Best Recumbent Bikes - Our Top Picks and Reviews 2017

One of the best recumbent bikes money can buy. It’s smooth, quiet and offers state of the art tech specs. When it comes to recumbent bikes, the Schwinn 270 is a BEAST!

The Tech

The Schwinn 270 features a Dual track two LCD window system that allows you to track up to 13 different metrics about your workout.

The bike offers 25 levels of resistance which can be changed directly from the digital display, and thus, you can increase the resistance level as per your convenience. There are 29 pre-set workout programs that you can choose from, and the Connect feature allows you to set goals, track progress and export your workout session reports.

Built

The bike is easy to assemble and shouldn’t take you more than 90 minutes to put together. However, Schwinn does offer assembly services if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars.

The frame is built to last for years, the adjustable seat has ample room and is comfortable even during longer cardio sessions. For the kind of performance you get from the Schwinn 270; it’s a quiet machine, and you can easily watch a movie or listen to music while working out.

The bike comes with adjustment panels at the base to make up for uneven flooring. Moreover, given the design of its display panel, you can easily mount your iPad or Android tablet on it without any external accessory.

While the Schwinn 270 may look pricey when compared to other bikes in our list. But with the kind of features this bike has to offer, it offers a lot more value than it’s price tag. If you are looking for a bike to use for years to come then a few extra hundred dollars is well worth the upgrade.

The best value for money recumbent bike in the market, the Exerpeutic 900XL is as good as it gets at this price point. The bike does offer a few fancy features like the pulse rate checker at the handlebars, but overall it is a sturdy, straightforward bike that does it’s job well.

Tech

While we can’t expect a lot of tech upgrades at its price point, the bike does feature a small display that shows the distance, calories burned, time, speed, and heart rate information for your every workout.

The 900XL features eight different levels of magnetic resistance which makes it a suitable machine for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, unlike many other recumbent bikes in its price bracket , the resistance is pretty solid, and you can feel it when increasing resistance levels. The handles feature a heart rate sensor so that you can maintain a healthy heart rate throughout your workout.

Built

The bike features an ergonomic design and comes with solid lower back support. The seat is as comfortable as it gets and is a little oversized.

However, if you’re planning to work out for more than 30 minutes, I’d suggest adding additional cushioning to the seat or taking a short break to avoid discomfort.

Overall, it’s the best recumbent bike you can get in this price range, and if you’re not willing to spend more for the tech upgrade, then this is the perfect option for you.

The Exerpeutic 400XL is a pretty straightforward no-hassle folding recumbent bike that packs all the necessary feature you’d ever NEED under a budget.

Tech

Since it’s a “budget” bike, there’s nothing fancy about the tech specs. However, it does come with an LCD that shows all the metrics that are essential for your workout. The bike features a Precision-balanced flywheel and features eight levels of magnetic resistance.

Build

Despite the small price tag, a lot of time and thought has been given to the design of the bike. First, since it is foldable, it takes the smallest footprint you might see from a recumbent bike of this caliber.

Exerpeutic 400XL’s three-piece crank system along with the precision balanced flywheel and V- belt drive makes the whole pedalling motion as smooth and quiet as it gets.

It has a solid backrest and large, well-cushioned seats so you’ll be comfortable even during long workout sessions.

It’s a good bike at a great price and if you’re looking for a bike that’s cheap but can give you a good workout for months to come then this bike is perfect for you.

The Marcy ME 709 is one of the best recumbent bikes in its price range and is perfect for anyone who is looking for the cheapest option out there.

Tech

Despite being a lot budget option, the ME 709 features a display panel which allows you to track speed, distance, time, and calories burnt during your workout.

While you will have to change the resistance manually, it comes with eight preset resistance levels. While you won’t feel much of a difference from levels 1 to 5 but it starts to add proper tension from 6-8. So, if you’re looking for a rather intense workout, then you might want to consider another bike.

Built

This recumbent bike offers a sturdy build, and while it doesn’t feature a fancy design, it does the job well. Both the backrest and seats are well padded and comfortable.

While the bike works pretty good, it has been reported that it is not built to last, and you will have to replace it with another bike sooner than you’d want to.

The cheap price tag indeed comes with a price. However, if you’re planning to exercise every once in a while and do not want to spend a lot on your exercise bike, then Marcy ME 709 is a good option for you.

This is one of my favorites. Need something compact but gets you the cardio workout you’re looking for?

DeskCycle would be a great fit for you. While it is not a “recumbent bike”, it gets the work done, without taking up a lot of space.

Tech

Just like any recumbent bike in the same price range, this little cardio monster features a display that shows you the vital metrics of your current workout. It comes with eight preset resistance levels.

It uses the same magnetic resistance mechanism that’s used in its big brother the MagneTrainer-ER.

Build

I might be a little biased here but I just how good the design is. To me, it looks like a piece of art. It’s beautiful, it’s compact, and it’s functional.

The fact that I could be using it while I’m working on my desk just blows my mind. That is not possible with any recumbent bike unless you get an external accessory like this bed table.

Get this if you think you do a lot of work at a desk and taking out time for a “workout” sounds like a chore to you.

There are a lot of options in the market, and it can be a tough decision to make the right choice. While we have done that heavy work of researching and shortlisting the best recumbent bikes for every purpose, you should know what factors we consider when making the hard decisions of finding the best bikes for you.

1. Technology: The key feature that makes premium bikes…” premium”, is the tech behind the machine. Recumbent bikes like Schwinn 270 are priced at a premium because they offer features like pre-set workout programs, computer controlled resistance systems, the ability to track and export your every workout to analyse health improvements.

2. Adjustability and Comfort: Recumbent bikes are designed to be comfortable and thus make sure that the bike you purchase has the option to adjust as per your body and has proven to be a convenient machine for long duration workouts.

While you can get a sturdy and comfortable bike under a budget, you don’t have to shed big bucks unless you want all the tech perks that the premium bikes have to offer.