Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Jeff
In this review of seven high-quality commercial-grade recumbent exercise bikes, we’ve included a selection that will fit any budget, and satisfy all kinds of users.
Recumbent bikes are essential in any gym, whether you own a large commercial gym, or manage a smaller facility in a hotel, spa, or even a community youth center.
But there are so many types of recumbent bikes to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming.
If you’re looking for affordable basic recumbent bikes for beginners, robust cross trainer recumbent bikes for professional athletes, or high-end machines for your more discerning customers you’re guaranteed to find some exciting options here.
Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bikes (Our Review)
Proform 235 CSX Recumbent Exercise Bike (Best For Beginners)
This bike is suitable for home use, or light commercial use in a smaller facility. It has a maximum weight capacity of 275 lbs and measures 61” x 21” x 40”.
Affordable and easy to operate, but without the high-tech features of other bikes, it would suit smaller budget-friendly gyms, or those at workplaces, schools, and community centers.
Ideal for beginners, or users who don’t need the advanced features offered with high-end machines.
The seat is comfortably cushioned with 2” thick foam padding and is adjustable along its rail forward and backward. Users can also lock the seat in a required position employing a lever.
This bike has 18 levels of magnetic resistance. Resistance levels can be chosen manually, or the iFit Trainer program can be used which will automatically adjust the resistance level for a more intense workout session.
The large LCD console display features an LED backlight and gives readings for time spent exercising, speed, resistance level, watts, calorie expenditure, and heart rate.
For users who would like to listen to a few tunes to enhance their workout, the console includes an MP3 jack for listening to music on portable audio devices, a built-in speaker, and volume control buttons.
A handy water bottle holder is included, so users can stay hydrated while working out.
Warranty on the frame is 7 years but only 90 days on parts.
Pros
- Mp3 jack and speaker with volume control
- 18 levels resistance
- LCD monitor with LED backlight
- Water bottle holder
Cons
- Parts warranty only 90 days
- No batteries are included for the console
- Weight capacity is not as high as some bikes
- No advanced high tech features
Nordictrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent Bike (Best For Light Commercial Use)
This bike is suitable for light commercial use. It features 25 levels of magnetic resistance, has a maximum weight capacity of 275 lbs, and measures 59” x 22”x 52”.
The steel frame is coated with corrosion and scratch-resistant paint and has a walk-through design, enabling users who are seniors or who have mobility issues to have easy access to the seat. The seat is adjustable along an aluminum rail.
It has large rubberized stabilizers on its base, and those at the rear are adjustable, to ensure the machine sits level on any type of flooring your facility may have. It includes two large delivery wheels.
The built-in cooling fan ensures that even during an intense workout, users remain cool and comfortable.
The Nordictrack VR25 has 32 exercise apps that control speed and resistance, designed by a professional fitness instructor.
The console has Bluetooth and iFit capability. With iFit Coach, users can download custom-designed applications and have access to HD exercise videos.
A convenient water bottle holder is included so users stay hydrated.
There is a 5-year warranty on the frame, and 2 years on both parts and labor
Pros
- Bluetooth and iFit enabled
- Cooling fan
- Water bottle holder
- Stabilizers and wheels
Cons
- The weight capacity is not as high as some bikes
Bodycraft RR18 Semi-Recumbent Exercise Bike (Best Commercial-Grade Bike For Home Use)
The Bodycraft R18 recumbent bike is a suitable recumbent bike for light commercial use which features a 4mm thick steel frame and commercial-grade German SKF bearings.
This bike weighs 123 lbs, measures 44” x 21” x 39”, and can support a user’s weight up to 350 lbs. The walk-through layout will enable all users to easily access the bike.
This machine is compact and ideal for use in the home or smaller gym facilities. The comfortably padded backrest and wide, cushioned seat make this machine a comfortable choice for heavier users as well.
A digital console displays users’ readings for time spent working out, rpm, distance, speed, calorie expenditure, and pulse rate. Pulse sensors to monitor heart rate are included in the grips.
Sixteen levels of magnetic resistance are available, in the form of 12 preset programs. There are 4 customizable programs as well. A fitness test program tracks users’ progress.
There is a light commercial use warranty( which means up to 5 hours of use per day) of 1 year on labor, 1 year on parts, and a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Pros
- Can support user weights up to 350 lbs
- Wide seat for larger users
Cons
- None of the high tech advanced features of some other bikes
Spirit CR900 Full Commercial Recumbent Bike (Best For Heavier Users)
A walk-through design makes entry and exit of this machine easy for all users.
It weighs 194 lbs and the dimensions are 67” X 29” X 49”. The maximum user weight capacity is 450 lbs, ideal for the heavier members of your facility.
A spring-loaded handle in front of the seat, enables users to quickly and easily adjust the seat for their needs.
The seat and backrest are made of high-density foam padding, and for optimal comfort even the pedals are padded
The Spirit CR900 features a commercial crank assembly and extra-large roller bearings to ensure pedal movement is smooth.
Interactive programs that include a heart rate program which will indicate to users what the ideal is for their age. Heart rate is measured via built-in pulse rate sensors.
Telemetry is also available, but the chest strap is sold separately.
With 40 levels of resistance, a challenging workout is guaranteed. No need for an electrical connection as the console is powered by a generator.
For your peace of mind, this machine has a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years warranty on the generator and bike parts, and 3 years cover on labor.
Pros
- Easy to adjust the seat
- Comfortable foam padding in seat and backrest
- Excellent warranty
- High maximum user weight capacity
Cons
- Telemetry is available but the chest strap must be bought separately
Octane Fitness xR6000 (Best Recumbent Elliptical)An elliptical trainer, also called a cross-trainer, simulates the motion of walking or running, but without the strain to your joints that can occur with these activities.
There are several recumbent bike hybrids available that consist of a combination of an elliptical machine with a recumbent exercise bike. The xR6000 is designed to maximize the user’s workout by providing a high-intensity total body workout. This machine weighs 320 lbs, is 39″ in width x 72 ” in height, and has a maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs.
Pros
Cons
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Discover SE Recumbent Lifecycle Exercise Bike (Best High-End Features)
Life Fitness is a leader in the fitness equipment industry. Their recumbent range, The Lifecycle, comprises three series: Activate, Integrity, and Elevation.
This magnificent bike is one of the Elevation Series and is a superb machine for even your most demanding users, with 26 resistance levels and a wide range of high-tech features.
The Discover SE Recumbent Lifecycle Exercise Bike is an award-winning combination of an innovative design with all the extra features your gym”s members could want.
The walk-through design makes it convenient for all users, and the Comfort Curve Plus seat and comfortably padded backrest ensure it is a pleasure to exercise.
Adjustable armrests have integrated Life Pulse contact pulse rate sensors, and the bike’s resistance can also be controlled from there. Side handlebars are also available.
With the addition of an optional chest strap, users will be able to monitor their heart rate via Polar Telemetry as well.
A range of premium consoles is on offer to enhance the user’s experience. The SE3HD 16” touch screen console features high-definition television, streaming video channels, Bluetooth, and internet capability, and is compatible with all Apple and Android devices.
Life Fitness On Demand classes and Lifescape Interactive courses are also available to members to motivate and challenge them, as well as workout customization modes by which they can track and share their progress.
You will be able to access product usage statistics, and software updates are available when needed. Logo customization for your facility is included.
Stay in touch with members through the Halo Cloud messaging service
The 2-year limited warranty covers all electrical and mechanical components, and labor is covered for one year.
Pros
- Touch screen consoles with entertainment, internet connectivity, and countless workout modes and options.
- Compatible with Android and Apple mobile devices, including fitness apps.
- Messaging via Halo Cloud
- Seriously comfortable and luxurious, with the added convenience of a walk through design
Cons
- Telemetry is available but the chest strap must be bought separately
Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike (Best Dual Action)
The Stamina Elite is a dual-action recumbent exercise bike. It features two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile.
Not only will you be targeting your abs, leg muscles, and glutes with this bike, but your upper body too. This machine is equipped with rotating handlebars to give your arms, shoulders, and back a workout as well.
This machine weighs 121 lbs and has a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs. It measures 52” x 24” x 49”.
Users can track their progress on the battery-powered monitor, which displays readings for speed, calorie expenditure, distance pedaled, and heart rate.
The 8 levels of tension are easily adjusted with an adjustment knob.
The seat and handrail are also adjustable for the user’s convenience.
Free access to a personalized smart audio coaching app called müüv and music app iHeartRadio. The müüv app can be downloaded on Apple App Store or Google Play store.
This machine carries a warranty of 5 years on the frame but only 90 days on parts.
Pros
- Rotating handlebars for a total body workout
- Personalized müüv coaching app
Cons
- Only 8 levels of resistance
- Only 90 days warranty on parts
Conclusion
This selection of recumbent stationary bikes includes various options to meet your requirements no matter your budget or type of facility.
When selecting your recumbent bike, take note of the dimensions of each machine and the floor space of your facility, as you need to leave enough space around each machine for users to move around.
Beginners and for that matter, the average gym member, would have different expectations from professional athletes.
Consider the type of clientele you offer your services to. This will enable you to select the right equipment for your and their needs.
The Proform 235 CSX is an affordable option for smaller facilities or home use. The same goes for the Bodycraft r18 semi-recumbent bike, which would suit seniors thanks to its semi-recumbent design which makes it easier for them to get on and off the bike.
The Nordictrack Commercial vR21 is ideal for light commercial use, and the Spirit CR900 is an excellent option for heavier users.
If you’re looking for a machine with more versatility, the Stamina Elite Total Body REcumbent will provide that thanks to the second set of moveable handlebars.
Of course, the Octane Fitness xR6000, being a recumbent elliptical combo, will give users a challenging cardio workout and is also ideal for heavier users.
In this review of seven recumbent bikes suitable for commercial use, our top pick is the Discover SE Recumbent Lifecycle Exercise Bike by Life Fitness, as it has a wide range of high-tech features that will enhance the workout experience of any user.
Commercial Recumbent Exercise Bikes (FAQ)
What is the difference between a commercial-grade bike and one for home use?
A commercial-grade exercise bike is built to withstand heavy use for extended periods, and will usually have a longer warranty period and more comprehensive cover.
Some bikes have both a light commercial use and a home use warranty, such as the Bodycraft r18 Semi-Recumbent exercise bike.
Do I need a bike with advanced high-tech features?
This is a matter of personal preference, and the more high-tech features a bike has the more expensive it will be.
However, many extra features such as specialized workout programs, fitness apps, moveable handlebars, etc. can enhance your overall workout experience and give you a more intense and challenging workout.
Can I fit a recumbent exercise bike in my limited space?
Whether you need a recumbent exercise bike for a large gym or for home use, you’ll find a lightweight recumbent bike in almost any style you could want.
For small apartments with limited space, compact and foldable recumbent bikes are available that can be easily folded down and stored when not in use.
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