Quote Originally Posted by Brina

I am torn on the quesiton of less efficient bike equals better workout. I guess it comes down to a question of what kind of workout you are doing. If it is a set course - 4 miles to work and back each day, then yes, it does make logical sense that a heavier, less efficient bike would yield a better work out. If, conversely you have an amount of time that you work out - say 2 hours every saturday morning, then I would be thinking that you would have better results with an effiencient road bike that is built for going great distances fast.
It's really about YOUR effort level, not so much about the efficiency of the bike. An efficient bike allows you to put in less effort to reach a particular speed. When I made my bike more efficient, by changing tires and removing fenders, I added rocks to my bag to make the workout harder. Yes, really.

I think it's more important to ride a bike you find comfortable than to ride one that is efficient and uncomfortable.

Happy Riding!

V.