If you are looking for an exercise machine that is both easy to use and capable of giving you a great workout, look no further than that of the Recumbent Bikes. Now you may wonder, which is the best exercise bike in the market today?
Taking every category, such as adaptability, overall appeal, usefulness, and value for money, we are confident to say that the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is the best among the rest. We can go as far as saying that if you do have the money for it, go for the Schwinn!
But if you are tight on budget and looking for a bike that is more affordable, then switch to Marcy NS-908R Recumbent Bike.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes at a Glance
With its 29 pre-set workouts and 25 magnetic resistance levels, Schwinn 270 is also VR Compatible for the most immersive workout. Its high-end features are comparable to its more expensive counterparts.
This compact and easy to adjust bike offers a smooth and quiet operation with 8 magnetic resistance levels. Its simplicity and reliable functionality make it a perfect bike for home use, regardless of the workout space size.
The belt-driven magnetic resistance system features 8 tension levels with moveable handlebars connected to the pedal so you could work both upper and lower body. The ultra-quiet machine supports an impressive 350 max user weight.
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike – Overall Best Pick
What we like
- 29 pre-programmed workouts
- 25 levels of resistance
- Compatible with trainer apps aside from Schwinn Trainer App
- Has DualTrack LCD display, media shelf, adjustable fan, and console speakers
- Large seat cushion and backrest
What we don’t like
- A short labor warranty
- Its calorie burn estimate is a bit inaccurate for some riders
Right off the bat, we present to you our top overall pick for the best recumbent exercise bikes for 2020 – The Schwinn 270 Recumbent bike! This exercise bike gets our vote because it hits all the categories we want out of an excellent machine right off the park. What we most like about it is the preinstalled 29 pre-programmed workout features.
It also syncs seamlessly via Bluetooth with Schwinn’s dedicated trainer app, as well as the other fitness tracking apps available today. It comes with DualTrack LCDs on top of console speakers with a dedicated MP3 input port. Smooth, easy to start up, has 25 levels of workout intensity options, and perfect for consistent workouts – you will never be wrong with this bike.
If you are looking for a recumbent exercise bike that is worth your every penny, then there is none better than this one. Despite its excellent functionality and a vast number of helpful features, it still has the best price. For just less than $600, you can get the recumbent bike that we think is best in the market.
This is one of the best and highly recommended for larger and heavier folks who want to purchase a sturdy and high-quality recumbent bike. With that said, in terms of value for money, this bike is not only the best among the other bikes it also beats every product available in the market today.
Marcy NS-908R Recumbent Bike – Best Budget
What we like
- Works both lower and upper body
- Affordable
- Quiet operation
- Rock-solid construction with decent 350 lbs. weight capacity
What we don’t like
- Minimal tension differences on the first 4 levels
- Handlebars are not adjustable
An enhanced version of the NS 716R model from Marcy, the NS908R is presented in a more compact feature with a wider backrest and made with a sturdy frame that can support a decent 300-lb. weight.
The bike offers excellent stability with two feet of clearance on each side and one foot on the rear front for a roomy and safer operation. Although it is generally a very affordable bike, the seat and handle bars cannot be discounted for its thick layer of high density foam with a premium vinyl finish. Unlike its competitors in the same price range, you’ll enjoy the 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance which we think are competitive enough.
It also comes with a digital console for metric measurements, the the transport wheels are a bonus for its portability so you can work out anywhere without hassle. This straightforward bike is ideal as a light cardio companion at home.
JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike – Best for Seniors
What we like
- Large free space, suitable for elderly or leg problems person
- Super smooth and quiet
- Large seat and backrest
What we don’t like
- Take some time to assemble
This JEEKEE recumbent bike is a sturdy, solid bike with a quiet and smooth mechanism. It is priced reasonably for its quality and functions. Assembling it is not too hard as it comes with all the tools and a bike’s instruction manual that is clear and easy to navigate through.
With its large seat and backrest that takes the pressure off your tailbone and spine, this Recumbent stationary bike offers a low-impact legs exercise free from joints pain, increase circulation and builds endurance. Its long frame, extended space and 9 positions seat fit for adults height up to 6’5″ and 300lbs weight capacity makes it a perfect choice for physical therapy, rehab and elderly parent.
Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike – Best for Cross-fit
What we like
- Thickly padded and movable handlebars
- Integrated pulse and heart rate sensors
- Oversized seat and back support for larger individuals
- 350 lbs. Weight capacity
What we don’t like
- Bike not designed for standing on the pedals
- Bulky and heavy hence cannot be stored in small spaces
For the cross-fitness enthusiasts out there, this Sunny Health and Fitness Recumbent Bike – SF-RB4708 is what you should be getting. For less than $300 on Amazon, you could already get this superb recumbent exercise bike along with its genuinely amazing features. This includes movable handlebars, so that you may work some sweat off your arms as well as eight varying levels of magnetic resistance to cater to different types of workouts. The fact that you may move your arms along with the usual cycling of the feet enables the user to have a more balanced and intense exercise than the other entries on this list.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Recumbent Bike enables a person to workout virtually its whole body. Value for money wise, for no more than $300, we still think it’s excellent and worth every penny. Despite that this recumbent bike doesn’t have any back-lit LCD monitor or other enticing features like the Schwinn 270 Bike, this exercise bike can still be worth your money – especially if you are getting into cross-fitness and killer work-out routines.
Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Foldable Bike – Best for Compact Spaces
What we like
- Can be used as Recumbent or Upright Bike
- Foldable recumbent design can easily fit in small spaces
- Large counter-weighted pedals with adjustable straps
- 8 levels of magnetic tension or resistance
What we don’t like
- Does not have Bluetooth function or cooling fan
- Does not have in-built workout programs
- Short labor warranty
Are you living in a small condo? Perhaps working out on tight spaces? Such circumstances should not hinder your quest for better cardio. The Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Upright Indoor Cycling Foldable enables you to receive just that in the tightest of spaces.
With its foldable nature, compact frame and transport wheels, you may easily slide and roll it anywhere in a given room. Better yet, why not use it as your actual seat for your dedicated study room. That way, you may work out your body as well as your brains at the same time. It’s not just how much that you should answer when purchasing a Recumbent Bike for your own. Of course, the place where you would be using it should be factored in as well. If you do happen to live in a compact condo or conducting your bikes exercise routines in a small room, then we highly recommend the Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent and Upright Bike.
For just less than $200, you’d already have an excellent exercise recumbent bike that can enhance your Quadriceps, Hamstrings Calves, and Glutes and would fit in well with your room while also capable of providing you with the greatest of workouts.
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 – Best for Intense Workout
What we like
- Step-through design for maximum mobility during training
- Ergonomically designed saddle and thickly padded seat
- 8-levels of resistance
- Counterbalanced-pedals with adjustable
What we don’t like
- Does not have a pulse amount monitor
- Does not have pre-programmed workouts
- Exercise Bike Manual Adjustment can prove difficult
Just because Recumbent Bikes are perfect for fitness beginners does not necessarily mean that exercise enthusiasts should shy away from it. If you are one of those individuals who are looking for a challenge within their very workouts, then Marcy is the right recumbent bike for you!
This is what we honestly think as the best suit for a heavy load to high-intensity exercise bike workout among this list. Challenge yourself by cranking up the resistance level of this machine as you work the sweat off as hard and as intense as you want. Even though some fitness enthusiasts like Marcy Recumbent Bike for heavy exercise, you can set it to low-intensity exercise that can suit seniors. Low-intensity exercise is good for injury rehabilitation and to facilitate a range of motion for older adults.
You can already get this bad boy for less than $200 on Amazon. Considering that this exercise machine would most likely appeal to the fitness enthusiasts, that value for money ratio is indeed superb. It is also suitable for intense whole body workout through its adjustable 8 level resistance system. The equipment is built with high-quality sturdy materials that are worth every penny.
Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike Series – Best Splurge
What we like
- Large reclining seat with comfortable gel cushioning
- 25 resistance levels and 29 workout programs
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatible with several fitness apps
- Minimal maintenance is needed and can support up to 325 lbs.
What we don’t like
- Expensive
- The cooling fan can be improved
The Nautilus R618 recumbent bike offers many features over its predecessor R616, such as a reclining backrest and handlebars with resistance controls. It also integrates gel cushioning for an extra comfortable ride, while the console was improved to be more user-friendly in comparison! In contrast to the previous model (100494), this one is compatible with both Trainer 2 App & RideSocial, so you can monitor your progress on the go without having any downtime during workouts or exercise sessions.
It boasts an impressive 325 max user weight, and you can get to enjoy the Explore The World app for a wide engaging variety of route lengths with newly added destinations each month. The fully-digital controlled programs are also enhanced to 29 from the former 25.
While it is heavier than the R616 model, you can expect better stability and a sleeker finish while the seat and handlebars are excellently ergonomic. The Nautilus R618 may not be the most practical machine in terms of its price, but its outstanding features are worth the investment.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, we firmly stand with our opinion that the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is the undisputed best in the market today. The Schwinn 270 does not only hit all the right places – it exceeds them! In terms of the value, it can give you on top of the added features built within the machine; you can never go wrong purchasing this Recumbent Bike.
What we definitely like about it is the preinstalled 29 pre-programmed workout features. It is compatible with most fitness tracking apps available today aside from Schwinn’s trainer app. It comes with DualTrack LCDs on top of console speakers with a dedicated MP3 input port. Smooth, easy to start up, has 25 levels of workout intensity options, and perfect for consistent workouts. The bikes listed here are all fantastic in their own right, but Schwinn has been industry’s proven and built to last.
In buying the best recumbent bike, you must consider your budget, features that you are looking for, durability and functionality. We hope that this review gives you an idea if you’re planning to buy for the best recumbent bike in the market.
Buyer’s Guide
What features to look for in choosing the perfect Recumbent Bikes?
- Data Tracking & Downloadable Data – A lot of spin bikes offer many display features but some of them don’t allow to download workout data like time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It is a good option to look for spin bikes that can be connected to Bluetooth or can be sync on fitness apps.
- Resistance Adjustment – The level of resistance will vary depending on the brand of Recumbent Bike, but if you are looking for recumbent bikes that can support high-intensity workout, then look for a bike that has higher resistance levels. Some resistance levels are also designed for moderate workouts only and for the rehabilitation of injuries.
- Pre-Programmed Workouts – Most of the recumbent bikes in the market offer pre-installed workout programs, some are equipped with live streaming workout videos. It is always better to choose the ones that have a pre-installed workout so that you can plan your workout easily.
- Speakers and Fans – Long hours of the workout will tend to run down any machine, so choose a recumbent bike that can accommodate high-intensity and long hours of workout. Built-in fans can cool down the machine of the bike as you operate it, while speakers can make the workout more fun. Nobody wants to work out and leave out of boredom, right?
- Flywheels – In choosing the right recumbent bike, the flywheel plays an important part in the machine. You need a durable flywheel if you want to have a steady momentum during your workout. The heavier the flywheel the smoother the cycling motions become. However, the downside of a heavy flywheel is that it takes a little longer to completely halt the cycling process. Users report that the range of 30-50 lbs of flywheel weight is enough to produce a smooth workout.
- Adjustable Seat Position – When using a recumbent bike, it’s important to have a good seating position to achieve a proper workout. An adjustable seat will support your back and reduce the risk of injury. Choose a recumbent bike that gave a padded seat that comfortable enough to endure longer workouts.
- Warranty – You wouldn’t want to buy a recumbent bike that will crack or tear after months of use. Sometimes you need to choose a bike that has a longer warranty coverage in case some parts become defective. The good thing is some recumbent bikes offer a lifetime warranty which is a testament to their quality and durability.
- Weight Capacity – Some recumbent bikes offer a large weight capacity than others, some are small enough to hold larger people and vice versa. It is important to know the weight capacity of the bike so that you can fully enjoy using it and avoid any unnecessary breakage or injury.
