Top Recumbent Bikes

Top Recumbent Bikes
Photo Credit Photodisc/Valueline/Getty Images

Stationary bicycles come in two forms -- recumbent and upright. Although both provide similar fitness results, the upright is the closest to being on a real bike. For example, it allows a user to simulate a hill climb. Recumbent models allow a user to recline in the "bike." Its fans prefer that comfortable seating position, which places less stress on their shoulders, back, arms, wrists and buttocks.

Schwinn 240 Recumbent Bike

The Schwinn 240 is a recumbent stationary bike that has solid construction, providing a stable, comfortable and quiet ride. The maximum weight capacity of the Schwinn 240 is 300 lbs. Riders have many fitness options, as the Schwinn 240 offers 16 different levels of resistance and 18 programs, making the Schwinn 240 an exercise bike that will appeal to a variety of fitness and experience levels. Features of the Schwinn 240 include an adjustable seat, comfortable pedals and a display panel that provides watt output, workout distance, time, speed, calorie burn and heart rate reading.

Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Bike

The Marcy ME 709 is a recumbent exercise bike targeted at those stressing budget over features. The ME 709 has a sturdy ABS-molded frame and is capable of handling riders weighing up to 300 lbs. The resistance is a magnetic unit type, offering the user eight different resistance settings. The ME 709 does not offer any programs other than manual, often used by more experienced fitness users because of the complete control over speed and resistance it affords. The screen monitors workout speed, distance, time and calories burned. The adjustable seat and wide pedals with straps offer an appreciable level of comfort.

Schwinn 231 Recumbent Bike

The Schwinn 231 is a recumbent bike with a sturdy frame and weighty flywheel, providing a smooth and quiet ride. The adjustable seat, cooling fan and strap-equipped pedals provide a comfortable rider's cockpit. The monitor is easy to read and provides information on a variety of information, including exercise time, speed, distance and calories burned. There are 23 different programs to provide a variety of workouts. Heart rate monitoring is through the pulse-sensitive hand grips.

Ignite 745 Recumbent Bike

The Ignite 745, manufactured by Lamar Fitness, offers many usable features, including 20 different workouts in addition to 16 variable resistance levels. The 745's seat offers support for the lumbar region, important for individuals with existing back pain. A telemetry heart monitoring system offers added accuracy by using a chest strap over that of hand grips, which are often used. In addition, the display panel monitors body fat, body mass index, time, distance and calories burned, among other items.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: Feb 7, 2012

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments