Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
If you want to upgrade your home gym, having the best recumbent bike rower may be just what you need!
Home gyms are the best thing and the worst at the same time. On the one hand, you have the comfort of working out right there, in your home. There’s no hassle of getting dressed, driving to the gym, and sharing your space and machines with other people.
On the other hand, you’re usually strapped for space. Trying to fit machines and equipment into your home can be a pain and require a lot of time, it’s a source of frustration. The great thing is, there are machines, such as recumbent bike rowers, that are two in one – you get the versatility of having two machines and many different workouts in one single piece of equipment. Isn’t that just fantastic?
I have pulled together a list of 3 of the best bike rowing machines and there’s not a chance at least one won’t catch your attention. Let’s row!
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower.
The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower is the top pick for home gym enthusiasts, offering a versatile and space-saving combination of rowing and biking workouts for weight loss, endurance improvement, and overall cardio fitness.
Top 3 Best Recumbent Bike Rowers Reviewed
- Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower – Top Pick
- Avari Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike – Runner-Up
- SereneLife 2-in-1 Rowing Machine & Bike – Budget Pick
1. Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower – Top Pick
This rower bike combo is the top pick and it’s near perfect. There are a few things I would change about it because that’s just life – nothing is ever 100%. This one comes pretty close, though.
- Item Dimensions: 78" L x 23" W x 31" H
- Item Weight: 96 lbs.
- Resistance System: Magnetic
- Display: LCD
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Compatibility: Compatible with müüv
- Warranty: 3 years frame/ 90 days parts
I get not wanting to pay for a gym membership; why would you when you can work out at home? Well, this is another amazing piece of equipment that’s pretty much made to fit in your home gym. It’s easily foldable, has wheels, and is surprisingly lightweight.
Rowing is recommended for everyone wanting to lose weight. Rowing is also great if you want to improve endurance. And if all fails, rowing is just plain and simple cardio. This rowing machine delivers all of those.
The workout you get can be anywhere from light to butt-kicking. I just love it when gym equipment is suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes. I will say, though, that the footplate is a bit small and I can see people’s feet sliding out of them (unless your feet are really tiny).
The recumbent bike has your lower body covered and if you want to tone it – this can do that for you. It stays silent no matter how intense your workout is and it won’t cause a lot of stress on your joints.
My favorite thing about this recumbent bike rower is that you can easily switch to upper-body workouts (by standing up) like curls or upright rows. This is due to the handle mechanism which is built in such a way that it works under such an angle without sustaining any wear or damage.
When you look at it as a whole, this machine gives you a full-body workout and will save you so much space (and money!) because you don’t need to have a crazy amount of equipment in your gym.
Positives:
Lightweight
Upper-body workouts available
Built-in wheels
Easy to adjust the resistance
Could be better:
Footplate is too small
Not enough padding on the handlebar
2. Avari Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike – Runner-Up
Our runner-up contender has a lot to offer to anyone looking for an effective workout. It’s yet another that’s going to fit perfectly wherever you put it, and you won’t have to sacrifice your space to get a good workout.
- Item Dimensions: 74.5’’ L x 23.5’’ W x 34’’ H
- Item Weight: 100 lbs.
- Resistance System: Magnetic
- Display: LCD
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Compatibility: Compatible with müüv
- Warranty: 90 days parts, 3 years frame
Switching between the stationary recumbent bike and rower is absolutely seamless – you just pull the pin and adjust your seat to what’s comfortable for you. This recumbent bike rower combo machine has a ball-bearing roller system that makes sure your rowing is 100% smooth regardless of the resistance level.
The pedals on this one are oversized, which I really appreciate because it’s going to work for anyone’s feet and you don’t need to worry about sliding out. Of course, you also have adjustable straps to secure your feet so you can focus on your workout. There’s nothing I hate more than having my workout ruined by uncomfortable equipment. I have a simple rule to determine what’s good and what isn’t – if I have to keep thinking about the equipment itself and any issues with it, I just move along to something else.
The handlebar is also made nicely, with enough padding and heavy-duty nylon. It doesn’t feel flimsy, and I don’t feel like I need to worry about possibly having to tape it after a few months of use.
It also comes with free access to müüv, which is especially good for beginners. It has a follow-along assembly video which will ease the initial construction process. müüv is a smart audio coaching app that offers personalized audio workouts. It has workouts tailored to the type of equipment you have. And to top it off, with it, you also get access to iHeart radio so you can listen to music while you work out. And don’t worry – there are no ads to disturb you. This is fantastic, as it allows you to fully concentrate on your workout.
With that being said, I have to mention that the pedals seem to be a bit too close together. I can see a lot of people having their knees brushed against the center console during their workout. It’s not painful, just slightly annoying. But that doesn’t make this machine any less amazing!
Positives:
Oversized pedals
Free access to müüv
Smooth rowing at any resistance level
Could be better:
Pedals are too close together
3. SereneLife 2-in-1 Rowing Machine & Bike – Budget Pick
The third and last place on the list goes to the budget pick. Now, don’t think this is not an excellent exercise bike rowing machine combo! It comes at an amazing price and has all the benefits you would expect from it.
- Item Dimensions: 70" L x 23.6" W x 42.1" H
- Item Weight: 88 lbs.
- Resistance System: Magnetic
- Display: LCD
- Weight Capacity: 264 lbs.
- Compatibility: None
- Warranty: 1 year
If you’re a beginner and have decided to get a recumbent bike rower, I would highly recommend this one. It won’t cost you as much as some of the other options.
The seat is cushioned and super comfortable and the handlebar is padded nicely. The footplate is big enough for anyone’s feet to be comfortable and the entire thing is robust and sturdy.
Unlike many other machines of this type, you won’t feel like you’re sitting on the floor. The seat is almost at chair height, and I have to say, I much prefer this to lower seats.
The rower has 8 levels of resistance. But the resistance is not as high as you would expect – even when you crank it all the way up.
This rower is very compact, so there’s no worry you’ll be sacrificing a whole room to fit it. And when you’re done with the workout, just fold it up and stick it in a closet (the dimensions when folded are 32.68’’ L x 23.62’’ W x 66.93’’ H).
When you take everything it offers into consideration, this is the best value for money there is!
Positives:
Affordable
Compact
The seat at almost chair height
Nicely cushioned seat
Foldable
Could be better:
No app compatibility
Resistance is not very high on the highest settings
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Are Recumbent Bike Rowers as Good as a Separate Rower and Recumbent Bike?
I hate to disappoint you, but I don’t have a yes-or-no answer for you. The answer to the question depends on your priorities. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it really comes down to what you want.
If you’re looking to pinch a few pennies and save space, then you obviously want to go for the recumbent bike rower. You essentially get 2 machines for the price of 1 and you save a ton of space. Another good thing about them is that they’re usually foldable and have built-in wheels so you can easily move them around or store them away.
Now, if you want something that’s more on the professional level that you would find at a gym – then you need a separate rower and recumbent bike.
There’s no arguing that a recumbent bike rower can give you a good workout, but if we’re being totally honest here, it can’t compare to something made for dedicated use.
6 Recumbent Bike Rower Benefits
If you’re interested in getting a recumbent bike rower, then the first thing on your mind might be a list of advantages of using a recumbent bike rower. Well, here you have it!
✅ Great Cardio
Everyone knows that rowing and cycling are great cardio. Well, you get both with a recumbent bike rower. If you use it regularly, it can enhance your lung capacity and boost oxygen delivery to the muscles.
✅ Joint-Friendly
Workouts you do on recumbent bike rowers are low impact, which means they don’t put as much stress on your hips, knees, and ankles. They’re also great if you’re recovering from an injury, but still want to work out a bit.
✅ Weight Loss
Probably what the majority of people are interested in, right? Yes, a recumbent bike rower is great for weight loss because they engage a lot of muscle groups at the same time – this means you burn more calories in less time.
✅ Good for Posture and Core Strength
If you’ve ever tried rowing, you know it’s almost impossible to do if your posture isn’t correct and if your core isn’t engaged. If you use a recumbent bike rower regularly, you’ll notice improvements in your posture and the strength of your core.
✅ Saves Space
Since you get two machines combined into one, a recumbent bike rower will save you a lot of space.
✅ Silent
Most recumbent bike rowers have magnetic resistance systems, which makes them very quiet. If you like early-morning or late-night workouts, I can see you appreciate this.
What to Look For in the Best Recumbent Bike Rower?
If you’re adamant about buying one, then the best thing you can do is ensure that your hard-earned money is well spent. You want the best bang for your buck. And here are some things that you should consider if you want to achieve exactly that.
1. Price/Quality
Your budget plays a part and that makes perfect sense. But strike a balance between price and quality. There are a lot of sturdy, quality machines out there for not that high of a price. Just make sure the price isn’t the only thing you’re taking into consideration.
2. Design
Design is crucial, and by design I don’t mean how pretty it looks. You want something that’s compact and that can be moved around easily. You’ll also want it to transition seamlessly between workouts (rowing and biking modes).
3. Comfort
If you’re not comfortable, then your workout is ruined because your focus is on how uncomfortable you are. Padded, ergonomically designed seats, adjustable handlebars, wide foot pedals, straps… You want all of this!
4. Portability
A lot of machines have built-in wheels and are easily foldable. This is what you want your recumbent bike rower to be like, too, so you can tuck it in a closet, move it out of the way or take it with you if you travel.
5. Adjustability (Seat and Programming)
Something that adjusts to everyone’s height and fitness level is the dream when it comes to recumbent bike rowers, and you want that for your machine. You need an adjustable seat so you can position it how you want. You also need several resistance levels so the intensity can be comfortable, but still feel like a workout.
6. Durability
A no-brainer, really. Something durable will last you a long time, be stable and will cater to all shapes and sizes. Look for a sturdy frame and high-quality materials. A warranty also shows that the manufacturer believes in their product, so look for something with at least the 1-year warranty.
FAQ
Which Is Better – A Rowing Machine or a Recumbent Bike?
Which is better depends on what your priorities are. Rowing machines deliver a full-body workout, while a recumbent bike focuses more on your lower body.
Is the Recumbent Bike as Good as Walking?
The recumbent bikes provide low-impact workouts and can improve strength and leg endurance. Walking, on the other hand, is a weight-bearing exercise that’s good for bone health.
Conclusion
The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower is what you want if you’re in the market for a new 2 in 1 exercise bike rowing machine. Its quality is unmatched, and your workout will never disappoint after using it.
Now it’s your turn. Have you tried any of the recumbent bike rowers from my list? Do you have a personal favorite to recommend? Do you prefer a rower and bike combo or are you a fan of them being 2 separate machines?
Leave any thoughts or tips, tricks, suggestions, and questions that might be on your mind. I’d love to keep this conversation going and build upon what I’ve already written. Go into the comments below while I go in for a row(yeah, I didn’t win any medals for being funny).
Cheers!
Also read:
References:
- Rowing exercise increases cardiorespiratory fitness and brachial artery diameter but not traditional cardiometabolic risk factors in spinal cord-injured humans // NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc /articles/PMC9924870/
- Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /21496106/
- The physiology of rowing with perspective on training and health // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /32627051/
- The physiology of rowing with perspective on training and health // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 32627051/
- Slowing bone loss with weight-bearing exercise // Harvard: https://www.health.harvard.edu /staying-healthy/slowing-bone-loss-with-weight-bearing-exercise
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
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