7 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes of [2022-2023]
There are many benefits to riding a recumbent bike. The reclining position is much easier on the back and joints than riding an upright bike. This makes recumbent bikes ideal for people with back pain or other joint problems.
The aerodynamic position on a recumbent bike also makes it much easier to ride for long periods of time. This makes recumbent bikes perfect for people who want to get a great workout without putting a lot of strain on their bodies.
“A recumbent bike is a type of bicycle that places the rider in a reclining position. This position is more comfortable and aerodynamic than the traditional upright position on a traditional bicycle. Recumbent bikes come in many different styles, but all share the common features of a reclining seat and pedals that are out in front of the rider.”
Recumbent bikes are available in both electric and non-electric versions. Electric recumbent bikes are for people who want a little help getting up hills or who want to be able to ride for longer distances. Non-electric recumbent bikes are for people who want to get a workout without the added expense of an electric bike.
No matter what your reason for wanting to ride a recumbent bike, there is a model out there that is perfect for you. So get out there and start enjoying the many benefits of riding a recumbent bike today!
Top 7 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Reviews
Contents
1. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike- Our Top Pick
If you are looking for the best recumbent bike to have a comfortable, smooth, consistent and low impact workout, then without any doubt you should get a Schwinn 270 recumbent bike. It is our top pick and will fill your all requirements whether you are a beginner or an advanced user.
Let’s checkout what it offers-
The best features that you will love about Schwinn 270 recumbent bike are the 29 preset workout program, 25 resistance levels, the ability to download workout data, mobile device connectivity, and more. You can easily connect to MyFitnessPal or other workout apps to track your fitness progress.
This exercise bike offers all the bells and whistles. You will get dual-track LCD displays, adjustable fans, Bluetooth connection, In-console speakers, USB media charging, and more. Again the range of resistance, adjustability, and four user profiles makes this bike a great choice for many households. This bike will give you exactly what you need for the muscles with a small impact way.
2. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709
Looking for a comfortable and durable recumbent bike that can help you get your daily workout in? Look no further than the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike. With its heavy-duty steel tubing and powder coated finish, this bike is built to last. And with eight levels of resistance to choose from, you can customize your workout to match your own fitness level.
This bike operates silently. It has got a very sturdy construction and great design. With this Marcy ME 709, you will be benefited from similar type of exercise features that are typically offered on larger and more expensive exercise bikes. This bike was built with a compact design that conveniently fits into the smallest workout spaces.
The LCD display makes it easy to track your progress, while the padded seat ensures hours of comfortable pedaling. Plus, the perfectly weighted counterbalance pedals make it easy to get started – even if you have arthritis or other mobility issues.
3. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
Hop on the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike and let the good times roll! This bike is equipped with a quiet V-belt double-drive transmission system, making for a smooth ride every time. The Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike is a quiet, durable bike that can support up to 300 pounds.
Despite the space-saving design, the Exerpeutic 400XL is enough powerful, with a precision-balanced flywheel and a quiet V-belt double-drive transmission system. Plus, its easy-to-read LCD display will keep you in track of your progress, while the semi-recumbent design makes getting on and off a breeze. And if that’s not enough, the large seat cushion and backrest provide ample comfort during your workout.
When you finish workouts, this exercise bike can be easily folded up and rolled away. This bike is perfect for tracking your fitness progress as the LCD display tracks your distance, time, speed, calories, and heart rate. All these features are included with this exercise bike for a very reasonable price.
4. Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike
Looking to get in shape but don’t want the stress on your joints that comes with traditional exercise? The Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike is perfect for you! This bike is comfortable and easy to use, with a large oversized seat cushion and back rest that accommodate users of any size.
The LCD display provides information on distance, time, calories burned, speed, and heart rate, while the magnetic tension levels provide a challenging cardiovascular workout. It can handle up to a 300-pound user weight capacity. The bike has a roomy seat and integrated electronics that make it easy to track your progress.
With its Bluetooth capabilities, the Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike makes it easy to track your workouts and stay on top of your fitness goals. Plus, the included app offers a range of great features and benefits—all for an extra monthly fee. But even without the app, this bike is a great option for home exercise. It’s comfortable, sturdy, and easy to use, making it perfect for people with hip replacements or other injuries that limit their mobility.
5. Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike
You can get an unbelievable workout with this great Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike. This recumbent bike offers lower-back support and relaxed body positioning that helps you to ride in maximum comfort. Its maximum user weight is 325 pounds. The console has dual blue backlit screens and the wireless heart rate chest strap is included to contact hand grips.
The Nautilus R618 recumbent bike is perfect for people who want to stay in shape, without having to leave their home. This bike has tons of features that make it a great choice for people of all fitness levels. The Bluetooth connectivity and app-based tracking tools make it easy to monitor your fitness training, so you can see exactly how much you’re improving.
The multi-position handlebars with integrated incline and resistance controls give you the flexibility to customize your workout, while the adjustable Sight Line console ensures that you always have a clear view of your progress. And if you want to take things up a notch, the Dynamic Recline Nautilus Gel seat will help make your workout more comfortable. You will also get 3-piece chrome crank system with weight pedals.
6. XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
The XTERRA SB2.5r recumbent bike has a suitable walk-thru design. This indoor exercise bike is ideal for all users looking to lose weight or stay in shape. It is easy to get in and out. Its densely padded molded foam seat will give you more support and comfort.
This heavy duty recumbent bike has reliable poly v-belt along with the 22lb flywheel system which offers premium and fluid motion that means it peddles smoothly with decent tension. With 24 resistance levels you can challenge yourself as you reach your fitness goals. It also has a large 5″ x 2.5″ and easy to read LCD display (dual color backlit). This bike also incorporates Audio Jack and speakers for MP3 players.
Recently, I got this XTERRA bike to help with my fitness goals. At first it was making some noise but after a couple weeks not noticing anymore. I noticed when I ride with my dry hands the pulse monitor do not work properly and if I would dampen my hands it worked fine. Now I am using this recumbent bike for 40 minutes at a level 4 and for the pulse monitor using a chest strap. There was another problem, at around 30 minutes my butt was hurting on the seat. Though, I find this bike is very sturdy, at least for my weight which is 172 pounds.
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
With the SF-RB4616 recumbent exercise bike, it is easy to sit back and workout. It has an easy Adjustable seat. You can track your exercise progress with the LCD monitor. With the 8 level adjustable tension control system you can easily maximize your workouts.
It is one of the best home recumbent bikes one the market. The handles with pulse grip sensors monitor the intensity of workouts and heart rate. For easy portability, this exercise bike has built-in transportation wheels. The weight capacity is 300 pounds.
One customer reviewed ” I love having this it’s handy and has given the opportunity to increase my exercise from a few times a week to 5+ times per week. It’s sturdy and comfortable to use. Highly recommend.” 
Recumbent Bike Buying Guide
A good recumbent exercise bike can be a great addition to your home gym. To finish with the right model for you, it is essential to know what functions you should look for in your bike. Although many recumbent bikes look the same at first glance, there are still some key differences that could help you reduce your options.
Design
The design of recumbent bike is an important factor to consider. A good looking bike will set up you mood to jump into the workout.
At first you should look at the design of the seat. Most of the recumbent bikes listed here have track-mounted seats, which helps to easily adjust the distance from the pedals for a more comfortable and effective workout experience.
A flywheel design is also important. Typically, a heavier flywheel offers greater resistance when pedaling. This is a great advantage for experienced riders, who need an additional challenge to increase their heart rate and make the most out of their cardio session.
With magnetic resistance systems, heavy flywheels can still provide low-resistance configurations. The increased size and weight offers only some extra flexibility.
The pedal setup of the recumbent bike is also essential for any bike. Each bike will vary in terms of the height and width between the pedals. While the width remains fairly constant between different models and manufacturers, the height of the pedal may vary more significantly.
Finally, if you are not sure which one to choose, it may be a good idea to try some recumbent bikes yourself at a local gym and see which ones you like best.
Recumbent bike’s Frame
The Recumbent bikes listed here are some of the robust models around. The design of the seat and the setup of the pedals allows them to accommodate larger users and stand easily even during the most exhausting workouts. A good recumbent bike can last for years, even decades, thanks to its strong frame.
Portability
If you plan to move the bike after it has been assembled, look for a model with integrated transport wheels. This will save your time and effort when you need to transport a recumbent bike to your training space.
Resistance
While the designs may be very similar between recumbent bikes, resistance levels are the easiest way to differentiate different models from each other.
Some of the bikes on our list offer over 20 resistance levels for a great challenge. An important advantage of recumbent bike with many resistance levels is that they offer space to grow. If you are exercising for the first time, you can start with a lower level and then gradually rise.
Comfort
Comfort and safety are one of the most important things to look for. You want to feel comfortable when you train staying safe. If you are worried about being comfortable during training, you may want to stay away from modeled seats. These seats, more common on cheap recumbent bike, will be less comfortable than padded seats.
Console
It is rare to find recumbent bike models equipped with color consoles or touchscreens that include Internet functionality. However, depending on the recumbent bike model, you may not need a flashy screen for an excellent training experience.
Basic LCD screens are the most common amenities on recumbent exercise bikes. They usually include a large panel that shows training feedbacks. It allows senior people to know the current configuration of the machine or the training program.
Recumbent exercise bike consoles generally include a series of buttons to control the bike while pedaling. This will allow you to adapt the resistance to your level. Of course, if you are looking for a cheaper bike, you are more likely to find manual resistances rather than digital controls.
In this console you can also find additional services, such as USB charging ports, integrated speakers or tablet support.
Space of your home gym
Space is something to keep in mind as well. If you don’t have a lot of space, try to find a compact recumbent bike as possible. I’d recommend you to measure the area where you plan to put the exercise bike to see if it fits for sure.
Built-in USB port and speakers
If you want a top recumbent bike with the most modern features, an integrated USB port and speakers may be essential. They will allow you to listen to music during the training session. They can also be used to charge your phone or other devices if the battery is low.
Handlebar
Before buying the best recumbent bike for seniors, you must also look at the handlebars. These are not as important on recumbent bike as they are for spin bikes. Recumbent exercise bike usually come with a handlebar located on the sides of the seat. They are often parallel to the floor, although some models include armrests and place the handles vertically.
Heart rate monitor
If you want to make the most of your training, you may want to look for recumbent models with integrated heart rate monitors. These bars measure your pulse through the grips and transmit information to the center console. So you can get a better idea of the levels of effort in the middle of the workout session.
Space in your home gym
Space is something to consider. If you don’t have much space, try to find a possible compact recumbent bike. I recommend that you measure the area where you plan to place the bike to see if it fits securely.
Price
The price is the last but not least important to consider. Exercise should not be expensive and you do not need to spend a fortune. However, it is important to know the budget and not overdo it and spend too much. It is true that the more you spend the better the feature of your recumbent bike would be. However, it is important to maintain the balance between good features and price.
Other Considerations of Recumbent Bike
Training clothes
Loose clothing can get caught in sports equipment and is not recommended. Try wearing shorts and shirts that fit a little tighter and make sure that no part of your clothes hangs close to any outfit.
Wear appropriate shoes
It is important to wear proper shoes when training on any type of exercise bike. The gears of the recumbent exercise bikes will move quickly and you don’t want to hurt yourself. Any type of running or cross training shoe will work well. Just make sure the shoe you wear has a closed front to protect your toes.
Maintenance
You will probably sweat during a good exercise on recumbent bike, so be sure to towel off the equipment when you’re done. A solid, recumbent bike can last a lot, you just need to take a little care for it. It is also good to cover it when you complete your workout.
Tips For Using Recumbent Bike
Now let’s see some useful tips to get the most out of your recumbent bike.
Tip 1: Stretch before getting on the machine
As with any other type of exercise, you must first stretch. Since the recumbent bike focuses on your legs, you will want to stretch your quadriceps by pulling your ankle behind your buttocks.
You can stretch your calves and hamstrings by sitting on the floor with your feet straight and keeping your toes. There are many stretches available for the lower body, so choose the ones that best suit your fitness level.
Tip # 2: You need to spend some time warming up
Stretching is not the same as warming up. Even if you have spent a lot of time stretching, you shouldn’t get on the bike and go as fast as you can with maximum endurance. Spend 5 to 7 minutes at a slow, steady pace to effectively warm up your leg muscles.
Tip # 3: Choose the right resistance
If you want to develop leg strength, strong stamina can help. If you want to increase your heart rate, you want less resistance so you can move faster. However, the right resistance will ideally allow you to do both.
Tip # 4: Try different types of training
Some choose to stick to the same resistance during training. However, interval training can help you go back and forth between fast movements with little resistance and slower movements with greater resistance. You can also choose to focus only on cardio with less resistance.
Tip # 5: Duration appropriate to your needs
Everyone is recommended to receive at least 30 minutes of cardio training per day, 3-5 days a week. However, if you are focusing on weight loss, you may need between 60 and 90 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. You should set up a training routine on the bike that best suits your goals.
FAQs
Buying your first recumbent bike can be a little stressful, especially if you have doubts about buying, building, storing and using your new gym equipment. We are still getting questions about how to buy a recumbent bike. We hope you find our answers helpful too.
Is a recumbent bike good for knee pain rehabilitation?
Recumbent bike allow you to get a good aerobic workout without stressing your knee joints. It is always good for knee pain because you’re not sitting upright while exercising, which takes more weight off the knee joints. It will take your load off the knees, thereby allowing the quads and hamstring muscles to work without the load.
There’s no doubt that recumbent bike is an excellent way to get a good cardio workout without stressing weight-bearing joints. Therefore, it is crucial to know that the knee is a load-bearing joint that is made mainly for forward/backward movement and stability. Knee is primarily comprises of 3 largest bones which is capped by kneecap or patella. These 3 bones of joint is the anchor point for multiple tendons and ligaments. So, strengthening these leg muscles with the help of a good recumbent bike means strengthening the knee joint and thus it will work for knee pain rehabilitation.
Are recumbent bikes ideal for the elderly?
A: A recumbent bike is a great exercise machine for the elderly and people with physical limitations. Indeed, it is much easier to get on and off than an elliptical or spin bike. Seniors with arthritis will find this exercise bike very suitable, comfortable and effective for spinning workouts as well as developing keen joints especially muscles, tendons and ligaments.
How can I maintain my bike recumbent?
A: A recumbent bike is very easy to maintain. Once or twice a month, you should check all the bolts and other fasteners to make sure everything is still secure. There are specific ways to make your resistance work properly.
It may be necessary to grease some of the moving parts. The fan resistance will probably need to be dusted off, just like a traditional cooling fan. However, the instructions necessary to properly maintain the bike are usually always included with the newly purchased recumbent bike.
How can I make my recumbent bike’s seat more comfortable?
A: Depending on the type of bike, the seat they offer may not be the most comfortable for you, even if it suits someone else. If you need to add padding to the seat, you can use a foam or gel seat cushion. If you want to replace the seat entirely, many manufacturers offer replacement seats that may be more suitable for you.
Is a recumbent bike good training?
A: Yes, a recumbent bike is the perfect addition to your training routine. You can sweat without hurting your joints and, since you use it at home, you can cycle all year round staying at home!
What is the best recumbent bike for home use?
A: We thought the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike was the best recumbent bike for home. You will love this bike because it is built for home riders and it is a quality bike at a reasonable price. Here is what you will get in this top exercise bike.
- Smooth ride
- Sliding Seat to adjust perfectly
- LCD display to stores workouts
- Perimeter weighted flywheel
- And 29 preset workouts
- 300 pounds weight capacity
- Padded seat is well-ventilated
- Top lumbar support
Can I use my bike for HIIT training?
A: Although a recumbent bike does not work as well for high intensity interval training, or HIIT, compared to an indoor bike, it is still possible. Some models also come with preset interval training programs to help you get started.
How do I know if my bike is correctly adjusted to my size?
A: It is important to make sure that the seat is properly adjusted to your height. You can injure yourself if you are too far away and it can be very uncomfortable if the seat is too close. When the leg is extended on the pedal furthest from you, the knee should have a slight curve. Aim for a riding position that give you a good shock-absorbing bend in your arms so that it will not force you to reach too far to apply the brakes. Your bike will be in correct position when it feels as though you can play piano keys comfortably on your handlebar.
Conclusion:
Having a good quality recumbent bike at home is a great way to get the workout that you need. Recumbent bike will not give you stress on the back and shoulders, neck and arms that a normal stationary exercise bike can cause. As you can see, there are several excellent recumbent exercise bikes on the market. You must choose the one that best suits your needs and your specific expectations.
Recumbent exercise bikes are also great for senior people recovering from an operation or injury. Whichever recumbent bike you choose from our list, you will find it very enjoyable and easy to use for them.
Remember to consider the weight capacity and height of the bike before you buy it. Also, be sure to check the dimensions and footprint of the recumbent bike to make sure you have enough space to place it and a little extra space for added safety when using it.
