Recumbent bikes are for old hippies.
Cycling is great, I have been toying with getting a bike, but can't decide if I want a road bike or a dual suspension mountain bike.
2 polar opposites.
Road is uncomfortable, twitchy, the focus should be long rides so you might do 1.5hr-2hrs at a time sort of thing (IMO).
Dual suspension you’re talking enduro and downhill. A hard tail you can ride around and be fine.
The first question is are you wanting to ride for fitness (road easily wins this) or is it fun and some fitness (MTB easily wins this). If it’s the MTB, do you want to ride trails or just around the road? I’ve done track, road, DJ, XC, Enduro/downhill so I can maybe help out with some of my experience if you like?
I’m about to buy a DJ (Dirt Jumper) to ride at the new pump tracks build here. Soooo much fun!!! But it’s HIIT with max HR so it’s painful lol.