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If you are looking for a recumbent bike that offers the right combination of features and functionality, take some time to review the post, 5 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes – Buying Guide.
Riding a bike is a good low-impact exercise, as well as being easy on the joints. However, what happens if you can’t get outside, don’t have the balance, or the weather is either too cold or too hot; a recumbent exercise bike might be the answer you’re looking for.
I’ve compiled reviews of five recumbent bikes; JEEKEE, Sunny Health & Fitness, Niceday, Schwinn Fitness 230 and the 3G Cardio Elite. These recumbent bikes have different price points, so there should be one that fits your budget while still meeting all of your needs.
In the table below are the bikes by rating criteria and there is a more in-depth easy to read side-by-side comparison chart located at the bottom of this article.
Table: At A Glance
How Does A Recumbent Stationary Bike Differ from an Upright Stationary Bike?
Before we get started with the review of our 5 recumbent bikes, let’s take a look at the difference between a recumbent bike and an upright bike.
Upright exercise bikes are stationary bikes where you sit up straight and pedal. This is the traditional type of exercise bike and the most common. They are often less expensive than recumbent bikes, but they can also be less comfortable because you are more likely to experience pain in your back and neck from sitting up straight for an extended period of time.
A recumbent exercise bike is a type of stationary bike where your body is in a seat that puts you in a more reclined position. This allows you to pedal with your lower legs while supporting your back. Many people find recumbent exercise bikes more comfortable because the angle of the seat supports their back and prevents pressure on the sciatic nerve.
JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
Features
- LCD Monitor
- Calories Burned
- Distance
- Speed
- Time
- Odometer
- Built-in Phone/Table Holder
- Seat
- 9 Positions
- Adjustment
- 27″ – 39.5″ Inseam
- Size
- Large
- Cushion Size
- 12.5″W x 11.8″L x 1.6″H
- Magnetic Flywheel
- 8 Levels Of Magnetic Resistance
- Handles
- Erogonomic
- Pulse Sensing Grip
- Wheels
- 2 Front
- Weight Capacity
- 300 lbs
- User Height
- 4’9″ to 6’5″
- Manufacturer: JEEKEE
Pros
- Quiet
- Comfortable
- Wheels
Cons
- Assembly
- A lot of Parts
- Unclear Instructions
JeeKee’s Review
The JeeKee recumbent bike is budget-friendly as far as exercise equipment is concerned. Having said that, it doesn’t come with a lot of the bells and whistles that many of the more expensive recumbent bikes come with. However, it’s a sturdy, comfortable recumbent bike that has some great features. Nine seat adjustments, an easy-to-read monitor, and wheels are a few of them.
As with most bikes, the assembly can be difficult. If you don’t possess the gift of assembling and reading instructions, I would suggest either getting the expert assembly or having someone else put it together for you.
To read my complete review on the Jeekee bike see, Jeekee Recumbent Exercise Bike Review.
Sunny Health & Fitness
Features
- Monitor
- Scan
- Speed
- Time
- Distance
- Calories
- Odometer
- Pulse
- Seat
- Adjustment
- 26.5″ – 34″
- Oversized
- 15.5″ x 10.5″ x 2″
- Back Support
- Device Holder
- Magnetic Flywheel
- 8-Levels of Resistance
- Handles
- Movable
- Allowing For Working the Arms, Back, and Shoulders
- Pulse Sensors
- Wheels
- 2 Front
- Weight Capacity
- 350 lbs
- Warranty
- 3-year On The Structural Frame
- 180 Days On Other Parts and Components
- Manufacturer: Sunny Health & Fitness
Pros
- Movable Handles
- Full Body Workout
- Weight Capacity
Cons
- Difficult Assembly
- Pedal Issues
- Uncomfortable Seat
Sunny Health & Fitness’ Review
If you’re looking for a high-quality and comfortable indoor cycling recumbent bike to use at home, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent choice.
For indoor cycling, the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike has an added feature that many stationary bikes don’t: the movable handles. When used, this lends itself to more exertion and muscle strength in your arms, shoulders, and back. The two front wheels make moving to other parts of the room or home easier.
Thanks to its eight levels of magnetic resistance, this bike can be tailored to meet your individual fitness needs, and the oversized seat ensures that you’ll be comfortable during your workout.
Additionally, the bike’s pulse sensor allows you to track your heart rate and ensure that you’re always working out at the right intensity level.
The included device holder means that you can watch your favorite show or listen to music while you work out.
However, with all its pluses, there are a couple of cons. The seat is reported as being uncomfortable, but a seat cushion can be purchased to make the seat more comfortable. Also, the biggest drawback seems to be in the pedals. After some use, they may start to loosen and fall off.
So if you’re looking for an excellent recumbent exercise bike that gives you a total body workout, this exercise bike could be a good choice for you.
Niceday
Features
- Monitor
- Large LED Backlight
- Digital Display
- Time
- Speed
- Distance
- Calories
- Pulse
- Seat
- 8 Adjustments
- Suitable for Heights: 4’9″ to 6’3″
- High-Density Foam
- Extra-Large
- 16- Magnetic Resistance Levels
- Heart Rate Handle
- I-Pad Holder
- Water Bottle Holder
- Weight Capacity
- 400 lbs
- Lifetime Warranty Service
- Manufacturer: Niceday
Pros
- 16 Resistance Levels
- 400 lb Weight Capacity
Cons
- Assembly
Niceday Review
The Niceday Indoor Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality workout equipment for their home gym.
This bike has an LED backlight display that tracks your time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse and a magnetic resistance system that can easily adjust according to your needs.
The seat is adjustable to fit different users, and the bike is easy to store because of its size.
The product comes with a dust cover and a lifetime warranty service from Niceday.
The only downside is that the assembly process can be challenging for some users, but there are instructional videos available to help with that.
Overall, the Niceday Indoor Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent investment for anyone looking to stay fit and healthy.
Schwinn Fitness 230
Features
- Monitor
- 5.5″ LCD Display
- Calories
- Distance
- Heart Rate
- Calories
- Speed
- Time
- 13 workout programs
- Seat
- Size
- 17″ x 13″
- Adjustable
- Padded Contoured
- Large vented back
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Set, Track, and Monitor Progress With App-Based Tracking Tools
- Explore the World (Subscription Required)
- 40 Plus global routes
- Zwift App (Subscription Required)
- 1000 Plus Workouts and 80 Plus Virtual Routes
- Media Shelf
- Water Bottle Holder
- Weight Capacity
- 300 lbs
- Warranty
- Frame: 10-years / Parts: 2-years / Electronics: 1- year / Labor: 90-days
- Manufacturer: Schwinn Fitness
Pros
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Easy Assembly
- Warranty
Cons
- Monitor Not Back-lit
- No Speakers
- Uncomfortable Seat
Schwinn Fitness 230‘s Review
Schwinn is a well-known name when it comes not only to upright bikes but to recumbent bikes as well. This recumbent bike made by Schwinn is a product in the long line of exercise equipment they manufacture. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect to two apps, Explore the World, with 40 plus routes to enjoy, and the Zwift App, with over 1000 workouts and 80 virtual routes to take part in. Both of these apps do require a subscription to use.
A couple of features this bike doesn’t have are no speakers, and the monitor can be hard to read without being backlit. Also, there are reports of the seat being hard and uncomfortable, so you might want to look into a seat cushion to give you more padding.
This Schwinn comes with a great warranty – Frame: 10 years / Parts: 2 years / Electronics: 1 year / Labor: 90 days.
To read my complete review on the Schwinn Fitness 230 bike, see, Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike
3G Cardio Elite – Commercial Grade
Features
- Monitor
- Electronic Display
- Calories
- Distance
- Heart Rate
- RPM
- Time
- 12 preset workout programs
- Seat
- Adjustable
- AirFlow Mesh Back
- Cushioned Seat
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Media Shelf
- Water Bottle Holder
- Weight Capacity
- 350 lbs
- Warranty
- Frame: Lifetime Warranty/ Parts: 7-years/ In Home Labor: 1-year
- Manufacturer: 3G Cardio
Pros
- Commerical Grade
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Guarantee/Warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Price Point
Review
When considering the 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike, you’ll note it’s built to be a sturdy addition to your home gym. Users praise its high-quality construction and the ease with which they were able to assemble it. You can appreciate the comfort provided by an ultra-comfortable seat and the customizability with its back recline feature.
The quiet operation and magnetic resistance system are a plus, offering a smooth experience that’s suitable for users up to 350 pounds. Having buttons to adjust resistance right on the hand grips makes transitions seamless during workouts. On the downside, while many users find the bike to be excellent for their needs, some may find the premium quality comes with a higher price tag.
With a strong average rating reflecting the satisfaction of many users, this bike seems to be a reliable investment in your health and fitness routine, especially if you value comfort and ease-of-use.
Comparison Table
Features | JEEKEE | Sunny Health and Fitness | Niceday | Schwinn | 3G Cardio Elite |
Flywheel Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
Monitor | LCD Easy to Read | Digital | LED Backlight | LCD | Electronic |
Seat Dimensions | 12.5″ x 11.8″L x 1.6″ | 15.5″ x 10.5″ x 2″ | Not Stated | 17″ x 13″ | Not Stated |
Seat Adjustment Inseam | 27″ – 39.5″ | 26.5″ – 34″ | 27″ – 39″ | ___ | Fits most riders 5’ to 6’5” |
Handlebars | Static | Moveable | Static | Static | Static |
Resistance | 8-Levels | 8-Levels | 16-Levels | 16-Levels | 16-Levels |
Bluetooth Connectivity | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Programs | No | No | No | 13 | 15 |
Water Bottle Holder | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Wheels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 350 lbs | 400 lbs | 300 lbs | 350 lbs |
Product Dimensions | 19.3″W x 53.5″L x 39″H | 60″ x 25.5″ x 52″ | 50″ x 23″ x 45″ inches” | 65″ x 27″ x 44.5″ | 49″ L x 27″ W x 43″ H |
Warranty | Not Stated | 3-year On The Structural Frame 180 Days On Other Parts & Components | Lifetime Service Warranty | Frame: 10-years / Parts: 2-years / Electronics: 1- year / Labor: 90-days | Frame: Lifetime warranty/ Parts: 7-years/ Labor: 1 year in-home |
Price | Click for Price | Click for Price | Click For Price | Click For Price | Click For Price |
Additional Reading
Closing Words
Thank you for stopping by and taking a look at the 5 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes – Buying Guide. With all the recumbent bikes on the market, it may be difficult to find the best one for your needs. But I hope you were able to narrow down your choice and were able to find the best recumbent bike to fit your needs.
For other fitness equipment ideas take a look at a previous article I wrote, Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors – Are You Pumped? How To Exercise With Lower Back Pain has information about other exercises you can do and those you should avoid when experiencing lower back pain.
For other cardio ideas see: Types of Cardio For Seniors – Getting Fit In The Golden Years
With all products, features can change, so before purchasing, be sure the features that attracted you to the product are still the same.
If you have experience purchasing or shopping for a recumbent bike or have any thoughts about which ones are worth looking into more closely, please share them in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.