Best Recumbent Road Bike Reviews 2018 for Every Budget
For all of you cyclists who love to recline and ride, your penchant for reinforced riding comfort has brought you here in search of a new recumbent road bike that fits your low-cost budget. Welcome. You’ve come to the best place to gather all the important details on some of the most affordable and reliable recumbent road bikes on the market.
Recumbent cyclists who are researching potential upgrades and perhaps looking to spend more on one of these head-turners at a higher price point should keep reading; this review lists options for you too.
If you’re considering getting into recumbent road biking, and know they’d be so much fun for you and your family but are concerned about the cost and function, the good news is that there is a range of options and prices to meet every budget.
And it’s fair to say that by the end of this review you will know a lot more about the functionality, safety, comfort, and most importantly, how economical a recumbent purchase can be.
It’s important to note that after speaking with a bike shop worker, and doing some research, recumbent bikes are now mostly considered adult trikes or tricycles. Keep this in the back of your mind as you learn the features and read the descriptions of these options.
What is a Recumbent Bike?
If you are new to the world of cycling and are unsure of what a recumbent bike is, they are simply bikes that allow the riders to be in a laid back and reclining position while riding. This type of design is usually chosen for ergonomic reasons and it helps to distribute the rider’s weight comfortably while also being able to support their back.
Without any further hesitation, let’s coast into the specs and features that you’ll find for some of the best recumbent bikes for the money.
First up, is the diverse Mobo Cruiser.
Mobo Triton Pro Adult Tricycle for Men & Women Beach Cruiser (Trike) 3 Wheel-Pedal Bike
- 3-wheels
- Reclined seat
- Comfortable design
- Ideal for fitness and recreation
- Revolutionary rear-wheel steering system (Dual joy-stick)
- Accommodates riders from 4’2” to 6’3” in height
- Can hold up to 250 lbs.
- Suitable for children 10 and up
- Unmatched safety and security
- Sturdy frame made of hi-ten steel
- Chainless design
- Wheels: 20” front, 16” rear
- Free-wheel hub enabling you to stop pedaling while the trike is in motion
- Caliper brakes
- Safety flag
- Dimensions: 28 x 29 x 48 inches (61” extended)
- Weight: 44 lbs.
This Mobo Triton promotes and delivers a thrilling yet, relaxed ride. The epitome of FUNctional, you will come to love the integration of the Mobo’s practical and remarkable mechanical design.
You’ll be completely comfortable riding this trike because of its stability and will appreciate the unique and easy to use rear wheeling system.
If you have back issues or any other limitation or impairment, then this adult trike is a prime choice. The low position is ideal for those who do not want to ride upright, but still want to experience bike riding in an amusing and adventurous way. The low position and three-wheel design provide a balanced ride that makes you feel secure, even when riding on paved and slight inclines.
This is a comfortable and reliable choice that you’re not likely to regret. It will definitely make you smile. And who can resist that?
Let’s see what buyers think about this trike.
What’s Being Said:
One buyer stated that this recumbent road bike is designed exceptionally well and is high-quality. From the description of the features, you can see that this trike was made to provide a safe, and stable ride.
Keep in Mind:
This same customer noted that they weren’t sure about their purchase of the Mobo Triton after reading some reviews that other buyers made. This customer stated that they went back and read the instructions and worked to fix the issues, and that did the trick. He reported that after some tweaking, the Mobo Triton rode flawlessly.
If you’re experiencing loose pedals or other issues with the finishing touches on this bike, make sure you read the instructions thoroughly. It’s such an awesome trike that you want to make sure you get the full experience. So, if necessary, search videos, and or tutorials to help you get this recumbent up and running smoothly.
Bottom Line:
For a recumbent bike, this Mobo Triton offers a lot for the money. You or your child will enjoy a fun and safe ride on paved roads, or at the beach. Its diversity spans every type of recreational use you can imagine. Don’t hesitate to explore this option. If you like what this trike offers, and it fits your budget, it comes highly recommended.
Next up, we’ll look at another less expensive Mobo option, for kids.
Mobo Mobito Sport-The Ultimate Three Wheeled Cruiser
- Best for riders between 3’6” to 4’8”
- Created for young children
- Stylish design
- Adjustable frame*
- Safe
- Comfortable
- Chainless
- Rear wheel steering
- Freewheel mechanism
- Inflatable rubber tires
- Safety flag included
If you’ve been having visions of you, your spouse, and your little one riding around your neighborhood in recumbent bikes as a family, then you’ll definitely want to consider this choice.
This Mobo Sport-Cruiser offers quality and functionality.
Your child will be excited to get out and ride, which encourages a healthy lifestyle; which is important for growing children. Speaking of growing, the adjustable frame enables you to tailor the trike to meet your growing child’s needs over time. For the price that is an economical and resourceful feature.
This trike offers the same brilliant rear wheel joystick steering as the Adult Mobo Triton, so if you’re thinking of buying that one for yourself, or already own it, purchasing the Mobo Mobito Sport Cruiser for your child will give you the opportunity to demonstrate how to ride and spend time together.
No doubt, it’ll exceed your expectations for what you want in a safe and fun option for your child.
The thought of your son or daughter giggling with laughter as they pedal beside you in this three-wheeled cruiser can become your reality. It is a safe and comfortable option for your young child, making it worth every penny.
And, although it is intended for children, it may work out well for adults too. We’ll get to that later.
What’s Being Said:
In general, parents like this trike and state that their children really enjoy riding the Mobo Mobito Sport.
One buyer, in particular, stated that their child had trouble balancing on a two-wheel bike, so this was a better option for their family. If this is one of your concerns, then rest assured this option provides the stability and balance that your child needs. More importantly, your child is less likely to fall out of this trike, and even if they do the distance would be shorter, thus causing less impact than with a two-wheeled bike.
Keep in Mind:
If you are an adult who is shorter in stature and of a lower than average body weight, then this may be a great choice for you. It’s less expensive than the Mobo Mobito and has a sporty look and design that many adults would like.
A customer who is 5’2″ stated that they could ride their child’s Mobo Sport with no issues by adjusting the frame. This is a mere suggestion. Remember the manufacturer created this trike for children, and it is rated for children, not adults.
Bottom Line:
At this price point and with the safety and design features that this trike offers, it is a prime choice. If it does fit your budget, then it is recommended that you order it.
Remember, if you’re a petite adult, you can save a lot of money by purchasing this option, maybe even one for you and your child.
Mobo Shift-The World’s First Reversible Three Wheeled Cruiser (Adult)
- Groundbreaking reverse-gearing function*
- Steel frame
- Adjustable frame
- Suitable for riders between 4′ – 6′ 3″ in height
- Rear wheel steering/ joystick feature
- Low frame
- Offers fixed and free-wheel gear options
- 3-foot safety flag
- Adjustable back support (six angles)
The Mobo Shift offers an innovative reversible design making this choice ideal for reaching your fitness and recreational goals. You’ll be able to move forward and backward with ease while working out leg muscles you didn’t even know you had while maneuvering this recumbent cruiser; this is possible because of the fixed gear and free-wheel gear mechanism.
What’s even better, in comparison to upright, two-wheel bikes, you’ll be able to recline while doing it. Note that depending on your height, you can adjust the back and remain supported throughout your rides.
Built to last, this sturdy invention will be fun to ride for years to come, and you’re likely to always appreciate the functionality of this three-wheeled trike.
You won’t have to worry about being seen while sitting low to the ground because the 3 ft flag will be noticeably visible.
What’s Being Said:
Some customers purchased this option because they wanted their dog to be able to walk alongside them. This option ideal for this type of situation since it is so low to the ground. You’d be able to maintain close contact with your dog, in a way that is safe and fun.
Keep in Mind:
Some customers mentioned that this option did not allow them to go up inclines, or hills that easily. This option may be better suited for flat surfaces and very slight inclines.
Bottom Line:
This is a relaxing and fun choice that offers groundbreaking engineering. If having the option to reverse while riding, sounds amazing to you then this is an excellent choice for you for the price. It is recommended that you purchase this bike.
We’ve made it to the end. This last option costs the most and may be suitable for those of you who are more experienced with recumbent biking.
Performer JC70 Recumbent Trike (27S, FRP Seat)
- Made by Performer
- Aluminum frame
- Shifters located on bar ends
- Tektro CL-520 brake levers
- Brakes: Tektro NOVELA CS disc brakes
- Front Derailleur: Microshift R439
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera 9S
- Hard shell seat with vented mesh pad for comfort and breathability
- Headrest
- Rack on back to store belongings
- Pedals: Clipless to offer more efficiency
- Tires: Michelin 20″ x1.5 / 700c x 32c (700c rear wheel to increase speed)
- Standard tool kit included
This high performing recumbent road trike can handle more exertion, and rougher terrain than its counterparts included on this list.
You’ll appreciate the craftsmanship even more as you venture on extended rides. Its major components consist of some of the most well-known parts of biking.
The shifters are conveniently located on the edges of the bars so you won’t have to worry about loosening your grip to change them. The convenient rear rack allows you to bring along essentials necessary for long distance travels.
What’s Being Said:
One customer who rides over five miles daily stated that this recumbent bike is extremely comfortable and that they like the seat. If you plan on taking long rides, keep this customer’s experience in mind as you make your decision. You want an option that keeps you comfortable longer durations.
Keep in Mind:
A potential customer wanted to know if this bike comes already adjusted for his height (over 5’8″). You would need to adjust according to your height after the bike is assembled, (seller advice) since this bike does not come already assembled.
Bottom Line:
The Performer JC70 is a high-performance recumbent road bike/trike that would please most riders. It’s designed well and made to endure. The price is justified for a recumbent bike of this class. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase this recumbent road bike.
As stated above, these are the best recumbent road bikes for every budget. For their individual prices and features, you’ll be satisfied and perpetually happy to own either one.
“Happy choosing,” and enjoy your ride.
