A recumbent exercise bike allows you to ride while lying back. These bikes are popular for people who like cycling for leisure because of their enhanced support and comfort. Recumbent bikes are essential if you want to work out for an extended period to reap the full rewards of your effort.
They are more comfortable for some people than upright stationary bikes. Recumbent bikes are a fantastic choice for persons with stability concerns because they are more stable and sit closer to the ground.
Recumbent bikes are a good option for aerobic and lower body exercises. Due to their ability to reduce tiredness and avoid soreness, these bikes are also popular among athletes. With a recumbent stationary bike, you can work your thighs, calves, and glutes easier. Want to know more about these bikes? Simply read the article to find out.
Our Top Picks For The Best Recumbent Bikes In 2022
- NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike– Overall Best, Recumbent Bikes For Cardio Training, Editors pick
- Freestep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer– Top Rated Foldable Recumbent Bike With Heart Rate Monitor
- Costway Recumbent Cardio Exercise Stationary Bicycle– Most Recommended Brand For Full Body Workout
#1. NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Exercise Bike– Overall Best, Recumbent Bikes For Cardio Training, Editors pick
The R35 is the newest model in NordicTrack’s line of recumbent bikes, and it features a sizable 14-inch HD Smart Touchscreen, interactive workouts, and a free one-month iFit membership.
Every family member may use this bike because of its large weight capacity. NordicTrack offers sturdy engineering with a 25-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel and 26 resistance settings.
It practically equalizes the comfort of exercising with sitting in an office chair. The R35 has a large seat with lumbar support and a frame made of premium steel.
Highlights
Brand Reputation: The NordicTrack R35 has won the title of best recumbent bike overall for 2022. In addition to the sturdy construction and great functionality, the technological elements make this bike the undisputed champion in the recumbent bike category in 2022.
14″ HD Smart Touch Screen: When compared to the majority of recumbent bikes on the market, which typically have screens between 5′′ and ten ′′, this is a large screen. You can quickly monitor your development and make any adjustments.
Oversized Seat With Lumbar Support: NordicTrack comfort with its comfy seats, equipping them with high backs that have an office chair-like sensation.
Silent Magnetic Resistance: This noise is eliminated with the revolutionary SMRTM Silent Magnetic Resistance technology included in the NordicTrack R35.
Workout Library: With iFit, you may select from a constantly growing collection of routines. Finding the best trainer and training to motivate you will be simple, with many options available. R35’s AutoBreeze exercise fan is a smart feature. As the intensity of your workout increases, this fan’s flow will automatically increase.
Customer Reviews: A brand that gives its customers a great value is important when shopping. Additionally, we looked through numerous web and social media platforms to see what people were saying about this product, and we only got fabulous reviews about it.
Best Value: In terms of price, inexpensive doesn’t always equate to good value. Instead, a product with exceptional value for money offers the best features at the lowest cost. As a result, we chose NordicTrack Commercial R35 as the top recumbent bike in terms of value. However, it isn’t the least expensive choice on our list. However, it offers the best value in terms of cost to benefit.
Pros
- Large 14″ HD Smart touchscreen
- 25-pound flywheel for a comfortable ride
- Exercise with silent magnetic resistance
- Bluetooth audio
- Storage for water bottle holders
- Convenient one-touch controls
- The large seat and ergonomic pedals are suitable for people of all sizes and shapes.
Cons
- Moving is slightly more challenging because it is heavier than most exercise bikes.
- The more substantial footprint that can occupy some area
=> Click here to visit the official website of NordicTrack
#2. Freestep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer– Top Rated Foldable Recumbent Bike With Heart Rate Monitor
An affordable home fitness device that provides a secure, low-impact workout is the Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer. The Teeter FreeStep LT1 is quickly rising to prominence as one of the most well-liked recumbents available due to its small size and affordable price.
With its smooth, linear stride and natural stepping stride, it offers knee protection thanks to its proprietary stride technology. The Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer distributes muscular strain across the body using dual power movements.
The result is a more relaxed complete body workout that burns more calories and yields quicker results.
Highlights
Affordable Product: Due to its affordability, the Teeter FreeStep LT1 is quickly renowned as one of the most well-liked bikes on the market. Selling a decent product at a reasonable price is quite uncommon. By doing so, they are winning their customers’ hearts.
Magnetic Resistance: Turning a dial close to the seat allows you to simply modify the quiet, magnetic resistance mechanism that comes with this recumbent. Excellent function, although several users have suggested adding more resistance to provide a more difficult workout.
Digital Console: This recumbent has a tiny, battery-operated digital console. Nothing fancy, but it’s useful for keeping track of the time, distance, speed, and calories burned during an exercise.
Adjustable Handles: Different muscle areas can be emphasized while using the upper body handles by adjusting them. For instance, you can swivel the handle to focus on your chest or back or your triceps or biceps.
Water Bottle Holder: There is a water bottle holder, which is very important for anyone doing a workout.
Device Stand: Your workouts will be much more fun thanks to this tiny, convenient feature. While exercising, you can view a movie or listen to music on a compatible tablet (or phone). It’s wonderful that the tablet won’t obstruct the display, either.
TeeterMove App: Teeter now has a free fitness app that you can download to get ideas for exercises and general instructions on utilizing their recumbent trainer.
Brand Reputation: You can be confident that a trustworthy company will never skimp on quality by using inferior or low-grade ingredients. Despite being a newcomer to the industry, the maker of the free step LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer offers the quality that other competitors do not.
Pros
- Small size
- Linear, low-impact pedaling
- Low price
- Movable chair
- Flexible handles
- Gentle magnetic resistance
- Simple to move (built-in transport wheels)
Cons
- No exercise plans
- Poor warranty
=> Click here to visit the official website of Teeter Freestep
#3. Costway Recumbent Cardio Exercise Stationary Bicycle– Most Recommended Brand For Full Body Workout
The cycle has an easy-to-adjust tension-tightening knob and eight preset resistance settings to allow you to customize the workout to your fitness level. The bike has a recumbent step-through frame for simple mounting and dismounting and is cozy and supportive.
It is also possible to adjust the seat to accommodate a variety of body types. The counter-balanced pedals have a foot strap adjustable to match your needs.
You don’t need to be concerned that your training will disturb your family because of the silent belt-driven mechanism. The caged aluminum alloy pedal is also sturdy and long-lasting, and it can keep your foot fixed for simpler training.
Highlights
Multifunctional Display & Phone Holder: In order to assist you in tracking your exercise data, the digital display provides time, distance, speed, odometer, pulse, and calories. The grips on either side may record your heart rate so you can modify your exercise rhythm. Thanks to the phone holder, you may watch videos and listen to music while working out.
Personalized Detail Design: To accommodate users of various heights, the non-slip handlebar is 2-way adjustable, and the supportive cushion is 4-way adjustable. Non-slip cage pedals allow for comfortable riding. 2 transport wheels make it simple to move your bike for use and storage.
Freely Alter The Resistance: You may choose the appropriate training intensity based on your demands, thanks to its adjustable resistance. By turning the resistance knob, you can also halt immediately. You can select from 4 handle locations as you see fit. You’ll save time and effort because it’s simple to put together.
Solid Construction & Materials: This cycling bike looks chic and uncomplicated thanks to its sturdy double triangular frame, making it ideal for usage at home or the workplace. As a result of its premium refined steel composition, it has great load-bearing capacity. In addition, there are four-foot pads at the bottom to increase traction.
Premium Silent Steel Flywheel: Exercise your arm, waist, hip, and leg muscles while riding this bicycle to increase blood circulation, burn calories, and improve overall health. The silent belt-driven bicycle, which has a steel flywheel, gives you a quiet sporting atmosphere without bothering others.
Pros
- The saddle and bar handle are fully adjustable
- Super-comfy PU sport saddle
- Simple, top-down resistance system (felt brake pad)
- Metallic aluminum pedals
- Ideal for indoor physical activity and fitnessDurable frame
- Eight preset manual resistance levels
- Counter-balanced pedals with adjustable foot straps
- High quality
Cons
- Less Lost Weight
- Lack of space
=> Click here to visit the official website of Costway
How We Made The List Of The Best Recumbent Bikes?
We evaluated recumbent stationary bikes using the criteria: builtin-features, cost, training programs, and effectiveness.
What We Looked For?
- Built-In-Features: The bikes have features like pulse sensors, which allow us to check our heart rate, built-in speakers, which allow us to listen to music, device holders, which can hold both our mobile phones and other devices, and streamable fitness classes through which we can stream our workout sessions.
- Cost: The price of a recumbent bike is important since it must be worth its price, and we take care to purchase the greatest bike at the best price. The overall cost and customer satisfaction are all significant factors when determining the value of a such bike.
- Training Programs: The bikes have several resistance settings or preset exercise routines. So that everybody with a different exercise regimen can use it per their setting.
- Effectiveness: When it comes to effectiveness, we are interested in how well such bike carries out its intended function. Is it working for fitness or not, or do people get good results by using it or not? Reading all the sincere customer evaluations and obtaining all the information about its features so we can quickly determine its effectiveness.
Buying Guide For The Best Recumbent Bike
Recumbent bikes are one of the easiest ways to stay fit. However, as a result of the design of these exercise bikes, the user will have the greatest comfort potential while working out. Such exercise bikes have a back support seat, so the user’s back is not put under stress.
Such exercise bikes are popular for being easy on the knees and the joints. By using a recumbent bike for exercise, you can also lose weight. However, you must follow a 30 minutes workout session along with a high fiber and low carbs diet to lose weight effectively.
- Types
There are different variety of recumbent bikes available, which are as follows:
Wheelbase bikes come in long and short wheels. With the long wheelbase bike, the pedals are between the front and back wheels, and with the short wheelbase bike, the pedals are ahead of the wheels.
The wheel sizes of such bikes typically have a rear wheel behind the rider that can be any size. Most of the time, the front wheel is smaller than the back. Larger-diameter wheels often offer less rolling resistance, but because of their higher profile, they produce more air resistance.
Research with a group of healthy males demonstrates the advantages of utilizing a recumbent bike.
The study involved four sprints lasting 60 seconds each, performed at speeds ranging from 80 to 100 times per minute on the bikes. Thus, it is ideal for anyone aiming to improve their cardiovascular fitness.
- Resistance
The resistance (or tension) mechanism on recumbent exercise bikes is usually an eddy or magnetic brake. Additionally, eddy brake systems use servomotors, electromagnets, and sophisticated bike consoles.
In most cases, the brake pad is fixed, and the tension is produced by altering the magnet’s pull. This is accomplished by setting the bike’s computer to higher or lower resistance and instructing the servomotor to modify the magnet’s pull on the flywheel.
The same idea underlies electric current-assisted magnetic brakes; they typically consist of a straightforward brake pad attached to a series of magnets, which travel toward or away from the bike’s flywheel to create tension.
The brake pad, in this instance, is fastened to a cable that is joined to a tension knob, which you must crank to alter resistance. The flywheel never makes contact with the braking pad. Additionally, magnetic brake bikes don’t need a power source to change the resistance levels.
- Comfort
The front of the bike is where the drive mechanism is positioned. A very pleasant workout position is made possible by the seat’s close proximity to the ground (18 to 22 inches), which makes mounting and dismounting much easier.
Such bicycle seats can be made of hard plastic or padded with various materials. Individuals who have lower back difficulties benefit greatly from seats that are cushioned. On the other hand, it would seem like hard plastic seats are less comfortable, but they are not.
This kind of seat frequently has an extremely ergonomic design and a ventilated texture intended to offer comfortable back support and prevent the seat from overheating during an extended workout session.
The reclining handlebars also enhance the comfort of these bikes. These handlebars typically contain built-in pulse sensors, which are wonderful to have if you need to keep an eye on your heart rate while exercising.
- Drive Mechanism
Every recumbent bike has a flywheel, which is usually heavier and has a smaller diameter than the pulley. Typically, a transmission belt connects the flywheel to the pulley. Such bikes use belt drives, so pedaling is quiet and smooth.
It is possible to cycle backward on the majority of recumbent bikes as well as the majority of exercise bikes with an eddy brake or magnetic brake. The amount of resistance is the same whether you pedal forward or backward, and the crank does not keep turning after you stop.
- Maintenance
The majority of recumbent bikes require very little maintenance in general. The internal parts are assembled and greased when they are delivered. The only maintenance required is to maintain the bike clean and, if it contains a computer or other progress tracking device, to ensure that it is kept dry.
- Adjustability
Adjustable resistance is a feature of all recumbent bikes. However, the number of resistance levels varies from model to model. While more sophisticated bikes can feature up to 40 levels of resistance, certain versions may only give up to 5 levels of resistance.
The seat can be moved from the front to the back. The majority of such bikes. Practically speaking, you can get more leg room by moving the seat. Only a few models have adjustable seat angles, even in the most modern variants.
On recumbent motorcycles, the front handlebars are usually fixed. On the other hand, the ones for the seat are often movable fore-and-aft, together with the chair. Additionally, some bike types permit you to adjust the handlebars forward or downward to find your most comfortable posture.
FAQs Regarding The Best Recumbent Bikes
Can You Get Fit On A Recumbent Bike?
According to studies, recumbent bikes deliver a cardio workout that is equally as effective as upright riding and deliver higher strength training outcomes for the lower body muscle regions. The comfort of the bike can be misleading.
Who Should Ride A Recumbent Bike?
Anyone may ride a folding recumbent exercise bike, and their low-impact construction offers less strain on joints. For individuals new to cardio, it is a secure way to develop their routine. Moreover, it also offers full-back assistance. More experienced riders can also use such bikes because of their versatility.
They let you create a personalized workout at any intensity because they have different speeds, inclination levels, and resistance levels. Even seasoned bikers will find it a hard addition to their regimen because they focus on your lower body.
What Kinds of Exercise Bikes Are There?
The three types of exercise bikes are upright, recumbent, and spin bikes. There are other variations on these designs; a semi-recumbent bike, for instance, is a cross between an upright exercise bike and a recumbent.
The traditional upright model is the one that most people picture in their heads when they hear the term “stationary bike.”. Similar to a road bike, it maintains the cyclist’s upright position and places the pedals slightly below the torso.
On a recumbent bike, the pedals are positioned in front of the rider, and the seat is designed to look like a big bucket. It also features a complete backrest that provides lumbar support.
The modern spin bike has fixed gears, a small racing saddle, a weighted flywheel, low-set handlebars, and a bike chain rather than a belt, making it ride like an outside racing bike.
How Long Should You Ride A Recumbent Bike To Exercise?
The length of a recumbent bike workout can vary depending on the type. Warm up for five minutes, then pedal steadily for up to 30 minutes, extending the duration of your workout as your fitness level rises.
This exercise is crucial to a fitness regimen because it helps with endurance building, fat reduction, and rehabilitation. Additionally, it’s the finest choice for beginners.
Cycle for 45 seconds at a leisurely tempo, followed by 15 seconds of high intensity (pedaling as quickly as possible). For 15 to 20 minutes, repeat this cycle. By raising the resistance or incline, you can vary this high-intensity interval.
In order to prevent injury, specialists advise not performing HIIT programs more than three times each week.
Can You Use A Recumbent Bike To Lose Weight?
Cycling exercises can burn up to 1,000 calories, depending on your body weight and the session’s intensity. However, to give us a head start, Harvard University researchers discovered that a 155-pound adult pedaling at a moderate pace (about 12 to 14 miles per hour) expends 260 calories in a 30-minute workout.
Are Recumbent Bikes Actually Faster?
Yes, compared to most road bikers, a rider on a recumbent bike has a little less aerodynamic drag. He can go a little faster under the same circumstances and bike parts, but most importantly, he sits considerably more comfortably on his recumbent bike!
Some low racer recumbents with an aerodynamic fairing and those built specifically for high speeds can even go even faster.
For instance, a cyclist racing has around 30% more drag than a person on a decent low racer with a rear fairing. Fully enclosed recumbents are capable of great speed. Amateurs who race their faired recumbents at speeds of more than 80 km/h (50 mph) make little noise in the recumbent scene.
Which Exercise Bikes Work Best In Compact Spaces?
If you need a bike that can be easily stored against a wall or tucked away under a table, a folding upright model is your best bet. The inexpensive upright and indoor exercise bike will have a relatively compact design.
What Kind Of Exercise Bike Is Best For Seniors?
Recumbent bike is a perfect choice for older individuals. Such bike also helps you to achieve desired weight loss at the comfort of your home.There is no need to worry about straining your back while riding a recumbent bike because of the backrest, and it is much easier to get on and off than an upright bike or spin bike. Compared to other bicycles, they also let you work out while sitting in a more comfy position.
Your quads, hamstrings, calves, shins, and glutes are all worked out by recumbent bikes. Since your cores, obliques, and hip flexors are responsible for the action of pedaling, working out will also slightly activate these muscles.
Do Exercise Bikes Require A Great Deal Of Upkeep?
The majority of indoor bikes require almost no maintenance. Because the drive system is typically enclosed to prevent any damage, all you need to do to maintain it is make sure all the screws holding the pedals and toe strap attachments are tight and consider replacing the batteries in the console (if it is not electrically powered) once they begin to run low.
The bike should also be frequently cleaned, sweat should be wiped off after every workout, and if the bike is a chain drive, the chain should occasionally be lubricated with oil.
Is Using An Exercise Bike Safe If I Weigh More Than The Recommended Amount?
Every exercise bike has a maximum weight capacity, and while this capacity may not always be reached, it is nevertheless wise to buy a bike that can support your weight to guarantee that it is fully secure to use and likely to endure for a long time without experiencing any issues.
Is Learning To Recline On A Bike Simple?
You may start riding right away and feel secure on a recumbent bike with a well-designed steering geometry. There is no parallel to learning to ride a bicycle as a young child.
Find a street with few foot traffic and onlookers, then just try it. We advise renting a test bike or trike for a few days from one of our dealers for a more leisurely recumbent test ride.
Some new riders find it easier to get used to an upright riding position and above-the-seat steering on an upright bike. In any event, after some time, try a more relaxed seating position and under-seat steering if you can.
The pressure on your back’s vertebral discs in the recumbent position can be as little as one-third of what it is in the forward-bent position. The back muscles get stronger while riding actively.
Are There Many Different Types Of Recumbents?
Yes, of course! Wheelbase and handlebar position are the primary categories. The wheelbase of a bicycle is the distance between the centers of its front and back wheels.
Some vehicles have long wheelbases (LWB), while others have short wheels (SWB). LWB bikes (wheelbases between 64 and 72 inches) are smooth, quick, and stable.
On the open road, they are fantastic but making U-turns and negotiating tight. Winding roads may be challenging. Examples include Rotator Pursuit, RANS Stratus, and Velocity squared for all Easy Racers.
Fewer and fewer short wheelbase bikes (SWB) under 39 inches are produced today. The pedals are behind their front wheel. They are agile and simple to control. Due to their compactness, they are simple to transport and store. Examples include every Lightning and Haluzak, RANS Rocket and V-Rex, and most Bacchettas.
The compact long wheelbase (CLWB) motorcycles are situated in the middle. 50′′ to 64′′ is a CLWB. These recumbent bikes are among the easiest for some riders to get used to.
They are excellent commuting bikes because they are responsive, sturdy, and have a higher seat, making them more visible in traffic. Examples are Maxarya Ray-1, RANS Tailwind, and Sun EZ-1.
Conclusion: Which Recumbent Bike Is Best For Home Workouts?
Recumbent bike also known as exercise bike allows the rider to lie back while pedaling. Because of the additional support and comfort they provide, recumbent bikes are a well-liked choice among individuals who enjoy cycling as a leisure activity.
If you are suffering from physical or back issues, recumbent bikes are the best option to come out of your misery. However, there are several things you should keep in mind, and if you have read this article carefully, you must know them all.
Other than that, try to go for the best recumbent exercise bikes, even if it takes a bit of money outta your pocket.
