Home gyms are becoming an increasingly popular option for people who have a fast-paced lifestyle, yet want to stay in shape. And while we all dream of having a huge basement gym kitted out with all the best exercise equipment, such as spin bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, and low-impact workout gear, the reality is that most of us don’t have the space. Therefore, a recumbent bike is the ideal cardio solution for those who have limited space and it also offers those with back problems the opportunity to take part in an intense fat-burning workout, without putting any strain on your lower back.

Is a Recumbent Bike Better for Weight Loss?

One of the main reasons why fitness fanatics choose to install a recumbent exercise bike in their home gym instead of a traditional upright stationary bike is that it is far more comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. When we think of traditional bicycle workouts that burn fat our minds instantly turn to spin or uphill outdoor cycling—neither of which are particularly comfortable to partake in unless you are a serious gym bunny. A recumbent bike is an upright bike that can offer you all of the same benefits as a stationary bike with regards to weight loss and burning unwanted body fat in a much gentler way. Due to the fact that you are sat on a chair with a backrest, there won’t be any major strain on your back, yet you can still take advantage of raising your heart rate enough to start burning fat while ensuring that your legs, thighs, and butt get an excellent toning workout. And because you will essentially be partaking in a hands-free workout (unlike an upright exercise bike) you will likely end up using the machine for a longer period of time per session, as you can read a book, send emails, or even watch TV while working out.

As with all exercise equipment, not every upright bike is created equal. In order to experience the maximum efficacy that a recumbent bike can provide you with, it’s important to be aware of what to look out for when deciding to invest in a shiny new exercise bike so you can spend your hard-earned cash wisely. And, because we understand that daily life can be busy, we have done the research for you.

Here Are the Top 10 Recumbent Exercise Bikes for a Home Gym In 2019

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike                

First up on the recumbent bike reviews is the Schwinn 270. It is one of the best recumbent bikes in existence, regardless of whether you are a novice or pro-athlete. Its sleek design and onboard state-of-the-art computer technology make it the perfect addition to any home gym. Best of all, it is really easy to set up and assemble.

Key Features:

• 12 different programs including fun rides, mountain climbs and challenges.
• Inbuilt fitness test programs to record your improvement
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity options
• Cooling fan
• Heart rate grip monitoring
• Inbuilt speakers to connect to your iPod or other device
• 25 levels of resistance for different workout intensities
• 29 different workout programs
• Ability to download workout data
• Excellent quality and sturdy design

Another attractive feature that we especially like about this bike, is the fact that the manufacturers include a step-by-step illustrated assembly guide to keep you from being overwhelmed. Furthermore, on purchasing this item, you will be entitled to the following warranties:

• Frame: 10 years
• Mechanical Defects: 2 years
• Electrical: 1 year

So, in the event you would find a fault with your equipment, you would easily be able to get it replaced or fixed free of charge within this time frame.

Our Verdict:

Schwinn bikes are world leaders in design and they are one of the most well-established manufacturers of bicycles in the world. We couldn’t really find any flaws to comment on, as the quality of this model is second to none, with every possible detail accounted for. The only possible downside is that while an inbuilt heart rate monitor is included via the hand grips, the chest strap is not. Thankfully, they aren’t expensive to purchase separately and you can easily link them up to the bike with minimum hassle. We haven’t seen another exercise bike that offers as many features like this one for the price.

Diamondback 510SR

This high-tech recumbent bike is an Avant-garde piece of equipment that will never disappoint. It has been incredibly well designed with ergonomic pedals for comfort, as well as an adjustable seat. This machine is ideal for anyone who wants to add a bit of a variety to their daily workouts, as it offers 20 different workouts with a wide range of resistance levels.

Key Features:

• 16 resistance levels
• LCD display showing workout data
• Inbuilt heart rate monitor
• Cooling fan
• Transport wheels for easy mobility
• Water bottle holder for your convenience
• Aux input for music source
• Interval workouts for maximum fat burn
• Free shipping (when purchasing on Amazon)
• Two user profiles
• 20 workout programs

The warranty provided with this stunning machine is a limited lifetime guarantee—this means that any mechanical or electrical defects are covered for five years from the date of purchase. The assembly process is simple but time-consuming, so you will need to set aside a few hours of your time to get it up and running.

Our Verdict

This piece of equipment packs a serious punch for its price. Just the fact that it has a huge amount of workout programs available is pretty incredible. However, additional details like mobile device connectivity and enhanced user comfort make it an ideal choice for those of you who are looking for a robust piece of fitness kit to add to a home gym.

Nautilus R616

Hands down, the Nautilus R616 is going to be one of those purchases where you say to yourself “why didn’t I get this sooner?” This model, in particular, is fast becoming a staple choice for almost everyone who has a home gym, due to the fact that it provides users with both comfort and versatility. There are few recumbent bikes on the market that are as well-designed, robust, and packed full of features for the same price. As a company, those at Nautilus have earned themselves an excellent reputation with regards to quality and design and this bike is a stunning example of that.

Key Features:

• 25 resistance levels
• 29 separate workout programs
• High-speed drive system for a smoother workout
• Heart rate monitoring with chest strap included
• In-console speakers
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Water bottle holder and magazine rack
• 4 user profiles to store workout data
• 9 heart rate programs
• 12 profile programs
• Free shipping when purchasing on Amazon

Warranty :

Nautilus offers brilliant warranties on all of their products and this one is no different.

• 10-year guarantee on the frame
• 2-year warranty on parts
• 1-year electronic warranty

Furthermore, the company is based in the United States, so you won’t have to wait a long time to receive your replacement parts.

Our Verdict:

This recumbent bike has been designed to cater to the needs of people with a varying range of ability and fitness levels. Fitness buffs and beginners alike will love the fact that there is a huge range of pre-programmed workouts to choose from, as well as connectivity to apps like Myfitnesspal to ensure you stay connected with the outside world. The fact that the chest strap is included is also a nice touch that we didn’t encounter with other models of recumbent bike

Sole LCR Exercise Bike

The Sole LCR is an excellent quality recumbent bike that would be the perfect addition to any home gym. It has been designed to offer users challenging workouts while operating silently, so as not to disturb. There are 40 resistance levels to choose from meaning that it is suitable for people of all abilities and fitness levels and its ergonomic design ensures comfort during use, which is why it is the perfect tool for physiotherapy. The sturdy steel frame comes with a lifetime warranty and has a 350-pound weight capacity.

Key Features:

• Virtually silent when in use
• Magnetic resistance system for a smooth ride
• Inbuilt heart rate monitor with wireless chest strap
• A wide range of workout programs
• LCD display
• Bluetooth capability for exporting and tracking workout data
• Ergonomic pedals for low-impact workouts
• Adjustable seat and handlebars
• Eco-friendly cordless workout solution

This bike is going to be a great option for those who want to save on the cost of electricity, as it doesn’t need to be plugged in. The entire system is powered by energy created from exercise, making it environmentally friendly and kinder on your wallet too!

Our Verdict

The only downside of this bike is its size, as it might not be compact enough for very small spaces. That said, it is a multifunctional machine that is worth setting enough space aside for due to its versatility. Its smooth performance combined with a long warranty makes it well worth the price tag and it is fully equipped with all of the latest technology in workout equipment.

​3G Cardio Elite​

This heavy-duty recumbent bike has been designed to accommodate users of up to 350 lbs. and it is built for durability. Its balanced flywheel offers you the ability to enjoy peace and quiet as you work out, as it is virtually silent as well as 16 levels of magnetic resistance. The adjustable seat can be tilted to ensure maximum comfort and users can enjoy 12 different workout programs.

Key Features:

• Self-generating power
• 16 resistance levels
• Built-in heart monitor
• Compact machine—perfect for smaller spaces
• Easy roll transport wheels
• Advanced ergonomic seat technology for comfort
• 3 built-in heart rate programs
• Handheld heart rate grips and wireless chest strap included
• Easy installation
• Free shipping when ordering from Amazon

Warranty :

The 3G Cardio Elite recumbent bike will arrive with a lifetime guarantee for the frame and seven years for parts, which reflects exactly how durable this excellent piece of equipment is.

Our Verdict:

You can feel like you have taken the health club to the comfort of your own home with this cleverly designed compact machine. The primary appeal of this particular model is that it is really compact, but also incredibly robust. It has been built for frequent use and longevity and features a steel frame that can support heavy weights. The ergonomic design featured in both the seat design and the pedals makes it a good choice for people who suffer from joint or knee pain and you can still enjoy a high-intensity cardio workout, without causing yourself any damage. Comfort is definitely king when it comes to workout equipment and the 3G cardio elite certainly excels at user satisfaction. One downside of this model is that it doesn’t offer built-in Bluetooth compatibility, meaning that you can’t export or download workout information, which can be a little disappointing for users who like to keep track of their daily workouts and fitness level.

NordicTrack VR21

This is the lowest priced recumbent bike from fitness giants NordicTrack. It has been designed to minimize stress on your back and joints and comes equipped with all of the built-in programs and resistance levels to still ensure that you get a good workout while taking advantage of the comfort offered by the extra-large seat. The built-in workout programs have actually been formulated by certified personal trainers to offer users the opportunity to experience the same intensity of gym workouts in the comfort of their own home gyms. It is packed with a range of excellent features for the price and it is easy to set up and program.

Key Features:

• Fully adjustable display showing your workout stats in real time
• Built-in hand sensors allow you to monitor your heart rate so you can reach fitness goals and do interval training
• Compatibility with iFit Coach means you can enjoy unlimited access to a range of workout programs from all over the world
• 32 motivating built-in workouts
• 25 digital resistance levels for all abilities
• OneTouch® Controls to quickly and easily adjust the resistance
• Workout fan that automatically adjusts itself to the intensity of your workout

Design Features

The design of this console is really what makes it stand out. Every single element of comfort and ease has been thought about before creating this recumbent bike that is packed with ergonomic features. It has been built for use in home gyms, which is probably why there is only a two-year warranty on parts. That said, if you look after it well and take the time to assemble the bike correctly, you should not have any problems within this period or for several years afterward.

Our Verdict:

The NordicTrack VR21 is, without doubt, one of the best value recumbent bikes on the market today. There is a very impressive list of features for the price, in particular, the ergonomic and StepThru design. If you compare this machine to others in the same price bracket, this one definitely wins first prize thanks to all the bells and whistles that accompany it. One feature we particularly like about this model is the fact that the transport wheels on it make it easier than ever to move around and store away when not in use. So, technically, you don’t even need a dedicated permanent space for it. If you are searching for a low-impact training option, then the VR21 won’t disappoint.

Nautilus R618

The bigger brother to the aforementioned model in this article is bolder, better, and jam-packed full of extra features all for just a slightly higher price tag. This recumbent bike has won stunning reviews across the Internet, thanks to its upgrades, making it the perfect investment for a home gym.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync your workouts and stats with a range of smartphone fitness apps
• Dynamic reclining gel seat ensures maximum comfort during your workout
• 29 workout programs, all of which are customizable
• 30 lb. flywheel system for a seamlessly smooth ride
• Multi-position dynamic handlebars
• Water bottle holder
• Inbuilt fan
• Inbuilt speakers
• Lightweight and durable
• Transport wheels for mobility
• Free shipping

Our Verdict:

The reclining backrest and handlebars with resistance controls is what sets this model above its competition and teamed with the user-friendly interface, it is a smart choice for anyone looking to add a recumbent bike to their home gym equipment. It is compatible with apps like RideSocial meaning that you can virtually ride alongside your friends to keep your workouts entertaining and its commercial construction means that it is built to last, especially when used in a home gym. It isn’t the cheapest recumbent bike available on the market, but as Nautilus is a prestigious company, you can rest assured that it is worth every cent. A wireless heart monitor strap is included in the package, allowing you to enjoy a completely hands-free experience. The only major downside is that due to its sturdy frame, you will probably need a friend to help you assemble it correctly.

Final Thoughts

In the end, it all comes down to personal choice and how much you will use the machine when making a decision to buy a particular model. Of the recumbent bikes we have mentioned above, we highly recommend the Nautilus R618 and Schwinn 270. Both of these models have received excellent reviews worldwide and as Nautilus technically owns the Schwinn brand, you can rest assured that quality will be guaranteed. While they aren’t the cheapest recumbent bikes available, they also don’t cost the earth. Ultimately, it is better to spend slightly more on a model that is built to last. Personally, I find that Bluetooth connectivity is important as you can easily keep track of your fitness goals and calories burnt and an easy user interface is key—no one wants to waste their precious workout time trying to program equipment each time.

One of the main reasons why people abandon ship when it comes to maintaining a regular fitness regime is because they lose motivation. The Nautilus 618 will allow you to stay motivated due to the fact that you can hook it up to a range of different apps that allow you to stay connected to friends and also receive motivation from personal trainers. Nearly all of the options listed here offer free shipping if you purchase them from Amazon and they are all accompanied by generous warranties for your protection. If you like to ride hard and fast, then you definitely want to choose a recumbent bike that has more of a commercial design such as the Nautilus 618 as it is built to withstand intense workouts on a regular basis. The Schwinn 270 offers the most bang for your buck and its onboard computer allows you to access and adjust all of the features efficiently with the touch of a button.