The purpose of this study was to evaluate metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and perceptual responses during recumbent cycle ergometry performed at various seat back angles and different work rates. Healthy college-aged men performed steady-state exercise at two work rates, 100 watts (n=46) and 150 watts (n=26), using five back seat angles, 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 degrees. The results of this study suggest that recumbent seat back angles of 135 to 150 degrees are associated with lower metabolic and cardiorespiratory stress during rest and submaximal exercise than more upright positions. The reduced stress at these angles is accompanied by lower perceptions of exertion and improved seating comfort. The failure of the base-line correction for resting V0 2 to remove the effect of seat back angle implies that the reduced physiological stress associated with these positions is due to reasons other than attenuated resting metabolic costs. It is concluded that the selection of recumbent seat back angles between 135 and 150 degrees can result in improved efficiency, reduced physiological stress, diminished perceptions of exertion, and increased seating comfort.