Even before COVID-19 shut down the gyms, I was into working out at home. Since I work remotely, I have a flexible schedule. Instead of a coffee break, I have the opportunity the hop on the treadmill, MaxiClimber, or rowing machine. After trying out several exercise bikes over the years, I have discovered the best recumbent exercise bike.
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The Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
I’ll get into why I prefer recumbent bikes a little later. I’ve tried so many different kinds of recumbent bikes and did a lot of research before settling on the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709. Since I was on a budget, I was shopping for a good bike under $300.
My biggest concern with recumbent bikes was stability. I bike slowly, but I weigh a lot, while my husband likes to bike quickly and franticly, plus he is taller than me. We needed a bike that could handle frequent readjustment and something that could address our erratic biking needs.
Since the Marcy bike weighs 27 kg (60 pounds), it has been perfect. Just last weekend, we had a yard sale, and I had Isaac bring it out so that I could bike rather than sit. It worked exactly as expected, and a few shoppers tried to buy it! They had no luck; I’m not parting with it.
Even though I’ve been using it almost daily for over six months, it still looks and feels brand new. Although it is cheaper than many similar bikes, it is not a lower quality bike. The only thing that could be better is the LCD screen that looks like it belongs in the 80s. But I track the most important stats on my Apple Watch anyway.
I am most impressed with the stationary bike’s magnetic resistance mechanism with eight resistance levels. The tension knobs control the difficulty of simulating riding on different terrains and customize your workout according to fitness level.
Recumbent vs Upright?
I have knee problems, so I have always struggled with bikes. Even if I enjoy a ride without pain, the next day, I will usually have issues due to my deformed kneecaps. Recumbent bikes are easier on your knees and have more comfortable seats.
Before I got this recumbent bike, I was using a small under desk pedal exerciser. Even this caused some discomfort in my knees, so I would slouch to try to ease it. In the past, I’ve attempted to reduce knee pain on upright bikes by sitting differently, which would end up hurting my back. I do not get knee or back pain on a recumbent bike, even if I bike for an hour straight.
However, there are pros and cons of both types of bikes. Just because the recumbent bike is right for me doesn’t mean that it is best for you. But if you decide to buy one, the best recumbent exercise bike is the Marcy, unless you are willing to spend a lot more money.
This great inforgraphic is from LifeSpan:
Summary: Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
I am so glad I discovered the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709. For just $200, it gives me everything I need in an exercise bike. It is stable, adjustable, reliable, and the seat is comfortable. The fake leather has held up great, even with both of our 75-pound dogs jumping and occasionally sitting on it.
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