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10 Best Recumbent Bikes of 2018 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Do you often feel to reduce your weight? But deep inside do you think that you are let-down by yourself? Well, many feel it. Losing weight is hard, however, being fat is also hard. So, you have to pick your hard among those two. You can find many weight loss equipment online as most of the people are too scared of stepping out of our comfort zones and getting inspired to start the weight loss plan.

And for those who find it tough to change the current lifestyle but want to lose the weight by right equipment, recumbent bikes are the best choice. The recumbent bike is vital equipment in gyms and fitness clubs. These bikes provide a great way either for a solid workout in itself or to warm up the body for further workout routines. With a recumbent exercise bike in your home, you are a lot more likely to be motivated to get those great workouts underway. Choosing the best recumbent bike will be staring you in the face, begging for you to get on and get cycling. Investing your money in the recumbent bike is a great way to take your fitness and health to the next level in the comfort of your own home. By having this bike at your home, you can park it in front of your TV or computer and can control your entertainment while doing exercises. Take a book and continue your reading, while getting your cardio on by this bike or keep out some headphones and get in the zone. Best of all, while shopping online for a recumbent bike, you will see that there’s something for everyone and you are guaranteed to find one that fits your budget and fitness goals. So, to help you find the perfect recumbent bike, here, we have listed some recumbent bicycles that are the best by price range.

 

Detailed Reviews of  Top-Rated Recumbent Bikes of 2018

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1.Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike – The Winner Under $1000

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is the best home recumbent bike available below $1000. This best recumbent stationary bike great is the product of top-notch firm Schwinn which has an excellent reputation as a premium player in the exercise market over the last five years.

Their recumbent bike Schwinn 270 looks cool and features sleek curves, a substantial cockpit such as seating arrangement and a high spec display pane that will be very similar to aircraft cockpit. However, there’s much more to this recumbent bike than its awesomeness looks.  

When you are sitting on a recumbent bike for any length of time, comfort is the crucial factor to take into consideration. The Schwinn 270 recumbent bike has taken seat comfort to an entirely new level by offering a ventilated contoured back support portion of the seat. It will allow the seat to breathe, reducing sweat and heat build-up. Best of all, the down of the seat consists of an extra layer with thick padding to make it more enjoyable to sit and pedal.  The seat is adjustable in all directions and can accommodate multiple users by way of the aluminium slider seat rail system, which features an easy and quick lever for fore and aft seat adjustment.

Apart from seat comfort, this recumbent bike also features a full 29 workout programs to suit every ability level and user need. 12 of them are profile programs, 9 of them are heart rate control, and 4 of them are custom user designed. There are also two fitness tests and a recovery test.

Some of the other features include:

  1. Dual Track Technology
  2. Grip Heart Rate Monitor
  3. USB transferability
  4. 25 Level Eddy Current and
  5. Rugged Construction

Pros

  1. Visually impressive
  2. Built-in fan
  3. 10-year frame and 2-year mechanical warranty
  4. Cushioned seat
  5. Ventilated back support
  6. 25 level eddy current
  7. Grip heart rate monitor
  8. Dual-track LCD
  9. 29 exercise programs.

Cons

  1. No back-seat adjustment
  2. The display panel is very bright
  3. Low-Quality Packaging

2.Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike – The Runner up under 1000$

The Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Recumbent Bike is a favourite and sturdy bike in the budget recumbent exercise bike range. It is one of the best indoor cycling bikes available below $1000. Best of all, it consists of 300 lb weight limit to accommodate bigger users, a user-friendly and durable design that allows you to step through the machine to get on and off. Though this machine weighs only 63 lbs., it has extended leg stabilisers and low centre of gravity to place it in a particular area during your most intense workouts. It also has an excellent looking oversized padded seat and big pedals to accommodate a wide range of users. With 34 inches height, 54 inches length and 63 lbs weight, it consists of the best scan feature to scroll through workout data.

Features:

  1. Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs
  2. Padded oversized seat cushion and backrest
  3. Heart rate monitoring tab in hand grips
  4. Right transport wheels for easy mobility
  5. Large pedal design with straps to avoid foot slippage
  6. V-belt drive, Precision balanced flywheel and a soft torque cranking system that give a smooth and quiet operation
  7. Extended leg stabilisers to prevent movement
  8. eight levels of magnetic resistance for a wide range of workout intensity
  9. LCD with workout data that includes: Heart Rate, Speed, Time, Distance and Calories Burned.

Pros

  1. Consists transport wheels
  2. Designed for everyone, regardless of their height and weight
  3. Large pedals equipped with straps
  4.  Sturdy, metal frame
  5. Can accommodate heavier users without problems
  6. Easier storage.

Cons

  1. No fancy features
  2. Few parts are not built out of quality materials
  3. Slightly tricky to assemble.

 

3. Exerpeutic 900XL – Xtra Large, XL comfort, XL value

The Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Bike available in Xtra Large, XL comfort, XL value is one of the top-rated recumbent bikes available at $500. This best indoor recumbent bike doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles besides the heart rate monitoring in the handgrips. Best of all, this machine has a low centre of gravity and extended leg stabilisers to keep it in place during intense workouts.

It consists of 8 levels of magnetic resistance for a wide range or workout intensity and has heart rate monitoring in hand grips. The precision balanced flywheel, V-belt drive and a “Smooth torque” cranking system present in this bike provide a smooth and quiet operation. Its large pedal design with straps prevents foot slippage. It also has transport wheels for easy mobility.

Exerpeutic 900XL Computer Features include Heart Rate, Scan feature to scroll through workout data and LCD. Workout data includes Distance, Time, Calories Burned.

Pros

  1. Holds you steady while you work out
  2. Provides low impact workout that people find easy on the legs
  3. Useful for all ages from youngsters to oldsters
  4. Two sets of handlebars for different exercising positions
  5. Comes with a primary console for feedback
  6. Adjustable to fit a range of heights
  7. Easy-to-assemble
  8. Consists transport wheels
  9. Economically priced.

 

Cons

  1. Cannot provide challenging workouts
  2. Resistance level only goes to moderately hard
  3. Measures should only be used for comparison purposes and feedback
  4. The console doesn’t store information
  5. Only 3 adjustment knobs
  6. Complicated assembly instructions
  7. No pre-programmed workout programs

 

4. Exerpeutic Work Fit – A better FitDesk than the FitDesk

Exerpeutic Work Fit is one of the top recumbent bikes available in the fitness market for below 1000$. This best recumbent stationary bike lets you distract yourself while doing your workout. By working on it, you can easily watch television, read the book, listen to music or can even work on your laptop. With this, you can do anything you want that you cannot do on a regular exercise bike is work.

Key features of the Exerpeutic work fit exercise bike include 8 different levels of resistance, storage desk, and foam armrest. This recumbent bike comes with an adjustable desk that operates at 3 angles i.e.., at 0, 16, and 33 along with 5 different heights. The bike is specially designed to handle people weighing up to 300 pounds. Best of all, the desk that is embedded in this bike can be easily adjusted to work with your laptop or tablet. The bike is extremely comfortable and consists of extra soft seating, allowing you to work for long hours without becoming sore.

Pros

  1. Consists storage drawer that is large enough to store paper, pen, keys and so on
  2. Doesn’t make any disturbance for other members at home
  3. Simple instruction, uncomplicated assembling
  4. Nicely packed and easy to put together
  5. Consist transportation wheels and folding capability
  6. Very compact and is easy to roll and fold.

Cons

  1. No charging option offered for the mobile devices or laptop.
  2. Makes use of 2 AAA batteries just for the LCD and it has no extra electrical supply to use
  3. Deficiency of the armrest might lead to discomfort over the more extended periods.
  4. Small LCD
  5. No expansion of the function neither it is programmable
  6. No connectivity features.

 

5. IRONMAN H-Class 410 – Serious Contender

The IRONMAN H-Class 410 recumbent bike is a best home recumbent bike available at affordable cost. This best recumbent exercise bike is a lighter model than the X-Class 410, featuring a less inclusive console. This bike doesn’t integrate a sound system or a fan. It is an exercise bike model that is specially designed for residential use, but nonetheless, its range of features, construction, and overall quality, are pretty close to a light commercial model.

Features

  1. Assembled dimensions: 60L x 26.5W x 42H inches
  2. Fitness computer: 12 preset workout programs, heart rate control, four custom user profiles, Bluetooth enabled, compatible with IRONSTRONG Fitness
  3. Fixed, with pulse sensors handlebars
  4. “Air Soft” cushioned Adjustable seat
  5. Pedals: With adjustable straps
  6. Current-assisted magnetic, 24 levels resistance
  7. Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg).

Pros

  1. Transport wheels
  2. Elegant, step through design.
  3. Bottle holder
  4. Can sit more upright
  5. Different exercising position
  6. Fitness app to track your workouts
  7. Good stable platform for workouts
  8. Smooth and quiet pedalling motion
  9. Low maintenance
  10. 12 pre-set programs plus heart rate control
  11. Cushioned seat and comfortable backrest for supportive recumbent position
  12. 24 levels of resistance
  13. Adjustable for people between the heights of 5 ft 2 ins and 6 ft 4 ins

Cons

  1. Large footprint
  2. Can’t be stored in a closet out of the way when not in use.
  3. Needs to be plugged into the power supply to be used
  4. Fixed backrest angle
  5. Turn a knob to make the adjustments to seat positions and not a lever.
  6. Can’t have customised workouts
  7. A console isn’t compatible
  8. Complicated console instructions

 

6.Precor RBK 615 – The standard in commercial bikes

The Precor RBK 815 is one of the Best Recumbent bikes that is used in fitness centres around the globe. It’s patented, ventilated air flex seat, step-through design, and simple console make it a clear choice for serious cyclists. This RBK 815 best recumbent stationary bike provides six workout programs and consists of 25 levels of adjustable resistance. Comfort bonuses like the dual-sided, wide pedals along with adjustable seat combine with the bike’s recumbent style to ensure a workout that’s easy on the joints.

Like other Precor models, the RBK 815 recumbent bike displays continually-updated fitness metrics, including speed, time elapsed, distance, calorie burn and remaining, heart rate, and per cent complete. This recumbent bike is perfect for the serious cyclist, yet simple enough for the most novice user. This 815 series bike is a quiet, smooth choice for at-home cardio and lower-body toning.

Pros

  1. Good customer service
  2. Transport wheels
  3. Easy maintenance
  4. Self-powered
  5. Reading Rack
  6. Wireless and touch heart rate receivers
  7. 25 resistance levels
  8. 6 workout programs
  9. Detailed exercise data
  10. Ergonomic seat angle
  11. Smart cycling design for comfort
  12. Dual-sided pedals (Straps and no straps)
  13. Accepts standard road pedals
  14. Steel frame with powder coating
  15. Commercial quality
  16. Optional 15″ entertainment screen
  17. Step-through frame (Easy on/off).

Cons

  1. No exercise fan
  2. No transport wheels
  3. Maybe too large for some workout spaces.

 

7.Nautilus R614

Nowadays, you don’t have to exercise outdoors where it is too rainy or sunny. With the best indoor recumbent bike Nautilus R614, you can do a workout at the comforts of your home itself. The Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike is a workout solution that embodies the ideal qualities that a physical health enthusiast might find useful and beneficial.

The features of Nautilus R614 recumbent bike include:

  1. Two inbuilt levellers and centre support for a robust workout platform.
  2. Transport wheel for convenient movement in the house.
  3. Acoustic chambered speakers for quality sound.
  4. Sliding rails system for convenient adjustment of the seat.
  5. Consists vented seat back and bottom for user comfort.
  6. High inertia and speed flywheel.
  7. Dual Track LCD System.

Pros of Nautilus R614 recumbent bike

  1. Three-speed fan
  2. Easy to assemble in very less time
  3. Heart rate simulator
  4. Allows the user to adjust the levels of resistance on the pedal
  5. The superior seat design makes it ideal even for huge people
  6. Silent in operation.

Cons of R614 recumbent bike

  1. The pedals are good, but if your feet are large, you might have trouble placing your foot.
  2. The side grip is pretty thick, and it can be tough to get a hold especially for small user.
  3. The fan power is not robust.
  4. Lacks an up and down lever for the seat.

 

8.Diamondback 510SR – Best Recumbent Bike under 500$

Diamondback 510SR is one of the top rated recumbent bikes available under $500. You can even check out its recumbent bike reviews to know it is the best home recumbent bike. This Diamondback 510SR consists of LCD that delivers real-time feedback. 510SR series console with mp3 connectivity offers users the ability to broadcast their favourite tunes through the integrated speaker system. The frictionless eddy current braking system of this bike is smooth and quiet. The bike also consists of personal cooling fans that allow you to vary the fan speed during your workout. The foldout magazine rack in this bike holds your favourite magazine during your exercise and folds away when not in use. Best of all, it consists of 20 workout programs and 16 levels of resistance that provides us with a wide range of workouts for all users. Its scrolling message centre guides you through program set-up. The quickSet program keys of this bike help you start your favourite workout programs with a single touch.

Pros

  1. 2 user profiles and 1 guest profile to help with setting heart rate monitoring and programs
  2. low maintenance
  3. 16 levels of resistance
  4. Stable Bike providing an excellent stable platform for workouts
  5. Lifetime warranty on the frame and brake
  6. Low maintenance and shouldn’t go any on an ongoing basis.
  7. Easy Assembly (within 2 hours)
  8. The height of the backrest has 3 positions to provide better support for different heights.
  9. Has 20 pre-set programs for variety and a workout that’s right for you

Cons

  1. Can’t set up own customised program
  2. Can’t track or upload workout results
  3. Isn’t compatible with heart rate strap for heart rate monitoring
  4. Uses a knob rather than a lever for adjusting the sea
  5. The bike needs to be plugged in to use
  6. Fixed angle of the backrest
  7. No shelf that fits tablets or i-pads

9.NordicTrack Commercial Vr21

NordicTrack Commercial Vr21 is one of the top-rated recumbent bikes available below $1000. This best recumbent indoor bike is the bike with the wisdom of a pro trainer’s knowledge. This bike has 32 workout apps designed with a certified personal trainer. Each of these apps can control the bike’s pedal speed and resistance. For each bike session, you can focus mainly on performance training, cardio endurance and calorie goal.

 

Unique features on NordicTrack VR21 bike can bring extra motivation and enjoyment to your fitness regime. This recumbent bike consists of an eye-level shelf for your tablet computer so that your computer can serve as an iFit Coach monitor and/or run your favourite mobile apps. For the extra push of music, you can connect your MP3 player to the bike console. It also consists of a set of 2” speakers with digital amplification lets you leave headphones or earbuds behind. To help you train in your target heart rate zone, the VR21 bike has grip pulse sensors on the handlebars. For better accuracy, you can wear a wireless chest strap. It also consists of a 5 inches data window with a crisp display, an auto-adjusting fan, and a water bottle holder.

Pros

  1. Two-year parts warranty
  2. Low impact exercise
  3. Commercial steel frame
  4. Low sale price ($599)
  5. High weight capacity (350 pounds)
  6. Step Thru™ recumbent frame design (Easy on, easy off)
  7. Workout fan (AutoBreeze)
  8. Grip pulse sensors on handlebars
  9. Ready for iFit Coach (Shown on your mobile device)
  10. Wireless heart rate receiver (Chest strap sold separately)
  11. iPod-compatible (Port and 2” speakers)
  12. Padded seat with airflow and back support
  13. 23-pound resistance system
  14. 25 resistance settings (Digitally controlled)
  15. 32 workout apps

Cons

  1. NordicTrack’s customer service frequently gets negative reviews
  2. Not designed for long-term durability
  3. Not the best match for advanced cyclists

 

10.Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709

The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent  Bike is a best recumbent exercise bike that is budget-friendly, and that has some beneficial features.  These include aft and fore adjustability, variable resistance, adjustable handles, and a display monitor for viewing workout statistics. This model also has a higher weight capacity than most exercise bikes in its price range so that it will suit a broad spectrum of people.

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 features 8 resistance levels which are accessible at the turn of a knob. The built-in transport wheels of this recumbent bike ensure easy relocation of the bike when this is required. The adjustable handles and foot straps provide the best comfort and safety of during Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike workouts. The counterbalanced pedals enable a forward or reverse cycling motion. An adjustable seat of the bike accommodates users from under 5 feet tall, through to over 6 feet tall. An oversized display allows for easy monitoring of stats including calories, speed, time elapsed Time and calories burned during workouts.

Pros

  1. Low price
  2. Small footprint
  3. Variable resistance
  4. Sturdy and well-constructed
  5. The bike stays grounded, even during fast workouts performed at high speed
  6. Magnetic resistance allows for smooth, almost silent sessions
  7. Easy, wide access
  8. Adjustable seat
  9. Easy assembly
  10. 2-year warranty for its frame.

Cons

  1. Doesn’t have much padding as compared to some more expensive bikes
  2. Screws are not adjustable,  so lacks backrest position
  3. No workout programs
  4. No heart rate monitor
  5. Complicated monitor installation.

 

Still Confused to Decide whether to Choose Recumbent bike Or Not? Find Your Answer : Here

8 Reasons To Buy Recumbent Bikes

#Comfort

Recumbent Bikes offers excellent comfort by its reclining position feature. By this recumbent bike, you can cycle in a relaxed position that is a lot more comfortable than an upright bicycle. Being comfortable, with this bike you can still work with all of the major muscle groups in your lower body, without straining your back or facing any aching muscles in your upper body.

#Low on Impact (Both Body & Price)

If you prefer low impact workout cardio, or if your back problems don’t allow you to work out much, then it is best to go with a recumbent bike. They not only provide you with plenty of benefits but also they are available at affordable cost. They will help you burn the same amount of calories as an upright bicycle would, and that too at a lower cost. Exercise bikes are costly, but recumbent bikes cost you decidedly less compared to other bikes and are worth their price.

#Rehabilitation

Riding a recumbent bike is usually a safe knee rehab exercise, helping improve and restore knee joint mobility, stability, flexibility, and strength. A recumbent bike consists of a comfortable seat with a backrest, and the pedals are in front of you rather than below your hips as in an upright bike. In a recumbent bike, the semi-reclined position redistributes lower body weight, constraints hip movement and provides a firm backrest to push against when riding.

#Indoor exercise

The recumbent bike offers you best source for indoor exercising. It is similar to exercise equipment you find in the gym with regard to health benefits. With a recumbent bike, you can enjoy all those benefits from the comfort of your home. It offers you a low-impact activity. People recovering from orthopaedic injuries often participate in indoor cycling by recumbent bike as part of the rehabilitation protocol.

#Focus

If you check out the recumbent exercise bike reviews, you can clearly understand the plenty of benefits that recumbent bike offers. With this bike, you can focus on your fitness goals without being lazy.  The more comfortable you are, the easier it is to stick with a workout plan. This means you’ll not only stay on the recumbent bike longer during each session, but you are likely to return more frequently.

#Easy to use

Recumbent bikes are very Easy to use with simple installation steps, adjustable seat, transport wheels and folding capability. Recumbent bikes are even safer because you cannot stand up on the pedals. This could eliminate many of the injuries that occur when using an upright bike.

#Low impact on joints

Working out on a recumbent bike is a great way to work your lower body and cardiovascular system without putting too much strain on your joints. It will have a little impact on joints. This properly fitted bike will not cause any stress on your joints, and this is the reason why this bike is best for the people of all ages.

#Good Posture

Recumbent bikes are famous for their design that provides good posture while exercising. This bike is more comfortable on the lower back due to the way that you sit on the bike. While an upright bike has you hunched over the handlebars, a recumbent bike encourages better spinal posture. By this bike, your lower back is supported by the bucket seat, and your knees and ankles are protected from potential injurious impact. Even the seat of the recumbent bike is larger when compared to an upright bike that generally has a smaller seat that is uncomfortable for many riders.

 

What  Muscles are Targeted During Recumbent bike Exercise?

Famous for their excellent effectiveness in weight loss plan, recumbent bikes are considered as one of the best fixtures in fitness centres, gyms, and other similar health clubs. This equipment not only reduces weight but also promotes rapid albeit safe weight loss and overall toning of your body.

A Recumbent Bike Targets the Following Muscle Groups :

  • Glutes
  • Quads
  • Hamstrings
  • Calves
  • Tibialis Anterior
  • Abs

Unlike other exercise equipment that often targets only one couple of muscle groups, this recumbent bike is known for offering a practically all-body workout, while engaging all the major muscles. This best indoor cycling equipment does not only provide you with a massive improvement to your health and well-being, but it also leaves the user with reliable and supple joints by actively drawing energy from the major muscle groups of your body. In fact, just an hour on the recumbent bike can very quickly help you burn around 700 calories to 900 calories. These bikes are also known for drawing the hip muscles into the workout- something that a very few gym equipments can do.  With these recumbent bikes, athletes can also expect to use their glutes during the entire duration of their workout. With a recumbent bike, the muscles are actively engaged during training whenever athletes extend or relax their legs. The recumbent cycling position can mimic the same movements and muscles engaged during more strenuous outdoor activities such as slope cycling and hill climbing.

Sit in the seat of the recumbent bike by placing your feet on the pedals with the balls of your feet over the pedal spindle. With one pedal in the farthest position, 3 o’clock, you should have a slight bend in your knee, about a 25-degree angle– 30-degree angle. This position provides the greatest pedalling power and comfort. By sitting in this position, users won’t be sore and achy afterwards.

Read More about Muscles Targeted by these Bikes: https://www.livestrong.com/article/97446-muscles-recumbent-bike-use/

Still not interested in buying Recumbent Bikes? Read our Detailed Buying Guide & Reviews of Best Indoor Spin Bikes

Click here > If You are Interested in Buying the Wireless Workout Headphones

Ratings
  • Exerpeutic 900XL
  • Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
  • Exerpeutic Work Fit – A better FitDesk than the FitDesk
  • IRONMAN H-Class 410
  • Diamondback 510SR
4.6

Conclusion

As recumbent bikes are more comfortable and are very easier to use than the upright bike, it is best to opt to them to your workout routine to reduce the weight. By this recumbent bike, you are also more likely to work out for a longer period. This bike is suitable for all ages, and you are also less likely to jump on the bike again the next day or later in the week. By keeping your body comfortable, health in a right way and leg pain-free, you are far more likely to push yourself from the recumbent bikes and to stick with your new exercise routine.

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