Do you have a home gym or are you looking for a way to exercise without getting out of the house? A recumbent bike may be the perfect answer. Recumbent bikes, which offer more comfort than traditional upright bikes and less stress on your back, are great for people who want to pedal at their own pace in order to burn calories.
What is the Best Recumbent Bike For Home Use?
To find the Best Recumbent Bike For Home Use for you we have used several of recumbent exercise bike for home use and selected the absolute top 4 recumbent bikes for home use.
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. 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 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
2. SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 86.6 pounds (39.28 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 |
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. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 66 pounds (29.94 kg) Size: 55.5 x 37.5 x 25 inches (141 x 95.3 x 63.5 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: 14-Gauge Steel Screen Type: LCD |
Marcy ME-709 is an entry-level recumbent that comes highly recommended due to its ease of use and affordable price point. The bike features a low-profile design that makes it ideal for seniors, overweight people, and people on the path of recovery as it is easy to mount. One of its most attractive attributes is its ease of assembly, and most people can assemble it alone in under an hour. It also has a sturdy and lightweight construction that makes it easy to move around with its built-in glider wheels. It also has a high weight limit of 300 pounds, but my research shows that it can easily accommodate people who weigh up to 400 pounds.
The ME-709 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to include exercise in their daily routine, but it’s not ideal for professional cyclists as it only comes with limited features. For instance, it features a quiet magnetic resistance system with eight low-impact resistance levels. It is lightweight with low inertia, so it is easy for seniors to pedal but not challenging enough for people looking to get a heavy workout. It also comes with an LCD screen that displays four exercise metrics. They include time, distance, speed, and calories burned. The seat is also relatively large to accommodate overweight people and provides excellent ergonomic support. The saddle is adjustable by moving the steel tube frame closer or further away from the pedals with six pre-set lengths, but you can drill extra holes on the tube frame to accommodate your height. I also like the weighted pedals with adjustable foot straps to prevent your feet from slipping.
Pros
- Highly rated and affordably priced,
- Low profile design for easy mounting,
- Wide ergonomic seat for heavyweight people,
- Sturdy structure with a high weight limit
Cons
- Bike parts wear out quickly,
- Pedaling action is not stable
4. Lanos Folding Exercise Bike with 10-Level Adjustable Magnetic Resistance
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 48 pounds (21.77 kg) Size: 41 x 32 x 20 inches (104.1 x 81.3 x 50.8 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 10 levels Screen Type: LCD |
This bike also features a semi-recumbent design with a foldable X-frame structure ideal for home or office use. It delivers low-impact cycling exercises which are easy on the joints in the reclined position and provides full-body workouts to improve your cardio fitness as an upright bike. It has a 330-pound maximum user weight that makes this bike an excellent option for weight loss and rehabilitation exercises. The Lanos folding bike features ten magnetic resistance levels, which you adjust with a tension knob. On the downside, it does not feature tension bands for arm exercises, and it is too lightweight for performance training. Also, the design does not accommodate short people, and the seat may be uncomfortable for them. However, it offers quick assembly as it comes pre-assembled out of the box and is a good value for a budget exercise bike.
Pros
- It comes with 330lbs weight capacity,
- Quick and easy assembly with clear instructions,
- Pedals are textured with rubber overlays to prevent slipping,
- It comes with a phone holder to listen to your music
Cons
- It can be unstable while pedaling heavily,
- It has a clunky noise while cycling,
- The bike may not be durable
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 4 Best Recumbent Bike For Home Use, our absolute top pick is SCHWINN Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike.
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 Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Recumbent Bike For Overweight
- Best Recumbent Bike With Arm Workout
- Best Recumbent Bike For Tall Person
What You Should Know Before Buying recumbent bikes for home use
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Portability
Most stationary recumbent bikes come with inline roller wheels on the front stabilizer bar to make it easy to move around your space. The bike’s size and structural weight will determine how portable it is, and if you have space constraints, these are the primary features you may want to consider when choosing your bike.
Questions and Answers About recumbent bikes for home use
Are Recumbent Bikes Loud?
Recumbent bikes that feature magnetic and electromagnetic resistance systems have a more quiet operation than direct tension and air-flow resistance systems. Other factors that determine how noisy your bike is may include poorly assembled parts such as the pedals, a problem that is common in budget recumbents such as the Sunny Health and Fitness recumbents. Uneven floors and worn-out mechanical parts are other factors that can make your recumbent noisy. To address mechanical noises, I recommend regular maintenance such as lubrication and tightening your nuts and bolts. Additionally, floor mats can help to reduce noise where your floors are uneven.
How Much Space Do I Need?
The Schwinn 230 recumbent bike has the largest footprint in this review at 64 inches by 27 inches, but it’s also the average size of many recumbents. However, if you have a small space, you may want to consider getting a foldable recumbent, such as the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike, that measures 32 inches by 20 inches. It may not be as stable and comfortable to use as the Schwinn 230, but you may get the performance results of an ordinary recumbent in the same price range.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
