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If you find it getting harder and harder to climb up onto your bicycle, it might be time to switch to a recumbent bike. The best recumbent bikes for seniors get your blood pumping while also minimizing lower back, hip, and knee discomfort with reclined seats and backrests that more comfortably distribute your body weight as you pedal....
The post The 6 Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
If you find it getting harder and harder to climb up onto your bicycle, it might be time to switch to a recumbent bike. The best recumbent bikes for seniors get your blood pumping while also minimizing lower back, hip, and knee discomfort with reclined seats and backrests that more comfortably distribute your body weight as you pedal. (1)
There is no shortage of high-quality models on the market, all of which can be beneficial for older riders looking to maintain their cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, and improve their balance. (2)(3) That said, recumbent bikes come in a variety of designs and price points, with some offering added comforts like HD touchscreens, streaming services, and folding options. Have a seat, stretch those calves, and join us as we pedal through our picks for the best recumbent bikes for seniors.
Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors of 2023
How We Tested the Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors
BarBend’s roster of competitive athletes, fitness aficionados, and certified personal trainers understand the importance of developing sustainable fitness routines that will carry over into your golden years. Though anyone can work up a sweat on a recumbent bike, we wanted to curate a list specifically for seniors who want to stay active without aggravating their joints.
Seniors may enjoy the lower back support and low-impact workout provided by recumbent bikes. Credit: P Stock / Shutterstock
When putting together this list, we looked for machines that prioritized comfort and catered to those with limited mobility. That meant zeroing in on features like additional lumbar support, thoughtful pedal placement, and step-through bases. We also tried to highlight models that offered a wide range of resistance and adjustability. And since recumbent bikes can be pricey, we tried to pick a few budget-friendly options that can still make you sweat.
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors Overall: NordicTrack R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
The top-of-the-line NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a versatile, comfortable, and high-tech piece of equipment that can cater to seniors of varying fitness levels with a whopping 26 levels of magnetic resistance. In BarBend’s review of the R35, we called it “one of the most tech-savvy bikes on the market,” and also shouted out its “luxurious feel and high-quality build.”
That luxuriousness can be credited in part to the bike’s roomy seat, which can support up to 350 pounds and includes additional lumbar support for those with achy backs. NordicTrack’s EasyGlide technology, meanwhile, provides horizontal adjustments to accommodate riders of various heights.
If you’re struggling with limited mobility, the step-through base ensures you won’t need to lift a leg over any bulky frames when climbing on. There’s also a pair of handles on either side of the seat to help you get situated.
After settling in, users can navigate the bike’s 14-inch touchscreen, one of our favorite features. The Android 9 operating system makes for swift, easy navigation of its menus and tracked stats, which include time, distance, resistance level, speed, and estimated burned calories. You can also use it to access more than 16,000 classes via iFit, which our tester declared a “true competitor” to the Peloton fitness app.
You get a free 30-day trial to iFit with your purchase. After that, plans start at $39 per month or $180 per year. We’re big fans of iFit’s range of classes, which include cardio, strength, and yoga classes that can cater to athletes young and old. Most importantly, though, iFit’s programming can automatically adjust the R35’s resistance to a trainer’s specifications or the terrain of a particular location. You can ride the bike manually, of course, but you won’t find any pre-programmed workouts on its console. iFit is what truly unlocks the R35’s potential.
Of course, the R35 is already one of the priciest recumbent bikes on the market at $1,299, and adding another $180 per year on top of that is asking a lot. As such, ask yourself how often you see yourself taking advantage of it. We think iFit’s worth the cost, especially when paired with a machine that was designed with the app in mind. If you’re more interested in a casual pedal than a trainer-led one, there are cheaper options that may be a better fit.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Review.
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.
Shop Assault
Specs
Pros
Cons
Recumbent bikes are excellent machines for helping people with back problems stay active, but the Horizon Comfort R aims to be extra hospitable with its extra-large cushioned seat and a wide backrest that provides additional lumbar support.
We also like the stability provided by the pair of hand grips on either side of the seat and how you can make horizontal adjustments so your legs and lower back aren’t straining to meet the pedals. Saddling up, meanwhile, is a breeze thanks to a step-through frame that allows you to sit down as you would in any chair.
Customer reviews seem to agree that the Comfort R lives up to its name. “I needed a low-impact exercise bike that would support my back,” reads one five-star review. “This Horizon Comfort R is the perfect bike. It doesn’t hurt my back, and I can ride every day.”
It’ll make you sweat, too. The 15-pound flywheel isn’t as heavy as the 20- and 25-pound flywheels you’ll find on pricier bikes, but it should still provide smooth transitions between the machine’s 16 levels of quiet magnetic resistance. If you’re easing back into fitness after sickness or a back injury, the display’s 12 pre-loaded training programs can help you set goals and develop a recovery routine.
It’s worth noting, however, that the 5.5-inch LCD display lacks a backlight, which may make it difficult to track your heart rate, resistance level, speed, and time, among other metrics, in low light. We also wish it was Bluetooth compatible, though it does have an audio input jack, so you can stream audio and video through its built-in speakers that way. We also like that you can measure your heart rate through the pulse sensors incorporated into its handles.
The Comfort R is on the pricier side when it comes to recumbent bikes, but those in search of a ride that’s as easy on the back as it is on the joints may find it’s worth the investment, especially when you factor in the frame’s lifetime warranty.
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors for Low-Impact Workouts: Sole R92
Sole R92
Sole R92
The Sole R92 caters to riders of all ages and fitness levels with an extra-wide seat, 14 levels of horizontal adjustment, and pedals that work to promote proper posture and minimize lower back pain. Its 20 easy-to-intense levels of magnetic resistance can provide a challenge for beginners and seasoned riders.
Shop Sole
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Sole R92’s patented pedals were specifically designed to ease the impact on your joints as you ride. Their two-degree inward design works to position the rider in the correct position to help minimize aches and pains in the feet and lower back.
Working in tandem with the pedals’ design is the wide, padded seat, which can be adjusted in 14 different ways to accommodate riders of varying heights. “I am 5’6’’, and my husband is 6’1’’, and the leg extension for peddling is perfect for us both,” reads one review. Another review calls out the step-through base, saying the R92 is an “excellent choice for us older folks.”
The R92 is capable of slowly easing older riders or those in recovery into a beginner workout plan, thanks to its 20 easy-to-intense levels of magnetic resistance (more than you’ll find on many recumbent bikes). The LCD display also comes pre-loaded with workouts designed to burn fat and improve your overall cardiovascular health “The programs are outstanding! Much the same, if not better than what you would find at the gym,” reads one five-star review.
You can also access more than 3,000 free trainer-led classes via Sole’s app, which features beginner and advanced workouts spanning 10 minutes to an hour. Using Bluetooth, the app can track your heart rate from an external monitor or the pulse sensors built into the handles. Either way, you can always be sure you’re not overexerting yourself.
We also like the R92’s nine-inch display, which is roughly 3.5 inches larger than the screens you’ll find on most bikes. It’s also backlit, making it possible to track your time, distance, and heart rate in bright or dark rooms. It is an LCD display, however, so those pedaling along to classes will have to do so on a mobile device of their own. Thankfully, the console includes a media shelf that can support tablets and smartphones.
It can be a bear to move around, however — at 130 pounds, it’s roughly 30 to 40 pounds heavier than average recumbent bikes. It’s also taller and wider than most models by several inches, so it might not be the best option for those living in close quarters.
Most Comfortable Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 has a solid build, a comfortable ride, and a host of user-friendly features. Not only that but an affordable price for the quality with 16 levels of resistance to select from while you follow along to workouts from popular streaming apps like Explore the World and Zwift.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Schwinn 230 prioritizes comfort by allowing riders to adjust both the seat and handlebars, a rare luxury on a recumbent bike that may prove to be useful for those with limited upper-body mobility.
During rides, seniors sink into a contoured seat while utilizing the built-in media shelf to pedal alongside their favorite trainers or TV shows. The seat and backrest are also ventilated to promote airflow and breathability, a feature we appreciate during those sweat-drenched final minutes of a ride.
Some reviews, however, note that the seat was too hard for their liking, adding that they went so far as to add their own cushion. Not everyone agrees, though. “I had been reluctant to buy because the seat is not padded, but the ride is very comfortable,” reads one review.
Other five-star reviews shout out the bike’s low-profile design. “The leg step-through is easy to maneuver at only two inches high off the ground,” reads one review. “Also, the width of the flywheel between your lower legs is great for aligned knee position while pedaling.” Another satisfied customer lauded the bike’s adjustability options, saying they found the right seat and handle placement for their “short frame.”
The bike comes with a built-in LCD console that tracks basic metrics and comes pre-loaded with 13 exercise programs that can serve as an introduction for seniors new to recumbent biking. The display, unfortunately, lacks a backlight, which may make it difficult to read.
If you’re looking to zone out as you pedal, a media shelf on the front console provides a space for you to set up tablets and stream shows, read e-books, or partake in scenic virtual rides via Schwinn-affiliated fitness apps like Explore the World. You can even connect your device with the bike’s speakers via Bluetooth.
The frame is made of more plastic than steel, which helps explain its lower price point but may negatively affect the bike’s long-term durability....
Click here to view the article.
The post The 6 Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
If you find it getting harder and harder to climb up onto your bicycle, it might be time to switch to a recumbent bike. The best recumbent bikes for seniors get your blood pumping while also minimizing lower back, hip, and knee discomfort with reclined seats and backrests that more comfortably distribute your body weight as you pedal. (1)
There is no shortage of high-quality models on the market, all of which can be beneficial for older riders looking to maintain their cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, and improve their balance. (2)(3) That said, recumbent bikes come in a variety of designs and price points, with some offering added comforts like HD touchscreens, streaming services, and folding options. Have a seat, stretch those calves, and join us as we pedal through our picks for the best recumbent bikes for seniors.
Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors of 2023
- Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors Overall: NordicTrack R35
- Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike
- Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors for Low-Impact Workouts: Sole R92
- Most Comfortable Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
- Best Budget Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
- Best Folding Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike
How We Tested the Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors
BarBend’s roster of competitive athletes, fitness aficionados, and certified personal trainers understand the importance of developing sustainable fitness routines that will carry over into your golden years. Though anyone can work up a sweat on a recumbent bike, we wanted to curate a list specifically for seniors who want to stay active without aggravating their joints.
When putting together this list, we looked for machines that prioritized comfort and catered to those with limited mobility. That meant zeroing in on features like additional lumbar support, thoughtful pedal placement, and step-through bases. We also tried to highlight models that offered a wide range of resistance and adjustability. And since recumbent bikes can be pricey, we tried to pick a few budget-friendly options that can still make you sweat.
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors Overall: NordicTrack R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,299
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 53.42’’ H x 68.22’’ L x 23.69’’ W
- Weight: 192lb
Pros
- The bike caters to seniors of varying fitness levels with 26 easy-to-intense levels of magnetic resistance.
- The oversized, adjustable seat offers added lumbar support for those with sore backs.
- Access trainer-led iFit classes and track stats via the 14-inch touchscreen.
- The commercial-grade steel frame can support riders up to 350 pounds.
Cons
- It’s one of the larger recumbent bikes on the market, with a length that’s three to 10 inches longer than most standard models.
- It comes with a 30-day iFit trial, but the cost goes up to $39 a month after that.
- There’s no built-in heart rate monitor, so you’ll need to connect one via Bluetooth.
The top-of-the-line NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a versatile, comfortable, and high-tech piece of equipment that can cater to seniors of varying fitness levels with a whopping 26 levels of magnetic resistance. In BarBend’s review of the R35, we called it “one of the most tech-savvy bikes on the market,” and also shouted out its “luxurious feel and high-quality build.”
That luxuriousness can be credited in part to the bike’s roomy seat, which can support up to 350 pounds and includes additional lumbar support for those with achy backs. NordicTrack’s EasyGlide technology, meanwhile, provides horizontal adjustments to accommodate riders of various heights.
If you’re struggling with limited mobility, the step-through base ensures you won’t need to lift a leg over any bulky frames when climbing on. There’s also a pair of handles on either side of the seat to help you get situated.
After settling in, users can navigate the bike’s 14-inch touchscreen, one of our favorite features. The Android 9 operating system makes for swift, easy navigation of its menus and tracked stats, which include time, distance, resistance level, speed, and estimated burned calories. You can also use it to access more than 16,000 classes via iFit, which our tester declared a “true competitor” to the Peloton fitness app.
You get a free 30-day trial to iFit with your purchase. After that, plans start at $39 per month or $180 per year. We’re big fans of iFit’s range of classes, which include cardio, strength, and yoga classes that can cater to athletes young and old. Most importantly, though, iFit’s programming can automatically adjust the R35’s resistance to a trainer’s specifications or the terrain of a particular location. You can ride the bike manually, of course, but you won’t find any pre-programmed workouts on its console. iFit is what truly unlocks the R35’s potential.
Of course, the R35 is already one of the priciest recumbent bikes on the market at $1,299, and adding another $180 per year on top of that is asking a lot. As such, ask yourself how often you see yourself taking advantage of it. We think iFit’s worth the cost, especially when paired with a machine that was designed with the app in mind. If you’re more interested in a casual pedal than a trainer-led one, there are cheaper options that may be a better fit.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Review.
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors with Back Problems: Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.
Shop Assault
Specs
- Price: $899
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 53’’ H x 65’’ L x 26’’ W
- Weight: 99lbs
Pros
- The bike’s wide backrest provides additional lumbar support for those with bad backs.
- The step-through frame provides easy access to an extra-large cushioned seat with handles.
- Riders of varying heights will like the seat’s horizontal adjustability.
Cons
- It’s got a rear handle that assists with transport, but no wheels.
- You can’t connect devices to it via Bluetooth, though there is an audio input.
Recumbent bikes are excellent machines for helping people with back problems stay active, but the Horizon Comfort R aims to be extra hospitable with its extra-large cushioned seat and a wide backrest that provides additional lumbar support.
We also like the stability provided by the pair of hand grips on either side of the seat and how you can make horizontal adjustments so your legs and lower back aren’t straining to meet the pedals. Saddling up, meanwhile, is a breeze thanks to a step-through frame that allows you to sit down as you would in any chair.
Customer reviews seem to agree that the Comfort R lives up to its name. “I needed a low-impact exercise bike that would support my back,” reads one five-star review. “This Horizon Comfort R is the perfect bike. It doesn’t hurt my back, and I can ride every day.”
It’ll make you sweat, too. The 15-pound flywheel isn’t as heavy as the 20- and 25-pound flywheels you’ll find on pricier bikes, but it should still provide smooth transitions between the machine’s 16 levels of quiet magnetic resistance. If you’re easing back into fitness after sickness or a back injury, the display’s 12 pre-loaded training programs can help you set goals and develop a recovery routine.
It’s worth noting, however, that the 5.5-inch LCD display lacks a backlight, which may make it difficult to track your heart rate, resistance level, speed, and time, among other metrics, in low light. We also wish it was Bluetooth compatible, though it does have an audio input jack, so you can stream audio and video through its built-in speakers that way. We also like that you can measure your heart rate through the pulse sensors incorporated into its handles.
The Comfort R is on the pricier side when it comes to recumbent bikes, but those in search of a ride that’s as easy on the back as it is on the joints may find it’s worth the investment, especially when you factor in the frame’s lifetime warranty.
Best Recumbent Bike for Seniors for Low-Impact Workouts: Sole R92
Sole R92
Sole R92
The Sole R92 caters to riders of all ages and fitness levels with an extra-wide seat, 14 levels of horizontal adjustment, and pedals that work to promote proper posture and minimize lower back pain. Its 20 easy-to-intense levels of magnetic resistance can provide a challenge for beginners and seasoned riders.
Shop Sole
Specs
- Price: $1,099.99
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 60’’ H x 56’’ L x 29’’ W
- Weight: 130lbs
Pros
- Sole’s pedals were designed to promote proper posture, thus reducing the impact on your feet and lower back.
- It has 20 easy-to-intense levels of magnetic resistance, more than many recumbent bikes.
- The extra-wide seat has 14 horizontal adjustments for riders of varying heights.
- You can access more than 3,000 beginner and advanced fitness classes via the Sole app.
Cons
- It’s taller and wider than the average recumbent bike by several inches, making it less suited for small spaces.
- This bike weighs 130 pounds, which is 30 to 40 pounds more than the average recumbent bike.
The Sole R92’s patented pedals were specifically designed to ease the impact on your joints as you ride. Their two-degree inward design works to position the rider in the correct position to help minimize aches and pains in the feet and lower back.
Working in tandem with the pedals’ design is the wide, padded seat, which can be adjusted in 14 different ways to accommodate riders of varying heights. “I am 5’6’’, and my husband is 6’1’’, and the leg extension for peddling is perfect for us both,” reads one review. Another review calls out the step-through base, saying the R92 is an “excellent choice for us older folks.”
The R92 is capable of slowly easing older riders or those in recovery into a beginner workout plan, thanks to its 20 easy-to-intense levels of magnetic resistance (more than you’ll find on many recumbent bikes). The LCD display also comes pre-loaded with workouts designed to burn fat and improve your overall cardiovascular health “The programs are outstanding! Much the same, if not better than what you would find at the gym,” reads one five-star review.
You can also access more than 3,000 free trainer-led classes via Sole’s app, which features beginner and advanced workouts spanning 10 minutes to an hour. Using Bluetooth, the app can track your heart rate from an external monitor or the pulse sensors built into the handles. Either way, you can always be sure you’re not overexerting yourself.
We also like the R92’s nine-inch display, which is roughly 3.5 inches larger than the screens you’ll find on most bikes. It’s also backlit, making it possible to track your time, distance, and heart rate in bright or dark rooms. It is an LCD display, however, so those pedaling along to classes will have to do so on a mobile device of their own. Thankfully, the console includes a media shelf that can support tablets and smartphones.
It can be a bear to move around, however — at 130 pounds, it’s roughly 30 to 40 pounds heavier than average recumbent bikes. It’s also taller and wider than most models by several inches, so it might not be the best option for those living in close quarters.
Most Comfortable Recumbent Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 has a solid build, a comfortable ride, and a host of user-friendly features. Not only that but an affordable price for the quality with 16 levels of resistance to select from while you follow along to workouts from popular streaming apps like Explore the World and Zwift.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
- Price: $549
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 44.5’’ H x 64’’ L x 27’’ W
- Weight: 80lbs
Pros
- You can adjust the seat and handlebars of this bike to best suit your comfort level.
- The contoured seat is ventilated to help keep users cool during high-intensity rides.
- A built-in media shelf on the console provides a place for tablets and e-readers.
Cons
- Since the frame is made of plastic, it’s not the most heavy-duty bike.
- Some reviews note that the seat was too hard for their liking.
- The display lacks a backlight, which can make it difficult to read.
The Schwinn 230 prioritizes comfort by allowing riders to adjust both the seat and handlebars, a rare luxury on a recumbent bike that may prove to be useful for those with limited upper-body mobility.
During rides, seniors sink into a contoured seat while utilizing the built-in media shelf to pedal alongside their favorite trainers or TV shows. The seat and backrest are also ventilated to promote airflow and breathability, a feature we appreciate during those sweat-drenched final minutes of a ride.
Some reviews, however, note that the seat was too hard for their liking, adding that they went so far as to add their own cushion. Not everyone agrees, though. “I had been reluctant to buy because the seat is not padded, but the ride is very comfortable,” reads one review.
Other five-star reviews shout out the bike’s low-profile design. “The leg step-through is easy to maneuver at only two inches high off the ground,” reads one review. “Also, the width of the flywheel between your lower legs is great for aligned knee position while pedaling.” Another satisfied customer lauded the bike’s adjustability options, saying they found the right seat and handle placement for their “short frame.”
The bike comes with a built-in LCD console that tracks basic metrics and comes pre-loaded with 13 exercise programs that can serve as an introduction for seniors new to recumbent biking. The display, unfortunately, lacks a backlight, which may make it difficult to read.
If you’re looking to zone out as you pedal, a media shelf on the front console provides a space for you to set up tablets and stream shows, read e-books, or partake in scenic virtual rides via Schwinn-affiliated fitness apps like Explore the World. You can even connect your device with the bike’s speakers via Bluetooth.
The frame is made of more plastic than steel, which helps explain its lower price point but may negatively affect the bike’s long-term durability....
Click here to view the article.
