Top 3 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes

First of all, what is a recumbent exercise bike?

Recumbent exercise bikes are similar to regular exercise bikes, but you use them in a reclined position. Many people opt for recumbent bikes rather than the traditional bike as they can be more comfortable, place much less stress on your knees and other joints and they also offer additional support for the upper body with a backrest.

Check out our pick of the Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes.

1.   Schwinn 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Schwinn 270 recumbent bike is designed to take the boring routine out of your workouts.

It features a wide range of resistance levels and programs, app-based tracking tools such as to explore the World, and Bluetooth connectivity that help turn exercise into a dynamic experience that delivers exceptional results.

Designed for comfort, the Schwinn 270 recumbent bike features a padded, ventilated seat and extra-wide pedals. It offers lumbar support and the seat slides along the rail system with ease to accommodate users of various heights (between 5 feet and 6 feet 6 inches tall). Other noteworthy features include heart rate sensors, water bottle holder, and a 3-speed fan.

Key features and specifications of the Schwinn 270 recumbent bike.

• Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity allows users to set, monitor, and track progress with app-based tracking tools.
• Discover plus and Explore the World routes that automatically adjust in real-time to the user’s speed.
• 25 resistance levels for a wide variety of exercise intensity levels.
• The fully loaded console features DualTrack backlit LCD screen offers 29 different workout programs and clear visibility to your workout metrics. The LCD system can display up to 13 feedbacks, such as your speed, time, calories burnt, and distance covered.
• Ergonomically positioned grip heart rate and telemetry enabled for a comfortable riding position even when using heart rate programs.
• Contoured and ventilated seat with a padded seat bottom.
• Aluminum slider rail system with easy and quick lever
• Features a ledge for holding devices such as smartphones and tablets
•  High inertia high-speed perimeter weighted flywheel is designed to provide a quiet and smooth workout.
• VR compatibility means the user can wear a virtual reality headset and enjoy riding on different courses using apps such as Explore the World.
• Inbuilt speakers with MP3 player or iPod input port and USB data transfer to MyFitnessPal or Schwinn Connect.
• Three-speed cooling fan
• A convenient water bottle holder ensures you stay hydrated throughout your workout.
• Transport wheels to enhance mobility
• Supports maximum user weight of 300 lbs
• 12 workout programs including 4 challenges, 4 mountain rides, and 4 fun rides.
• Quick start capability
• 4 user programs allow you to store workout data and personal information
• 1 recovery teat program designed to assess your heart rate recovery rate
• 2 fitness test programs designed to measure improvements in your physical fitness.
• Displays workout data including revolutions per minute, speed, distance, time , calories burnt, resistance level, and heart rate.

  Pros

• Weighted flywheel
• 25 resistance levels
• 29 programmed workout programs
• VR (virtual reality) compatible
• Large LCD monitor
• Bluetooth enabled
• Inbuilt speakers
• Competitively priced compared with other brands on the market

  Cons

• Does not include a touch screen

The Schwinn 270 Recumbent bike offers a comfortable, smooth, and quiet ride. With 25 magnetic resistance levels and 29 preset workouts, this is an excellent option for users of all fitness levels. Moreover, the assembly process is straightforward and the machine is easy to use.

2.   Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Resistance Exercise Bike

The Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike provides an easy way to increase cardiovascular resistance and shed unwanted fat even with limited floor space.

This bike features a compact design that easily fits into tight exercise spaces so you can tone, firm, and shape your physique while losing weight and burning calories in the comfort of your home.

Made of high-quality 14-gauge steel, rubber, PVC, and a powder-coated finish, this exercise machine has a sturdy structure that offers a great combination of performance and design. Sturdy enough to withstand heavy use, the ME-79 is built to resist chips, scratches, and damage from the environment.

It features a comfortable seat and contoured handles that facilitate proper form to ensure that your body conforms to the equipment and your workout takes the maximum impact on the target areas.

Key features and specifications of the Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike Rower

• A magnetic resistance system with adjustable resistance (8 levels of resistance) allows you to easily customize your workout to match your fitness level
• Recumbent handlebars
• The seatback pad and recumbent handlebars provide unmatched comfort even during long rides.
• The resistance knob is conveniently located under the recumbent handlebars making it easy to adjust resistance while working out.
• LCD computer display
• You can easily keep track of your workout progress with the LCD display which conveniently shows the calories burnt, speed, time, and distance covered (odometer).
• The padded bike seat can be easily adjusted to provide your legs with the proper stride.
• Transport wheels make it easy to move your bike around as needed by simply tilting it onto the wheels.
• The counterbalanced pedals are equipped with safety straps for the perfect fit
• The bike has textured pedals designed to grip your feet safely as you pedal. Additionally, the safety straps prevent your feet from slipping during intense workouts.
• Heavy-duty steel tubing design with powder-coated finish
• Weight limit: 300 lbs

  Pros

• Easy-to-understand assembly directions
• Noise-free operation
• Easy to use while playing videogames or watching television
• Sturdy and durable
• Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, seniors, and people recovering from injuries
• Easy to read LCD screen

  Cons

• Shorter users report being unable to reach the bike pedals fully

The Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike comes with a wide range of features that help provide a more effective and enjoyable workout. With counterbalanced pedals, a step-through design and 8 resistance settings, it is easy to customize your workout to suit your specific needs.

3.  Pooboo Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike

The Pooboo magnetic recumbent bike is an affordable option ideal for people who are on a budget. Designed to offer premium performance, this portable and the lightweight bike can accommodate users up to 150 kg or 330 lbs in weight.

It features a simple design and basic features to help you enjoy low-impact cardio exercises.

It comes with magnetic resistance and 8 adjustable resistance levels that provide various resistance intensities to ensure that you can easily customize your workouts to match your overall fitness level. The Pooboo W258 features a digital LCD monitor to help you keep track of your workout statistics which is useful when it comes to keeping you motivated and focused toward realizing your fitness goals. The seat is adjustable and comfortable and can accommodate users between 5’ and 6’2” tall. It is ideal for anyone looking to improve their fitness, including those recovering from injury and the elderly because it is easy on the joints.

Features and specifications of the Pooboo Recumbent Exercise bike.

• Magnetic belt-driven resistance system provides a smooth, quiet workout
• Maximum user weight: 330lbs
• The ergonomic magnetic resistance provides a quiet and smooth cycling experience
• Equipped with a pad holder so you can watch movies or read while exercising
• Eight-level magnetic resistance provides a wide range of exercise intensity options
• The oversize padded seat comes with a backrest to provide comfort and protect your spine while cycling.
• Designed to keep track of your heart rate so you can adjust your workouts accordingly
• The anti-slip pedals are equipped with foot straps for a safe riding experience
• The LCD monitor keeps track of pulse, time, distance, calories burned, and speed.
• Non-slip grip handles help to enhance comfort while working out.
• Easy to reach bottle holder allows you to keep water within reach even while exercising.
• Ergonomic design with thick steel tubing allows users to use the bike with their back and knees better protected.
• Equipped with transport wheels to allow easy movement

  Pros

• Sturdy and stable steel frame
• Can accommodate users of different heights (5’ to 6’2”)
• Features two sets of handlebars (front handles and armrests)
• Features a belt drive system for quiet and smooth operation
• Slip through design for easy use
• Anti-slip pedals with comfortable adjustable straps
• 8 resistance levels
• LCD monitor for tracking workout progress
• Includes a water bottle holder
• Features EKG pulse sensors
• Relatively easy assembly

  Cons

• No online or Bluetooth connectivity
• The monitor is not telemetry-enabled

The Pooboo W258 Magnetic Recumbent bike is sturdy and holds up well even when engaged in vigorous workouts. It is lightweight and features rounded steel stabilizer bars at the bottom to help balance the bike on any surface.

Recumbent Bike Rowing Machines

Recumbent exercise rower bikes also offer a 2-in-1 product (bike rower combo) that includes two disciplines to ensure that your workouts are versatile and all-round. Therefore, you can take advantage of the full-body workout provided by the rower while benefiting from the extra leg strengthening and cardio workout on the recumbent element. This is a great space-saving option for people with limited space.

There is a wide variety of recumbent rowing machines on the market that are designed with high-tech features like streaming capabilities and integrated touch screens.

Our top picks of  recumbent bike rower combos for 2022:

The bottom-line

Cycling enthusiasts who need more support for their backs should consider investing in a recumbent rowing machine. Unlike studio-style or upright bikes, recumbent rowers position you in a reclined position which helps reduce the strain on your hips and lower back. With the wide range of recumbent rowing machines available on the market, you’ll get one that suits your specific needs and budget.

Read about sciatica and rowing HERE!