Looking for the best recumbent bike? Many people choose a recumbent over an upright bike for several reasons. They are more comfortable, have seats with extra back support, are closer to the ground and will often give you more options as far as workout programs and console features.
There's a problem however. There are a lot of recumbent exercise bikes on the market. There are over 20 different brands and each has several different models - with new ones coming out each year.
So how do you find the best recumbent bike for you? By knowing what to look for. While there are lots of features to look at, here are 3 key features you must look for when looking for the best recumbent exercise bike for your home gym:
#1) Comfortable, Adjustable Seat
The seat is one of the most important factors to look at. If you've tried out some of the cheaper department store bikes, you'll probably notice that they have seats that are as hard as rocks. After a while you won't be able to stand sitting on them for very long.
The best bikes have comfortable seats that are also adjustable (forward and back as well as up and down) so you can fit the bike to your frame. Also, look for back support or lumbar support on the seat - especially if you're prone to back problems.
#2) Backlit Console
This is another thing most people don't think about - but it can actually make a huge difference to the enjoyment of your workout. Many cheaper bikes come with a console readout - but the console is not backlit. So it can be difficult to see your fitness stats when you're pedalling. You have to lean forward to see the console.
Getting a bike with an easy-to-read backlit console, ensures you can sit back, relax and track your heart rate or resistance or miles covered with ease.
#3) Entertainment/Comfort Options
This again, may seem like a little thing, but it actually will determine how much you want to use your bike. For example, does your bike come with a lot of built-in workouts? How about a console fan to keep you cool? What about an iPod or MP3 dock so you can listen to your favorite tunes while pedalling?
This is an area where bike manufacturers have really improved over the years. You'd be amazed at what you can find on a bike these days.
You can get bikes that help you track your workouts over time, set and reach new fitness goals, bikes with video games and even bikes that connect to the wireless internet in your home and let you ride trails all over the world using the maps online.
So those are some of the features you must have in the best recumbent bike. A few other features to look at include a proper ergonomic design (higher end bikes tend to be better here than starter models), a good warranty, heavy flywheel and push-button resistance.
The good news is that if you do your research and look around, you're almost guaranteed to find a high quality recumbent bike for your home. Competition is tough and manufacturers are producing better bikes each year. So take your time and enjoy looking for a bike you'll really love to use!
