Recumbent Exercise Bike Buying Guide
Recumbents are the most popular exercise bike on the market. They offer a great workout, but it can be challenging to choose from all available options. This article recumbent exercise bike buying guide will help you to understand how recumbent work and what makes them different than other types of bikes. It also includes some tips for choosing your first recumbent or upgrading an existing one.
Recumbent Exercise Bike Buying Guide: Everything You Should Know
Choosing an excellent quality recumbent exercise bike is not as tough as you might think if you know what to look for.
In this part, we will talk about the important aspects you must keep in mind when buying an exercise bike so that you score yourself the best in the market.
Purpose
Before purchasing, at first find out your main purpose in buying it. We are saying this because not all the recumbent exercise bikes are suitable for everyone and every type of training.
For instance, if you aim to work on your lower body as well as your arms, then a bike with arm exercisers would be your best option, and if not, then any recumbent with different levels of resistance would be the perfect choice for you.
We would advise you to find your purpose first and then select your bike for an effective workout routine.
Size - Think about available space
Not everyone owns a mansion and has the luxury of space, and that’s why, before choosing the best model for you, you must consider the size of the bike and the space available at your home.
If you have enough space, then a regular stationary bike would be your best choice, and, on the other hand, for limited space, you must go for a folded one as it can be folded into a compact size and stored conveniently.
Height
Measuring your height as well as the bike's height before you make any decision is important. This is because not all the exercise bikes out there can accommodate all length riders.
While some bikes are specially made for tall riders, some are suitable only for short exercisers.
But then again, keeping in mind about every type of user out there, many manufacturers market bikes with adjustable height so that every member of the house can use one piece of exercise equipment to keep them fit and healthy.
Comfort
The primary purpose of a recumbent bike is to provide superior comfort while you are working out. Therefore, it is the utmost importance that you check the comfort level before buying your ultimate exercise bike.
The comfort usually is measured by the seat and the handlebars. Make sure that the seat is wide and is plushy cushioned with an equally cushioned backrest so that you are not only comfortable but also have enough support.
Additionally, it’s important to look for ergonomic handlebars because otherwise, you might hurt palms or get slipped out while exercising for an extended period.
Display
A console or a display fitted in an exercise bike helps you to view information about your workout session.
From monitoring heart rate to keep tracking your speed, distance RMP, and calories burnt, an excellent quality display console will show you everything you need to know during your workout.
And for such convenience, never forget to look for an LCD while choosing an exercise bike for you.
Programming
Manufacturers incorporate various pre-set programs to make your workout even easier and effortless. Even if you are not a beginner and don’t need any pre-installed fitness programs, we would still suggest selecting a bike with them.
Because of these programs will help you design a customized exercise routine based on your fitness level as well as your age, weight, and gender so that you can make the most of your workout sessions.
Noise Level
Recumbent stationary bikes are often silent. They don’t make any disturbing noise. Stationary bikes can sometimes be noisier, especially the fan or air bikes. That is because the harder you pedal, the quicker the fan spins, making more intense noise.
Then again, fan stationary bikes are not bad; if you can bear the sound they make, air bikes can prove to be an amazing option for you.
On the other hand, if you don’t want any noise and desire to enjoy a peaceful, noise-less workout session, select a bicycle that doesn’t make any annoying sound.
Pedals
You must keep a sharp eye on the pedal of the exercise bike as it is an essential part. The reason we are emphasizing on the pedal is that they help you to ride the bike easily and comfortably; Without wide, comfortable pedals, you just cannot ride the bike with ease and hence might not get the workout you have been aiming for.
Assembly
Before buying, check how it assembles. Many of the stationary bikes available in the market come partially assembled; You just need to put together some other parts to fully prepare them for the ride, on some needs full assembly.
If you are not an expert, we would suggest choosing either a partially assembled one or asking for expert help.
Estimated Budget
The budget or the amount of money you want to spend on your stationary bike is also an important aspect to keep in mind before buying.
If you have a flexible budget, we would recommend you to go for a recumbent above $500 and in case of a moderate budget, it’s the best that you look for under $200.
But keep in mind that, whatever your budget is, you can still score one of the best exercise bikes if you keep in mind the features we have discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answer
Which Recumbent Bike Has the Most Comfortable Seat?
Well, it depends. What might feel extremely comfortable to use might not present the same result to you. For several preferences and needs, we retain ourselves from answering this question.
But then again, you might try out the Schwinn 270 as it comes with a luxuriously plushy seat with lots of cushioning and a backrest to provide maximum comfort to its riders.
How Do You Sit on a Recumbent Bike?
How do you sit on your exercise bike entirely depends on your preference.
However, the best way to sit on a recumbent bike is to adjust the seat at first; you can move the seat backward or forward according to your height and sit on the saddle with your back on the backrest.
Then put your feet on the pedals with the balls of your feet and start pedaling according to your resistance level.
Do Standing Desks or Recumbent Bike Desks Help With Weight Loss?
Why not?
It does not matter if you are using a standing desk or recumbent bike desk, riding an exercise bike will burn your calories and hence help you to lose weight nevertheless.
In fact, working desk bikes burn 0.15 calories per minute more than regular recumbent bikes, making them an excellent choice for your weight loss journey.
What Are Some Light Recumbent Bikes I Can Buy?
Some of the most lightweight recumbent bikes are:
What Powers a Recumbent Bike That Does Not Plug Into an Electrical Source?
If you are not plugging in your recumbent bike, then it is powered by your leg muscles.
Didn’t understand?
Well, let’s explain. When you are working out, you are putting pressure and energy on the pedals, which makes the wheel turn providing you with the riding experience you are looking for.
Therefore, even if your bike doesn’t have electrical power, you still can use it with the power of your leg muscles.
Read Also -> Detail Guide to Buy Exercise Bike
Can you get a good workout from a recumbent bike?
Working out on a recumbent bike is an excellent way to get fit and active. This stationary bike promotes your cardiovascular health and improves your mobility to feel better and healthier than before.
Furthermore, as it features a step-through design and is exceptionally comfortable with a backrest, this is the best way to burn calories and strengthen your muscles, especially if you are an elderly person.
Does Recumbent Bike Burn Belly Fat?
In addition to improving your cardiovascular health, stationary recumbent also helps to burn your belly fat when used regularly. With its low-impact gear and intense resistance, this machine will help you to extra calories burned quickly.
Does a Recumbent Bike Strengthen Knees?
A recumbent stationary bike not only burns belly fat and improves your cardiovascular health but at the same time, it also works on various of your muscle groups and joints and helps to strengthen them like none other. As it works on your joints, this also works wonders in making your knees stronger than ever.
Wrapping Up
After going through this recumbent exercise bike buying guide, you might know all the things that you need to get a perfect recumbent bike for your daily exercise. If you get the perfect one then you don't have to worry about indoor exercise if you don't have time to go to the gym.
