Best Upright Stationary Exercise Bikes Reviewed

Benefits of an Upright Exercise Bike

Upright Stationary Bikes Compared

Things to Consider Before Buying an Upright Bike

Size Vs. Space In The Home

Durability

It's important to make sure that you opt for a bike with a sturdy construction as this is generally the safer option. The weight an exercise bike can withstand will depend on the flywheel. The heavier the flywheel, the more weight the bike can hold. Also, the sturdier the construction, the less chance of it breaking.

Comfort, Safety & Ease of Use

There is the potential for exercise bikes to cause repetitive strain on your joints if misused. Ideally, you will choose an exercise bike with adjustable seats and handlebars, which are large enough to accommodate riders of all sizes.

Large machines do not often come with a foldable option. If you must carry it to another room after using it every time, you may want to go for a lighter indoor upright bike that has transport wheels.

Convenience Features

When purchasing an upright exercise bike, it's always nice to know of the convenience features which make your workout experience even better. Such features include multiple adjustable tension levels, oversized pedals to maximize comfort, heart rate monitors, and fitness trackers to show your progress.

Display Console and Workout Programs

Most upright bikes come with a display console which is easy to use. The console can track heart rate, speed, distance, time, etc. for you to establish your progress. Some exercise bikes come with a set amount of built-in workout programs for you to pursue different goals.

Resistance Type Levels

There are four different resistance level types: flywheel/brake-based, frictional (direct contact), magnetic and air resistance. The most common type of resistance for an upright exercise bike is magnetic due to the level of customization; however, frictional resistance is just as customizable.

This is because the harder you pedal, the more friction is created, allowing you to adjust your workout. However, due to the ease of use and programs included, magnetic resistance type exercise bikes would be best for seniors.

User Weight Limitation

Middle to high range stationary bikes support up to 286-330 lbs whereas the cheaper ranges only allow up to 198-220 lbs.

Warranty

A warranty is advised when purchasing an exercise bike. The large, major moving parts should have a warranty of up to 3 years and a year for labor.

1. Exerpeutic Folding Heavy Duty

The Exerpeutic Folding Heavy Duty bike not only folds but also provides transport wheels, which means that it can be folded up and rolled away as pleased.

This space-saving bike is an ideal upright exercise bike for home use. The bike has a large, adjustable seat which means that the user can be comfortable at all times, alongside the fact that it's so durable and can hold up to 300 lbs.

The bike includes a sizeable LCD to track any progress, and an 8 level magnetic resistance control system for just under $150, which isn't too costly. It provides a one year warranty and is very easy to assemble.

2. Marcy

The ME-708 from Marcy has a durable steel construction, which means that it can withstand heavy daily use. The bike has magnetic resistance with 8 levels of difficulty that can be changed manually with the adjustment knob, which allows for a smooth ride and flexible to whoever may use it.

The seat is adjustable, and the bike has a user-friendly computer, which displays speed, time, distance and calories burned so that you can track your progress.

At a little over $100, this is the best bike in terms of value for money. If purchased on Amazon, there is the option for an additional $30 to include two comfortable seat covers.

Marcy Upright exercise bikes are great for beginners who are looking for a durable entry-level machine. Alternatively, this is a fantastic model for those who have a limited amount of space due to the compact size and transport wheels.

3. L NOW Upright Bike

The L Now upright bike has an 8 level magnetic tension control system which assures the user can train to their desire. Transport is not an issue with this smooth and quiet machine as it comes with wheels. What makes this bike unique is the fact that it has horizontal adjustments at all four corners to fit uneven floors; this ensures stability. With a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, the adjustable seat allows for extra comfort.

Costing nearly $500, the console on the L NOW Upright bike can track time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, and pulse, as well as having the option to set goals. However, this bike does not yet have any built-in programs.

If your priority is comfortable low-impact cardio workout, you'll likely find that L-Now upright bike with magnetic resistance fits the bill.

4. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

The Schwinn 170 Upright bike is designed for a fluid and comfortable ride, achieved with the adjustable seat and padded handlebars. It has excellent fitness tracking options, Bluetooth connectivity, and a fully-featured control.

The 25 levels of resistance add to the comfort and gives a range of workout intensity options. This upright bike, unlike some, has some really nice features such as a shelf, in-console speakers, USB charging and even a water bottle holder.

For about $400, having the ability to transfer your workout data through Bluetooth connectivity is an absolute steal. The console on this bike has 29 programs for all kinds of intensities and workouts. 

5. L NOW Indoor 

The L Now Indoor Cycle bike can withstand an astonishing 350 lbs and supports this weight with the adjustable seat and handlebars. It is designed for high-frequency use, which can be seen by the sturdy construction and heavy flywheel. This upright exercise bike has frictional resistance, and there are no predefined resistance levels specifies on the tension knob.

The display on the L NOW LD-577 allows you to create goals and has a pulse reading function. It's an excellent bike for light to intense cardio workouts, losing weight, and full-body workouts. Not the cheapest exercise bike on the market at a little under $1,000; however, it has good impressions. 

6. PLENY 

The PLENY upright exercise bike has an ergonomic design as it takes up little floor space and can be folded to transport after use. It has a padded seat and backrest to stabilize your body and ensure the user is comfortable during workouts.

The bike is equipped with a phone/tablet holder and a magnetic tension control system with 16 levels to offer a flexible workout experience. The PLENY bike is made of a heavy-duty steel construction frame that ensures stability even during intense cycling.

Affordable at under $200, the bike has attached, two-arm resistance bands, which is a unique feature for an exercise bike. This allows for a total body workout as the resistance bands are for upper body training.

7. Body Rider

The Body Rider Folding Exercise Bike is designed for users as small as 5'0" and up to 300 lbs, which is perfect for near enough everyone. The bike has an adjustable seat to make sure every user is comfortable and has a 1.5t flywheel to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.

The Body Rider is easy to assemble and clean with the tools provided. It comes with 8 levels of resistance intensity to meet everybody's fitness goal.

The convenience to fold and roll away this bike after use is impressive. 

For roughly $200, this upright exercise bike is fantastic for building and strengthening cardio, core, and stamina.

8. Exerpeutic Gold XSL 

The Exerpeutic Gold Folding Bike is made of heavy-duty and high durability steel for maximum performance. It has a tension knob in the console that has 8 levels of resistance for an array of fitness goals. The oversized pedals keep your shoes in place and oversized seat to provide more comfort.

The majority of the bike is delivered partly unassembled however it doesn't take long to put together. The Exerpeutic Gold XLS has a thought-out space-saving design which allows you to wheel it away with the transport wheels provided, and fold it up to half the size!

9. Marcy 

The Marcy Exercise Upright Fan Bike comes equipped with a durable steel frame, and an adjustable seat to accommodate users of all sizes. This bike comes with a unique resistance system that utilizes a fan instead of a weighted flywheel.

This means that the faster you pedal, the faster the blades of the fan will turn, which creates more resistance and in turn, a tougher workout. The Marcy Air-1 also features a pair of dual-action exercise arms which allows the user to work their upper body, simultaneously with pedaling.

Affordable, at a little over $300, this exercise bike ensures an efficient full-body workout every time. It's simple console acts as an odometer, and adjustable levelers to stabilize the bike on all surfaces.

Comparison Between Cycling Exercise Equipment

Recumbent Bikes vs. Upright Bikes

Indoor spin bikes vs. Upright bikes

Resistance Types of Exercise Bikes

The flywheel connects to the pedals through a chain or belt, and as you continue to ride the flywheel stores the momentum created. This is only released once used to completion. The heavier the flywheel, the harder the workout, it gives an upward motion.

Frictional resistance is where the brake is applied directly to the flywheel when a certain amount of friction is generated, and it creates resistance. As a result of this, you can adjust the level of friction that is designed for a customized workout.

Magnetic resistance is created by electromagnetic induction, meaning there is no friction. The levels are usually controlled with a digital button. These bikes are quieter and more consistent than the other resistance types.

Instead of using a flywheel, the pedals on air resistance bikes are connected to a fan through a pulley system. The faster you pedal, the faster the blades of the fan will turn, which creates more resistance and in turn, a tougher workout.

Exercise Bike Assembly

Most of the bike comes pre-assembled; this being the crankset, chain, and flywheel, which are already installed on the frame. You will need to set the bike on the stabilizer bases, mount the seat post and the handlebar post to the frame, fix in a bolt to add the handlebar – same with the seat.

Attach the water bottle holder and any extra features, and your all set.

Care, Maintenance & Cleaning

It doesn't take long to clean and maintain your bike, so to prevent any possible breakages in the future that leave your bike useless, it's crucial to care for your bike. Firstly, for extra precaution, you should store your bike properly, ideally in a location where there isn't much dust.

To prevent unnecessary damage, you should oil all moving parts that are not too close to the controls and wipe the cycle down at the end of each day. This chart shows how to maintain your bike on a daily/ monthly basis:

Who can use Stationary Bikes?

Upright exercise bikes are fantastic for a multitude of reasons which we've already discussed. However, everybody has different needs in which these bikes may not suffice.

Pregnant women

For any of you ladies out there wondering if it's safe to use an upright exercise bike while pregnant, it certainly is. In fact, not only is it safe, but it also helps with childbirth by improving your endurance and breathing performance.

Seniors

In many seniors cases, walking or jogging can stress the joints. Cycling, however, is a lower impact form of aerobic exercise which many older adults opt for.

Upright exercise bikes have the user sit in almost a crouching position which can be uncomfortable for seniors so that an alternative solution would be a recumbent bike as these offer back support.

Health Conditions

Exercise is a necessity for those with health conditions such as heart problems and diabetes. Therefore, stationary bikes are safe and could contribute to good health.

Disabilities

In most instances, stationary bikes are safe for disabled persons. Make sure that the bike has sturdy and durable construction to prevent any accidents.

For wheelchair users, this can be slightly more difficult. The YouBike and the BerkelBike (which can be used outdoors as well as used as a stationary exercise bike), have been designed for this purpose.

People also Ask (FAQs)

Where can I use these stationary bicycles?

They are to be used in the home, and ideally in one place. However, they can be moved between rooms with the transport wheel provided – hence the term ‘stationary.'

Are there any health restrictions for using upright stationary bikes?

There aren't any restrictions per se, but rather preferences due to health conditions. This would be for older adults or those who may have back pain.

Which muscles of your body are being worked out by a bike exercise machine?

Exercise bikes are a cardiovascular exercise which mainly focuses on the quadriceps and hamstrings (front and back of thigh), glutes (buttocks), and your calf muscles (back of the leg). However, these bikes also workout the upper half of your body.

Are upright bike exercisers safe to use every day?

Surprisingly, yes. This is because they offer a low impact workout.

How many calories can you burn on a stationary exercise bike?

The calories burned depends on a variety of factors. A Harvard University study concluded that a 125lbs person after a 30-minute workout would lose between 210-315 calories.

Will you lose weight when using these exercise bikes?

It is guaranteed that you'll lose weight when using these bikes.

Can seniors benefit from bikes?

Seniors certainly can benefit from bikes; however, due to the uncomfortable position, the upright bike has on the back, recumbent bikes would be best. They offer full back support which means they're easier and safer for seniors to use

Can I use these machines standing and sitting?

Yes, these machines can be used standing as well as sitting, which is why they're great for full-body workouts.

Conclusion

Upright stationary exercise bikes offer an excellent workout for people of all ages and sizes. You'll be sure to shed a few calories within just ten minutes of using these bikes. They are perfect for inside the home regardless of how much space you have as they don't take up much room.

Our recommendation is the Exerpeutic Folding Bike. It’s a durable bike built for a comfortable ride, and comes with everything we’re looking for in an LCD display.

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