

RECUMBENT, OR reclined seat position, bikes are a more comfortable alternative to upright bikes. Whether you’re uncomfortable with an upright bike option or need more stability, a recumbent bike offers more support for both the upper body and lower back. Most offer a step through design, with wider, more padded seat options—and some even have lumbar support. These exercise bikes are a good option for older guys or anyone with more limited mobility. However, they can still provide a great workout.
“The recumbent bike provides a great low-impact workout that can aid with the rehabbing of injuries and can also help improve your range of motion,” says Mathew Forzaglia, NFPT-CPT, personal trainer based in New York, NY. “The position of the seat being reclined and behind the pedals reduces the tension in the core, minimizing back tightness, and it also reduces the tension in the joints of your ankles, knees, and hips, allowing you to target your bigger leg muscles. Plus, these bikes can help novice fitness enthusiasts gain confidence working out on a secure, safe exercise machine.”
With so many choices on the market—from high-tech options with all the bells and whistles, to more basic no-frills models—we’ve rounded up some of the best options for every category, fitness level, and price point.
Home Gym Awards | Best Home Gym Equipment | Best Folding Exercise Bikes | Best Cardio Machines | Best Treadmills | Best Ellipticals
Adjust this bike’s oversized, cushion seat, both horizontally and vertically, to your comfort level, then sit down, and get to work. The two built-in speakers are Bluetooth headphone compatible in case you want to listen to a class or music without waking up the rest of your household. Add on an iFit membership (one month free, then $39/month) to stream interactive classes led by world renowned trainers.
What do buyers say? "This is nice recumbent bike. Instructions were spot on putting it together," said one bestbuy.com reviewer.
Dimensions | 25.4 x 56.8 x 49.8 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Resistance | 25 levels, magnetic |
Screen | 10" Touchscreen |
Workout Program | iFit, 30-Day Free Trial Included |
Place your phone, tablet, or any JRNY-compatible (one year free trial, then membership is an additional $20/month) device on the media shelf of this bike, so you can ride along to on-demand trainer-led classes with real-time coaching. The padded seat has ventilation for ample airflow, and the weighted strapped pedals keep your feel secure while you ride. The wheels make it easy to move this bike around, too.
What do buyers say? "Wanted to get away from treadmill as it was becoming very hard on my hips, knees and feet. Bought 290 and love it. Very comfortable for my 6ft 1in frame, and my joints do not hurt," said one schwinnfitness.com reviewer.
Dimensions | 66.5 x 26.3 x 46.8 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 330 lbs |
Resistance | Magnetic |
Screen | None |
Workout Program | 1 year JRNY Membership |
This bike comes with a 30-day free membership to iFit (then $39/month), so you can stream on-demand interactive trainer-led classes on the 14-inch HD Smart Touchscreen monitor. With 26 different resistance levels, you’ll always be able to challenge yourself to raise the bar—or put the auto-resistance feature on and let the bike push you (which is especially great during iFit classes). The bike’s fan will also adjust depending on how hard you’re working, to keep you cool.
What do buyers say? "It's incredibly comfortable ... Even without streaming, this is a quality bike that will get daily use," said one amazon.com reviewer.
Dimensions | 68.22 x 23.69 x 53.42 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
Resistance | 26 levels, digital |
Screen | 14 inch touchscreen |
Workout Program | iFit, 1 month trial |
Keep track of your time, speed, distance, and calories burned using the digital monitor on this recumbent bike. Use the adjustable magnetic resistance dial to toggle between eight different levels, while the built-in pulse monitor can track your heart rate, so you know just how hard you’re working. There is shelf for you to place your phone on the monitor.
What do buyers say? "It’s a joy to use as well as very comfortable ... After just one week I can feel a change in my energy level already," said one amazon.com reviewer.
Dimensions | 56.3 x 26.3 x 42.9 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Resistance | 8, magnetic |
Screen | None |
Workout Program | None |
If you already love tracking your stats through a favorite app like MyFitnessPal, or Explore the World, this bike is compatible with most, so you can continue to keep tabs on your progress. Enjoy the comfortable gel seat, and adjust the angle of the seat back using the lever located under the seat. Choose from 29 different workout programs, or just bike at your own pace.
What do buyers say? "Love this bike. The instructions appear to be spot on except for two locations, one was the heart monitor wiring, and the other was the wiring to the computer ... I am very pleased with the outcome and ride it a little bit every day," said one amazon.com reviewer.
Dimensions | 66.25 x 12.7 x 27.25 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 325 lbs |
Resistance | 25, belt |
Screen | Dual backlit LCDs |
Workout Program | 29 presets |
Crank the magnetic resistance wheel to adjust between eight different levels, and monitor your time, speed, distance, and calories burned on the screen. You don’t have to worry about your feet slipping out of the pedals, as it's weighted to provide maximum support and counterbalance, plus they have adjustable straps, too.
What do buyers say? "It is not hard on my body and not too much work that I don't want to get on it," said one amazon.com reviewer.
Dimensions | 25 x 58 x 38 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Resistance | 8, magnetic |
Screen | LCD monitor |
Workout Program | None |
If you not only care about getting in a good workout at home, but also want your home gym to look sleek as hell, consider this high-end steel frame recumbent bike. The adjustable seat was designed with your back in mind, so you’ll maintain good posture throughout your workout. The wide pedals feature a strap system like that used on a snowboard for quick adjustability and both secure and stable fit. Plus, you can change your seat posture, up your resistance level, and monitor your heart rate with controls all on the handles for easy accessibility. The speakers, located under the seat, are Bluetooth compatible and produce quality sound. Choose from multiple immersive workout programs on the live 15.6-inch touchscreen, or pedal through a natural or urban landscape of your choice on the screen. Bonus: You can log directly into your Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube accounts for entertainment.
Dimensions | 55 x 25 x 54 inches |
---|---|
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Resistance | 25, magnetic |
Screen | 15.6 inch touchscreen |
Workout program | 20 routines, 6 presets |
For the past year, we consulted with Men's Health's fitness editors, as well as key fitness trainers from both MH's Advisory board and MH's Strength in Diversity Initiative. They spent months of hands-on time with recumbent exercise bikes from top fitness brands. They evaluated products on durability, quality, and training efficiency.