Now that people can’t go to the gym because of the pandemic, finding a good exercise bike is a good way to stay fit. Some stationary bikes even allow users to work on their upper body while they pedal. Unfortunately, not all exercise bikes are the same. Some individuals can’t use an upright stationary bike. And that’s why you have recumbent exercise bikes. Recumbent bikes are designed to promote comfort while you get to burn calories at the same time. Whether it’s back issues or simply about preference, recumbent exercise bikes are here to stay.
If you have no idea which option you should go for, we’ve come up with some of the best recumbent exercise bikes in the market today.
Table of Contents
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
Schwinn recumbent exercise bikes have become popular over the years among fitness enthusiasts who want to have a gym set up in their home. Though it’s not exactly one of those affordable recumbent bike options that you see in the market, the Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series is known for meeting the standard for commercial gym equipment. The most expensive options can reach almost $800 which might not be within the range of your average consumer.
Before you remove this from your list because of its price, Schwinn recumbent exercise bicycle offers several features unmatched by most products in the market. It has 29 programs to choose from. It even has 2 fitness tests that give you the chance to tweak how you want to do your workout for the day. It also has 25 levels of resistance giving you a wide range of options depending on how intense or how light you want your session.
Given the variety of resistance levels to choose from, it’s an investment not only for people who are looking to stay fit. It’s also a good option for those who are looking to rehab their injured legs.
Using the Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike feels smooth and stable. It made use of a perimeter weighted flywheel that doesn’t feel unnatural as you pedal.
And when it comes to those who are serious about their workouts, you get a DualTrack LCD that allows you to see the calories that you’ve burned, the distance you’ve covered, heart rate, plus even find some type of entertainment. It has an in-console speaker with an MP3 input port that allows you to go for the songs you love while you are working out. You can also hook your phone with its USB port in case you need to charge your device. It even has an adjustable fan to keep you from overheating during an intense workout.
Apart from the price, it may seem like it’s a perfect option. Though it is a contender for the best recumbent bike, you might feel that the console feels like a device straight from the 1990s. Other than that, the Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bikes are a good buy for anyone who plans on setting up a home gym.
Pros:
- Can accommodate up to 300 pounds
- Sturdy construction
- 25 levels of resistance
- Multiple program options
Cons:
- Expensive
- 1990s feel on the console
Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series
Another great option on our list is the Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series. If you’ve done your research before reading this review, you may have seen this somewhere. It’s common to encounter customers dub the Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series among top rated recumbent exercise bikes for home. But just like the Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series, the Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series options aren’t exactly cheap. The most affordable option comes in at less than $600. On the other hand, the most expensive option for this series which is the Nautilus R618 is pegged more than $1,700.
Yes, it’s a high ticket purchase. But what you get in return is something that makes sense for its price point. The Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series has 20 levels of resistance allowing users to choose according to their fitness level or their preference. It has a perimeter weighted flywheel that allows you to pedal smoothly with no unnatural feeling compared to other cheaper recumbent exercise bikes.
It has goal tracking capability that gives users the chance to know if they are hitting the goal or if they need to ramp up with the intensity of their workouts. The DualTrack LCD gives you an idea about the calories you’ve already burned to the distance that you covered while sitting in the recumbent bike.
The Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series can also be considered standout recumbent exercise bikes because it even has accessories that can make working out a fun experience for the users. You get a media tray where you can plug your device if you need to charge. It even has a fan that allows users to cool off as they sweat. We won’t be surprised if you consider this as the best fitness recumbent bike.
Users have used this for decades. The only thing that can be improved in its design is the back support. It’s made of plastic instead of something soft. If you are going to train for an hour or longer, you might find this an issue.
Pros:
- 20 levels of resistance
- Heavy flywheel that allows smooth operations
- Goal tracking capability
- Spot for USB charging and fan
Cons:
- Expensive
- Plastic back support
XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
The XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike is a highly recommended option for seniors who are planning to invest in a recumbent bike. It helps minimize accidents thanks to its walk-thru design. And when it comes to its features, it is a strong contender for the best fitness recumbent bike. You get 24 total programs available that include 12 pre-set programs, 4 heart rate programs, 1 target heart rate program, 1 watt program, 4 user-defined programs, and 1 fat loss program. It means that you can use the exercise machine regardless of what you are looking to achieve out of your workout.
It also has 24 levels of electronic resistance. This allows you to switch things up in case you want an easy or a difficult workout for the day.
Next, the flywheel is quite heavy. It weighs 22 pounds which is the material that’s responsible for fluid operations of the recumbent exercise bike. One of the few drawbacks to this is that you might want to find it a permanent spot in your home because it’s heavy to move around given its sturdy construction.
Unlike a cheap recumbent exercise bike that skimps on padding and just sticks with the essentials, the XTERRA XB2.5r Recumbent Bike offers superior comfort. It has a well-padded seat and high back support that allows users to lean back.
The LCD despite being a bit far from the seat is readable given its size. Here, you get to monitor your usual progress from calories to your heart rate. The unit has an audio jack where you can listen to your music.
Though many would consider it as their ideal home recumbent exercise bike, there are still many things that could be improved with this equipment. The worst about this recumbent bike is its adjustability. The seat adjustment feels a bit stiff. Next, the control panel button beep is a bit loud.
But overall, it’s a sturdy option that can help you whether you are after a hard workout or you are simply trying to build on your fitness journey.
Pros:
- 22-pound flywheel that allows smooth operations
- Sturdy construction
- 24 available programs
Cons:
- Hard to adjust the seat
Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike
The Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike is a recumbent bike option that allows you to have your workout at home. Not only does it offer an opportunity to work on your legs, it even has a pedal for the arms that makes it an ideal machine for those who want to have a full-body workout.
It’s one of those recumbent exercise bikes that cost from $800 to $900. The question that is usually asked by consumers is if this is worth it? Since it’s not exactly a cheap recumbent exercise bike, many are hesitant over this product. Upon closer inspection, you’d see that it offers great features. For one, it allows you to work on both your legs and arms.
But unlike the other fitness recumbent bikes that we’ve featured up to this point, the Stamina Elite Recumbent Bike only has 8 levels of resistance. Despite the limited resistance options, you can say that it deserves to be included in the list of good recumbent exercise bikes. It is known for its smooth operations thanks to its adjustable magnetic resistance that can be tweaked easily using the tension dial.
This exercise bike is ergonomic with its walk-through design. This minimizes the chances that you might find yourself in an accident when hopping on and off the recumbent exercise bike. As for the weight capacity, it can support users up to 250 pounds. This is a decent weight capacity, especially for its price point.
It also has a standard LCD that allows users to track their speed, calories, heart rate, distance, and the amount of time they’ve been working out.
The seat is also comfortable and padded that allows you to stay on the recumbent stationary bike even for an hour.
So what are issues that you consumers should watch out for? If you have large feet, this isn’t comfortable. You may not be able to have your feet on the stirrup if this is the case. Also, don’t expect the hand pedal to have resistance level options. This would mean that it would feel light after some time. Therefore, you are still better off using bands or dumbbells if you are looking to tone your arms.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed
- Comfortable to use
- 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance
- 250-pound weight capacity
Cons:
- Not designed for people with large feet
Progear 555LXT Magnetic Tension Recumbent Bike with Workout Goal Setting Computer
Progear 555LXT Recumbent Exercise Bike is another great option for consumers who want to do their leg workout but still don’t want to put too much pressure on the hips and knees. The Progear 555LXT Recumbent Exercise Bike features a design that makes it easy for the user to hop into the exercise machine. Weighing 60 pounds with an ability to accommodate users up to 250 pounds, it’s one of those stationary recumbent bicycles known for its durability.
But what makes this a favorite stationary recumbent bicycle by many is its adjustability. From 5’0” to more than 6’0” tall, users can get the seat in the right position that makes it easy for your legs to stretch out.
Using this exercise machine, you might notice that it’s not exactly the best based on the number of resistance levels that you get to choose from. But with 14 levels of resistance, it’s not exactly a bad deal at all. At best, it’s above average in this department.
You also get to enjoy a large LCD that will give you an idea of how you are progressing with your workout. You see the distance, time, and the number of calories that you’ve burned from your workout.
Now, you will also get to enjoy using this for a long time because of its comfort. It has padded seats plus high back support that allows you to push yourself towards the seat when the workout becomes hard.
Transporting the recumbent exercise bike is also easy since you have wheels that will help you move it around the floor.
So what’s the biggest turn off for this small recumbent bike? Some users complained that the resistance is a bit too tough for a beginner to appreciate. On the other hand, this is also the reason why it’s the best rated recumbent exercise bike if you are going to ask advanced users.
Pros:
- 14 resistance options
- Designed for different sizes
- With a large LCD
Cons:
- The resistance is a bit too tough for a beginner
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is a favorite by many individuals. From those who are serious about building their cardio to individuals who need to do rehab, these are the variety of users who think that the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike deserves to be called the best home recumbent exercise bike.
For starters, you get to enjoy a total of 29 programs from the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike. From these 29 programs, 4 are user settings that you can tweak according to your needs. Do you need to just sweat the day or do you plan on losing body fat through your cardio workout? Imagine having the power to choose your workout. And not only that, you get to choose from 25 levels of resistance.
Looking at how the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike is designed, it uses a heavy flywheel that is responsible for its smooth operations. It runs quietly plus, the entire exercise machine can support up to 300 pounds.
Though there is no denying that it deserves a spot in the list of every top 10 recumbent exercise bikes you see online, there are flaws to this recumbent fitness bike. Though most parts are durable, the plastics felt cheap.
Pros:
- 25 levels of resistance
- Programmable
- Can support up to 300 pounds
Cons:
- Plastic parts feel cheap
EXERPEUTIC 900XL 300 lbs. Weight Capacity Recumbent Exercise Bike with Pulse
The Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike was designed for users with different body types. You can be a thin individual or an obese in need of exercise to burn those calories. This recumbent bike has a 300-pound capacity that is not exactly common among recumbent bikes. It also caters to users from 5’3″ to 6’6″. You can easily adjust the seat according to your height to make everything feel comfortable.
One of the first impressions on the Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike is the oversized cushioned seat plus a backrest that extends on the user’s middle back. It is a good way to let the user relax especially when the workouts are getting intense.
It has LCD that allows you to see the important aspects of your workout from the number of calories that you’ve burned down to your heart rate. With magnetic resistance, it allows the user to pedal smoothly mimicking the actual feel of having an actual bike.
It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance. And these options are enough for a variety of users regardless if you are in it to rehab a leg injury or you are in it to burn body fats.
But one thing that you might not like is the fact that there are parts that are not exactly at par with what you expect from the highest rated recumbent exercise bike. For instance, a lot of users find it annoying that you will have to tighten things on the seat because it tends to get wobbly after 40 to 50 minutes of working out on the recumbent bike.
Is it good enough? If you will judge the Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike based on the overall experience that you get from it, then it is something worth having in your home.
Pros:
- LCD with the necessary info on your workout
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Durable design that can support up to 300 pounds
Cons:
- You will need to tighten the seat often
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike with Adjustable Resistance and Transport Wheels NS-716R
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike falls under the category of affordable recumbent fitness bikes. It’s most likely the best recumbent bike under 500 dollars. With its specs and design, it is a perfect option for those who don’t have the budget to spend around the $1000 range for an exercise machine. Though it doesn’t have the flashy aesthetics you get to see form the more expensive versions, the important thing is that it can get the work done.
For starters, it is fully adjustable. It allows users with different heights and weights to enjoy the machine. It can keep your legs comfortable regardless if you are petite or if you are a tall individual. You also get to track your workout. You get to see the speed, distance, calories, and even the heart rate. As for the amount of tension that you can get from the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike, it has 8 tension levels to choose from. It’s easy to switch from one tension level to the next.
Though it seems to offer all the basic requirements for a recumbent exercise bike, you get what you pay for. The seat may offer back support but it’s not that comfortable. It doesn’t have the amount of foam that you get from more expensive versions.
All things considered, it deserves to be included in the list of best rated recumbent stationary bikes. It has a no-nonsense design that users with different levels of fitness levels can get to enjoy.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Stable
- With 8 levels of resistance
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a lot of foam to give you the comfort you need
3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike
3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike is designed to attract people who are living in small apartments. It has a compact design that fits the needs of those who don’t have the luxury of having an extra room where they can set up their exercise equipment. It offers an ergonomic chair that allows you to comfortably sit during the entire workout. And though it is small, it is comfortable at the same time. The high-quality construction is also evident since it comes with a lifetime frame warranty and a 7-year warranty on its parts. It can even support users up to 350 pounds.
Performance-wise, it offers 16 levels of resistance. And when you use it, it feels stable despite being a small recumbent exercise bike.
It has 12 pre-set programs to choose from. With these options, it is enough to find the right workout that can help you achieve your goals.
And when it comes to monitoring your workout, the LCD gives you all the important details including your heart rate, the calories you’ve burned, and the time you have spent on the exercise bike.
It is a good contender for the best recumbent bicycle given all the reasons that we’ve mentioned. However, you also need to consider the defects in its design. If you’re a tall individual, you might have a problem finding the most comfortable position for you.
Pros:
- Small but durable
- Can support 350 pounds
- Has a lifetime warranty on the frame
- 12 pre-set programs
Cons:
- Not comfortable for tall individuals
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike may look unique compared to other recumbent exercise bikes. However, its unique design is responsible for allowing users to work on both their legs and their arms. The movable handlebars allow you to increase the number of calories you burn during your workout. And also, you get to not forget about your arms.
It has 8 levels of available resistance. The magnetic resistance system allows the unit to function smoothly and feel natural as the user pedals the exercise bike. It has been integrated with a pulse sensor to accurately take your heart rate. It allows the user to know whether or not he or she is pushing too much.
Comfort is another thing that makes the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike popular. It has an oversized seat and back support with enough cushion to make the user feel comfortable. The only downside is that the max resistance level might still not give you a good workout if you are an athlete. It’s designed for people who are beginners.
Pros:
- Allows you to work on your arms
- Comfortable to use
- 8 levels of resistance
Cons:
- Designed for beginners
How to Buy Good Recumbent Exercise Bikes
A lot of users tend to buy a recumbent exercise bike because they find upright stationary bikes to be a bit too demanding for the body. Old individuals and users who had prior injuries tend to check some of the top rated recumbent bikes because it offers them a chance to do their workout without putting pressure on their joints or even on their lower back.
So what makes a good recumbent bike? We’ve come up with features that you should check before you decide to buy one. These are the areas that can make a huge difference in how you are going to enjoy your indoor recumbent bike.
Resistance Level
One of the most important things about an exercise machine is its ability to make you sweat and burn calories. However, not everyone needs something designed to make workouts difficult. Some people are buying the top recumbent exercise bikes because they are looking to rehab their injured legs. Perhaps, it’s their therapist’s instruction to do leg workouts to avoid atrophy?
But under normal circumstances, you need something that can give you options whether you want an easy workout or something challenging. Most users tend to choose recumbent stationary bikes that at least offer 8 resistance levels.
Flywheel
Apart from the resistance, you might also want to check the flywheel. One thing that most people don’t know is that even recumbent exercise bicycles have a flywheel that is responsible for allowing you to pedal smoothly.
The rule of thumb when it comes to flywheels is that the larger and heavier the flywheel, the easier and smoother the exercise machine becomes when it comes to pedaling. And also, don’t be surprised if you see the top 10 recumbent bikes to have a belt-driven mechanism. Belt-driven recumbent bike brands are known for their smooth operations. You also don’t get to hear a lot of noise with this type of exercise recumbent bike.
Comfort and Adjustability
Probably the number one reason why you are looking for a recumbent exercise bike, to begin with, is because you prioritize comfort over anything else. For the standing exercise bikes, these designs are known to put pressure on the knees and even on the hips. On the other hand, modern stationary recumbent bikes allow you to sit upright and extend your legs.
Though the seat itself is made of plastic, you need to make sure that you check the seat if it is well padded and if it offers enough support on your lower back. Do you prefer to have something that supports your lower back or something that extends to your shoulder blade? And also, do you get to have any handle that you could hold when pedaling?
Next, you also want to know if the exercise machine is meant for your height. Some of the best rated recumbent bikes can fit users both petite and tall. You need to make sure that it isn’t hard to get on and off the bike. The perfect measurement of the seat from the ground should be around 18-22 inches.
Capacity
You have to make sure that you check the weight capacity of the recumbent exercise bike. Just like any stationary exercise bike, recumbent exercise equipment also has its limit. Can it tolerate up to 300 pounds?
This is something that a lot of customers tend to forget. If you are obese, always make it a habit to check the capacity of the exercise bike you are looking to buy. This can help prevent accidents during actual exercises. It also says a lot when it comes to the durability and overall design of the exercise bike.
Stability
Concerning the weight that it can tolerate, you also want to pay close attention to the overall stability of the exercise equipment. An exercise recumbent bicycle should feel safe whenever you are using it. Anything that feels wobbly could mean trouble for the user. It could be the cause of an accident or it can also be mean poor construction and design.
The recumbent stationary bicycle should feel stable regardless if you are going slow or if you are already in the zone going hard on your workout.
Storage
Now that more and more people don’t have the luxury of space in their home, it might be a good idea to also consider how you are going to store the recumbent exercise bicycle. A lot of homeowners stick with a compact recumbent exercise bike because they don’t have enough space to store their equipment.
It’s common to also see foldable versions of the recumbent exercise bike. It means that you can easily fold everything and have it stored underneath your bed or inside your closet once you are done. But of course, there are drawbacks to this. Foldable versions typically forego stability given the several moving parts.
Weight
Aside from the amount of space that it is going to consume in your home or your apartment, might as well consider the weight of the exercise machine. Is it heavy to move around the house in case you need to clean?
Should you stick to the lightweight options then? Not so fast. Some of the best commercial recumbent exercise bike options often have extra weight because of the materials used to ensure stability. Perhaps check if it has wheels. This allows you to move the exercise machine easier around the room in case you need to clean.
Ability to monitor your progress
Most top recumbent bikes in the market have an LCD that allows you to see your progress. This can also serve as a way to keep you safe. You get to monitor your heart rate, the number of calories that you’ve burned, and even the amount of time you’ve spent doing the exercises. This comes in handy if you are looking to track your performance or looking to target an X amount of weight to be shed in a specific amount of time.
Budget
And also, you might want to consider your budget. Though everyone loves to have the best rated recumbent bike, unfortunately, some of these options are quite expensive and may not be within your budget. The good news is that you can still find something that could match your budget.
But of course, you should be careful not to just go after the cheap recumbent bike that catches your attention first. The goal is to always get the best value recumbent bike.
Conclusion
The idea of best recumbent bikes for home might be different from one user to the next. Some might prefer to have it for exercise while others for rehabbing old injuries. But as a general rule of thumb, always take the recumbent exercise bikes reviews. And also, be sure that you are going to compare recumbent exercise bikes before you decide to purchase one. Don’t just go for the cheapest one, but also take a closer look at what the exercise machine can offer.