A recumbent exercise bike is one of the most effective ways to strengthen and build your butt and leg muscles without stress on your joints.
A quick look at our top recumbent exercise bikes for home gym
Related: 17 Best Exercise Bikes to Lose Weight For Your Home Gym
Best recumbent bikes for home gym
The spacious, low, and reclined seat feature of a recumbent exercise bike allows you to ride it in a more relaxed posture, making it an attractive piece of fitness equipment for all ages, including older persons and those with knee and joint problems.
Exercising on a recumbent bike is a great way to add cardio to your fitness regimen in a more relaxed environment.
Including a recumbent bike in your home gym setup will allow you to work your glute, calve, and thigh muscles with a low risk of injury. It can help improve mobility and spinal alignment and reduce lower back pain.
A recumbent bike in your home can help save gym membership costs and allow you to hit your cardiovascular fitness goals from the comfort of your home.
They are versatile, allowing the youth, senior citizens, and those recovering from injury to stay active.
But choosing a recumbent bike that can help you meet your fitness goals can be challenging due to the sheer numbers on the market. But we can help you make that process stress-free, effortless, and time-saving.
Our team has spent countless hours studying and analyzing features, costs, options, and reviews of many recumbent exercise bikes on the market and has compiled, what we believe, are the best in various categories.
Our analysis concluded that the Schwinn 290 is the overall best recumbent exercise bike for home gym.
But needs and goals are not the same for every athlete. Besides, other factors like size, current fitness level, etc., vary greatly and can influence our final choice of recumbent exercise bike.
Thus, we have listed and discussed the best recumbent bike in various categories. And we are confident one of them can help meet your cardio and fitness goals.
So, let’s delve into that.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Overall: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn Fitness is a leading bike manufacturer with a range of practical and highly desirable bikes.
The Schwinn 290 is the bigger and more advanced version of the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike, which it replaces, and a must-have recumbent exercise bike.
Like all Schwinn bikes, the build quality is high with steel components and matches those on the market within the price range.
It is durable, well-built, and can accommodate users between 4ft 11 and 6ft 3in. The 330-pound user weight capacity makes it accessible to many.
Built-in adjustable magnetic resistance levels allow you to control how challenging or relaxing you want your workout to be.
The padded and ventilated seat helps to improve airflow. It is adjustable, allowing you to find the best height for comfort. The backrest is contoured to wrap nicely around your back for convenience.
Sit on the seat, and you will find a 7-inch LCD monitor with various statistics that allows you to track and monitor your performance in front of you.
You can hook your tablet onto the media shelf, mobile, or SMART device and connect to your favorite apps and platforms, including the JRNY® and Zwift® apps.
The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to access workouts, trainer-led exercises, and on-demand classes to train, interact, and compete with others or enjoy your favorite music via Bluetooth speakers. A USB charging port is available to keep your devices powered when needed.
The weighted pedals have straps to ensure your feet don’t slip during your workout, giving you security.
The 290 Recumbent Bike has fitted wheels for easy mobility, making it easy to move it out of the way when not needed.
The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Exercise Bike is all-around low-impact cardio equipment that should meet the needs of most exercisers and is the best recumbent exercise bike for seniors and the youth.
Pros
- Adjustable padded and ventilated seat
- LCD monitor
- Bluetooth connectivity and speakers
- USB charging port
- Acceptable user weight capacity
- Built-in wheels for easy transportation
- Media shelf and bottle holder
- Connectivity to online apps for adaptive and on-demand classes, workouts, exercises, etc
- Suitable to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Small screen size
- Some may find it challenging to assemble
Product Weight: 107.6 pounds | Product Length: 66.4 inches | Product Width: 28 inches | Product Height: 47 inches | Maximum User Weight: 330 pounds
The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike has all the vital features most users see as essential. Some may find the assembly challenging and time-consuming but not a deal-breaker. It offers a quiet, smooth, and low-impact workout at a reasonable price. It is available to view and purchase on Amazon.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike High End: 3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike
The 3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike is well-built and has one of the most comfortable seats on a recumbent exercise bike.
The oversized seat is adjustable and customizable, making it possible to find the most comfortable position for your exercise.
The backrest is also adaptable and has built-in vents for continuous airflow to keep you ventilated when working out. And the flexible mesh material can re-form to fit the size and shape of your body, helping to give you better and more relaxed back support.
It is small and compact, making it suitable for gyms of all sizes, including those with tight or limited floor space.
The build quality is exceptionally high. It is sturdy and has a respectable use weight of 350 pounds, making it usable for a wide range of exercisers between 5 feet and 6.5 feet high.
The 3G Cardio Elite is featured-packed with an extensive array of built-in programs, including three for heart rate.
The 16 built-in magnetic resistance levels may not be as comprehensive as the 32 in the Schwinn 290 Recumbent bike, but they should be good enough to offer a challenging workout for most users.
The display console allows you to view and monitor such statistics as time, distance, heart rate, and calories burnt.
It requires assembly, but our research shows the instructions are clear and logical, and many will not find it challenging to set it up.
The design of the 3G Recumbent Exercise Bike is exceptional. It’s intuitive, quiet, and smooth to operate, comfortable for short and long rides, and the customer service is hard to beat.
The 3G bike has four user profiles and is one of the best recumbent exercise bikes for a home gym. But the high price may take it out of the reach of some.
The price is at the top end, but for those with the budget, their purchase will give them a 7-year lifetime frame and a 3-year parts warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- High-quality build and sturdy
- Small and compact, making it suitable for all gym sizes
- Suitable for different users
- Comfortable, adjustable, and customizable seat
- Built-in resistanceEase of assembly
- Intuitive, quiet, and smooth to operate
- Comprehensive warranty
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Expensive
Product Weight: 115 pounds | Product Length: 49 inches | Product Width: 27 inches | Product Height: 43 inches | Maximum User Weight: 350 pounds
You can view the 3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike and order it on Amazon.
Best Recumbent Bike for Streaming: NordicTrack Commercial R 35 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The NordicTrack Commercial R 35 should be on top of your list if a recumbent exercise bike with connectivity is paramount to you.
The R 35 is well-built, sturdy, functional, and has many remarkable features. Our research showed it is smooth and comfortable to ride. And thanks to its soundless flywheel and Silent Magnetic Resistance feature, it is also silent.
The ergonomically designed seat helps to improve lumbar support. It is adjustable, making it convenient for different users to ride the bike. Oversized pedals with straps ensure enough room for your feet, or they won’t slip off during your workout, keeping you safe.
The ventilated backrest and a self-adjusting fan supply continuous airflow to help keep you comfortable.
One feature that makes it stand out from the crowd is the size of the monitor. Most recumbent exercise bikes have five to 10-inch screens. But the NordicTrack Commercial R 35 features a 14-inch HD touchscreen monitor.
You can view streaming live and on-demand workouts and trainer-led classes. You can also access and view various real-time statistics via the monitor, allowing you to keep your goals on track.
Built-in 26 adjustable digital resistance options ensure you are pushing yourself adequately. iFit connectivity, available through a membership subscription, allows trainers to automatically finetune the resistance levels to help you get the most from your training.
iFit Membership, complimentary for the first 30 days, also gives an immersive experience, allowing you to ride virtually through some of the world’s most beautiful sceneries and locations.
The NordicTrack R 35 is of commercial quality. Thus it is sturdily built, robust, and has a large footprint, making it challenging to use in small gyms. However, front-mounted castors make it easy to wheel it out of the way when not in use.
The seat size and high weight capacity should suit riders of different sizes.
The price of the NordicTrack Commercial R 35 Recumbent Exercise Bike is at the top end. But you get a comprehensive range of features that may not be available in other recumbent bikes. And interested exercisers will be happy to learn that it comes with a 10-year frame warranty to help resolve possible issues.
Pros
- Different resistance levels
- 30-day complimentary iFit Membership
- Access to online exercises and workouts
- Above industry standard LCD monitor
- Large ergonomically designed seat makes it suitable for different-sized users
- Commercial grade quality
Cons
- Expensive. Price at the top end
- An expensive iFit Membership subscription is required to take full advantage of all features.
- Bulky with a large footprint. May not be suitable for small gyms
Product Weight: 192 pounds | Product Length: 68.22 inches | Product Width: 23.69 inches | Product Height: 53.42 inches | Maximum User Weight: 350 pounds
The NordicTrack Commercial R 35 is available for viewing and ordering on Amazon.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Full Body Workout: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
Recumbent exercise bikes are great at working and strengthening your lower body muscles. But they hardly target muscles in other parts of the body.
The Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer, however, does things differently. As the name implies, it is an elliptical and recumbent bike combo, allowing you to get a total-body workout with the equipment.
Two sets of handles, one fixed under the seat for leg exercises and the other set for working and toning the arms, combined with oversized pedals, makes it possible to target muscles in your lower and upper body.
The build quality is high, and the heavy-duty steel tubing ensures the FreeStep is robust and capable of taking up to 300 pounds of user weight. Fitted wheels make it easy to move around and relocate when necessary.
The 13 smooth resistance levels and other adjustable features should be adequate for many to help challenge and push you toward your fitness goals.
The whisper-quite flywheel and the adjustable contoured backrest are some features that ensure you can work comfortably.
The seat is well-stuffed, comfortable, and adjustable vertically and horizontally, making it easy for any user to find the most suitable position.
An LCD screen displays various statistics, including distance, speed, and calories.
And you can augment that by hooking up your SMART handset or tablet on the device holder. That will allow you to connect to the TeeterMove App or your favorite apps and platforms to enjoy your favorite programs, online and on-demand classes, music, etc.
The Teeter FreeStep is a versatile fitness equipment. It has certain features that make it different from other recumbent exercise bikes. But its high price tag may put it out of reach of some athletes. However, our research indicates it will not disappoint those whose budgets can stretch that far.
It is a high-quality machine with a reasonably high user weight capacity. It is worth considering if you prefer a recumbent exercise bike that can also help you to target your upper body muscles.
Pros
- High build quality and durable
- Easy to move around and relocateAdjustable features
- High user weight capacity
Cons
- High price tag
- Limited features, compared to some recumbent bikes in the price range
- No pre-programmed workouts
Product Weight: 107 pounds | Product Length: 55.25 inches | Product Width: 38 inches | Product Height: 52.5 inches | Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is available on Amazon.
Alternatively, you can view and order the Teeter FreeStep™ Recumbent Cross Trainer directly from Teeter
Best Recumbent Bike For Seniors: Exerpeutic 5000 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The design of the Exerpeutic 5000 makes it one of the best recumbent exercise bikes for seniors and those through physical rehabilitation.
The design makes it easy to mount and unmount from the bike, allowing different exercisers, including older persons and the frail, to use it.
The build quality is acceptable, and the bike is stable and can handle up to 325-pound user weight capacity.
It is compact and not bulky. Thus it should fit into many home gyms or training spaces. And fitted front wheels mean you can move it out of the way if necessary.
The adjustable airsoft seat is cozy and comfortable. It is also large and roomy. Thus it can accommodate different-sized exercisers.
Padded armrests allow you to relax your arms. They also keep you secure and balanced. The gap between the armrest may not be wide enough for some large users, but the design offers a pleasant and safe training atmosphere for many, including older persons.
The Exerpeutic 5000 features a backlit LCD monitor that allows you to read and access various statistics and track your goals and performance.
The design of the footpads may not suit everyone, especially those with large feet, though the fitted straps should hold the feet of many into place.
Purchasing the Exerpeutic recumbent exercise bike will give you access to 24 Pre-set Workout Programs to help you work toward your goals.
The built-in 24 resistance levels should be more than adequate to challenge many and push them toward their fitness objectives.
The Exerpeutic 5000 Recumbent Bike is keenly priced with some exciting features. It should be a good buy for many.
Pros
- Large airsoft seat for comfort and to accommodate different users
- Builtin magnetic resistance
- Access to pre-workout programs
Cons
- Some reliability issues
- The adjustable seat may not be responsive on some occasions.
- Gap between the armrests may not be suitable for everyone.
Product Weight: 71 pounds | Product Length: 30 inches | Product Width: 58 inches | Product Height: 41 inches | Maximum User Weight: 325 pounds
The Exerpeutic 5000 Recumbent Exercise Bike is available on Amazon for viewing and purchasing.
Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike: LANOS Workout Bike For Home
The Lanos Workout Bike should be a good buy for those with limited space or who do not fancy having the assembled bike permanently take some floor area in their home.
The Lanos bike is foldable, allowing you to fold and store it after training.
Its space-saving design makes it easy to set up anywhere in your home and office. You can load it into the boot of your car or truck, take it camping, or on vacation. Thus it is a versatile recumbent exercise bike that allows you to train at your convenience.
Despite its smaller footprint, it can take up to 330 pounds of user weight.
It features a small LCD screen allowing you to view and monitor your performance, a media holder for your mobile device, and 10 magnetic resistance levels.
The adjustable padded seat is not as large as on some recumbent bikes, but many should find it comfortable enough to enable them to exercise without stress.
The Lanos Workout Bike is lightweight and so may not work for every exerciser, and those above six feet will not be able to use it either. But it should serve those with limited spaces well.
Pros
- Space-saving and folding design
- Built-in resistanceAdjustable seat
Cons
- The small seat may not be suitable for anyone.
- Small footpads may not suit those with big feet
- Some may find the assembly challenging
- Not suitable for exercisers from 6ft and higher
- Lightweight, so it may not suit heavy users
Product Weight: 45 pounds | Product Length: 23 inches | Product Width: 20 inches | Product Height: 49 inches | Maximum User Weight: 330 pounds
The Lanos Workout Bike is up for grabs on Amazon.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Small Spaces: XTERRA Fitness SB120 Seated Bike
The compact design of the XTERRA Fitness SB120 makes it our best recumbent exercise bike for small spaces. At just 48.4 x 24.8 inches, it should fit into many tight spaces.
The step-through design makes it easy to get on and off the bike. Multigrip handles and footpad straps keep you secure during your training. However, the size of the footpads may not suit those with large feet.
The padded seat can slide forward and backward, allowing exercisers to find the most comfortable position. The seat can fit users up to 5 feet 10 inches tall. Thus many tall users should look elsewhere. The 250-pound weight limit also makes it unsuitable for quite a few.
Other features include a small LCD monitor to track your performance and built-in adjustable resistance to challenge you and help you reach your goals.
Built-in transport wheels and the bike’s lightweight make it easy to move and reposition if necessary.
The small footprint of the XTERRA Fitness SB120 Recumbent Exercise Bike means it will not take up much of your training space.
The build quality is acceptable but not exceptional. And it may not have some of the features of other recumbent bikes on our list. But the price is reasonable and is worth considering if you have a low budget or small gym space.
Pros
- Built-in adjustable resistance
- Small footprint makes it suitable for small spaces.
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Basic features
- Limited levels of resistance
- Not suitable for tall users
- Questionable build quality and durability
- Low weight limit
Product Weight: 53 pounds | Product Length: 48.4 inches | Product Width: 24.8 inches | Product Height: 42.5 inches | Maximum User Weight: 250 pounds
Visit Amazon Now to view and order the XTERRA Fitness SB120 Seated Bike.
Best Budget Recumbent Bike: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike NS-40502R
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike NS-40502R is functional, has good build quality, and budget-friendly price, making it a good option for anyone with a small budget.
The eight levels of easy-to-adjust magnetic resistance will be adequate to challenge many and push them to achieve their fitness objectives.
The padded ergonomic seat is adjustable to make it possible to find your best workable position, while the pedals have straps to stop your feet from slipping, keeping you safe.
Other features include an LCD monitor that displays statistics and tracks the progress of the exerciser, and padded handles for a comfortable and firm grip. Built-in wheels allow easy movement of the recumbent exercise bike.
The Marcy NS-40502R is compact and portable. Thus you can set it up anywhere convenient.
It should be a good buy for anyone on a budget.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Foam-padded handles for comfort
- Adjustable seat
- Built-in easy-to-adjust magnetic resistance
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Some quality control and durability issues
Product Weight: 63.14 pounds | Product Length: 56 inches | Product Width: 25 inches | Product Height: 44 inches | Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike NS-40502R is available for viewing and ordering on Amazon.
Best Budget Recumbent Bike For Full Body Workout: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-B4708
If you are interested in a recumbent exercise bike that can work the lower and upper body muscles but cannot stretch your budget for the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer, then the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B4708 is the option to consider.
Build quality is acceptable, and the heavy-duty frame can support up to 350 pounds of user weight, making it usable for many.
The padded oversized adjustable seat and self-leveling pedals ensure you can find your best position and work out comfortably. The non-slip adjustable pedals have straps to stop your feet from slipping, allowing you to work without fear of injury.
The built-in moving cross-trainer-style handlebars allow you to target your upper body muscles for a full-body exercise.
Other features include a digital monitor monitoring your performance, a device holder for your phone or tablet, and adjustable magnetic resistance that can help push you toward your goals.
The handlebars make the bike wider than many on the list, but the built-in castors allow you to wheel it out of the way if necessary.
It is a viable option for exercisers who want a cross-trainer recumbent exercise bike on a low budget.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-B4708 has all the essential features many look for. And the price will not leave a big dent in your bank account.
Pros
- Capable of working your lower and upper body muscles
- Low price point
- Oversized, padded, and adjustable seat Self-leveling pedals
Cons
- Some may find it challenging to assemble
- Pedals may not be suitable for all
Product Weight: 95.77 pounds | Product Length: 25.5 inches | Product Width: 60inches | Product Height: 52 inches | Maximum User Weight: 350 pounds
The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-B4708 is available on Amazon.
What to Look For in a Recumbent Exercise Bike – A Buyers Guide
Choosing the best recumbent exercise bike for your home gym can be intimidating.
Your aim should be to get a recumbent exercise bike that is comfortable, easy to adjust, capable of holding your weight and height, and has enough resistance to push you to work harder.
Below are some factors to consider.
- Build Quality
The build quality should be to the highest possible level. The recumbent bike must be sturdy and not sway from side to side when pedaling unless the design allows it.
It should also be durable and capable of serving you well for many years. - Bike Capacity
User weight capacities in recumbent exercise bikes vary widely between models.
Take steps to verify that your choice has the weight and height capacities to meet your requirements and that of possible users. - Resistance Levels
Built-in resistance allows you to control the intensity of your ride. Many recumbent exercise bikes generate that on the flywheel. Generally, the heavier the flywheel, the higher the possibility of getting a better riding experience.
And in most cases, the higher the resistance, the more challenging the ride becomes and the harder you may have to work.
Ensure the recumbent bike you choose has enough resistance to push you toward your goal. - Adjustable Features
A recumbent bike should have adequate adjustable features. That will make it possible for different users to benefit from the equipment.
A seat with vertical and horizontal adjustment features will make it easy for tall and short exercisers to reach the pedals and exercise comfortably without stress on their knee joints.
The adjustable features should let any user find the best seating position that makes it possible for them to reach the controls, read the display screen, or reach the handlebars without straining any muscles. - Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity will make it possible to connect to SMART devices. Streaming may not be possible on the recumbent bike. But Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to connect to apps and platforms for live and on-demand classes, workouts, and your favorite music and programs. - Monitor or Screen
A monitor or screen will allow you to track your progress. The display should be clear and easy to read from your seated position. - Warranty
The longer the warranty, the more peace of mind you should get. That can also be a pointer to the durability of the recumbent bike.
Manufacturers who offer many years of warranty are confident of the durability of the equipment. - Price
The prices of recumbent exercise bikes vary. The price could also be a good indicator of the build quality and features.
A cheaper bike may sound like a bargain, but that may not be the answer to your needs.
Ensure you get a high-quality bike that can withstand daily or constant use and serve you and your family well.
And do not pay for features you may never need.
Are recumbent bikes good for weight loss?
Yes, a recumbent exercise bike can be an efficient weight loss tool, providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout to help you burn more calories.
Riding a recumbent bike can help burn unwanted fat, which is necessary for any weight loss strategy.
And because a recumbent bike has minimal effect on your joints, it is a good option for exercisers of all ages, irrespective of their physical condition. Also, you can exercise for extended periods to improve your results without putting too much pressure on your muscles.
But as with all weight loss strategies, ensure you combine physical activities with proper nutrition. The pre-nutrition foods you take before your exercises and the post-nutrition meals after your workout can affect the outcome of your training.
Is a recumbent exercise bike better than an upright bike?
Not necessarily. Each of these bikes has its benefits and weaknesses. Your personal preferences and fitness goals can help determine which of the two to choose.
A recumbent bike has a wide, comfortable, stuffed seat with a backrest. That allows you to sit in a more relaxed position while cycling.
They are user-friendly and kinder on your neck, back, and wrists. Thus they are a better option for exercisers with lower back pain or other injuries. And because they are low-impact, they can be gentler on the knees or hips.
However, some exercisers may find the reclined position less challenging. Some may also find the range of motion limited to the legs.
On the other hand, an upright bike has a more traditional bike-style seat and handlebars positioned higher than the seat.
The workout on an upright bike can be more intense, allowing you to engage and work your upper body, core, and leg muscles. It allows for a better range of motion as well.
Many Upright bikes take up less space and are more affordable than recumbent bikes.
Nonetheless, the seating style on an upright bike can put more strain on the wrists, back, and neck, raising the possibility of injury or making existing ones worse.
Irrespective of your choice, both types of bikes can help boost your cardiovascular and overall fitness.
Your fitness goals, personal preferences, and existing injuries or conditions are some factors to consider before making your final choice.
What muscles does a recumbent exercise bike work?
A recumbent exercise bike provides a low-impact cardio workout primarily targeting muscles in the lower body.
Cycling on a recumbent exercise bike can help build muscle endurance, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance strength in the lower body.
Below are the muscles worked and what they do.
The Quadriceps or Quads. These are in the front of the thighs. These are the primary muscles worked during cycling. Each pedaling movement extends the knee and straightens the leg.
The Hamstrings. The hamstrings muscles in the back of the thighs flex the knee and bend the leg with each pedaling movement.
The Glutes. The glutes, or gluteal muscles in the buttocks, are activated during cycling. They help push the pedals down and generate power.
The Calves. The calves help to point the toes and push the pedals down during cycling.
The Core muscles. The abdominal and lower back muscles support the spine and maintain proper posture.