Recumbent bikes are a popular choice when it comes to home fitness equipment because they offer a more comfortable way to exercise than pretty much any other cardio machine out there.

This makes them a smart choice for folks dealing with achy joints or mobility problems, but with the right model, recumbent bikes can still offer a great workout for folks of all fitness levels.

The key, of course, is finding “the right model”.

But that’s what I’m here to help with.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to go over all the stuff I think you should look out for when trying to find the right recumbent bike for your home.

I’m also going to share my top picks when it comes to the best recumbent bikes 2023 has to offer.

After reading, you’ll know everything you need to in order to find the right recumbent bike for your home.

Well, let’s get to it already.

	Resistance	Frame	Warranty	Features
#1 Spirit XBR95	30 lb flywheel 40 resistance levels	147 lb assembled weight 350 lb weight limit	Lifetime frame/brake 10 year parts 1 year labor	Self-generating power Adjustable backrest Included chest strap
#2 Sole LCR	30 lb flywheel 40 resistance levels	145 lb assembled weight 350 lb weight limit	Lifetime frame 5 year parts 2 year labor	10" display Bluetooth speakers USB charging
#3 NordicTrack Commercial R35	25 lb flywheel 26 resistance levels	192 lb in-box weight 350 lb weight limit	10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor	14" HD screen iFit compatible Automatic trainer control
#4 3G Cardio Elite RB	Unknown flywheel 16 resistance levels	135 lb assembled weight 350 lb weight limit	Lifetime frame 7 year parts 1 year labor	Compact frame Adjustable backrest Included chest strap
#5 Diamondback 910sr	32 lb flywheel 32 resistance levels	130 lb assembled weight 325 lb weight limit	5 year frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	32 workout programs Speakers Heart rate monitoring
#6 Sole R92	20 lb flywheel 20 resistance levels	134 lb assembled weight 300 lb weight limit	Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	9" display 10 workout programs Bluetooth
#7 Nautilus R618	13 lb flywheel 25 resistance levels	107 lb assembled weight 325 lb weight limit	15 year frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	29 workout programs Adjustable backrest Included chest strap
#8 Schwinn 270	13 lb flywheel 25 resistance levels	87 lb assembled weight 300 lb weight limit	10 year frame 2 year parts 90 day labor	29 workout programs Bluetooth USB charging

What To Look For In A Recumbent Bike

I guess the specs and features that are most important to consider when comparing recumbent bikes will really depend on what you’re looking for.

For example, if you have a really bad back and are worried about comfort during workouts, finding a recumbent with an adjustable backrest might be the biggest priority on your list.

And if you’re looking for access to streaming workouts, getting a recumbent with a touchscreen console and streaming capabilities might be more important to ya than anything else.

And of course budget will likely play a big part in the decision making process.

All that said, I still think it’s important to consider a recumbent bike’s performance first and foremost because if your bike doesn’t have a smooth pedaling motion, odds are you won’t use it for long.

Regardless of what other features it has.

So, I suggest you all start there when comparing different recumbent bikes.

Resistance

Recumbent bikes are very similar to most other types of exercise bike in that they also use weighted flywheels and magnetic systems to create their resistance.

And, just like most other types of exercise bike, having a heavier flywheel is usually a good thing when it comes to recumbent bikes.

This is especially true if you want a recumbent that can offer a great workout, but having a heavier flywheel usually makes for a smoother pedaling motion too.

This is because the extra weight builds more momentum, which in turn reduces lag between pedal strokes.

The result is a smoother, less jolty feel during use.

And a smoother feel is probably something we’re all looking for, regardless of anything else.

Flywheels on recumbent bikes generally come in somewhere between 10 – 30 lb and if you want a bike that can offer more intense workouts, it’s a good idea to look for one with a flywheel that’s close to 20 lb or higher.

Not to say lighter flywheels can’t still get the job done, but again, heavier is usually better.

You should also take a look at how many resistance levels the bike comes with.

Just know that more resistance levels doesn’t necessarily mean more resistance – but it does mean you have more control over the available resistance (able to make smaller adjustments between levels).

Which I would say is a good thing in itself.

Frame

I like the idea of having a heavy-duty bike that’ll feel stable and secure during workouts and I bet I’m not alone on this.

The best way to get a feel for how a bike will feel during workouts is to take it for a test drive, but unfortunately, this isn’t always possible.

Well, the next best thing in my opinion, is to look at the assembled weight and weight capacity.

These specs will give ya a good idea of what to expect when it comes to how stable the bike feels – and seeing higher numbers in both categories is always a good thing.

The heavier duty recumbents out there will come with assembled weights in the 130 lb+ range, but anything over 100 lb is usually pretty good.

And when it comes to weight limits, I like to see at least a 300 lb capacity, even though many bikes go up as high as 350 or 400 lb.

You have to at least make sure the bike you’re considering can safely hold ya, but again – seeing higher limits is another sign of superior build quality.

Warranty

We should be comparing warranties for anything we buy, so this isn’t specific to recumbent bikes, but I still thought it was worth repeating.

Seeing longer warranties is always a good thing and nicer bikes usually come with longer guarantees.

Recumbent bikes usually come with warranties that include a frame, parts, and labor section.

The frame warranty should be the longest and most of the best recumbents come with at least 10 years on the frame (although as you’ll see, some still offer lifetime frame guarantees).

When it comes to parts, 2-3 years is pretty average for a quality bike, although there are brands out there that offer 5-10 years.

A year on labor is pretty typical, although some brands will go above and beyond and offer 2 years.

But overall, a longer warranty should certainly be considered when comparing recumbent bikes.

Features/Comfort

Finally, it’s important to think about which features a recumbent has before buying too.

As I mentioned at the beginning, if there are specific features you know you want, it makes sense to look for bikes in your price range that offer those features.

And luckily, there are recumbents in all price ranges, so regardless of what you’re looking for, odds are you’ll be able to find it in a price range that works for ya.

Features you can expect to find include:

• Bluetooth speakers
• Bluetooth compatibility with apps
• USB charging ports
• Built-in workout programs (numbers will vary greatly)
• HD touchscreens
• Cooling fans
• Water bottle holders

Some recumbents will also come with adjustable backrests, which can be a great feature for folks dealing with back pain.

All recumbent bikes come with larger seats and backrests, but some bikes are more comfortable than others.

When comparing seats/backrests, look for built-in lumbar support and user reviews regarding comfort.

Well, I think that about does it when it comes to a quick rundown on the stuff you should look out for when comparing recumbent bikes.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best recumbents the year has to offer.

The 8 Best Home Recumbent Bikes of 2023

#1 Spirit XBR95 Recumbent Bike

I love Spirit as a brand and even though it’s hard ranking all these great bikes, it’s pretty easy for me to give their XBR95 the top spot here.

It’s just got a great combination of performance specs and features (and is fairly priced, which always helps).

Right off the bat, the XBR95 scores highly in my book with a 30 lb flywheel and 40 levels of resistance to work with.

This is going to give this recumbent a great pedaling motion, but it’s also going to allow this bike to offer intense workouts for those who are looking for that.

And with an assembled weigh of 147 lb and a 350 lb weight limit, you won’t have to worry about this bike feeling wobbly during use either.

The XBR95 doesn’t come with any really fancy console features (no touchscreen display or bluetooth), but it comes with an easy to read screen and 12 built-in workout programs.

It also comes with a few nice surprises, like a self-generating power source and an included chest strap heart rate monitor.

It also comes with an adjustable angle backrest, something you don’t see on too many recumbents these days.

And when it comes to the warranty, you aren’t going to find a better residential guarantee: lifetime frame/brake, 10 year parts, 1 year labor.

(And I mean that literally, I’ve never seen a better warranty).

The XBR95 actually comes with a light commercial warranty too, which also tells us how well-built it really is.

All things considered, I think the XBR95 is a great home recumbent and a no-brainer for folks looking for a heavy-duty, comfortable recumbent that can perform.

And with an asking price under $2k, it’s one of the most affordable commercial-grade recumbents out there. See full review.

#2 Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

Sole’s a brand you may be a little more familiar with and they also happen to be another one of my favorite brands.

As such, it’s a little hard for me to put the LCR in the #2 spot here, but it says more about the XBR95 than it does about the LCR.

And the fact that Sole and Spirit are owned by the same parent company helps a little I guess.

Anyway, the LCR is a great home recumbent in its own right.

The LCR is Sole’s premiere recumbent model and it too comes with a 30 lb flywheel and 40 levels of magnetic resistance.

It’s also got a remarkably heavy-duty frame with an assembled weight of 145 lb and a weight limit of 350 lb.

The LCR doesn’t come with a self-generating power source or adjustable back rest, but it does come with a higher-tech console that includes bluetooth speakers, a USB charging port, and a 10″ display.

And even though Sole’s residential warranty isn’t quite as long as Spirit’s, it’s pretty darn close: lifetime frame, 5 year parts, 2 year labor.

(The LCR also comes with a light commercial warranty as well).

This recumbent usually goes for a couple hundred bucks cheaper than the XBR95, making it a nice alternative for folks who like that bike but are working with a slightly smaller budget.

But anyway you look at it, Sole’s LCR is easily one of the best home recumbent bikes on the market. See full review.

#3 NordicTrack Commercial R35 Recumbent Bike

The NordicTrack brand needs no introduction and even though notoriety doesn’t necessarily equate to quality, in NordicTrack’s case, it does.

I find it a little annoying that NordicTrack pushes their iFit streaming platform on all of their products now, but that doesn’t take away the fact that the R35 is still a top performing recumbent.

Especially for the folks out there looking for a streaming bike.

The 14″ HD touchscreen console likely gets most of the attention, but the R35 has some serious performance specs too.

Like a 25 lb flywheel, 26 levels of resistance, and a max weight capacity of 350 lb.

It also comes with a comfortable seat, large pedals, and a built-in cooling fan to help keep ya more comfortable during workouts.

But back to that gorgeous touchscreen.

The R35 is designed to pair with iFit for streaming workouts and metric tracking and through iFit, you get access to unlimited, instructor-led workouts.

You also get access to cool features like Automatic Trainer Control, which allows the instructor to control the resistance during your workouts.

A cool feature indeed, but you can turn it off if you like to stay in control of things.

NordicTrack’s warranty isn’t as good as the ones we’ve seen above, but still not bad: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quality recumbent bike with higher-tech, streaming capabilities, NordicTrack’s Commercial R35 could make a lot of sense. See full review.

 

#4 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike

3G Cardio is kind of an interesting brand because they don’t offer many products, but everything they offer is casually awesome.

They seriously have the smallest lineups of products of any fitness brand that comes to mind – as far as I can tell, they only offer 3 treadmills and 2 bikes.

And one of those bikes just so happens to be a recumbent bike.

One of the most notable features of the Elite RB is how compact it is – at only 49″ long, it’s damn near 20″ shorter than the R35 mentioned above.

This is great for people looking for a compact recumbent bike, but it doesn’t mean the Elite RB skimps in the frame department.

With an assembled weight of 135 lb and a weight capacity of 350 lb, this compact recumbent is still heavier-duty than most.

3G Cardio doesn’t disclose the weight of their flywheel (a fact that makes me think it’s probably on the light side), but users are pretty adamant that it offers a very smooth ride.

And with 16 resistance levels, you don’t get quite as much control over your workouts as some other bikes offer, but still enough to get the job done (especially for folks just looking for a comfortable ride).

The biggest kicker to this recumbent is that it comes with a really basic console – no bluetooth, no speakers, and no fan.

But with an adjustable backrest and an included strap heart rate monitor, this might be forgivable.

Especially when you consider how awesome 3G Cardio’s warranty is: lifetime frame, 7 year parts, 1 year labor (as well as commercial warranty).

All things considered, if you’re looking for a compact, comfortable recumbent bike with a great warranty, the Elite RB is a great choice. See full review.

#5 Diamondback 910sr Recumbent Bike

Diamondback’s a brand that’s near and dear to my heart because their 510ic was the first exercise bike I bought when I started doing the whole home gym thing in the first place.

Long story short, it was a great bike and I ended up giving it to one of my neighbors years later and he’s still using it to this day.

Anyway, Diamondback is a great brand and exercise bikes is their jam, even though they also offer a few cool home ellipticals.

The 910sr is really the only recumbent bike they’re offering at the moment, now that they’ve discontinued the 1260sr.

But with a 32 lb flywheel and 32 levels of resistance, this recumbent bike is certainly capable of challenging even the most fit riders out there.

And with an assembled weight of 130 lb and a weight limit of 325 lb, it’s got enough bulk to provide a stable feel for folks of all sizes.

The 1260Sr also has a nice console with some great features, like 32 built-in workout programs, built-in speakers, and wireless heart rate tracking.

Diamondback’s home warranty could be better, but as rock solid as this bike is, it’s doubtful you’ll have to worry about the frame breaking down in the first place: 5 year frame, 3 year parts, 1 year labor.

Overall, the 910sr has earned a spot on this list with its impressive performance specs and stellar reputation (it’s also priced quite well too). See full review.

 

#6 Sole R92 Recumbent Bike

Sole only offers 2 recumbent bikes and they both made my list.

Hey, I tried to be inclusive and include bikes from different brands and price ranges, but the fact is, the R92 is a great recumbent bike for the price.

The R92 is a slightly lighter-duty version of the LCR mentioned above, but it’s still packing more impressive numbers than most.

Under the hood, this recumbent comes with a 20 lb flywheel and 20 resistance levels, allowing this bike to offer a smooth pedaling motion while giving riders a lot of control over their workouts.

It also comes with a 300 lb weight capacity and assembled weight of 134 lb, making for a stable unit.

The console on the R92 consists of a 9″ LCD screen with 10 built-in workout programs, bluetooth, USB charging, and a cooling fan.

It’s compatible with heart rate straps too and Sole even includes a chest strap with purchase.

The warranty on the R92 isn’t as generous as the one Sole offers on their LCR, but it’s still one of the best warranties you’ll find on a recumbent in the $1k range- lifetime frame, 3 year parts, 1 year labor.

Overall, I think the R92 easily earns its way onto this list; I’d even go as far as saying it’s probably the nicest recumbent bike in the ~$1k price range. See full review.

 

#7 Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike

As we work our way toward the end of the list, we’re getting to the more affordable recumbents.

Well, there are certainly recumbents that are more affordable than the R618 and 270 below, but I think these offer more value than most for folks dealing with smaller budgets.

Anyway, the R618 has a lot to offer, especially for people looking for consoles with a lot of features.

But let’s talk performance first.

The R618 comes with a 13 lb flywheel. This is a lot lighter than most of the bikes on this list, but realistically, this is as heavy as you can expect to find in the $700 – $800 range.

And even though the flywheel is a bit light, this bike still offers a pretty smooth pedaling motion (especially for people who might not necessarily want to work against a ton of resistance).

Speaking of resistance, the R618 comes with 25 levels, giving users lots of control over the intensity of their workouts.

The R618 is also surprisingly robust, coming with an assembled weight of 107 lb and a max weight limit of 325 lb.

When it comes to console features, this bike is full of cool stuff, including 29 workout programs, bluetooth compatibility with fitness apps, and an included chest strap heart rate monitor.

This recumbent also comes with an adjustable angle backrest, something you rarely see in this price range.

Nautilus doesn’t mess around with their warranty either, the R618 is backed by the following residential guarantee: 15 year frame, 3 year parts, 1 year labor.

Add all this together and you’ve got the makings for one hell of a bike (especially considering it only costs around $800 at the time of writing this). See full review.

#8 Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

Rounding out my list is one of the most popular home recumbent bikes on the planet, the Schwinn 270.

Schwinn is one of the most well-known brands around when it comes to both outdoor cycling and indoor exercise bikes.

They’ve been around forever and their products are generally pretty awesome – well, the 270 is no different.

The 270 is a good looking bike that’s comfortable, easy to use, and packed with plenty of great features. And at the time of writing this, it’s going for around $650, making it pretty affordable too.

But let’s get to specifics.

The 270 is very similar to the R618 when it comes to performance – it too comes with a 13 lb flywheel and 25 levels of magnetic resistance.

It too comes with 29 built-in workout programs, bluetooth, a USB charging port, a cooling fan, and built-in speakers.

Unlike the R618 though, the 270 doesn’t include a chest strap and it’s warranty isn’t quite as generous (10 year frame, 2 year parts, 90 day labor).

That said, most users agree the 270 is comfortable to use and I’ve personally known folks who have had this bike for 10+ years without any issues.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable recumbent that can offer a smooth ride, Schwinn’s 270 is a pretty safe bet. See full review.

 

Final Thoughts

Well, I guess that about does it.

Recumbent bikes are great because they’re a lot more comfortable to use than traditional upright bikes or indoor cycles.

They’re also a lot easier to get on/off of, especially for folks dealing with pain or mobility issues.

When looking for a recumbent bike to add to your home, I encourage you to compare performance specs – more specifically, I’m talking about flywheel weights, number of resistance levels, assembled weights, and warranties.

And you’ll obviously want to consider what kind of features the bikes come with too.

It’s really all about finding a bike in your price range that checks as many boxes on your wish list as possible.

You may’ve noticed I didn’t include any of the higher-end, luxury recumbent bikes on this list (think Life Fitness, Precor, Matrix, etc).

That’s not to say these bikes aren’t amazing, but I tried to keep the bikes I chose under $2k or so because I think this is the price range most of us are thinking when looking for home fitness equipment.

But if you’re fortunate enough to be working with larger budgets and are looking for a truly commercial grade recumbent bike, those brands are certainly worth exploring.

Well, I hope you found this guide helpful and at least a little entertaining.

And as always, if you have any questions or comments (or know of any awesome recumbents that deserve a spot on this list), leave ’em below and I’ll get right back to ya.