People, athletes, cyclists included, have various shapes and sizes. They can be short or tall, but the variation in height and weight is not distributed evenly across the population . Most bike fit tall riders and bikes for tall people are not hard to find. But what if you ate just less that 5feet 5 inches tall and have sort limbs? What can be the best recumbent bike for short legs then?
Does height play a role in cycling a recumbent bike?
Whether you are cycling flat roads or hill climbing, or indoor recumbent bikes, your height is a small factor in your recumbent bike performance.
Recumbent bike manufacturers make standard bikes, which can be inconvenient for tall people and short people. If you are especially less than 6 feet tall, the recumbent bike pedals might be out of reach for your feet. To resolve this case, some recumbent brand make bikes with adjustable seating, which is absolutely customizable for both tall and short athletes.
Again, if your height is limited to say, 5 feet, the recumbent spine might be too far away from the pedals. There, a 5 inch person might not be able to comfortably reach the handlebars near the seat and the display console if he is leaning against the recumbent slant.
So, being a shorter rider or athlete does require that you find a recumbent bike that’s the right for your body build – matches your weight and height. If you want a fitness bike on which you can feel the comfort, check this list.
Can short height people ride recumbent bike?
For exercise bikes in the range of standard sizes for riders 1.95m (6ft 5in) to 2.23m (7ft 4in) tall, no short person can be able to ride one. However, with a suitable seatpost, a short individual can absolutely ride a recumbent bike.
If you scout the market, you can find suitable fitness exercise bikes that fit someone of height around 1.56m (5ft 1in). Like people with tall limbs, manufacturers can custom build workout bikes for even very short people or guys with teenage heights.
Have you been looking for a recumbent exercise bike, but you’re unsure if it will accommodate short legs?
Are you having trouble finding an exercise bike that will work with your height and not put a strain on your back and knees because you are short? Take a good look at the best recumbent bikes for short legs below.
Top best recumbent bikes for short people
I believe you are so much concern regarding your health. I will guide you on how to choose the right exercise bike that is knee-friendly and budget friendly to you. Which is the best recumbent bikes people with short legs?
If you’re in A Hurry? Here are the best recumbent equipment for short legs
5 Best Recumbent Bikes For Short People
What does recumbent mean first of all? Recumbent refers to laying back or reclining. Bikes that have recumbent slants are more comfortable for your back and upper body while you exercise.
Recumbent slanted bikes can help you stay in shape without risking injury to sensitive joints. They allow you to bike for exercise without ever leaving your home.
The exercise bike is built so that the pedals are in front of the body, and the recumbent slant leans you back into a comfortable position.
Recumbent exercise equipment is best for those at risk of injuring their back and shoulders while they exercise. This style of exercise bike is also ideal for those recovering from an injury and need a controlled form of exercise.
The recumbent slant allows your upper body to rest while your lower body pedals the bike. You can increase your heart rate and have a full cardio session while on a recumbent exercise bike.
Recumbent equipment features a broader seat and full back support. It is best for those just getting into exercise, and these bikes can still appeal to seasoned athletes. Recumbent machines reduce joint impact and enable you to create a longer exercise routine. You can comfortably bike for long distances or ramp up the resistance and go for short bursts of speed.
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike (Model NS-716R) – best value Recumbent Bikes For Short People
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 56 x 25 x 39 inches
- inseam length : 28” – 34”
- weight capacity: 300 lbs
- resistance levels : 8
- Good for users : 5’ to 6’6’’ tall
This bike might be the best recumbent option for those needing an extensive range of adjustability in their exercise machine. Marcy’s recumbent slanted bikes feature extremely adjustable seating for those who need to sit closer to the machine’s pedals.
You can adjust the resistance between eight different levels that vary from little to moderate resistance. You can easily change the resistance levels by using the bike’s eight-preset tension knob.
The seat is also adjustable, allowing you to bring the seat close enough to the pedals for you to exercise comfortably. It can get very close to the pedals, allowing even short limbs to reach them.
The recumbent bike features comfortable padding on the seat, the handles, and the recumbent slant. The bike’s seat measures 15 X 10 inches, providing you with a large and well-padded seat to rest your weight on while you exercise. The handlebars at the side of the chair and the display panel are covered in foam padding to allow you to grip them firmly during your workout. The recumbent slant will enable you to comfortably lean back and enjoy your time on the exercise bike.
An LCD computer screen is attached to the front of this recumbent bike. It tracks your speed, distance, time, and amount of calories burned during your exercise and displays them on its digital screen. The tracker shows only the essential data, which keeps you focused on completing your best workout.
The body of the bike also features a small cup holder for you to store your water or energy drinks while you exercise. This recumbent equipment is outfitted with wheels and only weighs 59 pounds, making it easy to move for cleaning or parties. It is an ideal option for shorter people or for those who have a limited range of movement. It is low enough to the ground that you won’t have to climb onto the bike before using it.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable seat
- foam-covered handlebars – no blisters
- 8-preset tension-adjustment knob
- Built for beginners
- has cup holder
- Easy transportation
Things to consider
- Low to medium resistance only
- No electronics shelf
- Difficult to reset the digital panel
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike– best recumbent with heart rate tracker, for short leg people
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 46 x 24.5 x 38 inches
- Adjustable Inseam Height Min 29/ Max 38 in
- weight capacity: 300 Pounds
- resistance levels : 8
- Good for people of height : 5 feet 5″ tall
The Sunny Health recumbent bike features a display panel and a tablet shelf. Sunny’s recumbent slanted bikes are high-quality and are sold at affordable prices.
The digital panel displays your time, speed, rotations per minute, distance, amount of calories burned, pulse, wattage, and resistance level. It allows you to see all of your stats at once and inspires you to put in your best work each time you exercise on your recumbent bike.
The handlebars feature pulse grips that allow you to check your heart rate while holding on to them for balance. The seat itself is wide and easy to mount. The back of the chair is recumbent and tilted to make you feel relaxed.
The recumbent slant is covered with mesh fabric for better airflow. The seat is comfortable and allows you to be aggressive during your training or ride the bike for extended periods.
The seat is adjustable, and you can bring it forward enough to find your comfortable peddling distance. The exercise bike also features wide pedals that are outfitted with straps to keep your feet in place.
This magnetic equipment might be the best option for those worried about stability and capacity. The bike’s frame is capable of handling weight up to 300 pounds. The curved front support beams prevent the bike from shifting beneath you as you pedal quickly or powerfully. The recumbent slant is supported by strong bars and screws, preventing it from slipping as you cycle.
The wheel of this recumbent exercise bike is smooth and silent, allowing you to pedal smoothly no matter how high you set the resistance. This bike features 16 different levels of resistance to fit the needs of recumbent bike beginners and veterans.
Reasons to buy:
- Mesh backing
- Nice cheap recumbent bike
- Curved support legs
- Noiseless
- recumbent bike comes outfitted with a padded seat
Things to consider
- No vertical adjustments
- Short warranty
- Ill-placed transportation wheel
Exerpeutic ExerWorK 1000 – best folding recumbent bike small space
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 45.3 x 25 x 51.3 inches
- Minimum Height 1.37 meters
- foot print of 21.3″ L x 25.5″ W
- bike user weight limit: 300 lbs
- resistance levels : 8 level Magnetic Tension
- Good for short athletes : under 5’5″ to 6’6″ in height
This Exerpeutic is the best recumbent option for those who work from home. The recumbent exercise bike allows you to simultaneously work and exercise, allowing you to stay focused and maintain a healthy lifestyle at home.
Exerpeutic recumbent slanted bikes feature a large desk that you can use while exercising or standing. The desk’s dimensions are 24 X 16 inches, and it can support a 300 pounds person. The folding design further makes it a necessary tool for home gym – a space-saving fitness tool for a small apartment.
The recumbent exercise bike is great for normal height and slightly short persons. it features includes a storage drawer to give you more space to store paperwork or writing utensils. This bike store all of your necessary paperwork close at hand while you work on your computer.
The desk function also doubles as a tablet holder, allowing you to binge-watch your favorite movies or tv shows while you pump out your best workouts. This feature allows you to focus on enjoying your ideal form of entertainment while you crank out a tough workout.
This recumbent bike is also adjustable. The desk’s height and angle can be changed, as can the height and distance the seat is away from the pedals. The recumbent slant remains in place to allow you to adjust the exercise bike properly.
An LCD computer is also implanted into the desk, displaying your distance, calories burned, time, speed, odometer, and heartbeat. The seat is sturdy and padded with AirSoft to provide you with a comfortable ride. The recumbent slant is also padded and gives you a cozy backrest while you bike.
This folding exercise bike has eight magnetic tension levels to provide you with various levels of resistance in your workout. The bike also features a unique fold-up design. Its frame is only about 65 pounds, allowing you to fold and move it without any significant issues. It is one of the most versatile recumbent exercise machines due to its lightweight and foldable frame.
Reasons to buy:
- seat is well padded and comfortable.
- Includes a large fully adjustable desktop with tilt,
- You can use the desk sitting or standing
- Foldable and fit small bed sitting room. You can put the bike in a pretty small space
- Warranty: 3 years limited
- durable steel frame
Things to consider
- Back support is not adjustable
- Loud after moderate use
- Handlebars are prone to loosening
- not suitable for very short athletes
Schwinn Recumbent Bike (Model 100515) – best smart recumbent for short athletes under $1000
- enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
- weight capacity: 136 Kilograms
- resistance levels : 25
- Good for short people : Unisex-adult 5’5″ to 6’5″ users height
This Schwinn bike model is the best recumbent option for those looking to connect electronic devices to a bike. Schwinn recumbent slanted bikes are ideal for 6’2″ 300 lb athlete with a competitive spirit. It is stable, does not shake when exercising, becuas eof its solid construction.
This bike costs below $1000 and can connect to Bluetooth and links to Shwinn app to track your progress. The RideSocial App can connect to your recumbent exercise bike, enabling you to connect with your friends in a real-time ride-along session.
Its ability to connect with media empowers you to give your best in every workout as you can directly compete with your friends or with your previous records.
This heavy duty exercise bike option comes with 29 pre-programmed workouts to fit all of your fitness needs. The bike is equipped with two different fitness tests to determine your skill level and exercises that will help you reach your goal.
The bike also features a perimeter weighted wheel, allowing you to start pedaling quickly. This recumbent exercise bike comes equipped with 25 levels of resistance to accommodate every level of fitness. You can keep the resistance low to cycle for longer durations, or increase the resistance for a quick and heart-racing workout.
This recumbent bike for shot guys comes with an LCD along with a media shelf. It can carry your electronic device, or you can plug your headphones into the bike’s MP3 import to utilize its built-in speaker.
Another great feature this bike has is a built-in fan. You can adjust the fan’s angle to help keep yourself cool as you pump out an intense workout.
Reasons to buy:
- Preloaded workout programs (wide range of workout intensity )
- Media friendly
- best recumbent bike for overweigjht person
- smart with bluetooth connection
- Built-in fan
- offers a smooth and quiet cycling workout
Things to consider
- Difficult to assemble
- Pulse reader is inconsistent
- Display quality is underwhelming
Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike – best great recumbent exercise bike for seniors
- Equipment weight capacity: supports up to 250 lbs
- Bike’s resistance levels :8 levels
- best for riders of height : best for 4’10” user height
The Stamina Elite Recumbent Bike offers you the ability to exercise your legs. The same machine comes with traditional exercise and also suitable for upper body arm exercise. This equipment is the best recumbent option for those who want to purchase a machine that will help them gain muscle in various muscle groups.
This bike functions as a standard recumbent bike with the added benefit of upper arm pedals. This recumbent exercise machine can increase your arm, shoulder, and back strength during your regular leg and cardio session. You can increase or decrease the resistance of both the hand pedals and the feet pedals to your liking.
Stamina Elite’s recumbent slanted bikes feature eight resistance levels that will allow you to adjust how difficult each rotation will feel. The dial is easily accessible to save you the headache of locating and fixing the resistance on your exercise bike.
Your stats are recorded and displayed on an electronic panel attached to your recumbent exercise bike. Knowing your stats will encourage you to give your best during your workout. Its heart rate monitor links to heat-sensitive handlebars that can accurately read-out your stats as you exercise.
Like other exercise bikes, the seat is contoured and adjustable so you can properly position yourself. It is also easy to mount the bike, making it ideal for those with limited mobility. The recumbent slant at the back of the chair enables you to slide onto the exercise bike in one swift motion.
The frame features wheels that will help you transport the bike quickly if needed. The base of the Physical Therapy bike is also extremely balanced, which makes the bike feel sturdy and well-rooted even during your most intense cardio health and muscle toning workouts.
Reasons to buy:
- Fully body workout
- fits in a corner of a bedroom
- smooth, quiet indoo riding
- Small and stable frame
- padded upper and lower handles
- integrated Pulse sensors – heart rate sensors,
- padded & adjustable seat and backrest,
- textured foot pedals – no sliding
- müüv offers smart personalised audio coaching
Things to consider
- The seat is prone to loosening.
- The seat base is made from plastic.
- Difficult to operate arm handles while cycling.
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Recumbent Bike For Short People
The adjustability of Moving Parts
Nothing could be worse than buying a recumbent bike only to find out the pedals are out of reach. Most recumbent bikes have adjustable seating, but make sure you can bring the seat forward enough to reach the pedals while you exercise comfortably.
You should be able to lean back against the recumbent spine of the bike while you are pedaling. If the recumbent spine is too far away from the pedals, you should consider a different bike to prevent back injury.
Some companies try to accommodate an extensive range of heights and work to create a bike for short and tall customers. They might label a specific bike for short people to use instead of their standard bike design. Bikes usually include a label that states the height range that the recumbent machine can accommodate. However, to be safe, you should research a brand or bike style to see if they have made a unique bike for short customers.
Similarly, if you have short legs, you might also have a short wingspan. You should also consider if you can comfortably reach the handlebars near the seat and the display console. Make sure you test your reach while leaning against the recumbent slant to ensure you can reach the handles and use them for balance while exercising.
The Expected Lifespan of a Bike
You’ll want to invest in a bike that will be worth its price in the long run. You should consider exercise bikes made from durable materials that offer you a stable base and recumbent tilt. Bikes can be made from metal, plastic, or a combination of both. Recumbent machines made primarily from metal will cost more, but the bikes will typically last longer.
If you exercise on an unsteady bike, it will slow down your workout and put you in danger. Ensure that the bike you are purchasing can handle the intensity of your exercise plan. You should try out the recumbent machine before buying if possible.
Display Features
The best recumbent exercise bikes feature high-quality display screens. Most bikes should be able to track your speed and duration of your exercise. More expensive bikes also feature a heart monitor, odometer, or rotations per minute, which might also be vital for you to see while you exercise.
Some of the best recumbent bikes are equipped with pre-programmed exercise routines. If they are high-tech, they might even include a screen where you can bike through a short course or bike through the mountains.
Resistance Levels
When it comes to exercise bikes, it is often best to choose one with the most resistance levels. You will have a wider variety of resistance levels that you can use when you become more acquainted with your recumbent bike.
The more you exercise, the higher you will have to raise your resistance to continue to workout at the same level of intensity. If you choose a bike with fewer resistance levels, you might have to purchase a new one once you have increased your strength and need a new physical challenge.
Before you purchase a bike, test out the differences in the levels of resistance. Some recumbent machines have little difference between their preset levels, while other bikes have more noticeable changes.
Comfort of Use
If you have short legs, you’ll want to find an exercise bike that perfectly fits you. Many people who search for the best recumbent bike need a low impact exercise option. Recumbent exercise bikes enable you to burn calories while maintaining a low impact cardio session. This type of bike is best for those with weak joints, or limited mobility can exercise.
The recumbent slant is also an essential factor in how comfortable an exercise bike feels. The recumbent slant’s angle and how sturdy the recumbent padding and frame is can be a deciding factor. The exercise bike needs to feel comfortable and sturdy without shifting side to side as you pedal.
Weight and Capacity of the Bike
If you plan to move or set up your recumbent exercise bike yourself, you should consider how much you can lift. Recumbent exercise bikes can range from relatively light to almost immovably heavy, making some simple to move and others extremely difficult.
Some bikes feature wheels to help you move them while others can be foldable. Recumbent exercise equipment is usually outfitted with wheels and a lightweight frame to allow you to move your bikes out of the way. Other bike designs have an adjustable recumbent slant and front wheel, allowing you to fold your bikes before storing them.
You should also consider how short your wingspan is and measure your bike to see if you can pick it up and move it. Not all recumbent exercise equipment is designed to be moved easily. Some bikes are built to stay in place, and thus they don’t worry about weight. You should consider if your floor plan requires you to move your recumbent machine, and how often. Bikes can be easy or hard to move, depending on the style that you purchase.
The best recumbent exercise bike can support most body types; however, they have a weight limit. Most bikes can comfortably support up to 300 pounds, but you should double-check their capacity before you use it to exercise.
Best Recumbent Bike Brands
Schwinn
The Chicago Tribune attributes Schwinn with making the best in-home exercise bikes. They offer various bike options, qualifying them as expert craftsmen when it comes to recumbent bikes.
They have mastered the recumbent slant to ensure that you enjoy riding your exercise bike. Their recumbent exercise machines are artfully designed and integrate the latest technology.
They offer the best recumbent exercise programming available. The pre-programmed courses and workouts are on par with spinning classes taught by professionals. The Schwinn recumbent bike enables you to take on challenging drills that will benefit your health and help you reach your fitness goals.
They equip each recumbent bike to pair up with your favorite fitness app. You can connect with your friends for some friendly competition, or race to create a new personal best.
You can pick up your bike at local fitness stores, or you can contact Schwinn’s headquarters located in Vancouver, Washington.
Exerpeutic by Paradigm Health and Fitness
Top Fitness Magazine credits the Exerpeutic brand with making comfortable and thoughtfully designed recumbent bikes.
Their mother company is well respected for making various fitness products and bikes, including recumbent machines. They have created several brands that produce fitness equipment and exercise bikes that are based out of their headquarters in the City of Industry, California. The Exerpeutic brand is specifically designed to create recumbent bikes, meaning they are created and developed by seasoned professionals.
The recumbent bikes that Exerpeutic produce can accommodate an extensive range of body types. Exerpeutic has one of the best recumbent padding options available, and their recumbent slant adds an extra layer of comfort. They build recumbent exercise machines with comfort in mind. This comfortability encourages you to get on the bike and stay on it until you have finished your training session.
Marcy
Marcy states that recumbent bikes are the best fit for everyone. Their recumbent machines allow you to target your quads like other exercise bikes do without injuring your back by bending over for the duration of your workout.
This company produces several types of recumbent machines, allowing you to find your ideal style of bike. Marcy is a sub-brand of IMPEX that is dedicated to providing recumbent bikes. They are committed to designing and producing each recumbent machine with care. They are based in Pomona, California, and provide excellent customer services for their equipment.
Marcy’s exercise bikes are one of the best recumbent options for those that are new to biking or that have mobility issues. They also feature a step-through design to help those with limited mobility easily mount their recumbent equipment.
Sunny Health & Fitness
This company is one of the best recumbent distribution companies. Their headquarters in the City of Industry, California, distributes and sells high-quality recumbent exercise equipment from China and Taiwan. They can keep their recumbent bike prices down due to their direct connections with manufacturers.
They sell high-quality recumbent bikes that can fit the needs of those just beginning their cycling journey and those in need of a bicycle built for intensity. This company is all about the customer and are more than willing to help you with any problems you might face when buying or fixing your recumbent machine.
This company prides itself on selling high-quality recumbent exercise equipment at an affordable price to help everyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle to accomplish their goals.
FAQ
Which recumbent bike is suitable for under 5.2 height?
5feet 2 inches is slightly over 1.56m. There are suitably proportioned recumbent bikes for that height. You may see it as a quality children’s exercise bikes, but it remains the smallest ‘adult’ models we have found.
My suggestion is that if you are a fitness rider shorter than 1.48m (4ft 10in) , look at smaller children’s bike if they exist or go for a custom made recumbent bike for very short guys.
The list of best spin bikes that are suitable for short people 4 ft 9 ins to 5 ft are: Spinner NXT suitable for people 4ft 10 ins to 6 ft 10 inches and Keiser M3i. But the Stamina can go down to 4’10” user height.
Conclusion
The best recumbent exercise bike from our roundup is the Schwinn Recumbent Bike Model 100515. This bike is designed to accommodate for short legs. It has adjustable seating and resistance levels to allow you to exercise to the best of your ability.
This equipment is the best recumbent exercise machine in its price range. The quality of this bike is well worth the price tag. It allows you to exercise comfortably with its padded seating, relaxing recumbent slant, and built-in cooling fan.
This recumbent exercise machine features pre-programmed exercise routines that allow you to bike for short and long distances. You can connect your phone to your exercise bike to keep track of your personal best and compete against your friends.
Schwinn produces the best recumbent exercise machines. This equipment can handle short and aggressive exercise routines along with slow and leisurely bike rides. The bike is durable and well made, giving you over twenty exercise options based on the level of resistance you can handle.
In short, this is Schwinn’s best recumbent bike. This model of Schwinn’s recumbent exercise machine can accommodate those who need a bike for short legs without losing any of its quality. Schwinn’s Model 100515 is the best recumbent exercise bike on the market for people with short legs.
Gearon is undergraduate (BSC in Physics), co-founder at TASI GYM, a runner, and a hands-on web developer . He is so passionate about getting fit.
His Science background, unbreakable zeal for fitness and value driven mindset, gives him an unusual discernment to determine if a treadmill meets expections of customers with varying fitness levels and health status or not. He tracks innovative changes in fitness world and uses customer feedback, manufacturer data, running experience, experts/coach interviews to make insightful reviews that uncovers value that guides Getfitsmartly community make right Personal fitness decisions with visible results.
