Working out in the comfort of your home? The best upright exercise bike is a must-have in your home gym equipment collection!
With an upright exercise bike, you can enjoy biking even indoors. If you are training for a race, trying to lose weight, or simply wanting to have a healthier and fitter lifestyle, you will benefit from having an upright bike. Even when it is raining outside, there’s no excuse to miss a ride! It is like a road bike in terms of design. You can stand up while cycling, which will let you engage more muscles. In turn, this will improve the intensity of your workout.
As against a recumbent bike, an upright bike does not come with a backrest. This can be quite uncomfortable for some people. However, it is a great way to elevate your home workout routine!
Are you looking for the best upright exercise bikes? We got you covered! Keep on reading and we’ll let you know some of the top products that should be on your list!
Table of Contents
Best Upright Exercise Bikes Review
Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike
The Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike is from one of the most reliable brands in the market. This is already a compelling reason to pick this in your search for the best upright stationary bike.
One of the best things about this exercise bike is its high-speed and high-inertia system, which will provide a smooth cycling experience. It will make your workouts smooth and quiet.
For versatility, you can choose from 25 levels of computer-controlled resistance. There are also ten resistance quick speeds. With the options available, your workout does not need to be boring. You can easily increase or decrease its strength depending on your mood or physical capability. Even if you are a beginner, this upright exercise bike has you covered!
Monitoring your performance will be effortless. Thanks to its powerful and feature-packed console, you can easily see the information you need to know. The backlit LCD will let you easily see what is on the display whether it is day or night.
Your comfort is also a sure thing when you are using this bike. One of the reasons for this is the oversized pedals with straps, which you can customize depending on the fit you are most comfortable with. The rail bicycle seat can also be adjusted in four profiles. The padded and contoured seat will also contribute to your comfort. Even if your workout gets more intense, you don’t need to compromise your comfort. The handlebars are also adjustable.
For portability, it comes with front wheels, which will allow you to easily move the bike around. We also like how it comes with a compact frame, which will make it space-efficient.
Pros:
- Comes with a compact frame
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- Requires minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Assembly can be difficult
L NOW Upright Bike Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike Indoor Stationary Bike D8N08
One of the first things that you will notice with L NOW Upright Bike Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike Indoor Stationary Bike D808 is its design. It has an elegant design different from most of its competitors.
Being among the best upright bikes you will find in the market today, this is known for its durability and stability. This is possible because of the white ABS steel frame, which resists rust and corrosion. The frame weighs 66 pounds and can support a user weight of up to 300 pounds.
This upright bike has a manual magnetic resistance system. There is no need to connect to a power source to use this bike. It offers eight levels of resistance. If you are a beginner, then you will be good with the first three resistance levels. The 8th resistance level, meanwhile, will simulate an uphill climb, which is great if you would like to elevate the intensity of your workout.
It comes with a wide, curved, and cushioned seat, so you can be confident that it will have a positive impact on your comfort. The seat also has a four-way adjustment, so you can customize its position depending on what you find to be most comfortable. With its upright adjustment span, you can change the height from 25 to 40 inches. The seat is also removable, which means that you can replace it if you want to.
The display of the bike is pretty basic, which is also one of its drawbacks. While it shows the details you need to know about your workout, there is no backlight. At times, it may be difficult to read what is on the display.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Has an elegant design
- Comes with weighted pedals
Cons:
- Console does not have a backlight
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Upright Bike
With the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Upright Bike, one of the many things that you will love is the sturdy steel frame. This can withstand the test of time while also ensuring the stability of the bike. According to its technical specs, the frame can support riders weighing up to 275 pounds.
The 49-pound weighted flywheel is another feature of this product often highlighted in upright exercise bicycle reviews you will find online. It is designed to mimic the feeling of being on a road bike. The only difference is that you are cycling indoors.
It offers various options for customizability, which is another reason why it is a great choice for upright spin bikes. You can adjust the seat in four ways. Meanwhile, you can adjust the handlebars in two ways.
The caged pedal is another feature that you will find impressive in this exercise bike. This will promote proper foot placement when you are cycling. As a result, you will not only be more comfortable, but you will also enjoy better pedaling efficiency. This design will help in preventing foot slippage.
You will also love its adjustable resistance. Whether you would like to go easy or intense in your cycling routine, this exercise bike has you covered. It has a strategically positioned knob and al it takes is a simple twist before you can adjust the resistance as preferred.
Need to transfer the exercise bike in a different area at home? This should be effortless for you! It comes with transport wheels, so you will not have a hard time moving the bike around when there is a need to.
Pros:
- Operates quietly
- Adjustable seat
- Offers an adjustable resistance
Cons:
- Does not come with an LCD monitor
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
If you are on a budget, then the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse is the perfect choice for you. This is one of the most affordable of the products listed in this buying guide. Yet, it is from one of the most trusted brands in the market, so you can be confident that the quality is top-notch.
In many upright exercise bike reviews, this is praised because of being space-efficient. If you live in a tiny apartment, you will love this bike. It is compact and has a folding design. When you are not working out, you can fold the bike and it won’t consume a lot of space in any room.
This model comes with a basic display. Once the pedal starts turning, the display will automatically turn on. It shows speed, calories, distance, time, and pulse. However, take note that it is only 3.3-inch wide, so the display can only show one detail at a time.
With the magnetic resistance of this upright bike, you can choose from eight intensity levels. This can be minimal for some, but at its price, this can already be considered good. At least, you will still have the option to adjust the intensity of your cycling routine.
Lastly, it comes with a large seat cushion, which will be great for your comfort. the thick padding will make you comfortable even when pedaling for an extended time. Plus, you can also adjust the height of the seat. According to the manufacturer, this seat can accommodate riders who are 5’3” to 6’1”.
Pros:
- Space-efficient
- Affordable
- Simple magnetic resistance control system
Cons:
- Not built for intense workouts
Concept2 BikeErg with PM5 Monitor Stationary Upright Exercise Bike
The price of Concept2 BikeErg with PM5 Monitor Stationary Upright Exercise Bike is one of the first things you will notice. Do not let this discourage you. As highlighted in many stationary bikes reviews, every dollar will be worth it considering the product’s quality and performance.
This bike comes with a 68-pound aluminum frame. Despite being made of aluminum, this can make the upright bike quite heavy. Nonetheless, this does not mean that portability is compromised. It comes with front-mounted wheels, so moving the bike around will be easy. The aluminum frame is also praised because of its durability.
With the use of this exercise bike, you will also love how easy it is to stay connected and motivated. It has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. You can connect it to heartrate monitoring apps. It can also accurately track your workout, which will provide you with an accurate picture of your progress. The backlit LCD will make it easy for you to see data on the screen whether it is day or night.
The tool-free seat ratcheting system is also a plus. This makes it effortless to adjust the height of the seat depending on what you will find most comfortable. The adjustable fore and aft will take customization to the next level. This will let you change the angle of the handlebar so that you will be more comfortable with your grip. This prevents exerting unnecessary pressure on your hands.
You will also love how you can have peace of mind with this product. This is because the frame is covered by the manufacturer for five years. All other parts, on the other hand, have a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Great connectivity options
- Powerful data management
- Quiet flywheel
Cons:
- Expensive
Nautilus U618 Upright Bike
The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike can be quite expensive, but its price should never be an issue. It has durable construction and packed with powerful features, which will make it offer the best bang for the buck.
Among others, one thing that we like the most about this bike is how it comes with 29 customizable workout programs. You will have a lot of choices depending on the workout that you prefer. Regardless if you want to go light or hard, there is a workout designed for you.
The 30-pound flywheel is also a nice addition to his exercise equipment. This provides varying levels of resistance so that you will have more choices when it comes to the intensity of your workouts.
The display of this upright bike is equally impressive. It has a DualTrack screen, which means that there will be two displays. There is a large and small display to help you keep track of the progress of your workout. The console also comes with a tilting design, which will make it easy to see whatever is shown on the screen.
Another good thing about this bike is its Bluetooth connectivity, which will allow you to unlock more functions, such as additional workout programs. This also allows you to connect to RideSocial, a free fitness app that will make your workout more fun.
If you hate boring workouts, you will love this exercise bike. Aside from having scenic views that you can access through the app earlier mentioned, it also has built-in speakers. You can have music on full blast if you need motivation and energy when working out.
Lastly, the bike also comes with a built-in cooling fan. This helps you stay more comfortable throughout your workout.
Pros:
- Offers a quiet and smooth ride
- Has multiple built-in workouts
- Frame has a 15-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708
Those who are on a budget will love Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708. Despite being affordable, it has decent quality. Admittedly, however, the performance isn’t at par with the models recommended in other upright bike reviews.
This model comes with premium steel construction. Steel is a heavy and durable material, so you can expect it to last many years. However, because of its narrow design, it can end up being unstable, especially as you start to pedal more aggressively.
The state-of-the-art LCD is one of the best features you will find in this exercise bike. It is basic in design but it provides accurate information, making it easy to monitor your progress. The display has extra-large numbers, which will make it easy to read.
It has counter-balanced pedals, which will provide optimal support. It has adjustable straps, so you can customize the way they fit. You can be confident that your feet will not slip from the pedal even as you start being more aggressive in your movements.
You will also like how it comes with an adjustable seat. This is another option for you to customize the bike depending on what you feel will be most comfortable for you. The seat can accommodate users with a height of 4’11” to 6’3”.
This bike comes with a step-through frame design. What this means is that it will be effortless for you to get on and off the seat. This is unlike in other models wherein getting in and out of the bike can end up being quite a struggle.
Lastly, there is also a convenient tension knob, which will allow you to easily adjust the tension of the bike depending on the intensity that you prefer. You can choose from eight difficulty levels.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Space-efficient
- Secure pedal
Cons:
- Can be unstable
Xspec Indoor Foldable Stationary Compact Upright Cardio Workout Exercise Cycling Bike
The Xspec Indoor Foldable Stationary Compact Upright Cardio Workout Exercise Cycling Bike is another great option for people on a budget. While it is cheap, you will be happy to know that it has good performance.
Aside from being affordable, we also like this upright spinning bike because it is compact. If you have a tiny apartment, there’s no problem having this bike around. It can also be folded, so you can keep it out of sight when you are not using this exercise bike.
Like most of the options for the best upright bicycle listed in this buying guide, this model also comes with a magnetic resistance system. There is a convenient knob that will let you choose from eight intensity levels. This will improve the flexibility of your workout, which is good especially if you are a beginner.
This bike also comes with an LCD. Although, we would like to point out that the display is basic. Nonetheless, it shows the information you need to know when you are cycling, such as distance and speed.
To keep you comfortable when working out, this bike comes with ergonomic and soft handlebars. They will be easy to hold, even as you start moving faster. It also comes with built-in sensors, which will be used for monitoring your heart rate and pulse.
The large pedals are also great, which have secure straps. The latter will make it easy to customize the way they fit on your feet.
If ever there comes a time that you will need to move it around, there should be no problem. It has built-in transportation wheels.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
- Compact
Cons:
- Has no built-in workouts
Assault AirBike Classic Upright Bike
The 25-inch steel fan is one of the first things that you will notice in Assault AirBike Classic. This is also what makes it different from the other options included in our recommendations. The manufacturer claims that it has a best-in-class fan, which will make the price worth it. Nonetheless, some people complained that the fan can be quite noisy.
This bike is made with a heavy-duty steel frame. It can be heavy because of the material used, but this is a good thing because it can support even heavy users. Based on the technical specs, this is good for riders who are up to 350 pounds. The weight will also prevent side-by-side movement, making the exercise bike stable.
Another good thing about this product is the design of the computer. This is built to offer detailed information about your workout. The console also offers seven onboard programs, which will take your cycling routine to the next level.
You will have several options when it comes to personalizing this exercise equipment, ensuring your optimal comfort. The hybrid seat, for instance, allows multiple adjustments depending on the height and angle that suits your preferences.
It also comes with 20 sealed cartridge bearings. They pivot in every turn, which will make pedaling smoother. This also means that you will be more efficient.
Lastly, this exercise bike allows for unlimited resistance. You will not be restricted in terms of how intense you want every work out to be. The air resistance will let you enjoy tougher exercises if you wish. The harder you pedal, the higher the resistance will be.
Pros:
- Durable
- Offers unlimited resistance
- Seat has multiple adjustments
Cons:
- Fan can be noisy
PLENY Foldable Upright Stationary Exercise Bike with 16-Level Resistance
On a budget? No need to worry! The PLENY Foldable Upright Stationary Exercise Bike with 16-Level Resistance if designed for those who do not have the fortune to spend but would like to enjoy an impressive performance.
Aside from the price of this stationary upright bike, it is also well-loved by many because of its space efficiency. If you have minimal space to spare, this is a great choice. More than being compact, it is also foldable. This means that it will be easy to store the bike when you are not working out. You do not even have to drag the bike if you want to move it around. It has built-in front wheels.
With the bike’s 16-level magnetic tension system, you can go from easy to hard in seconds. All that you need to do is to turn the dial knob to select the desired intensity of your cycling routine. Whether you prefer to take the workout lightly or you are up for a challenge, you can choose the right level of intensity.
Throughout the use of this indoor upright exercise bike, you will not complain of discomfort. One of the reasons for the latter is the large and cushioned saddle. Even if you will be sitting for a long time, comfort is not one thing that you should be worried of.
The design of the pedals is also great. We like how it is bi-directional, which means that you can pedal forward or backward. One more thing that many people will appreciate is the adjustable strap, so you can conveniently adjust the way it fits. There is also an extra bolt on the pedal, which will prevent it from loosening.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy tension control
- Has a holding design
Cons:
- Can be noisy
Body Rider Indoor Upright Bike with Curve Crank Tech and Rear Drive Flywheel
Simplicity is one of the many things that you will love about Body Rider Indoor Upright Bike with Curve Crank Tech and Rear Drive Flywheel. While it lacks the bells and whistles that you will find in many of its higher-end counterparts, it can deliver impressive performance.
Do you want to have several options when it comes to the intensity of your workout? This model will not disappoint. It has eight levels of resistance, so you can adjust your cycling intensity as you prefer. Doing this will be easy through a convenient lever. This is different from most of the options mentioned in this guide, which have a dial knob.
Speaking of resistance, this bike has an inertia-driven steel flywheel. It is a bit heavy, which is also a good thing since it can add to the intensity of the workout. One of the most amazing things about the flywheel is that it is smooth and quiet, which will contribute to the overall cycling experience.
We also like the design of the handgrip, which is ergonomic. This is also where you can see the sensor, which is what monitors your heart rate. This will provide accurate information about your workout. You will see this in the small LCD. The latter also displays other information you need to know, such as distance, speed, and calories burned.
Lastly, it comes with a two-way adjustable seat. You can customize its vertical and horizontal position depending on the angle that you find to be most comfortable. It also has a thick cushioning.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Stable base
Cons:
- Durability issues
Joroto Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
The Joroto Folding Magnetic Upright Bike is from a brand that many of you will not recognize. However, even if it is not from a company that you do not know, it is worth considering this product. One of the reasons to choose this product is its folding and space-efficient design. If you live in a small place, this can be an excellent choice for you. The X-frame design will make it easy to fold and unfold while also ensuring stability when you pedal.
Another good option for the best exercise bike for home, you will love how it comes with 16 resistance levels. You can easily set the desired resistance depending on how light or intense you want your cycling routine to be. However, it is quite common for people to note that even the highest intensity is not too challenging for them. If you are a beginner, however, this should not be a problem since you will most probably keep things easy.
There is also a built-in belt drive. Aside from being responsible for the intensity of the workout, this also makes sure that you can pedal smoothly and quietly.
Like what you can see in the other models listed above, you can also adjust the seat. You can customize it in five levels, depending on what you find to be most comfortable.
Lastly, for your peace of mind, the manufacturer promises to replace parts of the bike if in case they become defective within a year of purchase.
Pros:
- Compact and foldable
- Operates quietly
- Anti-slip base
Cons:
- Weak resistance
How to Choose Good Upright Exercise Bikes
A long list options for the best upright stationary bike will confront you. However, do not take this as an excuse to choose just any bike. To help you narrow down the possibilities, below are important factors to consider.
Type of Upright of Exercise Bike
Upright exercise bikes are generally classified into two depending on how they are powered.
Electric Upright Exercise Bikes
If you are looking for a modern upright exercise bike, this is what you should choose. It is often more expensive. Nonetheless, this is a good choice as it has extra features like digital monitoring.
Manual Upright Exercise Bikes
For simplicity and affordability, choose manual upright bikes. It is often devoid of the bells and whistles that you will often find in its electric counterparts.
Resistance
This is a crucial factor because this will determine how hard your muscles will be working. It directly impacts the intensity of the workouts that you can enjoy when you are using an exercise bike. There is no point in using one that does not come with any resistance.
Magnetic Resistance
It is the most common type of resistance that you will see in an upright exercise bicycle. It is known for being smooth and quiet, which is also an excellent choice for beginners. It has a series of magnets on a heavy metal flywheel. To make the performance smoother, you will need a heavier flywheel. It does not get in direct contact with the flywheel, which is also why it is smooth.
Fan-based Resistance
This type of resistance does not rely on a flywheel. Instead, as the name implies, it uses a fan. It relies on air to create resistance. The air resistance on the blade of the fan will increase as you pedal faster. It is also quiet and smooth, but it can be quite complicated for beginners.
Console
A lot of the options for the best rated upright exercise bike will come with a console. This is important because it will help you monitor the progress of your workout. Consider how informative it can be. Some of the details that it will show include time, distance, calories burned, and pulse.
It will also be good if the console comes with a backlight. This means that it will be easy for you to see the display whether it is day or night.
Size
Another important thing to consider is the size of the upright bike. This will depend on the available space at home or anywhere you intend to use it. Some bikes are bulky, and hence, you need to have a large room. Otherwise, the bike will make it harder to move around.
If you live in a tiny place, you will benefit from choosing a foldable upright exercise bike, which will also be great in terms of portability. You can fold the bike when it is not used, which will help maximize the space you have at home.
Weight Limit
Most of the upright exercise bikes you will find on the market are designed to handle only a specific weight limit. Start by determining your weight and the weight of other users of the upright bike. Make sure that it is within the limits specified by the manufacturer.
Weight limit is important because it will make the bike stable. Otherwise, the bike will end up being wobbly. This can end up compromising your safety. The same thing can happen when the seat is unable to support your weight.
Seat
If you are concerned about your comfort, the seat of the upright exercise bike is one of the first things that you should be looking at. While you can stand, you will be spending most of your time sitting down.
A defining characteristic of an upright bike is that it has a small seat with no backrest. This can be uncomfortable for some people. So, make sure that the seat is large enough to accommodate your body. It should also be well-cushioned to keep you comfortable. It will also be good if it comes with an adjustable height, making it easy to customize depending on what you find to be most comfortable.
Pedals
Like the seat, the pedals will also have a huge impact on your comfort when using an upright exercise bike. It should not slip. It is common to find exercise bikes with straps, so your feet will stay on the pedals regardless of how aggressive you pedal. If there is a cage, see to it that it is adjustable so that you can change the size depending on what your foot needs. The pedals should also be smooth and quiet.
Frame
The frame is one of the most important parts of an upright bike. This will have a huge impact on its durability and stability. It will also affect its price. It functions as the skeleton of the bike, which will also make it stable regardless of how intense you pedal.
Steel is the most common frame material that you will see. It is durable and stable.
Aside from the material, the thickness and shape of the frame are also important. Look for thick frames, especially if you are heavy.
Aside from being stable, another thing that you might want in a frame is for it to be foldable. This is especially if you live in a tiny apartment or a small house. It will be good if you can fold it neatly when you are not using the upright bike.
Noise
An upright exercise bike has a lot of moving parts, especially those that you will find in the pedal. Make sure that they will not generate a lot of noise. It might seem like a small thing for some people, but if you are working out and the bike is noisy, the experience can be frustrating. You may end up unable to concentrate.
If you are hearing an annoying noise when using your upright bike, check the components. Make sure that they are properly assembled. Lubricating the moving parts will also help to eliminate friction and noise.
Assembly
Right out of the box, it will be good if most of the parts are already pre-assembled. This means that it won’t take a long time before you can try the exercise bike. The manufacturer should provide clear assembly instructions. It should also come complete with everything you will need to assemble the bike.
Warranty
This is important for your peace of mind. The standard warranty that most manufacturers offer is one year. However, some manufacturers are generous to offer longer warranty coverage. If you are lucky, you can even find some companies offering a lifetime warranty. To be eligible for the warranty, make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions.
Conclusion
Biking is one of the best forms of physical exercise. Sadly, we cannot always go out to bike. Some days, the sun is at its peak and it can be too hot. Other times, it is raining. With the best upright exercise bikes, there’s no excuse to miss cycling as a part of your regular workout routine!
An upright exercise bike is like a road bike, except that it is stationary. It mimics the feeling and intensity of cycling while you are indoors. No more need to deal with pollution if you want a ride! You can always do it in a climate-controlled environment, which will be better in terms of your comfort.
In your search for the best stationary exercise bikes, make sure to keep an eye on our recommendations above! It will be hard to go wrong with our suggestions!