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While I enjoy biking, even the best exercise bikes can become uncomfortable, causing pain in the buttocks, back, and legs. Upright stationary bikes, like Pelotons, are primarily designed for intense cardio workouts, often sacrificing comfort.
If you prioritize comfort alongside your workout, recumbent exercise bikes are an excellent alternative. These bikes allow you to recline, extend your legs, and elevate your heart rate, all while minimizing the discomfort some experience with traditional stationary bikes. This makes them ideal as the Best Home Recumbent Stationary Bike option.
Recumbent bikes cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re tall, recovering from an injury, have mobility limitations, or are a senior seeking an accessible exercise solution. This guide presents a curated list after extensive testing, acknowledging that home gym owners have diverse budgets, fitness goals, and preferences. A bike that suits one person perfectly may not be ideal for another.
Our team of certified personal trainers, competitive weightlifters, former college athletes, and CrossFit L-1 coaches has personally evaluated numerous exercise bikes, including the models featured below. We provide an honest assessment of each bike’s strengths and weaknesses to empower you to make a confident decision when choosing the best home recumbent stationary bike for your needs.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes of 2025
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Video Review
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Video Review
Best Overall Recumbent Exercise Bike: Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike
Good for: Individuals seeking premium recumbent bike features at an accessible price point for their home gym.
Best Overall
Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike
Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike Product Image Check Price
Product Highlights
- Recumbent stationary bike featuring 100 resistance levels for varied workout intensity.
- Weighs 87 lbs, offering a balance of stability and maneuverability.
- Step-through frame design for easy access, ideal for users with mobility concerns.
- Extra-large padded seat with lumbar support for enhanced comfort during workouts.
- 300-lb maximum user weight capacity, accommodating a wide range of users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point, offering excellent value for its features.
- Lifetime frame warranty, ensuring long-term durability.
- 100 levels of resistance, providing a broad spectrum of workout challenges.
- Step-through frame for effortless mounting and dismounting.
- Adjustable seat to accommodate various body sizes and preferences.
Cons
- Limited 1-year warranty on parts and labor, shorter than some competitors.
- Lacks a built-in touchscreen, relying on external devices for advanced metrics and entertainment.
Bottom Line
The Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike stands out as a budget-conscious yet high-value option in the recumbent bike market. It delivers features typically found in higher-end models, such as 100 resistance levels and an adjustable, lumbar-supporting padded seat, at a more affordable price. While it features an LCD screen instead of a touchscreen, it includes Bluetooth connectivity, seamlessly syncing with popular cycling apps, making it a strong contender for the best home recumbent stationary bike for value.
Priced around $650, the Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike is an excellent choice for those seeking premium recumbent bike functionality without the premium price tag. Although we are yet to conduct hands-on testing of this specific model, our top ranking is based on Horizon’s proven track record in producing high-value cardio equipment, including some of the best treadmills we’ve personally evaluated.
This recumbent bike offers 100 resistance levels, a step-through frame, and an extra-large adjustable padded seat with lumbar support. It supports users up to 300 pounds and, weighing just 87 pounds, is easily movable for most individuals. The frame boasts a lifetime warranty, while parts and labor are covered for one year.
Tech features further solidify its position as the best value recumbent bike. While lacking an integrated screen (common for recumbent bikes), it provides Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with virtually all biking apps except iFIT (exclusive to NordicTrack and ProForm).
Customer reviews currently average 4.9 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction.
| Footprint | 46″ L x 22.4″ W x 53″ H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 100 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Display | LCD screen |
| Weight | 87 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Workout programs | Many |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime / Parts and labor: 1 year |
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
Good for: Senior individuals or those desiring a more accessible recumbent bike design for comfortable and safe workouts.
Best For Seniors
Sole LCR Exercise Bike
Sole LCR Exercise Bike Product Image GGR Score: 4.39
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Product Highlights
- 40 resistance levels for varied workout intensities, suitable for different fitness levels.
- Step-through frame construction, ensuring easy access for all users, especially seniors.
- Wireless phone charging capability, keeping devices powered during workouts.
- Comfortable seat design, prioritizing user comfort during extended exercise sessions.
- Lifetime frame warranty, reflecting the bike’s durability and build quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 40 magnetic resistance levels, offering a wide range of workout challenges.
- Padded seat and backrest, maximizing comfort and support during use.
- Step-through frame, enhancing accessibility for users with limited mobility.
- Easy assembly process, minimizing setup time and complexity.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other recumbent bikes on the market.
- Feels heavy, potentially making it less portable or maneuverable for some users.
Bottom Line
The Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is a robust and valuable recumbent bike praised by our testers for its challenging resistance, comfortable seat and backrest, and excellent warranty coverage, making it a top choice for seniors looking for the best home recumbent stationary bike.
While I may not be a senior myself, I recognize why the Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is an outstanding choice for seniors seeking an exercise bike. Certified personal trainer and cardio equipment expert Lindsay Scheele highlights its “exceptionally comfortable seat,” awarding it a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics.
“The cushioning is superb,” she notes. “The seat is generously sized, and I believe many individuals will find it comfortable and enjoyable.”
Close-up of Sole LCR exercise bike seat cushion showing plush padding
She also praises the responsive and user-friendly touchscreen – a unique feature among recumbent bikes – awarding it a 4 out of 5 for technology. “Navigation is straightforward,” she explains. “Even my six-year-old could likely operate it with ease.” A media stand is also included for smartphones or tablets, allowing users to enjoy entertainment while exercising.
Close-up of Sole LCR touchscreen and media stand with phone in holder
Despite its joint-friendly design, Lindsay emphasizes that the Sole LCR offers a substantial workout. Featuring a 31-pound flywheel and 40 magnetic resistance levels, the intensity noticeably increases with each level. “The difference is definitely palpable,” she confirms.
The step-through design, while not exclusive to Sole, is particularly beneficial for an exercise bike for seniors or individuals with mobility issues. It allows users to easily step in front of the seat and sit down, avoiding the need to climb onto the bike as with traditional upright models.
This seemingly small detail is a significant advantage for those with mobility limitations, eliminating unnecessary strain when mounting and dismounting the bike, making it a highly accessible best home recumbent stationary bike.
| Footprint | 56″ L x 29″ W x 60″ H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 40 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Display | 10.1″ Android Touch Screen |
| Weight | 152 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Workout programs | Sole Fitness |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years / Parts: 2 years / Electronics: 1 year / Labor: 90 days |
Best Value Recumbent Exercise Bike: YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike
Good for: Shoppers seeking a robust and well-constructed recumbent bike that provides excellent value for money in a home setting.
Best Value
YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike
YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike Product Image Check Price
Product Highlights
- Budget-friendly pricing, making it accessible to a wide range of users seeking an affordable best home recumbent stationary bike.
- 16 digital resistance levels, offering sufficient workout variability for most users.
- Silent operation, ensuring minimal disturbance during home workouts.
- 350-pound weight capacity, accommodating a broad spectrum of users.
- Small LCD monitor, providing essential workout data in a compact format.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price, maximizing value for budget-conscious buyers.
- 350-pound weight capacity, indicating a sturdy and durable build.
- Quiet operation, ideal for shared living spaces or noise-sensitive environments.
- 16 levels of resistance, providing enough challenge for varied workouts.
- Lightweight at only 65 pounds, enhancing portability and ease of movement.
Cons
- Small monitor size, potentially limiting readability for some users.
Bottom Line
The YOSUDA Recumbent Bike is a lightweight and budget-friendly recumbent bike ideal for seniors or individuals with lower-body injuries aiming to maintain an active lifestyle, and it’s our pick for the best home recumbent stationary bike in terms of value.
The YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike may lack extravagant features, but it delivers all essential functionalities at an exceptional price point – just over $300. It’s important to note that while we haven’t tested this specific model yet, our positive experiences with other YOSUDA bikes inform our recommendation.
Why do we recommend their recumbent bike? Let’s start with its 350-pound weight capacity. This suggests a robust and durable exercise bike that remains stable during workouts and is built to last. Customer reviews largely corroborate this, with few complaints about structural failures, a positive indicator of reliability.
However, it’s worth noting that our tester’s experience with another Yosuda exercise bike raised some durability concerns, rating it 2.5 out of 5 stars. The monitor felt insecure, and the pedal foot straps seemed potentially fragile.
Despite these concerns, the tester found the bike overall to be heavy-duty and user-friendly, with the foot straps being the primary point of criticism. We hope the recumbent bike model features improved strap design.
RELATED: Recumbent Bike Workout
The high weight capacity combined with 16 magnetic resistance levels suggests quiet operation, minimizing disturbance to housemates during workouts.
Beyond these features, it includes a step-through frame, adjustable seat, and a basic LCD monitor for tracking workout metrics. A potential drawback is that using the media stand may obscure the monitor, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users.
A significant advantage is its near-complete assembly upon arrival – requiring only minimal part attachment before use, making it a user-friendly best home recumbent stationary bike option.
| Footprint | 20.8″ D x 44.8″ W x 38.7″ H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 16 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Display | LCD |
| Weight | 65 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Workout programs | N/A |
| Warranty | 3-year frame, 1-year parts |
Best Adjustable Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
Good for: Households with multiple users of varying sizes needing a recumbent bike that offers extensive adjustability for a personalized fit.
Best Adjustable
Sunny Health And Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
Sunny Health And Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike Product Image GGR Score: 3.8
Product Highlights
- Priced just under $300, offering affordability and value.
- Easily adjustable seat, foot pedals, and resistance levels, ensuring a customizable workout experience.
- Easy to mount and dismount design, enhancing user accessibility.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Under $300 price point, making it highly accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- User weight capacity of 300 lbs, accommodating a wide range of users.
- Adjustable seat for customized comfort and fit.
- 8 levels of resistance, providing sufficient workout intensity for beginners.
- Pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring during workouts.
- Transport wheels for easy relocation and storage.
Cons
- Second set of handlebars are short, potentially less functional for some users.
- Lacks a bottle holder for convenient hydration during workouts.
- No device holder for smartphones or tablets, limiting entertainment options.
Bottom Line
For under $300, the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike is an outstanding choice for beginners on a budget, and it’s our pick for the best home recumbent stationary bike for adjustability.
Beyond the industry-standard 300-pound user weight capacity—impressive for a bike weighing only 58.7 pounds—the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike earns its “Best Adjustable” title due to its versatile inseam options.
Inseam refers to the seat-to-pedal distance, or “leg room.” This bike offers an adjustable inseam from 29 to 38 inches, earning a 4-out-of-5-star rating for adjustability and ergonomics. Numerous customer reviews from individuals taller than 6 feet, 5 inches confirm ample space and comfort across various seat positions – a significant advantage for taller users like myself (6 feet, 3 inches).
Seat adjustment mechanism on the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Bike
“It’s lightweight, low-impact, and space-saving,” notes certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele in our Sunny Health And Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike review. The bike scores a perfect 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
The seat, measuring 14.5 inches wide by 11 inches long, is another highlight, and adjustable foot straps accommodate various shoe sizes on the pedals.
For users content with basic exercise bike functionality, the Sunny Health and Fitness bike is available for under $200, or under $300 for Bluetooth-enabled models. It lacks built-in workouts, and the LCD console solely displays metrics, offering a tech-minimalist approach.
As a budget bike, it features eight magnetic resistance levels and lacks a water bottle or phone holder, and the front handlebars are relatively short. While these may be minor for users focused on basic leg movement, they are considerations for those seeking daily, feature-rich use.
| Footprint | 46” L x 24.5” W x 38” H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 8 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Display | LCD display |
| Weight | 58.7 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Workout programs | SunnyFit app |
| Warranty | 3-year/180-day manufacturer warranty |
Best Smart Recumbent Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
Good for: Users who desire a recumbent bike integrated with modern technology and interactive features for engaging and effective home workouts.
Best Smart
NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Bike
NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Bike Product Image GGR Score: 3.98
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Product Highlights
- Easy-glide horizontal seat adjustment for seamless customization.
- Oversized lumbar support for enhanced back comfort during workouts.
- Max user weight of 350 lbs, accommodating a wide range of body types.
- 14” HD smart touchscreen display for immersive workout experiences.
- Bluetooth audio capabilities for wireless connectivity and entertainment.
- 26 levels of digital resistance for varied workout intensity.
- Free 30-day iFIT family membership, granting access to extensive workout content.
- Automatic trainer control settings, enabling interactive and guided training sessions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High weight capacity, ensuring stability and accommodating diverse users.
- Interactive screen, providing engaging workout content and metrics.
- 2 digitally amplified speakers with Bluetooth capabilities, enhancing the workout experience with audio.
- Ergonomic pedals and lumbar support, prioritizing user comfort and biomechanics.
- Quiet and smooth ride, ensuring a pleasant workout environment.
Cons
- Large footprint, requiring significant space for setup and use.
- Not easily transported due to its size and weight.
- No pre-programmed workout options outside of iFIT subscription, limiting standalone functionality.
Bottom Line
If you seek a recumbent bike offering immersive training, the NordicTrack R35 is a high-quality option worth considering, and it’s our top pick for the best home recumbent stationary bike with smart features.
The NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a leading recumbent exercise bike, modernizing a traditionally basic equipment category. Unlike classic recumbent bikes with simple LCD screens, the NordicTrack R35 features a 14-inch HD touchscreen with high-quality iFIT programming, offering extensive live and on-demand home workout classes.
While a 14-inch screen might seem modest for other fitness equipment, its proximity on a recumbent bike makes it ideal. The NordicTrack R35 earns a 4 out of 5 for technology.
Automatic tension control is another smart feature, enabling iFIT trainers to adjust resistance levels automatically during workouts. This is standard on ProForm and NordicTrack bikes (both owned by iFIT, a leading provider of best cycling apps).
It retains essential recumbent bike features: a step-through frame, comfortable seat, and contoured, ventilated backrest.
Woman enjoying a workout on the NordicTrack Commercial R35 recumbent bike
Our expert product tester Caroline Lubinsky, who used recumbent bikes post-ankle surgery, found the NordicTrack R35 enjoyable. “It felt stable and user-friendly. It’s ideal for those unable to use traditional exercise bikes or recovering from injuries,” she noted.
The R35 scores 4 out of 5 stars for customization, offering 26 digital resistance levels and a quiet, stable ride. The 25-pound flywheel, while lighter than standard exercise bikes (35-40 lbs), is suitable for recumbent use. Caroline commented, “The lighter flywheel is not a drawback for a recumbent bike.”
Oversized pedals and a ventilated, contoured seat ensure comfort during iFIT workouts, keeping your back and knees comfortable.
The R35’s main drawbacks are its size and price. Weighing nearly 200 pounds, it’s difficult to move without a dedicated space. At around $1,500, it’s pricier for a recumbent bike, but for fans of exercise bikes with screens, it’s the premier recumbent option.
Read our comprehensive NordicTrack Commercial R35 review for Caroline’s detailed insights.
| Footprint | 68.22” L x 23.69” W x 53.42” H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 26 digital resistance levels |
| Display | 14” HD smart touchscreen |
| Weight | 192 lbs |
| Workout programs | iFIT |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronic, 90 days labor |
Best Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
Good for: Home gym owners with limited space who need a compact and storable recumbent bike option.
Best Foldable
FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
FitNation Flex Bike Ultra Product Image Check Price
Product Highlights
- Foldable design for space-saving storage and easy portability.
- Versatile upright/recumbent bike functionality, offering dual exercise modes.
- Arm resistance bands included for upper body workouts.
- Lightweight construction, enhancing portability and ease of handling.
- 300-pound weight capacity, accommodating a wide range of users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foldable frame, maximizing storage efficiency.
- Upright/recumbent hybrid design, offering workout versatility.
- Arm resistance bands, adding upper body engagement to workouts.
- Affordable price, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance, providing basic workout intensity adjustments.
Cons
- Small LCD monitor, potentially limiting display clarity and information.
Bottom Line
The FitNation FlexBike Ultra, a hybrid upright/recumbent exercise bike, is a budget-friendly, foldable option for those who don’t require top-tier features but need a space-saving best home recumbent stationary bike.
Recumbent bikes are often relegated to gym corners due to their bulk and immobility. However, the FitNation Flex Bike Ultra is ideal for compact exercise equipment needs.
Foldable for storage and portability (weighing just 39 pounds), it’s also budget-friendly at under $150 with free shipping. While we haven’t tested this model, similar bikes typically have a 250-pound weight capacity, which is decent for the price.
The padded seat and backrest, while not as large as other recumbent bikes, are reportedly comfortable for various users, according to customer reviews.
As with most budget exercise bikes, some features are sacrificed for affordability. The FitNation Bike offers eight magnetic resistance levels, a small media shelf, no cup holder, and a limited one-year warranty.
| Footprint | 42.5″D x 21.5″W x 41″H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 8 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Display | LCD |
| Weight | 39 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | N/A |
| Workout programs | N/A |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Good for: Individuals seeking an affordable yet durable recumbent bike that delivers reliable performance for home workouts.
Best Budget
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike Product Image Check Price
Product Highlights
- Under $300 price point, making it a highly affordable option.
- 300-lb weight capacity, ensuring robustness and user accommodation.
- Comfortable seat design, prioritizing user experience during workouts.
- Dual handlebars, offering versatile hand positions during exercise.
- Highly adjustable components, enabling a customizable fit for various users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 300-lb weight capacity, indicative of solid construction.
- Transport wheels for easy maneuverability and storage.
- Dual handlebars for varied workout postures.
- Cushioned seat for enhanced comfort during exercise.
- Under $300 price, providing excellent budget value.
- Adjustable components for personalized user fit.
Cons
- Batteries for display not included, requiring separate purchase.
- Lacks a bottle holder for convenient hydration.
- Short warranty period compared to some competitors.
Bottom Line
This recumbent exercise bike, priced under $300, is a solid choice for seniors, beginners, and anyone seeking a simple cardio machine on a budget, making it the best home recumbent stationary bike for budget-conscious buyers.
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike isn’t the absolute cheapest, but lower-priced options often compromise features. This bike maintains a 300-pound user weight capacity, industry standard and impressive for its 69-pound weight.
We haven’t tested this specific model, but our full review of the more budget-friendly Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Bike provides insights. While cheaper, the ME 709 scored 4 out of 5 for footprint/portability and 3 out of 5 for durability, suggesting this model may be even better.
While not foldable, its light weight and transport wheels facilitate home gym movement. It includes a tablet holder, often absent in cheaper recumbent bikes—a surprising omission given modern standards. However, it lacks a cup holder and heart rate monitor, common omissions in budget models.
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike Product Image
Users report easy assembly (under an hour), a readable, well-lit LCD screen, and a comfortable seat for various heights. The backrest isn’t ventilated like pricier models, but acceptable given the price.
GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell tested the more affordable ME 709 and noted its extremely comfortable seat, expected in this model too. His notes highlight the high-density foam seat and backrest as “much more comfortable than a normal bike seat.”
For basic daily movement, the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike is effective. For intense workouts, higher-priced models are necessary.
The Marcy, like others in its range, has eight magnetic resistance levels. Magnetic resistance is low-maintenance, but avid bikers may find the workout intensity insufficient.
You’ll need to supply AA batteries for the console, and the warranty is limited to two years.
| Footprint | 56” L x 25” W x 44” H |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 8 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Display | LCD monitor |
| Weight | 69 lbs |
| Workout programs | N/A |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Other Recumbent Exercise Bikes We Researched
Beyond our top seven recumbent exercise bikes, we tested many others. Here are honorable mentions from our expert product testers.
ProForm C10R: A smart recumbent bike with step-through design, padded seat, ventilated backrest, and a 10-inch HD touchscreen with iFIT. Excluded from our main list due to its plastic components and lack of unique features beyond the screen compared to cheaper bikes like the Schwinn 270.
ProForm C10U: A versatile upright/recumbent bike with a 10-inch HD touchscreen. Suitable for those wanting versatility, but more affordable dedicated recumbent options exist.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Elliptical: Technically an elliptical-bike hybrid, resembling a recumbent bike but with an elliptical stride. A decent hybrid option, priced similarly to our top picks.
Exerpeutic ExerWORK 1000: Similar to the Exerpeutic 400XL Recumbent Bike but includes a laptop shelf. The shelf slightly hinders folding compared to the 400XL, which might be a minor issue for some.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
We considered these factors when selecting our best recumbent bike recommendations.
Size
Recumbent exercise bikes aren’t the most compact pieces of fitness equipment, but they shouldn’t dominate your home gym. We prioritized models fitting into most home gym spaces.
Workout Programming
Recumbent bikes generally lack smart touchscreens. We favored bikes with built-in programs or Bluetooth for fitness app connectivity.
Comfort
Comfort is a key recumbent bike advantage. We evaluated seat, backrest, and inseam comfort for users of all sizes.
Price
We included budget-friendly to high-end options to accommodate various budgets.
Resistance
Recumbent bikes offer different resistance levels than upright bikes like Peloton or NordicTrack Studio Cycle S22i, but should still provide a challenging workout. We assessed resistance suitability for beginners to advanced users.
Adjustability
We ensured bikes accommodate tall and short users comfortably, without cramping or pedal reach issues, to be considered among the best home recumbent stationary bike options.
Benefits of Recumbent Bikes
Why choose a recumbent bike? Here are key reasons.
- Low-impact workout: Stationary bikes are low-impact compared to treadmills due to no ground impact. Recumbent bikes are even more joint-friendly, positioning feet forward to reduce lower-body strain compared to upright bikes.
- Comfortable: Recumbent bikes often feature padded/ventilated seats and backrests, offering superior comfort over upright bikes with smaller seats and no back support, making them the best home recumbent stationary bike for comfort.
- Easier on the cardiovascular system: A German study1 indicates recumbent/reclined biking is less cardiovascularly demanding than upright biking, ideal for those with cardiovascular concerns.
What To Look for in a Recumbent Exercise Bike
Consider these factors before buying a recumbent bike for your home.
Size
Verify the recumbent bike’s footprint to ensure it fits your home gym or apartment. Check movability if needed.
Seat and Backrest
Assess seat padding (personal preference) and backrest ventilation (reduces workout sweat).
Display
Most recumbent bikes have basic LCD consoles (metrics like calories, time, heart rate). Some offer smart touchscreens (premium models).
Resistance
Choose a bike with sufficient resistance levels for your fitness goals. Opt for magnetic resistance: quieter and lower maintenance than friction resistance (which requires brake pad replacements and is noisy).
Price
Most recumbent bikes are under $1,000, unless touchscreen-equipped. Financing is often available.
Adjustability
Ensure comfortable leg extension and pedal reach.
Warranty
Check warranty terms, noting different coverage for frame/parts vs. monitors/technology.
Tech
Most recumbent bikes are low-tech, with LCD screens and limited pre-programmed workouts.
Best Recumbent Bike FAQs
What is the best rated recumbent bike?
In our expert opinion, the best recumbent exercise bike for most home gym owners is the YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike. We also recommend:
- Best Overall Recumbent Exercise Bike: Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
- Best Value Recumbent Exercise Bike: YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Adjustable Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Smart Recumbent Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
- Best Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
- Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
What are the disadvantages of a recumbent exercise bike?
Recumbent bike drawbacks include: less challenging workouts than upright bikes, and fewer tech features (mostly LCD monitors, not touchscreens found on standard exercise bikes).
Is a recumbent bike good for belly fat?
Yes. Recumbent bikes help burn calories, creating a caloric deficit (with proper nutrition), which can reduce belly fat.
How do I choose a recumbent exercise bike?
To select a recumbent bike, ensure it fits your space. Choose a step-through frame for easy access. Verify sufficient resistance levels for your fitness progression.
References
- Albarrati, A. (2017). Effect of Body Posture on Cardiovascular Performance and Recovery during Cycling Exercise. In Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin (Vol. 27, Issue 01, pp. 53–57). Georg Thieme Verlag KG. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-122145
Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC
Further reading
Best Rowing Machine Cyber Monday Deals (2024) Looking for a cheap cardio machine that will knock your socks off? Check out our rowing machine Black Friday deals for the best options around. Read more
MYX vs. Peloton 2025: Which Is the Better Indoor Exercise Bike? It’s the battle of cycling bikes: MYX vs Peloton. Which exercise bike should you buy for your home gym? We’ll tell you. Read more
Add Weights to Your Routine With These 3 Treadmill-Dumbbell Workouts These heart-pumping, strength-building treadmill-dumbell workouts are a great addition to just about anyone’s fitness routine. Read more
Concept2 myrow Review (2025): Elevating the RowErg With Modern Technology In this Concept2 myrow review, a certified personal trainer breaks down everything you need to know about this tool created specifically for Concept2 rowers. Read more
table of contents
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes of 2025
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Video Review
- Best Overall Recumbent Exercise Bike: Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
- Best Value Recumbent Exercise Bike: YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Adjustable Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Smart Recumbent Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
- Best Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
- Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Other Recumbent Exercise Bikes We Researched
- How We Picked and Tested the Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
- Benefits of Recumbent Bikes
- What To Look for in a Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Recumbent Bike FAQs
- References
