You want a home gym, but you’re not about to let some giant, clunky machine take over your space. You need something compact. Something that works your body hard without wrecking your joints in the process.
That’s where a good recumbent bike comes in. Think of it as cardio on cruise control, low-impact, comfortable, and easy on the knees, hips, and back. You can still burn calories, build strength in your legs, and work up a sweat, all while sitting in a relaxed, reclined position.
The trick is knowing which ones are worth it and which are just overpriced clothes hangers waiting to happen. Below you’ll find the top recumbent exercise bikes that deliver solid performance, comfort, and value, whether you’re on a tight budget, chasing high-end features, or just want a dependable ride you’ll actually use.
Top 9 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
- Best Recumbent Bike Overall – Sole LCR
- Best Recumbant Bike on a Budget – Comfort R by Horizon Fitness
- 2nd Best on a Budget – 910sr Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike
- Best High End – Club Series+ Recumbent Lifecycle by Life Fitness
- Best Recumbent Bike For Seniors –RS3 LIFECYCLE EXERCISE BIKE
- Most Comfortable Recumbent Exercise Bike – Sole LCR
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Value – Sole R92
- Best on Amazon – Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
- Best for Under $500 -Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike
#1. Sole LCR
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Overall
If you want a recumbent bike that’s built like a tank and rides like a dream, the Sole LCR is hard to beat. It’s heavy, solid, and packed with features that make long workouts feel a lot less like a chore.
The frame is aluminum-coated steel, weighing in at 145 pounds with a 30-pound flywheel. That heft isn’t just for show, it keeps the bike stable and allows for a 300-pound weight capacity. It’s not the highest on the market, but it’s plenty for most people who want a dependable cardio option.
Comfort is where the LCR really earns its spot. The seat and pedal setup are designed with biomechanics in mind, so even if you’ve got cranky knees, a sore back, or you’re coming off an injury, you can ride without dreading the aftermath.
The console is simple but functional. A 10-inch screen with big, easy-to-hit buttons gives you access to 10 workout programs and more than 40 resistance levels. You also get an audio port, speakers, a built-in fan, and holders for your phone, tablet, and water bottles.
Downsides? It’s heavy, so don’t expect to move it around easily. The screen isn’t color and doesn’t have touchscreen capability, but if you care more about performance than flashy tech, that won’t be a dealbreaker.
If you want a durable, comfortable recumbent bike that can handle serious daily use, the Sole LCR nails it.
Pros
- Comes With Over 40 Resistance Options & 10 Preloaded Programs
- Includes A Ton Of Useful Features
- Pedals, Seat, & Handlebars All Feel Super Comfortable
- LCD Screen’s Console Buttons Are Easy To Access
Cons
- Very Heavy For A Bike
- LCD Screen Isn’t Touch-Screen Or Come With Internet
# Comfort R by Horizon Fitness
Best on a Budget
If you’re new to home gyms and don’t want to blow your budget on your first piece of equipment, the Comfort R from Horizon Fitness is a smart place to start. It’s affordable, easy to use, and skips the fluff so you can focus on getting the work done.
The build is surprisingly solid for the price. You get a 15.5-pound flywheel, a sturdy frame that supports up to 350 pounds, and a footprint of 65″ x 26″ x 53″. It ships free and usually lands at your door in about a week.
Comfort is baked into the design. The high-back seat offers real lumbar support, and the handgrips give you extra stability. You can adjust the seat to fit your frame, whether you’re taller, shorter, or somewhere in between.
On the performance side, you get 16 levels of magnetic resistance and 12 preloaded workout programs. The magnetic system keeps things quiet and low-maintenance, making it easy to ride without annoying everyone else in the house.
It’s not perfect. The lighter flywheel means the pedal stroke isn’t as smooth as higher-end bikes, and the display could use a backlight for better visibility in low light. The warranty is “lifetime” on the frame, but after the first year, service costs are on you, which takes some shine off that promise.
Still, for the money, the Comfort R delivers excellent value. If you’re a beginner who just wants a reliable, comfortable recumbent bike without draining your wallet, this one deserves a serious look.
Pros
- Has A Maximum Weight Capacity Of 350 Pounds
- Offers 16 Resistance Options & 12 Preloaded Workout Programs
- Console Hosts Virtually Everything A User Would Need
- Has An Energy-Saver Mode
- Comes With Built-In Speakers As Well As A Reading Rack & Bottle Holder
- Has Excellent Recumbent Bike Reviews
Cons
- Flywheel Is On The Smaller Side, Resulting In A Performance That’s Not As Smooth
- Its Display Doesn’t Have A Backlight
- While The Warranty Included Is A Lifetime Option, Costs Won’t Be Free Past The Initial Year
#3. 910SR Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike
2nd Best Recumbent Bike on a Budget
If you want the comfort and features of a high-end recumbent bike without paying high-end prices, the 910SR from Diamondback is a strong contender. It blends durability, variety, and ease of use into a package that’s surprisingly affordable.
The build quality is solid. A 32-pound flywheel keeps your ride smooth, while frictionless magnetic resistance gives you 32 different levels to work with. It’s sturdy enough to handle riders up to 325 pounds and measures 64″ x 23″ x 50″, so it’s big enough to feel stable without taking over your entire room.
The seat is a highlight. It’s tall, chair-like, and built with a breathable mesh that stays cool while you work. The metal frame supports add to the stability, so you’re not shifting around or overheating mid-ride.
You also get a range of preloaded workout programs, from fitness tests to heart rate–controlled sessions, plus the ability to create your own custom routines. That flexibility means you can train exactly how you want, whether it’s steady endurance work or more intense intervals.
The drawbacks? The seat adjustments aren’t as extensive as some competitors, which might be an issue for shorter riders. Assembly can also take more time than you’d expect. But once it’s set up, this bike delivers excellent performance for the price.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly recumbent bike that still feels premium where it counts, the 910SR is a smart pick.
Pros
- Comes With A Five-Year Warranty
- Includes Several Multi-Speed Cooling Fans
- Excellent Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Able to Hold 325 Pound Max Weight Capacity
- Comes With A Complete Breakdown Of All Health Factors, Including Heart-Rate, Resistance Level, And A Lot More
Cons
- Assembly Can Take Time; A Lot Of Time
- While Great For Many People, The Lack Of Extensive Adjustability Makes It Difficult For People Under 5’2″
#4. Club Series + Recumbent Lifecycle
Best Premier Option
The Life Fitness Recumbent Lifecycle is not here to mess around. While other bikes on this list try to balance quality with a friendly price tag, this one is built for the person who wants the absolute best and doesn’t mind paying for it. You’re not buying a bike here. You’re buying the top shelf.
The first thing you’ll notice? This thing is a tank. Most recumbent bikes tap out at around 150 pounds fully assembled. The Lifecycle tips the scale at over 215. Yeah, that makes it a bit of a project to set up, but once it’s in place, it’s rock solid. No rattling. No wobbling. Just smooth, steady power. And with a weight limit of 400 pounds, almost anyone can hop on and ride with total confidence.
The seat is where this bike really spoils you. Recumbent bikes are already known for comfort, but the Lifecycle takes it further. Forty-one different seat positions. Real lumbar support that actually supports, not just some foam padding pretending to help. Whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you can dial this in so it feels like it was built for you.
Then there’s the tech. If you go with the SE3 console, you’re looking at a 16-inch HD touchscreen that connects to the internet, syncs with Bluetooth, and even lets you stream live TV. You’ve got built-in apps to keep things interesting so your rides don’t feel like… well, rides. Drop down to the ST console and you still get an HD touchscreen with Bluetooth and internet, just minus the extra apps. The SL version is your no-frills option with a standard LED display, functional, but nothing to brag about.
No matter which console you choose, you’re getting a full set of preloaded workouts, plus all the metrics you’d expect, resistance levels, heart rate, calories burned, time, the works.
Now, the one catch. It’s pricey. Like, really pricey. But here’s the thing. Life Fitness didn’t build this to compete with the bargain bikes. They built it to be the one you compare everything else to. And in that category, it delivers exactly what you’re paying for.
Pros
- Super Heavy-Duty Frame & Build
- Has A 400 Lb. Max Weight Limit
- All Screen Consoles Are Impressive
- Has 25 Resistance Levels And At least 10 Preloaded Fitness Programs
- Super-Smooth Magnetic Resistance System
Cons
- Build Is Understandably Very Expensive
#5. RS3 Lifecycle Exercise Bike
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors
The Club Series Lifecycle is the flex bike. It’s the one you get when you want everyone to know you dropped serious money. The RS3 is a little different. It’s quieter, more reserved, but still absolutely knows how to perform. It skips the over-the-top bells and whistles and focuses on what actually matters. And honestly, that makes it a perfect fit for a lot of people, especially older riders who just want something rock solid and comfortable without all the tech circus.
At 154 pounds assembled, it’s not the heaviest on the list, but it’s no lightweight either. This thing feels planted. It can handle up to 400 pounds, which is impressive for a bike in this category. If you’re on the higher end of that limit, I’d still step on with some care, not because it’s flimsy, but because why tempt fate?
The 20-pound flywheel keeps your ride smooth and consistent. You get 20 levels of resistance to play with, so whether you want a light spin or a leg-burning grind, it’s there for you.
The console setup is simple but smart. You’ve got two options: Track Connect or the standard Go Console. Track Connect gives you Bluetooth, 12 preloaded workouts, and all your standard metrics. The Go Console is basically the same deal minus Bluetooth. No confusion, no fluff, just pick the one that matches how connected you want your rides to be.
Now, it’s not perfect. Price-wise, it still makes you notice you bought a premium product. If you’re hunting for cheap, this isn’t it. But if you want a dependable, smooth, well-built recumbent bike that feels like it’ll last forever, the RS3 delivers without trying too hard.
Pros
- Has a 400 lb. Weight Capacity
- Offers A Ton Of Features, Resistance Levels, and A Preloaded Workout Program.
- Fully Adjustable Backrest Area
- Offers Two Different Console Options
- Offers Levels of Magnetic Resistance
Cons
- Track Connect Feature Is More Expensive Than It Needs To Be
#6. Sole LCR
Most Comfortable Recumbent Bike
The Sole LCR isn’t just one of the better recumbent bikes out there, it’s the one that makes you wonder why you even bothered looking at anything else. It’s built for comfort, sure, but not in a lazy-boy kind of way. This is comfort that keeps you locked in, supported, and ready to put in real work.
The ride itself is whisper-quiet thanks to magnetic resistance. No screeching, no grinding, just smooth pedaling that lets you focus on your workout instead of the noise. Perfect if you live with people who hate the sound of you trying to better yourself. And because it’s friction-free, you’re not chewing through parts every few months.
The seat setup is where it really shows off. A sliding lock system lets you dial in the exact distance you need from the pedals and console. Whether you’ve got short legs, long legs, or something in between, you can make it fit like it was built for you.
You get a wide, cushioned seat and a solid backrest that supports you the whole way through. The handlebars and pedals are ergonomic, which basically means they’re designed to feel right instead of fighting against you. If you’ve ever dealt with knee or joint pain, this matters more than you think.
Now, it’s not flawless. It’s a bit of a beast to move, so if you’ve got back or hip issues, don’t plan on dragging it around by yourself. And while it nails comfort and build quality, it skips Bluetooth, so if you’re glued to your wireless headphones, you might grumble about that.
But if you want a rock-solid, comfortable, and performance-focused recumbent bike that will go as hard as you do, the LCR more than earns its spot.
Pros
- Comes With A Chest Strap To Help Track Your Body Metrics
- Includes Two Fans To Keep You Cool While Exercising
- Pedals, Seat, & Handlebars Are All Ergonomic & Built With Comfort In Mind
- The Handlebars Are Set In A Way For Getting An Upper Body Workout
Cons
- Doesn’t Come With Bluetooth Features
- Large Size Can Be An Issue For Older People Or Those With Pain
#7. Sole R92
Best Value
The Sole R92, while not quite on the level of the LCR, is a great option for those looking for the most value for money. Not only does it come with EKG sensors but the pedals, handlebars, and seat all work together to create an awesome device with a lot going for it.
The R92 has a magnetic resistance as well as over 20 different levels, ensuring you can constantly push yourself while working out. It also comes with a seat adjustment that slides in place, allowing you to be as close or as far as you want.
In terms of preloaded programs, the R92 comes with 6 standard programs as well as 2 customized options and 2 programs built for increasing your heart rate. There are also some different areas of focus, including fat-burning and HIIT workouts.
Overall, the only downside here is that, while not too big dimension-wise, the R92 is on the heavier side without necessarily needing to be. Still, even with that in mind, if you’re looking for something with a lot of value, this is a great find, even if it doesn’t quite hit the marks as the LCR.
Pros
- Comes With Chest Strap For Syncing Heart Rate
- Pedals & Cushions Are Ergonomic
- Buttons Are Easily Accessible
- Comes With Fans & Speakers, Making The Performance More Fun Than You’d Expect
- Offers 20 Levels Of Resistance With 10 Extra Preloaded Programs
Cons
- The R92 Is A Bit Too Heavy Without Carrying As Much
#8. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Best Amazon Purchase
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is pretty much the ideal option for most people that are starting out or may be interested in something that is more low-impact on the body’s joints. This, in particular, makes it a great option for elderly seniors that may want to stay fit despite suffering from back and knee pain.
Meant as a more accessible alternative to upright bikes as it is, the Schwinn 270 goes that extra mile by offering additional lumbar support along with a cushioned back so that there is even less pressure put on the joints. The seat is fully adjustable, with numerous settings to help you get the most comfortable workout of your life.
As far as resistance, the Schwinn 270 offers upwards of 25 different levels along with several workout options you can implement to help raise and maintain your heart rate. There’s even a collaboration done with the “Explore the World” Bowflex fitness app where you can ride along virtual scenic routes, such as Route 66, Zion National Park, or the French Riviera. It also has many different heart-training options so that you can always find a way to challenge yourself to get the most out of your exercise.
The only downside to this bike is the fact that it is not meant to be used by biker enthusiasts and others looking to seriously push themselves. As mentioned earlier, this bike is meant for senior citizens, those with joint and hip issues, as well as people just getting started. As a result, if you’re already in great shape and looking to get to the next level, this will definitely give out on you faster than you’d probably expect.
Pros
- Has A Weight Limit Of 300lbs.
- Has 25 Resistance Levels & 29 Workout Preset Options
- Three-Speed Fan To Keep You Cool & Comfortable
- LCD Display Monitor Screen
- Uses Weighted Flywheel
Cons
- Requires You To Put It Together
- Is Quite Large, Making It Tough For Small Home Gyms
- Warranty Is Too Short For Most People
#9. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike
Best Pick Under $500
A great option for heavier-set people, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike is not only accessible to a wider array of people from a size perspective but is also one of the more affordable options out there.
Starting with one of its biggest selling points, the recumbent bike comes with a 350-pound max weight capacity. This is easily one of the biggest max weights offered by a bike, with most generally staying around the 300-pound mark. On the other hand, the bike itself is fairly hefty, weighing in at just under 96 pounds (95.8 lbs. to be exact). The bike’s dimensions are 60 x 25.5 x 52 inches, making it a fair bit big and bulky.
The heavy-duty bike comes with an oversized seat and backrest to give its user as much space as possible so that they can be comfortable when doing their exercise. While there are other recumbent bikes with more comfortable seats, not many have them quite as large as this one, making it and the backrest great for keeping correcting and supporting your posture while pedaling.
In addition to the heavy-duty body, the second big selling point for this bike is the fact that it uses a magnetic resistance flywheel. Not only does this mean your workouts are going to be on the quieter side, but you’ll also have access to over eight different resistance levels to play with.
The big downside here more or less has to deal with the device itself. Since it’s on the more affordable side, some of its parts may not be quite as durable as other bikes. For example, the pedals have been known to fray and wear out much faster than other options on this list. And while that was the worst for many people (myself included) there have been some reports of the same being true of the handlebars. While this may not be a deal-breaker, it’s certainly worth considering if you plan to push yourself with your bike.
Pros
- Offers 350 Lbs. Max Weight Capacity
- Uses A Magnetic Resistance Flywheel
- The Seat Is Really Big & Is Easily Adjusted
- One Of The Few Recumbent Bikes That Work Upper & Lower Body Thanks To Moveable Handlebars
Cons
- Some Parts Can Wear Out Faster Than Others
- Has A Lot Of Parts, Making Assembly A Bit Annoying
What Is A Recumbent Bike?
One of several different indoor exercise bicycles, the recumbent bike focuses on the user’s comfort and overall performance. Unlike some of the other options out there, the recumbent bike instead allows the user to recline their seat into a semi-upright position.
This position, while not the most effective for burning a massive amount of calories during a workout, is great for those with joint pain as well as any other medical conditions. This makes the recumbent bike a great option for the elderly as well as people that may have a longstanding injury or are overweight to the point that they may suffer similar joint issues.
What Are The Benefits Of Using An Exercise Recumbent Bike?
While all forms of indoor cycling can offer a variety of benefits when performed regularly, recumbent bikes are especially great when it comes to cardio fitness and endurance without agitating an injury or any joint pain. This is because recumbent bikes pride themselves on being low-impact exercise bikes. This is in stark contrast to upright bikes, which, while more cardio-intensive, can be painful for those with hip, back, or knee pain. As a result, recumbent bikes are the most ideal for senior citizens, individuals that are overweight, as well as those that have suffered an injury.
Recumbent bikes are not only not harmful to a person with joint pain, but can actually be a benefit, their adjustable seating making a biking exercise useful for also improving one’s range of motion. Individuals have noticed an increase in flexibility while the reclined seating position reduces the amount of strain on the lower back, with the backrest helping add further support.
All in all, recumbent bikes are the perfect option for someone that wants to get cardio exercise in but doesn’t want to strain themselves or cause a problem with a prior injury.
How We Decide On The Best Bikes
As you look over these bike options, your first question might be how we came up with these particular entries. After all, there are dozens upon dozens of recumbent bikes available on the market, with more than just nine that could qualify for this list. To help file down the list, we followed a set rubric of factors, picking the options that were as good across the board as possible rather than ones that may have focused too heavily on one area, causing the others to suffer.
- Pricing: The most important factor, was important to have options that were affordable while also an investment. With some exercise bikes costing as little as $200, we needed to make sure that we weren’t sacrificing quality for cost nor creating a list of premier, prohibitive bikes that no one could afford.
- Stability: After pricing, the next area of focus was stability. All of the bikes we’ve included have a high level of stability and max weight capacity. This means that just about anyone can hop on these bikes without worrying about any “wobbling” or it falling apart as they rode on it.
- Overall Comfort: Comfort is a serious area of focus since it determines how likely a person is to use the device. As such, we made a point of looking for bikes that were noted for having comfortable seats, pedals, and handlebars.
- Accessibility: For accessibility, this fell into a similar situation as comfort, as we wanted to make sure that as many people could use the bikes as possible. As such, adjustable options were a focus.
- Reviews: Reviews are one of the more important considerations as they give a real-life recounting of whether what the companies are saying and what the customer is getting are the same. It’s one thing to say you have comfortable seats. It’s quite another for a customer to give you “five stars” because your seats were so comfortable.
- Preset Options: The preloaded fitness options, while a great inclusion, weren’t strictly necessary. Still, we were on the lookout for bikes that had any preloaded options available for use as well as multiple options to help a person stay engaged with their indoor exercise bike.
- Additional Features: Lastly, we spent some time looking out for other fun features that, while not essential, helped sweeten the experience. For example, if they had an LED monitor, audio speaker capabilities, or a fan, they were strongly considered over equally good bikes that didn’t.
What To Consider When Getting A Recumbent Bike
Because there are a lot of different options when it comes to recumbent bikes, it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to making a decision. While all of the aforementioned options are great for the majority of people, not every option may be ideal for every person. To find out what works for you particularly, here are some important factors to keep in mind before making a final decision one way or another.
Pricing
Probably the most important factor to consider in your recumbent bike or any other exercise equipment is the price in relation to your budget. You want to make sure you’re looking within your budget and not something too high over or too low under. Overall, it’s better to invest in a higher-quality bike since it’s easy for accidents to happen.
While there are bikes that can go upwards of $3,000, that’s way too much for even the most serious fitness person. Instead, the optimal budgetary range is going to be around $400-$500, with some wiggle room on either end depending on if you plan to use it more or less.
Weight & Height Capacity
It’s also important that you consider the bike’s height and weight capacity. This also goes towards the bike’s overall quality and durability (and therefore price). The more expensive a recumbent bike is going to be, the sturdier and more weight-bearing it will be.
Generally, weight and height capacities will vary from model to model and brand to brand. If you’re on the heavier side, you want to make a note of how much weight it can reliably hold while remaining stable.
Similarly, some bikes are better for short people while others are more geared toward taller people. While this isn’t quite as serious an issue if it is important for you, consider making a point to review the description.
Resistance Options
A recumbent bike’s resistance is something you should seriously focus on since it is where you’re going to see the bulk of your benefits in terms of weight loss and muscle growth. There are multiple types of resistances your bike can offer: magnetic, air, and contact.
Magnetic resistance is the more popular option for many bikes as it uses magnets to create resistance against the flywheel. Generally, this is going to be the quieter of the three options while also requiring much less maintenance. The downside is that these are generally the more expensive of the three types so you’ll need to square how important this is with your existing budget.
The air resistance option is often seen with air bikes and works to generate resistance by pushing the air through a large fan while you’re pedaling. These are considerably louder than the other two (especially when resistance is cranked up) and so are often used in commercial gyms. They are a favorite for those that love HIIT (high-intensity interval training) enthusiasts since they are the closes thing to an upright bike in terms of effort.
Lastly, the contact resistance bike quite literally uses a leather or felt pad to apply actual resistance to the flywheel. It’s louder than the magnetic option but quieter than the air resistance option. The biggest challenge is that, while it’s more affordable the magnetic option upfront, the more you use the bike the more often the resistance pad will need replacing.
Accessibility
Something many people don’t think about until it’s too late is the bike’s adjustable accessibility options. Specifically, in relation to the bike’s seat adjustability, it’s important that you can sit comfortably while exercising, factoring in your leg length as well as how the seat itself is positioned. You’ll also want to determine the foot cage and how secure it is compared to how comfortable it is. If it’s too snug, that can be an issue, while too loose can result in your foot coming loose.
Take some time to review your particular bike option and see if it comes with an adequate number of adjustable and accessible options based on your physical situation.
Additional Features
Lastly, you want to make sure you’re looking out for any potential add-on features that may be of interest. Things like an extensive monitor display, while not essential, can give you a more thorough and complete understanding of how hard you’re working, including things like heart rate, calories burned, as well as a resistance level. Your monitor could also have different programs, to better challenge yourself and your fitness goals
Other useful features can include the following:
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- An Item Or Device Holder
- Built-in Sound Speakers
- A TV Or Multi-Media Screen
Related: 14 Best Exercise Bikes for Home Gyms
Related: Best Air Bikes For Home Gyms
Related: Best Elliptical Machines for Home Gyms
FAQs
#1. How Much Should You Spend On A Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent bikes can go for a good range of prices based on quality and size. Generally, you can expect the cheaper ones to go for around $150 while the most expensive options tend to be around $800. For most people that want an effective and useful exercise bike while not breaking the bank, you should ideally look for options within the $300 to $600 range.
If you’re a person with a bigger home gym setting, or you’re someone that plans to use your bike for long periods daily, it may be worth it to consider investing in the higher-priced options. This is because anything under $450 is meant for those that plan to use it a few times in the week.
#2. How Good Of A Workout Can You Get From A Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent bikes are a great way to get a cardio workout in without ever leaving your home. It helps focus on your lower body, strengthening and toning your legs. It’s particularly great for people looking to build up and stabilize their core. It’s also a great option for those just getting started with exercises as it is easy on the joints and is fairly low-impact.
The specific lower body muscle groups you can expect to strengthen include the hamstrings, quadriceps, shins, glutes, and calves. Because of their low-impact nature on the body, recumbent bikes are also great for hips and knees, being perfect for those with osteoarthritis.
#3. Can You Lose Weight Using A Recumbent Bike?
As with most cardio workouts, the recumbent bike is a great way to burn calories, especially when used in tandem with a healthy and balanced diet. If used for an extended period of time, you can reasonably expect to lose some weight over time.
The best thing to focus on, when working out, is not if you’re losing weight, but how well you’re able to perform the exercise. If you can find that your performance is improving and you’re able to go for longer rides without getting tired, that will indirectly show your body is becoming healthier and more conditioned. This is true even if the scale itself doesn’t show any difference.
In addition, it’s also important to keep in mind factors like your initial age, weight, and body composition. The older you are or the more weight you carry, the longer it may take to see dramatic changes when weighing yourself. This is why how you physically feel and how you look in the mirror is a more accurate representation of your overall health.
#4. Recumbent Bike Vs. Walking – Which Is Better?
Both walking and biking have a lot of similar health benefits and are great methods of burning calories in a fairly low-impact way. If you’re someone that has a core abdomen that they’d like to stabilize, if you’re someone that may be self-conscious about their looks, or someone that simply wants to get a more intense cardio workout in without needing to leave your home, a recumbent bike is the ideal option.
On the other hand, if you’re someone that loves the outdoors, has a full range of motion when moving, or like to visually track your timed performance (how far you can go in an hour), walking may be worth looking into.
#5. How Many Calories Can I Burn When Biking For 30 Minutes?
Depending on the intensity of the biking session, the number of calories burned can range between 100 and 300 calories. In addition to intensity, you should consider the amount of resistance on the bike as well as your overall weight when starting the workout.
#6. What Is The Difference Between Recumbent & Upright Exercise Bikes?
While recumbent and upright exercise bikes are both great indoor cardio options, they are not identical to one another. If you’re riding an upright bike, you’re focusing on the glutes as well as the back and the abdomen. This is because you’re quite literally positioned “upright” and in a leaned-over position.
Recumbent bikes are ideal for beginners and those looking for something more low-impact and easier on the body overall. They won’t burn quite as many calories or strengthen the core nearly as much, but they are also more accessible options and great for those with joint or back issues as well as for those that may have a large amount of weight to burn.
#7. Which Bike Is Best For Me?
It’s important to know that, regardless of the option picked, the bikes listed above are simply some of the best to choose from overall and all make a great addition to any home gym. That said, not all of these bikes are meant for the same person. If you’re someone looking for a great bike overall, you’ll seriously want to check out the Sole LCR as it manages to excel in just about every category, especially comfort. The Comfort R is an ideal option for people that are absolute beginners, while the 910SR is best for people on a budget.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just getting started on your fitness journey, looking to put together a home gym, or simply want a way to get a cardio workout without leaving the house, a recumbent exercise bike has a lot to offer. It comes with a host of benefits ranging from improved endurance and conditioning to help rehab an injury, to simply exercising without stressing the joints. Because they are low-impact, recumbent bikes are ideal for older adults as well as those that are overweight and may suffer from knee, back, or hip pain.
Bottom line, a recumbent bike is something that every person should use regularly, even if they don’t plan to get it for their particular home gym. They offer a wide variety of different options and features based on what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to invest. Take some time and look over the different options above as well as consider what you want in a bike. Then, once you know exactly what you’re looking for, leap and get started on the path to excellent health.

Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic with over 25 years in the industry. He’s run half marathons, tackled mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, and coached everything from wrestling to girls’ soccer.
Along the way, he’s tested hundreds of supplements and built a deep well of supplement knowledge. His work has appeared in Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review, and more. Today, he’s the editor-in-chief of this site, still training hard and helping others reach their goals. Connect with him on LinkedIn below.