Have you decided to get a recumbent? The problem is there are too many options that make it hard to take a call. No worries, as we are to solve that problem for you. We have listed a number of bikes in this post that you can read about to know more.
finding the best recumbent exercise bike can be a big quandary if you have no ideas about where to start. We have used all of these bikes mentioned in this review. Hence, we can bet that we are providing you authentic information. Rest is up to you to come to a decision.
What are The Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes?
We have chosen a few products based on personal experience. We have used most of these and have found a few at the friends and family. This means we know what we are talking about here. Here is a list of the best recumbent bicycle that is out there.
Best Overall: Schwinn 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike at Amazon
Schwinn 270 adds value to your procurement. It is easy to assemble and has a smooth ride.
Best Budget: Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike at Amazon
Marcy ME-709 is a super affordable exercise bike and there are no qualms about it. It has a capacity of holding up to 300 pounds and it lives up to it.
Best for Senior: JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors at Amazon
JEEKEE recumbent has a low frame that is considered to be ideal for senior citizens. Its ergonomic build helps their cause, which is regarded as a boon for them.
Best for Tall Person: Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike at Amazon
R616 is a match for tall people looking for indoor bikes. It has an adaptive pedal that allows people with moderate height also use it without any problem.
Best for Short Person: MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike at Amazon
MaxKare Bike has this seat adjustment lever that ensures people of 4 feet and 8 inches to 6 feet and 5 inches can use this bike. Yes, this makes it apt for people with short too.
Best for Small Spaces: ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Exercise Bike at Amazon
ProForm 235 is the right choice for people with cramped spaces. It does not require a lot of space and can be stashed in a corner at once.
Best Adjustable: XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike at Amazon
XTERRA SB2.5r is a comfort that has an adjustable seat. This makes all the difference for a recumbent exercise bike.
Best Weight Capacity: Sunny Health & Fitness (model SF-RB4708 350) 350lb High Weight Capacity, Cross Training, Arm Exerciser at Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 is a beast. It can accommodate 350 pounds of Weight Capacity and that is a lot for sure.
Best High-Tech: NordicTrack – Commercial VR25 at BestBuy
VR25 has an oversize seat for that lumbar support. Also, it has everything that from music mp3 input, USB charging port, and pulse sensors for heart rate control. monitor, added handle control, water bottle holder, and tablet holder to iFit app integration to make it a top-notch tech product.
Related Guides:
- Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors
- Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Recumbent Bike for Obese Person
9 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
We have collated a rundown of the best recumbent exercise bike for you. This is all firsthand information as we have used all these bikes, been satisfied with their performance, and hence incorporating them into this review.
1. Best Overall: Schwinn 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Quick Summary
Brand: Schwinn
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 64 x 27.7 x 49.9 inches
Item Weight: 86.6 Pounds
Maximum Weight: 136 Kilograms
We can tell you the cycling realm is incomplete without this name – Schwinn. What started in 1860, today has made its mark as one of the most prevalent names in stationary bikes. With a reclined and magnetic resistance, this is a conjugation of power.
If you workout with Schwinn 270 will gain fitness progress and also pass fitness tests. Let us have a closer look at what it can offer.
Recumbent Design
For starters, it is a well step thorough design that is durable enough for home use. This has an ergonomic layout that has proved to be of help for the users. It is a sturdy machine that can accommodate up to 300 pounds of user Weight Capacity.
Comfortable Seat
It has a padded seat with a curved leg area for added comfort. This indicates that it has good cushioning and you can count on the lumbar support. It has an aluminum slider that aids the adjustable seat height with ease.
Levels of Resistance
It comes with 17 pounds of magnetic levels of resistance with 25 different types of resistance. This certainly gives you a wide range of preset workout program opportunities with varied intensity.
Technology
Schwinn makes use of the latest technology and apps to help you reach your fitness level and fitness goals. With the free RideSocial App you can virtually comfortable ride along with your friends in real-time.
Schwinn 270 is a safe way to exercise and enjoy at home effortlessly. Affordable Price Range Schwinn gives you another reason why you should go for it.
2. Best Budget: Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709
Quick Summary
Brand: Marcy
Color: Black/Gray/Copper
Item Dimensions: 58 x 20 x 38 inches
Maximum Height: 37.5 Inches
This one is indeed the best recumbent bike for anyone that likes to exercise in the privacy of their house. This certainly is an easy way to lose those extra kilos at home. This has a compact design and is very reasonable price range. Come let us have a look at it in detail.
Design
This has a smart design because the step-through arrangement works pretty much for everyone that it is intended for. That is to say, the low profile of the machine is a boon for the injured and elderly both.
In a way, it furnishes you with maximum mobility owing to this design. Furthermore, it has solid steel tubing that make it durable with a coated finish.
Resistance
This exercise bike comes with 8 magnetic resistance level. You can increase your difficulty levels and get the feel of riding on different terrains with them.
Foot Pedals
The pedals are weighted that keeps you in control. This provides you with extra support and makes your workout really effective. In addition, the pedals complement safety adjustable straps that make a secured option.
Comfort
It has this ergonomic and properly cushioned padded seat that makes your ride snug. Besides, the LCD display is also easy to read, which adds to another level of comfort as you can keep a tab on how you have burned after a single session.
ME-709 has built-in transportation wheels that makes storing it and lugging it around with ease a possibility. Moreover, it comes with 90 days return window and that makes it an authentic product. Why don’t you give it a try?
3. Best for Seniors: JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors
Quick Summary
Brand: JEEKEE
Minimum Height: 39 Inches
Item Weight: 66 Pounds
Maximum Weight: 300 Pounds
More than anything you need to maintain that agility as you start aging. A lot of seniors prefer low-impact activities like these to live a healthy life. This is why they prefer simple machines to work with at home. This exercise machine gives them exactly what they want like a low profile, an ergonomic design, and more like:
Design
While on the subject, we must also inform you that it has a large comfortable seat. It also has an equally supportive backrest for your spine and tailbone. This makes it easy for the elderly to work out on this instrument.
This helps to ease pain in knees, joints, blood circulation, increases endurance and can be a great companion for those undergoing physical therapy.
Resistance Levels
We have two words for you – magnetic 8 Resistance Level. You get a heart rate monitor that shows you all the statistics. The levels of resistance are simple to adjust by rotating knobs, which is again quite straightforward.
There is a reason why this is called the best recumbent bike and that for its 8 neodymium magnets. These are of the highest quality, bring you noiseless, and uniform resistance levels.
Adjustable
It can accommodate people with a maximum user Weight Capacity of 300 pounds. This is ideal for anyone that is 4 feet 9 inches to 6 feet and five inches. You can adjust the seat with lumbar support in 9 different positions.
Additionally, with an iPad holder, dual-belt system, water bottle holder, and magnetic flywheel. It is safe and trusted as we found our parents and also grandparents to have taken a liking for this bike.
4. Best for Tall Person: Nautilus R616
Quick Summary
Brand: Nautilus
Item Weight: 105 Pounds
Maximum Weight: 300 Pounds
Number of Resistance Levels: 25
It’s a dependable bicycle and not many can beat its features, quality, and cost. Nautilus recumbent bikes are rather easy to mount and have a good amount of back support. The Nautilus R616 will furnish you with a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that will not affect your joints. Besides, we have found some more on this type of exercise equipment wide range, like:
Design
There is no denying the fact that the R616 has a beautiful design. Moreover, getting on and off is like a breeze owing to its small height. This is particularly convenient for individuals with throbbing joints or portability issues.
25 Resistance Levels
Having numerous degrees of tension resistance gives you a ton of command over your exercises. Adjust the magnetic resistance to work as hard as you need to.
Comfort
Padded seats provide you that snug feeling while workout. You can even adjust larger seat rail as per your height. People with a height of 6 feet and 2 inches can comfortably work out on this machine, as we have observed it personally. It can bear up to 300 pounds of maximum user Weight Capacity and that is a lot to say.
Pre-Programmed Workouts
This bicycle accompanies a huge load of exercises. With these many implicit exercises to look over, you shouldn’t need to stress over getting bored with your exercises.
With a weighted flywheel, Bluetooth connectivity, and RideSocial App this is sure to win hearts. Enjoy it with your friends and groove into that ride-along party!
5. Best for Short Person: MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike
Quick Summary
Maximum Weight: 300 lb
Resistance Method: Magnetic
Brand: Maxkare
Fitness Goal: Increase Cardio
Alright, the moment, we were waiting for, finally for a short person. Yes, the writer of this post is a short person as well and that makes her feel good to write about her personal experience with the MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike. People from 4 feet 8 inches to 6 feet and 5 inches can comfortably train.
We didn’t want this review to sound like the recumbent exercise bike reviews, which is why we added products that we have benefited from. This is one such product because, it has everything that a recumbent needs, like:
Design
This has a simple, but user-friendly step-through design. It is good-looking exercise equipment with a well-designed padded seat that keeps you cozy. This seat has been stuffed with quality foam that gives your back the strength to work out like a champion.
The handles also have foam padding with a vinyl finish. This gives you the grip and keeps you safe while working at higher Resistance Level.
Magnetic Resistance
It has 8 resistance levels and this is the magnetic resistance that we are talking about. This makes your exercising schedule challenging and that in turn helps you reach your fitness level.
Portable
This has transportation wheels for easy movement which means you can move it from one place to another without much of difficulty. Why not try it?
It also comes with easy to read LCD display, and an iPad holder. It is low on maintenance but can last you long. What more can you want?
6. Best for Small Spaces: ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Bike
Quick Summary
Brand: ProForm
Item Weight: 102 Pounds
Maximum Weight: 275 Pounds
18 Resistance Levels
ProForm is well-known for its quality. They believed that a solid upper body and brain can cooperate to develop total strength. So, we have a friend who stands 6 feet and 1 inch and he could work out on this compact bike with ease.
Again, we want this review to be one of the most reviews, hence we are mentioning our first-hand experience. In simple words, it allows you to exercise with ease and you feel the comfort all through.
Comfort Cushioned Seat
Let us start with this pointer and for this, we have to elucidate that it has an oversized, yet adjustable seat. This is why people with short height will also find it to be a piece of great equipment to train. It can bear 275 pounds of maximum user weight, which is fairly modest with remarkable lumbar support.
Resistance
Has 18 levels of magnetic resistance, which is noiseless and the SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance proves it to be pretty quiet. You can automatically adjust and ride along with iFit Trainers to make it more meaningful.
Warranty
This is backed by 90 days warranty on labor and 5 years warranty on the frame. It is a sturdy piece of machinery and you can rely on it.
Although it is not a medical smart device, yet it comes with EKG Grip Pulse Sensor that keeps you updated about your heart rate monitoring. The inertia enhance flywheel makes it an effective workout as well as work as a personal trainer.
7. Best Adjustable: XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
Quick Summary
Brand: XTERRA Fitness
Item Dimensions: 49.8 x 24.1 x 13.4 inches
Item Weight: 108 Pounds
Material: Alloy Steel
The XTERRA SB2.5R brings you value and quality. It is a fabulous piece of exercise equipment and there are no doubts about it. Despite the fact that it is anything but the best recumbent exercise bike makes it a great product.
XTERRA Fitness is all about manufacturing advanced training equipment. These are specially semi-recumbent designs and that makes them outperform their competitors. This surely lives up to this expectation.
Flywheel
The flywheel is somewhat heavier than in most equipment. With a load of 22 pounds (10 kg), it supplies a smooth, fluid accelerating movement. This is a unique feature in an indoor bike as these are low impact. This indicates you can expect an intense workout.
Types of Resistance
It works with the eddy current brake system that includes a magnet and a servo engine. You can adjust the level of resistance with the help of built-in apps. The resistance is changed solely from the support, it works by changing the magnet’s maneuver onto the flywheel. You get 24 electronic Resistance Levels and 24 preset programs to exercise with.
In addition to this, the crankset is quite strong despite the fact that it essentially doesn’t uphold a user’s weight. This makes it function efficiently.
Maintenance
It does not require much of your time as it is a low-maintenance bike. You should just keep the bicycle clean, and check if the bolts hold tight set up, occasionally.
8. Best for maximum Weight Capacity: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Quick Summary
Brand: Sunny Health & Fitness
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 46 x 24.5 x 38 inches
Item Weight: 58.7 Pounds
Power Source: Battery Powered
Accomplish trouble-free cardiovascular exercise with the Sunny Health and Fitness SF- RB4708. You can mount and descend the fixed bicycle owing to its step-through design. The wide, customizable exercise contoured seat provides you with ample lumbar support. As a result, you can spend long hours exercising on it.
Design
It has a sturdy design with heavy-duty construction that can bear up to 350 pounds of Maximum weight capacity. The frame is backed by a 1-year warranty and 90 days on the parts that make it reliable for sure.
Resistance
It makes use of magnetic Resistance Level and it comes with 8 levels of resistance. There is no need to explain how helpful this resistance is when you try to follow a challenging routine.
Comfort
It has this oversized seat that makes it super comfy. This gives you back the needed support and aids you maintain that posture. The weighted pedals are additionally non-slip and have foot straps to keep you secured.
Type Of Drive
The flywheel gives a smooth and calm accelerating movement. You can pedal advances and in reverse, which makes it a really good machine.
Sunny Health & Fitness has been serving the fitness industry for 18 years. They have been committed to its customers and this speaks galore for them.
9. Best High-Tech: NordicTrack VR25
Quick Summary
Brand: NordicTrack
Item Weight: 25 Pounds
Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
Item Weight: 25 Pounds
The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 was redesigned to fit into home gyms (and of course more). Its open seat with better than expected back help is likely the most perceptible element. It gives you maximum comfort. This is an internet-enabled touch bike that helps you reach your goals.
Resistance
This unit gives a decent scope of challenge to beginners and mid-level workout enthusiasts. The resistance is controlled carefully digitally with One-Touch keys. The flywheel is 25 pounds that makes your sessions stimulating.
Pre-Programmed Workouts Programs
Yes, the 35 built-in programs make your workout fun and lively. A free subscription of iFit for a year makes it worth your investment. What say?
Durable
This is sturdy exercise equipment that has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It has a small footprint and that makes it an ideal product for home use.
The set comes with a lifetime warranty on brakes and frames. Also, included is 3 years warranty on parts and the first year on the labor too.
How To Choose A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
The first thing that you must think of is about space when procuring the most popular recumbent bicycle. Space is typically something that people don’t even consider when they are acquiring a stationary desk bike.
However, there truly is no reason for putting resources into something that will not fit through the entryway.
So a solution to this could be found in space-saving recumbents like ProForm 235 CSX. You may also opt for foldable bicycles, like the Exerpeutic 400XL otherwise. They may be uncommon but are a definite resolution to this problem.
Then you must also look into things like:
Design
Make sure that you choose something with a simple design. This will help you understand the bike better. You need not have a high-end for regular use. Just a decent one within a small budget can also do wonders, provided you are dedicated to it.
Budget
If you have a tight budget, then we advise you to go for reasonable bikes with standard LCD screens, sturdy weighted pedals, and a good weight limit of 250 to 350 pounds. On the other hand, costly models offer different features intended to deliver various workout programs. It is totally up to you to decide.
Levels of Resistance
If you are looking for a machine that is undemanding and highly adjustable, then this is the one for you. Most exercise equipment string along with electronic resistance these days. Why not install this one and see what it is for yourself?
Comfort
This is a significant factor while selecting the best recumbent exercise bike beyond a doubt. You don’t want to feel uneasy after a full-body workout on your recumbent. You could be a senior or a veteran, your choices are bound to differ. Why not make a sensible choice?
Safety
This is the most important part of selecting a recumbent. You know exercising bikes have moving parts and for this, you must keep your bikes out of reach of children. Also, ensure that when you are riding one, children and pets are kept at a bay.
How To Clean And Maintain Your Recumbent Exercise Bike?
There is no denying the fact that if you keep clean, tidy, and maintained, it will last you long. The same rule applies to the best-rated recumbent bike too. We will break this section into three parts. Have a look at it as it is self-explanatory.
Regular Maintenance
Just make sure to wipe clean your recumbent stationary bike right after a customizable workout program. This will help you remove the sweat and dirt that may cause damage to your bike in the long run.
Weekly Maintenance
Even the best stationary recumbent bike may start to vibrate and loosen some assemblies with regular use. Of course, this depends on your regime, your weight, and your way of handling as well. Nonetheless, if it shows signs of maintenance, then you must address them at once.
Try to look at the following things to keep your recumbent in a good condition on a weekly basis:
- The handlebar posts may at times need a bit of cranking
- So do the pedals, go along the right-right, left-lose plan
- The bracket in the bottom may also need tightening from time to time
- Keep an eye on the rest of the moving parts as well
Monthly Maintenance
This has to be a comprehensive process that will clean the bike in the best possible ways. Here is a small rundown.
- Keep the flywheel lubricated
- The same goes right for the brake pads
- The seat post and pop-pins may also require lubrication and cleanup
Yearly Maintenance
As for yearly repairs, you must look into:
- Belt and its peripherals
- Bearings and seals
- Also, keep a tab on the brake unit
- If possible conduct a functional test
FAQ’s
What is the best recumbent bike for seniors?
Well, we have already named them in this post and we can mention them once again. It is none other than JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors. We will like to add one thing here that recumbents are good for the elderly that want to remain fit. Therefore, all the names that we mentioned in this article can be considered equally good for seniors.
Can You Get a Good Workout With a Recumbent Bike?
Of course, you can and the best part about a recumbent exercise bike is that you need less effort to move the textured pedal. That is correct unlike an upright bike or indoor bike, you can be literally relaxed on this bike. The chair gives you ample support, keeps your back protected, and does not affect your knees and joints. so it’s helpful for bad knees. Sounds good?
Does a Recumbent Bike Give You a Good Workout?
If truth be told, yes a recumbent exercise bike can provide you with good workouts. In fact, you can count on them to tone your glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings as well. It provides you with a good cardio workout too but with an aerobic workout routine.
Besides, people with injury, medical conditions like arthritis, and plantar fasciitis can also consider using a recumbent. Even seniors that want to boost their longevity can try working out with these bikes.
Can you Lose Weight on a Recumbent Bike?
See, we can say to this and you can straightway run to procure one from this list. However, we do not know your condition, history, diet, and lifestyle. It will be very difficult for us to say yes or no to this question. It will be very unethical of us to comment loosely on it.
In general, if you pledge to eat nutritional food, exercise daily (with indoor bikes like these and more), take adequate rest, and let go of a sedentary lifestyle, you will certainly reach your goals. Recumbent entails low-impact exercises that will show you results slowly and steadily if you adhere to these basic guidelines.
Who Would Benefit From Using a Recumbent Bike?
We have mentioned earlier as well that people with health conditions like arthritis, and injury can make use of these bikes. A stationary bike does not strain your knees and joints.
This helps you to work on your glutes, hamstring, and thighs with ease.
Again, seniors that want to live an active life can also make use of these bikes for the same. These Exercise bikes are safe and can be adjusted for personal use. Isn’t that great?Will all Heart Rate Monitors Work With My Recumbent Bike?
Most machines come without heart rate monitors. In fact, they are not necessary, even if you are training for a competition you can see a performance monitor. Our suggestion would be, so don’t sweat it out.
Our Verdict
We believe in procuring something that brings value. Since we have all these above-mentioned bikes, we know each of them is valuable. However, if you ask us to name the best recumbent exercise bike among them, then we have to confess that for us it is Schwinn 270 recumbent exercise bike.
Maybe we are old school, but we know it is a sturdy bike. It has been in business for ages and that makes it a trustworthy product. That is all from us, let us know which one appeals to you.
