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Looking for a comfortable piece of exercise equipment that provides an excellent cardio workout?
Well we have the solution for you: a recumbent bike! Using a recumbent bikeis not only good for your cardiovascular health but are easy to use and take up little space.
With the back support provided by a recumbent bike vs a traditional stationary bike, they have many advantages especially if you have lower back pain.
To help make your choice easy, we have done the research so you don’t have to. Let’s get started!
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
| Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike | Nautilus Recumbent Bike | Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Resistance: | Flywheel | Flywheel | Magnetic |
| Arm Workout: | No | No | Yes |
| Workout Levels: | 25 | 20 | 8 |
| Weight: | 93 Pounds | 98 Pounds | 95 Pounds |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Recumbent Bikes For 2020
- Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
- Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
- Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
- HARISON Recumbent Exercise Bike Stationary
- 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike
- Stamina Elite Total Body REcumbent Bike
Our reviews to the top rated recumbent bikes with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right bike for you.
Recumbent Bike Reviews
#1 Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn is one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world, known for creating high-quality yet affordable options that are great for the whole family.
Their 270 Recumbent Bike fits right into these expectations, offering an array of cutting-edge features that will keep anyone entertained.
If you’re serious about adding a transformative product to your home gym or living room, this is it.
Expand To See More This isn’t your typical exercise bike; this one comes with a fully loaded console complete with DualTrack blue backlit LCD screens which look crystal clear and updated. Featuring a whopping 29 workout programs and the ability to see your workout metrics with ease, your body will never get bored nor accustomed to what it has to offer. 25 resistance levels work well for all experience and fitness levels. Speaking of being bored, entertainment is plentiful with this best recumbent bike. You have the ability to sync it with the Schwinn Trainer 2 app, along with various other exercise apps on the market today. Thanks to Bluetooth functionality, it’s easy to connect with friends near and far. The RideSocial app, for example, lets you essentially “travel” around the globe while your buddies join you, tracking the pace and distance the entire time. The telemetry heart rate enabled and conveniently located grips track your heart rate to allow for optimal results as well as health monitoring. As far as comfort goes, this is one of the best, too. A ventilated, contoured seat is nice and padded, working with your body instead of against it. The aluminum slider seat rail system comes with a lever that lets you quickly and smoothly make adjustments to suit your height perfectly. Finally, a high-speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel always ensures your workouts are both seamless and quiet, so you can use it at any time of the day or night without disturbing others. Another model globally recognized for being one of the best exercise recumbent bikes is the Nautilus R614. Upon first glance, you can see that it’s a sleek and visually aesthetic model that will look great in any home without taking up too much space. To track your goals and start quickly improving your fitness level, keep reading. Coming with 22 programs, it’s not quite as versatile as the previous product, but for the price it’s still a great selection. Expand To See More With Goal Track capabilities, you’ll be able to be organized and see real results, making adjustments when you see fit. In addition, it comes with 20 levels of resistance which again isn’t as much as some other options, but still makes for a wide range of intensity options. Due to a high speed, high inertia system with a perimeter weighted flywheel, it’s easy to get started and stopping is also quick and simple. The entire ride, from start to finish, will be smooth and consistent to provide you with a very low risk of injury and the most efficiency. To see your progress among other things, there are DualTrack LCD displays which make it easy to quickly glance and follow the stats you’re looking for. In addition, you get a whole array of quality media features such as in console speakers complete with an MP3 input port, a media tray, and an adjustable fan to keep you cool. With a max user weight of 300 pounds, it will work with most riders! If you want to know what the best exercise recumbent bike is for maintaining excellent mobility all throughout the body, it’s hard to compete with the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike. Coming with moveable handlebars, this model really takes things to the next level, addressing not only the lower body but the upper body as well. This can also help greatly with rehabbing shoulders or just making sure your muscles don’t get stiff in the upper trapezius/deltoid area for those at their desks all day. Expand To See More In fact, you can even choose to solely work out your arms by placing your feet on the floor instead of on the pedals. You have a choice of 8 different resistance levels to choose from, depending on the parts you’re working out and your individual fitness level. While this admittedly isn’t a lot of variety in terms of resistance, you can still get a lot out of it. With the integrated pulse sensors on the handlebars, you’ll always be in-the-know about your heart rate so you can keep yourself at the ideal levels for what your physical goals are. The magnetic resistance system provides an overall smooth workout, though there were occasions where it was just a bit noisy. One of the biggest selling points of the bike is the extremely comfy oversized seat and back which works to support a wide array of users, ensuring the hips and spine are correctly positioned and supported. If you’re trying to locate the best recumbent bicycle if you’re on a tight budget then you can’t do better than the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709. Not only does it have the most to offer at this low price point, but it’s also the best in terms of portability. Weighing less than 60 pounds yet supporting up to 300, it’s easy to move from room to room or stow away. Despite being so light, it’s also one of the most durable out there, featuring heavy-duty, 14-gauge steel tubing construction. Expand To See More On top of that, the steel is powder coated to keep it more resistant to time and weather, never rusting/corroding. The step-through design allows for the greatest amount of mobility for getting on and off easier, which is also nicer on your back and knees. Using magnetic resistance, it does only come with 8 resistance levels which is enough for most users. The tension knob lets you change the settings quickly, which is great for creating “hills” and intervals. The user-friendly LCD computer screen will display all of your crucial stats and even acts as an odometer so you can easily track your workouts and goals. To keep you comfortable on longer workouts, it includes a padded seat comprised of high-density foam. This offers just the right amount of squishiness to form a bit to your body. Contoured foam-covered handles allow even more support to your back and arms. As the handles and seat are all ergonomically designed, you can be assured your body will be correctly aligned. Next up is the HARISON Recumbent Stationary Bike, which is an excellent fully loaded option. HARISON isn’t the most well-known brand out there, but they’re definitely putting out consistent quality, and this model is exemplary of that. The best home recumbent bike may be a bit more expensive than some others on our guide, but for everything it offers, it’s more than worth it. Expand To See More Coming with a high-speed flywheel, your workouts will always be smooth and silent. Work out early in the mornings or late at night without bothering anyone else in your home! Capable of supporting 350 pounds, it also works with most users. Just keep in mind that it also weighs almost 100 pounds, so it’s not the easiest to move around. A multi-function LCD display is nice and easy to read, coming with the ability to record time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, scan, odometer, and heart rate. What else could you need to know? This makes it ideal for the entire family. To keep you entertained so you can get through hard workouts easier, you have a 2-in-1 iPad holder and a water bottle holder so you’re properly hydrated. The oversized, ventilated padded seat will also keep you pedaling away, seeing how comfortable and welcoming it is. The sliding seat rail system is also easy to adjust, depending on your individual height. If you don’t mind spending more for an extremely high level of quality, then we highly recommend you give the 3G Cardio Elite Recumbent Bike. Not only is it made to take a beating, but it’s one of the top options if you’re tight on space in your home and need something more compact. Let’s take a look at the other amazing features it has to offer. The model is made with some of the highest quality construction we’ve seen, and the lifetime frame and 7-year parts speak to that. Expand To See More That means that while you may spend more upfront, you’ll ultimately save money due to never having to purchase a replacement. Thanks to the Narrow Q factor distance between pedals, you’ll experience one of the most ergonomic rides possible, ensuring optimum efficiency and proper spinal alignment. An adjustable seat back with a reclining features will provide you with the highest level of comfort and luxury. In fact, we were hard-pressed to find a model that could come close in this regard. The handles not only make for a more supportive experience, but also come with remote electronic buttons so you can track your heart rate and control the user-friendly interface. This interface comes with 12 built-in, pre-programmed workouts for easy use. Finally, when you’re done using it, simply utilize the easy roll transport wheels, lift it up, and slide it away! Last but certainly not least, we bring you one of the best recumbent stationary bikes: the Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike. Coming in either Metallic Grey or Dark Grey, it’s a particularly attractive model that will look great in any home gym. Featuring quiet magnetic resistance, you’ll be able to use it at any hour you’d like to help you reach your goals. As one of the sturdiest bikes, you’ll find a well-built steel frame that will easily last you for years to come, even with regular use. Expand To See More Weighing 117 pounds, it’s one of the heavier models, though if you don’t need to move it around, it’s not issue anyway. The multi-function electronic display with scan function displays your speed, calories burned, heart rate, distance and the amount of time you’ve been working out. A more than welcome addition, the upper hand pedals are perfect for maintaining mobility, rehabbing shoulders, and overall strengthening the upper body. They upper and lower foot pedals are independent of each other which offers even more possibilities. The seat is luxurious and well-cushioned and as you can adjust it with ease, you will always be able to workout to your optimal efficiency. Narrowing it down to the right recumbent bike can be a difficult process if you’re not 100% not confident in which features you may want or require. However, this is absolutely necessary if you’re going to have success. If you need some guidance as to what you should be looking for, then this guide is just for you. We have decided to take it upon ourselves to write up the user-friendly buying guide to ensure that by the time you’re done reading it, there will be no doubt in your mind which is the perfect product for you. Even if you theoretically have the top recumbent bike in the world, it won’t be of much help if it can’t support your weight in the first place. That means that before you look into anything else, you should take a glance at the weight capacity of the bike you’re considering. Really make sure to be honest about your weight, because you could damage the bike and render it useless if you ride one that cannot support your weight. Not only is the actual weight limit important, but the weight of the bike also affects the user experience. Think about how you’ll use your bike. Are you planning on purchasing one with the intention of keeping it a stationary part of your home gym or do you need something you can take out and put away at your leisure? If you don’t have to move it around, then the weight isn’t really going to matter much. However, if you will need to move it regularly to another part of your home, then you’ll need to consider its mobility. There are a couple very lightweight models on our guide, but there are some heavier ones that come with rolling wheels that will make moving it very easy, too. The frame is one, if not the most important part of the recumbent bike. If the frame isn’t sturdy, it’s going to be wobbling around, you’re not going to have it as long, and you’re not going to be able to workout as hard as you’d like to. That’s why we’d highly recommend opting for an exercise bike that comes with a steel frame. While they’re generally some of the heaviest bikes, they’re definitely going to last you the longest and will be the most stable so you get a more effective workout. It doesn’t matter how well the rest of the bike works for you – if it’s not comfortable you’re not going to use it. It’s as simple as that. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to bikes that come with ergonomically designed seats, handles, and pedals. The seats should be well-padded so you’re not feeling discomfort or experiencing unnecessary abrasion. It’s a huge bonus if you have the ability to adjust the angle of the seat back, as this will give you a healthier position and a greater level of comfort. You need to make sure that the seat can move backward and forward, too, to make sure that the bike works best for your individual height. The display is a huge part of the bike itself, as it is going to display important workout statistics, your music, apps, programs and much more. You want the display to be crisp and clear, as well as large enough that you’ll be able to easily see all info that you need. The resistance and program options is also a big part of which bike you’ll choose. The levels of resistance available will vary greatly, with the least being 8 levels with magnetic resistance, all the way up to over 30 with a flywheel. Taking things to the next level are models that come with Bluetooth technology which will allow you to connect your bike to apps on your smartphone, letting you “ride” around the world with friends near and far. This has been proven to further encourage riders to continue their workout programs, and plays a huge part in accomplishing goals. Warranty should be a huge factor in the bike that you select. While this isn’t an absolute rule, there are many occasions when if you go up in price you’ll also receive a longer warranty which in a way could pay for itself as you’ll be covered if anything happens That way instead of having to shell out extra money for repairs or a replacement if something goes wrong. Think of it as the manufacturer’s way of saying how long they expect their product to work without any issues How much are you willing to spend on a good recumbent bike? It’s a smart idea to make a budget for yourself before you start looking so you don’t end up spending more than you’d intended. No matter what your budget is, we are positive we have a great offering that will suit it. Just keep in mind that if you do have the means of spending a bit more, the extra cost will usually end up paying for itself in one way or another. By selecting a high-quality bike, you can expect it to last longer, operate more smoothly, and just perform better. They’ll also typically provide longer warranties so you’ll be covered for a greater amount of time than if you were to opt for a cheaper model. A: The benefits are practically endless. Recumbent bikes can help to maintain or improve mobility in your knees, shoulders (depending on the model), and more. It helps to boost circulation which can help to heal a wide array of conditions and ailments, as well as helping your cardiovascular and lung health overall. The bikes can help to improve your body composition, lowering body fat and toning your muscles. A: Yes, it is. You can make your workout easier or more difficult through the various levels of resistance, along with the programs that come with the bike. A: While both are low-impact exercises which make them great for those with knee pain, walking has been known to cause more lower-body joint stress as they must support the entire weight of your body. Recumbent bikes that come with back support are also ideal if you’re suffering from back pain. A: Yes, they are, as you can burn an impressive amount of calories on them. Of course, this will depend greatly on the amount of calories you burn versus the amount of calories you’re taking in. A: Yes, they are. However, it’s important to take things slow and not push them too far too soon. Start on the lowest intensity level until you’ve restored strength and flexibility in your knees. Always make sure you’re warming up beforehand, as well. A good way to look at warranties is to take them as the company’s “word” for how long they believe their product will work for you without giving you any issues or complications. There are some bikes that literally come with a lifetime warranty. In these cases, it’s okay to spend more money as you’re investing in a product that will ultimately pay off for you. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or high-tech for it to be effective. Simply look for one with a little section dedicated to where you can safely hold your phone, tablet, book, etc. so you can kind of distract yourself from the discomfort you’re putting your body through or the time spent on a grueling task. Eventually, your body will come to crave the endorphins you’re getting from working out and you may not even need entertainment. However, most people enjoy listening to music while they work out, and things like MP3 plug ins and smartphone charging ports can really change your user experience. These are so beneficial, and you don’t always have to use one or the other. You can opt to focus on just your lower body one day and your upper body the next, which offers a much more versatile workout experience, not to mention more complete. Now that you’ve had the chance to read everything you could ever want to know about good recumbent bikes, which one will you be using in your workouts? If you’re still unsure know that no matter which one you get, you’ll be receiving one of the best in the world. However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect product for your body and home’s requirements. We hope that our guide has helped you do just that. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again shortly! The Schwinn 270 is our Editor's Choice for the best recumbent exercise bike with its combination of performance, features and quality. In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account. Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans. But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf#2 Nautilus Recumbent Bike
#3 Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
#4 Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
#5 HARISON Recumbent Exercise Bike with Magnetic Resistance
#6 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike
#7 Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike
Recumbent Bike Comparison Table
Recumbent Bike Resistance Capacity Workout Levels Bike Weight Rating Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike Flywheel 300 lbs 25 93 lbs 4.2 / 5.0 Nautilus Recumbent Bike Flywheel 300 lbs 20 98 lbs 4.0 / 5.0 Sunny Health & Fitness Bike Magnetic 350 lbs 8 95 lbs 4.3 / 5.0 Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike Magnetic 300 lbs 8 54 lbs 4.4 / 5.0 HARISON Recumbent Exercise Bike Magnetic 350 lbs 14 92 lbs 4.0 / 5.0 3G Cardio Elite Bike Magnetic 350 lbs 16 115 lbs 4.7 / 5.0 Stamina Elite Total Body Magnetic 400 lbs 8 117 lbs 4.1 / 5.0 How to Choose the Best Recumbent Bike – Buying Guide
Weight Limit
Bike Weight
Frame
Comfort
Display
Resistance/Programs
Warranty
Price
FAQs About Recumbent Bikes
Q: What are the benefits of using a recumbent bike?
Q: Is a recumbent bike a good workout?
Q: Is recumbent bike as good as walking?
Q: Are recumbent bikes good for losing weight?
Q: Is recumbent bike good for knee pain?
Tips For Choosing Recumbent Bikes
#1: Make sure to choose one with at least a 6-month warranty.
#2: If you’re having trouble staying motivated to work out longer or at all, choose a bike with a little entertainment section.
#3: If you’re trying to tone your entire body the quickest way possible, find a model that comes with upper body pedals, too.
Summary
Performance
Features
Quality
Notice:
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