Recumbent bikes are a type of exercise bike that you use in a reclined position.
Many people prefer them to upright models, as recumbent bikes are often more comfortable, provide additional support for your upper body, and place less stress on your joints.
However, with numerous options available, choosing the right recumbent bike for you can be challenging.
Keep reading for our picks of the 9 best recumbent exercise bikes.
How to choose a recumbent bike
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a recumbent bike.
First, it’s helpful to determine which features — such as heart rate monitors, built-in speakers, touch screens, device holders, and Bluetooth connectivity — are most important for you and your fitness goals.
You’ll also want to consider which type of resistance a recumbent bike offers. The most common types of resistance are:
- Magnetic resistance. Powerful magnets apply resistance against the flywheel. This is one of the most popular types because it’s generally the quietest and requires less maintenance than contact (friction) resistance. However, magnetic resistance bikes tend to be more expensive.
- Contact (friction) resistance. A felt or leather pad applies direct resistance against the flywheel. This option is slightly louder than magnetic resistance but not terribly so. The biggest drawback: You’ll need to replace pads as they wear down over time.
- Air resistance. Air bikes create resistance by pushing air through a large fan as you pedal. While this is the loudest form of resistance, it’s a favorite for high intensity interval training enthusiasts because the difficulty is a direct result of the amount of effort you put in.
Beyond the physical bike, you’ll want to consider the types of workouts and classes you prefer.
While some recumbent bikes offer streaming capabilities for live or on-demand classes, others come with built-in workout programs.
You should also evaluate your budget and look for a product that’s within your price range, as recumbent bikes can differ greatly in cost.
How we chose
We selected the recumbent exercise bikes included in this article based on the following criteria:
- Available features. The bikes include features such as pulse sensors, built-in speakers, device holders, or streamable workout classes.
- Training options. The bikes offer multiple levels of resistance or preset training programs.
- Cost. The bikes provide a good value for the price.
- Customer reviews. The bikes have mostly positive reviews online.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $199–$1,499, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $500
- $$ = $500–$1,000
- $$$ = over $1,000
Best overall
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Price: $$
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is smooth, comfortable, and moderately priced, earning our top spot as the overall best recumbent bike on the market.
In addition to providing 29 preset workout programs, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, 25 levels of resistance, an LCD screen, a media rack, and in-console speakers.
Plus, to provide a smoother ride, it features a weighted flywheel, which is the mechanical device that spins to help build momentum while you exercise.
One of the unique features of the Schwinn 270 is that it’s virtual reality (VR) compatible, allowing you to connect it to a VR headset and ride through scenic destinations from around the world using apps such as Explore the World.
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Price: $
With more than 15,000 positive online reviews, this recumbent bike from Marcy is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a good workout.
It features eight levels of resistance, a padded seat, foam-covered handles, and an LCD screen that displays your time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
It’s also designed with weighted pedals and foot straps that you can adjust to find your perfect fit.
NordicTrack Commercial R35
Price: $$$
While it’s a bit of a splurge, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 offers a long list of impressive features.
It has 26 levels of digital resistance, digitally amplified built-in speakers, a self-adjusting fan, and an ergonomic seat designed to maximize lumbar support.
The bike has a weight capacity of 350 pounds (159.1 kg) and features a smooth and silent flywheel to ensure a comfortable ride.
It’s also equipped with a 14-inch (35.5-cm) touch screen, which you can use to stream cycling classes through the iFit app.
In addition to live and on-demand workouts, the iFit app provides real-time performance stat tracking and live workout leaderboards for extra motivation.
The NordicTrack bike comes with a 30-day iFit family membership, which you can renew for $39 per month or $396 per year.
Lanos Folding Exercise Bike
Price: $
Thanks to its multifunctional, foldable design, the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is a great space-saving addition to your home or office.
The bike includes 10 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, a digital LCD monitor, a fully adjustable cushioned seat, and a media rack for streaming workouts on your smartphone or tablet.
It’s also available in three colors and can be used as an upright or recumbent bike to add variety to your workout routine.
ProForm 440ES
Price: $$
The ProForm 440ES is a high tech bike that can be used with iFit, a training app with a massive workout library offering a variety of live and on-demand classes.
Using iFit, you can stream classes on your smartphone or tablet, and your trainers can automatically adjust the resistance using live controls.
Just keep in mind that the iFit app requires a $39 monthly or $396 yearly membership.
The bike also features 25 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, extra-wide pedals with adjustable straps, and an inertia-enhanced flywheel, which is designed to provide smoother, more balanced rotation.
JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
Price: $
Offering a large ergonomic seat and backrest, eight levels of resistance, and an easy-to-read monitor, this recumbent bike was designed specifically with older adults in mind.
It’s equipped with pulse-sensor hand grips, an integrated device holder, and pedal straps.
What’s more, the seat is fully adjustable to maximize comfort and help reduce strain on your knees and joints.
PLENY 3-in-1 Exercise Bike
Price: $
This exercise bike can adjust to upright, semi-recumbent, and recumbent positions, so you can easily mix up your exercise routine without buying multiple pieces of equipment.
It includes 16 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, a backlit screen, and wheels for simple storage.
Additionally, it comes with arm and leg resistance bands to allow for a full-body workout while you ride.
Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike
Price: $$
With 25 levels of resistance, 29 built-in workout programs, and a padded seat with a sliding rail, the R618 Recumbent Bike from Nautilus offers plenty of options to customize your workout.
It’s also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, pulse sensors, and dual LCDs for monitoring your ride metrics.
Plus, you can also use your bike with the Explore the World app, which allows you to ride through a variety of routes in destinations around the globe.
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
Price: $
If you’re looking for a recumbent bike that you can fold and store between workout sessions, check out this model from Exerpeutic.
This user-friendly bike offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, an easy-to-read LCD, and a large cushioned seat and backrest for extra comfort and support.
What’s more, it can be used with any height-adjustable desk, allowing you to squeeze in a cardio workout while working.
