i have a recumbent bike that i use not as often as i would like.my knees hurt sometimes if i tighten the tension so i am wondering if i will get the same benefit if i loosen it?thanks Check your leg extension; recumbents want the length of the leg extension to be LESS than on an upright, especially under heavy loads.
so shorten the leg extension and see if the discomfort goes away. try it and see if it helps. an elliptical is easier on the knees than most exercise equipment. i would ride your bike on easy tension and manual mode, no hills or inclines and see if it helps. Less tension and more more more pedal strokes= more calories burned/ leans down legs....
More tension and LESS pedal strokes= more muscle building.... you'll bulk up | 