There are a lot of reasons to try out the best rated recumbent bike. Whether you are in it for weight loss, core strengthening, general health and fitness benefits, or fun, this activity has you covered. Buyers beware though– purchasing a low-quality bike or product dupe could leave you hundreds of dollars down and potentially injured. How can you tell which products are legitimate in such a saturated market? Reading recumbent exercise bike reviews is a great way to start your search on the right path. All three of the options below are tried and true.
If you are looking for a highly customizable experience, then a bike from the Schwinn Series might be a good fit for you. Using Bluetooth, you can sync your machine with the manufacturer’s app and access training material and other types of tracking resources. You can also connect it to the free RideSocial app, which enables you to ride real-time alongside your fellow riders. Thanks to the 29 different sessions programmed into this product, you will never grow bored. You will also be able to maintain a dramatically diverse workout regiment doing a different full-body workout every day of the month if you wanted.
The machine itself runs super smoothly. You will hardly even notice that you are stationary. Just keep your sight on its easy-to-read screen and watch your workout go by in the blink of an eye. If you want, you can play music or podcasts via MP3 out of its premium speakers. When you grow hot, just turn on the product’s fan to cool down.
PROS:
Extensive programming
Wide resistance range
Bluetooth enabled
Embedded fan
Built-in speakers and USB charging
CONS:
None
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
Buying this top-rated recumbent bike honestly turned my life around. Between my job and family, it’s too hard to get to a gym. Now that I have this in my basement, I exercise all the time!
Around this time last year, I was asking myself– what is a recumbent bike? Today, I’m using one to soar for miles in my own living room to the beats of my favorite tunes. The wind blowing in your face even makes you feel like you’re outside.
This is the best recumbent exercise bike for seniors. It’s so easy on your spine and it’s simple to play with the settings. I’m getting into my 70s and sometimes I swear this is the only thing keeping my legs working.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 model has a large seat that will make even the longest rides comfortable. It can hold up to 350 pounds and has a high back to offer additional back support. No matter what your riding skill level is, this product will have a resistance level that suits you. Its eight magnetic resistance levels are unique and allow you to build up your strength and continue to challenge yourself. Unlike other products, this option’s no-slip pedals put an end to annoying and potentially painful slippage. All you have to do is secure your feet with their straps and ride away. This product will likely be a good fit for stationary bikers of any level who require a machine they can effortlessly move around. Thanks to the wheels screwed into the bottom of the machine, you just have to lift one end and pull it to wherever you need.
PROS:
8 resistance settings
Extra-large seat
No-slip pedals with straps
Sensors to report your heart rate
CONS:
Squeaks after some time
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
After reading so many testimonies claiming that this was the best recumbent exercise bike, I figured I had to at least give it a shot. I’m so glad I did. After only two months of using it, my body looks and feels ten years younger!
So far, this is the best home recumbent exercise bike I’ve come across. I especially love that I can keep tabs on my pulse. It allows me to figure out how hard I am working and how many calories I am burning.
Best recumbent bike for seniors, hands down. Even in my frail years, my wife and I can move this in and out of our storage closet for our weekly exercise days.
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Sunny Health & Fitness’s SF-B2721 model has an oversized seat with thick padding to make your daily ride more comfortable. Behind the seat is a holder for your water bottle so that you can stay hydrated while you exercise. This product has ten different resistance levels, which enables your strength to grow with the machine. With it, you will also be able to monitor your health levels, for example, your heart rate and how many calories you have torched. Last but not least, this product takes up less space than many of its alternatives, and it comes for a pretty good price too. It is likely the best home recumbent bike for people without a lot of space to exercise in their house.
PROS:
Health monitoring controls
Super compact
Ultra-plushy seat
CONS:
Not great for very tall or short folk
Difficult to unfold
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
My husband read this recumbent exercise bike’s reviews and bought it for me for my birthday. Definitely the best gift I have ever received!
This is the best recumbent stationary bike on the market to date. Everything is good about it, including the price.
I think that this is the best recumbent bike for those looking to get some good exercise every once in a while. I use it about once or twice every two weeks and it has held up very well.
Previous Top Choices
Investing in the best recumbent bike is a wonderful way to take your health to the next level in the comfort of your home. It is a great alternative for anyone who wants to either warm up the body for further workout routines, or for a solid workout in itself.
Best of all, you can park the bike in front of your computer or TV and control your own entertainment while getting your cardio on. One of the most difficult tasks, though, is finding a brand and model that includes the ideal features at the right price level. There is a lot to consider.
But the good news is that when buying a recumbent bike, you will see that there is something for everyone and you’re guaranteed to find one that fits within your budget range. To help you find the right match, we have listed what we feel are the best choices on the market currently.
The model 230 from Schwinn is a well constructed recumbent bike that gives fitness enthusiasts a variety of exercise plans. Schwinn has 20 levels of resistance, 22 built-in programs and data-cum-progress tracking technology to keep you challenged while providing you with a plethora of possibilities. Moreover, it has a large spacious seat and an LCD display that can track up to 13 data points.
Features:
Has a heart rate monitor that is located in the handles for easy tracking of heart rate for exercisers.
Built with an adjustable seat to provide adequate space for people of all body types.
Provides 20 different resistance levels giving the user a wide array of options in terms routines and exercise programs.
Protected by a multi-tiered warranty cover that provides for early malfunctions and defective parts replacement. The frame is also covered by 10 years.
PROS:
Hi-tech enabled and capable of accommodating various electronic devices.
Has vented seat that is ergonomically designed to ease pressure on people with lower back pain.
This bike is best known for being sturdy and well priced. It has a low-cost and basic setup and doesn’t have a ton of whistles and bells besides a heart-rate monitor which is located in the handgrips.
Has extended leg stabilizers and a low center of gravity; features that are much needed to keep the bike in place even during your most intense workouts.
Features:
Precisely balanced V-belt drive, flywheel alongside an efficient torque cranking system for quiet and smooth operation.
Offers 8 levels of magnetic resistance allowing for a wide array of workout intensity, LCD display, and scan feature.
Equipped with foot straps which are meant to hold your feet in place so they don’t slip out while you’re pedaling away.
PROS:
Offers 3-year warranty on frame and 90-day warranty on parts
Easy to assemble, thanks to a step-by-step assembly guide
Built to maximize comfort and motivation through its oversized cushion, backrest, and LCD
CONS:
The attached step-by-step guide does not do a great job in explaining how to assemble the tension cable
Exerpeutic 900Xl Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike with Pulse
Yotube Video Review: Exerpeutic 900Xl Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike with Pulse
Exerpeutic 400XL is not only compact but also portable and easy to assemble. It has a V-belt double drive transmission system and precisely balanced flywheel which makes for a smooth and quiet workout.
Besides that, the bike is enhanced with a magnetic tension control system that can be adjusted for a maximum of 8 levels of resistance. Note that it has a semi-recumbent design that makes it easier for fitness enthusiasts weighing 300 lbs or fewer.
Features:
The bike weighs just above 39 lbs and it is foldable into halves for easy storage.
It is equipped with an LCD display, which is easy to read as it displays multiple important data points on an interface that is easy for the eye.
The backrest and seat cushions are large and comfy and hence suitable for individuals of various body sizes.
It comes with a hand pulse monitor which measures your heart rate in real time and displaying the results on a monitor.
PROS:
Sturdy as it’s built with sturdy leg stabilizers.
Easy to use and assemble.
Durable as it is made from durable materials.
CONS:
Its minimalistic size makes this model unsuitable for tall people above 6”0’.
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Semi Recumbent Bike
Yotube Video Review: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Semi Recumbent Bike
Popularly known as the Marcy Mag Cycle, this recumbent bike would be an excellent exercise tool for anyone looking to lose weight, improve fitness level and tone up. It offers all kinds of benefits of a regular street bicycle alongside the added advantage that its pedals are intelligently located slightly below the seat level.
Essentially, that means that during exercise your legs will be extended towards the front rather than beneath your body – and that way, less stress is placed on your ankles, knees and back.
Features:
Has an oversized console which allows for easy monitoring of your speed, time and distance covered – and also the number of calories burned.
It comes with an adjustable seat, allowing for flexible pedal distance, which makes it suitable for both short and tall users (from 5 feet to well over 6 feet).
It has an 8-level magnetic resistance allowing for extremely quiet and smooth training sessions with easy transitioning across different resistance levels.
Designed with a gap between the arm rests to allow easy access even for larger built individuals. In addition, if more room is needed, the arms rests can be left off.
PROS:
Firmly padded features like seats and armrests which are also ergonomically angled to provide comfortable workout positions.
Schwinn 270 is, without a doubt, one of the best recumbent bikes on the market. It is suitable for anyone whether a novice or a fitness guru. The machine is loaded with great features and 29 programmed workouts plus the ability to download more items to make your exercise routine more fulfilling.
In addition, it has an adjustable seat to allow for various postures. This seat has a ventilated back designed to allow for free flow of air while the individual is pedaling.
Features:
A friendly design and compact fit weighing 86.6 lbs and occupying a space of 27.7 inches width, 49.9 inches height, and 64 inches length.
Equipped with modern technology features like in-console speakers with MP3 or iPod player port, Bluetooth, USB data transfer and direct connection to MyFitnessPal.
Has a three-speed cooling fan, transport wheels for easy mobility and media shelf for a convenient workout experience.
Equipped with a heart rate monitor which is strategically placed on handlebar grips. This machine is also telemetry enabled for chest-strap capability.
PROS:
Assembling this bike is easy, all thanks to a step-by-step guideline that explains it all.
Built by a reputable manufacturer with a clean track-record since 1895.
Has an awesome console plus 29 programmed workouts.
CONS:
Despite providing chest strap capability, this accessory is not provided with the machine and one has to buy it separately.
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This Sunny recumbent bike model is a popular and highly rated folding bike that comes at a great price. One of the most outstanding features of this bike is in its high-tech display aspects and its ability to change sizes to accommodate most weights and body types using the adjustable seat feature of the bike.
Features:
Comes with an adjustable resistance system allowing you to easily change the difficulty of your workout.
Has easy folding and stop-away capabilities for easy storage and uses a belt drive for a quiet and smooth ride.
Features pedals with a non-slip surface and straps to keep your feet from slipping off.
Comes with a basic console for tracking and transport wheels for easy moving.
PROS:
It’s quiet so it can be used at any time.
Constructed from high-quality materials making it more durable.
Easy to assemble as it comes mostly assembled.
CONS:
As compared to most recumbent bikes, the seat of this bike does not provide superior comfort but can always be enhanced with an extra seat cushioning.
This entry-level recumbent bike from the Stamina brand is a solid machine with one of the lowest price tags around. It features an easy to use LCD monitor that helps you track calories burned, time, speed and distance covered.
Velocity CHB-R2101 is a recumbent bike with all the features you need to start exercising. The bike is featured with a comfortable seat and arm rest which is almost as comfortable as a good sofa. It’s also equipped with padded pedals, adjustable straps and a console that allows you to control the resistance level and for tracking purposes.
Features:
Eight manual resistance settings with an outer magnetic control for consistent resistance.
Two-way flywheel that offers a smooth ride, built in transport wheels for easy transport and storage as well as efficient pulse readers in the handlebars.
90-day warranty on the monitor, five-year warranty on the frame and 30-day warranty on all other parts.
Measures 53” by 24” by 38”- compact enough to fit even in a small space.
PROS:
Has a console that is easy to read and use.
Works quietly hence you can listen to music or watch your favorite TV program while exercising.
Great design and the seats can comfortably accommodate people of different sizes.
CONS:
Difficult to assemble for most people since there is no guide on how to assemble but only a diagram of the bike.
This is a very compact and lightweight recumbent bike offering comfort and quality build at an affordable price. It features eight resistance levels that can be easily adjusted via a tension knob.
ProGear 190 Compact Recumbent Bike is also fitted with an LCD window display to keep track of your work progress, a heart pulse sensor to keep track of your heart rate and three-piece, high-torque cranking device to give you a smooth ride.
Features:
Oversized pedals with a strap and textured surface to provide your feet firm grip while your pedal.
Large and adjustable seat ranging from 5’2 inches to 6’2 inches, backrest and can carry up to 275 lbs.
Has v-ribbed belt which provides a quiet smooth ride throughout the workout.
Semi-reclined seat with side-positioned handlebars to provide a customized and comfortable workout.
PROS:
Easy to fold and put away.
Provides a low impact workout which is a lot easier on joints.
The resistance levels are well labeled to make it easier to set the level you want.
CONS:
Unfortunately, the bike is not designed for standing on the pedals.
ProGear 190 Compact Space Saver Recumbent Bike with Heart PulseSensors
Yotube Video Review: ProGear 190 Compact Space Saver Recumbent Bike with Heart PulseSensors
This is one of the best options for a person searching for a high-quality recumbent exercise bike at a friendly price. Phoenix Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike has quite a large electric monitor that displays calories burned, speed, time and distance and an adjustable frame capable of accommodating users of all heights.
Features:
Offers 8-resistance levels to choose from and a magnetic resistance design for a quiet workout.
Features a modern seating design that allows the user to stay in a relaxed and semi-horizontal position.
Includes pedals with secure foot straps as well as 90-day warranty on parts and one year warranty on frame.
Measuring 58” by 24” by 38” the bike has a compact design.
PROS:
Very durable and sturdy due to its tough tubular steel frame.
Very quiet even at high resistance levels and speeds.
Easy to assemble and lightweight.
CONS:
It lacks the wide array of great features found on some higher-end recumbent bikes models.
How To Choose the Best Recumbent Bike
One aspect to consider when choosing the best recumbent bike is the wheel size. In most scenarios you’ll find bikes 20” or 700c rear wheels and 16” or 20” front wheels. Bikes with this type of wheel size offer better gearing and are very efficient.
Another aspect to consider is the seat since comfort is key if you want to enjoy the ride. And since seats of these bikes come in various shapes and sizes, choosing a bike with a seat that fits you well is advisable. The seat can either be adjustable, cushioned or made from slung material or hardpan base.
The other thing to keep in mind is the wheelbase which can either be short or long. Bikes with short wheelbase tend to have a responsive steering and are lightweight and are the most preferred. The size of the bike is also very important and should be determined by the storage space available. A bike that folds easily is a better option but if you don’t have problems with storage space, size is not a determinant factor.
