Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: 7 Great Options

Recumbent exercise bikes are stationary bikes designed with a unique seating position that sets them apart from traditional upright bikes. Instead of the traditional saddle seat, recumbent bikes feature a larger, chair-like seat with a backrest. 

These bikes also come equipped with pedals positioned in front of the rider rather than beneath them. 

Recumbent stationary bikes are well known for being a great low-impact cardio option. From basic models with adjustable resistance levels to advanced bikes with built-in workout programs, heart rate monitors, and multimedia connectivity, there’s a recumbent bike out there to suit every need.

This article explores seven of the best recumbent exercise bikes on the market, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and why they stand out among the competition.

How were these recumbent exercise bikes selected?

In the process of selecting the recumbent bikes featured in this list, careful consideration was given to their unique attributes, user-friendliness, and affordability.

If you’ve ever used a recumbent bike in clinical settings, such as physical therapy, you’re likely familiar with heavy-duty models built for durability and advanced features. However, the bikes on this list are specifically tailored for home gym use, offering a balance between functionality and convenience. While they may not be heavy-duty, they are designed to provide a comfortable and effective workout experience in the comfort of your own space.

These selected recumbent bikes range from minimalist models that prioritize portability to “smart” models equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and advanced workout tracking features. While some users may prefer a straightforward, easy-to-use design without an excess of features, or a more budget recumbent exercise bike, others may opt for a more high-end model with additional bells and whistles.

The overall goal of curating this list was to provide a variety of recumbent bikes to meet differing needs and priorities. Whether you’re seeking a basic model for a quick and efficient workout or a high-end option with all the latest technology, there’s a recumbent bike on this list that’s sure to meet your requirements. So, let’s explore the seven great options for stationary recumbent bikes and find the perfect fit for your home gym setup. 

Also, all of these bike include:

• Seat Adjustability
• Digital monitor for tracking your workout effort (speed, distance, etc…)
• Transportation wheels (for greater ease of moving and storage)
• Floor stabilizers

What is the best recumbent exercise bike?

Better question is what are you looking for? 

Here is a table of general specifications of the recumbent exercise bikes for comparison:

Let’s get into more detail about the 7 best recumbent bikes! 

1. Stationary Recumbent Bike by SunnyHealthFitness

Overview

The Stationary Recumbent Bike by SunnyHealthFitness stands out as a popular choice among traditional options, offering 24 preset workout programs and 16 levels of different resistance. 

What sets SunnyHealthFitness apart is their commitment to user engagement – they host a YouTube channel featuring free, follow-along recumbent bike workouts, along with a variety of other exercise routines.

If there was a scale comparing the heavy-dutyness of the recumbent bikes on this list, this is pretty mid-level (not too big or too small).

My Thoughts

When it comes to the SunnyHealthFitness Stationary recumbent bike, assembling it might take a bit of time, roughly around 60-90 minutes. This traditional recumbent bike is a solid addition to any home gym setup. With a resistance range spanning from 1 to 16, it offers just the right challenge for users of all fitness levels. Plus, let’s not forget about the big, comfy chair. 

Cost

$399.98

Includes 30 day money back guarantee

2. FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer by Teeter

Overview

The FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer by Teeter offers a unique blend of recumbent bike design with an elliptical-style paddling system, setting it apart from traditional models. 

While there are other elliptical-style recumbent bikes in the market, the LT3 distinguishes itself through its customizability. Users have the flexibility to adjust both the height and position of the handlebars, ensuring a personalized and comfortable fit. The seat, offering a 3-way recline adjustment, adds another layer of adaptability to suit individual preferences.

Furthermore, the FreeStep LT3 offers versatility in usage. Users have the option to engage both the arm cross trainer and pedal simultaneously for a full-body workout, or they can choose to focus solely on either the upper or lower body by using one component at a time. For instance, if you want an active recovery in between your workout, you can rest your feet on the stationary platform while only utilizing the arm trainer. 

Teeter goes the extra mile by including a free Teeter Move app, offering users a variety of workout options to complement their fitness routine. With its innovative design, customizable features, and added workout resources, the FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer by Teeter is an exceptional choice for individuals looking to elevate their home workout experience.

All in all, this is one of the best elliptical-style, adjustable recumbent exercise bike. 

My Thoughts

The most impressive feature about this bike is the integration of arm involvement with elliptical-style leg pedals – which helps the user engage more of their core muscles too. This is because exercises that involve both upper and lower limb movement require our core muscles to stabilize the torso (of course, you still have to work on consciously bracing your core while exercising on the bike.)  On your own, you’re looking at about 90 minutes to 2 hours to assemble it. However, if you get someone else to help out, you can cut that time down to just 45 minutes. While it does include a device holder, the front dashboard is positioned low enough that it wouldn’t block your view of a TV (which is a standout feature for those that like to follow along a workout or entertainment video on the big screen).

Cost

$799

90-day return policy

3. Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike by SunnyHealthFitness

Overview

The Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is an awesome option if you want a simple and reliable recumbent bike without an excess of features, 

Weighing in as a lightweight and compact choice, this recumbent bike is not only easy to use but also simple to assemble and move, making it an ideal fit for various home spaces.

It’s also remarkable that despite its lightweight design, it can support up to 300 pounds. 

Let’s not forget about the Sunny Health Fitness youtube channel so you have the option to follow along with some workouts.  

My Thoughts

This is another traditional recumbent bike design that will serve as a dependable option for indoor cardio days. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to move. Despite the lighter design, it still offers a high weight capacity. 

Cost

$239.99

4. Foldaway Upper and Lower Body Exerciser

Overview

This Foldaway Upper And Lower Body Exerciser is comparable to the previous recumbent bike with its lightweight design– but with inclusion of arm pedal exerciser and foldable design. 

The combination of lightweight construction and the ability to fold makes it one of the most portable recumbent bikes featured on this list, catering to users who prioritize easy storage and transportation.

While inclusion of tension dial for lower body resistance is standard across most recumbent bikes, this model also has an independent tension dial for the arm pedal exerciser – which makes it a standout option for a full-body-involved cardio workout. 

My Thoughts

To restate….unlike most cross trainers, the upper body exerciser is an arm pedal with its own resistance setting. So if you are aiming to challenge your shoulder endurance (along with lower body endurance), this is the way to go. The lightweight design and folding feature make it very easy to move and store away if need be. Assembly does take about 1 hour. 

Cost

$379.95

5. Yosuda Recumbent Exercise Bike

Overview

The Yosuda Recumbent Bike is a classic model that falls into the mid-level category in terms of heavy-duty construction; While the bike itself is off lighter weight, its weight capacity is on the higher end compared to the other recumbent bikes on this list. 

Featuring 16 different resistance levels, the Yosuda Recumbent Bike offers ample room for progression and customization to suit individual workout preferences.

It is known for its quiet, smooth ride. Additionally, assembly is a breeze thanks to the fact that 80% of the bike arrives pre-assembled, requiring less effort to complete setup.

My Thoughts

Notice the higher weight capacity? It’s a sturdily built bike. I liked the 16 different levels of resistance because this variety gives me plenty of options for interval or HIIT-style workout, even if I can’t pedal at level 16 for long. Another aspect many people will appreciate is that the majority of the bike is delivered preassembled, which means less work for you to get it up and running.

Cost

$269.99

6. Smart Performance Interactive Series Recumbent Exercise BIke by SunnyHealthFitness

Overview

The Smart Performance Interactive Series Recumbent Exercise Bike by……you guessed it –  SunnyHealthFitness – integrates Bluetooth connectivity, revolutionizing the way users track and engage with their workouts. Depending on your preferences, this app connectivity can elevate the exercise experience, providing you with a more mobile and organized way to track your exercise progress overtime and motivation to achieve your fitness goals.

What sets this recumbent bike apart from others in its category is its unique approach to upper body involvement. While some recumbent bikes incorporate upper body exercises, the Smart Performance Interactive Series distinguishes itself by integrating upper body resistance bands. This feature introduces an upper body endurance challenge along with the cardiovascular challenge; On top of that, you will also find that you have to engage your core more when using the upper body resistance bands for stabilization.

 My Thoughts

Unlike arm pedals or cross trainer-style arm involvement, resistance bands provide a more strength and endurance-oriented challenge. Imagine this: it’s much easier on the upper body to use cross trainer-style arm handles (which move with the leg pedals) for 5 minutes than it is to use the resistance bands straight for 5 minutes.

When compared to the Foldaway Upper and Lower Body Exerciser with its resistance-adjustable arm pedal, I’d say the resistance bands are comparable to the higher resistance settings of the arm pedal. However, the resistance bands offer more variety for challenging the core and different upper body muscles. You can do overhead press movements, diagonal chops, bicep curls, lateral raises, front raises, and more. Personally, I prefer the resistance band option to the arm pedal option, but which bike suits you better really depends on your goals and workout preferences.

Cost

$399.99

7. NordicTrack Commercial R35

Overview

The NordicTrack Commercial R35 stands as the pinnacle of heavy-duty and high-end recumbent bikes on this list. Renowned for its global bike workouts and trainers, NordicTrack offers users a unique fitness experience. 

One standout feature of the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is its integration with the iFit program. With the purchase of this recumbent bike, users receive a one-month trial of the iFit program, granting access to a plethora of trainer-led workouts, an extensive workout library, and personalized workout control settings curated by expert trainers. These workouts can be streamed on the bike’s large 14-inch touchscreen display, providing users with immersive and engaging workout experiences.

While the NordicTrack Commercial R35 isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone, it caters to individuals who prioritize workout guidance and accountability. The inclusion of Bluetooth audio capabilities further enhances the overall user experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts while working out.

My Thoughts

As you can tell, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a bigger investment than the rest of the bikes on this list. For people who want or need more accountability to start their workout routine, it is worth it. Like most NordicTrack exercise machines, this bike is designed to offer you an experience through its iFit app. Many times, when it comes to being consistent with your workouts, people forget that the best way to keep showing up is if you like your workouts. Simply put, if you enjoy your workout, you’ll find time to come back to it more often.

iFit workouts are great because you can choose to work with a live instructor alongside other people following the same workout, or you can follow along to pre-recorded workouts, depending on how you’re feeling that day. 

Cost

$1499

How does an exercise bike compare to other cardio gym equipment?

Recumbent bikes stand out as an excellent low impact exercise option, particularly cardiovascular exercise and muscular endurance.

However, if you’re contemplating alternative options to recumbent bikes, such as comparing exercise bikes to treadmills, the decision ultimately rests on your individual preferences and fitness objectives.

Any exercise or physical activity is better than nothing. Whether you choose a recumbent exercise bike, treadmill, or rower, you’re taking charge of your health and well-being, and that’s something to be celebrated.

Moreover, when you find exercises you enjoy, the benefits are even greater. Not only are you more likely to be consistent with your workouts, but you’ll also have fun while doing so.

Bottomline – Best recumbent exercise bike 

All 7 of these recumbent exercise bikes are solid options. selecting the best recumbent bike for your home gym or office gym ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and budget.