Although you’re able to sit back and relax the whole time, the low-impact movement can still improve strength, circulation, mobility, and balance. There are many different recumbent bikes on the market, so the first step is figuring out which model is best for you. WH fitness editors say the most important factors to consider are resistance, adjustability, maximum weight, and size.
What To Consider
Resistance levels
Magnetic resistance creates tension using (you guessed it!) magnets without touching the flywheel, while contact resistance uses a strap that touches the flywheel, says personal trainer Kate Ligler, NASM, and endurance coach both are relatively quiet, but contact resistance is tougher to pedal on because there is more friction from the strap, and the spring tension needs constant adjusting, says Ligler. And, price isn’t much of a factor when comparing the two. Our best budget pick is proof—it uses magnetic resistance and costs just over $100.
Adjustability
As long as the seat can be adjusted horizontally, most heights should be comfortable. This promotes a comfortable workout and keeps your legs from getting squished or struggling to reach the pedals.
Size
Recumbent bikes are great machines for low-impact cardio, but they also take up a ton of space *sigh*. Beyond looking at the bike’s dimensions online, consider additional size factors like the square footage of your home (apartment dwellers!) and portability. Some models have a foldable, compact design, like our best budget pick, while others require more space. Either way, you want to have a few extra feet around the bike in all directions to ensure you can train comfortably.
How We Chose
Women’s Health editors consulted a physical therapist who specializes in post-operative care and a personal trainer who creates fitness plans for cyclists. With their input, we determined what factors make the best recumbent bikes stand out from other options on the market. Each option on this list was ranked based on key features like resistance, adjustability, size, and maximum weight and was personally recommended by the experts themselves.
Ready to get pedaling? Here are the best recumbent bikes to slay your next cycling workout.
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1
Best Overall Recumbent Exercise Bike
Horizon Fitness 5.0R Recumbent Bike
Out of all the exercise bikes we evaluated and were recommended, the Horizon Fitness 5.0R takes the cake with its wide plush seat and 100 resistance levels to choose from (the most we’ve seen on a recumbent exercise bike!).
Choosing which resistance level to use entirely depends on your fitness level. Generally, aiming for lower resistance is best for longer endurance cardio, while higher resistance is best for strength and muscle training during shorter ride sessions, says physical therapist Kaitlyn Cotton, PT, DPT, at Physical Therapy Central. The vast tension range accommodates all users, whether you’re a senior seeking slow movement or an endurance athlete looking to cross-train during injury recovery. Sifting through all those resistance levels sounds tedious, but the user interface features seven preset level buttons so you can easily switch between high and low-intensity pedaling. This also makes for great HIIIT training.
Mann also loves the $550 price given its features, including the magnetic resistance that’s super quiet and a portable, lightweight design that’s easy to store in an apartment. Despite its compact build, it has an extra wide seat that accommodates users of all sizes. The padded backrest covers the entire surface area of your back (duh) for ample support, which makes this bike ideal for those who struggle with back pain. However, the cushion is not breathable, so this may not be the best option if you’re a heavy sweater.
This is not a smart bike like the NordicTrack Commercial R35, but for nearly half the price, you can DIY a guided video workout by placing your tablet on the media stand and choosing your own exercise programs to follow. Or, even better, it can connect to the Peloton app via Bluetooth for guided workouts.
Read more: Best Exercise Bikes
| Resistance levels | 100 |
|---|---|
| Adjustability | Yes |
| Size | 46 x 22.4 x 53 in. |
2
Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike
Wonder Maxi Folding Recumbent Bike
The Wonder Maxi Exercise Bike for under $125 is an amazing option for those not interested in spending hundreds on workout equipment. But, there’s a catch—only eight resistance levels are available—so this is best for beginners who don’t need a lot of tension.
Despite the few resistance levels, the additional arm resistance bands add more bang for your buck (and make it a two-in-one workout!). I recommend doing banded bicep curls and seated chest presses while pedaling for added strength training. Plus, this bike can adjust into an upright or semi-stationary position to switch things up—the only bike on this list with such a feature. If you’re recovering from an injury and eventually want to switch back to an upright bike, this model is perfect for you.
Besides being ideal for cycling newbies, this is the most compact recumbent bike we’ve seen. Most recumbent bikes are on the bulky side, but this one is foldable and weighs only 44 pounds, which is perfect for apartments or people who cannot lift heavy. I grew up using a similar design at my parent’s house, and despite the barebones design, it still made me work up a sweat!
However, the backrest is much narrower compared to other options on this list. So if you’re seeking a recumbent bike with tons of back support, this may not be the best option for you.
| Resistance levels | 8 |
|---|---|
| Adjustability | Yes |
| Size | 37.5 x 16.9 x 44.5 in. |
3
Best Smart Recumbent Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Bike
It comes at a cost, but NordicTrack is known for its commercial-grade, high-end recumbent bikes. Take this one, which is the only bike on this list with a large touchscreen that displays vivid, realistic riding simulations in gorgeous locations (like Hawaii!) and trainer-led workouts. As if this bike wasn’t high-tech enough, the seat automatically adjusts depending on which workout you’re streaming—the first time we’ve seen such a feature. Is it a necessity? No, but it’s a luxury that matches the steep price tag.
It may only have 26 resistance levels, but the trade-off is a library of streamable cycling workouts. But, keep in mind that this bike requires an iFit membership that costs $39 per month to reap the integrated coaching benefits. It’s not cheap, but if you’re someone who enjoys in-person cycling studio sessions, these virtual classes save money in the long run.
Although it’s the most pricey option on this list, Mann swears by the comfortable, oversized seat and wide foot pedals, which keep feet secure without cutting off circulation. Like our best overall pick, the seat is large. However, the backrest is not padded, but it has holes for air circulation. This is a better option for heavy sweaters, while the Horizon Fitness 5.0R is a better choice if you need great back support. However, this bike is quite large, so this isn’t ideal for apartments or people who have a hard time lifting heavy objects.
| Resistance levels | 26 |
|---|---|
| Adjustability | Yes |
| Size | 68.22 x 23.69 x 53.42 in. |
Additional reporting by Andi Breitowich.
Meet The Experts
- Robbie Mann is a PT, DPT, and the Mideast regional director of Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers.
- Kate Ligler is a certified personal trainer, NASM, and endurance coach.
Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear while training for races. Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.
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