Some stationary recumbent bikes are superior to others, and they aren’t always the most costly options. You sit in a bucket seat in a semi-reclining position and pedal with your legs in front of you on this type of bike. This position can spare your bottom from soreness and is an alternative if you have lower-back issues. Stationary recumbent bikes vary in features and price, ranging from about $200 to $2,000.
Resistance
Choose a bike with magnetic resistance over a bike that uses a tension belt, according to Galt Tech. Also, seek a bike that has buttons that allow you to control this resistance in lieu of knobs, advises Brad Schoenfeld in “The Women’s Home Workout Bible.” Check the number of preset programs and resistance levels. For example, you can find quality midpriced bikes that have 16 resistance levels and 11 preset programs.
Display
A display console may seem extraneous, but you are more likely to stay motivated if you have one, says Galt Tech. Seek consoles that give readouts on calories burned, workout time, speed, heart rate, resistance level and distance traveled. Some models also display revolutions per minute, or RPMs.
Pedals, Bars and Weight Capacity
Look for a bike with extra-wide, self-leveling pedals and foot straps, says Schoenfeld. You also will find both budget and midpriced bikes with sensors on the handlebars that monitor your heart rate when you grip them. If weight is a consideration, look at the bike’s capacity. Some go up to 400 pounds, though a 300-pound weight limit is more common.
Seat
You want a back rest that has extra support if you’ve got lower-back issues. It should support your spine in an ergonomically correct position and be fully adjustable. Check to see whether it is easy to move the seat forward and back, and test out the seat’s padding for comfort. Comfort is a key factor because the best bike for you is one that you’ll use rather than relegate to a corner to gather dust, says "Consumer Reports."
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