If the only time you’re wiping the sweat from your brow is after a plate of spicy chicken wings, you may have let your fitness levels skid out of control. Not to worry, you can always steer yourself back to the sculpted Greek god you once were. Or just stop yourself gasping for air after climbing the office stairs. Whatever your end fitness goal, you can help make it come true with a recumbent exercise bike.
A recumbent bike is a low-impact cardiovascular machine and a much more comfortable type of exercise bike designed for all types of guys wanting to improve their health. They’re perfect for home gyms and can be used while watching the big game or even knuckling down to catch up on a missed deadline.
Thankfully, you just dropped in on the Men’s Gear velodrome where we have done the leg-work for you (pun 100% intended!). We’ve been looking at the best recumbent exercise bikes for men currently in the field. We looked at the top models by the biggest names and have been on a recumbent-bike treasure hunt to find the hidden gems. And that’s what we’ve got for you in store right here.
Below, you will find our 20 hot picks among the current offerings. Either speed through them and take pit stops at the ones that catch your eye or have a slow scroll through them all to carefully pick out your favorites. Whatever speed you go at, stick around for the chequered flag and get the common recumbent bike FAQs answered and get help making your decision. On your marks…
Our editor is a busy guy and is always short of time. Therefore, it was a no-brainer for him to choose this unique recumbent bike with a built-in desk.
At our start line of the best recumbent exercise bikes for men, we are featuring this awesome model from Golds Gym. 16 is the magic number on this recumbent bike. It has 16 different workout programs to choose from and also can be adjusted between 16 different resistances for a tailored workout.
When you are working out you can benefit from its cool air fan system to stop you from overheating and you can also watch your favorite movies or listen to your motivating playlist. How? This model has an iPad stand and a sound system that can be connected to iPods.
These cool features are enjoyed in exceptional comfort. The seat on this model is oversized and adjustable to match your height and leg length. Not to forget that the seat and pedals have also been inserted with a thick cushion to enhance comfort even more.
Underneath the iPad and tablet holder, there is a large LCD screen here you can watch your real-time exercise results come in. You can even see your heart rate thanks to sensors located on the grips. And underneath the LCD console, you will notice a water bottle holder, so you stay hydrated effortlessly. What is also effortless is moving this recumbent exercise bike to any location. This is thanks to its transporting wheels. Like what you hear? Tap the button below to uncover more.
On the second bend of our look at the best recumbent bikes is the sleek work of Velocity Exercise. The mechanics of this design uses a dual-direction flywheel to make the cycling experience much smoother. This exceptional manufacturing is housed inside a white frame with a powder-coated finish to improve its durability and strength.
This recumbent bike has fewer workouts than what we just saw but it still manages to let users get a workout that’s right for them. This is due to its adjustable resistance levels. Specifically, it offers eight different levels to match your fitness capabilities. You can monitor how you’re doing by the easy-t-use console that records and presents exercise data. You’ll be able to see information regarding your distance, speed, calories burned, time and even your pulse due to sensors on the model’s grips.
These cool performance features are only matched by the product’s convenience factor. The designers have added wheels to make transporting it and storing it seamless. This phenomenal recumbent exercise bike is made in Texas and has become a must-have for American men who like to stay sharp and healthy. Sold?
One of the most reliable recumbent exercise bikes that wouldn’t look out of place in a commercial gym is the Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike. It is one of the best models when it comes to weight capacity. It will suit any guy up to 380 pounds.
This bike can be used by any guy with any current fitness level. The resistance of this model can be fine-tuned between beginner intensities to much more advanced settings. No matter how much you ramp up the intensity, the recumbent bike will remain a silent operator thanks to a smooth magnetic design. Once you’ve finished pushing your limits in style and comfort, you can monitor all your results from the LCD console which is simple to operate.
This model is all about you and what you need. From tailored workouts to an adjustable and padded seat, it offers everything you could ever need from a recumbent exercise bike. It even has well-concealed wheels to make transporting this robust and sturdy piece of gym equipment easy. To top it off, it’s all wrapped up with multiple warranties for its different parts.
One of the most competitively-priced models and still worthy of a place on our feature list of the best recumbent bikes is this Marcy creation. It is another highly-durable design made from steel tubing which has been given a layer of powder coating to enhance that durability further.
You can customize the bike to your own fitness level easily. Just twist the resistance knob to increase or decrease the difficulty level. This will simulate riding on different gradients, so you can match your fitness level or a specific route to your indoor training.
It has the other bells and whistles too. You will find a sophisticated console that provides you with real-time information about your workout. The display is made sharp so you can read the data while seated on your foam-padded and adjustable seat. This isn’t the only thing that’s adjustable on the recumbent bike. The foot straps can be tailored to your foot width and the pedals have even been made with balanced weights to make them easy to ride with.
On the other spectrum of the price range is this awesome Diamondback Fitness recumbent exercise bike. It comes at a bigger cost compared to many of the others we have seen so far but it does provide a lot more sophistication.
The combination of trusted steel and a magnetic flywheel ensure you will have a smooth and quiet ride in comfort. Where it really earns its price tag is in its workout settings. It has a whopping 35 workout programs to choose from, providing the ultimate selection in tailored workouts. These programs can be made even more individual by opting for one of 32 different intensity settings.
Even the LCD console is a step above what we have seen so far. The display not only offers insights into real-time performance by measuring speed, distance calories burned and more. It will even show you messages
Other cool features include an adjustable seat, water bottle holder, a foldout rack for your tablet, a fan that also has different cooling settings and even an integrated speaker system to pair with your devices and provide the soundtrack to your race.
The first of a double serving of the work carried out by Exerpeutic is this quality recumbent exercise bike. It’s also made with a magnetic flywheel to provide a smoother sensation while pedaling. Merged with a V-belt drive, it makes for a quiet bike as well. Like many of the others, this flywheel can be adjusted by resistance to provide an individual workout.
The LCD display offers users the chance to consult a whole load of useful workout data to help you progress and achieve top results. Time, speed, calories and distance are just some of the key information you can find here. Yet, it will also let you maintain a workout within the targeted heart rate for your age due to grip sensors. These sensors can accurately measure your heart rate as you take on the rolling hills and steep climbs.
The weight capacity is slightly bigger than average and with an oversized seat and backrest, we would highly recommend this model for the bigger guys making wanting to make a positive change. Find out more about this recumbent exercise bike by clicking the button just below.
If you thought most recumbent exercise bikes are the same, you’re mistaken. The second option from the folks at Exerpeutic offers something completely unique. If you’re a guy who is struggling to keep up with deadlines and also struggling to find time for the gym, we have the answer here.
This recumbent exercise bike comes with a desk to place a laptop or smaller device. The desk can even be adjusted to the perfect angle for your wrist and neck position. The desk even has a cushioned wrist platform to prevent typing soreness and wrist pains. Not to forget the LCD display also built in to offer workout data. This innovative time-saving design is certainly special and will be difficult to find elsewhere.
It’s easy to be captivated by the desk and not notice the other great features on offer here. This recumbent exercise bike has an air-soft and oversized adjustable seat and 14 different levels of resistance. For men that work hard in all walks of life, you just found the best recumbent exercise bike for you!
Next on the Men’s Gear podium is the ProGear 555LXT Recumbent Bike. It’s one of the cheapest options on our buyer guide but it certainly doesn’t drop its standards. It even has one of the largest LCD consoles on our list and includes larger numbers, so you can read the performance data easily. The recumbent bike has been designed with a step-through design to make mounting it and dismounting no trouble.
One of the standout features on this design is that you can input your own workout. You can program it to your exercise goals. From completing a certain distance to doing it in a set time, you get a tailored cycle for your needs. Other cool features include transportation wheels to make towing it out of storage to in front of the TV not a workout in itself. Yet, you may not want to position your recumbent exercise bike in front of the TV because this model comes with a tablet holder. Simply secure your tablet in place and get exercising while catching up on your favorite shows.
If you thought the recumbent exercise bike with a desk was unique, we may just have a competitor for that title here. The BulbHead Recumbent Bike doesn’t just target your lower body, it has a secret weapon to give you a simultaneous upper-body workout as well.
Let’s first start with the cycling features on offer here. The handles are equipped with sensors to monitor your heart rate and the adjustable seat uses memory foam padding to provide additional comfort. It can be operated with eight different resistances to give a personalized workout. All of your results are then visible on the cool LCD monitor.
Just under the LCD console are two pullies. These can be pulled at different resistances to workout your arm, back and shoulder muscles. This is an ice-cool innovation that enables a traditional cardiovascular machine with a focus on the legs to afford a holistic workout.
This may also be the best recumbent exercise bike when it comes to storage and transportation. Not only does it have durable wheels, but it can also be folded to make the design more compact. You can buy the model without the upper-body sculpting system if desired.
You could also choose to get your cardio kicks from this Stamina 1350 Recumbent Exercise Bike. It has all the cool features you will now come to expect from the best recumbent exercise bikes. A display provides you with your real-time workout information, so you can know when you need to push a little harder. Even when you do push yourself more, the bike will not get louder and your better half will still be able to hear the TV – and you stay on her nice side.
This exercise bike offers you men up to eight resistance levels, so you get a workout that is bespoke to you. One of the more unique features on this model is that position of the seat. It can be adjusted to your preferences, but it’s also made in a semi-reclined position. This applies more focus on your legs when cycling. For calves of steel choose this awesome recumbent exercise bike.
One last feature worth some column space is the pedals. These pedals are larger than the average design to be more comfortable for those of our pack with larger or wider feet. Need a pit stop on our buyer guide? Take one by learning more about this design and hit the button below.
We’ve slipped into a slightly different gear with this model from Merax. It’s still a recumbent exercise bike, but only just. It has a slightly more upright design to it. Yet, it still has the flagship seat other features of a recumbent bike. In fact, this recumbent bike can be adjusted into a completely upright bike with a recumbent seat. Moving on, we’ve finally got an exercise bike that comes with color options too. You can choose between a red and black design or a blue and grey model.
Either color you choose will offer a number of top features. In terms of convenience, this gym bike can be folder to keep it out of the way when not in use. It’s a prime buy for any man creating his own home gym with limited space. We saw this foldable design before and we also featured a recumbent bike with upper-body pullies built in. Look again because these pullies are also on this model. These innovative inclusions let you get a full-body workout from one piece of quality gym equipment.
Nearing the end of our race through the best recumbent exercise bikes for men is this Marcy model. The seat adjusts to cater to men of different heights and its bigger-than-average weight capacity also appeals to a select group of guys.
The bike has foam-wrapped handles to add to your comfort when sweating away the pounds. It also has a console to provide you with up-to-speed performance information. This includes your current speed, time elapsed, calories burned, and distance cycled. When you notice your stats getting better it may be time to twist the knob just below the console. This knob allows you to swiftly increase or decrease the resistance of the recumbent bike to match your fitness levels and progressions.
These neat features come in a frame that boasts quality manufacturing and which is also equipped with convenient wheels for transporting ease.
One of the most modern and sophisticated recumbent exercise bikes comes from Harison. It’s certainly one of the strongest models on our shortlist for the best recumbent exercise bike. The frame is made of stainless steel to prevent shaking when riding at a fast pace. The steel has then been treated to provide anti-rust and corrosion resistance, making this a bike for the long haul.
It has one of the most advanced LCD consoles on the market to date due to its ability to record an extensive number of features. We envy any guy owning this gym bike and being able to track their distance, speed, time, calories, reps per minute, heart rate and even more.
The programs available aren’t bad either. Up to 14 levels of resistance can be experienced in smooth fashion on multiple training programs. Choose the one that works for you then get going on a journey to a healthier and trimmer man. Other cool features include a water bottle holder, an iPad holder and a comfortable adjustable seat on a sliding rail. You can sit back on this model’s mesh sweat-wicking mesh seat and enjoy your workout in style.
On the last bend of our cycling trial looking at the best recumbent exercise bikes, we encounter this phenomenal design from MaxKare. The main USP of this model is its comfort. The seat and backrest are made with soft leather stuffed with high-density sponge. If you like a prolonged workout then this will maintain your comfort even when seated for prolonged rides.
No matter which of the eight intensity levels you use, each one will mean you get a smooth motion and a silent ride every time. This is good news when you consider this recumbent exercise bike also has a tablet and phone holder, so you can watch your favorite shows, movies or just listen to your own motivating tunes. One other feature worth mentioning is the handles include sensors, so you can keep track of your heart rate.
Our recumbent-exercise-bike finish line showcases a compact gym bike from Sunny Health and Fitness. This reliable product will have you cycling at your pace due to its eight resistance levels. There will be no slacking as you can get real-time heart rate scores straight to the console via handheld grip sensors. These results let you know how fast to cycle within a safe but effective way.
The LCD console offers more information than your heart rate too. You will also find distance, speed, time and the number of calories burned as the screen alternates through each reading. As you ride you will always feel in control due to the pedal’s grips and the comfortable seat. The quality features on offer here leave us puzzled to why it is priced so low.
A recumbent exercise bike is a staple piece of equipment in any commercial gym. You’ll often find that they’re hot gym real estate among all types of people. From soccer moms to bodybuilders getting in some cardio, all exercisers can reap the benefits of a recumbent exercise bike. We will come onto those benefits in just a moment. But first, what do they look like?
The design of a recumbent exercise bike is what some would call unorthodox. If you expect to see an exercise bike that resembles a typical push bike like you see navigating the confusing New York bike lanes, then you will be surprised.
It’s their design that makes them unique. Unlike those other gym bikes that do resemble a bike you find weaving pedestrian traffic in Central Park, these bikes do not have pedals directly below the seat. Instead, their pedals are situated almost vertical to the seat which gives a somewhat different type of motion when in use.
If you’re reading this in your office cubicle when you should be doing work, you may have just tried to imagine this setup on your office chair. If you did, you’ll have noticed that you needed your chair’s backrest to support you in this position. That’s exactly what a recumbent exercise bike has. These bikes do not have the typical cycling seat that can sometimes be uncomfortable. Instead, they have a chair-like seat with a supporting backrest.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
A recumbent exercise bike offers a load of benefits to men who want to get in shape and lose weight. They are a cardiovascular machine which gets your blood pumping and improves your overall fitness. Due to being a type of bike, you use your legs to operate them. This makes a recumbent exercise bike a great piece of gear to target your lower-body strength, including toning your quads and strengthening your hamstrings. However, as we have seen there are some models that have a trick up their sleeve to work your upper body as well.
Such benefits can be found on any exercise bike or other cardiovascular machines such as treadmills and rowing machines. So why a recumbent exercise bike? What makes them special? Well, a recumbent exercise bike has a specific market.
A recumbent exercise bike is perfect for men who suffer from joint pain. Many men want to get in shape but cannot do so because a treadmill causes too many painful impacts or recurring niggles to their fragile ankles and knees. This is especially true for bigger men who want to slim down, but their weight causes them joint pain when jogging.
However, our clever readership will have already thought that this is surely applicable to all exercise bikes. This is certainly true. Any exercise bike allows you to do a cardiovascular workout without experiencing impacts at the joints. However, the seat design on a recumbent bike that we mentioned earlier provides extra support that other exercise bikes do not. The larger seat and backrest are often considered far superior in terms of comfort and support. This also makes the recumbent exercise the go-to gym equipment for older gents needing back support when they exercise.
Just because a recumbent bike caters to a specific group of men, it doesn’t mean it’s not a fantastic piece of kit in general. Anyone can reap the cardiovascular and fitness benefits of a recumbent bike and enjoy enhanced comfort while they do so. These bikes can even help you track your performance, monitor physiological data and be tailored to your workout needs. You can even get models that are perfect for use while catching up on some work. Did you miss that model? Scroll back up to product seven to see this innovative design for yourself!
What Are The Key Considerations When Buying An Exercise Bike?
Choosing a quality recumbent exercise bike is easy. After all, we just listed 20 awesome options above. What isn’t easy is carefully choosing a recumbent bike that is perfect or you. To help you make a personal choice that fits, consider these key things before handing over your card details:
Weight capacity – Most men will be suitable for all recumbent exercise bikes on our list. The best ones are designed in a way to withstand most people’s weight. However, bigger or really tall men may need to keep an eye peeled for the weight capacities on each model to ensure it will be suitable for them.
Size and transportability – you may be getting a recumbent exercise bike for a home gym. Or it may just be a one-off piece of gym equipment to go with your other gym gear. Either way, you need to make sure the recumbent bike you buy fits in your space. You will also want to consider if the bike has wheels for easy transportation and if can be folded to fit in its to-be designated space.
Resistance levels – the resistance levels of the bike need to be considered against your fitness levels. Most men can work with the standard eight resistance levels you find on quality options. Yet, some more experienced cyclists may want to get a model with more sophistication and personal workout programs to match their fitness goals.
Multitasking – they say men can’t multitask. But they’re wrong. We can also be trusted to do two things at once and men are proving it with some of the models here. Albeit watching Game of Thrones or Monday Night Football while getting a few miles in is not the most strenuous of multitasks. But if you do want to do this you may need a tablet holder on your recumbent bike. If you plan on working from your laptop, you can choose a recumbent exercise bike with a built-in desk.
The Chequered Flag!
That concludes our day at the Men’s Gear velodrome. We have featured some of the most durable, reliable, convenient and sophisticated recumbent exercise bikes occupying home gyms and living spaces across the country. We’ve also proven that you can get such a gym essential at an affordable price without sacrificing all the best features.
We hope you managed to find a recumbent bike perfect for your needs and uses. If you have managed to narrow our top 20 down to just a few, use the guidance just above to consider your options meticulously and pick the one that’s right for you. Also, don’t forget to click the links and discover more about your favorites to help you decide.
That’s the victory lap over with. Now it’s time for some of those spicy chicken wings we mentioned before, don’t you think? Thanks for joining us and remember to check out more cool products on our upcoming buyer guides. On your bike…
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