The best upright exercise bikes can help one stay in shape, without hitting the gym. Sounds too good to be true? A high-quality indoor cycling bike can actually help you burn the same number of calories as an outdoor bike.
As more of us are sticking indoors to help battle the spread of COVID-19, an upright exercise bike with a comfortable seat, ergonomic and adjustable handlebars, is a great way to stay active and stay safe.
We have compiled our top 10 picks of the best upright exercise bikes to help you get started. The list includes upright bikes of different price ranges and system options.
Best Upright Exercise Bike
1. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
The heavy-duty Schwinn 170 Upright Bike with a weighted flywheel provides the best workout experience at the comfort of your home.
However, the brand ensures that its high-end features do not hurt your budget. The steel frame makes this indoor exercise bike durable while the adjustable seat and handles provide a customized fit. The 25 levels of magnetic resistance offer more variety in one’s workout routine.
However, the bike’s USP is the DualTrack console which displays different workout programs, your heart rate, and allows Bluetooth connectivity for some music to go with your sweating sesh!
Pros
- Impressive magnetic resistance system
- Durable body, easy to assemble
- Dual LCD screen, heart rate monitor, speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, etc.
- Comfortably padded seat
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Cooling fan
- Water bottle holder
- Additional shelf for holding your magazine, iPad, tablet, etc.
Cons
- Seat might be a bit uncomfortable for some
- Complaints on Amazon about loud clunking noise
2. Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Cycling Bike- SF-B1002/C
The Sunny Health and Fitness Chromed Flywheel Indoor Cycle Bike is your cardio companion when you cannot hit the gym. Relatively lightweight and quiet, this stationary bike offers an actual outdoor cycling experience. The adjustable seats and handlebar ensure you feel comfortable while the toe clips keep your feet in place throughout your cardio session.
On the contrary, the absence of an LCD screen to display your progress, and the inability to adjust the handlebar forward and backward are some major bummers.
However, in this price range, this exercise equipment is quite a deal for home use.
Pros
- Closest to a regular bike riding experience
- Water bottle holder
- Lightweight and noiseless
- Toe clips for a better grip
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Recommended for tall people
Cons
- Does not display heart rate, calories burned, etc.
- Not suitable for short people
3. Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708
With a premium steel frame, the Marcy ME-708 ensures maximum durability and stability while you paddle your way to a fitter you! Its adjustable seat enables users of different heights to exercise on it comfortably.
Plus, the adjustable foot straps also add on to provide you more control. The magnetic resistance system makes for a challenging workout, similar to bicycling outdoors over different terrains.
Despite being lightweight and reasonably priced, this upright stationary bike does not sacrifice on quality and functionality. Its LCD display, albeit small, shows the important stats like calories burnt, time, speed, etc.
Pros
- Adjustable seat and foot straps
- 8 levels of resistance
- LCD screen displays important stats
- Lightweight yet premium design
- Does not produce any noise
Cons
- No heart rate monitoring
- Not much difference between various levels of magnetic resistance
- Poor quality LCD screen
4. Schwinn Airdyne AD7
The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is a crowd-pleaser with its great versatility when it comes to weight, height, and fitness level of the user.
Its powder-coated, moisture repellant steel frame not just lasts longer but also looks ‘new’ for a longer period. The saddle is adjustable to suit the user’s height and the moving handlebars allow multiple gripping positions for an overall ergonomic experience. Its 26 blade fan wheel may look beefy but is surprisingly quiet while providing smooth air resistance.
Moreover, this air bike is the only Airdyne that offers workout programs. Overall, we highly recommend this bike for an intense cardio workout like HIIT.
Pros
- Powder-coated, moisture repellant steel frame lasts long and looks fresh
- Belt drive and 26 blade fan wheel promise a smooth and quiet ride
- Compact size, perfect for a home gym
- Highly adjustable seat
- Movable armbars for upper body workout
- 9 in-built workout programs
- Water bottle holder
- Shows workout stats
- Footrest available
Cons
- Seat may be too small for some
- Cheap monitor
5. Nautilus U616 Upright Bike
The Nautilus U616 upright bike combines performance and style with its sleek and solid frame that weight capacity of 300 lbs. It offers 25 levels of magnetic resistance and 29 in-built workout programs to test your strength and endurance!
It even features two high-resolution, backlit LCD displays that display your workout stats to keep you motivated. The weighted flywheel ensures consistency while the padded seat delivers some amount of comfort. The seat, handlebars, and cooling fan can be adjusted according to your preference.
Moreover, the in-console speakers, USB charging port, media shelf, and bottle holder provide an overall enjoyable pedaling experience.
Pros
- 25 levels of adjustable resistance and 29 workout programs for effective weight loss
- Padded seat, grippy handlebars, and cooling fan are adjustable
- Media shelf and large bottle holder available
- Impressive secondary features to make your workout routine enjoyable
- Sturdy steel frame
- High-quality LCD screens are visible on low light conditions as well
- Displays workout data like calories, speed, time, distance, level, etc.
Cons
- Hard seat
6. Schwinn 130 Upright Exercise Bike
Schwinn is the most renowned brand lauded in many exercise bike reviews so no wonder this is its third bike we have mentioned. With its strong frame and high-inertia flywheel, this bike will take your home workout to the next level. Reviewers on Amazon swear by the Schwinn 130’s DualTrack console that displays your stats and includes 22 workout programs.
According to your fitness level, you can choose from fun rides to more intense lower body workouts. The adjustable, padded seat and ergonomic grips on the handlebars provide a comfy and stable riding position.
Moreover, the transport wheels also make the bike easy to move around your house.
Pros
- Noiseless
- 20 levels of magnetic resistance for more endurance workouts
- Impressive console displays workout data and 22 workout programs
- Sturdy frame
- Large and padded seat, adjustable handlebars, and toe straps
- Fair range of multimedia options, considering the price
- Media shelf and water bottle holder
- Adjustable cooling fan
Cons
- Display screen is not backlit
7. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
If you don’t want to sacrifice on space by getting a chunky indoor bike, the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike is your best bet. Its magnetic body can be folded and stored into the smallest of spaces… even under your bed!
But don’t get fooled by its small footprint. This foldable bike has a weight capacity of 300 lbs and can be used by tall people as well. The extra-large seat is cushioned and adjustable to provide you an accommodating and comfortable ride.
Moreover, the LCD screen is a plus if you want to check your progress via the hand pulse rate monitor.
Pros
- Recommended for small spaces
- Cushioned and comfortable seat
- Hand pulse sensors
- Impressive central console and LCD shows important workout data
- Fair range of weight and height capacity
- No noise
Cons
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance may not be enough
- Some low-quality parts make this bike suitable for light to moderate workouts only
8. Flexispot Deskcise Pro V9 Desk Exercise Bike
The Flexispot Deskcise Pro V9 Desk Exercise Bike stays true to its name with its adjustable seat and desk. Its solid built provides stability while the magnetic tension resistance provides enough friction to test your strength.
The transporting wheels do not have a physical lock so the bike moves smoothly when not in use, and stays put once you sit on it. Typing on your laptop will not result in painful wrists with the desk wrist pad.
Also, you will be surprised to hear your typing makes more noise than the almost noiseless pedaling. Another interesting feature is the option of unscrewing the desk part and using the bike portion under a regular, full-sized desk.
Pros
- Pedaling makes no noise
- Comfortable seat
- Adjustable parts for more versatility
- High-quality parts for increased sturdiness
- Integrated resistance bands
- Foldable
Cons
- Not recommended for users shorter than 5’2”
- Heavy
- Poor ergonomics
9. Xspec Indoor Foldable Stationary Compact Upright Cardio Workout Exercise Cycling Bike
The Xspec Foldable Stationary Upright Bike is a premium option for limited space. Lightweight and portable, one will be able to place this gym equipment in any part of your apartment. The thick, cushioned seat is perfect for long workout hours while the 8 levels of magnetic tension help build endurance.
Moreover, the foot straps provide more stability, the LCD screen shows workout details, and the anti-skid handlebars offer maximum grip.
However, some cyclists on Amazon have complained about the bike’s durability and noise while cycling. A major reason behind the two issues could be the movable interiors.
Pros
- Portable and compact
- LCD screen displays workout stats
- Comfortable seat
- Stylish design
- Adjustable magnetic tension, seat height, foot straps, etc.
Cons
- Durability issues
- May produce some noise
10. Body Rider Indoor Upright Bike with Curve Crank Tech and Rear Drive Flywheel
The Body Rider Indoor Upright Bike BCY6000 offers the exclusive Curve-crank Technology and an Inertia-driven steel flywheel for a smooth and safe ride. Exercising will never be boring with the media shelf that can hold your iPad/ tablet so you can enjoy music or movies while shedding some kilos. The comfortable seat, non-grip handlebars, and magnetic resistance levels are adjustable to your height, fitness level, etc. Moreover, the LCD screen displays your workout progress to keep you motivated. One downside of this bike would be the difficulty of assembling the parts.
Pros
- User friendly
- Curve-crank technology
- LCD screen displays workout stats
- Media shelf
- Comfortable seat and handlebars
- Adjustable according to one’s height
Cons
- 8 levels of resistance are not enough
- Difficult to assemble, especially for beginners
Upright Exercise Bike Buyer’s Guide
Design
Indoor exercise bikes can be grouped into three types— upright bikes, spinning bikes, and recumbent bikes. While spinning bikes are recommended for high-intensity workouts, recumbent exercise bikes are best for seniors, and anyone with joint pain. However, upright bikes bring you the best of both worlds of comfort and portability. Moreover, some upright bikes are of ‘dual action’ nature which allows upper body workouts as well.
Resistance
Depending on your fitness goals and preferences, you can choose between magnetic resistance and air resistance. We would suggest opting for indoor bikes that offer higher levels of resistance for more gradual growth in strength and endurance.
Weight Capacity and Height Range
Users with average weight and height can find tones of suitable exercise bikes for themselves. However, if you are on any one of the extreme ends, you must invest in a bike that offers an adjustable seat and handlebars. This way you can be assured of the accommodating capacity of a particular bike. Trust us, you do not want to end up with an upright bike that your legs or hands can’t reach!
Central Console
Feedback is important when one is on his/ her journey to fitness. With regular monitoring, one feels motivated to keep going. Thus, we recommend upright exercise bikes with LCD screens that display workout data like calories burnt, time, speed, etc. Some expensive bikes may feature two screens, the additional one showing the workout program or any fitness app that you may be using.
Space
An exercise bike can require quite a lot of space so ensure you buy one that suits your living space. For apartments, we highly recommend foldable indoor bikes. Some of these bikes can even be detached from their handles or desks and can be used on your regular desk.
Comfort
The seat is the most important component when it comes to comfort. Make sure you check if the seat is padded and thick enough to not cause any irritation while working out. Moreover, the height of your bike should also be suitable for your own height for optimum comfort.
Conclusion
Those were our picks for the best upright exercise bikes. It is best for all of us to stay indoors as much as we can in such difficult times. However, that does not mean we must turn into a couch potato! By investing in an indoor exercise bike that suits your body type, fitness level, and requirements, living space, etc., you can stay in shape without stepping out. Now, isn’t that a win-win situation?
