Best Recumbent Bikes in Canada

For years, we’ve tried to bring you the best Canadian products possible. We’ve recommended household appliances, sleep products, and more to improve your life. All our recommendations come from a combination of tester feedback and our test lab evaluations.

When we found the best recumbent bikes in Canada, we tested them based on the following parameters.

• Resistance Type and Levels. Resistance and help you challenge yourself, and a range of tension levels can help you improve and push yourself toward better fitness. We’ve included machines with some of the best resistance levels we could find.
• Display. The display can track important metrics that help you meet your fitness goals. From LCD displays to HD touchscreens, we’ve included a wider range of options for you.
• Pulse Monitoring. As you exercise, it’s important to monitor your pulse. Maintaining your target pulse is important, and a recumbent bike that monitors your heart rate is essential. We’ve included many bikes that monitor your heart rate. 
• Size. The size of your recumbent bike can make a difference, especially if you are tall, short, or have a small home gym. We’ve included a range of sizes to accommodate everyone. 

Benefits of Using a Recumbent Bike in Canada

Among stationary exercise bikes, recumbent bikes are best for those who are trying to avoid strain. These bikes work a few different muscle groups, including your glutes, calves, and thighs. The wider seat allows a more comfortable, natural position with the pedals in front of you.

Pedalling on a recumbent bike doesn’t put as much strain on your joints. It’s great for those who suffer from arthritis, as well as those with balance issues. As a result, recumbent bikes are recommended for senior citizens and those recovering from injuries.

Recumbent bikes still offer a great cardio workout, however. They’re great for an easy workout that doesn’t require much effort, balance, or strain. The reclined seat is better for bad backs, too.

How to Choose a Recumbent Bike for Canadians

Choosing the right recumbent bike for you can be tricky. There are so many different features and options, it can be difficult to find the best recumbent bike in Canada for you. The following features can options can give you an idea of what you should look for as you shop for a recumbent bike.

Resistance Type

While most recumbent bikes have resistance, the type of resistance can make all the difference. All the bikes featured on our list use magnetic resistance. Here’s how that compares to other popular options you may find while shopping.

• Magnetic resistance uses magnets on the flywheel to pull on the wheel, creating more resistance as the magnet moves closer to the wheel. This resistance doesn’t drag, as there’s no direct contact between the magnets and the wheel. It’s a smoother, low-maintenance option for those who just want to get some biking done. 
• Fan-based resistance uses the speed of your pedalling to increase resistance. This is not ideal for those who want to slowly ramp up the tension and train at each level, but it does provide a quieter experience than other options. The faster you pedal, the more resistance you feel. 
• Brake resistance uses calliper brakes to apply friction to the wheels, providing resistance based on how much you apply the brake. This inexpensive resistance option gives you less control over your tension level than magnetic options and may drag due to the direct contact required.

Resistance can make your biking experience simple and user-friendly, but it can also make it more difficult. Choose the resistance type that gives you the best options for tension control.

Tension Levels

Tension levels allow you to change how difficult it is to pedal your bike. If you want to improve your fitness levels and challenge yourself, you should choose a recumbent bike that features multiple tension levels. As you increase the tension level, the pedals become more difficult to pedal. You can increase the tension as you go to ensure that your workout continues to be effective.

More tension levels are always better. If you want to keep the bike for a long time, even after your fitness levels and endurance improve, you should choose one with 10 or more tension levels.

Display

A recumbent bike’s display can tell you a great deal about your workouts. Many displays, regardless of the type, will track important metrics like distance, time, and calories. The display is also where you can find the pulse tracking information you want if the bike helps monitor your pulse. There are a few different types of displays, ranging from small LCD screens to large HD touchscreens.

Of course, you should choose a display that helps you meet your goals. If you want to track your statistics over time, consider choosing a recumbent bike with a touchscreen or more advanced console. Otherwise, an LCD screen that gives you your session stats can be great. Record your stats yourself and see the change over time.

Keep in mind that most recumbent bikes, like other exercise machines, have a place to put your tablet or phone. While the HD touchscreen models might allow you to stream your favourite workout programs or training sessions, you might be able to do the same with a Bluetooth connection to your own devices.

Programs and Connectivity

Bikes with Bluetooth capabilities may be able to connect to fitness apps on your tablet or phone. The compatible apps are different for each machine. Still, with a connection, you can access fitness programs, and on-demand training sessions, and track your stats over time. Some apps (usual options with yearly memberships) even give you access to live training sessions.

Depending on the type of recumbent bike you want and how dedicated you are to your fitness journey, a bike that uses connectivity and programming options might be great for you.

Pulse Monitoring

Monitoring your heart rate is an important part of any exercise. Each person has a target heart rate that is based on their age and resting heart rate, usually between 80 and 150 beats per minute. Keep in mind that your target heart rate might be different due to several factors.

You should aim for your target heart rate while exercising. The longer that your heart rate stays in your target range, the more effective your workout will be. You’ll burn more calories and strengthen your heart as a result. Because this target heart rate range is so important, many exercise machines track your pulse while you exercise.

If the intensity of your heart rate is important to you, you should choose a recumbent bike that keeps track of your heart rate. This will help you find the most intense part of your workout and maximize the benefits for your body and your heart.

Size and Dimensions

How much room do you have for your recumbent bike? If you don’t have much room at home, a smaller recumbent bike is more suitable. Consider choosing a folding bike, which is usually much smaller while offering the same recumbent benefits.

The size and dimensions of the bike are extremely important to consider as you shop. Choose a bike that is small enough to fit comfortably into your space, but large enough so there is enough room for you to recline. Consider your height as well. Though most bikes are adjustable, you’ll still need plenty of room if you have longer legs.  

Seat

One of the best parts of a recumbent bike is the seat. A good seat should be wide and have plenty of cushions. While upright stationary bikes often have standard bicycle-style seats, recumbent bikes were made to be more comfortable.

Extra padding can help prevent strain on your back and hips. Recumbent bikes should also have large backrests, with enough support to keep your lumbar and upper back straight while you pedal. Both parts should be adjustable and comfortable for most users.

The seat should be comfortable for users up to the bike’s weight limit, but everyone is built differently. Take a close look at the bike’s seat before you decide to purchase a bike. Some bikes advertise the dimensions of the seat separately, which is a good way to understand exactly how large it is.

Handlebars

Most recumbent bikes don’t have handlebars like an upright model. Their handlebars are located on either side of the seat, allowing you to brace yourself during your workout. Bikes that can convert to upright bikes might include more traditional handlebars as well.

You might want one type of handlebar or the other. If you want both, look for a bike that includes both options. The handlebar configuration can be an important part of your comfort while you use the recumbent bike.

Folding and Conversion

Many of the best recumbent bikes in Canada are 2-in-1 models. These models can fold and adjust, transforming from a recumbent bike to an upright bike and back again. These options are great for those who want to improve over time, including those who wish to improve their workouts as they recover. If you are using a recumbent bike because you are recovering from an injury, one that converts to an upright bike might serve you well.

These models often fold down for storage as well. This is extremely useful if you have a smaller home gym, or less space to work with. When your workout is over, you can fold the bike down and keep it out of the way. These models are also lightweight and easy to store, so you don’t have to worry about anything after your workout.

Weight Limit

Each bike has a maximum weight limit. Often, this is tied to the construction of the frame and the strength of the steel bars supporting the bike. You should do your best to observe this weight limit. If you choose to exceed it, you could cause injury to yourself or damage the machine.

Exceeding the maximum weight limit might also void the warranty on your recumbent bike. If the bike breaks during normal use, you won’t be able to get a refund or replacement from the company.

You should choose a recumbent bike with a weight limit that exceeds the weight of any user. This is the safest option. Most folding bikes have a weight limit of about 250 lbs (113.4kg), while recumbent bikes that don’t fold for storage have a standard limit of about 300 lbs (136kg). There are, of course, bikes that are made for heavier Canadians. Choose one that best reflects the weight of anyone who will use the recumbent bike.

Adjustability

Of course, Canadians of different heights will need bikes of different sizes. To avoid this (and to make their bikes more universally appealing), most companies use adjustable components to make bikes better for most users. The handlebars, pedals, and seat should be adjustable to different heights. The distance between the seat and the pedals should be adjustable as well, even if it’s only a slide along the bottom of the bike.

Choosing an adjustable recumbent bike is incredibly important if you are taller than average or shorter than average. It’s also important if more than one user will be using the bike regularly. You might want to choose an adjustable bike if you are concerned about comfort, too.

All adjustable bikes will have a limit for adjustment. Make sure to keep an eye out for adjustment limits, especially if you are very short or very tall.