Recumbent exercise bikes are a great way to stay in shape while sitting down. They’re also helpful for people with back problems or other physical conditions that keep them from working out on traditional upright stationary bikes. However, it can be hard to find the best recumbent bike when you don’t know what features you should look for.
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What is the Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike?
It can be difficult to find the best commercial recumbent exercise bike. There are so many options and products available! But don’t worry; we’ve done all of the research so that you don’t have to. After going through most of the products, we have narrowed it down to the absolute top 5 commercial recumbent exercise bikes and wrote down why they’re worth your time and money.
We have also compiled a list of key pointers to consider before buying commercial recumbent bike which you can find later on in this article, together with some helpful FAQs. So without further delay, let’s get started with the list of best commercial recumbent exercise bikes.
1. Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 91.1 Pounds (41.3 kg) Size: 52.5 x 51 x 25 Inches (133.4 x 129.5 x 63.5 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel |
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Arm exercisers on recumbent exercise bikes can add value to your workouts by building upper body muscles and strong shoulders. Additionally, if you incorporate moderate weight lifting exercises, you can greatly improve your cardio fitness and reduce the risks of heart disease. The arm exercises on the RB-4631 allow you to engage your upper body to burn more calories. The bike is also ideal for overweight users as it has a sturdy and robust frame with a 350-pound user limit and has a low-profile design for easy access. It also comes with transportation wheels on the rear stabilizer bar to make moving it around your space easier.
I like that the bike is easy to assemble even though it is significantly heavy at 91 pounds. However, the bulk does help stabilize the bike on the floor while cycling, and the slider seat adjustment ensures that you get a comfortable fit. Unlike most recumbents with arm exercisers, the pedal mechanism on this bike works independently, which means that you can work your arms without the pedals.
The recumbent comes with a wide seat with a contoured backrest and sliding adjustment mechanism that is simple to use while seated. Although it is ergonomic, the seat padding is firm, and some users may not find it comfortable. The resistance system delivers moderate intensity at its highest level, and the bike comes with a simple LCD monitor with a large display.
Pros
- Delivers a smooth and quiet pedal action,
- Features arm exerciser with high friction resistance,
- Sliding saddle adjustment for a comfortable fit,
- Sturdy frame with a high user weight limit
Cons
- Saddle padding may be uncomfortable,
- Poor build quality and durability
2. SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 86.6 Pounds (39.3 kg) Size: 64 x 49.9 x 27.7 Inches (162.6 x 126.7 x 70.4 cm) Resistance Type: Friction Resistance Levels: 25 levels Material: Carbon Steel Screen Type: Dual-Track LCD |
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The Schwinn 270 is a high-priced model suitable for seasoned cyclists and people who want a high-intensity fitness regimen. The bike handles a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and is ideal for people with a height of between 4’10” on the low end to 6’4″ on the upper side. Additionally, it features the least cumbersome seat adjustment systems that use an aluminum rail system with a lever to slide the seat. You can also pre-set the seat position and exercise program to twelve user profiles.
The recumbent features a perimeter-weighted flywheel and a friction resistance mechanism with 25 levels that helps to simulate riding the bike outside. It comes with a fully loaded dual-track LCD console that offers 29 pre-set workout programs and 13 workout metrics. The console also features an iPad holder if you prefer to watch a movie and Bluetooth connectivity to sync your workout details with apps such as MyFitnessPal. The handles monitor your heart rate, and you also have the option of getting a chest strap for telemetry reading.
Other features I like include a USB charging port, an MP3 input port to connect your phone to the built-in speakers, an adjustable fan, a side-mounted water bottle holder, and a ventilated comfortable seat.
I also like that it comes with two inline roller wheels at the front and a grab bar at the back that allows you to lift it and conveniently roll it in place. The recumbent also features leveling adjustments for uneven floors, and you can buy a protective floor mat separately.
Pros
- Accommodates up to twelve separate user profiles,
- Allows you to customize your workout programs,
- Convenient seat adjustments with a single lever,
- Easy to move the bike for storage with inline wheels,
- Compatible with various media for entertainment,
- Resistance mechanism simulates outdoor riding
Cons
- The heart rate monitor is not accurate,
- Mechanical components may wear out quickly,
- Poor customer service
3. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 66 Pounds (29.9 kg) Size: 53.5 x 39 x 19.3 Inches (135.9 x 99.1 x 49 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Premium Steel Screen Type: LCD |
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The JEEKEE is another low-impact recumbent exercise bike that is ideal for seniors and users with back and joint problems. Like all the recumbents reviewed here, this bike features a heavy-duty steel frame that supports a maximum weight of 300 pounds. It also comes with stabilizers, but it does not include levelers for uneven floors.
The bike features a dual belt drive system that offers quiet operation with little maintenance on parts. The drive supports a magnetic resistance system with eight levels that offer low-intensity workouts. Plus, the flywheel and pedals are interconnected, which allows you to engage more muscle groups by pedaling backward.
Lightweight bikes are typically easy to assemble, and this bike is no exception, where many users were able to put it together in under two hours. However, there are a significant number of people who were unable to put it together in a reasonable time due to unclear instructions on the manual.
On the upside, it also comes with a relatively comfortable saddle that provides adequate back support. However, the slider system is not infinite, and it features a knob with nine adjustment positions, and you have to be off the seat to adjust it.
Pros
- The saddle has a high 6’5″maximum height allowance,
- Features a low profile design for easy access,
- Resistance system provides low-intensity exercise,
- It comes with excellent customer service
Cons
- “No way to sync the console with your smartphone,
- Seat adjustment not ideal for short people,
- Assembly may not be easy for some people”
4. SCHWINN Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 80 Pounds (36.3 kg) Size: 64 x 44.5 x 27 Inches (162.6 x 113 x 68.6 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 16 levels Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 5.5 inch |
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The SCHWINN 230 is a mid range electric recumbent exercise bike with various advanced features that you can expect to find at this price level. It comes with 16 magnetic resistance functions and 13 pre-set workout programs to help you achieve your fitness goals and lose weight. Its drive mechanism features a high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel that delivers smooth pedal action so you can work out quietly at odd hours.
The bike comes with a 5.5-inch segmented LCD console with a media shelf for your tablet and grip handlebars for extra support while cycling. It tracks six workout metrics, and though it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, it is not compatible with most devices and is pretty much useless for connecting with the cycling apps offered. The screen is also not backlit, and it might be difficult for some people to read it.
Another downside is the instruction manual is difficult to follow, and many people found the assembly unnecessarily hard to do. It also comes with an adjustable saddle that features a ventilated backrest. However, many users found the seat uncomfortable for long workouts, and you may have to consider getting a memory foam seat cover to reduce fatigue.
Overall, this recumbent is ideal for weight loss and maintaining an active lifestyle, and many users are happy with its performance. It also features sturdy and robust construction with a 10-year warranty and a 2-year warranty on the mechanical parts, but it is also bulky and a little hard to move around.
Pros
- Features 13 pre-set programs for interval training,
- Easy to adjust saddle for a customized fit,
- Excellent warranty package on frame and parts,
- Ideal for weight loss and moderate-intensity training
Cons
- Not suitable for tall people
5. Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series R618
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 107 Pounds (48.5 kg) Size: 67.3 x 48.8 x 26.4 Inches (170.9 x 124 x 67.1 cm) Resistance Type: Electromagnetic Resistance Levels: 25 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: Dual-Mode LCD |
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If you’re looking to get more sweat and intensity from your workout, you should consider getting a midrange recumbent, such as this Nautilus R618. It comes with more desirable features than most recumbent exercise bikes in this review, and it is ideal for professional cyclists and people who want intense fitness training.
This recumbent exercise bike includes 29 built-in and customizable training programs that you use to improve your fitness goals. The console comes with Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with apps like MyFitnessPal and the Nautilus app to track your workouts. You can also sync with a free RideSocial app that allows you to view tons of cycling routes and other cyclists virtually while riding the bike. Plus, the console features a media tray where you can slot in your tablet or iPad to engage with the apps and the MP3 input and USB port to play music from your device with the stereo speakers.
To be clear, the R618 is a bulky recumbent bike, and it has the largest footprint and weight value on my list. Also, if you compare it with the Schwinn 270 bike, you get more value with this recumbent for almost half the price even though the features are almost similar. The recumbent also includes several comfort features such as the tilting console to view your data better, a 3-speed fan to cool you down as you work up a sweat, four user profiles, and a water bottle holder.
The saddle adjustment is another outstanding feature in that it is as simple as pulling up a lever and sliding it into position. The backrest is ventilated with angle adjustments, while the seat comes with a thick layer of gel padding for maximum comfort. The seat handlebars feature the heart rate monitor and a resistance level adjustment button.
The Nautilus R618 uses a type of electromagnetic resistance system known as the eddy current brake. The difference from the typical magnetic systems is that it requires a power source to work while the other is manual. Moreover, it comes with a perimeter-weighted flywheel that delivers a smooth pedaling action with 25 resistance levels. The advantage is that you can have a wider mix of users because the lower resistance settings are lighter for seniors, while the higher settings provide more challenging workouts.
Pros
- Compatible with a variety of free fitness tracking apps,
- It comes with various comfort and convenience features,
- Excellent warranty package that includes labor,
- Allows customized user-profiles and training programs,
- Drive system provides smooth pedaling action on all levels
Cons
- Heavy construction with a large footprint,
- No height adjustments for the saddle,
- Seat and backrest angles may be uncomfortable,
- Apps may not sync with all phones
Verdict
After going through a vast range of commercial recumbent exercise bikes, taking into consideration personal experiences with commercial recumbent bike, their key features, as well as opinions of real customers online, our opinion is that the Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser is the best commercial recumbent exercise bike out there.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget you can also consider JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors as an affordable alternative for you.
Now, if you want the best money can buy then you can go for SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike which is our premium pick.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The Key Features Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The key design feature of recumbent exercise bikes is the adjustable reclined seat with a backrest that allows one to be comfortable while working out their lower body. Other critical features include the size and weight of the bike, materials for durability, a display panel to monitor your workout, and resistance levels.
One noticeable feature that stationary recumbent bikes lack is the handlebars you would find on upright bikes. Instead, most come with support bars on the sides of the seat or moving handlebars to work out your arms, such as you would find on the Sunny Recumbent Exercise Bike. However, dual-action exercise bikes such as the Xspec Dual Exercise Bike give you the option of using it as an upright or recumbent bike. Hence it features handlebars for the straight position alongside the support bars on the sides of the seat when you recline.
Maintenance
Like all equipment, recumbent exercise bikes require regular maintenance, and we recommend having your bike checked for wear and tear every six months or so. It is also necessary to ensure that you inspect the bike often for loose nuts and bolts and lubricate the mechanical parts to ensure that it remains in good working condition. In addition, you should also wipe down the handlebars, seat, and digital console with a soft cloth and antibacterial cleaner after every workout for hygiene reasons.
Comfort
Comfort is a critical design attribute of any recumbent exercise bike and is ideal for people who need upper body support while exercising. The bikes feature a low-profile design that makes it easy for the elderly, overweight, and infirm to get on the bike safely, while the bucket seats provide back support and balance with minimal pressure on the lower body joints.
Types Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
While recumbent road bikes vary greatly in construction, recumbent exercise bikes have slight variations in design features. These differences include digital versus manual consoles, the various seat adjustment, and drive mechanisms, and sizes. I have described these features in detail below.
Resistance
Resistance helps you determine the intensity of your workout, and the most affordable recumbent exercise bikes feature 8 – 12 levels. Generally, exercise bikes use a resistance mechanism that applies various degrees of pressure on the bike’s flywheel to make the pedaling harder or easier to simulate riding up a hill or a flat surface.
There are various types of resistance systems that include friction, magnetic, and electromagnetic. All work the same except that the friction magnetic resistance bike delivers an experience closest to a road bike where a change in the resistance level is immediate as you turn the knob.
On the other hand, magnetic bikes are manual and do not require electricity to work while electromagnetic mechanisms do. The disadvantage of magnetic bikes is they have a slight lag when you switch the resistance level, and electromagnetic systems are typically more expensive.
Storage Space
Unlike upright stationary bikes, recumbent exercise bikes take up significantly more space due to their bulky design. The bikes come in different sizes, and you may want to consider the dimensions when shopping for one. Home exercise bikes are typically smaller than the commercial varieties, and you can get foldable designs such as the Exerpeutic 400XL if you have a tight space.
Drive Mechanism
When you are shopping for a recumbent exercise bike, you will probably see the drive mechanism mentioned a lot. The drive mechanism includes the flywheel, which is a disc that sits in front of the bike. It is the component that creates resistance in an exercise bike. It is usually covered with a casing in recumbent exercise bikes and connected to the pedals via a belt or chain.
The flywheel is weighted to generate resistance to simulate the experience of outdoor riding on your exercise bike. There are two types of weighted flywheels that include the perimeter weighted flywheel and the center-weighted flywheel. In a perimeter-weighted flywheel, the weight is positioned along the outside of the disc. It delivers the closest simulation to a road bike than the center-weighted option. They are also heavier and require more effort to pedal to start and stop. However, once you gain momentum, the pedaling gets smoother and is ideal for people with joint problems.
On the other hand, center-weighted flywheels are typically lighter and are commonly not used for exercise bikes. They are often more expensive, and the ride may not be as smooth as you would get on a perimeter flywheel. However, they are easier to start and stop as they are lightweight and are ideal for people with joint aches.
Pedals
There are three types of stationary bike pedals which include clip-ins, flat, and hybrids. Clip-ins and hybrid pedals are found on upright and spin bikes, while recumbent exercise bikes typically come with flat pedals made of steel or plastic material.
Most flat pedals are textured and come with a plastic strap or toe-cage adjustable strap that holds down the forefoot securely on the pedal to prevent slipping.
Extra Features
Some of the extra features recumbent exercise bikes come with include media racks to hold your tablet or phone, so you can watch something online or read a book while you exercise. Built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB drives are also included in the midrange models to enable you to link your devices to the bike for entertainment and upload your workout data to apps such as MyFitnessPal. Some extra comfort features to look out for include built-in fans to keep you cool and gel padding on the seats to reduce fatigue while performing lengthy workouts.
Display
The display console is a pretty standard feature for all recumbent exercise bikes, and they help track and display workout data such as speed, distance, time, RPM, calories burnt, and pre-set programs. The more advanced recumbents will feature a tablet shelf, Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, and possibly a cooling fan. Display screens vary in size, the backlight color, and whether it is a touch screen or comes with buttons.
Adjustability
Saddle adjustments allow you to fit the bike to the length of your legs and reach the pedals. There are two types of adjustments depending on the design of the recumbent exercise bike. The most affordable type involves sliding two movable parts of the frame to bring the saddle closer to the pedals, such as the Marcy ME-709 bike. The frame features pre-set holes that you align to position the seat and lock with a holding pin and knob.
On the other hand, you can get bikes that only use a lever to lock the seat’s position. The advantage of this system is it allows you to adjust the saddle as you sit on it, unlike the previous method. However, these bikes are also more expensive and are ideal for commercial purposes such as the gym.
While the recumbent exercise bike saddle design provides excellent support for your back and lower joints, how you position it ensures that you don’t suffer pain and injury while exercising. Generally, the seat should be such that your knees are not too bent or overextended to cause strain. Also, your legs should be at the same level or higher than your hips to protect your lower back.
Budget
Prices for recumbent exercise bikes vary according to the features offered, and your choice will depend on your fitness goals. Entry-level recumbents come with few attributes, and you can expect to find them for 200 to 600 dollars. They are ideal for light everyday exercises, while mid-level bikes, which offer more features and durability, may cost you between 600 and 1200 dollars. Commercial grade recumbents such as the Star Trac S-RBx are ideal for heavy use and can cost up to 3000.
Questions and Answers About Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Are recumbent bikes any good?
Recumbent exercise bikes offer a few benefits over upright exercise bikes, such as upper body support and low impact workouts for seniors, overweight people, and the infirm who most need it. On the other hand, you can get high-performance training that a professional cyclist would require on these bikes while reducing the risk of strained joints and back muscles due to the seating position.
Does the recumbent bike tone legs?
Generally, any cycling exercises you engage in will tone your leg muscles. Although recumbent exercise bikes are easier to ride than upright stationary bikes, they are just as effective. The cycling action on a recumbent will engage your thigh, leg, and calf muscles while the butt and hip joints get a low-impact effect from the workout.
Is recumbent bike as good as walking?
While both forms of exercise are efficient means of cardio exercise and weight loss, recumbent exercise bikes may help you burn more calories than walking as you put in more effort in the workout due to resistance. On the other hand, brisk walking may burn more calories in the same period as riding your recumbent on the lowest settings.
When you consider the effect on the body, recumbent exercise offers more benefits as you reduce the impact on your joints as you reduce the weight on your lower body because you are seated reclined. However, walking has a better effect in helping you develop strong bones to prevent osteoporosis than training with a recumbent.
Do recumbent bikes work abs?
Core muscles are activated while cycling, which includes the abdominals muscles. Additionally, cycling is a great cardio exercise that will help you lose fat and expose your abs.
Can I lose weight on a recumbent bike?
Riding a bike is a great cardiovascular exercise that will help you to lose weight. While cycling you can burn a significant amount of calories, especially on long rides, so accompanied by the right diet you will likely hit a calorie deficit and lose weight.
What’s better recumbent bike or upright?
Both types of exercise bikes offer specific advantages depending on your fitness goals. Recumbents are more comfortable due to the saddle position, and they are more suitable for people with knee or lower back problems. However, upright bikes offer more intense, full-body workouts that make them ideal for professional cyclists and people with high fitness goals.
How long should I ride my recumbent bike?
Your fitness goals will determine the workout duration on the bike. For seniors and anyone looking for a low-intensity workout, 30 minutes daily on the recumbent exercise bike will provide adequate cardio to maintain health. On the other hand, if your goal is weight loss or to improve your overall fitness level and cycling performance, 60 – 90 minutes for five days a week can deliver the results you are targeting. However, always exercise within your limits to prevent injuries and muscle fatigue.
Are recumbent bikes a good workout?
Yes, you can get good cardio work with recumbent exercise bikes, depending on their type. Entry-level models provide low to moderate intensity, while midrange and commercial types provide more intense workouts for professional cyclists.
Cycling with a recumbent bike helps build and tone your leg muscles and strengthen your lower body joints while providing upper body support. It is also an excellent option for anyone who needs low-impact cardio workouts, such as the elderly, people starting their fitness journey, or anyone recovering from illness.
How Do I Choose A Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent exercise bikes come with various aspects, and your choice depends on the fitness goals you want to achieve. The critical features to look out for include the resistance levels, where recumbents with more than 12 levels offer more intense workouts for advanced users than those with less.
Comfort is another feature to consider, and it includes the saddle adjustment system and seat padding. Safety depends on how easy it is to mount and dismount the bike, and if you are not flexible, you may want to consider a recumbent with a step-through design. Many people consider price as a necessary factor, and there are many affordable recumbents to consider. However, as you look at how much it costs, you should also consider the build quality, durability, and manufacturer’s warranty to avoid buying junk equipment.
Do You Need Extra Features?
Midrange and premium-priced recumbents often come with extra features to enhance your workout experience and also provide convenience. These features include Bluetooth connectivity to help you link your workout metrics to fitness apps, speakers for listening to music from your phone or tablet, and 3-speed fans to help keep you cool while you work up a sweat.
However, as nice as it is to have extra features, whether you need them or not is a matter of preference. Budget recumbents that feature the minimum functions may give you the results you need just as much as a bike with a water bottle holder. But, the performance features such as the resistance levels will determine if the recumbent will help you achieve your fitness goals.
