If you are short, finding the right exercise bike can be difficult. Many bikes have height restrictions and not all of them will work for a person with shorter legs. Here’s a look at some of the best recumbent exercise bikes for short people.
Several factors go into choosing an appropriate bike including your height, leg length, and general fitness level. If you’re looking to buy yourself or someone else an exercise bike this holiday season, it’s important that you find one that will work best for their size and needs. We’ve compiled a list of five different models with varying features to help you narrow down your options!
What is the Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Short Person?
To find the Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Short Person for you we have used several of recumbent bike for short person and selected the absolute top 5 recumbent exercise bikes for short person.
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. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 55.5 x 37.5NaN inches (141 x 95.3NaN cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: 14-Gauge Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 12 inches |
The Marcy ME-709 is an affordable, beginner recumbent bike. It’s low to the ground, which is great for seniors or those with some extra pounds. You can easily set it up in a short time. It’s lightweight, but strong and has wheels. Even though it says 300 pounds, it might handle more. It’s more for everyday users than pros. It has a few resistance levels and a screen for workout info. The seat is comfortable, adjustable, and the pedals ensure your feet don’t slide.
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
2. Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series R618
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) 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 Screen Size: 7.5 inches |
Wanting a stronger workout? Check out the Nautilus R618, a mid-level recumbent. It outshines many in this review with its extra features and is perfect for dedicated cyclists or those wanting rigorous training. The bike has 29 workout plans that are customizable. It pairs with apps like MyFitnessPal via Bluetooth and even the RideSocial app for virtual group cycling. The console holds tablets and plays music from devices. While it’s a bigger and heavier model, it’s a better deal than bikes like the Schwinn 270, considering the price and features. For comfort, it has an adjustable console, fan, multiple user profiles, and a place for drinks. The seat adjusts easily and has good padding. Handlebars come with heart monitoring and resistance controls. The resistance system is electromagnetic and needs power. The bike’s flywheel ensures a smooth ride, with 25 resistance options to suit all users.
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
3. Lanos Folding Exercise Bike with 10-Level Adjustable Magnetic Resistance
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 10 levels Material: Alloy Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 30 x 24 mm |
This bike showcases a half-reclined style and a foldable X-frame, making it perfect for home or work settings. Its design allows gentle workouts that are kind to your joints when reclined and more comprehensive exercises when upright. With a weight capacity of 330 pounds, it’s great for both shedding weight and therapy sessions. The Lanos folding model has ten adjustable resistance settings through a simple knob. However, it lacks arm workout bands and isn’t ideal for high-intensity training. It’s not the best fit for shorter individuals, and the seating might be a bit rough for them. But on the bright side, setting it up is a breeze since it’s mostly set up when delivered, offering solid value for a budget-friendly 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
4. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 3.3 x 1.5 |
The Exerpeutic 400XL is perfect for limited spaces since it can be compactly folded to about half its original size. It has a semi-recumbent design, with pedals positioned more beneath you, akin to an upright bike. A unique trait is its ability to fit under adjustable desks, allowing you to exercise while working. This bike, like its 900XL counterpart, boasts a tube steel build ensuring durability, with a capacity to hold up to 300 pounds. But, its slim stabilizers and design might pose a challenge for elderly or disabled individuals to climb. It lacks floor levelers, yet many attest to its stability during use. The saddle’s adjustment varies from the 900XL; it adjusts vertically rather than horizontally. Despite the saddle being less wide than the 900XL’s, its padding ensures comfort. Handlebars are strategically positioned slightly below the seat level for those with broader hips, and they’re equipped with heart rate sensors. The bike’s resistance mechanism is magnetic, with a range of eight settings adjusted via a tension knob. The lower settings provide minimal resistance, suitable for post-knee surgery recovery, but the highest levels can feel wobbly and possibly strain the joints. This model employs a quiet V-belt double-drive system that demands minimal upkeep. Its basic console displays six workout metrics, fitting its price range, and runs on batteries, making the overall operation of the bike manual, which many find advantageous.
Pros
- Foldable design,
- Easy to assemble,
- 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
5. SCHWINN Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 16 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD Screen Size: 5.5 inch |
The SCHWINN 230, priced in the middle range, is an electric recumbent bike loaded with features common for its cost. It has 16 resistance options and 13 ready-made workouts for your fitness needs. Its flywheel ensures a smooth, quiet exercise session. It features a 5.5-inch display, a tablet holder, and supportive handlebars. The screen shows six workout details, but its Bluetooth isn’t very versatile. Some might find the non-backlit screen hard to see. Assembling it can be tough due to unclear instructions. The bike’s seat is adjustable and has airflow, but some find it hard on extended rides, suggesting added cushioning. Many appreciate the bike’s effectiveness for fitness and its solid build. It has a generous warranty, but it’s quite hefty and challenging to move.
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
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 5 Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Short Person, our absolute top pick is Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709.
If you have the money, you can go for Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series R618 which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike with 10-Level Adjustable Magnetic Resistance.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying recumbent exercise bikes for short person
The Key Features Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The defining design characteristic of recumbent exercise bikes is the adjustable reclined seat with a backrest for comfort during lower body workouts. Other vital features are the size and weight of the bike, materials used for durability, a panel to check your workout progress, and resistance levels. Unlike upright bikes, most recumbent bikes don’t have handlebars, but have support bars beside the seat or moving handlebars for arm exercises like on the Sunny Recumbent Exercise Bike. On the other hand, dual-action bikes like the Xspec Dual Exercise Bike provide the choice of using it as an upright or recumbent bike, featuring handlebars for the upright position and support bars for the recumbent position.
Storage Space
Many recumbent exercise bikes offer extra features like media racks to hold your phone or tablet, enabling you to watch something or read while exercising. Built-in speakers, Bluetooth, and USB drives are present in midrange models for connecting your devices for entertainment and uploading workout data to apps like MyFitnessPal. Look for comfort features like built-in fans for cooling and gel padding on seats to reduce fatigue during lengthy workouts.
Extra Features
Many recumbent exercise bikes offer extra features like media racks to hold your phone or tablet, enabling you to watch something or read while exercising. Built-in speakers, Bluetooth, and USB drives are present in midrange models for connecting your devices for entertainment and uploading workout data to apps like MyFitnessPal. Look for comfort features like built-in fans for cooling and gel padding on seats to reduce fatigue during lengthy workouts.
Adjustability
Saddle adjustments on recumbent exercise bikes allow fitting the bike to your leg length for pedal reach. There are two adjustment types based on the bike’s design. One budget-friendly type slides two parts of the frame to bring the saddle closer to the pedals, like on the Marcy ME-709 bike. The frame has pre-set holes to position the seat, secured with a pin and knob. Other bikes use a lever for locking the seat position, allowing saddle adjustment while seated, but these are costlier and fit for commercial use like gyms. The saddle design provides back and lower joint support, but correct positioning helps avoid pain and injury. Your seat position should have your knees not too bent or stretched, and your legs should be at or above hip level to protect your lower back.
Types Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
While recumbent road bikes vary a lot in their build, recumbent exercise bikes have only small differences in design features. These differences come in the form of digital or manual consoles, various seat adjustments, drive mechanisms, and sizes. We have detailed these features below.
Pedals
Stationary bike pedals come in clip-ins, flat, and hybrids. Clip-ins and hybrids are common on upright and spin bikes, while recumbent exercise bikes usually feature flat pedals made from steel or plastic. Most of these flat pedals are textured and have a plastic strap or an adjustable toe-cage strap to keep the front part of your foot in place on the pedal, avoiding slipping.
Maintenance
Like any other equipment, recumbent exercise bikes require routine check-ups, and we advise having your bike looked over for wear and tear every six months or so. It’s crucial to inspect the bike often for any loose nuts and bolts and to lubricate the mechanical parts to ensure it stays in good condition. Also, wipe down the handlebars, seat, and digital console with a soft cloth and antibacterial cleaner after each workout for cleanliness.
Resistance
Resistance levels determine the workout’s intensity, and economical recumbent exercise bikes offer 8 – 12 levels. Exercise bikes typically use a resistance mechanism that adjusts the pressure on the flywheel, making pedaling harder or easier to simulate cycling uphill or on a flat surface. Various resistance systems include friction, magnetic, and electromagnetic. They all work similarly, but friction magnetic resistance delivers an immediate change in resistance like a road bike when you adjust the knob. Magnetic bikes are manual and don’t require electricity, while electromagnetic ones do and are often more expensive. There’s also a slight lag in resistance change with magnetic bikes.
Comfort
Recumbent exercise bikes are designed with comfort in mind, which is great for people who need upper body support while working out. The low-profile design makes it easy for the elderly, overweight, and infirm to get on the bike safely, while the bucket seats provide back support and balance, minimizing pressure on lower body joints.
Display
Recumbent exercise bikes are designed with comfort in mind, which is great for people who need upper body support while working out. The low-profile design makes it easy for the elderly, overweight, and infirm to get on the bike safely, while the bucket seats provide back support and balance, minimizing pressure on lower body joints.
Drive mechanism
When looking for a recumbent exercise bike, the drive mechanism is often mentioned. It includes the flywheel, a disc in front of the bike that makes resistance. It’s usually covered and connected to the pedals with a belt or chain in recumbent bikes. The flywheel has weight to create resistance like outdoor riding. There are perimeter and center-weighted flywheels. Perimeter-weighted ones have weight on the outside, are heavier, and simulate road bikes better, becoming smoother as you pedal. Center-weighted ones are lighter, easier to start and stop, but may not give a smooth ride.
Portability
Many recumbent stationary bikes have small wheels on the front bar to help you move them easily in your room. How big the bike is and how much it weighs will affect how easy it is to move. If you’re worried about space, these are the main things to think about when picking your bike.
Weight
When buying a recumbent exercise bike, it’s good to check the weight limit. Budget bikes for home use typically have a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds. But, commercial-grade bikes are built stronger and can take up to 400 pounds, which is better for heavier people.
Questions and Answers About recumbent exercise bikes for short person
What recumbent bike has the most comfortable seat?
Everyone has their idea of comfort, but there are some key things to see if a recumbent bike seat will be nice to sit on. Changing the seat and its height can affect your workout. Easy-moving sliders are better than twist knobs. Seats with a gel cushion are softer on your back, and a mesh part can help you stay dry. A seat that moves to match your back shape is good. Make sure the seat doesn’t make you slide while working out.
Is recumbent bike good for hips?
For those who’ve undergone hip replacement procedures or aim to fortify their hip flexor muscles, a recumbent exercise bike proves more beneficial than a standard bike. The design of recumbents, with their laid-back seating, ensures stability, eliminating the need for balance or upper body support. This setup lets you focus on exercising your hip joints without putting undue pressure on them.
Do recumbent bikes work abs?
Recumbent biking engages your core muscles, including those in your abdomen. Since it’s a form of cardio, it can also help burn belly fat, highlighting your abs.
How long should I ride my recumbent bike?
The duration of your cycling session depends on your fitness objectives. If you fall into the senior category or just want a low-key exercise, 30 minutes every day is optimal. But for weight loss enthusiasts or those eyeing enhanced fitness and cycling outcomes, allotting 60-90 minutes five times a week can serve your purpose. Always, though, be conscious of overdoing it to prevent possible injuries.
Are recumbent bikes a good workout?
Definitely, you can achieve effective cardio training with recumbent bikes. Entry models are gentler, but professional ones offer harder sessions for cycling enthusiasts. They help in leg toning, joint strengthening, and are ideal for people needing low-impact exercises.
How Do I Choose A Recumbent Bike?
Picking a recumbent bike involves considering various elements. Resistance levels are pivotal, especially if you seek intense workouts; go for bikes with over 12 levels. Comfort amenities, such as seat adjustability and padding, matter. If you have trouble getting on or off the bike, a step-through design can be helpful. While keeping your budget in mind, don’t forget to evaluate build quality, longevity, and the warranty available.
Can I lose weight on a recumbent bike?
Absolutely, cycling is a calorie-burning activity. Pair it with the right eating habits, and you’re on your way to weight loss.
Are recumbent bikes any good?
When contrasted with upright exercise bikes, recumbents come with enhanced support for the upper torso and are tailor-made for low-impact exercises, fitting for seniors, those with a higher body weight, and physically limited individuals. Moreover, they’re adept at providing the rigorous training regimen that a professional biker might crave, all while ensuring reduced strain on the back and joints.
What’s better recumbent bike or upright?
Your choice between recumbent and upright bikes should be influenced by your fitness aspirations. Recumbents are easy-going and accommodate those with physical concerns, while uprights challenge you more.
Is recumbent bike as good as walking?
Both walking and cycling on a recumbent bike are good for heart health and weight reduction. Biking can offer more calorie burn due to the resistance, but a brisk walk can rival a bike on low settings. Bikes are more joint-friendly as you sit reclined, but walking can better boost bone strength.
Do You Need Extra Features?
Some pricier recumbents boast features like Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, and cooling fans. They’re good to have but not essential. The key thing is the resistance level, not the fancy extras.
Does the recumbent bike tone legs?
Cycling tones the legs. Even on a more comfortable recumbent bike, your leg, thigh, and calf muscles are engaged. Plus, there’s a mild impact on the hips and butt.
