RECUMBENT, or Reclining seat position, bikes are a more comfortable alternative to upright bikes. Whether you are uncomfortable with the upright bike option or need more stability, a recumbent bike provides more support for both your upper body and lower back. Most offer a step-by-step design, with wider, padded seat options—and some even come with lumbar support. These exercise bikes are a good choice for older men or anyone with limited mobility. However, they can still provide a great workout.
“The recumbent bike provides a great low-impact workout that can help with injury rehabilitation and can even help improve your range of motion,” says Matthew Forzalia, NFPT-CPT personal trainer in New York. “Positioning the seat reclined and behind the pedals reduces tension in the core, reduces tension in the back, and it also reduces tension in the joints of your ankles, knees, and hips, allowing you to target your large leg muscles. In addition, these bikes can help beginner fitness enthusiasts in Gain confidence working on a safe and secure exercise machine.”
With so many options 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 class, fitness level, and price point.
Home Gym Awards | The best home gym equipment | Best folding exercise bikes | Best Cardio Machines | best treadmills | Better oval
Best for the oversized seat
proform
Pro C10R
Dimensions |
25.4 x 56.8 x 49.8 in |
weight capacity |
300 lbs |
resistance |
25 magnetic levels |
Monitor |
10 inch touch screen |
workout program |
iFit, includes a 30-day free trial |
Best for easy portability
Schwinn Fitness
290 recumbent bike
Dimensions |
66.5 x 26.3 x 46.8 in |
weight capacity |
330 lbs |
resistance |
magnetic |
Monitor |
no one |
workout program |
1 year JRNY Membership |
Best for advanced riders
Nordic Track
R35 commercial
Dimensions |
68.22 x 23.69 x 53.42 in |
weight capacity |
350 lbs |
resistance |
26 digital levels |
Monitor |
14 inch touch screen |
workout program |
iFit, 1-month trial |
Most budget friendly
Sunny Health and Fitness
An essential recumbent exercise bike
Dimensions |
56.3 x 26.3 x 42.9 in |
weight capacity |
300 lbs |
resistance |
8, magnetic |
Monitor |
no one |
workout program |
no one |
Easier to assemble
Nautilus
R618 Recumbent Bike
Dimensions |
66.25 x 12.7 x 27.25 in |
weight capacity |
325 lbs |
resistance |
25, belt |
Monitor |
Dual backlit LCD screens |
workout program |
29 presets |
Best for small spaces
Marcy
ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance
Dimensions |
25 x 58 x 38 in |
weight capacity |
300 lbs |
resistance |
8, magnetic |
Monitor |
LCD |
workout program |
no one |
The best luxury recumbent bike
technogym
Personal recline
Dimensions |
55 x 25 x 54 in |
weight capacity |
300 lbs |
resistance |
25, Magneto |
Monitor |
15.6 inch touch screen |
workout program |
20 routines and 6 presets |
Over the past year, we’ve consulted with the fitness editors at Men’s Health, as well as master fitness trainers from both the MH Advisory Board and MH’s Strength in Diversity initiative. They put months of hands-on training with recumbent exercise bikes from top fitness brands. They evaluated the products on durability, quality and training efficiency.
Amy Schlinger
Freelance writer
Amy Schlinger is a seasoned health and fitness writer and editor based in New York City.