Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes 2023

Sydney Kaiser

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Last Updated: September 18, 2023

If you want to find the best recumbent bike you’ve come to the right place! Recumbent bikes allow riders to sit behind rather than over the pedals for a more comfortable position. Recumbent bikes are easier to get on and off due to their lower seat height and easy step-through design. These bikes are excellent for those with limited mobility or anyone who wants to enjoy a slightly more relaxed position while riding.

Our list of recumbent bike reviews provides you with a quick overview of each of our top bikes, details on specs, and a few reasons why each one made our list. When looking for a Recumbent bike, you’ll want to consider the overall frame design and comfort, the size of the seat and backrest, and how much the bike frame expands to support different-sized users. We consider all these factors when evaluating the best recumbent bikes, so if you’re in the market for a new indoor exercise bike, take a look at our updated list for 2023!

Why You Should Trust Us

We test and review all kinds of fitness equipment here at Treadmill Review Guru. We use all kinds of machines because we know that one type will work better for someone than another. When it comes to recumbent bikes, we’ve tested ones from several brands in home and commercial settings. We know what to look for based on our extensive experience testing fitness equipment for several years, so we are here to help you find the best recumbent bike for you.

Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes 2023:

• 1. Best Overall Recumbent Bike: Nordictrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike
• 2. Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors: Sole R92 Recumbent Exercise Bike
• 3. Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
• 4. Best Recumbent Bike For Larger Users: LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike
• 5. Best Home Recumbent Bike: Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
• 6. Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike: Matrix Cycle R30
• 7. Best Budget Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
• 8. Best Hybrid Recumbent Bike: Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
• 9. Best Amazon Recumbent Bike: Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

Sneak Peek of the Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes:

 

Here Are The Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes of 2023

1. Best Overall Recumbent Bike: Nordictrack R35 Recumbent Bike

The Nordictrack R35 is our Best Recumbent bike in 2023 because it combines comfort, tech, and convenience in one bike. The R35 has a padded, oversized seat that slides horizontally so you can find the right fit. A vented backrest and lumbar support increase your comfort on the bike, and the wide pedals will support any athletic shoe. We love the 14” touchscreen with high-def resolution and quality iFit content. The 25lb flywheel creates a smooth pedal stroke and 26 digital resistance levels allow for plenty of resistance variables. This bike will support up to 350 lbs of user weight, making it a good option for riders of all sizes. The one-touch controls and a clean console augment the bright touchscreen.

This combination of features makes the Nordictrack R35 a comfortable recumbent bike that will increase your cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and help you lose weight – all while exercising at home.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack R35 recumbent bike

2. Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors: Sole R92 Recumbent 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. This recumbent bike is the best option for riders who don’t want a subscription or attached touchscreen.

The 9” LCD console displays all ride metrics including calories, speed, distance, RPM, and heart rate. An attached tablet holder provides the perfect place to watch a show just above the console. Upright handlebars flank the screen and there are also a set of horizontal handles on either side of the seat for stability. Even though the R92 doesn’t feature subscription content, it includes preloaded programs for structured training as well as manual mode to adjust the R92 whenever you want. We love that Sole covers the R92 with a full lifetime warranty on the frame.

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

Read our full review of the Sole R92 recumbent bike

3. Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

If you’re looking for a great value recumbent bike, then check out the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike. This best Schwinn recumbent bike has really nice features that make it appealing to most people. The padded seat is adjustable and well-ventilated to help keep you cool. The pedals are weighted with straps over top to keep your feet secure and stable while pedaling. And the frame features a step-through design so it’s easier for those with limited mobility to get on and off.

The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike comes with 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 free 2-month trial to the JRNY App which features trainer-led videos, workout programs, and outdoor filmed locations for structured training. The app is completely optional to use, so you can stream it or stream whatever content you want from your device.

The 290 is fairly lightweight at 107 lbs and can be moved around 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 most people up to 330 lbs.

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

4. Best Recumbent Bike For Larger Users: LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike

The LifeSpan Fitness R5i Recumbent bike has a step-thru frame that is easy to get on and off and doesn’t require electricity to run. This lightweight recumbent bike has a vented seat, armrests for comfort, and EKG sensors to transmit your heart rate data to the LCD screen. The screen is battery-operated, so you don’t need to plug in the bike for it to run. Simply sit and pedal!

This is a great option for riders who have mobility issues and need an easy, step-thru design. The R5i stationary recumbent bike is designed to provide both comfort and durability to support home or commercial use. The R5i has an oversized molded seat bottom, ventilated seat back, and extra lumbar support. The seat also includes full armrests with integrated heart rate sensors, so you can monitor your heart rate constantly throughout your workout without needing to move your hands or wear a chest strap. With a solid design and a 400 pound weight capacity, this make the LifeSpan R5i a great recumbent bike for obese or overweight users.

The LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike has an LCD screen that displays a readout for different workout programs. Five tactile buttons on the console allow you to select a workout program. This is not a touchscreen, but the console buttons make it simple to toggle through various settings and programs. Quick-change buttons will quickly jump the resistance to levels. A wrap-around handlebar is also a nice addition since it offers various hand positions for stability when navigating the console.

Read our full review of the LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike

5. Best Home Recumbent Bike: Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The Sole LCR recumbent bike has a solid frame. The weighted 31 lb flywheel is smooth and fluid. A few features I really like about this bike include the padded seat and backrest. It has nice contouring for your back, seat, and legs. There are also heart rate sensors on the horizontal handles that flank either side of the seat. These handles angle upward for an easy grip. The seat slides forward and back so this bike can fit all-sized riders. The pedals are wide and comfortable with a strap overtop to help keep your feet securely in place on them.

The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is awarded the best home recumbent bike because of its high-quality design and integrated tech features. The LCR has been updated to include a 10.1” touch screen which includes onboard workout programs and streaming from 12 preloaded apps. These apps include YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and more. What’s great about these apps is that they don’t require an additional subscription fee to use. All you have to do is log into your respective account for each app.

This recumbent bike is great for most people because it handles up to 350 lbs of user weight. The Sole LCR also features 40 levels of EMS resistance to give you a lot of range to pedal against. This higher-end recumbent bike from Sole is rated for light commercial use, so it can handle significant use. It also comes almost completely assembled, so it shouldn’t be too hard to set up in your home.

Read our full review of the Sole LCR recumbent bike

5.Best Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bike: Matrix Cycle R30

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

The frame features a dual-form step-through design so those with limited mobility can get on and off the seat more easily. This design also offers a great base of support for the machine to prevent any rocking and keep it planted on the floor. The seat has front and back adjustability as well as a mesh back for ventilation. The seat back can also be angled in 3 different ways to enhance your comfort while using the Cycle R30.

With the purchase of the Matrix Cycle R30, you can choose between 3 different consoles. The premium XIR console features a 16” touch screen that comes with preloaded streaming apps and training programs like Sprint 8, Virtual Active, and even iFit with a subscription. The streaming apps include apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, as well as internet browsing to watch whatever you want. The XER has a smaller screen but similar features and the XR console comes with an LCD screen with standard workout programming. So, with any console you choose from, you get a lot of options so you don’t have to worry about getting bored on the Cycle R30.

7. Best Budget Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is an affordable, lightweight option that will support users up to 300 lbs. Priced well under $1000, the Schwinn 230 is a popular option for budget-minded consumers, that is why we’ve awarded it as the best budget recumbent bike on this list of best recumbent bikes. The bike itself weighs 80 lbs so it’s easier to move than others on this list. With the 230’s lightweight, it can be moved with the front wheels and rear floor stabilizer. You just need to lift up the back stabilizer to engage the front wheels.

The Schwinn 230 offers 16 levels of magnetic adjustable resistance to choose from. The seat is contoured with a ventilated back and seat cushion to help keep you cool. The seat adjusts forward and backward for various heights, too. The side handles have pulse grips to track your heart rate, and the front handles by the console allow for more intense training.

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. There is also a device rack to place your phone or tablet to watch whatever you want.

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

8. Best Hybrid Recumbent Bike: Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer

If you’re looking to work your upper body as well as your lower body, then you should check out the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer. This is the best hybrid recumbent bike because it has moving handles that move in conjunction with the pedals, like a seated elliptical. It is a hybrid machine because it features the typical recumbent bike-style positioning with an adjustable seat with back support. It also has stationary handles mounted on either side of the seat for when you want to use this as a traditional recumbent bike.

The FreeStep LT3 is great for most people up to 300 lbs. It weighs about 110 lbs so it’s relatively easy to move when you need to. There are 2 rear transport wheels for when you need to wheel it around. This Cross Trainer doesn’t have as convenient of a step-through design as others on this list, so it might not be best for those with limited mobility, but it is a good option if you’re looking for a more intense workout machine that’s still low-impact.

There are 13 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, and the 15 lb flywheel features UltraGlide steel ball bearings for a quiet and smooth pedal stroke. The pedals are large and textured to prevent your feet from slipping off. The handles are adjustable, just like the seat so you can get a good fit on this hybrid bike.

9. Best Amazon Recumbent Bike: Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

To round out this list of the best recumbent bikes, we have the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike. This bike is simple, affordable, and available on Amazon for easy purchasing. It delivers quickly with Amazon Prime and we’ve given it the title of the best Amazon recumbent bike on this list.

Along with being very budget-friendly, the Marcy is very lightweight at only 61 lbs. It’s easy to move and has front wheels. 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 easy to use for most people, too.

The seat is adjustable with a cushioned seat back. The seat adjusts forward and backward in 3 different positions that allow the floor stabilizer to adjust with it. This makes the recumbent bike shorter or longer depending on your height. The pedals come with top straps to keep your feet in place and feature a good grip so they don’t slip. The LCD screen makes it simple to track your time, speed, distance, and calories. The Marcy ME-709 features 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance that can be adjusted by using the knob under the console

What Should You Look For When Buying A Recumbent Bike?

When looking to purchase a Recumbent bike there are several features you’ll want to consider.

Bike Geometry and Adjustment Options

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. Check out the maximum weight and any data on seat height or leg span.

Pedals

Most recumbent bikes have wide pedals that will work with any athletic shoe. Unlike regular spin bikes, recumbent bikes don’t typically have hybrid pedals that support a cycling shoe.

Handlebars

There are often two sets of handlebars on a recumbent bike. One pair flanks the saddle on either side so you can hold on while riding. Another set is usually attached to the console with an upright position for more of a vertical grip.

Seat

A wide, padded saddle is important on a recumbent bike. Make sure the saddle is both wide and deep enough. The backrest on a recumbent stationary bike may be padded or vented and usually includes some form of lumbar support. Some backrests will adjust slightly for more of a 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 when you’re finished? Do you want the option of finding the right class and instructor? Depending on how you plan to use your bike, look for a frame/screen design that will best facilitate your needs. If you plan to roll your bike in and out of a corner or closet, look for something lighter weight with wheels. If you want to select a new class each time, make sure the console app has good filter options for convenience.

Noise Output

We all know that when exercising at home, noise matters! Most of the bikes on our list are very quiet. In fact, in general, recumbent bikes are the quietest type of exercise bike. 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 point between the flywheel and the resistance.

Warranty/Durability

A warranty is a good reflection of the manufacturer’s confidence in that particular product. We recommend looking for a warranty that has at least five years coverage on the frame with 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Lose Weight Riding a Recumbent bike?

Yes! Cycling is excellent cardiovascular exercise. During exercise, the body requires more calories as it works to supply oxygen and other vital nutrients to working muscles, including your heart. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends adults between the ages of 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 needs for working muscles. If you maintain or reduce daily calories slightly and consistently ride a recumbent bike 5 days per week at the recommended level of at least 30 minutes, your body will tap into fat stores to supply the needed energy. This results in weight loss.

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 based on the conditioning of the rider.

How Long Should I Ride My Recumbent bike?

Most cycling classes range between 20 minutes to an hour. A recent study published by the IDEA Fitness Journal in April of 2021 reported that the ideal training duration for moderate to high-intensity exercise is between 30-60 minutes with 45 minutes being the ideal sweet spot for best physical and mental health. Exercising over 90 minutes can actually 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 this isn’t recommended as a means of additional conditioning or weight loss. Muscular breakdown will reduce your basal metabolic rate which negatively impacts weight loss and body composition.

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. Since recumbent bikes are designed to support users up to 300 pounds, they have to be built of quality materials.

Does Peloton Have A Recumbent Bike?

Peloton does not currently have a recumbent bike. Peloton’s main focus from the beginning has been their studio bike and content surrounding the studio bike and their treadmills.