The best recumbent bike for low-impact home workouts
Overview
Table of Contents
Exercise bikes provide a great home cardio workout that puts less strain on your joints than running on a treadmill. Out of the different types of stationary exercise bikes, recumbent bikes are best for beginners, seniors, or people who don't want to put as much pressure or weight on their joints.
What is a recumbent bike?
A recumbent bike is an exercise bike that positions you in a reclined form while pedaling. Think of it sort of like a rowing machine, but your feet pedal instead of your arms pulling back a cord. And unlike a typical stationary bike, the pedals are in front of your body rather than underneath it. Because you are leaning back, a recumbent bike can feel a bit awkward before you master it. (Obviously, recumbent bikes are big on the streets as well, but we're talking about the stationary, at-home workout type here.)
The difference between a recumbent bike and upright bike
An upright bike is what you’d typically think of when you picture a stationary bike. You ride it like a normal bicycle, with your body straight up and down. Think of a Peloton.
A recumbent bike has a larger seat more like a chair, so you avoid that uncomfortable soreness you'd typically get from a bike seat. The reclined position of the seat is easier on the lower back — plus most recumbent bikes have seat backs for more support than you'd find in an upright bike. You won't be hunched over handlebars like you would be on an upright exercise bike.
Which recumbent bike is best?
When determining the best recumbent bike for you, you really need to think about the design of the bike and how it's going to work with your body. If you have a bad back, you'll want a bike with a more supportive seat. While on the topic of seats: Short people, make sure the seat will slide to a position where your feet can reach the pedals comfortably. An exercise bike is worthless if you can't use it properly and safely.
The levels of resistance a bike has will determine how tough your workout is. If you're new to the world of stationary biking, you can probably stick with lower resistance, but if you're a regular cycler, you're going to want those extra levels of restraint to get the most out of your workout.
We've picked out some of the best recumbent bikes to add to your home gym. Let's ride.
Schwinn 270
Best Bang For Your Buck
The Good & The Bad
- Virtual races and trails
- Bluetooth connected
- Comfortable seat
- Some users reported inaccuracies with heart rate monitoring
Why We Like It
You know and love Schwinn for their street bikes, so it's no surprise that people rave about the brand's recumbent bike. The Schwinn 270 combines comfort with cardio. Sit back in the ventilated seat with lumbar support and a padded, contoured base while your hands naturally fall to the ergonomic handlebars.
Through the backlit LCD screen you can track your goals, participate in programs, and try out virtual races and trails. The machine is Bluetooth connected to transfer your stats and goals to the Schwinn app so you can track your progress on your phone.
With 25 resistance levels, immersive training, and a comfort-forward design, the Schwinn 270 is a top tier recumbent bike and an excellent deal.
Details
NordicTrack Commercial VR35
Best For A Studio Class Experience
The Good & The Bad
- Bluetooth enabled
- Touchscreen with on-demand classes
- Virtual bike paths
- Includes a free 30 day iFit membership
- Automatic resistance control
- Might have too many features for some users
Why We Like It
We're kicking off with the fanciest recumbent bike, the NordicTrack Commercial VR35. This baby is like having a personal trainer in your home. Its 14-inch HD touchscreen is interactive and features on-demand workout videos, virtual backgrounds that make you feel like you're cycling through the mountains of New Zealand or through a national park in Utah, and a comprehensive look at your stats like heart rate and elevation. You'll also get automatic, trainer-controlled resistance when taking classes, so you can focus more on working out and less on fiddling with controls.
The bike's seat is ergonomic, has lumbar support, and glides easily so you can adjust to a comfortable position. It features hand grips on either side of the seat and even has a cupholder so you can stay hydrated as you spin. Oh, and there's also a fan below the screen that will keep you cool as you break a sweat.
While this bike is suitable for all users regardless of skill level, it's really great for experienced riders because it has 26 levels of resistance and a 25-pound flywheel for a hearty workout.
Details
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
Best Resistance Range
The Good & The Bad
- 40 resistance levels
- Ergonomic design
- Heavy flywheel
- Bluetooth enabled
- Pricey for not having connected workouts
Why We Like It
If you're looking to build endurance and muscle on your recumbent bike, the Sole LCR is your best bet. While the brand is known for treadmills, this upgraded recumbent bike packs a serious punch. It comes decked out with 40 different resistance levels — the most of any bike on this list. It also features a heavy 30-pound flywheel for an ultra smooth ride and is suitable for folks up to 350 pounds.
While the price point is a bit high for a bike without interactive workouts, the LCR is Bluetooth enabled and syncs with other fitness apps on your phone or tablet to monitor workout stats.
Details
Topics Health
Miller Kern is the Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews, roundups, deals, and news stories about tech products, including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She's been covering all things shopping and tech, including shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, for Mashable since 2019. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.
