Recumbent Exercise Bikes offer an enjoyable and effective and practical way to do cardio or aerobics training in your home. You can exercise whenever you like and even read or watch your favourite TV show.
A huge bonus in using a recumbent or reclining bike is the comfort and support you get from the specially designed seat and lumbar support. This allows people with back, hip or leg issues to exercise properly within their capacity – quite unlike a standard or upright exercise bike or say a rowing machine.
But which Recumbent Exercise Bike is best for you?
Here is a quick round up of things to bear in mind when choosing your purchase so you get the machine that is best for your needs and budget.
So Here Are The Features You Need to Check Before You Buy
Exercise programs – every exercise bike has built in programs and different levels of resistance but how many do you want? Some folks want lots to play around with and to cater for different members of the family. Some of the exercise computers can remember you and others can’t – does this matter to you?
- The Schwinn 240 has 16 resistance levels and 17 built in programs to cater for different levels of fitness and strength
- The Marcy Mag Cycle has 8 levels of resistance
- The Nautilus R514 even has a built in fan to keep you cool as you pedal
Computer Display
Probably the best and easiest to read is the Schwinn 240 and the simplest is the Marcy Mag cycle. On the plus side because the display is simple it runs off a battery and the machine does not need a power cable.
Size – you may already have a space in mind where you can exercise and the footprint of the machine may be very important. Does your choice of bike fit your home?
- The Nautilus is 67 inches long
- The Schwinn 240 is 63 inches long
- The Marcy Mag Cycle is 55 inches long
Accessories - These little things can make a big difference
A basket: Some people really like the storage basket underneath the seat of the Schwinn 240 and store
A fan – the Nautilus R514 has a powerful built in fan to help you keep your cool when pedalling hard
How Much Does My Recumbent Exercise Bike Cost?
Prices – these can change often and have to be checked just before you buy. Make sure you get free shipping and that you include other items like a non-slip mat or other accessories you need in the total.
Here is a price comparison table of 4 of the top recumbent exercise bikes which may make this easier.
Reviews
There are hundreds of customer reviews where owners give their feedback. Here are some short extracts from Amazon and you may want to click through and read the whole review
I have had the Nautilus R514 for about 3 weeks now and it has been the best exercise machine that I have ever bought. The computer on it is easy to understand
I did extensive research before I bought this bike. I've ridden it for about ten hours since assembly and am simply delighted with it
My husband and I were looking for a style of exercise bike that was easy on the posterior and on the wallet. The Marcy recumbent Mag cycle is both!
The way you can be a happy owner rather than an unhappy one is to plan first using the ideas above. if you have any extra ones please share them below, Thanks.
Anything else? What else would you think of when buying your recumbent exercise bike? Have your say in the comments box below…
All for Now
Elsie
Nautilus is a brand name you can notice at the Gym and since they make pro level equipment in gyms it’s a brand to take seriously when looking for your own home exercise equipment. But is it right for you? Let’s look and see what’s in the box…
Features of the Nautilus R514 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- There are 16 resistance levels to choose from when exercising and these are selectable from the computer console
- Computer has 2 programmable user profiles and helps you to track your progress
- The computer display shows time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance cycled, pulse or heart rate, “speed”, calories burned and the resistance level
- Heart rate monitoring either from the hand grip on the rear handle bars or from the chest strap and telemetry to the console
- A built in fan with its switch on the console
- Water bottle holder just below the console
- Measurements 67 x 25 x 52 inches (L x W x H)
- Under seat rack for towel, book, knitting…
- A power supply is needed both for the computer and the fan
Who is the Nautilus R514 Recumbent for?
- People wanting to get the best from the 17 built in programs and 16 levels of resistance offered
- Those wanting a sturdy machine with a long guarantee
- People who want the extra facility of chest strap heart monitoring
Likes and Dislikes on the Nautilus R514 Recumbent
Likes
- Sturdy construction
- Lots of choice in the programs and resistance levels
- Attractive display
- Built in fan
Dislikes
- With a wheel base of 67 inches and a height of 52 inches this may be a tad large for some folks
- Power connection is essential not just for the computer console but for the built in fan
Last Word on the Nautilus R514
This is an excellent exercise bike and is the best reviewed here so far. It is well constructed and the length of the guarantee shows the faith that Nautilus put in the R514. Is it right for you?
Perhaps you want a budget model or an entry level model because this is your first exercise machine? This Nautilus is not that different from one or two of the Schwinn’s I’ve reviewed…so have a look at the options here and purchase when you are clear about why you are choosing the model you go for. If you want an excellent recumbent to help you with fitness and health and maybe weight loss goals and you are content with the price then go for it! In any case you can check out the latest price at Amazon right here