Rrecumbent Bikes are the recliners of the cycling world. Recumbent bicycles can be easily recognized by their unique lounged position and relaxed look. Yet are they as relaxing as they seem or are they not as easy as riding a bike? Still not as common as the average diamond framed bicycle, there are many questions about how these “bents” work and how many different types are out there.
These machines were specifically and ergonomically designed for the human body and the way we move naturally. Hopefully this article will give you plenty of guidance to help you ultimately and confidently choose the absolute best recumbent bike suited for your needs.
Best Recumbent Bike
Recumbent Bike Reviews
Exercise brands are starting to jump on the recumbent bicycle bandwagon. This means that there are quite a lot of options to consider when you are shopping. However, a lot of choices can be extremely overwhelming. It is a daunting and arduous task to have to sift through models after models of bents. How do you know if you are looking at the best of the best?
Luckily for you, we have generously taken the load off your shoulders and did the research. So, we have narrowed it down to these top five bents available in the market today. Also checkout our weight bench reviews if you are looking for one.
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike – The Space Saver
Exerpeutic produces this cycle, and they consistently receive positive ratings as well as reviews from their customers averaging 4.5 stars. Exerpeutic’s mission is to fuse fitness with therapy, so their products are built with ease and comfort in mind. Their 400XL Folding recumbent bicycle prides itself on being compact as opposed to the bulky and heavier designs of other models.
Weighing a mere 39 pounds and only 19 inches wide, this bent is a true space saver. If you do not have a lot of room in your home or do not want to keep your cycle out all of the time, the 400XL is conveniently foldable. You can store it in a closet or wherever you’d like and simply take it back out when it is time to workout.
The 400XL is just as quiet as it is condensed. The magic is in the quiet V-belt double-drive transmission system, so you will get a heart-pounding workout without disturbing roommates or neighbors. The handles have a built in heart monitor, plus you can track your time, distance, speed, and calories burned with the LCD display.
Assembly is required which should only take 30 minutes to a little under an hour. However, the diagrams printed in the instruction manual can look a bit complicated and confusing. Also, some parts made out of plastic do not last as long as its sturdier metal frame.
Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle – A Smooth Ride
Marcy by Impex Inc. focuses on equipment specifically designed for a home gym. Their products are crafted for a top-notch cardiovascular fitness routine. The Recumbent Mag Cycle uses the power of magnets to enable the best possible fitness experience right from the comfort of your very own home.The magnetic resistance allows for a very smooth ride, plus the magnets make this model exceptionally quiet. The legs rotate both backwards and forwards, so it can be ridden from all directions. For easy mounting and dismounting, the handlebars are perfectly placed for support and stability.
This Mag Cycle has, not one or five, but eight preset levels of resistance, which is perfect for a beginner looking to improve their endurance. Adjusting the tension is as simple as a turn of a knob, and tracking your speed and distance is even simpler with a large control display monitor.
This bike is not compatible with anyone who’s height is 5’2” or shorter. It would be very difficult to reach the pedals. Also in some instances, the bearings have loosened after heavy use.
Horizon Fitness RC-30 Recumbent Exercise Bike – A Gripping Experience
The Horizon Company is owned by Johnson Health Tech, which is credited as being one of the largest international exercise equipment manufacturers. Their products are used in gyms all over the world, and the Horizon RC-30 is one of those products. No matter what the weather is outside, you can rely on a satisfying and rewarding cycling routine with Horizon.Stability is what sets this cycle apart. You are not going to budge, teeter, or wobble on this 105.6 pound machine. 10 of those pounds make up the bike’s flywheel yielding a low-impact and effortless motion. It’s perfect for those full-bodied and solid individuals.
Along with 8 resistance levels and contact heart rate grips, this bike has eight separate built-in programs offered. There is a program specifically geared towards weight loss. Utilize the interval program to keep you regularly switch up in your routine. Manual and custom programs are offered as well on the LCD screen.
Bear in mind the LCD screen is smaller than most, and it does not have a backlight making it somewhat difficult to read, especially in low lighting. The pedals are plastic, so they tend to break under a lot of pressure.
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike – A Classic
The classic American brand, Schwinn, will always be synonymous with cycles. Their products are iconic and are well known for producing top quality cycles and cardio equipment. The Schwinn 270 truly has the bells and whistles that make a Schwinn a Schwinn.For maximum comfort, the Schwinn 270 comes with a vented seat back and a padded seat bottom giving a luxurious and relaxed impression. The base has the ability to adjust, if needed, on an uneven surface. It auto shuts off after exercise to save on electricity and power.
Not one but two LCD screens are mounted on the bike where you can use Schwinn Connect goal tracking. 29 various and unique programs with 25 resistance levels are offered to challenge and keep you on your toes. A USB port allows electronic devices to plug in and charge while working out, and built-in speakers enhance the overall exercise routine.
The assembly of the product can be tedious and time consuming. The heart monitor has some bugs depending on each individual product. If there is a problem, Schwinn customer service tends to be hard to work with.
Diamondback Fitness 510Sr Recumbent Exercise Bike – Keeping It Cool
Diamondback Fitness strives for their customers to “believe in yourself” and “invest in your health.” The company has won several awards for their fitness products. One of their award-winning models is the 510Sr Recumbent Exercise as “Head of Class” granted by Fitness Professor Review.
The 510Sr has a total of 20 workout programs and 16 resistance levels that is tracked on an LCD monitor with real-time feedback to whip you into shape. The multi-speed fan is a tremendous perk to keep cool. A media bay and USB port takes working out to a whole new level, and built-in speakers and a headphone jack give you audio options.
The handlebars are completely adjustable, and the handgrips contain heart rate monitors. There is even a spot to put a water bottle. For those who enjoy reading while exercising, the 510Sr comes with a foldable magazine rack.
The LCD display is on the brighter side, and it cannot be turned off without unplugging the machine completely. However, the custom settings erase once unplugged. The media bay cannot fit devices such as the iPad.
Why Would You Want One
There can definitely be some great benefits to owning your own recumbent bicycle. It’s compatible for people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels. From beginner to advanced levels, it is an essential aid for those who otherwise cannot ride a typical bicycle or who just want a relaxing low-impact workout. So let’s dive in and explore this exercise machine’s many perks.
- It’s Comfortable: The main selling point of this bike is that it feels like you are reclining in a lounge chair. You do not get those bothersome sores on your bum from riding on a narrow saddle-like seat like you would on a typical bike. Sitting into the frame, as well as the low to the ground design, makes it very easy to balance and ride smoothly.
Plus, the handlebars are purposely placed exactly where you naturally rest your arms, either at shoulder length or hanging down by your sides.
- Relieves Stress: They are less straining on your body than upright diamond framed cycles. This is why they are used in rehabilitation facilities, because there is less weight and pressure on your wrists and hands.
The relaxed seating better supports your spine during exercise as well, and you do not have to crane your neck. They are perfect for those who have issues with aches and pains in their back and arms.
- It Sheds Pounds: Due to the natural body alignment of the frame, you can actually decrease fatigue. This means that you could painlessly and enjoyable ride longer. A longer ride means a longer workout, thus the more calories you burn!
You will tone muscles you never thought you had. Specifically, those troublesome zones such as your gluteus maximus and abdominal muscles and thighs.
Recumbent bikes can add longevity to your workout routine without putting more tension on your joints and body. You would not believe how many muscles you target and tone at the comfort of reclining in a natural and supportive seat. Not to mention a powerful heart-pumping workout that will get you into shape in no time.
You will undeniably improve your workout and endurance with little resistance by adding these bikes to your daily fitness routine.
What You Should Consider When Buying a Recumbent Bike
Recumbent bikes are quickly becoming one of the fastest sought out exercise equipment out there. Whether it is for a gym, a physical therapy facility or just to have at home, recumbent cycles are all the rage. There are not various and distinct types of bents, however there is a lot of important factors you need to be aware of when choosing the right one for you.
- Height/Weight: Different brands fluctuate on their maximum weight capacity depending on the build. In most cases, you shouldn’t need to worry about this aspect; however it would be wise to take note. An average weight maximum should be around 400 pounds.
The pedal placement could be a problem if you do not test it out beforehand. Why? The pedals are places in front of you as opposed to below you on an upright bike. So, you need to make sure that you can reach the pedals. There would be no point to owning one if you cannot pedal with it.
- Programs: Look to see if any programs. Programs are very helpful when you are trying to get into shape or push yourself to do better. Think of it as your own personal trainer minus the hourly rate of a course.
Some programs will mimic a scenario of riding up a hill or some will give you a target heart rate and will automatically modify the resistance accordingly.
- Adjustability: You need to be able to adjust the resistance according to your fitness level. You would not want to buy equipment with only a high resistance level when you start as a beginner. Same for someone who has been cycling for years, as a low resistance workout wouldn’t be beneficial.
Look for one that can adjust as you progress more and more physically. It is also convenient to have just one adjustable machine if you are sharing it with someone who is not at the same fitness level.
- Personalization: Every bicycle comes with gadgets and gizmos to make your exercising experience more pleasurable. Some bonuses can be as simple as a headphone jack or a mini fan. The more expensive bikes can often come with a screen to distract from your workout as you watch your favorite shows. There are even some out there with spot to place a laptop or book.
You’re Now Ready
Now that you have learned the health benefits as well as important shopping tips, you have the knowledge to purchase a recumbent bicycle that just right for you. You now know what to look for to best fit your needs and wants. There are a lot of choices out there, so it is a good thing to know what you like or do not like in a bike. You can order one online right from your home, or pick up one from a local store and get riding as soon as possible. These cycles are a great choice if you are ready to get healthy and to get into shape and keeping you in shape.