Exercise Bikes: Reviews

As opposed to an upright bike, a recumbent bike situates the rider against a backrest, with legs out in front -- a position that's more comfortable for many people. Reviews say this Schwinn bike is comfortable and stable,… especially considering its low price. There are 16 levels of resistance on this bike, and a dozen workout programs. The hand grips double as a heart rate monitor, but this bike doesn't automatically vary the resistance to keep you in your target heart rate zone. The warranty is for 10 years on the frame, one year on the mechanical and electric, six months on wear items and 90 days on labor. The Schwinn 230 has a 300-pound user weight limit.

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Reviewers say this upright, very basic bike is a decent value. Owner-written reviews say the Marcy PL-43211 is a good no-frills bike, with a 300-pound weight limit and eight levels of resistance. It also has an LCD… display that monitors time, speed, calories and distance. Though it is a bargain, it's important to note that substantial assembly is required. User comments mention that assembly isn't too difficult, but a little time-consuming. It has a two-year warranty for parts only. The Marcy is also available in a recumbent version, the Marcy PL-43231 (*est. $195).

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The Spirit XBR25 exercise bike gets an endorsement from a professional review of exercise bikes, but those just looking to use a bike at home a few times a week, it's probably overkill. The recumbent Sprit bike is just… what you'd expect in this price range; it's packed with features usually found only in gyms, including 20 resistance levels, a seat that adjusts horizontally to 16 different positions, eight pre-programmed workouts and a Polar heart-rate monitor. The Spirit XBR25 has a high 350-pound weight capacity, and the step-through design is easy to use. The bike frame and brake have a lifetime warranty, while parts are covered for five years and labor for one year.

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