Are you looking for a great recumbent exercise bike but don’t want to spend a lot of money? You’re in luck! There are some great recumbent exercise bikes available for under $500. In this blog post, we will talk about what recumbent exercise bikes are, who should use them, and the benefits of using one. We will also recommend some of the best budget-friendly recumbent exercise bikes on the market. So whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on for the best recumbent exercise bike recommendations under $500!
Your Recumbent Exercise Bike Questions Answered
What Is A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
A recumbent exercise bike is a type of stationary bike that you ride in a seated position. This makes it a great option for people who have back or joint pain, as it is a low-impact workout. Recumbent exercise bikes also have pedals that are closer to the ground than regular exercise bikes, which makes them easier to get on and off of.
Who Should Use A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
Recumbent exercise bikes are a great workout option for people of all fitness levels. They are low-impact, so they are easy on your joints. They are also adjustable, so you can make the workout as easy or difficult as you want.
While recumbent bikes are great if you’re looking for a low-impact exercise option, they won’t provide a workout for your upper body. This is something to keep in mind when building your workout routine.
Whether you are just starting your fitness journey, you’re a seasoned athlete, or you’re an older adult, recumbent exercise bikes can give you a great lower body workout and help you achieve your fitness goals.
What Are The Benefits Of A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
There are many benefits to using a recumbent stationary bike. They are low-impact, so they less strain on your joints. They are also adjustable, so you can make the workout as easy or difficult as you want. Recumbent exercise bikes are a great way to get a cardio workout without putting a lot of stress on your body. If you’re looking to lose weight, working out on a recumbent exercise bike can be a great start.
Recumbent exercise bikes are also comfortable. Comfort may not be what you expect from your exercise routine, but it’s time to up your expectations! With a recumbent exercise bike, you get all the benefits of a light-to-moderate workout without the added stress on your joints. Although you’d need more time to achieve the same results you would with an upright bike, this added comfort makes it more likely that you’ll exercise regularly.
How Can A Recumbent Exercise Bike Help You Save Money?
If you’re like most people, the monthly gym membership fee is one of the biggest deterrents to working out regularly. A recumbent exercise bike is a great way to get a gym-quality workout without the monthly fee. In addition, recumbent exercise bikes are low-impact and easy on your joints, so you can avoid costly doctor’s visits or trips to the physical therapists office.
While buying a recumbent exercise bike does require an initial outlay of cash, it is a long-term investment in your health and will save you money over time.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for best budget recumbent exercise bike, as well as a buying guide to get you more acquainted with the basic features of the top budget recumbent bikes on the market.
The Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Under $500
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Exerpeutic 900XL
The Exerpeutic 900XL offers a great exercising experience at a low price point. Its main selling point is that it’s well-adjusted for most people, regardless of their weight and height.
It carries up to 300 pounds, has a wide seat, and can be adjusted for a variety of heights, including people below 5’3” and above 6’6″. This bike is lightweight, but with a low centre of gravity to keep it stable. Most importantly, it has a small footprint at only 54 by 22 inches.
Although the chair is suitable for many heights, some of the reviews mention that it is difficult to adjust. This is something to consider if several people with a stark height difference are going to use the same bike.
This bike has a straightforward design, so it doesn’t offer any extra amenities (such as a media stand or a water bottle holder). The screen is also not backlit, so it’d be difficult to read in the dark. This bare-bones style helps keep the costs down and avoid distractions, but it may not be to a lot of people’s taste.
Pros
- Great price
- Carries up to 300 pounds
- Comfortable, large seat
- Suitable for a variety of heights
- Compact size (54″L x 22″W x 34″H)
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- One year warranty
Cons
- The screen may be difficult to read if the room is not well-lit
- The chair has several knobs and is notoriously difficult to adjust
- Very bare-bones, doesn’t have any luxury amenities such as a device holder
Schwinn 230
The Schwinn 230 is a reasonably-priced model with some advanced features. It’s a great choice if your main goal is to lose weight. At 300 pounds, it has a higher maximum recommended weight than many other bikes. It can also accommodate heights up to 6’2”.
This bike has 16 different levels of resistance, so it’s easy to find a difficulty level that fits you. It takes comfort seriously, as it has a wide, perforated plastic seat that you’re sure to love whether big or small. The handlebars and pedals are also noticeably comfortable.
The Schwinn is rather easy to assemble and wouldn’t take more than an hour, but some of the parts are heavy and may require two people to carry. Once assembled, it measures about 64″L x 27″W x 44.5″H. The footprint is a bit longer than some of the other options available, but it’s worth it for the added stability and comfort.
Pros
- 20 levels of resistance
- Comfortable adjustable seat, handlebars, and pedals
- Maximum recommended weight is 300lbs
- One hour assembly
- Can accommodate heights up to 6’2”
- 10 years warranty on the frame, limited warranty on other parts
Cons
- This bike is reasonably-priced for a Schwinn, but it is at the top of the $500 price range
- Heavy parts, may require two people to assemble
- The built-in speaker is low quality
- Difficult to read the digital screen in low light
Marcy ME-709
A popular choice that delivers a lot of features for a small price tag. It has only 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, but with a noticeable difference in exercise difficulty. The compact size (58″L x 25″W x 38″H) should fit almost anywhere. It’s small and light, yet durable and sturdy. It has a cushioned seat, which helps in case of back problems.
Unlike the previous options on this list, the screen on the Marcy recumbent exercise bike is easy to read and has large numbers. Unfortunately, these numbers don’t include a pulse measure. It also doesn’t have any pre-programmed workouts.
The frame on this bike can be adjusted, but not the seat. So if you’re shorter or taller than the recommended height, this one won’t be suitable. However, this is still a great option if you’re looking for a cheap recumbent bike.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Comfortable, padded seat
- Easy to read screen, with large numbers
- 300lb weight capacity
- Compact size
- Sturdy for the size and weight
- Two years warranty for the frame
Cons
- Only 8 levels for resistance
- No pulse sensors
- No pre-programmed workouts
- You can adjust the frame, but not the seat
- May rock from side to side if the floor is not totally even
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616 is one of the best budget recumbent exercise bikes currently on the market. It’s perfect for people who are looking to get started with recumbent exercise bikes, due to it’s low price. It’s also great for people who want all the benefits of a recumbent exercise bike without any of the bells and whistles.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616 has a comfortable, padded seat and eight levels of resistance. The digital monitor displays your speed, distance, time, and calories burned. It’s a good option for people who are looking to lose weight, as it has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The bike is also relatively easy to assemble. It’s a great choice for people who want a recumbent exercise bike that is budget-friendly and easy to use.
Pros
- Comfortable, padded seat
- Eight levels of resistance
- Displays your speed, distance, time, and calories burned
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- No bells and whistles
- Digital screen can be difficult to read in low light
- May rock from side to side if the floor is not level
Before You Buy
All bikes may seem well and good until you fully understand what their specs mean, which is why this guide should help you come to a better decision. Before you buy, it’s best to consider the following:
Budget
Recumbent exercise bikes are a long-term investment. They can range from $100 or even less, to over $5000! You can generally get an excellent bike in the three figure range.
Bikes that are more expensive than that tend to be professional quality (the kind of bikes you’d see at the gym), or they tend to be packed with features that you’ll never use.
Bikes that are cheaper may be subject to wear and won’t last very long.
Available Space
Most recumbent exercise bikes take up a lot of space, so it’s important to make sure you have a place for them. They also have to be stored indoors, and away from any drastic temperature variations.
Recumbent bikes are usually shipped in pieces and need to be assembled, so you don’t need to worry if they don’t fit through the door. However, you will need to factor in the time and tools needed to assemble the bike when you’re considering which one to buy.
If you don’t have a lot of space, some models can be folded, and some are just smaller in general. You’ll find this to be one of the main selling points of these bikes, so it’s easy enough to prioritize space-saving. However, foldable bikes are not very durable, so a smaller footprint bike is a more valuable choice.
Comfort
Comfort is what sets recumbent exercise bikes apart from other stationary bikes. The seat is not very far off the ground to facilitate easy mounting and dismounting. It can be made from plastic or a variety of cushioned materials.
Plastic chairs may look uncomfortable, but in fact, their ergonomic design matches the spine’s curves and is comfortable. It also prevents overheating in lengthier workouts compared to cushioned seats.A cushioned seat may be more appropriate in case of a back injury.
Recumbent handlebars also add to the comfort of the bikes, they may even include a pulse sensor to measure your heart rate.
Some extra features include cooling fans, bottle holders, embedded sound systems, and laptop or tablet holder.
If comfort isn’t a priority (conversely, if it’s a hinderance) to your exercise routine, it may be a good idea to choose a different class of stationary bikes altogether.
Body Types
If you’re between 5’2” and 6′ tall, you’ll find that most bikes fit you comfortably, but if you’re any taller or shorter than that, it could be hard to find something that feels good. Most recumbent bikes offer adjustable seats, but it may still not be very comfortable.
Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t commonly include the appropriate height for their product, so the best thing you can do is try it out before buying.
If you’re on the heavier side, it’s important to check how much weight the bike can carry, and whether it has a wide, comfortable seat or not. Some bikes can technically carry a lot of weight but the seat is very thin, which could make it rather uncomfortable for some users.
Resistance / Tension
Resistance simulates the feeling of different terrain for the bike. There are two types of available resistance mechanisms in recumbent bikes: magnetic and eddy brake
Magnetic resistance doesn’t require an external power source. It consists of a flywheel surrounded by two magnets. When the flywheel rotates, the magnets move closer and further away creating tension. To adjust the tension, simply rotate the knob connected to your break pad.
Eddy brakes are electromagnetic, and thus require an external power source. The brake pad is typically fixed, because the resistance is caused by changing the magnet’s pull. It can be controlled electronically through a computer screen.
Flywheel
The flywheel is the circular object that you see in the front of recumbent exercise bikes. It’s what provides resistance and makes it possible to pedal. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride, but they also tend to be more expensive.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a bike with a weighted flywheel that’s at least 20 pounds. If you can afford it, go for one that’s closer to 30 or 40 pounds. Anything less than that and you might as well be riding a regular bike.
Frame
The frame is the bike’s skeleton. It needs to be strong enough to support the user, as well as any additional features like a tablet holder or fan.
The frame is usually made from aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum is lightweight and strong, but it’s also prone to corrosion. Steel is very strong and durable, but it’s also very heavy. Carbon fiber is lightweight and strong, but it’s also the most expensive material. When choosing the best recumbent bike you’ll need to consider the frame material along with the other factors listed below.
Maintenance
Recumbent bikes require very little maintenance, as most of the internal equipment is combined in a single, closed unit. The most you can do is make sure that it’s stored in a dry place, and to pat it dry after each workout session.
Cleaning recumbent exercise bike is simple, use a wet cloth and some bike-specific cleaner for the best results. You should avoid using any harsh chemicals or solvents as this may damage the bike.
Bonus Features
As recumbent bikes have become more popular, manufacturers have started to include a variety of bonus features to their products.
Some of the most common bonus features include:
- Cooling fans
- Bottle holders
- Embedded sound systems
- Laptop or tablet holder
While these features are nice to have, they shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when choosing a recumbent bike. The most important thing is that the bike is comfortable and fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
The best recumbent bike is the one that will encourage you to exercise regularly. Whether it does that with comfort, resistance levels, or extra amenities is up to you.
If you don’t care for extra amenities, are taller than 6’6” or shorter than 5’3”, or have very little space for the bike, the Exerpeutic 900XL is a great choice.
If you’re on the taller, heavier side and you want a comfortable experience to help you lose weight, the Schwinn 230 is built just for you. Schwinn is also one of the more expensive bikes, so keep this in mind.
If you’re within the recommended height and weight, or have a history of back problems, the Marcy ME-709 is an all-purpose bike that should fit most of your needs.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616 is one of the most affordable recumbent bikes and is easy to use. It’s also the cheapest bike on our list.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best recumbent exercise bike for your needs and budget! Remember to consult a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Happy peddling!