If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best recumbent bike cross trainer is, then I’d recommend the Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Upright Indoor Cycling Foldable Exercise Bike as the best one.
Burning calories is no fun. Running, cycling, and long walks?
They’re only fun if you enjoy the outdoors. Or if you have a lot of time to waste around.
If you are not a fan of the outdoors, or climate change is preventing you to do cardio exercises, you can consider looking around for the best recumbent bike cross trainer.
Here are the top recumbent bike cross trainers we’ll be reviewing:
- Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
- HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT Fully Assembled Recumbent Cross Trainer
- Octane Fitness xR4ci Seated Elliptical Trainer
- Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Upright Indoor Cycling Foldable Exercise Bike
- Body Xtreme Fitness 6-in-1 Elliptical Trainer Exercise Bike
What is a Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer?
A recumbent bike is a bicycle that provides needed support for your back. Its design departs from the conventional bike.
It features a reclined back rest. A great feature especially for those who prefer comfort when doing some cardio exercises.
There are several differences between a traditional bike and a recumbent bike.
First, pedals in a recumbent bike cross trainer are in front of the body instead of under the body like those found in a traditional bike cross trainer.
Second, recumbent bikes have full back support while the other only has limited upper body support.
Third, recumbent bikes also cause less tension and muscle fatigue while using traditional bikes can lead to a higher chance of developing tension and muscle fatigue due to the need for you to be at upright seated position.
Aside from design disparity, recumbent bike cross trainers were also found as an effective exercise equipment in developing muscle strength.
A study discovered that women who were asked to do cardio exercises using recumbent bike cross trainers were found to have significantly improved muscle strength, power and other selected functional abilities.
Now that you know what a recumbent bike is, what should you look for when buying one?
Essential Features to Look For When Purchasing
Features make or break the benefits offered by this exercise machine. These features make sure that there is additional comfort offered to you.
It also ensures that the machine is user-friendly.
Lastly, it should offer a great balance between its price tag and the features it comes with.
The best recumbent bike cross trainer has the following features:
Weight
Upright bikes tend to be lighter compared to recumbent bikes. The reason for this? The latter provides more support to your body.
Given that, its body is composed of more steel to provide greater stability and be capable of supporting more weight.
Size
Recumbent bike cross trainers tend to be bigger compared to a traditional bike cross trainer. With that in mind, you might need a bigger space for working out.
However, you will be happy to find that there are models out there that can be easily folded and stored when you are not using it.
Foldable
Unless you’re included in the 1% of the global population who owns the world, you need a foldable recumbent bike cross trainer.
While there are no fully foldable models out there yet, there are semi-foldable versions available.
This will allow you to easily tuck your recumbent bike somewhere else when not in use.
Factors You Need to Consider
However, features will only go a long way if it is what you need.
In picking the best recumbent bike cross trainer, you also need to consider your needs, your health and how you will be using the equipment.
A combination of a feature-packed recumbent bike cross trainer and your needs will allow you to take advantage of the benefits offered by this machine.
In terms of factors to consider, you should spend time thinking about the following:
How Will You Use the Machine?
Are you aiming to lose weight?
Do you want to live a more active lifestyle? Was physical activity recommended by your doctor?
As previously mentioned, the recumbent bike is known as an effective exercise to build muscle strength.
It is also a great cardio workout for those who want to lose weight.
Price
It’s all about the price tag. It is a factor that must be seriously considered before buying a recumbent bike cross trainer.
For example, a pricey exercise equipment is only justifiable only when it offers benefits that will do good on your health.
Just imagine – if you got a very expensive machine and it does not deliver results, then you just wasted money on something useless.
Do You Have an Injury?
A recumbent bike cross trainer is a great equipment for most people with health issues.
People with back issues, and those with repetitive stress injuries to the wrist and neck are among those who will benefit more using this machine.
It will also give them a chance to lead an active lifestyle despite injuries and other health issues he/she is experiencing.
Advantages of Using a Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer
Recumbent bike cross trainers are perfect not only for indoor people.
As mentioned above, it is also for those who are suffering from certain health conditions and diseases.
The following are several benefits associated with using a recumbent bike cross trainer:
Comfort
it is something unique that recumbent bikes offer. This kind of exercise equipment was designed to support some parts of the body.
This design makes it easier for anyone, regardless of age, sex and physical strength, to bike as it does not impose too much pressure on certain body parts including arms, wrists or back.
Safe
Traditional bike cross trainers do force you to exert more effort. Recumbent bike version of it, however, does not.
The latter kind of bike cross trainer is safer. There is less tendency to fall from overdoing your exercise.
You are also less prone from developing conditions that might be triggered when using a traditional bike cross trainer.
Fun
Given its different factor, you will a different experience using this bike. This kind of equipment also allows you to do something new.
Something that was once impossible from being done in a traditional bike cross trainer.
Disadvantages of Using a Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer
Recumbent bike cross trainers should also be used with caution.
Yes, it offers a lot of benefits to your health, but you can also end up with an injury if not used properly.
These are some of the most common disadvantages associated with this exercise equipment:
- Knee stress
- Weight
- Learning curve
Five of the Best Recumbent Bike Cross Trainers
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
Teeter’s entry to the best recumbent cross trainer list is the FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer.
Touted by the company as the best exercise equipment for low-impact cardio exercise, this recumbent bike cross trainer features a friction-free linkage system, a smart design that allows tracking of exercise progress and a patented stride technology.
The recumbent bike cross trainer is the most preferred exercise equipment for people with muscle and repetitive stress injuries.
With this in mind, Teeter’s patented stride technology will be a big selling point if you are experiencing some of those health issues.
The company said that the technology mimics that of a natural step motion, which allows a smooth linear path while exercising.
The FreeStep also promises greater calorie burn compared to its competitors.
This promise is delivered by pre-programmed settings targeting certain muscle groups.
However, there are some gripes with this equipment. One instant drawback is that the LED screen included in the FreeStyle can be problematic at times.
There are instances when it does not display properly. Resistance might also be an issue for some.
Those who are new to using this type of machine might find it hard to weather through the high-resistance setting.
It is recommended to lower the resistance for a smoother exercise.
Pros
- Unique stride technology
- Sturdy build
- Packed with smart features
Cons
- No indicator in the resistance knob
- Pricey for features included
HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT Fully Assembled Recumbent Cross Trainer
Health, wellness and fitness equipment manufacturer and supplier HCI Fitness is a household name for exercise equipment industry.
The HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT Fully Assembled Recumbent Cross Trainer continues what the brand has been known for since 1992 – quality products at affordable price ranges.
The feature-price balance is what makes the Physio CXT recumbent cross trainer as one of the best recumbent bike cross trainers in the market.
It comes with a large LCD screen making it easy to read information, an adjustable seat with eight configurations and a synchronized cross training motion that works out the upper and lower body.
The main selling point of this equipment is that it is ready-to-use once you take out the box. Its design was also done in a way to provide reduced stress on the joints and back.
The Physiotrainer is also as the quietest recumbent cross trainer in the market.
Its Whisper Quiet Magnetic Resistance technology allows you to do some workout while watching your favorite shows, talking to a friend or listening to your favorite music.
Pros
- No assembling needed
- Whisper quiet
- Easy-to-read LED display
Cons
- Not foldable
Octane Fitness xR4ci Seated Elliptical Trainer
The Octane Fitness xR4ci Seated Elliptical Trainer perhaps is the most professional looking equipment in this list.
However, that comes with its price.
This Octane Fitness product is packed with features like the brand’s PowerStroke technology, an Active Seat Position that exercises your glutes, and a setting that offer muscle endurance, chest press and leg press.
It also comes with the HeartLogic Intelligence feature that allows you to have customized interval training and feedback.
Price, as mentioned earlier, is perhaps the biggest caveat of this recumbent bike cross trainer.
Its design and features might compensate for its asking price.
But there are other options that might give you what the xR4ci Seated Elliptical Trainer offers in a more affordable price tag.
Pros
- Great design
- Technology that allows customized interval training
Cons
- Pricey
Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Upright Indoor Cycling Foldable Exercise Bike
Is the Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Upright Indoor Cycling Foldable Exercise Bike the best in this list? Well, from a glance, it could be.
Upon a deeper inspection, there is something about this recumbent bike from Xspec that might make it as the best recumbent bike cross trainer in this list.
Price, size, foldability, and effectiveness – they are all in this equipment. This Xspec product features not only a large LCD display but also a built-in heart rate sensor.
It also comes with a large ergonomic seat cushion, an adjustable resistance knob and foldable, sturdy construction.
This recumbent bike cross trainer might come with a large seat, but it can unstable at times. The problem stems from the fact that it only has a single knob to adjust the seat.
The single knob significantly contributes to the wobbly seat when exercising. Additionally, prolonged use may cause some clicking sound in the trainer’s pedals.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Large LCD display
Cons
- Woobly seat
- Loose pedals
Body Xtreme Fitness 6-in-1 Elliptical Trainer
The Body Xtreme Fitness 6-in-1 Elliptical Trainer is like that friend who got all the blessings the world has to offer.
Yes, I’m talking about that sexy, brainy and rich friend. Yup, that friend.
That is exactly what this recumbent bike cross trainer is. It got all the goods in the bag and even features you don’t expect.
This offering from Body Xtreme Fitness is not only an elliptical trainer bike.
It also comes with an ab twister, push-up bars, hand weights and resistance bands, which can all be useful for additional strength training.
Additionally, it comes with an adjustable seat, pulse sensors, cross trainer style handle bars and a large LCD monitor.
Pros
- Feature packed
- Price
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not poor construction
- Noisy
Which is the Best Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer?
The best recumbent bike cross trainer should have a balance of affordability, being packed with essential features, and a sturdy construction.
The Xspec Upgraded Dual Recumbent Upright Indoor Cycling Foldable Exercise Bike is the best in this list.
The Xspec offering covered every essential feature in a recumbent bike cross trainer. It is the most affordable in this list.
Despite its low asking price, it is still capable to deliver all its promises – great support for your back and other muscle group and effectiveness in muscle strength training.
It is also the most well-built in this list.
While there are some issues with its seat and pedals, those can be easily addressed by ensuring that its bolts and screws are tightly placed to ensure stability while working out.
