good choices that build different things for cycling, so a plan can use both.
The research score comes from these, scored by hand from the studies. Lifter scores appear once an exercise has 10 ratings. How scores work
Leg Press. Heavy leg strength work has the strongest evidence for better cycling economy and performance.
Stationary Bike. The sport itself, indoors: intervals you can control to the second.
For cycling, leg press rates higher on our research criteria: more carry-over to cycling. Stationary bike is easier to learn and fit in. Both are good choices that build different things for cycling, so a plan can use both.
About the same: both are easy to learn.
Leg press needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise. Stationary bike needs a treadmill, bike or stair machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise.
About the same: both rate Good for injury protection in our research rubric.