Updated: April 15, 2019 by WalterIf you suffer from lower back pain, or feel uncomfortable using a traditional stationary bike, then a recumbent exercise bike is maybe the best option for you. Most of the people do not like using upright bikes since they put pressure and strain on the back, shoulders and other joints. Also, they are hard to use for overweight people or seniors.
The advantage of a recumbent stationary bike is that they come with an ergonomic design and back support that provide a sitting position that avoids stress on joints making working out more comfortably.
So, even if you have problems with your lower body, you can use it safely. You can enjoy the cardio, health, fat-burning benefits of cycling in the comfort of your home.
Overall, it is a beneficial choice for anyone who want to get fit at home in a comfortable way.
On this page, you will find everything about this indoor fitness equipment. Comparison and review of the best stationary bikes, buyer's tips as well as other advice.
Best Rated Recumbent Exercise Bike Comparison
Product | Overview | Details |
|---|---|---|
1. Exerpeutic 900XL  | The Most Popular | |
2. Schwinn 230  | The Best Buy | |
3. Marcy ME 709  | Affordable | |
4. Exerpeutic 400XL  | Semi-Recumbent Design | |
5. Schwinn 270  | The Most Professional | |
6. Sunny Health & Fitness  | Girlish Design | |
7. Nautilus R614  |
Which is the best buy?
Considering the features and user experience, Schwinn 230 is the winner for me. But if the price is the main point, all the other recumbent exercise machines are perfect for an average user.
Recumbent Bike Reviews
1. Exerpeutic 900XL - The Most Popular
This is a recumbent stationary bicycle that offers cardiovascular workouts with minimal joint and back stress. You can cycle for hours without feeling any discomfort that you may experience in an upright bicycle as it has a padded seat which minimizes pressure on the joints.
Both beginners and experienced users of this sit down exercise bike will feel challenged when they use it for low impact exercise as they can choose their level of endurance and change resistance level whenever they need to you by only turning a knob.
Its design in exceptional as it is intended to fit people of different weight and height as the seat is adjustable to accommodate people from five feet six inches to six feet three inches tall.
Easy to move around the house. When you are pedaling, you are assured of comfort. The pedals are soft enough that you don’t need shoes while on it.
It has 8 magnetic resistances which don’t get in the way as you exercise. It's also responsible for the quietness of the bike. Hence, you can listen to music or watch TV while exercise.
Specifications & Best Features of Exerpeutic 900xl extended capacity recumbent bike
Current Price & Reviews
There are a lot of positive customers reviews as customers love this stationary recumbent bike because it is very comfortable to use. Its design makes you want to exercise more as you can get in and off it easily, Exerpeutic 900xl stays in place. It can accommodate a broad range of users.
Another advantage is that the heart rate sensor keeps a record of how your cardio workout is going. The downside of this machine is that it has to be set manually, but this is quite common for such a fitness equipment with a low price.
Hand Pulse Sensors
2. Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike - Great Comfort & Lot Of Programs
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike offers a wide array of workout options that fit into almost anyone’s budget and fitness goals. With 22 programmed workouts, it allows to track performance as you are able to download your exercise data. I think it's the most comfortable recumbent exercise bike someone can invest into.
It lets choose the intensity of your workout, from fun workouts to workouts that really push the heart rate up
Best Features
Customer Reviews
It has received very positive reviews from customers as it offers everything you needs from a great bike at a lower price than the other recumbent bikes within its price range.
Cons
The user manual of the Schwinn 230 is not very clear. However, you can download or order an additional guide to be able to figure out the console programming.
Exercise bike with screen
3. Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle - Affordable
You are able to perform a number of exercises on this recumbent cycle just the same as the larger and more expensive bikes. The exercises that are done on it help firm and tone your physique. It also increases the cardiovascular endurance as you burn calories. As you work out, your legs are extended to the front rather than under your body hence minimal pressure the joints.
Marcy Me 709 offers much safety due to the various features and its design. The bike is safe for heavy cyclists without the fear of tripping over. It stays stable even with workouts performed under high resistance level. Its design is in such a way that it fits conveniently in small spaces. The step-through frame design allows easy entry and exit from the bicycle as there is a gap in between the armrest that provides access by bigger people.
Best Features & Specifications
Customers reviews
This recumbent exercise bike has positive reviews from people who have used it. They say that it is very easy and comfortable to work out using this bike. It's also best for the home gym because almost anyone, no matter their weight can use it. The disadvantage of this bike is that it doesn’t come with preset workout programs, but you can always check out appropriate workouts on YouTube.
4. Exerpeutic 400XL Reclining Exercise Bike - Semi-Recumbent Design
This indoor recumbent bike provides you with the assurance of a really good workout because it has 8 magnetic resistance levels ranging from easy to hard, which makes it an ideal workout tool for people of all fitness levels. It is very comfortable and allows to burn calories, tone, lose the fat, build muscles in a very comfortable position. You could actually read a book, listen to music or watch TV!
The Exerpeutic 400XL compact recumbent stationary bike folds up, so it is very easy to store. It can fit into a closet or into a corner in your house, making sure that you enjoy the benefits of a good workout without dedicating an entire room to the exercise equipment.
Best folding recumbent bike
Best Functions & Specifications
Cons
It would have been great if the Exerpeutic 400XL came with a chest strap for monitoring of the heart rate that one just wears and goes on to work out. However, the bike has handgrip sensors that are able to monitor pulse very effectively.
Customer Reviews
The Exerpeutic 400XL folding recumbent exercise bike has received a lot of positive reviews from customers. Users love for its ease of assembly, recumbent design as well as its foldable nature.
5. Schwinn 270 - The High-End Machine
If you are searching for a professional bike that is packed with tons of programs and several other extras the Schwinn 270 recumbent bike is for you. It comes with 29 programs, 25 levels of resistance making it suitable for everyone in your family. Customers love it for its inbuilt speakers, comfortable seat, and the adjustment options. It is the best home exercise bike in my opinion.
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Pink Magnetic Bike
This ergonomically designed bike helps perform your workout, burn the calories, tone muscles, and lose the weight with maximum comfort due to its recumbent position. You are able to work out and at the same time can enjoy a book or a movie on TV!
The pedals on the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike allow to pedal both forward and backward, giving the opportunity of working out all the muscles of your thighs and legs without having to use another equipment.
Best Features & Specifications
Cons
At first, it may be a little difficult to adjust the straps on the foot pedals, as these are plastic that have holes in them that you need to fit onto a tab on the pedal. However, with time the plastic softens up and it gets much easier. It is also possible to use the pedals without the straps as slipping off them is unlikely if the bike has been properly adjusted to your height.
Customer Reviews
Received great reviews from customers, which gives a clear indication that it is very popular. It has an attractive color and meets a lot of customer expectations for great cardio workouts.
7. Nautilus R614 Review
The Nautilus R614 commercial Recumbent Bike is a great home workout equipment for people of all fitness levels including those recovering from injuries. You will enjoy working out in an extremely comfortable position as you burn the calories, build muscles, lose the weight, and tone your body.
It comes with transport wheels for ease of mobility. This means that you can use the bike in a certain room in your house and store it in a different room altogether with a lot of ease.
Specification & Best Features
Cons
It would be great if this sit down stationary bike cames with the ability to use a chest strap. However, the Nautilus R614 has a heart rate monitoring through the hand grips.
Buying Guide
What are recumbent stationary exercise bikes good for?
Cardiovascular benefits
Using a recumbent exercise bike several times a week will strengthen your lungs and heart. Also, it reduces the risk of various illnesses associated with being overweight or sedentary lifestyle.
Weight Loss
Using a seated exercise bike with proper nutrition can help to lose weight. This type of workout burns calories efficiently on a comfortable way.
Joints
Even if you have lower limb joint problems, this type of training is the safest, but always consult with a doctor before. Also, it is useful rehabilitation equipment for those who had lower body injury. They are also the best type of exercise bikes for seniors.
Related: Exercise bikes recumbent vs upright
What to look for when buying one?
There are a lot of models you can choose from in wide price range. As with everything, the more pricey products come with more functions making the cardio training more efficient and the usage more comfortable.
Here are few things to pay attention to before buying one.
How to use it efficiently
Using recumbent bicycles for adults is pretty straightforward. Just set the level or the program, and you are ready to go. However, here are a few tips, if you have not tried it yet. Check them here.
Conclusion
While this cardio equipment provides a safe way to have cardio exercises at home, it does not mean it's only for beginners, seniors or ones with health problems. The modern recumbent exercise bicycles come with various functions and levels to make the training more challenging and personalized so that it can be beneficial for those at better fitness level.
Have you got any questions? Need help? Drop a comment below and we'll help you.
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Last update on 2019-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ve always been interested in recumbent bikes, so I really appreciate this review. Thanks for the tips on what to look for — I wouldn’t have thought about pedal width! I would say Shwinn 230 sounds good to me as well! Do you have one?
To tell the truth, I haven’t got, but my mother has. She loves it. She sits a lot all day, and she uses it almost every day to keep herself fit.
Are recumbent exercise bike safe to use for seniors? My mother is 60 years old and she sits rather lot, so I’m searching for her something to exercise with.
Absolutely. It is one of the most recommended workout for seniors, since it is not so hard, yet efficient way of exercising.
Thank you very much for the detailed review about these bikes. I’d like to know if they come with free shipping or not. You know these bikes are not so cheap and I’d like to know the extra costs.
If you live in the USA, and you order from Amazon, almost always the shipping is free.