Have back pain or bad joints? Get a recumbent bike.

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Have back pain or bad joints? Get a recumbent bike.

Exercise bikes provide a great home cardio workout that puts less strain on your joints than running on a treadmill. Out of the different types of exercise bikes, recumbent bikes are best for beginners, seniors, or people who don't want to put as much pressure or weight on their joints.

What is a recumbent bike?

A recumbent bike is an exercise bike that positions you in a reclined form while pedaling. Think of it sort of like a rowing machine, but your feet pedal instead of your arms pulling back a cord. The pedals are in front of your body rather than underneath it. Because you are leaning back, a recumbent bike can feel a bit awkward before you master it.  Read more...

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IMAGE: NordicTrack

BEST FOR PROS

NordicTrack Commercial VR25

With plenty of bells and whistles, this recumbent bike is great for cycling veterans.

  • Levels of resistance: 26
  • Display: 7-inch HD touchscreen
$1,499 from NordicTrack

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IMAGE: Dick's Sporting Goods

BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Schwinn 270

With training programs and virtual trails, the Schwinn offers a lot while still remaining relatively affordable compared to the competition.

  • Levels of resistance: 25
  • Display: Backlit LCD screen with panel
$799 from Dick's Sporting Goods

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IMAGE: Stamina Products

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Stamina Magnetic Fusion 7100

This bike isn't too fancy, but has enough features to make it effective.

  • Levels of resistance: 8
  • Display: Small digital monitor
$449.99 from Stamina Products

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IMAGE: NordicTrack

MOST AFFORDABLE HIGH-END BIKE

NordicTrack Commercial VR21

A great, affordable counterpart to the NordicTrack VR25.

  • Levels of resistance: 25
  • Display: 5-inch backlit screen
$999 from NordicTrack

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IMAGE: Dick's Sporting Goods

BEST FOR TRAINING

LifeCORE Fitness 960

Try out more than 30 workout programs on this bike.

  • Levels of resistance: 32
  • Display: LCD screen
$1,300 from Dick's Sporting Goods

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IMAGE: Dick's Sporting Goods

BEST BUDGET PICK

Weslo Pursuit G 3.1

This affordable recumbent bike is a great intro to cycling.

  • Levels of resistance: 10
  • Display: LCD display
$199 from Dick's Sporting Goods

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IMAGE: Target

BEST SPACE-SAVING OPTION

Stamina InStride portable cycle

This small folding cycle works best for small homes or office use.

  • Levels of resistance: N/A
  • Display: LCD monitor
$74.99 from Target