The Best Recumbent Bikes
Working out is one of the ways to take care of your health, and maintain a good look.
Additionally, workouts can help you with back pain or some other conditions.
However, people can get stuck in daily tasks, and skip workouts to hang out with friends, watch TV, or relax at home.
Well, there might be something to do about those missed workouts.
Having a recumbent bike at home is a convenient way to exercise regularly, improve health, lose weight and never leave a house.
You wake up half an hour before work and get your morning workout from the comfort of your home while watching morning shows or listening to favorite music.
To help you find the best recumbent bike, we created a list of top ten bikes to motivate you to start working out.
Check the list and learn more about these machines in the buying guide.
Highest Rated Recumbent Bikes (by Customer Reviews)
- 1XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
- 2Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
- 3DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike
- 4Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
- 5Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance
- 6Harvil Foldable Magnetic Exercise Bike
- 7Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
- 8XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
- 9Vive® Pedal Exerciser
- 10Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
1
XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
This bike from Xterra fitness features a sturdy frame in X-shape, and you can easily fold it and store it when not exercising.
When folded, the bike doesn’t take a lot of places.
The back is padded for extra comfort, as well as the handles.
There are eight levels of manual resistance, that you can control easily with the knob.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- LCD display shows time, distance, calories, speed, pulse
- Comfortable seat
- Space-saving
Cons
- Can make noise while you pedaling
Jake's TakeThis stationary bike is relatively lightweight and the assemble is simple, in just seven steps.
With this one, there are no excuses for skipping the workout.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
This recumbent bike from Schwinn is a modern exercise tool with 29 programs, including those for profiles, heart rate control, and custom.
You can also use a fitness test and a quick-start feature and pick one of the 25 levels of resistance to match your current form and improve it.
You can synchronize this bike with the Schwinn trainer app and follow your progress.
Extra features include USB connectivity, console speakers, LCD, and adjustable fan.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- 25 resistance programs
- Comes with the fan
- Comfortable
Cons
- Somewhat complex assembly
Jake's TakeFor the things you get with this bike, the assembly is justified.
Download the app and motivate yourself, train with friends or listen to music while exercising.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike
This machine from the DeskCycle company is a simple and convenient way to exercise in the office.
The design is compact and it fits under all office tables and has a quiet operation, so it won’t disturb you in your activities.
It comes with a display and an adjustable leg.
You can also download and use the free app, to put in your daily activity and track your progress.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Quiet
- Compact
- Adjustable leg
Cons
- Can be hard to use when your chair has casters
Jake's TakeThis bike is a simple way to stay fit while watching TV or working on your computer.
On top of everything, the assemble is straightforward.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
This stationary bike from Sunny Health and Fitness is stable and can support consistently during the workout.
You can easily adjust the resistance to match your needs with the resistance knob.
The handles are adjustable as well, and the design is convenient to improve comfort and not distract you while pedaling.
The height of the seat is adjustable, so it can match a variety of people.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Ergonomic seat and handles
- Sturdy
- Heavy flywheel for a smooth ride
Cons
- No digital monitor
Jake's TakeThis well-built bike is superb for quick cardio workouts.
It is stable and offers a smooth ride, so you can focus on your breathing.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance
This elegant bike from Marcy features strong steel construction with a powder coat.
It offers eight levels of resistance and screen to track time, pulse, speed, distance, etc.
The seat is comfortable and adjustable and the pedals are counterbalanced, so the ride is stable and smoother, while your muscles work properly.
The weight capacity is 300 pounds.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Has transport wheels
- Easy to adjust
- Strong construction
Cons
- Adjustments can take time
Jake's TakeThis bike is the best choice if you plan to use it only for you.
It is possible to switch adjustments, but it can be tiresome and time-consuming.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Harvil Foldable Magnetic Exercise Bike
This Harvil recumbent bike has an X-shape and is foldable.
The bike comes with ten resistance levels and pulse rate sensors so you can track your condition while you exercise.
You can adjust the seat height to match your needs, and the user’s minimum height for this model is 3.10 feet.
The Harvil bike is stable and comes with the front wheels for easier transport.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Doesn’t take much space
- Foldable
- Convenient backrest
Cons
- Small pocket for book or newspaper
Jake's TakeWith this Harvil bike, you can experience premium workouts.
The assembly is also simple, and the seat and the backrest are comfortable.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
This bike from Sunny Health and Fitness features a free belt drive system.
The construction is sturdy with 49 pounds of weight and 275 pounds of capacity.
The mechanism is quiet and smooth, and the brake system resembles the real road drive.
There are four seat heights and two positions for handles enabled.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Adjustable seat height
- Quiet
- Adjustable caged pedals
Cons
- No digital monitor
Jake's TakeIf you miss the outdoor rides, check this recumbent bike.
The ride resembles the real one, but you can exercise no matter of weather conditions.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
This Xterra bike is a space-saving option suitable for those living in smaller apartments.
You can fold the bike and store it under the bed when you are not using it.
The pedals consist of three parts and are reinforced for durability.
The bike comes with a display that shows time, distance, speed, pulse, and burnt calories.
There are eight levels of resistance.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Foldable
- Simple controls
- Oversized seat cushions
Cons
- No seat handles
Jake's TakeEven though this bike is handless, it is stable and can support you even during long workouts.
The weight limit is 225 pounds.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Vive® Pedal Exerciser
This pedal exerciser from Vive requires almost no assembly.
It is easy to use and place wherever you want – under the table or in front of the TV.
The exerciser has an adjustable tension dial and non-slip rubber feet.
It comes with the screen and you can use it as a hand exerciser as well.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Versatile exerciser
- Compact and portable
- Quiet
Cons
- You need to wear socks because of the hard plastic
Jake's TakeThis simple exerciser is your solution for busy people.
You can take it in your office, finish your work tasks and still fulfill the workout plans.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
The Exerpeutic Upright bike can hold up to 300 pounds of weight, due to the strong and stable frame.
The seat cushion is large and comfortable for long workout sessions.
It comes with a large display that shows speed, distance, pulse, time, calories and scan.
The seat is adjustable as well as the resistance level.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Compact design
- Improved weight capacity
- Comfortable seat and informative display
Cons
- Not suitable for people who love intense rides
Jake's TakeThis bike comes with some great features such as excellent ergonomics, quiet operation and simple assemble.
You will love workouts with this one, and it won’t take a lot of space in your room.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Recumbent Bikes Buying Guide
Home exercise tools are a convenient way to stay in shape and lose some weight.
On the other hand, if you have something like a recumbent bike at home, you won’t have so many excuses for skipping workouts.
The recumbent bikes are an essential part of gyms, but having one at home can be an improvement to your exercise routine.
The recumbent bike has a less or more comfortable seat, handles, paddles, seat back and performance tracking display.
Sometimes, bikes come without these features to make them lighter, more affordable and to take less space.
Having plenty of features doesn’t mean that your workouts will be better; it just means it will be more comfortable.
With so many options out there, sometimes it can be hard to choose which bike to buy.
Therefore, our buying guide will sort out all significant elements and factors you should consider for an at-home recumbent bike.
First of all, let’s discuss why you should get a recumbent bike.
Recumbent Bike Benefits
Workouts on recumbent bikes are more comfortable, as your body sits in the natural reclined position.
Therefore, you will experience fewer fatigues and be able to complete and focus on more challenging workouts.
The position in which you will exercise on a recumbent bike doesn’t produce pressure on a lower back, therefore it won’t cause any pain in that area.
Because of the recumbent bike design, it is gentle on all of the joints.
You won’t experience any pain in your ankles, knees or shoulders.
Furthermore, workouts on the recumbent bike are comfortable and safe.
The seat features cushion for comfort, and there is no safety risk such as cars when you are riding a regular bike outside.
Workouts on stationary bikes provide aerobic exercises, for larger muscle groups such as legs, gluteus, and quadriceps.
They improve muscle strength and stability.
Overall, they are great for burning calories at home in a comfortable way.
You also don’t have to drive to the gym, pay a subscription, or book a time for exercising.
Things to Consider When Getting a Recumbent Bike
There are a few features you should analyze to get the most suitable bike for your needs.
Resistance
Magnetic or eddy brake resistance is a feature that you should look for because it can help you to improve your shape and form by gradually increasing it.
Magnetic brakes have a straightforward operation.
They have magnets that you create more tension or to relieve tension when riding.
It should resemble the outdoor surfaces and riding a bike uphill.
You adjust the resistance by the knob, so it is hassle-free and you don’t have to pause the workout to adjust it.
Eddy brake resistance mechanism works a bit differently.
It uses electromagnet, servo motor to change the resistance and you can find it on more advanced bikes.
Therefore, it is electric-powered and you must have an electrical outlet to plug the power adapter in, to start the mechanism.
While it can be an excellent option for gyms and professionals,
it is also a more expensive choice and unnecessary for beginners.
However, it is is a matter of personal choice.
Drive Mechanism
Recumbent bikes feature a flywheel connected to a pulley with a transmission belt.
It is an easy mechanism that allows you to pedal backward as well.
Both magnetic and eddy brake mechanisms for tension works provide tension with reverse paddling.
Comfort Features
In general, recumbent bikes are comfortable for workouts because they don’t provide tension on the body.
The reason behind it is the design – the seat isn’t very distant from the ground or driving mechanism.
That way, you can exercise in a very comfortable position.
Another factor that determines the comfortability of the recumbent bike is the seat.
There are seats with cushions and hard-plastic seats.
Hard plastic seats may seem uncomfortable, but they don’t have to be.
If the design is ergonomic with a vented texture, it prevents sweating and overheating during long workouts sessions.
It also provides proper back support.
On the other hand, padded seats are more suitable for people who have lower back pain issues.
Handlebars are another thing to consider when analyzing comfort.
If there are no handlebars, you might experience pain in shoulders.
Also, pulse sensors are usually in the handlebars, so bikes who track the pulse come with the handlebars more often.
Other things that contribute to comfort are cooling fan, bottle holder, speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
While those are convenient features, they can add to the price of the bike.
In general, they might motivate you to exercise more, but they won’t affect the results of the final workouts.
Ergonomic
When looking for a recumbent bike, make sure to check which features you can adjust to match your needs.
You should be able to adjust the seat to match your height and your leg lengths.
If the bike doesn’t fit you, you will feel tired sooner, and the proper muscles wouldn’t be involved in the exercise.
Therefore, there are no benefits of the workout.
If the bike has handlebars, you should be able to adjust them as well.
When the bars don’t fit you, the pressure on the shoulders will increase, which will result in shoulder and neck pain.
Tilting handlebars upwards and downwards will ensure the most comfortable position for you.
More Things to Consider
Getting a recumbent bike isn’t just a matter of primary features.
You should consider space, weight capacity, and connectivity.
The recumbent bikes aren’t small, and they can take a considerable amount of space in your room.
If you have a small room, you may get a foldable bike, which you can easily fold and put away when you are not using it.
Weight capacity also differs and depending on the construction.
The average capacity goes around 225 pounds, but if you need more you can find more advanced models with 300 pounds capacity.
Lastly, some bikes come with the free smartphone app connectivity, which can track your progress, and resemble the real-person trainer.
Conclusion
Recumbent bikes are one of the best tools for at-home exercise.
They are comfortable and come with various features.
When getting one, you should consider the adjustability, driving mechanism, resistance, space, and some extra features.
For example, if you are a beginner getting the bike with a couple of resistance levels will be the optimal choice for you.
On the other hand, if you are a professional ride, you might need something advanced.
Always make sure that the bike features an ergonomic construction, so you can adjust the seat and handles it according to your height.
If you don’t have enough space in the room, there are foldable bikes as well.
What's your take on Recumbent Bikes? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
