Exercise bikes are quite popular in both commercial and home gyms. They are perfect for cardio exercises and can also help people that are trying to build some muscle mass. Exercise bikes come in various shapes and forms but recumbent bikes are probably the most popular in the market right now.
The great thing about the best recumbent exercise bike brands is the ease of use. They just put you in a laid back position so that there is no pressure on your back. This means that you can peddle with a lot of ease. In case you have back issues, then recumbent bikes would be an ideal exercise option for you.
Well, best recumbent exercise bike brands are available in a big variety on the Internet these days. However, finding the one that works best for you may not be that easy. The most important thing is to make sure that you have all the information you need.
In this article, we are going to help you with this. We focus on some of the best recumbent bikes in the market, their features, pros, and cons. We will also be giving you a introductory guide to recumbent bikes. The aim is to make sure you are as informed as possible.
There is no argument that cycling is one of the best cardio exercises that you can do. Whether you decide to ride a bike outside on a mountain trail or inside with a stationary bike, the results will be amazing. Cycling helps to burn fat, give you toned and strong legs, and overall better heart health. Despite these benefits, there are of course a few challenges associated with outdoor cycling.
For instance, you will have to deal with tough weather conditions in some cases. Besides, riding on badly maintained roads is not fun at all and you will also have to navigate your way around cars and other road users. This makes it even more stressful. Besides, it’s not uncommon for your planned workout to be thrown off by a puncture somewhere on the road.
But you don’t have to give up cycling. As a matter of fact, you may actually decide to go for a more comfortable indoor cycling option. The biggest benefit of indoor cycling is comfort. You get to enjoy the cardio and exercise benefits of cycling without the stress that comes with outdoor cycling.
Although at first the indoor exercise bike may feel a little uncomfortable and difficult to use, once you get fitter and used to it you will love it. In fact, a big percentage of people who are already used to the best recumbent exercise bike indoors don’t miss the outdoor rides.
Despite this, different people enjoy different types of exercise bikes. If you are at the gym, it’s easy to change between one bike and another. But if you are buying a bike to use at home, you need to be careful. The last thing you want is a less than pleasurable bike that will make your workout stressful.
Types of Recumbent Bikes
Stationary exercise bikes are divided into two major categories. You can decide to go for either upright bikes or the best recumbent stationary bike. Although these two options will deliver excellent cardiovascular exercise, they are very different in terms of features.
The upright bicycle, for example, adopts the traditional shape of the outdoor bike. This means that you will have to hunch over to the handlebars and hold the bike the same way you would a normal outdoor bicycle. This may sometimes lead to muscle fatigue and pain. In addition to this, upright bikes have a very small seat. Prolonged use may lead to saddle soreness.
A recumbent stationary bike, on the other hand, is far more comfortable. It adopts a reclined position which will be crucial in minimizing soreness and fatigue. The recumbent seat also has a relatively broader seat area. This gives you lower back support and comfort. It’s often easier to cycle for longer using the best recumbent exercise bike than when using an upright one.
Things to Look for When Buying the Best Recumbent Bike
In case you are buying a recumbent bike to use at home, you cannot just go for the first product that you see. There are a few factors including recumbent bike reviews that you may want to consider.
Well, here are some of these factors:
Weight Capacity
Recumbent bikes have weight specifications. This is basically the total amount of weight they can tolerate at any given time. If you use the bike knowing well you have exceeded the weight specification, there’s a huge chance that the bike will get damaged.
In that case, look at the weight specification and compare it to the weight of users. Bikes that can withstand heavy weights are going to cost more but they will last for a longer time.
Level of Comfort
Recumbent bikes are generally comfortable compared to upright bike according to exercise bike reviews in the Internet. But there are a few recumbent designs that are more comfortable than others. For example, you may find bikes that feature a softer cushioned seat.
Others may feature lumbar support to cater to older users. Whichever option you decide to go for, make sure that it offers great comfort. After all, you will be spending a lot of time on the recumbent. The last thing you want is something uncomfortable. It will simply be unusable.
Price
The best recumbent bike offers many great features. Naturally, it will be more expensive than an upright bike. On average, the cost of these bikes will range between $160 and $700. Cheaper versions will, of course, lack a lot of features and are just basic.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money though. Just because a bike is expensive doesn’t mean it’s good for you. It may have numerous features but not everyone likes them. The best thing is to pick a bike that meets your budget and delivers on the features that you are looking for in a bike.
Assembly
When you buy a recumbent bike, it will need some assembly before you start using it. Products that are difficult to assemble can be very hard to use. You may end up assembling them in the wrong way which increases the risk of damage or injury.
In other cases, people end up paying for professional help for assembly. This just makes the overall cost of acquiring the recumbent too high. In that case, it is often advisable to go for bikes that can be assembled easily in a few minutes without the need for extra help.
Benefits of Recumbent Bikes
The best thing about recumbent bikes is that they will actually help you work out at home. The bikes are also ideal for people who have issues with their back and joints. It allows them to get their daily requirement exercise in without straining the body.
Here are a few other benefits of using the bikes according to many recumbent exercise bike reviews:
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Working out on exercise bikes gives you great cardio exercise. You are able to keep that heartbeat up making sure your cardiovascular system is in good shape all year long. In addition to this, cycling also helps to tone up your legs and develop strength in your lower body area. This will keep you physically fit, making it easier for you to even engage in other forms of exercise.
Low Impact Exercise
Many types of exercises these days will cause a lot of stress on your knees, ankles, hips and other parts of the body. This is why you will feel unending pain in your body after an intense workout session. However, recumbent bikes give you a more comfortable option. You will be able to achieve your fitness goals easily without putting your body under unnecessary stress.
Burn Calories
We all know that if you want to lose weight you will actually need to burn calories. The recumbent allows you to change the intensity of the work out based on your fitness level. This allows you to burn fat without overworking your body. As you get fitter, you can start to raise the intensity of each bike ride. In the end, you will be able to burn more fat and lose weight faster.
Save Money
Home-based exercise equipment is a onetime investment. You won’t have to pay expensive gym fees in order to get your daily requirement of exercise. Just show up at home and do it on your own machine. This will indeed save you a lot of money in the long run. Nonetheless, you will still need a significant initial investment to get the bike in the first place.
Who Should Buy a Recumbent Bike?
Well, anyone who has issues with back and joint pains would definitely benefit from a recumbent bike. This is because the bike allows you to work out without putting too much stress on your back.
There are in fact studies that show that leaning forward while riding a bike is actually bad for your back. If you want to avoid this then it would be best to go for a recumbent bike. Even if you don’t have a bad back, there’s no need to put yourself at risk by using an upright bike.
Best recumbent bike for seniors can also be an ideal pick for older people. Bikes that offer lower lumbar support are in particular highly recommended in such a situation. The bikes are also a great option for people who want to maintain good health.
Studies show that spending even 20 minutes of your day on a recumbent bike can have huge positive implications on your overall health. The great thing is that you don’t even have to put in a lot of work. You can sit, relax, and ride as you rock to your favorite songs. Before you know it, 20 minutes or more of cardio will be done and the benefits will be huge.
This ease of use has in fact led to some people labeling the recumbent a “lazy man’s bike.” Well, it’s not. Even if it’s comfortable and easy to use, you still need to put in some work to get the benefits you need from it. Besides, recumbent bikes are not cheap. The last thing you want is to buy something so expensive and never use it.
What About Computer-Controlled Models?
We have also seen recumbent bikes that feature computer controls. The first thing you get is a digital resistance selection. In other words, you are able to change the intensity of your workout using a single touch. Older models are adjusted by turning knobs around.
This can be very hectic sometimes and it takes a lot of effort to find the right resistance for your fitness level. Besides, you won’t need to find the resistance on your bike every time you want to work out. You can already have preset settings in mind that can be used in minutes.
The digital controls give you more options. You can change the intensity of the workout based on your most immediate goals. For example, if you are focusing on strength training, the digital controls will have the right settings exactly for that.
You may also get options for cardio and endurance training. Digital models give you better usability. They make it easier for you to maximize the use of your bike and eventually, you will be able to benefit more. In addition to this, digital models make it possible for users to fully customize their exercise plans.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes in The Marketplace
Now that you have some background information on recumbent bikes, it’s time to look at some of the top products in the market right now. We have listed ten top models starting from the most recommended one. Our list is based on a number of factors including the cost of the bike, the features that it offers, and the overall reputation in the market at the moment.
Here’s a top 10 pick of the best commercial recumbent exercise bike in 2019.
1 – Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike
Nautilus is one of the big brands and it’s no surprise that its recumbent exercise bike tops our list. The company specializes in mid-range equipment and has been able to build a reputation as one of the major suppliers of high quality and reliable products. The Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike is not any different. It’s a streamlined design that will deliver exceptional performance and excellent value for money.
The bike features a sturdy and non-complicated frame. The product also features the rail mount seat which will make sure you have a reclined seating potion regardless of your height. The seat is also very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing on the eye.
Another feature is the composite mesh that helps to reduce fatigue during use. The Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike comes with a digital control system that’s incredibly easy to use.
You actually get two displays. One will show real-time data on the progress of your exercise. The other has preset settings that you can use anytime. The Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike gives you 22 programs to choose from and 20 levels of computer-controlled resistance. This delivers great versatility in customizing your work out.
Pros:
Comes with a wide range of programs and resistance levels
The seat and overall frame is very comfortable to use
Very affordable recumbent bike
Cons:
The plastic finishing on the seat can be uncomfortable for some users
The Goplus Magnet Recumbent Exercise Bike is a simple and low-cost bike that delivers great features too. The bike is all about performance and giving users great value for money.
It also features an H pattern frame which means that you cannot adjust the seat without adjusting the entire frame. The bike gives you 8 resistance levels to choose from. Although it’s a decent range, there are some bikes that offer way more than that.
The Goplus Magnet Recumbent Exercise Bike also comes with a compact design and a small display unit that brings all the data you need to close view. The recumbent bike will also offer a heart rate sensor, a feature that you rarely get on low-cost models.
Pros:
Affordable with great features too
Compact design that takes very little space
Offers a heart sensor
Cons:
Adjusting the seat can be a hassle for some people
Comes with only 8 resistance levels
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is one of the mid-range models out there. It may not be as cheap as the two options above but it sure delivers great features for the price.
The bike features an innovative seat adjustment rail and quite a sturdy frame. Adjusting the seat height is easy as a result. The bike also has incredible digital controls. You actually get two screens with a lot of settings and buttons to use.
The bike comes with 20 levels of computer-controlled resistance as well as 22 different exercise programs to explore. There is also a cooling fan to keep the heat down, a USB port, and built-in speakers for some music.
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike offers a great balance between performance and ease of use. In case you are looking for something above average that won’t cost a lot, this is the product to go for.
Pros:
Offers a great selection of resistance levels and exercise levels
Easy to adjust seat
Great design with a strong and sturdy frame
Cons:
The controls on the digital screen can be confusing at times
Every bike in the market, despite how great it is, will always have some areas where it needs to improve. It’s not really the case with the Diamondback 510SR Fitness Recumbent Bike. Everything about this recumbent bike is simply perfect.
The frame, for instance, is designed to deliver outstanding stability, ergonomics, and support. The seat is also carefully contoured and semi-padded for great comfort. It’s also easily adjustable for people with different heights. The computer module is very easy to use too. The digital screen comes with a few buttons that you can get around in no time.
You will also be getting 20 different workout programs to help you customize your exercise based on your fitness level. If you are looking for the best recumbent exercise bike that will deliver excellent performance, then the Diamondback 510SR Fitness Recumbent Bike will not let you down.
Pros:
Comprehensive easy-to-use control features
Impeccable design for extra stability and support
Very comfortable seat that can be adjusted easily
Cons:
You will need to fork out a good amount of money for this bike
For people who are looking for high-end recumbent bikes with excellent features, the NordicTrack NTEX76016 is highly recommended. Even its look is more elegant than the other affordable options on our list.
The NordicTrack Recumbent Bike features a strong H pattern frame that’s optimized for ease of use and high performance. In essence, you get the strength and durability of H pattern frames but without the usability hassle.
The bike will also offer a contoured and ergonomic seat with a simple mesh backrest to enhance comfort to a whole new level. The bike is also compact and light making it easier to carry and move around. The digital control features are commendable and will come with iFit support too.
Pros:
Comes with iFit support to better customize your workout
Light and compact design for easy usability
Strong and sturdy frame
Very easy to set up and use
Cons:
The computer modules can be confusing to grasp at first
The XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike is probably the best option for buyers who want value for their money. It’s definitely a high-end brand that will cost you a lot of money. But every penny will be worth it.
The bike comes with a simple and stable modular frame that comes fitted with leveling sliders on the side. The sliders ensure that the bike is properly leveled at all times.
The bike comes with one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use displays too. The XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike takes the display to another level by using a dual color unit instead of the more common single color backlit displays. This makes the screen clear and easy to read. You also get 24 resistance levels and 24 workout programs to choose from on the digital module.
Pros:
Features a wide range of exercise programs and resistance levels
Clear and easy to read screen
Very strong and high-performance design
Cons:
It takes quite long to assemble the machine for first-time use
The Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike is actually considered a niche model. This is because it’s actually very different compared to the other bikes on this list. The bike features both foot pedals and also hand pedals.
The aim of this unique design is to make it possible for users to do full body exercises. The overall design is also quite good. The sturdy and strong frame is complimented with a padded seat for great comfort.
However, even though the seat is mounted on a rail, it still lacks an aggressive incline. Adjustment, in that case, can be tricky. The bike doesn’t have a computer-controlled mode but you will still get a screen that shows you how many calories you have burned and other stats.
It will also offer you 8 levels of magnetic resistance too that can be adjusted by turning the knob. The Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike is designed for people looking for something different and practical.
Pros:
Simple to use
Comes with hand pedals for a full body workout
Unique and practical
Cons:
Doesn’t have a computer-controlled mode
Comes with only 8 modes of resistance
The Marcy bike comes with an extremely compact and lightweight design. Although the frame looks quite minimalist, it’s actually very strong. The seat can be adjusted along the frame. At first you will have a hard time doing this but eventually, you will be able to get used to it. We also loved that the bike has 8 resistance levels and a screen for all your workout data.
The cost is also very low. The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance is actually a simple bike designed for people who want something as minimalist as possible. It’s just there to get you the cardio workouts you need without too much sophistication.
Pros:
Very simple and minimalist design
An affordable option for people looking to buy on a budget
Sturdy and strong frame
Cons:
Adjusting the seat is problematic for some people
You don’t get computer-controlled modes
The PROGEAR Recumbent Bike is another minimalist model designed for the budget buyer. The bike is all about core performance and very little to do with aesthetics. The seat is attached using a simple rail mount that can be adjusted with ease.
The seat is also fully padded so you won’t have any issue with comfort. Unlike many minimalist designs, the PROGEAR Recumbent Bike actually offers a bigger resistance range. You get 14 magnetic resistance levels that can be adjusted using a knob.
The display is small but good enough to show you the workout stats easily. The bike also features a media shelf to bring in some entertainment as you work out. Even for its cheap price, the PROGEAR Recumbent Bike is a formidable workout machine that will deliver excellent service for you. The bike would be great for beginners who want to buy on a budget.
Pros:
One of the most affordable designs in the market
Comes with 14 resistance levels, more than other lower end models
Minimalist design that’s very easy to use
Cons:
No computer-controlled mode
Lacks appealing aesthetics
In case you are looking for the benefits of a computer-controlled bike but you don’t want to spend too much money, then the Exerpeutic 4000 Magnetic Recumbent Bike is the best option to go for. The bike also delivers excellent comfort. It has one of the highest amounts of padding on its seat. The seat will come with an armrest on either side.
The bike features a very simple frame too. Although it’s sturdy and strong, it’s a little bit heavier compared to the other bikes in this category. The computer module is very basic but it does the job. All the controls on the display count to five only. You will be able to get 12 workout presets and 24 levels of magnetic resistance.
The bike is also user-friendly. It would be perfect for people who are starting physiotherapy or those that have severe back and joint issues. The Exerpeutic 4000 Magnetic Recumbent Bike is designed to deliver a simple and quality computer-controlled bike at an affordable price.
Pros:
Very affordable for its features
Comes with higher resistance levels compared to other bikes in this level
Easy to use
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Recumbent Bikes
1 – Can You Get a Good Workout on a Recumbent Bike?
It is one of the most important form of exercising provided it is done on a consistent basis. Riding a well-made recumbent bike for at least thirty minutes will make anyone sweat. The sweet spot before you start feeling the effects of riding an indoor recumbent bike is 30-60 minutes of straight pedaling.
The initial pains felt will subside as the muscles adjust to the new form of toning them. So, are recumbent bikes a good workout? You bet yeah!
2 – Are Recumbent Bikes Comfortable to Use?
In most cases yes, but that would also depend on the type of recumbent bike purchased. From our research testing a few of the top recumbent bikes listed in this review, no additional pressure would be put on your wrist, legs, beck, or shoulders. Do pay careful attention to the seat design and the number of pounds the unit can support.
3 – Are Recumbent Bikes safe?
That would depend on what you mean by safety. Are the bikes constructed in such a way that one would not tumble down while pedaling? Yes, but provided the recumbent bike can sufficiently support your weight. This type of bike come with a higher positioned seating system, which provides stability and comfort.
4 – Can You Lose Belly Fat on a Recumbent Bike?
That would depend on how big the belly is, in the first place. Constant cycling on an indoor stationary bike enables the faster burning of calories. To get that belly fat gone for good, one must couple the pedaling exercises with aerobic and cardio exercises. Recumbent bike use will not only lead to the faster burning of calories, but can also tone core muscles, while straightening the legs and thighs.
5 – What is Normally Displayed on the Screen of a Recumbent Bike?
Most recumbent bikes will use LCD OR LED display technology. The information displayed on this screen can vary from baffling to the very intimate. It is now possible to store your workout results, which can either be viewed on the screen or exported.
Some of the latest advancement in recumbent technology includes: ability to monitor heart rate, play music, watch your favorite movie or TV show, etc. It is also now possible on most recumbent bikes to monitor your workout progress in real time.
6 – Are Recumbent Bike Pedaling Better Exercises for Your Back?
Since most recumbent bikes will come with some type of back support attached to the seating mechanism, the correct answer is, it will help people with back pain get the needed workout.
7 – How Effective is a Recumbent Bike for Weight Loss?
If you pedal the wheels on your recumbent bike for several hours every week, you’re going to burn calories, which can cause the faster elimination of fat from the body. But, for any weight loss to remain permanent one must also implement better lifestyle choices.
8 – How Long Should You Ride A Recumbent Exercise Bike Daily?
The key to getting a toned body and better looking legs and thighs, is to be consistent in using this weight loss tool. From the research we did for this recumbent exercise bike reviews, spending thirty minutes to one-hour on this machine daily, should deliver optimal results.
9 – Is a Recumbent Bike Better than a Treadmill?
If giving a choice between using a recumbent bike or a treadmill, chose the treadmill as it can enable faster burning of calories and fat. Since one can walk or run on a treadmill more muscles will feel the impact of the workout.
10 – Is Recumbent Bike Exercising as Good as Walking?
If both are done at the same intensity level, walking might deliver better results. The workout one can get from walking several miles is quite different from recumbent bike riding. Why not do both, that is, if you want to lose weight faster.
We looked at the recumbent bike reviews on consumer reports and the models they choose is not among the unit presented above. The best recumbent bike for obese people need to be put into action to realize all its benefits.
Recumbent bike exercising will help get rid of all those unwanted pounds in just a few months. But, finding a good recumbent bike that meets your needs is easier said than done. But with the ten options above, you should be able to get something that works.
What is the best recumbent bike for home use? If you don’t mind spending money for quality and extra features, we would highly recommend the Diamondback 510SR Fitness Recumbent Bike.
It’s a perfect bike with a list of great features to enjoy. As for budget buyers, the Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike should work for you. Although there are still a few other options in this list that fit the bracket of affordability, the Nautilus R614 has more features to offer.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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