Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Under $500 | 2023
There are certain designs of indoor exercise bikes that certain people prefer over other ones. On one hand, you have the traditional design of upright exercise bikes that most people think of when they picture these pieces of equipment. On the other hand, you have the types of bikes that are called recumbent exercise bikes. These take a much different form and approach than traditional bikes, yet still provide many of the same benefits.
These recumbent exercise bikes allow the user to sit in a chair position rather than the traditional saddle of other exercise bikes. Because of this more complex design, the cost is often rather high. That’s why today we’re going to look at the best recumbent exercise bikes under $500. It’s a price that most people should be able to afford, while it can also have plenty of good features to help any cyclists who decide to use it.
Without additional ado, let’s jump into the list and see which models have made it to our list of best recumbent exercise bike reviews under $500 in 2023. Also, to make it a bit easier for you to see the differences between these affordable recumbent exercise bikes, we have created the comparison table down below.
Top Stationary Recumbent Bikes Under $500 Compared:
| Name | Connectivity | Resistance | Display | Programs | Seat | Capacity | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness Reality X-Class 450SL Recumbent Bike | Bluetooth | 24-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen Backlit | 24 | Difficult Adjustment | 325 Pounds | Comfortable elbow-rests |
| Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R Recumbent Exercise Bike | None | 15-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen Backlit | 15 | Easy Adjustment | 300 Pounds | Solid Built |
| XTERRA SB2.5r Home Stationary Recumbent Bike | None | 24-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen Backlit | 24 | Easy Adjustment | 300 Pounds | Solid Built |
| Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RB4850 Recumbent Bike | None | 16-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen Backlit | 12 | Easy Adjustment | 300 Pounds | Mesh Backrest |
| ProForm 235 CSX Indoor Exercise Recumbent Bike | Bluetooth | 18-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen Backlit | 14 | Easy Adjustment | 275 Pounds | Dual accessory holders |
| Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Stationary Bike | Bluetooth | 16-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen No Backlit | 13 | Easy Adjustment | 300 Pounds | Easy-reach bottle holder |
| Exerpeutic 2500 Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike | Bluetooth | 14-Level Manual Magnetic | Single-Screen No Backlit | None | Difficult Adjustment | 250 Pounds | Large desktop |
| Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RB4631 Recumbent Bike | None | 8-Level Manual Magnetic | Single-Screen No Backlit | None | Easy Adjustment | 350 Pounds | Arm and leg exercise |
| MaxKare Affordable Recumbent Exercise Bike | None | 8-Level Manual Magnetic | Single-Screen No Backlit | None | Easy Adjustment | 342 Pounds | Arm and leg exercise |
| Exerpeutic 4121 Compact Recumbent Exercise Bike | Bluetooth | 16-Level Electronic Magnetic | Single-Screen Backlit | 24 | Easy Adjustment | 310 Pounds | Tablet Holder |
Top Exercise Recumbent Bikes Under 500:
Fitness Reality X-Class 450SL Recumbent Bike
At the top of our list is the Fitness Reality X-Class 450SL Recumbent Exercise Bike. This bike allows users to sit back on a super advanced piece of equipment and get fit at the same time.
The resistance onboard the 450SL is one of motorized magnets. It can automatically adjust depending on the program being used through the monitor. There are 24 levels of resistance available, while a belt drive is used in order to make all of them run at a quieter volume.
It’s a fairly sizable machine, as these recumbent bikes often are. It’s dimensions are 60.5 inches (153.7 cm) long, 34.5 inches (87.6 cm) wide and 47.5 inches (120.6 cm) tall. It is also a heavy one, weighing 101 lbs (46 kg). Though that weight does mean it can support a hefty 325 lbs (147.4 kg).
The seat on the 450SL is covered in foam padding everywhere. It is extremely comfortable. However, it’s the console that’s worth focusing on. It tracks distance, time, RPM, calories burned, speed, pulse, odometer and watts. All of this, while also being Bluetooth compatible with the MyCloudFitness App. We already mentioned the 24 fitness programs available.
Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R Recumbent Exercise Bike
In second place on our list of the best recumbent exercise bikes under $500 is the Circuit Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike AMZ-587R. It isn’t the prettiest or most stylish bike you’ll ever see, but it most certainly does the job.
The resistance is electromagnetic onboard the AMZ-587R. This means that it does need to be plugged in and that it will automatically adjust depending on the level or program chosen. Speaking of levels and programs, there are 24 levels of the former and 15 of the latter. This will give you a good range of activities to play around with along with the quiet nature of the belt driven system.
Once again, it’s a fairly large fitness recumbent bike, though it is smaller than the 450SL. It’s dimensions measure to be 55 inches (140 cm) long, 25 inches (63 cm) wide and 48.5 inches (123 cm) tall. The weight sits at 99.2 lbs (45 kg), while the maximum weight is 300 lbs (136 kg).
The seat is fairly large and fairly comfortable, with 2 pairs of handlebars alongside – one at the front and one next to the seat. The console tracks stats like time, distance, RPM, speed, watts, calories, and pulse. As we mentioned, there are 15 workout programs available. There’s even a water bottle holder in front of the monitor.
XTERRA SB2.5r Home Stationary Recumbent Bike
Rounding out the top 3 inner exercise recumbent bike reviews under $500 is the XTERRA SB2. Once again, not the best looking bike, but it makes up for it in the features and benefits that it comes with.
Once again, we have another electromagnetic system that is controlled from the console. There are 16 levels of resistance by default, with 24 programs built-in to provide some challenge. The belt used is made from poly-v material, so it will be a quiet session unless something has gone horribly wrong.
The SB2.5r is a rather large machine. It measures out to be 53.4 inches (135.6 cm) long, 25 inches (64 cm) wide and 44 inches (111 cm) tall. The flywheel weighs about 22 lbs (10 kg), while the weight of this exercise recumbent bike itself is about 108 lbs (49 kg). It can safely hold 300 lbs (136 kg) at the max for an extended amount of time.
The monitor of the SB2.5r shows stats like time, speed, distance, calories burned, RPM and heart rate. There’s the 24 workout programs that we mentioned before, but that’s about it. Both the saddle and back are cushioned, making the entire experience that much more comfortable. You’ve got a pair of recumbent handlebars and handlebars on the console, offering even more choice.
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RB4850 Recumbent Bike
Up next is a recumbent bike from one of the giants of the industry – Sunny Health & Fitness’ SF-RB4850. It’s actually quite similar to the earlier entry from Circuit Fitness. But for better or worse, it does have some elements that sets it apart.
The resistance of the SF-RB4850 is automatically controlled through the console. There are 16 different resistance levels that come with it, while the flywheel on the interior weighs about 6.6 lbs (3 kg). It is equipped with a poly-v belt in order to make the entire process more quiet and more smooth. All in all, a good amount of variation here.
The dimensions of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4850 are as follows: it is 59 inches (150 cm) long, 26 inches (66 cm) wide and 47.5 inches (121 cm) tall. When fully assembled, it weighs a relatively light 87 lbs (39.4 kg), yet it can hold 300 lbs (136 kg) at the maximum limit.
The seat is quite similar to an office chair. It isn’t the most comfortable, but it’s adjustable and will do a decent job for most. The console of the SF-RB4850 displays time, RPM, speed, distance, total distance and calories along. It also has 24 workout programs to help you get fit, though there isn’t any sort of Bluetooth or online connections to keep long-term track of it.
ProForm 235 CSX Indoor Exercise Recumbent Bike
Midway through our list of the best home recumbent bikes under $500, we have the ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Bike. You’ll find that it’s one of the cheaper options when it comes to automatically shifting resistance levels, although it does have it’s weaknesses.
As mentioned, the 235 CSX has an electromagnetic resistance system that is adjusted from the main console. There are 18 different levels of resistance to go through here, with the upper levels providing a good challenge for most users. Like other magnetic bikes (recumbent or otherwise) it uses a poly-v belt drive in order to lower maintenance and noise levels. The flywheel itself weighs about 14 lbs (6.3 kg).
The ProForm 235 CSX’s dimensions and weight are pretty straightforward. Nothing too surprising here. It measures to be 56 inches (142 cm) long, 24 inches (61 cm) wide and 44 inches (112 cm) tall. It weighs around 102 lbs (46 kg) when fully assembled. The max weight limit is a bit lower than those we’ve seen so far, falling to 275 lbs (125 kg).
Neither the console or seat are particularly brilliant by most measures. The former offers tracking of distance, cadence, and estimated calorie burn along with some other stats. It also has 18 preset workout programs available, which is good. The seat is adjustable and ergonomic, though isn’t the most comfortable you’ll find.
Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Stationary Bike
2 used from $425.25
Another industry giant emerges. The Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike is an expensive bike, but there is some good quality involved in this piece of equipment.
There are 16 different levels that come with the magnetic resistance of the 230. It’s another system controlled by the console, as there is no physical knob to switch between them. It has belt drive in order to make it quieter and less of a hassle to maintain.
The dimensions of the Schwinn Fitness 230 are not anything to fear, though you should keep them in mind before ordering. It measures to be 125 inches (317 cm) long, 27 inches (69 cm) wide and 66.5 inches (169 cm) tall. It does weigh a relatively light 81.6 lbs (37 kg), yet maintains a max user weight of 300 lbs (136 kg). For some reason, the bike cannot fit people over 6’2”, which is rather unfortunate and poor from Schwinn.
The console that comes with the 230 is great, as it has 22 preset workouts and the ability for 2 user profiles to be made. It can also let you connect to apps like Zwift and watch Explore The World Videos if you’ve got those subscriptions. The seat is less brilliant, as it is not cushioned and can become wobbly sometimes.
Exerpeutic 2500 Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike
One of the non-giants on the list, we have the Exerpeutic 2500 portable recumbent exercise bike. This one is weird, as it looks more like an office desk than an exercise bike. Yet, it still features some good elements.
We have our first manual magnetic resistance system of the list here. You change through one of the 14 different levels of resistance through a small knob that sits underneath the desk of the bike. Even though that element has changed from the other bikes, the belt driven transmission system has most certainly not. It’s still quiet and smooth in that realm.
The dimensions aren’t actually that different from most other bikes. The Exerpeutic 2500 measures out to be 53.5 inches (136 cm) long, 25 inches (63 cm) wide and 41 inches (104 cm) tall. You’ll find that this is also an extremely light bike for what it is, only weighing 72.6 lbs (33 kg). That does mean that the max weight is somewhat lower, only sitting at 250 lbs (113 kg).
There is no console here, but rather a desk that can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. There is an exercise meter that displays stats like time, distance, speed, and calories burned, but this is very small and not too noteworthy. The seat is fairly large and breathable, though it isn’t the most comfortable that you can find.
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RB4631 Recumbent Bike
Another entry from Sunny Health & Fitness. This time, it is the SF-RB463. This is a decent bike that should help that majority of users, though it does have some weaknesses that we should point out.
Once again, there is a manual knob in order to change between the various resistance settings. This time there are only 8 of them, so you’ll be limited for choice. However, you’ll still get the two extremes and plenty of challenges from the upper levels. Another big change is that this is a friction resistance bike. It uses a felt pad pressing against the flywheel to create that resistance. As you pedal, it presses against the flywheel and creates that resistance. There is also a belt-drive system to make it all quiet and smooth.
The SF-RB4631 has fairly normal dimensions and weights. It measures to be 53 inches (135 cm) long, 24 inches (61 cm) wide and 54 inches (137 cm) tall. As for how much it weighs, it sits nicely at 89.5 lbs (40.5 kg) and can hold up to 350 lbs (159 kg).
There is a small digital monitor that will show stats like time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. Other than that, it doesn’t do anything like Bluetooth or online connections. The seat is adjustable, though not particularly comfortable. You can put your own cushions on it to fix that discomfort, but that doesn’t speak too highly of the bike itself.
MaxKare Affordable Recumbent Exercise Bike
Approaching the end of our list, we have the MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike. It is a cheaper bike for those who might just want to try out this type of exercise equipment.
We move back to magnetic resistance here, with 8 different levels available. It is adjustable by turning the manual knob that you can find on the frame of the bike. Like every bike we’ve listed so far, there is a belt drive that allows everything to operate quietly and effectively.
The MaxKare recumbent bike has dimensions that wouldn’t cause anyone to blink twice. It’s dimensions are 45.7 inches (116 cm) long, 19 inches (48 cm) wide and 41.7 inches (106 cm) tall. It weighs right around 62 lbs (28 kg) and can hold a maximum weight of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The seat is padded in the barest fashion, so it’ll remain comfortable enough for a while. But no more than that. There is an LCD monitor that will display RPM, time, speed, heart rate, distance, calories burned, and odometer (or the total distance). Other than that, it doesn’t do anything. However, there is a tablet/phone holder that is on the console, so that’s neat.
Exerpeutic 4121 Compact Recumbent Exercise Bike
And now we are rounding out our list of the best recumbent bikes under $500 with the Exerpeutic 4121 recumbent exercise bike. This compact recumbent exercise bike is a decent model that you can look at, though there are better options.
The resistance used here is electromagnetic, as many of the previous bikes have been. There are 16 levels of resistance available, with the belt drive making itself known through the lack of noise produced. The weight of the flywheel is unspecified, but we’d guess that it is less than 25 lbs (11 kg).
This is a long machine. The 4121’s dimensions are 58 inches (147 cm) long, 23.5 inches (60 cm) wide and 38.5 inches (98 cm) tall. It weighs 71.6 lbs (32.4 kg) and can hold an impressive maximum weight limit of 310 lbs (140 kg).
The seat is just not very comfortable here. It has a vinyl covering and you really want a cover to be able to comfortably sit on it for long periods of time. There is an LCD monitor that shows time, distance, total distance, calories, RPM, speed, watts, and pulse, while also having 24 preset programs onboard. It can also connect through Bluetooth to apps like MyCloudFitness. It’s a pretty good monitor, all things considered.
Buying Guide To Help Find The Best Recumbent Bike Under $500
Now we’re going to state some of the individual components you should look at to make sure the bike you are interested in is right for you.
Type of Resistance: There is both magnetic and friction resistance available here. However, you can also get 2 different magnetic resistances- one controlled manually and one controlled from the monitor. Often the top recumbent exercise bikes under 500 Dollars come with electronically adjustable magnetic which enables them to have preset-workouts and other smart features.
Monitor: Perhaps the most currusial features when searching for the best stationary recumbent bike under 500 is computer it comes with. These monitors can do anything from display simple statistics to controlling the workout and connect to fitness apps. Make sure you know what it can do. I recommend you to look for the ones that have backlit, Bluetooth, built-in workouts, and media shelves.
Price: Since these are all budget machines, it generally depends on you for how much you are willing to pay. Some are lighter on the wallet than others. Keep in mind that an extra $100 might seem to much but will help you save on maintenance down the road.
Adjustability: When looking for the best recumbent exercise bikes under 500, you want to make sure that you can comfortably fit on the bike. But what is even more important is that you can easily adjust the machine without dismounting the seat every time.
Comfort: The seats are crucial parts of the recumbent bikes. You’ll want to make sure you can stay in it and feel good for long periods of time. A recumbent stationary bike under 500 can only be comfortable if it has an adjustable and high-quality seat and backrest as well as a step-through design.
Final Verdict
We rate the Fitness Reality X-Class 450SL Recumbent Bike as our top pick here. It costs close to that $550 mark but delivers just so many valuable features that you would only expect on more expensive ones. The console, fitness programs, resistance settings, and comfort all combine to take it to that next level. If. you fancy something better than this model and can afford to spend more, I suggest you take a look at our picks of the best recumbent exercise bikes under $1000.
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs. If you have any questions or suggestion, you can contact me at sayed@yourexercisebike.com.
On a budget right now so I’m hunting down a good recumbent bike under $500. You’ve talked about a few that I find interesting, especially the first one, the Fitness Reality X-Class 450CL recumbent bike. Does anyone own one and can share some feedback? Would like to make sure it’s worth it 😉
The Fitness Reality recumbent bike will be a great choice and yes, it’s well worth it. The seat is very comfortable and it tracks time, RPM, calories burned, your pulse, distance, etc. You’ll get a lot of data to work with and see your progress over time.
I own the Fitness Reality but I just got it a few weeks ago so I don’t have a lot of experience with it. What I can say is that I love it so far. It has really taken me from a sedentary lifestyle to a much more active one. Just the fact that I see it makes me want to workout. And as a recumbent bike it does a swell job.
My advice: even a cheaper bike is better than none. Just get one and start putting in the work. And if you do have the money, just go for the best one, in this case, Fitness Reality.