Recumbent exercise bikes are excellent to give your back support while you do a cardio workout. A recumbent bike allows you to sit in a comfortable, upright position while you pedal. The best recumbent exercise bikes have all the cool features you expect from upright exercise bikes, spinning bikes, and fold able exercise bikes. The top brand indoor recumbent bikes also have touchscreens and connect to fitness apps.
A recumbent bike has certain advantages over upright bikes. Sitting in a recumbent position while exercising is an excellent option for people who need lumbar support or have issues with their knees. This type of popular home exercise equipment has a padded seat and various resistance levels allowing you to work out in comfort.
However, a quick internet search for the “best recumbent exercise bike” will bring up thousands of results. So, it can be challenging to know which of the many recumbent exercise bikes for sale is best for your needs. Additionally, you need to ensure that the indoor exercise bike you choose has the necessary features at an affordable price to suit your budget.
This recumbent bike review looks at the top eight recumbent bike models currently on the market to make your task easier. To help you make an informed decision, you will find out the pros and cons of each exercise bike.
The 8 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
If you are looking for the best recumbent exercise bike to reach your fitness goals, read on to find out the top eight bikes currently for sale online.
1. SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike
One of the best recumbent models on the market is the Schwinn 270 indoor exercise bike. The bike features a cushioned seat that is well-ventilated and contoured to provide excellent lumbar support. The large, weighted flywheel ensures a smooth, quiet ride, and there are 25 resistance levels to customize your workout routine.
An advantage of the Schwinn recumbent model is that it connects via Bluetooth to fitness tracking apps. This way, you can benefit from the 29 pre-programmed workouts. The tablet holder, MP3 player speakers, adjustable fan, and dual LCD display help make high-intensity workouts enjoyable.
Pros:
- Contoured seat
- The seat slides backward and forward for any size of person
- Twelve profiles
- Stores data for four custom users
- Perimeter weighted flywheel
- Fully adjustable seat
- Heart rate monitoring
- Three-speed fan to keep you cool
Cons:
- Tricky to assemble
- Expensive price tag
2. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Marcy stationary recumbent bike is an affordable option if you must get fit on a budget. Despite its cheap price point, this piece of fitness equipment has all the basic features you require. The LCD display shows calories burned, speed, distance, and time. If you have mobility issues, the step-through design makes it comfortable to use the equipment.
The Marcy recumbent model uses magnetic resistance and has eight tension levels. Additionally, the ergonomic seat, sturdy handles, and extra support make exercising straightforward.
Pros:
- The heavy-duty frame doesn’t take up much room
- Large LCD screen
- Comfortable cushioned seat and handles
- Takes up to 300 lbs.
- Low price tag
Cons:
- Few resistance levels compared to other models
- No built-in fitness programs
- It may be too simple for some people
- No pulse sensors
3. Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness training bike is an ideal choice if you also need an upper body workout. The recumbent bike has moveable handlebars and foot pedals to create an excellent low-impact fitness bike. The oversized seat with lumbar support and comfortable backrest supports body weight up to 350 lbs.
This recumbent bike has eight levels of resistance, which is suitable for beginners. The digital LCD monitor displays heart rate, speed, calorie burn, and distance to allow you to track your fitness goals. Additionally, the transport wheels and easy seat adjustments make it easy to use this indoor gym equipment.
Pros:
- Ideal for a full-body workout
- Easy to keep track of fitness goals
- Step over to sit down on the oversized seat
- Pulse sensors
Cons:
- Pedals could be better
- Simple LCD monitor
- Lacks preset programs
4. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
The Exerpeutic 400XL is a foldable bike that allows you to sit in a recumbent position. This recumbent bike model is a choice for people stuck for space in their home exercise area. This folding recumbent bike has the basic features of most exercise equipment. There are eight magnetic resistance levels, an easy-to-read LCD display, and basic workout tracking.
An excellent feature of this foldable semi-recumbent bike is its connectivity to MyCloudFitness app. The free version has basic tracking, while the premium version has personalized workout programs and trainer-led videos. This recumbent bike option is also an excellent choice to use as a desk bike.
Pros:
- An excellent option if indoor space is limited — fold away when finished exercising
- Sturdy, heavy-duty design
- Easy to set up
- Bluetooth connectivity to fitness apps
- Pulse sensor
- Smooth, consistent pedaling
Cons:
- Semi-recumbent position
- The ride isn’t as smooth as traditional recumbent bikes
- The cushioned seat is relatively stiff and uncomfortable
5. Star Trac Recumbent Bikes S-RBX
A tremendous recumbent exercise bike is the Star Trac S-RBX. The top-of-the-range stationary bike has all the features of professional gym equipment. The steel frame and extra-large seat have a maximum capacity of 350 lbs. There are 20 resistance levels for customization, and the built-in fan keeps you cool while working out. To accommodate people of all sizes, the seat slides so you can comfortably reach the pedals.
Where the Star Trac S-RBX excels is the multifunction display. This includes ten preset programs, fitness monitors, and the typical metrics that exercise bikes display. Additionally, there is a water bottle holder and multimedia stand.
Pros:
- Wrap-around seat mechanism for ease of use
- Comfortable seat
- Wide range of preset programs
- Excellent digital monitor display
- 20 resistance levels
- Large flywheel for a comfortable ride
- Built-in transportation wheels
Cons:
- Expensive
6. Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike
One of the best recumbent bikes for exercising is the Vanswe indoor exercise indoor bike. Some of the advantages of this bike include its two sets of handlebars, LCD screen with backlight, adjustable seat, and Bluetooth connectivity. The convenient side handles have heart rate pulse sensors to help track fitness progress. Unlike some of the cheaper recumbent bikes, this model has an impressive 16 resistance levels.
This solid bike is suitable for seniors, people with mobility issues, or if you just want to lose belly fat fast. Thanks to smart technology, you can connect to free fitness apps to take your exercise regime to the next level.
Pros:
- 16 types of resistance
- Side grip heart rate sensors
- 3-year frame guarantee
- The reliable exercise bike that is easy to use
- Device holder to watch videos while exercising
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Display just shows one stat at a time
- Not suitable for heavy users
7. Sunny Health And Fitness Programmable Recumbent Bike SF-RB4850
Suppose you’re looking to buy a professional recumbent bike for a reasonable price. In that case, the Sunny Health & Fitness model is an excellent choice with lots of features. The best aspects of this bike are the computer-controlled magnetic resistance and 12 preset programs. The office-type chair has a wide cushioned seat and supportive mesh backrest for optimal comfort.
The color LCD screen is an excellent performance monitor that displays calorie burn, heart rate, target rate, exercise type, and program level. The 16 resistance levels allow for all kinds of pedaling—from an intense workout or low-intensity cycling—all thanks to the excellent recumbent design.
Pros:
- Many positive reviews highly rate this model
- Pulse sensors
- Device holder and water bottle holder
- Adjustable ergonomic seat
- Multi functional performance monitor
Cons:
- Lacks online connectivity
- Difficult to assemble
8. HARISON Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Stationary Bike For Seniors
One of the best recumbent exercise bikes for seniors is this model by Harison. The comfortable seat features a vented seat back, side handrails with pulse sensors, a large multifunction LCD display, and an oversized adjustable seat. The high-quality magnetic control flywheel offers 14 levels of smooth resistance for silent exercising.
The sturdy frame and side handles allow users to get on and off without any issue. Unlike many recumbent stationary bikes, there is no bar in the middle to step over—ideal for anyone with mobility issues. The device holder and comfy seat make exercising an enjoyable activity.
Pros:
- Multi-grip front handlebars and seat handlebars with heart rate sensors
- Display showing speed, RPM, calories, distance, heart rate, and time
- Quiet, smooth ride
- Goal setting
- Easy to assemble
- Transport wheels and adjustable stabilizers
Cons:
- No preset exercise programs
- Display console only display one stat at a time
Best Features To Look For When choosing A Recumbent Exercise Bike
Before buying a recumbent bike, it’s vital to know what features to look for. Sitting in a reclined position with pedals in front of you is ideal for many people. When choosing a recumbent exercise bike, look for the same features you expect from an upright bike.
Here Is A list Of The Best Features Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes:
- Seat—Look for a model with a large, padded seat that has adjustable seat settings. A seat with lumbar support is ideal if you have back pain or are pregnant. A comfortable seat should easily support your body weight.
- Range of exercise programs—The basic features of most sitting exercise bikes include a heart rate monitor and calorie counter. But if you need more, ensure the bike has built-in programs. A wide variety of preset workout programs can help you reach your exercise goals. Exercise bikes with high-intensity workouts and responsive heart rate programs are ideal.
- Smart features—To monitor your fitness progress, the best home gym equipment should connect to health apps and smart devices. Not only can you track your progress, but you can join others in virtual workouts.
- Type of resistance—An essential feature of any exercise bike is the type of resistance. The best indoor bikes have magnetic resistance with at least 14 resistance settings. A heavy flywheel will also ensure a smooth ride.
- Space—Another consideration is your workout space. Exercise bikes where you sit in a reclined position take up more room than an upright bike. So, ensure that your home gym can accommodate the space. Alternatively, there are some excellent foldable recumbent bikes for sale.
General Information And FAQs
Why Buy A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
Buying a recumbent bike for a home gym is an excellent way to reach your fitness and health goals. In the comfort of your own home, you can achieve your weight-loss goals comfortably. A recumbent exercise bike is an ideal choice if you have mobility issues, knee problems, back pain, or pre-existing injuries.
What Muscles Does A Recumbent Bike Target?
Recumbent exercise bikes provide effective workouts while in a sitting position. Exercising in a recumbent position is perfect for targeting lower body muscles. You can work calf muscles, glutes, shins, and quadriceps.
Is A Recumbent Bike As Good As Brisk Walking?
Sitting on a stationary recumbent exercise bike burns more calories than walking. Because you are sitting, there is no strain on your knees and ankles. This type of exercise minimizes any risk of injury while exercising.
Are Recumbent Bikes Good For Knees?
Using a recumbent bike for a cardiovascular workout also exercises your thighs, glut, and calf muscles without straining your knees. Additionally, if you have arthritis, are overweight, or have joint pain issues, you can exercise without increasing strain on your back or legs.
Can Recumbent Bikes Help With Losing Weight?
Recumbent bikes are just as good as upright models for losing weight. Pedaling burns calories which help you lose weight. If you buy an exercise bike with several resistance settings and have a consistent exercise program, you will be able to reach your weight loss goals.
Recumbent Bike vs. Upright Bike What Are The Key Differences?
The main difference between recumbent and upright bikes is your position. On a recumbent bike, you sit down with your legs in front of you. An upright bike is like an outdoors bike or road bike with your legs below your body.
For some people, sitting down is safer and more stable.
Another difference is the seat size. Recumbent bikes have a large, comfortable, cushioned seat with back support. Upright bikes are usually more uncomfortable to sit on, especially an Indoor cycling bike.