27 Mar Ranking the best recumbent bikes

Recumbent bikes are becoming a more and more popular choice for people to own in their own home or to use in the health and fitness clubs.
When riding a recumbent bike, you get a lot more support than on upright bikes, thanks to a back rest with a curved lower-lumbar support.
This also puts more emphasis on the hamstrings.
For people who have had any back trouble, a recumbent bike is often the best choice for exercise because of its added support. When choosing a stationary bike, comfort is a big key and the padded seats of a recumbent bike are big plus as well.
For those who are moderately to very overweight a recumbent bike is an excellent way to start the process of trimming down. You can get a cardio workout on it without putting much stress on the back and joints. They are also good for people with knee troubles.
Additionally, many people believe the recumbent bike is more ergonomically and bio-mechanically correct because of its frame and handlebar design.
If you are interested in a recumbent bike, the following models are must-try bikes. Here are my seven favorite recumbent bikes, in no particular order, from differing price points:
* LifeCore Fitness 850RBs Recumbent Bike – The LifeCore Fitness 850RBs is one of the smallest, yet best feeling bikes in this price range!
At Home Fitness sale price: $999.00
* LifeCore Fitness LC 950RBs Recumbent Bike – With a total length of just 44in long, the LifeCore Fitness LC 950RBs is one of the most comfortable, space saving recumbent bikes.
MSRP: $1,499.00
AHF Sale Price: $1,399.00 save $100
* LifeCore Fitness LC 1050RBs Recumbent Bike – The LifeCore Fitness LC 1050RBs Recumbent Bike is the company’s top-of-the-line model. At just 44 inches long, the all new LifeCore Fitness LC1050 RBs bike has one of the most comfortable mesh back seat rests you will find on a home exercise bike, at any price point.
AHF Sale Price: $1,799.00
* Vision Fitness R2250 Semi-Recumbent Bike – This bike features a heavy gauge, steel welded, step-thru frame that allows easy entry into the workout position. It uses our ECB-Plus™ magnetic resistance system and a 24-lb. flywheel for the smoothest possible resistance changes. This bike also has our Quiet-Glide™ drive system with a large eight-ribbed Poly-V belt, creating less tension and, thus, extending the life of the bike.
MSRP: $1,599.00
HF Sale Price: $1,499.00 save $100
* Life Fitness Club Series Recumbent Bike – The Life Fitness R9I recumbent bike has been upgraded to the all new Life Fitness Club Series Recumbent Bike. This new model has mastered the combination of motivating workouts with unmatched comfort.
MSRP: $2,999.00
AHF Sale Price: $2,699.00 save $300
* Lemond G Force RT Recumbent Bike – Every aspect of the Lemond g-force RT recumbent bike designed to provide the best workout possible. Whether you are a serious athlete or a home fitness enthusiast, the quality of the g-force RT will be evident from the very start. Furthermore, with its extra features, the g-force RT makes getting a workout simpler.
AHF Sale Price: $2,799.00
* Inspire CS-2 Cardio Strider Recumbent Bike – Low Step through height offers easy access to seat. Silent Poly V Belt Drive System provides whisper quiet operation. Friction Free Electro-magnetic Resistance System means no wearing parts.
MSRP: $1,795.00
AHF Sale Price: $1,595.00 save $200

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com