If you are looking for a good recumbent bike under 500, then this blog post is perfect for you. We’ll cover what to look out for in the best recumbent bikes and also offer up some of our favorites as well!
What is the Best Recumbent Bike Under 500?
To find the Best Recumbent Bike Under 500 for you we have used several of recumbent exercise bike under 500 and selected the absolute top 5 recumbent bikes under 500.
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 & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise with Arm exercisers
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 94.8 pounds (43 kg) Size: 60 x 52 x 25.5 inches (152.4 x 132.1 x 64.8 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD |
The Sunny RB4708 features an enhanced design that allows you to work out your arms as you cycle. It has a larger footprint and is almost 36 pounds heavier than the Sunny RB4616 model on the one hand. But, it also comes with a few similar attributes, such as the LCD console, seat adjustment, and low profile design. Although it costs more than the Sunny RB4616, it is still within the entry-level price point that makes it affordable for many. Moreover, this exercise recumbent comes with tons of positive reviews as it is well made, sturdy, and has a comfortable saddle. However, it does have some negatives, such as it is a little technical for the average person to assemble quickly, and the instructions are not easy to follow. Also, some users have noted that the bike squeaks while pedaling, which could be a manufacturer defect. Sunny customer care is quick to respond to any defects that occur within the warranty period. They also have a 6-month warranty on parts which is twice as much as the Exerpeutic bikes. However, you may have to figure out how to replace the parts yourself. Also, one cannot lock the movable arms if you don’t want to use them as they are interconnected to the pedal action.
The positives are many, and you get the same easy-to-slide and ergonomic saddle as the RB4616 model. Also, you may burn more calories than a typical recumbent exercise bike due to the arms, which is a plus for weight loss. However, I also recommend adding light bodyweight workouts to strengthen your upper body for better results. Another benefit is it has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds, though it does take more floor space. It is a factor you may want to consider when buying it. The magnetic resistance system and console are the same as the other entry-level models I have reviewed here. Unlike the tension knob you get in the other models, the RB4708 features a lever adjustment that gives you eight intensity levels.
Pros
- Includes moving arms for upper body workout,
- Heavy-duty construction supports higher maximum weight,
- Step-through design allows easy mounting,
- Burns more calories as you work your arms,
- It has a smooth and quiet pedal action
Cons
- Arms and pedals are dependent on the same system,
- Heavier build with a larger footprint,
- It does not feature side handlebars for support
2. 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
3. Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 91.1 pounds (41.32 kg) Size: 52.5 x 51 x 25 inches (133.3 x 129.5 x 63.5 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel |
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
4. 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 63 pounds (28.58 kg) Size: 54 x 34 x 22 inches (137.2 x 86.4 x 55.9 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD |
The Exerpeutic 900XL is another budget recumbent exercise bike that shares some similar attributes with the March ME-709. It is a sturdy and reliable exercise bike with excellent customer reviews as it is easy to use, has a low maintenance build, and is durable. The bike features a steel frame with stabilizers to keep it firm while you exercise. The saddle adjustment is slightly different from the ME-709 recumbent, where it features a slider with pre-set holes instead of a moving frame. Many users have noted that the seat is wide and comfortable, with the handlebars set wide apart to accommodate big people. Unfortunately, you can’t add holes to the slider if you are shorter than 5’3″ or taller than 6’3″ like the Marcy recumbent. However, it comes with a low-profile design profile that enables most users to mount the bike comfortably. Also, the textured pedals with foot straps help prevent your feet from slipping.
It comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance that you adjust with the tension knob. Unlike the Schwinn 270, the bike offers little intensity on the low levels and moderate intensity on the high levels. The magnetic system has a lag between the intensity levels, and if you are relatively fit, you may not notice the difference.
Also, the pedaling action becomes less stable on the upper resistance levels. On the upside, the handlebars feature a heart rate monitor. Plus, the console gives out six different metrics to help you track your workout.
Pros
- Affordably priced with low maintenance construction,
- Includes a heart rate monitor in the handlebars,
- Resistance levels deliver moderate impact workout,
- The balanced flywheel offers a noiseless operation,
- Leg stabilizers prevent movement while pedaling
Cons
- Unstable pedaling on the high levels,
- Unreliable warranty information,
- Difficult assembly instructions
5. Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent Bike with Arm Exercisers – SF-RB4936
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 68.7 pounds (31.16 kg) Size: 60 x 46.5 x 26.5 inches (152.4 x 118.1 x 67.3 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Screen Type: LCD |
The RB-4936 model features movable arm exercisers, unlike the previous Sunny Health and Fitness model. The arms are dependent on the pedal mechanism, which some people may find cumbersome as you can’t lock one part to use the other. However, you can get more range of motion with these arm exercisers than with the RB-4631, which gives you a more intense full-body workout. I also like that it comes with a media rack to hold your phone or tablet because you can read or watch something while training.
The RB-4936 features a low-profile design that makes it easy to mount the saddle. It has the largest footprint of all the recumbents I have reviewed here, and it’s something to consider if your storage space is limited.
Generally, the bike delivers low-impact exercises suitable for people recovering from injury and the elderly. It also has a significantly lighter frame with a maximum user weight limit of 265lbs and would not be ideal for obese people.
Pros
- An ideal choice for seniors and rehab exercises,
- Sturdy construction prevents movement while cycling,
- Drive mechanism offers smooth and quiet operation,
- Affordable with a decent built quality
Cons
- Unclear instructions make it hard to assemble,
- Poor customer service from the manufacturer
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 5 Best Recumbent Bike Under 500, our absolute top pick is Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise with Arm exercisers.
If you have the money, you can go for SCHWINN Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Under 200
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Over 300 Lbs
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Short Person
What You Should Know Before Buying recumbent bikes under 500
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Price Range
The recumbent exercise bike price generally reflects its build quality and the features you can expect to get. Budget-priced recumbents in the $100 – $500 range are typically lighter and offer limited functions, which is why they cost less. However, they also may not be as robust as the more expensive models, but they are ideal for lightweight use at home. Mid-priced bikes in the $600 – $1300 are suitable for people looking to get intense workouts and offer more features such as wider screens, easier seat adjustability, Bluetooth connection to track your fitness with apps, and media racks. Some models in this range may come with advanced features such as cooling fans, built-in speakers to amplify your music, and USB charging ports for your phone. Commercial grade recumbents are larger and heavier, which makes them less than ideal for home use. However, if you have space for a home gym, these bikes are excellent for professional cyclists and people who want high-level fitness training. However, they may also be quite expensive, with some models costing up to $3000.
Questions and Answers About recumbent bikes under 500
How Much Do Recumbent Exercise Bikes Cost?
Most budget recumbents fall within the $200 – $500 price range and come with minimum features. However, they can deliver light to moderate intensity workouts suitable for seniors and people recovering from injury. As you go up the price range, the bikes get more advanced in features, and you can get pre-set programs and resistance levels that are ideal for people with high fitness goals.
What are the best recumbent bikes for seniors?
As people get older, their ability to perform intense exercise reduces, and the recumbent exercise they get needs to accommodate these limitations. Generally, lightweight bikes like Marcy and JEEKEE recumbent bikes are ideal for seniors because the pedaling action you get from a lightweight flywheel has less intensity than a heavy one. That means while the pedaling is easier on the joints and lower back, the cardio exercise is adequate but not as intense to aggravate them.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
