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.
What is the Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike?
To find the Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike for you we have used several of commercial recumbent bike and selected the absolute top 5 commercial recumbent exercise bikes.
This is based on our first-hand experiences, years of practice as well as individual research on what others have to say, so that we can give you a more well-rounded review.
Feel free to scroll to the end of this article for a short buying guide and some frequently asked questions.
1. Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 52.5 x NaNNaN inches (133.3 x NaNNaN cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 10 cm |
On recumbent bikes, arm exercisers enhance workouts by toning the upper body and developing strong shoulders. Coupled with some moderate weight lifting, it can boost heart health and enhance cardiovascular fitness. The RB-4631’s arm features let you target your upper body for more calorie burn. Designed with a heavy-duty frame, it supports up to 350 pounds, making it suitable for heavier users. Its low design allows for easy mounting, and the built-in wheels make relocation a breeze. Though weighing 91 pounds, setting it up is straightforward. The weight aids in stability during workouts. What’s unique is its independent pedal mechanism, letting you exercise your arms without moving the pedals. The bike boasts a broad seat with an adjustable backrest. But, its firm cushioning may not be to everyone’s taste. The bike’s resistance peaks at a medium level, and its LCD screen is user-friendly with a big 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) Resistance Type: Friction Resistance Levels: 25 levels Material: Carbon Steel Screen Type: Dual-Track LCD Screen Size: 5.5 inches |
The Schwinn 270 is a bit pricey, but it’s great for experienced cyclists or those looking for a serious workout. It can hold up to 300 pounds, and is good for people as short as 4’10” or as tall as 6’4″. The seat is easy to adjust using a simple lever on an aluminum rail, and you can save up to twelve settings for different users. It tries to mimic outdoor cycling with a special wheel and 25 resistance levels. There’s a big screen with 29 workout options and data on your performance, plus a spot for your iPad and Bluetooth to connect to fitness apps. You can check your heart rate with the handles or use a chest strap. I also like the USB port, MP3 port, adjustable fan, water bottle holder, and comfy ventilated seat. It’s easy to move with wheels at the front and a handle at the back. You can level it on uneven floors and get a floor mat separately.
Pros
- Has up to twelve separate user profiles,
- Lets you customize your workout programs,
- Compatible with several types of media,
- Resistance mechanism can simulate outdoor riding
Cons
- Heart rate monitor sometimes inaccurate,
- Not the greatest customer service
3. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 53.5 x NaN x 19.3 inches (135.9 x NaN x 49 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Premium Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 5 inches |
The JEEKEE is a recumbent exercise bike that’s gentle on the body, making it suitable for elderly users or those with back and joint issues. Like other bikes I’ve discussed, it has a strong steel frame that can hold up to 300 pounds. Although it has stabilizers, it doesn’t have levelers for uneven surfaces. This bike uses a dual belt system which is quiet and requires minimal maintenance. It offers eight levels of magnetic resistance for low-intensity workouts. The pedals and flywheel are linked, so you can pedal in reverse for varied workouts. While most found assembling this bike straightforward, some users struggled because of the manual’s unclear directions. The seat is quite comfy and supports the back. However, adjusting it requires stepping off and using a knob with nine fixed settings.
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 (36.29 kg) Size: 64 x 44.5 x 27 inches (162.6 x 113 x 68.6 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 16 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 5.5 inch |
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. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 43 pounds (19.5 kg) Size: 54 x 20 x 17 inches (137.2 x 50.8 x 43.2 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 3.3 x 1.5 |
The Exerpeutic 400XL is an excellent choice for small spaces as it folds up to almost half its size for storage. It is semi-recumbent as the pedals are almost below you like an upright bike instead of out in front. Another outstanding feature is that it is low enough to fit under a height-adjustable desk, so you can work while you exercise. Like the 900XL model, the bike features a tube steel construction that makes it durable and sturdy to accommodate a 300-pound weight limit. However, it has narrow stabilizers on its frame, and its design may be a little harder for seniors and disabled people to mount. It also doesn’t come with floor levelers, but many users note that the bike is firm on the ground when using it.
The saddle adjustment is also slightly different from the 900XL bike as it moves top-down instead of front and back. The padding helps to provide comfortable seating, although the saddle is narrower than the 900XL. However, the handlebars are a little lower than the seat to accommodate people with wide hips, and they come with sensors to monitor your heart rate. Like the 900XL, the bike features a magnetic resistance mechanism with eight levels that increase or decrease with a tension knob. The lower settings don’t offer much intensity and are ideal for people recovering from knee replacement surgery. However, the highest levels are harder and unstable to pedal, which may impact the joints. The recumbent uses a V-belt double-drive system that is noiseless and doesn’t require heavy maintenance care. It also comes with a simple console that displays six workout data points, as you would expect at this price point. The console also uses batteries while the rest of the bike is manual, which is a plus for many people.
Pros
- Foldable design with a small footprint,
- Easy to assemble for most people,
- Sturdy construction prevents movement,
- It fits under your work desk, It doesn’t require power to use
Cons
- Workout metrics may not be accurate,
- It doesn’t offer an intense workout
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 5 Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike, our absolute top pick is Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser.
If you have the money, you can go for SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors.
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 central design element of recumbent exercise bikes is the reclined seat that’s adjustable, with a backrest for comfy lower body workouts. Other essential features are the bike’s size and weight, materials for long-lasting use, a display to keep track of your workout, and various resistance levels. Most recumbent bikes don’t have handlebars like upright bikes do; they come with support bars beside the seat or moving handlebars for arm exercises such as on the Sunny Recumbent Exercise Bike. But, dual-action bikes like the Xspec Dual Exercise Bike can be used as either upright or recumbent bikes, with handlebars for the upright mode and support bars for the recumbent mode.
Maintenance
Like every other piece of equipment, recumbent exercise bikes need regular upkeep, and having your bike checked for wear and tear every six months or so is a good idea. Make sure to inspect the bike often for any loose nuts and bolts and oil the mechanical parts to keep it working right. Also, for cleanliness, use a soft cloth and antibacterial cleaner to wipe down the handlebars, seat, and digital console after every workout.
Comfort
A recumbent exercise bike’s design focuses on comfort, catering to those needing upper body support during workouts. Its low-profile design aids the elderly, overweight, and infirm to safely mount the bike, with bucket seats providing back support and balance, reducing stress on the lower body joints.
Types Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Recumbent road bikes have a wide range in construction, but recumbent exercise bikes have minor variations in design elements. These variations span digital and manual consoles, the range of seat adjustments, drive mechanisms, and sizes. We have provided details on these features below.
Resistance
Resistance is key to setting your workout’s intensity, and the more affordable recumbent exercise bikes offer 8 – 12 levels. Generally, exercise bikes have a resistance feature that changes the pressure on the bike’s flywheel to make pedaling more or less challenging, simulating cycling uphill or on a flat area. There are different kinds of resistance systems such as friction, magnetic, and electromagnetic. They all operate the same way, but friction magnetic resistance provides an instant change in resistance like a road bike when you turn the knob. Magnetic bikes are manual and don’t need electricity to operate, while electromagnetic ones do, making them more expensive. Magnetic bikes also have a minor delay when you alter the resistance level.
Storage Space
Extra features on recumbent exercise bikes include media racks for your tablet or phone, enabling online viewing or reading while exercising. Built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB drives are found in midrange models for entertainment and uploading workout data to apps such as MyFitnessPal. Also, look for comfort features like built-in fans for cooling and gel-padded seats to ease fatigue during long workouts.
Drive mechanism
When searching for a recumbent exercise bike, you’ll frequently see the drive mechanism. It comprises the flywheel, a disc at the front creating resistance. It’s typically covered and attached to the pedals by a belt or chain on recumbent bikes. The flywheel is weighted for resistance, resembling outdoor riding. Two kinds are there: perimeter and center-weighted flywheels. Perimeter-weighted, with weight on the edges, offer a road biking feel, are heavier, and need more effort at first but become smoother, good for those with joint problems. Center-weighted ones are lighter, easier to handle but may offer a less smooth ride and can be more expensive.
Pedals
Stationary bike pedals are of three types: clip-ins, flat, and hybrids. Clip-ins and hybrid pedals are usually found on upright and spin bikes, while recumbent exercise bikes mainly come with flat pedals made from steel or plastic. Most of these flat pedals are textured and include a plastic strap or an adjustable toe-cage strap to keep the front of your foot tightly on the pedal and stop slipping.
Extra Features
Extra features on recumbent exercise bikes include media racks for your tablet or phone, enabling online viewing or reading while exercising. Built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB drives are found in midrange models for entertainment and uploading workout data to apps such as MyFitnessPal. Also, look for comfort features like built-in fans for cooling and gel-padded seats to ease fatigue during long workouts.
Display
A recumbent exercise bike’s design focuses on comfort, catering to those needing upper body support during workouts. Its low-profile design aids the elderly, overweight, and infirm to safely mount the bike, with bucket seats providing back support and balance, reducing stress on the lower body joints.
Adjustability
Adjusting the saddle on recumbent exercise bikes helps tailor the bike to your leg length for reaching the pedals. Depending on the bike’s design, there are two types of adjustments. An affordable type moves two frame parts to bring the saddle nearer to the pedals, like the Marcy ME-709 bike. This design features pre-set holes for seat positioning, secured with a pin and knob. Alternatively, some bikes have a lever to lock the seat position, which allows saddle adjustment while sitting; however, these are more expensive and suitable for commercial use like gyms. The saddle design supports your back and lower joints, but proper positioning is crucial to prevent pain and injury. Ensure your knees aren’t too bent or stretched, and your legs are at or above hip level 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?
The recumbent exercise bike model has distinct benefits compared to upright bikes. Notably, they provide better upper body comfort and low-impact exercises for seniors, individuals with extra weight, and those with certain health concerns. Simultaneously, they can serve the advanced training demands of professional riders without adding undue stress on the back and joints.
Does the recumbent bike tone legs?
You’ll tone your legs with any cycling workout. Recumbent bikes, even if they’re easier, will work on your leg, thigh, and calf muscles. Your hips and butt also get a soft workout.
Is recumbent bike as good as walking?
Both activities are good for cardio and weight loss. Riding a recumbent bike can burn more calories because of resistance, but speed-walking might beat a slow bike ride. While bikes are easier on your joints, walking helps more in keeping your bones strong.
Do recumbent bikes work abs?
The core muscles, especially the abs, are worked when cycling. This activity is also a cardio workout that can help you reduce fat and reveal those abs.
Can I lose weight on a recumbent bike?
You can lose weight by riding a bike, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Cycling burns many calories, especially during long sessions.
What’s better recumbent bike or upright?
Depending on your health and fitness aims, both bikes can be beneficial. Recumbents are kind to the back and knees, whereas uprights provide a vigorous exercise experience.
How long should I ride my recumbent bike?
The desired workout duration on your recumbent bike is governed by your fitness aspirations. For those in their senior years or wanting less intense workouts, half an hour each day should suffice. Conversely, if you’re set on losing weight or enhancing your cycling skills and fitness, a regimen of 60-90 minutes five days a week should do the trick. Nonetheless, remember to heed your body’s limits to keep injuries at bay.
Are recumbent bikes a good workout?
Absolutely, recumbent bikes can give you a nice cardio session. While beginner models offer milder workouts, the more advanced ones are suitable for avid cyclists. They tone the legs, support the upper body, and are perfect for those looking for softer workouts, like the elderly or newcomers to fitness.
How Do I Choose A Recumbent Bike?
When in the market for a recumbent bike, focus on your workout aspirations. Key features include resistance levels, with more than 12 being optimal for seasoned users. Comfort, like saddle adjustments and cushioning, is vital. If you have flexibility issues, a step-through design can be advantageous. Although budget is significant, ensure you don’t sacrifice quality, sturdiness, or the warranty on offer.
Do You Need Extra Features?
Higher-end recumbents come with extras like Bluetooth, music options, and fans. But remember, it’s not about the extras but what you want. Even simpler bikes can get you fit if they have the right resistance.
