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Top #10 Best Recumbent Bike 2020 – Best Recumbent Bike Reviews Our Picks!

fitnessequipmentsite November 30, 2019 20

Best Recumbent bike are becoming one of the best options for people that want to get their daily cardio without putting their body under a lot of stress. They are a great choice if you are older, recovering from an injury or looking for a low impact workout option.

These odd looking bikes are comfortable and easy to use. We also found that working out on one is surprisingly fun. If you are looking for an effective cardio exercise machine or just want to try something different, we suggest a recumbent bike.

In case you haven’t noticed, best recumbent bike 2020 are slowly creeping up in the workout scene and steadily replacing upright bikes. It’s actually very rare to miss at least one at your gym. If you are wondering why this is so, then you have come to the right place for answers. We will be distinguishing the traditional upright bike from the best recumbent bike reviews as well as telling you why you ought to give recumbent bikes a try.

To top it off, a comprehensive review of best recumbent bike in the market today will help bring you closer to the bike fit for your needs. Ready? Let’s ride!

Best Recumbent Bike

Why use a Best Recumbent Bike?

Recumbent exercise bikes are designed to be comfortable. They are also capable of providing you with a low impact cardio workout. If the thought of pedaling your way to better health in comfort appeals to you, keep reading to see our picks for the top recumbent bikes.
Here is the list of best recumbent bike recommended by FitnessEquipmentSite expert’s teams. Take a look at an individual recumbent bike model below and choose the best recumbent bike for you with ease.

The Winners: The Best Recumbent Bikes Reviews 2020

#1 Recommendation: Schwinn 270

Schwinn 270 Recumbent BikeOne of the best recumbent bikes money can buy. It’s smooth, quiet and offers state of the art tech specs. When it comes to recumbent bikes, the Schwinn 270 is a BEAST!

The Tech

The Schwinn 270 features a Dual track two LCD window system that allows you to track up to 13 different metrics about your workout.

The bike offers 25 levels of resistance which can be changed directly from the digital display, and thus, you can increase the resistance level as per your convenience. There are 29 pre-set workout programs that you can choose from, and the Connect feature allows you to set goals, track progress and export your workout session reports.

Built

The bike is easy to assemble and shouldn’t take you more than 90 minutes to put together. However, Schwinn does offer assembly services if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars.

The frame is built to last for years, the adjustable seat has ample room and is comfortable even during longer cardio sessions. For the kind of performance you get from the Schwinn 270; it’s a quiet machine, and you can easily watch a movie or listen to music while working out.

The bike comes with adjustment panels at the base to make up for uneven flooring. Moreover, given the design of its display panel, you can easily mount your iPad or Android tablet on it without any external accessory.

While the Schwinn 270 may look pricey when compared to other bikes in our list. But with the kind of features this bike has to offer, it offers a lot more value than it’s price tag. If you are looking for a bike to use for years to come then a few extra hundred dollars is well worth the upgrade.

Best Recumbent Bike Under 200

#2 Recommendation: Best Budget Recumbent Bike – Exerpeutic 900XL

Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike

The best value for money recumbent bike in the market, the Exerpeutic 900XL is as good as it gets at this price point. The bike does offer a few fancy features like the pulse rate checker at the handlebars, but overall it is a sturdy, straightforward bike that does it’s job well.

Tech

While we can’t expect a lot of tech upgrades at its price point, the bike does feature a small display that shows the distance, calories burned, time, speed, and heart rate information for your every workout.

The 900XL features eight different levels of magnetic resistance which makes it a suitable machine for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, unlike many other recumbent bikes in its price bracket , the resistance is pretty solid, and you can feel it when increasing resistance levels. The handles feature a heart rate sensor so that you can maintain a healthy heart rate throughout your workout.

Built

The bike features an ergonomic design and comes with solid lower back support. The seat is as comfortable as it gets and is a little oversized.

However, if you’re planning to work out for more than 30 minutes, I’d suggest adding additional cushioning to the seat or taking a short break to avoid discomfort.

Overall, it’s the best recumbent bike you can get in this price range, and if you’re not willing to spend more for the tech upgrade, then this is the perfect option for you.

Best Recumbent Bike Under 300

#3 Recommendation: Exerpeutic 400XL

Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent BikeThe Exerpeutic 400XL is a pretty straightforward no-hassle folding recumbent bike that packs all the necessary feature you’d ever NEED under a budget.

Tech

Since it’s a “budget” bike, there’s nothing fancy about the tech specs. However, it does come with an LCD that shows all the metrics that are essential for your workout. The bike features a Precision-balanced flywheel and features eight levels of magnetic resistance.

Build

Despite the small price tag, a lot of time and thought has been given to the design of the bike. First, since it is foldable, it takes the smallest footprint you might see from a recumbent bike of this caliber.

Exerpeutic 400XL’s three-piece crank system along with the precision balanced flywheel and V- belt drive makes the whole pedalling motion as smooth and quiet as it gets.

It has a solid backrest and large, well-cushioned seats so you’ll be comfortable even during long workout sessions.

It’s a good bike at a great price and if you’re looking for a bike that’s cheap but can give you a good workout for months to come then this bike is perfect for you.

Best Recumbent Bike Under 500

#4 Recommendation: Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Marcy ME 709 is one of the best recumbent bikes in its price range and is perfect for anyone who is looking for the cheapest option out there.

Tech

Despite being a lot budget option, the ME 709 features a display panel which allows you to track speed, distance, time, and calories burnt during your workout.

While you will have to change the resistance manually, it comes with eight preset resistance levels. While you won’t feel much of a difference from levels 1 to 5 but it starts to add proper tension from 6-8. So, if you’re looking for a rather intense workout, then you might want to consider another bike.

Built

This recumbent bike offers a sturdy build, and while it doesn’t feature a fancy design, it does the job well. Both the backrest and seats are well padded and comfortable.

While the bike works pretty good, it has been reported that it is not built to last, and you will have to replace it with another bike sooner than you’d want to.

The cheap price tag indeed comes with a price. However, if you’re planning to exercise every once in a while and do not want to spend a lot on your exercise bike, then Marcy ME 709 is a good option for you.

#5 Recommendation: DeskCycle 2 Desk Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser

DeskCycle Desk Exercise Bike Pedal ExerciserThis is one of my favorites. Need something compact but gets you the cardio workout you’re looking for?

DeskCycle would be a great fit for you. While it is not a “recumbent bike”, it gets the work done, without taking up a lot of space.

Tech

Just like any recumbent bike in the same price range, this little cardio monster features a display that shows you the vital metrics of your current workout. It comes with eight preset resistance levels.

It uses the same magnetic resistance mechanism that’s used in its big brother the MagneTrainer-ER.

Build

I might be a little biased here but I just how good the design is. To me, it looks like a piece of art. It’s beautiful, it’s compact, and it’s functional.

The fact that I could be using it while I’m working on my desk just blows my mind. That is not possible with any recumbent bike unless you get an external accessory like this bed table.

Get this if you think you do a lot of work at a desk and taking out time for a “workout” sounds like a chore to you.

Best Recumbent Bike Under 1000

#6. Exerpeutic WorkFit

Exerpeutic WorkFit recumbent bikeThis is one of the common and expensive options when it comes to Exerpeutic WorkFit recumbent bikes. It has been researched and established over time by a majority of people that this bike heightens creativity, improves mental awareness, burns calories and basically improves the overall well-being of the users.

This is the perfect bike for those people with busy work schedule who barely have any time to work out as it enables you to multi-task and use the sliding desktop which is adjustable depending on whether you want to sit or stand. The recumbent bike literally comes with a platform to place your books, laptops, tablet and essentially everything you would need for work. The bike normally has a three-year warranty and does not require any power.

In addition to the fact that it is superb and has a lot of utility, it can be easily folded to enable storage to be easier and technically occupy a small space. The bike is relatively compact and to make it simple for you during the workout; it has a backrest to make it easier and comfortable seats for a short duration. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. and is perfect because of the magnetic control system that has eight levels. The airsoft seats that are adjustable ensure that people with different heights can also be accommodated.

#7. Precor RBK 615

Precor RBK 615 Commercial Series Recumbent BikeThis bike is mainly known for its commercial qualityand is very affordable for its class. The display is simple to use, and the bike comes with six preset workout programs that you can easily choose from according to what your target is.

It also has 25 resistance levels which give the user the intensity he/she is looking for while working out. It is also very convenient because the seats can be adjusted to suit different heights and it also has pedals which are weighted and have straps that prevent any possible sliding.

The other great thing about this bike is that it has very easy maintenance and transport wheels that make it fairly convenient during movements. For those people who fancy staying hydrated during workouts, this bike has a bottle holder where you can keep your water.

Who should Use a Recumbent Bike?

This is an exercise unit for anyone who desires to get fit in a comfortable way. As such, literally, anyone who has attained the height and weight requirements to use a recumbent machine can use it. Moreover, there are special groups of people that benefit immensely from the recumbent machine. These include those who have joint problems or limited motion.

The comfortable seat on the machine as well as adjustable pedal mechanism provides easier pedaling for people such as these. Therefore, anyone who has attained the minimum physical requirements, as well as those who have physical challenges, should use this machine.

Features of a Good Recumbent Bike

#1. A walk through design

One of the main differences between a recumbent bike and an upright one is that the former has a big distance between the seat and the pedals. This leaves a space in between these two parts. This space has been adapted into a walkthrough section by many recumbent bike manufacturers.

To accommodate users who have low mobility, the section of the frame between the seat and the pedals has been designed to allow a casual walk right through. Not only is it an improvement in design, it boosts user comfort. Therefore, a walk through design is one of the features of a good recumbent exercise bike.

#2. A comfortable seat

It is an obvious fact that the recumbent bike has a much more comfortable seat than an upright bike. This is because it is wider and offers a much larger surface area for weight distribution. While the seat may be wider, it is important that it be more comfortable too.

A good recumbent bike should have a seat that has ample cushioning and ventilation in its backrest. The backrest should also be contoured to provide you with comfort as you use the machine. What’s more, it should have enough support for the lumbar section of your back. In this way, you are able to train while sitting in a comfortable way. If you can get a recumbent bike whose seat even has some armrests, then go for it.

#3. Multiple options for seat adjustment

The majority of recumbent bikes have 3 main options for adjusting your seat. The first one is a locking pin with the seat simply sliding on a dedicated rail, a locking system where the seat is on an upright support and a fixed seat combined with a movable pedal frame.

While all these methods are great for you, it is important to note that they offer various levels of height adjustment. Typically, the locking system with a seat on an upright support provides you with the greatest height range. As such, this type of system is an important feature of recumbent bikes that you should consider.

#4. High weight capacity

This is an important feature of recumbent exercise bikes. To ensure your safety and also the longevity of the machine, the maximum weight it can hold is a major feature to consider. A good recumbent bike should handle between 250lbs and 350lbs of weight. Therefore, it provides you with a wide range in terms of weight capacity. As a result, you can share it with other members of your family or fitness club.

#5. Compact size

Recumbent exercise bikes are generally long and sturdy. In this way, it is difficult to find one that is medium sized yet delivers the fitness experience that you expect. Despite being rare, there are some recumbent bikes that are actually compact. Examples of these are the Stamina InTone and the Exerpeutic 400XL. Not only are they compact in size, they are actually foldable. As such, a feature of good quality recumbent machines is that they are compact or even foldable in nature.

#6. Magnetic resistance system

To deliver the difficulty levels in training on a recumbent exercise machine, a specific resistance technology is used in its pedal mechanism. There are three main types of resistance mechanisms for recumbent machines. These include fans, friction belts, and magnetic systems.

Out of these, the best is the magnetic one. This system delivers a wide range of resistance settings for you. Secondly, it is very quiet when compared to the other options. As such, you can listen to your favorite music or even watch television as you exercise using the recumbent exercise machines. As such, a magnetic resistance system is one of the features of a good unit.

#7. Special storage capacity

While using a recumbent machine, you may want to entertain yourself or hydrate. In such a case, extra storage for water bottles is often very useful. Thankfully, manufacturers are able to stack a lot of storage space in recumbent machines such that you can store much more than just a water bottle.

Top of the range models of this machine has some space to store magazines, fitness equipment, towels and electronic music players too. As such, extra storage is a feature of a good recumbent machine.

Differences between best recumbent bikes and upright ones

 

Unlike traditional upright bikes, the recumbent one allows you to exercise while in a reclined position. This is where you lean back with your feet in front of you instead of being under you like an upright bike normally works. Moreover, the best recumbent bike reviews has a chair-like seat that allows support for your back and butt in a natural position. This position does not hurt your spine or stress your back muscles. What other differences are there between recumbent bikes and upright ones?

#1. Body Positioning

Due to the different shape of the frame, a best recumbent bike offers you a much more comfortable body positioning. In the recumbent bike, you sit in a position that is deep into the frame. Your legs pedal parallel to the rest of your body.

On the other hand, an upright bike requires you to sit above the frame. In this way, your feet are under your torso and your legs pedal perpendicularly to the rest of your upper body. This difference in body positioning is the most profound one between recumbent and upright bikes. Not only does it allow for better fitness, the body positioning in best recumbent bike results in a more comfortable workout.

#2. Style of Use

To operate a best recumbent bike reviews, you position your body in a large seat with your feet ahead of you. The pedals are located in front of you. The seats fitted with some armrests. As a result, you don’t have to hold any handlebars so as to use this bike. You are in a natural, reclined position that reduces fatigue upon your back muscles and spine as well. This reclined position also prevents your upper body from getting unnecessarily tired as you work out.

On the other hand, an upright bike requires that you sit in a very different position. The seat is small and right above the pedals. As such, you should hunch over, hold the handlebars and pedal. There should be a slight bend forward in your spine as you hold them.

Moreover, you may have to arch your neck upwards so as to maintain form throughout your exercise session. As a result, there could be some muscle soreness in your neck, shoulders, and back as you use an upright bike. For this reason, fitness experts prefer the recumbent bike to the upright one.

#3. Size of the Seat

The seat on a best recumbent bike is much larger than that of an upright one. As a matter of fact, it is designed much like an office chair. In this way, it provides you with shoulder, spine and lumbar support. Some machines even have seats with armrests. As such, you get to enjoy complete comfort as you pedal the best recumbent bike 2020.

An upright bike has a much smaller seat. It has no support for your back. Moreover, long periods of use result in soreness in your butt and groin areas. Fitness enthusiasts refer to this as saddle soreness. In comparison, the seat on a best recumbent bike is much more comfortable than that of an upright one. It also prevents injury or soreness of your butt or groin.

#4. Center of gravity

Upright bikes have a very high center of gravity. The sitting position requires you to be far above your feet and the pedals as you use the machine. As a result, you are in a fairly unstable position as you exercise. If you push the machine too hard, you could topple over on either side.

In contrast, a recumbent exercise bike has a low center of gravity. You sit in the middle of the frame and your feet are perpendicular to your body or just a little lower. As a result, you are very stable even if you push the machine hard. Another benefit of this position is that your legs are constantly fighting against gravity so as to pedal. Due to this, you exert effort using your thighs more, resulting in better overall fitness.

Why A Best Recumbent Bike Is Better Than An Upright One

#1. Wider Weight Distribution

One of the main benefits of the best recumbent bike reviews is that you can easily and effectively distribute your weight on its seat. The backrest, armrests and wide seat allow you to spread your weight across various surfaces. In this way, you are much more comfortable. This is much better than the upright seat where you place your weight on a really small seat and the handlebars. In the latter, the small surface area of weight distribution leads to extreme soreness. As such, the recumbent exercise bike’s better in this respect.

#2. Smoother Aerodynamics

When you use a recumbent exercise bike, your back is reclined while your legs are positioned forward. As a result, you create a slimmer profile of aerodynamics. Your legs move in such a way that they pump in front of you. This results in less air resistance and relatively easier pedaling. Consequently, your efficiency is improved and fitness achieved quicker.

Upright bikes have worse aerodynamics than recumbent ones. This is because you are in an upright position and the broadsides of your legs push against the air as you pedal. This causes more air resistance and less efficiency with every stroke. As pertains to aerodynamics, the best recumbent bike under 1000 is better.

#3. More Balance

Thanks to a reclined, wider seat, the best recumbent bike under 500 offers users much more balance. It is stable and can handle even vigorous pedaling without swaying from side to side. This ensures safety and instills confidence in you as you utilize the machine. While the upright bike offers satisfactory balance, it is not as stable as the recumbent one at high speeds. With this in mind, the best recumbent bike under 200 is better.

Final Word on Recumbent Bike.

Well, there you have it, everything you need to know about best recumbent bikes. Give this bike a spin for a thorough leg workout. If you are old or have mobility issues, you will also benefit from exercising on this bike due to its relaxed workout position.

How to Select the Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for You?

There are a lot of options in the market, and it can be a tough decision to make the right choice. While we have done that heavy work of researching and shortlisting the best recumbent bikes for every purpose, you should know what factors we consider when making the hard decisions of finding the best bikes for you.

1. Technology: The key feature that makes premium bikes…” premium”, is the tech behind the machine. Best Recumbent bike like Schwinn 270 are priced at a premium because they offer features like pre-set workout programs, computer controlled resistance systems, the ability to track and export your every workout to analyse health improvements.

2. Adjustability and Comfort: Best Recumbent bike are designed to be comfortable and thus make sure that the bike you purchase has the option to adjust as per your body and has proven to be a convenient machine for long duration workouts.

While you can get a sturdy and comfortable bike under a budget, you don’t have to shed big bucks unless you want all the tech perks that the premium bikes have to offer.

Rad more best spin bike , best rowing machines under $500

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