Ready to get your heart pumping and reclaim the energy of your younger years? Look no further than recumbent exercise bikes! Whether it’s setting new goals in the new year or just getting out of a fitness rut, a recumbent exercise bike is exactly what you need to liven up any workout routine.
Especially for older adults and those with joint pain, recumbent bikes provide a low-impact way to get your cardio up and improve your overall health, as opposed to an upright exercise bike.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our top picks and laid out all the details you need to know in this review.
Read on to find the best recumbent bike for your needs and budget!
Recumbent Exercise Bike: At a Glance
A recumbent exercise bike is a type of indoor exercise bike with a reclined seat and backrest. The pedals are up front next to the user’s feet, allowing them to pedal in a reclined position rather than in a straight one as on upright bikes.
Recumbent stationary bikes offer all the benefits of cycling, such as calorie-burning and improved cardiovascular health, with less strain on your joints. This makes them ideal for people with mobility issues or joint pain who still want to reap the rewards of a good workout.
They also tend to be more comfortable than other types of exercise equipment, which can make them more enjoyable to use and increase motivation to stick with a routine. Older adults, especially those with arthritis or osteoporosis, can benefit from recumbent bikes even if they’ve never been able to cycle before.
Plus, the recumbent design makes it easier to watch TV or read while cycling – a great way to make exercise a fun activity!
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes — Our Top Picks
Since there are so many different models of recumbent exercise bikes on the market, finding one that best fits your needs can be challenging. We’ve done the work for you and rounded up some of our top picks.
Here’s a look at some of the best recumbent exercise bikes available today:
1. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike — Best Overall
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is our pick for one of the best recumbent bikes on the market. It packs a bevy of features into one affordable package, making it perfect for any fitness enthusiast.
The Schwinn 270 comes with 25 levels of resistance and 29 pre-set workout programs. This allows you to customize your routine and adjust the intensity as your fitness level increases. You can also connect via Bluetooth to the Schwinn Trainer app, which provides access to real-time data tracking and goal setting.
The ergonomic handlebars and contoured seat are designed to provide ultimate comfort during your workouts. There’s also an easy-to-read LCD console so you can keep track of your speed, distance traveled, time, heart rate, and calories burned while cycling.
Plus, the integrated sound system with speakers lets you listen to music or podcasts while exercising. With a built-in fan to keep you cool during longer sessions, this is sure to become one of your go-to pieces of home gym equipment.
2. XTERRA Fitness SB150 Recumbent Exercise Bike — Best Budget Pick
For those on a budget, the XTERRA Fitness SB150 Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent choice. This bike offers all the features of pricier models but at a fraction of the cost.
At an affordable price, the XTERRA SB150 is equipped with 24 levels of resistance, 12 preset programs, 4 custom programs, 1 body fat program, and 5 heart rate programs. This means you can customize your workout routine to target different muscle groups or focus on specific areas, such as toning your core or legs.
The multi-position handlebars plus comfortable contoured seat ensures maximum comfort while cycling, making it easier to enjoy your workouts even longer. Plus, the 3.7″ LCD provides real-time data tracking, so you know exactly how many calories you’re burning each session.
The XTERRA Fitness SB150 also comes with an integrated sound system with built-in speakers and a tablet holder so you can listen to music or watch videos as you sweat it out at home. And with a built-in fan to keep you cool during those intense sessions, this is sure to become one of your go-to pieces of home gym equipment!
Overall, the XTERRA Fitness SB150 is an excellent choice for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on features or quality. With its extensive range of settings and exercises plus ergonomic design and data tracking functions, this recumbent bike is sure to meet all your fitness needs in one convenient package!
3. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike — Best for Small Spaces
If you’re tight on space, the Exerpeutic 400XL is our pick for the best folding recumbent exercise bike. This bike’s patented design allows it to fold into a compact size when not in use, making it perfect for tiny apartments or homes.
The Exerpeutic 400XL has 8 levels of magnetic resistance that can be easily adjusted with the turn of a knob. It also has an LCD display that displays time, distance, calories burned, speed, and heart rate. The comfortable, ergonomic seat is adjustable to fit different sizes and heights of users, and the bike is equipped with a three-piece pedal crank for extra stability.
This recumbent exercise bike can accommodate up to 145 lbs in weight capacity and has a precision-balanced flywheel that provides a smooth and quiet ride. Plus, the bike also has transportation wheels, so you can easily move it from one room to another.
With its folding design, adjustable seat, and precision-balanced flywheel, the Exerpeutic 400XL is an excellent choice for those looking for a space-saving recumbent bike. It’s perfect for people who want to exercise from home but don’t have much room to spare!
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike with Arm Exercisers — Best for Seniors
If you’re looking for a recumbent exercise bike specifically designed for seniors, then check out the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike with Arm Exercisers. This model was designed to provide maximum comfort and support for those with joint or mobility issues.
This recumbent bike features an adjustable chair that can be raised or lowered to fit different heights and sizes. It also has 8 levels of resistance, enabling users to customize their workout intensity according to their fitness level. And with dual arm exercisers, users can get a full-body workout in one convenient package!
The digital monitor on the bike provides real-time feedback on heart rate, speed, time, distance traveled, and calories burned. And its transport wheels make it easy to move the bike from room to room.
If you’re looking for a recumbent exercise bike specifically designed with seniors in mind, then this Sunny Health & Fitness model is definitely worth considering. With its adjustable chair and dual arm exercisers, users can get a comfortable yet effective workout that’s tailored to their individual needs.
5. ATIVAFIT Folding Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bike — Best Multifunctional Pick
Why settle for a single-function bike when you can have an all-in-one? The ATIVAFIT Folding Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bike is the perfect choice for those who want a versatile workout machine.
This 3-in-1 bike is equipped with a recumbent seat and handle bars, enabling users to switch between upright, recumbent, and manual modes. The adjustable tension knob can be used to adjust the bike’s resistance levels, while the digital monitor displays your time, speed, distance traveled, and calories burned.
This ATIVAFIT model also boasts an ergonomic design for maximum comfort. It has a soft foam-lined seat cushion that’s adjustable for different heights, plus non-slip pedals that are designed for safety. And when you’re done working out, simply fold the bike up and store it away!
The included resistance bands also make this ATIVAFIT model a great choice for those who want to get a full-body workout. With its multifunctional design, adjustable tension levels, and ergonomic features, it’s no wonder that this bike is one of the best recumbent exercise bikes on the market.
How to Choose The Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: A Buyer’s Guide
Buying a recumbent exercise bike can be overwhelming, especially since there are so many factors to consider. But don’t worry – here’s a handy guide on how to choose the best recumbent exercise bike that will suit your needs and budget.
Some factors to consider when shopping for a recumbent bike include:
- Weight Capacity: Make sure the bike can support your body weight. A higher weight capacity is usually better so that the machine can accommodate heavier users in the future.
- Flywheel Quality: Look for precision-balanced flywheels to ensure that you have a smooth and quiet workout experience.
- Adjustable Resistance: Look for adjustable resistance levels so that you can customize your workout intensity according to your fitness level.
- Ergonomics: An ergonomic design is essential for maximum comfort, especially if you intend to use the bike for long sessions. Look for features like padded seats and adjustable seat heights.
- Price: Of course, you’ll want to find the best recumbent exercise bike at the most affordable price. Look out for promotional offers or discounts online.
Wrapping Up
With so many great recumbent bikes on the market, it can be hard to choose just one. But rest assured that whichever bike you decide to go with, you’ll get a comfortable and effective workout experience.
Each of the 7 recumbent exercise bikes listed above has its own unique features that make them stand out from the competition. So, take your time and choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and fitness goals. Happy shopping!
