When I think of recumbent exercise bikes, I think of the perfect rehabilitation tool when coming back from injury, surgery, illness, or a long stint away from exercise. I’ve had a few of those recoveries myself, so I’m no stranger to the recumbent bike. The LifeSpan R5i fits that mental image perfectly.
The R5i has the most important recumbent bike feature, the supported backrest. With armrests and a padded seat, you’ll be training effectively and more comfortably than you might on a studio cycle or upright bike. These features are particularly useful for exercisers who have back or neck pain.
Anyone looking for a comfortable exercise bike to begin their exercise journey won’t want to miss what we have to share after testing out the LifeSpan R5i. Keep reading below for our expert insight into this bike.
LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike Review: Bottom Line
LifeSpan R5i vs. Similar Exercise Bikes
See how the LifeSpan R5 compares to other exercise bikes.
 LifeSpan R5i |  NordicTrack R35 |  Sole R92 |  Sole LCR | |
| Price (MSRP) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | ||||
| Bottom Line | The LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike does not require electricity and has a simple console, making it even more accessible for exercisers. | A comfortable and enjoyable low-impact workout is available to all fitness levels on the R35. | This recumbent bike brings an uncomplicated, low-impact, and accessible experience for all ages. | The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike introduces comfort to your exercise routine with a padded seatback and seat, as well as familiar streaming apps from Netflix, Hulu, and more. |
| Awards Earned | ||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | LifeSpan R5i | NordicTrack R35 | Sole R92 | Sole LCR |
| Workout Experience | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Build Quality | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Overall Score | 68 | 80 | 75 | 78 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 41 | 2 | 10 | hundreds |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | iFIT - $39/month | N/A | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | N/A | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap |
| Display | Multi-color LCD | 14” HD touchscreen | 9” Backlit LCD | 10.1” touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 70" L x 27.5" W x 44.5" H | 68.22” L x 24.69” W x 53.42” H | 56” L x 29” W x 60” H | 56” L x 29” W x 31” H |
| Pedal Type | Flat pedals with strap | Flat with adjustable top strap | Flat with adjustable top strap | Flat pedals with adjustable strap |
| # of Adjustment Points | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Bike Weight | 146 lbs | 192 lbs (in box) | 130 lbs | 152 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | 350 lbs | 300 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 18 lbs | 25 lbs | 20 lbs | 31 lbs |
| Max Resistance | 16 resistance levels | 26 levels | 20 levels | 40 resistance levels |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Eddy current brake | Magnetic |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame, 2-year parts and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-days cosmetic items | Lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 3-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items |
| Additional Features | Battery-powered, Bluetooth, Heart Rate Training | AutoAdjust, Google Maps, fan | Pulse grips, 2 cup holders, adjustable device rack | Third-party apps, screen mirroring, wireless charging |
Dimensions/Storability
The LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike doesn’t fold, but it does have wheels under the front stabilizer, so you can tilt and roll it as needed. It is too large to roll into a closet, but you could roll it into a corner or behind a couch when not in use.
There are transport wheels at the front of the bike that are easy to use and move the bike.
It has dimensions of 70″ L x 27.5″ W x 44.5″ H and weighs 146 lbs. It does not feel as cumbersome and bulky as other recumbent bikes we have tested.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
There are 34 pre programmed workouts on the R5i. These include programs for Healthy Living, Sports Training, Weight Loss. There are also 4 Heart Rate training programs and 2 custom user programs that you can design your own workout. This makes the R5i great for all levels of fitness and age groups since there are so many different programs to choose from.
The LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike does not offer any subscription classes or content. All functionality is within the console. Users who want a simple screen without a monthly subscription will enjoy all the R5i has to offer.
Console/Controls
Screen
The LifeSpan R5i recumbent bike has an LCD screen that displays readouts for different workout programs. Five tactile buttons on the console allow you to select a workout program from the following categories: Custom HR program, Healthy Living, Sports Training, Weight Loss, or connect your Bluetooth device.
The console is simple and easy to use
This is not a touchscreen, but the console buttons make it simple to toggle through various settings and programs. The screen displays speed, calories, RPM, clock (time elapsed), target HR, distance, and watts. There is a start/stop and ‘ENTER’ button on the console to select your desired program.
Quick change buttons will quickly jump the resistance to levels 4, 8, 12, or 16, or you can use the up/down arrow buttons to select other resistance levels. A wrap-around handlebar is also a nice addition since it offers various hand positions for stability when navigating the console.
Layout
The console layout is simple. This machine doesn’t have extra bells and whistles you have to work through to find the program you want. Simply begin to pedal, and the console will light up. You can toggle through the 34 program options, which are displayed in a graph that indicates the workload.
Resistance is automated, so as you follow a program, the digital resistance level will adjust for you. This allows users to ride hands-free and keep their arms on the armrests as needed. You can also increase or decrease resistance as desired during your ride.
Fan
There is no fan on the R5i, but the vented backrest helps riders stay cool.
Water Bottle Holder
There is a small water bottle holder under the console. This is a shallow cut-out where you can place a lightweight water bottle during your ride. It isn’t large or deep, but it is sufficient. Since the bike is so low-profile, you could always set a water bottle on the floor to the side of you as well.
Tablet Holder
There is a yellow bar on the console that is designed to hold a tablet while you ride. However, if you place a tablet here, it will block the screen. We recommend adjusting the bike for your comfort so you can reach the pedals to turn on the screen, select your desired program, and then place your tablet on the shelf after you’ve started your program.
The tablet holder is wide enough to hold a phone or tablet.
The bike will automatically follow the program and keep track of your metrics while you ride. This way, if the tablet does block the screen, you are all ready to go beforehand. The tablet holder is a nice addition because many people like to read a book or watch a show on their personal devices while riding to make the time go by faster.
Build Quality
Frame
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.
The frame is sturdy and well built.
The bike is lightweight, which makes it easy to move, but there are also a lot of plastic parts that could wear or break if not treated properly. We recommend this bike as a great option for rehabilitation conditioning or mobility training by those who want the cardio and strength training benefits of cycling on a recumbent-style frame.
Armrests
The LifeSpan R5i Recumbent bike has elevated armrests that make the bike feel more like a chair. The armrests help users sit upright rather than slouch forward or down, which reduces strain on the lumbar spine and keeps your torso erect. It is easier to breathe when you sit upright, so this is a great system for anyone who may need a bit more support while riding.
The armrests are comfortable and also have EKG heart rate monitors attached.
The armrests also feature heart rate sensors on the end, which will transmit your HR to the console screen. You do not need to wear a chest strap or watch to sync with the bike. The armrests are gently padded for just a touch of comfort.
Our only concern would be if someone is transitioning from a wheelchair; the armrests do require you to be right in front of the bike and sit backward onto the seat. You cannot simply slide from the side since the armrests do not swivel or pivot out of the way. This would only be an issue for a small number of users, but it is something to be aware of.
Pedals
The R5i features wide, flat pedals that will accommodate any athletic shoe. A wide strap connects with the pedal to hold your foot in place. This strap also allows you to pull up at the top of the pedal stroke, which recruits more leg muscles so you have balanced muscle engagement while you pedal.
The pedals are easy to slide your foot in and out of.
Seat
The seat is padded and contoured for comfort. It is plenty wide and should support most users. There is lumbar support, and the seat can be adjusted toward or away from the pedals, depending on your size. A vented backrest is comfortable, so you can sit upright while pedaling. The venting keeps airflow moving through the back so you don’t get sweaty as you ride.
There are adjustment levers for both the seat (fore/aft) and backrest (to change the angle). The R5i has been designed to accommodate riders of all sizes and abilities.
The seat is comfortable and adjustable.
Magnetic Resistance
One of the main benefits of magnetic resistance is it is silent! Magnetic eddy current resistance is created by magnets that oppose the motion of the flywheel without any friction or contact points. This means you can work at any resistance level, and you won’t hear rubbing, squeaking, or other noise that often occurs from friction resistance.
Magnetic resistance also requires less maintenance over time since there are no friction pads to be replaced.
When riding an indoor bike, it can sometimes be hard to know how hard you are actually working or how high the resistance is. Often, bikes that use friction resistance adjusted via a knob do not transmit data to the user about the level of tension. This leaves riders to assess resistance simply based on how hard it feels.
The R5i has 16 digital resistance levels. Digital resistance uses preset resistance levels, so you always know what level you are on, and each level is consistent over time. As you get stronger, you will notice that the lower levels that seemed very hard at the beginning begin to feel easier, which provides another way of tracking your strength and conditioning.
Should You Buy the LifeSpan R5i
The LifeSpan R5i stationary recumbent bike is designed to support home and commercial use. It will work for riders of all sizes and abilities. The oversized molded seat bottom, ventilated seat back, and extra lumbar support keep you comfortable while you ride.
The R5i has been specially designed for riders who may have joint issues or mobility limitations and would be a great option for rehabilitation centers or those who need gentle conditioning that is low-impact and comfortable.
This bike works well for those who want sufficient but not excessive tech. There is no monthly subscription or other ongoing costs relating to the R5i. Magnetic resistance also keeps it quiet as you ride and requires little to no maintenance over time.
We are impressed with the R5i recumbent bike and recommend this as a good option for any rider who wants to gain conditioning and muscle strength in the convenience of their own home.
LifeSpan R5i Q&A / FAQ
What is one disadvantage of a recumbent bike?
The LifeSpan R5i takes up more space than non-recumbent bikes. This is true for most recumbent bikes because they do not fold. Some users who desire recumbent bikes may have difficulty finding the space for them or moving them around without help.
How long should an exercise bike last?
We expect quality exercise equipment to last around ten years or even more. The LifeSpan R5i has a 10-year frame warranty.
What is the best recumbent bike?
The LifeSpan R5i is an excellent recumbent bike for seniors and new exercisers. We also like the NordicTrack R35, the Sole 92, and the Sole LCR.
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