Best Recumbent Bike Under $500

Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Jeff

Recumbent bikes are one of the best ways of getting an effective cardio session in the comfort of your home. With hundreds of recumbent bikes to choose from and many different features, it can be hard to find the right recumbent bike for you.

Buying a recumbent bike does not need to be a hassle. We can help you find a bike that suits your needs and stays within your budget.

For under $500, you can get your hands on high-quality equipment without breaking the bank.

We have reviewed the best recumbent bikes under $500.

Best recumbent exercise bikes under $500 

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike (Best Value for Money)

You can find this feature-rich, high-quality recumbent bike online for around $450. The Schwinn 230 offers a myriad of impressive preset workout programs and features that cater to your absolute comfort.

It boasts 20 levels of resistance and a whopping 22 preset workout programs.

The high-speed, high-inertia perimeter-weighted flywheels deliver great resistance. A more serious exerciser might prefer more vigorous resistance than the flywheels can offer.  

The 5’5’’ backlit LCD console displays interval time, revolutions per minute, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate measured with a grip monitor. It also includes heart rate control.

The console accommodates 2 user profiles to track and download exercise data. The programmed workouts allow you to choose between a variety of resistance levels and exciting workouts like strenuous hills and mountain rides.

The programs include three fun rides, three mountain rides, and three challenges. There are also four heart rate programs and two fitness tests to measure your improvement.

The Schwinn 230 has excellent USB data transferability and syncs with Schwinn Connect. The bike also has in-console speakers to hook up your iPod or MP3 player.

Unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth connectivity and cannot sync with other fitness apps and trackers besides Schwinn Connect.

Other nifty accessories for your comfort and enjoyment include a 3-speed cooling fan, media tray, and water bottle holder. The incredible design and functionality of the bike ensure a smooth ride on its cushioned adjustable seat.

Pros

• User weight capacity: 300 pounds.
• 22 exciting workout programs.
• Compatible with iPods and MP3s.
• Built-in speakers and a USB port.
• Built-in fan.

Cons:

• Not for people above 6’2’’.
• No Bluetooth connectivity.
• Cannot sync with fitness apps and trackers.

 

Marcy ME-706 Regenerating Recumbent Bike (Best Console Technology) 

The appeal of the Marcy ME-706 lies in its incredible variety of fitness programs, self-generating resistance system, and unique Functions. You can expect to pay between $350 and $500 for this recumbent bike. 

No power chord is needed because the Marcy ME-706 operates with a self-generating motorized magnetic system. You can be sure of a high-quality, smooth pedaling experience since the bike has a magnetic brake and a small servo motor.

The large LCD with LED backlight measures time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, and pulse. It also features pulse recovery and can measure body fat. Heart rate measurement is integrated into the handlebars, but it is also compatible with telemetric chest straps.

You have 24 resistance levels and 23 workout programs to choose from to curate your own fitness experience. 

You can have an exciting pedaling experience that includes steps, inclines, rolling hills, valleys, ramps, mountains, intervals, plateaus, and randomized workouts.

Another unique and impressive feature is its Recovery Function and Body Fat Function. 

The Recovery Function measures your fitness level according to your pulse and will rate it between 1 and 6. 

The Body Fat Function measures your body fat ratio and curates your loading profile accordingly.

For your comfort, it comes with a water bottle holder, tablet holder, and transportation wheels. The audio jack can be hooked up to listen to music through built-in speakers.  

Another pair of handles next to the seat offers extra comfort. The entire seat is adjustable and can move from the front to back on its oblique metallic rail. Unfortunately, the seat does not recline. 

Pros

• User weight capacity: 300 pounds.
• Body Fat Function.
• Recovery Test Function.
• Includes sound system.
• 24 Resistance levels.
•  23 Workout programs.

Cons

• The sound system is not powerful.
• The tablet holder covers the console display.
• Heart rate chest strap not included.
• No Bluetooth connectivity.

 

ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Exercise Bike (Best Recumbent Bike for Beginners)

The ProForm 235 offers comfortable rides and workout programs that can help you reach any fitness goal. It has a lot to offer for a bike that costs roughly $500. 

Challenge yourself with 18 levels of electronic magnetic resistance and 18 professional workout programs. 

The inertia-enhanced flywheels provide strong resistance and a smooth, silent pedal stroke. This diverse bike will suit advanced riders and beginners. 

Its large LCD monitor keeps track of distance, speed, time, estimated calorie burn, and heart rate with handle grip pulse sensors. 

You can crank your favorite workout playlist over the built-in dual 2’’ speakers. The audio system is compatible with iPods and MP3 players and is meant to enhance your workout experience.

Other extras include a water bottle holder, tablet holder, and transportation wheels. The step-through design and the large, cushioned seat were designed for your utmost comfort.

Pros  

• Silent and smooth pedaling.
• Built-in sound system.
• Compatible with iPod and MP3.
• Comfortable seat.

Cons

• User weight capacity: 275 pounds
• Battery-operated console.
• No backlit display on the LCD monitor.

 

Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike (Best Overall Recumbent Bike)

Nautilus is known for its high-quality exercise equipment and the Nautilus R616 is no exception. This outstanding recumbent bike offers a high-tech console, a variety of programs, and comfort to the rider.  

This bike costs a little over $500, but you will be able to find it at a good deal. The excellent quality and features of the Nautilus R616 make it worth mentioning and worth a few extra bucks.

Choose between 25 resistance levels, powered by a high-speed, high inertia drive system with perimeter weighted flywheel. It offers smooth and consistent workouts that will excite fitness fundis and beginners.

The Display-Dual track LCD monitor displays your speed, time, distance, revolutions per minute, heart rate, and calories. Heart rate is monitored on handlebar grips, but it is also compatible with telemetry-enabled chest straps.

Its most impressive feature is its console. Four users can store their fitness data with Bluetooth and USB data transfer functionality. You can also sync with apps like Nautilus Connect and MyFitnessPal.

The Nautilus R616 offers 29 incredible workout programs, including four fun rides, four mountain rides, and four challenges. The bike can simulate rolling hills, park rides, stream crossings, Pike’s Peak, Mount Hood, and even the pyramids.

You can track improvements in your fitness journey with two fitness tests and a recovery test program. It also has heart rate control and nine heart rate programs with custom settings.

You can hook up the in-console speakers with iPods and MP3 players. Other smart accessories include a media shelf, a three-speed fan, and a water bottle holder. 

Pros

• User weight capacity: 300 pounds.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Syncs with fitness apps.
• 29 workout programs.
• High-tech console.
• Three-speed fan. 

Cons

• Heart rate chest strap not included.
• Expensive. 

 

Best recumbent exercise bikes under $500 (FAQ)

Are cheap exercise bikes good?

Recumbent bike prices can vary immensely. Luckily, you do not need the most expensive recumbent bike to get an epic workout experience. Many affordable recumbent bikes out there can suit your fitness needs.

Many recumbent bikes under $200 offer most of the basic metrics like speed, distance, time, heart rate, and calories burnt, with basic consoles. 

Usually, these bikes will have 10 or fewer resistance settings. But, the right bike will still get your blood pumping.

For a few hundred more dollars, you can find bikes with more resistance settings, high-tech features, and preset workout programs, like the bikes we reviewed. 

This can include built-in sound systems, virtually constructed terrains, and compatibility with fitness apps and Bluetooth.

How effective is a recumbent bike for weight loss?

To lose weight you must burn calories. Recumbent bikes provide effective aerobic workouts that are guaranteed to burn calories.

The number of calories you will burn on a recumbent bike depends on the intensity and duration of your workout. You can burn up to 450 to 500 calories per hour on a recumbent bike.

To set yourself on course for burning the most calories, increase the resistance of the bike, pedal uphill, or vary the resistance in intervals.

How Do I Choose a Recumbent Bike?

With so many recumbent bikes for sale online and in stores, buying your own bike may be daunting. You might be wondering how to choose a recumbent bicycle. We are here to help.

The first thing you need to figure out is how much money you are willing to spend, and what your needs are concerning certain features.

Your bike should suit your level of fitness and your fitness goals. Make sure that you meet the height and weight requirements for your bike, and that the seat accommodates your preferred riding style.

Think about the type of resistance you are looking for, and which features you find nifty and helpful. These features relate to the LCD console, fitness metrics, and accessories like device compatibility and sound systems.

Luckily, you can rent a recumbent exercise bike to try different models out before you make your decision.