If you’re looking to improve your general fitness and cardiovascular endurance but struggle with pain due to the positioning a traditional exercise bike requires, a recumbent bike could be your best friend.
These bikes use a reclined position to reduce stress on your knees and ankles, as well as taking pressure off your lower back and hips.
They can be a great option for anyone with joint issues or back problems, which can make them particularly useful for older adults.
The low-impact form of cardio they offer is also useful for people in the rehabilitation stages of an injury, providing controlled and supportive exercise.
That’s not to say they’re easy: many feature sturdy flywheels and enough resistance to give you a solid workout.
The best recumbent bikes 2024
JLL RE100
The JLL RE100 is a recumbent bike that uses magnetic resistance and a 5kg flywheel to provide eight levels of intensity. It’s designed for home use, with end caps that double as wheels for transportation.
Its six-function monitor provides essential data such as time, speed, distance, calories, odometer and pulse to keep you informed throughout your exercise session.
There are built-in heart rate sensors in the handlebars for further tracking.
The bike aims for comfort with an adjustable seat, which the brand says can move between seven different levels of horizontal angles.
Dimensions : 82 x 29 x 140 cm (height x width x length)
Resistance: 8 levels, magnetic
Flywheel weight: 5kg
Additional features: 6 function monitor, built-in heart rate sensors
Pro-Form Pro C10R
The Pro-Form Pro C10R is said to offer an immersive workout at a mid-range price, thanks to its 10in touchscreen display, iFit compatibility and Bluetooth speakers.
It features 25 on-board workouts, digital feedback for tracking progress and digital controls for adjusting intensity, which are said to be easy to use in intense sessions.
The bike's digital magnetic resistance claims to provide quiet operation, while its design includes added cushioning, a lumbar support and an adjustable seat.
Dimensions: 124 x 64 x 134cm
Resistance: 25 levels, magnetic
Flywheel weight: None
Additional features: Bluetooth speakers, LED display, iFit enabled
Nordic Track Commercial R35
- Buy now from Nordic Track (£1,499)
The NordicTrack Commercial R35 recumbent bike aims to bring gym-quality training to the comfort of your home.
It features magnetic resistance, which aims to keep noise to a minimum, as well as 26 levels of customisable intensity.
For comfort, there’s a cushioned seat, wide foot pedals and an auto-breeze workout fan to cool you down when things heat up.
The interactive 14in touchscreen display provides workout analysis, while the iFit compatibility allows for virtual reality training experiences, including real cycle routes to race against friends and track your progress.
Dimensions: 142 x 62 x 170cm
Resistance: 26 levels, magnetic
Flywheel weight: 11kg
Additional features: 14in touchscreen monitor, heart rate monitor and chest strap
Domyos Semi-Recumbent Bike
Decathlon’s Domyos Semi-Recumbent Bike uses a 6kg flywheel and a seat made from breathable fabric, which is said to provide comfort during workouts.
The console offers six functions and seven built-in programs for coaching, which can be connected to partner applications like KINOMAP. There are 15 resistance levels to progress through in your workouts.
The seat is adjustable and the bike is equipped with front wheels for portability. Assembly and dismantling are estimated by Decathlon to be under 50 minutes.
Dimensions: 162 x 67.5 x 99 cm
Resistance: 15 levels, motorised
Flywheel weight: 6kg
Additional features: Econnected/Kinomap compatible, 6 program and 7 function console
Sole Fitness LCR Light Commercial
The LCR by Sole is a flagship recumbent exercise bike designed for home and light commercial use.
Its 14kg (31lbs) flywheel claims to offer a fluid motion, while the electromagnetic resistance system with 40 levels allows for customisable workouts.
The console features a 10.1in TFT display and provides feedback on various metrics. The bike is also compatible with popular apps like Kinomap and Zwift for interactive training.
Additional features include an adjustable seat with lumbar support, multi-grip handlebars and entertainment options such as Bluetooth speakers and a tablet holder.
There are other details, too, such as a cooling fan, water bottle holders and USB charging port.
Dimensions: 151.5cm x 74.5cm x 142 cm
Resistance: 40 levels, magnetic
Flywheel weight: 14kg
Additional features: Built-in heart sensor and strap, music port, tablet holder, multiple app compatibility
Lifespan Fitness Light Commercial R5I
The LifeSpan Recumbent Bike R5i relies on your pedalling movement for power, so there’s no need to worry about wires or sockets.
It features a large and adjustable saddle, backrest and footrests that aim to provide comfort and support.
The bike comes with an LCD monitor that has a tablet and smartphone holder, as well as armrests with integrated heart rate sensors.
It offers 34 training programs, including heart-rate-controlled and weight-loss programs, along with the ability to design custom workouts.
The multi-colour LCD display provides feedback and the bike has 16 resistance levels to increase workout intensity. It features transport wheels for easy mobility.
Dimensions: 178 x 71 x 104 cm
Resistance: 16 levels, self-powered magnetic
Flywheel weight: 8kg
Additional features: Phone connectivity, integrated heart sensors
Spirit XBR55
Spirit's XBR55 recumbent exercise bike features an 11kg flywheel, which the brand says ensures a smooth, sturdy cycling motion.
There's the option to fine-tune your training with 20 levels of digital magnetic resistance and 10 onboard workouts, which can be monitored with two heart rate control programs.
The LCD display provides real-time training data and the Spirit app allows you to save and sync your workout data with popular fitness apps.
Dimensions: 128 x 75 x 144 cm
Resistance: 20 levels, magnetic
Flywheel weight: 11kg flywheel
Additional features: Built in Bluetooth, pulse grip sensors and chest strap
Why use a recumbent bike?
Ever since the dawn of cycling, the idea of lying down while cycling has been present.
While bikes hunch your body over forward, recumbent bikes aim to provide a more comfortable option. They offer a supportive seating position, making them ideal for individuals with back or joint issues.
They provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout that helps improve cardiovascular health, burn calories and strengthen leg muscles.
What to look for when buying a recumbent bike?
Flywheel weight
The flywheel is a weighted disc that provides resistance and momentum to simulate the feel of outdoor cycling. It affects the smoothness and fluidity of your pedalling motion.
Generally, a heavier flywheel provides a smoother and more realistic riding experience, while a lighter one can be easier on the joints.
Recumbent bikes usually have flywheels weighing between 4.5 to 15kg. In that range, it comes down to your personal preferences and requirements.
Resistance
Recumbent bikes typically offer various resistance levels to adjust the intensity of your workout. Look for a bike that provides a wide range of resistance options, allowing you to gradually increase the difficulty as you progress in fitness level.
Size and space requirements
Take into account the dimensions of the recumbent bike, especially if you have limited space in your home. Some models are more compact and foldable, making them easier to store when not in use.
Special features
Consider any additional features that may be important to you. This could include features like a built-in heart rate monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, compatibility with fitness apps, or a media shelf to hold your tablet or smartphone.
Top image credit: Unsplash/Intenza Fitness