The recumbent bikes are big and bulky and the most expensive type of stationary bike if you compare them with the upright or spin bikes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find one within your budget.
If you are finding it difficult to find a best-value recumbent exercise bike that is affordable and still has the functionality and features you need, you have come to the right place.
We have compiled a list of the best budget recumbent exercise bikes for a home gym.
We haven’t taken just any cheap recumbent bike here, but the ones that have most of the qualities of the top-class commercial-grade recumbent bike but still are inexpensive.
In this buying guide, we have included reviews, features, pros, and cons of the best inexpensive recumbent exercise bikes available on the market.
These bikes might be lacking in some high-end features, but these mimic the performance and durability of the bikes that are expensive and considered to be top of the class.
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We have visited the stores and checked out the studios to gather information about these inexpensive recumbent bikes.
We have sorted the best value recumbent bikes to include in this article depending on durability, performance, and unique features.
Suitable to be used by users of all fitness levels the Marcy recumbent bike ME-1019R comes with manually adjustable magnetic resistance with eight levels.
And with the adjustable seat position, it can accommodate different heights of users without affecting the ergonomic pedaling position.
The cushioned seat and the padded backrest are designed to minimize the strain on the back. The bike is equipped with an easy-to-read large LCD to display your workout stats like time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
This may be a cheap recumbent exercise bike in price, but the bike has features needed for the fulfilling recumbent biking experience matching with the expensive commercial-grade bikes.
Loaded with a precise heart rate monitor, tablet holder, water bottle holder, a comfortable seat, and transport wheels, this bike has everything you wish for in an exercise bike for home use.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | Yes |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 250 pounds |
| Product Weight | 75 pounds |
| Dimension | 57 x 25 x 45 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Tablet holder, battery-power |
Pros
- Sturdy frame, made of 14 gauge steel
- Powder-coated for scratch protection, durability, and aesthetics
- Adjustable seat position
- Soft and padded seat and backrest
- Easy to read LCD
- Device holder to keep the tablet
- Easily adjustable manual resistance setting knob
Cons:
- Not suitable for taller users
- Bring this budget recumbent exercise bike home to enjoy a safe, impact-free workout while watching your favorite videos without stressing your back.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4905
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Made using a strong steel frame the Sunny health and fitness SF-RB4905 recumbent bike can support users with weights up to 240 pounds.
The bike in itself is a lightweight and easily movable setup, using its transport wheels, you can store the bike at any corner of the house every day after the workout, it is so easy that it won’t even feel like a task.
The wide cushioned seat of the bike with pulse rate sensors located just beside the seat keeps you in a comfortable position while pedaling, and you can comfortably check your heart rate throughout the session.
The LCD on the console gives out big numbers showing one exercise parameter at a time among time, distance, calories burned, speed, and heart rate.
There is a provision to keep your tablet just above the LCD, so you can enjoy your workout session while watching your favorite videos.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 240 pounds |
| Product Weight | 57.3 pounds |
| Dimension | 56 x 25 x 41 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Device holder, |
Pros:
- Easy to hop on, step-through design
- Self-leveling pedals with adjustable strap
- Wide and comfortable seat
- Non-slip handles in the front
- Floor stabilizer to keep the machine in place
- Adjustable seat position
- Durable frame
Cons:
- No water bottle holder
- Bring the Sunny health and fitness SF-RB4905 home and get an impact-free workout with no stress on the back while tracking your performance metrics with ease.
Vans Recumbent Exercise Bike
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The compact and lightweight recumbent bike from Vanswe can accommodate a wide range of users with its adjustable seat mounted on an angled rail.
With 16 levels of magnetic resistance, it provides a wider range of workout intensities than other bikes in the class.
The bike is built stronger and can support the user’s weight up to 380 pounds. The wide and heavily padded seat and the backrest keep you in the right and comfortable posture making it easy for long-duration workouts.
The console of the bike, along with displaying your workout stats, also features Bluetooth connectivity. With this, you can connect your iOS or Android device to the bike to track and store workout data on a fitness tracking app.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 16 levels |
| Number of Programs | – |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | Yes |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 380 pounds |
| Product Weight | 53 pounds |
| Dimension | 45 x 20 x 40 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Device holder, Bl |
Pros:
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Allows you to program the workout goals
- Grippy pedals with adjustable strap
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Strong built
- Space saver design
Cons:
- Not suitable for users taller than 6’1”
- With features like 16 levels of resistance and Bluetooth connectivity, this affordable recumbent bike makes a strong case for itself.
SCHWINN A20 Recumbent Bike
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The fully loaded console of the Schwinn A20 recumbent bike can display all the important workout stats at a time.
The 7 pre-set workout programs and 8 levels of magnetic resistance of this bike can help you mix up your workout intensities for making it interesting and more effective.
The padded and contoured seat of the bike is designed to keep you comfortable throughout the spin session. The grip pulse monitors are placed ergonomically to keep your hands in a relaxed position so that you will be able to monitor your heart rate continuously.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | 7 |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | Yes |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 275 pounds |
| Product Weight | 76 pounds |
| Dimension | 61 x 19 x 40.5 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | On-board speakers, self-leveling pedals |
Pros:
- Pre-set programs to spice up your workouts
- Ergonomically positioned pulse monitors
- Padded and contoured seat
- Easy to move around
- Self-leveling pedals
- Sturdy and durable
Cons:
- A bit wobbly at high-intensity workouts
- If you are someone who likes to monitor a maximum number of workout parameters simultaneously while pedaling, then this is the bike for you.
MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike
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Loaded with soft and quick dry pulse rate monitors that can bear your sweat and still be functional, the MaxKare recumbent bike is one of the cheapest recumbent exercise bikes available on the market.
Built on a strong frame, the bike supports user weights up to 300 pounds. the super-quiet flywheel along with the 8 levels of magnetic resistance delivers a silent workout experience at different intensities.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Product Weight | 65 pounds |
| Dimension | 47.5 x 18.9 x 41.7 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Tablet holder |
Pros:
- Convenient to adjust the seat while sitting on it
- A large and soft seat and backrest
- Offers low-impact and silent workout
- Can perform gentle to high-intensity workout
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Not suitable for people taller than 5’11”
- This compact recumbent needs a small space to store and can be easily moved around. You get to keep this exercise machine without giving up significant space in your home.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616
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With the Sunny health and fitness SF-RB4616, you have the flexibility to use both front and side handlebars comfortably. You also have an option to place the machine on a floor that’s not perfectly even, as you can use the onboard stabilizers to level it.
Its comfortable and easy-to-adjust seat along with 8 levels of resistance make it useable by users of different sizes and fitness levels.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Product Weight | 58.7 pounds |
| Dimension | 46 x 24.5 x 38 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Floor stabilizers |
Pros:
- 8 levels of adjustable resistance
- Wide cushioned seat
- Built to last longer
- Self-leveling pedals with adjustable strap
- Easily accessible resistance setting knob
Cons:
- No water bottle holder or tablet holder
- This is a no-muss, no-fuss workout machine that delivers what it is built for very efficiently and can last longer than you would expect.
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
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If you are someone who is looking to buy a recumbent bike for someone elderly at home or for someone who has limited mobility you can go for this one.
With the step-through design and no restrictions to hop on the seat, you would find it easy to get on to the bike and also easy to engage the pedals with self-balancing pedals.
This sleek and silent recumbent bike can be placed anywhere in your home or office. It looks decent enough not to look odd in the interior design of your home and it can be easily pushed to a corner after use.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to move around
- Easy assembly with good instruction
- Silent operation
- Wide and cushioned seat
Cons:
- No heart-rate monitor
- A bit wobbly
- This beautifully designed exercise machine is finished with an aesthetic powder coating that protects the bike from scratches and also improves its looks.
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
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You might have seen the recumbent bike that can be used while watching TV or something, this one can be used while working. The unique design of this bike lets you keep the pedal and drive unit part of the bike under your working desk.
The recumbent seat of the bike works as your desk chair, and the pedals and drive unit goes below the desk allowing you to work while pedaling. This can also be folded into half its size for storage.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | No |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Product Weight | 61 pounds |
| Dimension | 49-58 x 20 x 38 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | – |
Pros:
- double-drive v-belt transmission
- Can be folded in small sizes to store
- Can be used as an under-desk bike
- Easy-to-read LCD
- Adjustable and comfortable seat
Cons:
- HR monitor not so precise
- Console batteries run out faster
- If you are tight on the space but still need a low-impact exercise machine at home, go for this one, it needs next to zero space for storage or while in use.
- MARNUR Recumbent Exercise Bike
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The MARNUR exercise bike fulfills all the expectations one might have from a recumbent bike.
It has a comfortable seat, the seat position can be adjusted, 8 levels of magnetic resistance, anti-slip pedals with strap, easy to read display, pulse rate monitor, and a tablet holder.
The machine is designed to support users with weights up to 300 pounds. it can be used by anyone within a height limit of 4’9” to 6’2”
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Product Weight | 43 pounds |
| Dimension | 33 x 19 x 46 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Foldable |
Pros:
- Sturdy built
- Space-saving
- Ergonomic design
- Anti-slip pedals with adjustable straps
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable seat and resistance
Cons:
- The front handle position is off
- Very light flywheel
- This is a sturdy bike that runs smooth and quiet and that comes as inexpensive as a fully functional recumbent bike can be.
Progear 555LXT Magnetic Tension Recumbent Bike
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Progear 555LXT is one of the most inexpensive recumbent bikes. It has all the basic features and some high-end ones like workout goal setting and a water bottle holder.
The machine is designed aesthetically. It looks so good that you can keep it in your living area and you can keep it moving around easily with the help of the transport wheels.
The cushioned backrest and the extended seat which can be adjusted anywhere along the rail of this machine allow you to pedal comfortably in the most ergonomic position possible.
| Features & Specs | |
| Type of Resistance and Levels | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Number of Programs | None |
| Display | LCD |
| HRM/Pulse Monitor | Yes |
| Mobile Application | No |
| Water Bottle Holder | No |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 pounds |
| Product Weight | 65 pounds |
| Dimension | 51.2 x 24.8 x 37.4 inches (LxWxH) |
| Unique Features | Device holder |
Pros:
- Infinite slider seat position adjustments
- Extended seat with padded recumbent handles
- Noiseless belt drive system
- Oversized and grippy pedals
- Allows workout goal setting
Cons:
- No HR monitor
- Difficult to see the resistance level from your seat
- Built to fit in tight compact spaces the Progear 555LXT can offer great workouts while displaying your workout data in large size numbers on the large LCD.
What to Look for When Buying a Budget Recumbent Bike [Buying Guide]
Budget Recumbent Bike Buying Guide
Just choosing the bikes with the lowest retail price won’t do any good. If you go that route you may end up buying 60 pounds of steel scrap. It won’t help you burn calories but it will consume the space in your home.
Among the hundreds of options available in the market, you can easily sort the affordable recumbent exercise bikes from the expensive ones.
But for them to be suitable for your requirement, you need to check them against the following parameters
Weight capacity: Your bike should be built to support your weight without reaching its strength limits.
The rated weight capacity of the bike should be significantly higher than your weight. the weight capacity is also a good indicator of the overall durability of the machine.
Height limit: Even though the seat position is adjustable, that doesn’t mean the bike can accommodate users of any height. You need to check the user height limit especially if you are shorter or taller than what is considered as common human height.
Seat and backrest: You choose the recumbent bike cause you need to keep your back stress-free. It won’t be of any use if the seat of that bike is not sufficiently cushioned or positioned in the right place.
The seat and backrest should be contoured and padded, and their position should be adjustable to suit your height and inseam length.
Resistance type and levels: The magnetic type of resistance is quiet, smooth, and precise against the other options like friction-type resistance. In terms of the levels, the higher the number of resistance levels, the wider the workout intensity options.
Flywheel: If the flywheels are small, lightweight, or not weight balanced, they can result in a jerky spinning experience. If the flywheels are too heavy, it would be difficult to start the rotations.
Thus, the bike should have a moderately heavy perimeter weighted flywheel.
Mounting efforts: The step-through design and self-leveling pedals make it easy to mount on the seat and the pedals.
Display: The console should be able to display the workout stats that are readable from where you sit. Even if the console displays only one workout metric at a time, it is okay, but it should be in big numbers.
Additional features: Other features like a water bottle holder, heart rate monitor, cooling fan, and programmability help you track your performance and aid you to perform better. The more such features are there in the bike the better.
Are recumbent bikes hard to ride?
No, not at all. If you are accustomed to outdoor bikes, it may feel a bit unnatural position to pedal for the first few minutes, but it’s not hard at all. You can make it as hard as you can by raising the resistance though.
How do I choose a good budget recumbent bike?
Go through the ‘What to look for..’ section in this article, check for all the parameters mentioned there in the bike under consideration, and choose it to buy if it fits all the criteria.
Conclusion
Pedaling on recumbent bikes is a great way to burn the extra calories, strengthen your core, and strengthen your lower body. These keep your back relaxed, and joints stress-free, and offer a low-impact workout.
These bikes come in many shapes, sizes, and specifications. It might get difficult to find one that suits your requirement in all ways and still be within your budget. We have created this piece to help you in this matter.
You can choose one of these budget recumbent exercise bikes for your home gym and start reaping health benefits without burning a hole in your pocket.