Table of Contents
Introduction
Exercising at home and the workplace is the new norm, and folding recumbent bikes are a perfect way to do that. In this guide, we will discuss why you need to invest in this exercise bike and detailed reviews of the top five recumbent bikes that are ruling the market with their exceptional features and dynamic specifications. Moreover, we will talk about the essential factors that you need to consider when choosing a foldable recumbent bike.
There are three types of stationary exercise bikes, including upright bikes, recumbent bikes, and dual-action bikes. While an upright bike has its pedals right beneath the seats and supports workout in a standing position, the recumbent bikes are known for its reclined-design. The user can lean back in the comfortable seat with the pedal in front of the user.
However, the recumbent bikes can take up a considerable amount of space, making them not so suitable for small apartments or dorms. It is when folding recumbent bikes come in! These are easy to store and take up little space in a room.
Our Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bikes
- The bike features an ergonomic design, allowing users to workout comfortably.
- The noiseless feature adds to the overall quality of the exercise.
- The build quality is impressive.
- The seating is adjustable.
- Endorsed by Harley Pasternack, Hollywood’s #1 trainer
- The size of the bike is small.
- The build quality is exceptional
- 10 resistance levels that can be easily adjusted through the magnetic tension system.
- Padded backrest
- One of the most affordable
- A few buyers mention a clicking sound when pedaling sometimes.
Why choose a Portable/ Folding over a standard Recumbent Bike?
Many fitness enthusiasts are choosing foldable recumbent bikes over standard recumbent bikes. Three factors are convincing people to invest in these exercise bikes; portability, flexibility, and longevity. Space is a significant issue when it comes to keeping an exercise bike at home due to the inability to visit a physical gym. In apartments and small homes, homeowners try to use furniture that is not very huge or heavy. The foldable recumbent bikes can help you save space.
The next factor is flexibility. You can carry it around and place it wherever you want to without requiring any help. Moreover, you can fold these bikes and store them safely; this way, they are safe from rust, corrosion, and other factors that reduce such bikes’ lifetime. As compared to the typical recumbent bike, the foldable model will last longer, helping you save money on maintenance and replacement.
Detailed Reviews: Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bikes of 2021
The variety of foldable recumbent bikes is wide. There are a plethora of options that you can choose from. However, having so many options can put you in a state of analysis paralysis. Your mind will get confused and freeze, making it impossible for you to choose.
We have made things easy for you. We know how overwhelming the process can be and have analyzed the top foldable recumbent bikes for you. After thorough research, we have enlisted the top five folding recumbent exercise bikes that are ruling the market in 2021.
1. Slim Cycle Exercise Bike with Arm Resistance Bands
The Perfect At-Home Cardio Machine
- The bike features an ergonomic design, allowing users to workout comfortably.
- The noiseless feature adds to the overall quality of the exercise.
- The build quality is impressive.
- The seating is adjustable.
- Endorsed by Harley Pasternack, Hollywood’s #1 trainer
- The size of the bike is small.
The foldable machine is manufactured explicitly for at-home heavy cardio exercises. It is a bike that combines heavy workout of an upright bike with comfort and ergonomics of a recumbent bike. Thus, it’s great if you want to enjoy a high-impact exercise but need to eliminate the chances of joint pain and backache.
The resistance bands attached just below the console helps in strength building and providing a full-body workout. Moreover, you can adjust the resistance levels and alter up to eight levels as per the needs of your body. Noise is not something you have to worry about with this bike. The bike is not the lightest one in the market as it weighs more than 43lbs with dimensions 42″ x 21.5″ x 43″. The transport wheels, however, make this bike portable.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding SF-B2721
The Most Affordable Option for First-Timers
- The build quality is exceptional
- 10 resistance levels that can be easily adjusted through the magnetic tension system.
- Padded backrest
- One of the most affordable
- A few buyers mention a clicking sound when pedaling sometimes.
Are you a first-time user of a recumbent bike? If yes, then the Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Recumbent SF-B2721 is the perfect option for you. It is a foldable bike that combines the features of both an upright and a recumbent bike. The bike has been designed specifically for beginners and first-timers who want to perform light-cardio exercises. Using the bike is comfortable for both beginners and professionals, who have problems sitting for extended hours.
Starting from its design and build quality, this foldable bike weighs approximately 38lbs with dimensions 32″ x 21.00″ x 49.00″. The design is very compact, which makes it a perfect choice for home use. The foldable steel frame that reduces to half its original dimensions comes with a corrosion-resistant paint coating.
Stability, durability, and strength are the top three factors that make the bike a top choice for workout freaks. Moreover, the assembly of this bike is super easy and does not require one to be a tech-geek. The bike comes in a pre-assembled form with a user required to complete just a few steps.
The bike by Sunny Health & Fitness features magnetic tension resistance that allows you to enjoy a jerk-free and seamless work experience. You can adjust the resistance between ten different resistance levels, and enjoy a workout that perfectly suits your needs. The recumbent style of the bike ensures that the user stays comfortable throughout the workout experience. Moreover, the backrest is covered with 2.5 inches thick foam, saving you from backaches and body pain. Talking about comfort, the bike comes equipped with ergonomic weighted pedals. You can even track your progress on the LCD attached on the bike. You can monitor the speed, calories burnt, pulse rate, workout time. The bike can hold up to 300lbs, and the transport wheels add to the overall portability.
It is one of the best models in the category of foldable recumbent bikes that cost no more than $200.
3. EXERPEUTIC 300SR Foldable Recumbent Bike
One of the Most Ergonomically Designed Models
- The bike is very compactly designed and weighs just 39 pounds, making it one of the most portable options for easy storage.
- It is perfect for a quite workout due to its V-belt drive system.
- The assembly is easy, and you can start using it within just one hour of arrival.
- The bike is not suitable for people who are taller than 6’2”.
Another one that we found was a perfect addition to our list of top five foldable recumbent bikes was the 300SR, also known as 400XL, by Exerpeutic. It beautifully combines the features of both recumbent and an upright bike while taking care of the user’s comfort. Unlike all other foldable models, this bike does not compromise on the features just to add the functionality of foldability. You can enjoy all the recumbent bike features through this and can safely store it in a compact space.
If you are worried about the stressful folding mechanism, there is nothing to worry about, as folding this bike is super-simple and can be done in a few seconds. The bike weighs just 39lbs and has the dimensions 19” L x 46” W x 33” H, adding to this bike’s portability factor.
Even though this bike is a budget-friendly model, the company has not compromised on its quality. There are other high-quality options in the market, but the bike’s rugged and robust steel frame enhances the strength of the bike, making it capable of supporting 300lbs.
There are some disappointing factors regarding the construction of this bike. One of the biggest rundowns is the use of plastic as the housing material for the gearbox. It gives an overall, cheap look to the construction. To some extent, a factor that overpowers the cheap plastic components is that the seat, handles, and other parts are adjustable. Users can set the right height as per their body structure and enjoy a perfectly comfortable workout.
Talking about comfort, the pedals on this bike are attached in front of the user; this position reduces the chances of joint pain by reducing stress on knees and legs. The pedals also come with a non-slip surface. The padded handles are attached on both sides of the seat and lower than the bike to help you experience a comfortable workout.
The V-belt drive system makes pedaling super smooth and jerk-free. It is a smart choice if your budget is tight!
4. XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
Offering the Best Value for Money
- It covers minimum space, whether it is folded or unfolded.
- The seat is comfortable, and backrest gives excellent lumbar support.
- It also offers an accessory holder.
- The bike requires minimum maintenance.
- The bike is affordable.
- There is no tablet holder on the bike.
- The resistance equality is not adequate.
- It is not useful for people with short heights.
It is a semi-recumbent bike that offers the best value for money. If you are looking for a foldable exercise machine for your home or office use, Xterra will easily make the cut. It is heavier than the average folding bike as it weighs more than 40lbs, with dimensions 40.5” L x 21” W x 48” H.
The manufacturer has used the tubing of steel to create an X-type frame that is coated with a corrosion-resistant finish. The gearbox housing is made of ABS material.
Folding and unfolding this exercise bike is super simple and can be done using the pop-pin system. Whether you place it around the house unfolded or store in after folding it, the bike will not cover much space.
The bike works perfectly for seated workouts, but users cannot spin or standing exercise. The pedals come with straps on it, but they are not very strong to support the entire body weight. The bike can hold a person up to 225lbs. The seating of this bike has been designed for the utmost comfort of the user. It features a contoured surface with an internal layer of foam padding. The backrest provides excellent lumbar support. The seat is 1-way adjustable, which means you can adjust its height as per your requirements. The mechanical-magnetic resistance system does not require any external power source. The resistance can be easily altered using the dial equipped on top of the frame’s front. The two main parts are already assembled, and the drive system is also pre-assembled. When it arrives, you can assemble it quickly and start using it almost immediately.
5. Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Recumbent Bike
Providing 2x the Results in Half the Time
- 10-Level Quiet Magnetic Tension Options
- Multifunctional Display with Heart Sensor
- Convertible Upright & Recumbent Positions
- Resistance Bands
- Seat is not so comfortable for some users
Now that you know about the possible models of portable recumbent bike you can blindly put your money on, it is time that we talk about if this is the perfect option for you. People literally have no time to run to a gym every day to keep themselves fit. Lives are hectic, and it barely leaves time for one to invest time in grooming themselves.
If you are running short on time but are concerned about your fitness, going for foldable recumbent bikes is the best option, especially if you own a small apartment. People with joint pain issues ad back pain can also invest their money here to help them workout without putting excessive stress on the joints.
However, if you weigh more than 300lbs or are taller than 6’, you need to reconsider your decision to purchase a foldable bike. Thee bikes are not that durable when compared to traditional recumbent bikes. Therefore, make sure you make the right choice.
Features to Consider before buying a Folding Recumbent Bike
Even though I have enlisted the top five bikes in the market in 2021, but you still have to choose one that best suits your requirements. Just like you do not invest ton an expensive gadget or real estate before you are sure that it is a perfect choice, you have to do the same when purchasing foldable recumbent bikes.
Here is a list of factors that you need to consider before purchasing a foldable exercise machine.
Resistance
One of the most important factors to consider is the type of resistance a bike offers. Everybody has unique fitness needs, and for effectively working out, people have to adjust the resistance levels. You need to check the resistance levels the bike is offering. The average resistance level that you will find in foldable recumbent bikes is eight levels. It is enough for an average person who wants a regular workout. In case you are looking for a high-impact exercise, you must look for a bike offering higher resistance.
Height and Weight
The next factor in line is the height and weight limits. Many buyers neglect this factor and end up with a bike that is not suitable for them. If your weight exceeds the maximum weight limit, you might end up hurting yourself. Moreover, if you are taller than the maximum height limit, you will experience joint pains, and if you are shorter than the minimum height limit, your feet might not reach the pedals. Therefore, do not miss out on these height and weight limits.
Foldability
You are reading this guide because you want a foldable and portable recumbent bike for your home or office. Therefore, when analyzing a foldable bike, do not overlook the folding ability. Some of the most promising models fold to half of the bike’s total dimensions, while others are not that efficient. If compactness is portability is your top concern, make sure you know that the folding ability supports your purpose.
Sitting Arrangement
Comfort is another crucial factor that you need to consider before you put money on a bike. Analyzing the sitting arrangement of the bike is essential in this case. If the seat is ergonomically designed, working out for extended hours will not cause joint pain or backache. If you plan to work out for long hours, you need to know if the layering of the foam in the seat is enough or not. The wrong choice will make it impossible for you to work out for an extended period.
Ease of Assembly
Often overlooked, the ease of assembly is also a critical factor in choosing the best foldable model. Try to look for options that are pre-assembled or come with a manual of instructions.
The Budget
Do not forget about the budget if your pocket is tight. You will find foldable recumbent bikes in every range. However, if you make the budget the only factor, you might have to compromise on many other features. In this case, you have to look for a model that offers the best value for money. While budget s the deciding factor for many, it should not be the only factor to consider before purchasing a foldable exercise machine.
Benefits of Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike
There are a plethora of benefits of choosing foldable recumbent exercise bikes. Yes, the stationary non-folding bikes offer innumerable benefits, the foldable bikes provide a unique set of features. The foldable recumbent bikes do not take up space, and they can be easily carried around due to its compactness and portability. The convenience you can enjoy with foldable models is not something you can benefit from non-folding exercise bikes.
These bikes give a great cardio workout session. The focus of this bike is one muscle group, including quadriceps, hamstrings, and glute muscles.
Conclusion
If you cannot manage to hit the gym due to your tight schedules, purchasing a foldable recumbent bike is a great option. You do not need a huge space for these bikes as they are compactly designed and are super-portable.
You can choose any of these five exercise bikes, the only thing that you need to understand is that your budget should not be the only factor you consider. You will end up choosing the wrong model, which will negatively impact your health and fitness.
The article has been researched & compiled by the Editorial F5F Team, a group of experienced fitness & health writers.