Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes, 2024 – Sit Back and Cycle

NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike

Best Overall Recumbent Bike

Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $1,299
• ManufacturerSole
• TypeRecumbent

Best Price at Sole

75

The soft backrest, padded seat, and step-through design make the Sole R92 great for seniors who want to stay active.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  8

• Specs / Features

  7

• Dimensions / Storability

  7

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  6

• Build Quality

  8

What We Like:

• Affordably priced
• 300-lb weight limit
• No subscription
• Pedals accommodate most shoes
• Simple console design
• Lifetime frame warranty
• Free Sole+ app classes

Areas For Improvement:

• Low-tech design
• Larger footprint than studio or upright bike

The Sole R92 recumbent bike is quiet, affordable, and doesn’t require a subscription. Sole has long been one of our favorite manufacturers because of their durable, quality fitness equipment. The Sole R92 has magnetic resistance with 20 different resistance levels. We love that Sole covers the R92 with a full lifetime warranty on the frame.

This recumbent bike is the best option for riders who don’t want a subscription or attached touchscreen. The Sole R92 has onboard training programs and connects to the Sole+ app for additional training options. The Sole+ classes are trainer-led and free for Sole equipment users.

We love using the Sole+ app without paying a subscription. It connects directly to the R92, so all of your metrics are stored for later review. A tablet rack stores your phone or tablet for easy viewing while cycling. We used the rack to watch Sole+ content, Zwift, Kinomap, and more.

The 9” LCD console displays calories, speed, distance, RPM, and heart rate. Above the console, an attached tablet holder provides the perfect place to watch a show. Upright handlebars flank the screen, and there are also a set of horizontal handles on either side of the seat for stability.

We’ve awarded the Sole R92 Recumbent Bike as the best recumbent bike for seniors; however, it’s an excellent option for most people.

Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole R92.

Interested in the Sole R92?

Check Best Price

---

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $799
• ManufacturerSchwinn
• TypeRecumbent

Best Price at Schwinn

78

The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike’s easy-to-use design, quality, and price make it the best Schwinn recumbent bike.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  7

• Specs / Features

  7

• Dimensions / Storability

  6

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  7

• Build Quality

  8

What We Like:

• A great value
• 7” LCD screen and tablet rack
• JRNY app compatible
• Lightweight and portable
• Supportive, breathable seat
• Connects with Zwift

Areas For Improvement:

• Low-tech console
• Not the best step-through frame design

If you’re looking for a great value recumbent bike, check out the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike. This Schwinn recumbent bike has top-notch features that are appealing to most people. The padded seat is adjustable and ventilated to help keep you cool. The pedals are weighted with straps over the top to secure your feet.

The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike has a 7” LCD screen that’s simple for metrics tracking. The console also features a device rack for your phone or tablet. The 290 comes with a 2-month free trial to the JRNY App, which features trainer-led videos, workout programs, and outdoor filmed locations for structured training. You can stream JRNY, Zwift, or any app you would like.

JRNY is a subscription-based training app that offers trainer-led content and virtual routes to make indoor cycling more enjoyable. We like JRNY’s affordability compared to apps like iFIT and Peloton. It makes a great addition to the Schwinn 290.

The 290 is relatively lightweight at 107 lbs and portable with the front transportation wheels and built-in rear handle. The handle makes it more convenient for when you need to move it out of the way. The Schwinn 290 also accommodates up to 330 lbs. Overall, the design is robust; however, the frame has a narrower step-through passage than we prefer.

This recumbent bike is a fantastic option for most people because of its design, features, and weight capacity.

Interested in the Schwinn 290?

Check Best Price

---

LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike

Best Recumbent Bike For Larger Users

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $1,899
• ManufacturerLifespan
• TypeRecumbent

Best Price at LifeSpan

68

The LifeSpan Fitness R5i Recumbent bike has an easy step-thru frame and doesn’t require electricity—it’s simplicity at its best.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  6

• Specs / Features

  6

• Dimensions / Storability

  6

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  6

• Build Quality

  7

What We Like:

• Lightweight
• No electricity required
• Step-through frame
• Elevated armrests with heart rate sensors
• Great for physical therapy
• Supports up to 400 lbs

Areas For Improvement:

• Very simplistic console
• Too easy for some

The LifeSpan R5i has a vented seat, armrests for comfort, and EKG sensors that transmit heart rate data to the LCD screen. The screen is battery-operated, so you don’t need to plug in the bike to run—simply sit and pedal! Despite this simplicity, the R5i has 34 workout program options to guide your fitness journey.

The R5i is an accessible option for riders with mobility issues because of its easy, step-through design. This stationary recumbent bike provides comfort and durability for home and commercial use. A solid design and a 400-lb weight capacity make the LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike ideal for larger users.

The LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike has an LCD screen—not a touchscreen—with tactile buttons that allow you to select a workout program. Quick-change buttons will quickly jump the resistance to levels. The wrap-around handlebar offers various hand positions for stability when navigating the console.

We love the LifeSpan R5i’s versatility. In particular, we like the fact that we can move it anywhere without being near a power outlet.

Click here to read our detailed review of the LifeSpan R5i.

Interested in the LifeSpan R5i?

Check Best Price

---

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

Best Home Recumbent Bike

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $1,799
• ManufacturerSole
• TypeRecumbent

Best Price at Sole

78

The Sole LCR has a heavy flywheel, 40 levels of resistance, and a comfortable seat on a light commercial-grade build with a high weight capacity.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  8

• Specs / Features

  8

• Dimensions / Storability

  7

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  8

• Build Quality

  8

What We Like:

• Light commercial-grade
• 10” touchscreen with streaming apps
• 350-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame warranty
• Contoured and padded backrest

Areas For Improvement:

• Premium price
• Heavier and less portability than others

The Sole LCR recumbent bike has a solid frame. It is excellent for most people because it can handle up to 350 lbs of user weight. This higher-end recumbent bike from Sole supports light commercial use and handles heavy-duty cycling at home. It also comes almost completely assembled, so it shouldn’t be too hard to set up in your home.

The weighted 31-lb flywheel is smooth and fluid. The Sole LCR also features 40 levels of EMS resistance, which should accommodate most users’ abilities. In our experience, Sole’s magnetic resistance is very quiet, so the LCR should make minimal noise regardless of the resistance level.

A few features I like about this bike include the padded seat and backrest. It has nice contouring for your back, seat, and legs. Heart rate sensors on the horizontal handles rest on either side of the sea, angling upward for an easy grip. The seat slides forward and back so this bike can fit all-sized riders. The pedals are spacious and have a strap to keep your feet secure.

The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is the best home recumbent bike because of its high-quality design and tech features. The LCR’s 10.1” touch screen includes onboard workout programs and streaming from 12 preloaded apps: YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and more. It doesn’t require an additional subscription; you only have to log into your existing account.

The Sole LCR is the recumbent bike we use to stream our favorite content. The versatility of this bike makes it a solid training companion, while its quality promises many, may cycling miles ahead.

Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole LCR.

Interested in the Sole LCR?

Check Best Price

---

Matrix Cycle R30

Best Heavy-Duty Recumbent Exercise Bike

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $3,499
• ManufacturerMatrix
• TypeRecumbent

Best Price at Matrix

74

The Matrix Cycle R30 Recumbent Bike is a high-end splurge worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality exercise bike to survive your intense routine.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  8

• Specs / Features

  7

• Dimensions / Storability

  6

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  9

• Build Quality

  8

What We Like:

• Commercial-grade construction
• Three console options
• Streaming and training apps
• Adjustable, ventilated seat
• Stable frame

Areas For Improvement:

• Expensive
• Heavy; not easy to transport

Matrix Fitness is known for commercial fitness equipment. You’ll probably find Matrix’s equipment at your local gym down the street. Although it’s a part of their home lineup of recumbent bikes, the Cycle R30 has a durable build capable of handling a lot of use. That’s why we’ve awarded it as the best heavy-duty recumbent exercise bike on this list.

The frame features a dual-form step-through design so those with limited mobility can easily get on and off the seat. This design also offers a solid support base for the machine to keep it planted on the floor. The ventilated seat adjusts forward and backward. The seat back can also be angled in 3 different ways to enhance your comfort while using the Cycle R30.

You can choose between three consoles. The 16” touchscreen XIR console has training programs like Sprint 8, Virtual Active, and even iFIT. The streaming apps include Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and internet browsing. The smaller touchscreen XER has similar features. The LCD XR console has standard workouts. All consoles have exciting training options.

What we like most about the Matrix Cycle R30 is how customizable it is to our desired training experience. When you purchase the bike, you can choose the console that best suits your budget and training plans. The various apps included on the touchscreens allow you to subscribe to premium content but don’t lock you into it.

Interested in the Matrix Cycle R30?

Check Best Price

---

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Best Budget Recumbent Bike

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $599
• ManufacturerSchwinn
• TypeRecumbent

Best Price at Schwinn

72

The Schwinn 230 recumbent bike’s low price is fantastic for budget shoppers who want a quality workout.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  6

• Specs / Features

  6

• Dimensions / Storability

  6

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  6

• Build Quality

  7

What We Like

• Great low price
• 13 onboard programs
• Built-in device rack
• 16 magnetic resistance levels
• Sturdy frame
• Perimeter-weighted flywheel
• No subscription required

Areas For Improvement:

• No touchscreen
• Seat lacks padding

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is an affordable, lightweight option that will support users up to 300 lbs. Its price of well under $1000 earned it our award as the best budget recumbent bike. The bike weighs 80 lbs, so it’s easier to move than others on this list. The transport wheels allow you to lift and roll the bike as needed.

The seat is contoured with a ventilated back and seat cushion to help keep you cool. It also adjusts forward and backward to various heights. The side handles have pulse grips to track your heart rate, and the front handles by the console allow for more intense training. There is also a device rack to place your phone or tablet to watch whatever you want.

Sixteen levels of magnetic adjustable resistance offer a decent range of difficulty. This best-budget recumbent bike has a perimeter-weighted flywheel for a smooth pedal stroke and stable feel while using. The 5.5” LCD screen offers 13 onboard workout programs to choose from. As a budget bike, the 230 is best for beginner to intermediate users.

The 230 has a built-in tablet rack on the console. This shelf allows you to view training content or entertainment on your smart device, extending the variety of content included on the 230. You can also connect with apps like Schwinn’s Explore the World app or Zwift.

Check out the Schwinn 230 if you want to save on a recumbent bike but still take home a quality one.

Interested in the Schwinn 230?

Check Best Price

---

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

Best Amazon Recumbent Bike

• Star Rating
• PriceMSRP: $187
• ManufacturerMarcy
• TypeRecumbent

Check Best Price

65

The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is very affordable and lightweight with a no-frills design that’s perfect for parking in front of your TV for entertainment.

Rating MatricOur Rating

• Workout Experience

  6

• Specs / Features

  6

• Dimensions / Storability

  6

• On-Board Workouts & Apps

  4

• Build Quality

  6

What We Like:

• Very affordable on Amazon
• Lightweight and portable
• Three seat positions
• Eight levels of magnetic resistance
• LCD screen with metrics

Areas For Improvement:

• Many plastic components
• Less durable than other bikes

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike rounds out our list of the best recumbent bikes. This bike is simple, affordable, and available on Amazon for purchase. It delivers quickly with Amazon Prime, so we’ve named it the best Amazon recumbent bike on this list.

The seat is adjustable with a cushioned backrest. The seat adjusts forward and backward in three positions. These adjustments make the recumbent bike shorter or longer. The pedals have top straps and a grippy texture to secure your feet. The LCD screen tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories. The Marcy ME-709 features eight magnetic resistance levels.

Along with being very budget-friendly, the Marcy is very lightweight at only 61 lbs. The front wheels make it easy to move. What’s impressive about this budget recumbent bike is that it still holds up to 300 lbs despite being so light in weight. The step-through frame makes it accessible for most people, too.

This recumbent bike is a very affordable option. It may not be as durable as other options, but it is a good option for users who need a recumbent bike for a short period of time. If you are rehabbing an injury, returning to exercise after surgery, or want to ease into more strenuous exercise, the Marcy Recumbent bike might be your match.

We recommend the Marcy ME-709 for shoppers on a strict budget and new recumbent cyclists.

Interested in the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike?

Check Best Price

---

What to Consider When Buying a Recumbent Exercise Bike

When purchasing a recumbent bike, you’ll want to consider several features. Use the guide below to create a list of wants and needs to help you narrow your recumbent bike choices. In addition to these features, you will also want to consider price.

Bike Geometry

Make sure your potential recumbent bike has enough room for your leg span. Recumbent stationary bikes usually have a sliding seat that moves toward and away from the handlebars. Some are angled to adjust reach and height simultaneously. Check out the maximum weight and any seat height or leg span data.

Pedals

Most recumbent bikes have wide pedals that will work with any athletic shoe. Unlike regular spin bikes, recumbent bikes don’t typically have clipless pedals that support a cycling shoe. They are just flat pedals. A grippy pedal with an adjustable strap should be sufficient for all users to cycle securely.

Handlebars

A recumbent bike often has two sets of handlebars. One pair flanks the saddle on either side to hold while cycling. Another set is usually attached to the console in an upright position for a more vertical grip. The vertical handlebars also provide support as the user sits on the seat. The handlebars may or may not have EKG pulse grips to track your heart rate as you cycle.

Seat

A wide, padded saddle adds comfort to a recumbent bike. Make sure the saddle is spacious enough. The backrest may be padded or vented and usually includes lumbar support. Some backrests adjust slightly for a more reclined position.

Ease of Use

Do you want a bike you can just jump on and go? Do you need to roll your bike out of the way after each session? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider the points below.

A step-through frame makes getting up and down from the bike more accessible for users with restricted mobility. Additionally, upright handles provide support for sitting down and standing up. If you plan to roll your bike in and out of a corner or closet, look for something lighter weight with wheels.

A bike with a heavy-duty frame and adequate weight capacity will make you feel safer and supported while training.

Noise Output

We all know that noise matters when exercising at home! Most of the bikes on our list are very quiet. In fact, recumbent bikes tend to be the quietest type of exercise bike. Additionally, there’s no motor noise or thudding like on a treadmill.

Bikes are compact and quiet, making them easy to use. In general, bikes with magnetic resistance will be quieter than friction resistance bikes because there is no contact between the flywheel and the resistance. Additionally, most bikes with video content are compatible with Bluetooth or wired headphones, so you don’t disturb others while listening.

Warranty

A warranty is a good reflection of the manufacturer’s confidence in that particular product. We recommend looking for a warranty with at least ten years of coverage on the frame, two years on parts, and one for labor. This coverage is pretty standard.

We are wary of companies that only offer a 12-month limited warranty. Also, look for “restocking fees” that may be as much as $250 to return your bike – even within the initial 30 days. Read the warranty and return policy carefully. A good warranty is a good indicator of the recumbent bike’s durability.

Training Content

Like other types of cardio machines, recumbent bikes may or may not include touchscreens with optional subscription content. Regardless of console type, most recumbent bikes have built-in training programs. If you want more immersive content and wider options, choose a touchscreen console or a recumbent bike with a tablet rack for your device.

The subscriptions included on the recumbent bikes we have chosen are JRNY and iFIT. Both of these platforms have trainer-led content and scenic content. Peloton is not a good match for recumbent cycling. It is hard to replicate a Peloton workout on these recumbent bikes because the resistance and intensity do not match well. Consider Kinomap or Zwift for more training content.

Onboard training programs tend to be pretty simple, but they can still provide guidance and variation for your workout. Most recumbent bikes with onboard programs will automatically adjust the resistance for you. You may also be able to customize the time limit and maximum intensity.

Why You Should Choose a Recumbent Bike

Recumbent bikes are often stigmatized as less “athletic” than studio or upright bikes. Yet, they let athletes harness their maximum power–kind of like a leg press machine. Recumbent bikes have difficult resistance levels that challenge the legs while allowing the arms to rest. Recumbent bikes can get your heart rate up just like other forms of exercise.

The backrest on a recumbent bike provides support that other exercise bikes lack. Some exercisers experience pain in their wrists, necks, and backs while upright cycling that is not alleviated with improved form. For these exercisers, recumbent cycling is a way to enjoy a beloved activity without the barrier of pain or soreness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Lose Weight Riding a Recumbent Bike?

Yes! During cycling, the body burns more calories to supply oxygen and other vital nutrients to working muscles, including your heart. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults aged 16-65 engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days per week — or vigorous-intensity exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes 3 days per week.

Cycling is excellent, low-impact cardiovascular exercise. The more you exercise, the more calories your body burns. You should lose weight if you maintain or reduce daily calories slightly and consistently ride at a moderate to vigorous intensity. If you are struggling to lose weight after adopting a healthy routine, underlying health issues could be to blame.

Can I Ride A Recumbent Bike Every Day?

You can ride a bike regularly, as this is an excellent low-impact exercise. Once you are comfortable on your bike and feel confident, you can ride as often as you’d like! Since cycling is an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise, it can be done for as little as 20 minutes or as long as several hours, depending on the rider’s conditioning.

How Long Should I Ride My Recumbent Bike?

Most cycling classes last 20 minutes to an hour. A recent study published by the IDEA Fitness Journal in April 2021 reported that the ideal training duration for moderate to high-intensity exercise is 30-60 minutes, with 45 minutes being the sweet spot for best physical and mental health.

Exercising for more than 90 minutes could cause muscle breakdown, lead to overuse injuries, and even worsen mental health in susceptible individuals. Conditioned cyclists may enjoy riding for longer periods of time but should be accompanied by sufficient rest and refueling.

Why Are Recumbent Bikes So Expensive?

With exercise equipment, you get what you pay for. We’ve tested hundreds of products over the years and consistently find that solid, sturdy, well-built exercise equipment requires quality materials and construction. Recumbent bikes are designed to support users up to 300 pounds, so they have to be built of quality materials.

What Is a Good Brand of Recumbent Bike?

The top brands we included on our list include NordicTrack, Sole, Matrix, LifeSpan, and Schwinn. We suggest purchasing a bike from one of these brands because they are durable with great features. More affordable brands may not hold up under intense use. Look at a brand’s warranty and return policy for more insight into their quality.

Other factors that determine a brand’s quality include their material quality, bike weight capacity, and tech features.

Does Peloton Have A Recumbent Bike?

Peloton does not currently have a recumbent bike. Its primary focus has been studio cycling and compatible classes from the beginning. It is difficult to replicate Peloton workouts on the recumbent bike because the intensity and rpm do not match well.