Most of us have very fond memories of zooming around on our bikes when we were young, happy and full of energy. It should be no surprise that many people who decide to get in shape opt for an exercise bike to help them do so. By selecting the right bike for your circumstances and health level, you can recapture the joy of your youth while getting healthier. Failing to make the proper considerations when shopping for an exercise bike, however, could result in you paying for an oddly shaped, expensive coat rack.
In order to help you make a better, more informed buying decision, we invested over 34 hours researching and comparing 75 different exercise bikes to create this buying guide, comparison chart and list of the seven best units.
Best Upright Exercise Bike: Schwinn 170
As far as upright exercise bikes go, the Schwinn 170 is, in our opinion, the best model out there. Established in 1895, Schwinn is one of the oldest bicycle brands in the world, with their longevity attributable to the fact that they’ve been making high quality products since the company’s inception. And the Schwinn 170 certainly lives up to their name.
The Schwinn 170, however, is engineered to work with modern technology to elevate the exercise bike far beyond that basic function. There are 29 different pre-programmed cycling modes built into the unit that simulate varying terrain conditions. Do you feel like taking a brisk ride over several mild hills? There is a program that will simulate that. Are you up for the challenge of biking up a steep mountain trail? Yep, that is covered as well.
These programs, ranging from novice to expert challenge levels, not only simulate different terrain they essentially function as a personal trainer, allowing you to choose how tough of a workout the unit gives you by selecting the program that matches it – the bike takes care of the rest.
On top of all that, the unit is compatible with many heart rate monitoring systems to ensure that the workout is tough enough, but not dangerously so. Overall, the Schwinn 170 is quality all around, and has pretty much everything you could want in an upright exercise bike.
There is one caveat, however, about the unit’s programming. Like so many products being rolled out today, the included documentation isn’t sufficient enough to teach you about all the ins and outs of the programming system. You can, however, find a more robust version of the documentation from the manufacturer’s website. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 230
The Schwinn 230 is essentially the Schwinn 170 except in recumbent form. It shares the latter’s venerable Schwinn track record and boasts virtually the same great features, from the multiple workout programs to the on-board computer that allows you to set and chart your fitness goals.
There are a couple things to keep in mind, however, if you do opt to go with the Schwinn 230 recumbent as opposed to its upright version. First, because the control area sits above the rider’s legs in a recumbent, as opposed to in front of the rider’s body in an upright, those with exceptionally long legs may find their knees hitting the dashboard when cycling. While this will not be an issue for the vast majority of people who are in the realm of average height, but it may be a potential problem for those who are 6’4″ and above.
Secondly, the seat is made of a hard plastic. While this is great because it makes the seat virtually indestructible and perspiration wipes off easily, it does have the drawback of not having any cushioning effect. Many users that have found the seat to be too hard have settled on draping a couple of thick towels over the seat for extra cushion and comfort.
Anyone who wants a top notch exercise bike but has health issues that make riding an upright painful or dangerous should strongly consider the Schwinn 230. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value Upright Exercise Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901
Out of all the upright models that we looked at, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 appeared to strike the best balance between quality and price. There is something to be said for choosing a product that does the basics very, very well, but has few extras. After all, the fewer parts something has, the fewer opportunities there are for something to go wrong. Those who believe strongly in this philosophy will truly love this bike.
The bike itself is purely mechanical, so there’s no electronics to worry about, and its construction is rock solid. This is probably the reason why so many small fitness centers have chosen the SF-B901 as their spin class equipment of choice, with many of them praising the easy maintenance and durability of the unit.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 features a 40 pound flywheel. This heavy flywheel is a crucial aspect to getting a smooth ride, as the inertia mimics the feel of riding an actual bicycle. Adjustable felt brake pads clamp down on the flywheel to provide as much resistance as the user wants.
The versatile handlebar, which looks more like the steering yoke on a space ship, provides a choice of practically any grip a human could conceivably choose when operating the bike.
Anyone who wants a top-quality upright exercise bike without the frills should choose the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 without thinking twice. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Best Value Recumbent Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic 900XL
The Exerpeutic 900XL is a no frills recumbent exercise bike that not only offers terrific value, but has some surprising advantages for a model in its price range.
The handles on the bike have heart rate monitors built into them, making it dead simple to keep the intensity of the workout right for that pulse “sweet spot” that everyone strives for. And unlike the vast majority of competing models that use a mechanical brake and friction to provide increased resistance, the Exerpeutic 900XL uses an adjustable magnetic resistance system.
This has two major advantages, the first being that it doesn’t wear out. Anything that relies on friction is going to wear out eventually. As long as it is not abused, a magnet can essentially last forever. Second, and more impressively, the unit is very quiet. Friction resistance systems generally make a rhythmic noise like a muffled power tool, whereas magnetic resistance systems do not.
The one absent frill that is really missed on the 900XL, however, is a platform to place a tablet or book. Users who desire something of this sort have found themselves installing a shelf in front of the unit or buying rolling tables to serve this purpose.
All things considered, the Exerpeutic 900XL is a solid bike that provides quiet operation and can be had at a very reasonable price, which is the very definition of value in our book. Read reviews on Amazon >
5 Best Budget Model: Exerpeutic 1200 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
For those of you who don’t need all the fancy shmancy high-tech features that are typically found on units like the Schwinn 230 and just want a good, basic exercise bike that works, then the Exerpeutic 1200 is for you.
This affordable bike has a magnetic resistance system that operates both smoothly and quietly, which is an important consideration for users who are concerned about potentially disturbing others with their noisy exercise machine. But perhaps the most appealing aspect of the Exerpeutic 1200 is the fact that it is both relatively light and folds up for easy storage. Anyone who has purchased a piece of exercise equipment in the past and put it in a spot where there was little extra space will appreciate having the ability to fold up the unit so they can stash it away in a closet between uses.
Another feature of the Exerpeutic 1200 that we like is that its fitness/workout monitor is battery operated, making it convenient for those who want to use their exercise bike in an area without a handy outlet.
Overall, the Exerpeutic 1200 is a good choice and a bargain for someone who simply wants an entry-level exercise bike to be able to ride in their home on occasion. And its small size makes it especially well-suited for apartment dwellers or anyone else who has very little space to spare on a piece of exercise equipment. Read reviews on Amazon >
6 Best Under-Desk Exercise Bike: DeskCycle
It’s no secret that there’s a global obesity crisis. And while a good diet is important, a big reason for this is due to the lack of daily exercise most of us get. For many people, the walk from the car or bus stop to their desk will be the only physical activity that they engage in every day.
To help busy, working people get more exercise, the DeskCycle was conceived. This machine is basically the pedal part of an exercise bike and sits under your desk. You can tie this gadget to your office chair using the included hardware to prevent the pedaling from pushing you away from your desk, allowing you to pedal as slowly as you want for as long as you want.
The DeskCycle uses a quiet, magnetic resistance system, which allows you to use it even in cubicle land without disturbing other people working in the office.
While some people will buy this to burn extra calories, you’ll be interested to know that a lot of people who use the DeskCycle on a daily basis claim that the slow, constant and low resistance pedaling is much like pacing. It helps them focus better on work, so it improves work productivity while also burning calories . There have even been pilot programs in schools using the DeskCycle in classrooms to help students focus better on their lessons.
And while using the DeskCycle alone is not going to keep you fit enough to win triathlons, anyone who works at a desk and wants to burn a few extra calories but don’t have the free time to schedule separate exercise sessions could definitely benefit from this machine. One other minor caveat if you do plan on buying this unit or another similar under-desk exercise machine: using it puts more wear and tear on your office chair than simply sitting in it. Read reviews on Amazon >
7 Best “2-in-1” Desk & Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic WorkFit 1000
The Exerpeutic WorkFit 1000 is another terrific option for those who spend hours sitting in front of a computer as part of their daily routine.
What makes the WorkFit 1000 click for its owners is the fact that it provides a stable and adjustable desktop surface suitable for a laptop. This extra work space, which is far larger than the platforms that most high end exercise cycles have, allows you to put a real computer with a keyboard on it and not just a tablet. This difference is key because, as great as they are, tablets are not particularly great for productivity when typing.
Another nice advantage of the Exerpeutic WorkFit 1000 is the fact that it folds for storage, though frankly, most people who own it leave it out all the time and use it as their laptop workstation. The real work surface combined with the exercise bike gives you the ability to burn calories while actually getting work done.
While it can be a good option for anyone who wants to burn some extra calories while working or playing on a computer, the group who seem to be the most perfect users for the Exerpeutic WORKFIT 1000 are people who work from home. Working in an office can be an unhealthy lifestyle due to the sedentary nature of the job, but working at home can sometimes be even worse, healthwise. While different people act differently, too many who work at home find themselves sitting on the couch in the same position for hours snacking on chips while working. Introducing the WorkFit 1000 can be a real welcome change for such people. Read reviews on Amazon >
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Exercise Bike
Type: Upright vs. Recumbent
When selecting an exercise bike, there are two layers of decisions to consider, the first being the form factor of the unit. There are essentially two types:
- Upright
- Recumbent
Upright Exercise Bikes
The upright exercise cycle is the classic device. It allows a rider to get any level of workout, from a leisurely warm up to an intense spinning session. There are a few advantages that an upright form factor offers:
- Weight
- Size
- Leg Room
Weight
Weight is a pretty simple advantage to understand. Because the stress on the structure of an upright exercise cycle is mainly limited to the weight of the person using it as no additional force is exerted on it, it only needs to be strong enough to support the rider’s weight. And since the weight of a person (certainly any person who can actually sit on an upright exercise bike) is relatively insignificant in the world of structural strength, the frame of an upright bike can generally be built lighter and more streamlined than a recumbent, which will tend to have a bulkier, heavier frame to be able to withstand more force.
Size
Size is also an advantage of an upright model when compared to a recumbent. Since the person using the upright is in the classic bicycle riding position, the footprint of the unit can be as small as the space between the seat and handlebar. Being smaller allows easier storage and a smaller space requirement to set it up and use.
Leg Room
Leg room only really comes into play for people several inches above six feet tall. Because The handlebar is not directly above the legs on most upright exercise bikes, even really tall people usually find that they can pedal one without bumping their knees on anything. Of course, anyone in doubt should check the specific model before buying, but if leg room is the key factor, the chances of having enough space to pedal are much better with an upright exercise bike than a recumbent.
Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The recumbent exercise bike has a couple of advantages and disadvantages when compared to an upright. The advantages are:
- Ergonomics
- Comfort
- More Intense Muscle Workout
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of a recumbent is a crucial advantage for anyone who has health issues that make the posture required to operate an upright exercise bike painful or dangerous. This is particularly true for those with back problems. Since a recumbent has the person resisting the pedaling pressure with his or her bottom instead of arms, there is virtually no pressure on the spine. This advantage allows people with back problems to get a good workout without injuring themselves. The ergonomics of a recumbent exercise bike also lend themselves well to anyone who would risk falling off an upright. Particularly obese people or those with balance issues will find a recumbent more safe.
Comfort
A side effect of the ergonomics a recumbent provides is comfort. Even people who would have no problem using an upright often prefer being cradled in the seat of a recumbent to being perched atop the seat of an upright.
Workout Intensity
For those who want to increase leg strength along with improving cardiovascular health, a recumbent can provide a more intense muscle workout than an upright. With an upright exercise bike, the resistance to the pedaling motion is provided by the weight of the person pedaling. For a fit person with strong legs, this may not be enough to provide that muscular exhaustion they desire. Since the resistance to pedaling on a recumbent is not limited to a person’s body weight, a more intense workout is possible.
Disadvantages of Recumbent Bikes
While the disadvantages of a recumbent are just the flipside of the advantages of an upright, it is important to understand why.
With an upright exercise bike, a person pedals down with resistance provided by their body weight. With a recumbent, a person pedals toward the front of the unit with resistance provided by bracing against another part of the unit. Because of this, the stress exerted on the frame of a recumbent bike can be much greater than that exerted on an upright. The extra weight comes from added material that reinforces the recumbent.
The added size of a recumbent versus an upright exercise bike is a product of the person’s posture. With the legs stretched straight in front of a person, more space is needed than someone sitting up and leaning on his or her hands. This translates to an average recumbent being about a foot or two longer than the average upright.
Additionally, a person operating a recumbent exercise bike has his or her legs stretched out horizontally. Directly above the legs is where any computer screen or shelving tends to be found. Those with exceptionally long legs could find their knees hitting these objects.
Other Types
All of this applies to the classic exercise bike, but there is a growing selection of pseudo workout bikes hitting the market. These tend to be used under a desk or function as a normal exercise bike with a desk included. Engineered to allow some physical activity during work, they are not really meant for a workout the way the classic upright and recumbent are. Instead, they are more of a lifestyle shift that adds some exercise to the daily routine, much like choosing to take stairs instead of elevators.
Performance Monitor
Once the choice between upright and recumbent has been made, the second layer of decision is how much computer you want included with the unit. Most exercise bikes come with computers that monitor heart rate and calculate the distance traveled, but high end models come with computers that include pre-programmed workouts, workout diaries and docking stations for electronic devices.
What level of included computer is appropriate is a purely personal preference.
For anyone who wants a good cardio workout but lacks the time or motivation to make regular trips to the gym, having an exercise bike at home can keep an exercise program on track by providing convenience. Choosing a model that fits the person’s needs and desired use is the key to actually using the unit regularly instead of being relegated to a laundry hanger.
Comparison Chart
Best Upright Bike
$$$$$
Yes
Yes (25 Levels)
Yes
No
300 lbs.
63 lbs.
56 x 21 x 41
10-yr Frame; 2-yrs Mech.
Best Recumbent Bike
$$$$$
Yes
Yes (20 Levels)
Yes
No
300 lbs.
82 lbs.
44 x 24 x 60
10-yr Frame; 2-yrs Mech.
Best Value Upright
$$$
No
Yes
No
No
275 lbs.
97 lbs.
47 x 20 x 49
1-yr Frame; 90-days Parts
Best Value Recumbent
$$$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
No
300 lbs.
63 lbs.
34 x 22 x 54
3 Years
Best Budget Model
$$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
Yes
300 lbs.
43 lbs.
46 x 19 x 31
1 Year
Best Under-Desk Bike
$$$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
N/A
N/A
23 lbs.
10 x 20 x 24
1 Year
Top Rated Under-Desk
$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
N/A
220 lbs.
21 lbs.
14 x 18 x 22
1-yr Frame; 90-days Parts
Best Combo Bike/Desk
$$$$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
Yes
300 lbs.
65 lbs.
51 x 25 x 45
3 Years
Top Rated Bike/Desk
$$$$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
Yes
250 lbs.
45 lbs.
45 x 16 x 28
3 Years
Good
$$
Yes
Yes (8 Levels)
No
Yes
300 lbs.
43 lbs.
33 x 19 x 46
1 Year
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