There are a few things you need to consider when you are buying an upright exercise bike. Ultimately the best upright exercise bike is the one that suits you the best.
Let’s go over a few features worth knowing about.
When we picked our recommendations, for each bike, we looked at all of these features and some other bike-specific features. If you don’t want to read and understand every feature, you can see our top picks here.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the bike plays a role in stability. For example, if you weigh 300 pounds and ride a bike with a capacity of just 250 pounds, it can wobble as you are riding. When a bike is sturdy, the exercise feels smoother. A flimsy bike won’t necessarily break, but a wobbly frame can simply make the exercise, in a way feel “uninviting”.
Look at the specifications to determine the weight capacity (we prepared a comparison table with all the specs later in this article). Make sure you pick a bike that can accommodate your weight.
If possible, aim for one that can accommodate slightly more weight, though you should still be fine if the stated weight capacity is within your range.
Seat (Saddle)
The seat, also referred to as a saddle, on upright exercise bikes usually have an ergonomic design and plenty of foam padding. If the seat is too wide, this can cause chafing of your inner thighs as you are riding. There should be about half-inch of space between the sides of the seat and your legs.
The right amount of padding helps to absorb shock when you are riding. Other advantages of a padded seat are that it molds to your bottom, supports you better, and is more comfortable to sit on for a prolonged period. Proper molding can reduce pressure on your lower back so that you can ride longer without soreness.
Adjustments
All upright bikes (at least the best ones we review later in this article) allow you to adjust the seat height.
You should adjust the seat depending on your height. Stand up and raise or lower the seat until it is the same height as your hips. When you sit, your knees should be at approximately 10 degrees when you are in a neutral position.
Some bikes also let you take the seat forward or back. If you can adjust the seat’s horizontal position, you can you achieve a more precise seated exercise position. This can be even more important to you if you are much shorter or taller than the average person.
When you are sitting, your feet and knees should be in vertical alignment with each other. This position allows for a proper stretch without you having to strain your joints when you are riding.
Display
A console display lets you track your workout and other related statistics. The information provided often includes:
- Calories burned
- Distance traveled
- How long you have been riding
- Heart rate
- Resistance level
- Riding speed
Some bikes have a simple display with a few buttons that let you toggle between the different information they provide. Some will display all of the figures on the screen.
Some displays use a gray background with black letters and numbers. Those with a more sophisticated display use an LED-backlit screen to display the information.
With more complex displays, you can often save your information so that you can go back and compare past statistics to your current workout. If you have specific goals, this can be beneficial.
Workout Programs
Some bikes have a console with built-in workout programs. Such as automatically varying intensity between periods of light cycling with more intense ones. Simulating uphills and downhills and other conditions help at keeping the workout less boring, adding some spice. If the bike has a Bluetooth or USB, you can even upload custom workouts and download past workout data.
Pedals
The pedals for upright exercise bikes usually have a standard 9.16-inch thread size. Pedals with SPD cleats are ideal if you ride with cycling shoes. Some pedals have a toe cage on one side and the cleats on another.
The pedals should be wide enough so that the full width of your foot is on the pedal. If the pedal has a cage, your foot should fit inside without feeling tight. A toe cage helps to prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals as you ride.
Resistance Type
Magnetic resistance, direct-contact resistance and air resistance are the primary options.
The higher the resistance, the harder it is to pedal, and the more intense your workout is.
Magnetic Resistance
Magnetic resistance operates without friction. A series of steps generate the resistance. These bikes have magnets and a flywheel. The flywheel works as the conductor for the magnets. As you pedal, the flywheel rotates and interferes with the magnetic field. The resistance force comes from the attraction of the flywheel.
This type reduces maintenance needs for your bike, it is more reliable, and operation is quiet. There is usually a button or knob on the console that allows you to adjust the resistance. Magnetic resistance is the most common type of tension system in exercise bikes.
Direct-Contact Resistance
This type of resistance induces friction by using brake pads. The brakes apply to the flywheel. As you are riding, you can easily adjust the level of resistance. The resistance levels change as they do on a traditional bike with gears.
Bikes that use direct contact resistance tend to be noisy, and the flywheel can wear out requiring replacement.
Air Resistance
Air resistance uses a fan instead of a flywheel. Air creates the resistance instead of magnetism. There is a belt-pulley system that connects to the pedals. The fan attaches to the pedals.
The downside of fan type resistance such as the AirBike is the noise they create. The faster you pedal, the noisier it gets as the big flywheel fan produces quite a lot of noise. That said, I am a big fan of the Air Bike. Its big flywheel doubles as a powerful fan which I really feel helps to cool my body (I tend to sweat like a pig when exercising)
Noise
Stationary exercise bikes tend to be among the quietest cardio equipment, making them ideal for home use. If you don’t live by yourself, a noisy machine can drive your partner or family nuts. If you want an upright bike that is almost silent look for one that uses magnetic resistance. You can find out what are the most silent upright bikes later in our reviews and comparison chart.
The bikes that do tend to be noisier are the ones who use fan-based flywheel for resistance (such as the Air Bike). The noise is due to the bike using air resistance. As you pedal harder, the breeze gets stronger causing the sound to get louder.
If you live alone or have a dedicated room, a bit of noise during exercise isn’t something you should be concerned about. However, if you plan on placing your bike in the living room while others are watching TV, now that can be a problem.
Safety
Safety is usually not an issue as all top exercise bikes are pretty safe. However, if you have small children, you may want to look for a bike with covered mechanics which prevents them from sticking their hand through moving parts.
The fan or chain component should have a cover over them. The cover prevents your feet from getting caught in these elements as you are riding.
Upright Exercise Bikes with Moving Arms for Upper Body Workout
The classic stationary upright bikes have a fixed handlebar just like road bikes do. If you want to focus only on biking, stationary handles are ideal. However, if you wish to target your upper body muscles simultaneously with your lower body, you may prefer a bike with moving arms.
Pedaling targets your lower body as the moving arms target your upper body (mainly back, abdominals, shoulders and arms).
Space Consideration & Folding Bikes
Before choosing a bike, measure how much available space you have for one. Ideally, you want one that is slightly smaller than your available space. Don’t forget you need to consider some room to exit and enter your bike. On either side on the bike, you want about 12 inches of space.
If you have limited space, consider a folding bike. When you are not riding, fold it up and push it into a corner. If you have children, make sure the folding locks are secure so that kids cannot unlock them and experience an injury.
Other Accessories
Some bikes come with different accessories to make your rides more convenient, comfortable or fun. Even a simple water bottle holder located near the display makes it more convenient to grab the bottle and sip while you are riding quickly.
Fan
A fan near the display helps to keep you cool during your workout. These typically have one to two speeds. They usually only operate when you are pedaling and are not that powerful. If you are the kind of person who tends to get hot and sweaty during exercise, you might be better of buying the Air Bike, the bike’s huge flywheel produces a lot of wind aimed at your upper body.
Connectivity – Bluetooth and USB
Bluetooth connectivity allows you can connect with workout apps such as MyFitnessPal and others and track your progress over time. It easy to get discouraged when you don’t instantly see pounds shedding of your waistline. But seeing the total number of calories you burn sum up to thousands can keep up your spirit and be persistent.
You can also connect via Bluetooth to your phone or an MP3 to control play music and to more easily control your playlist or volume right from the console’s large buttons.
Some bikes have built-in speakers, these aren’t audiophile quality, but they are much better than your phone’s built-in speakers. So if you are the kind of person who doesn’t like headphones, this feature might be worthwhile to consider when choosing your exercise bike.
If a USB socket is included you charge your phone or tablet while you are biking or download workout stats.
Pulse Monitor To Track Your Heart Rate
Most bikes nowadays have a built-in pulse monitor through the handlebar sensors. You have to grip the handlebar for a few seconds for the heart rate to show up on the LCD. However, these built-in monitors aren’t always accurate. You might consider a chest-strap heart rate monitor. These typically provide more accurate readings of your heart rate compared to the handlebar sensors.
Upright Exercise Bike with Back Support
Most upright exercise bikes do not have a backrest as part of their design. Having a backrest can be more comfortable and allow people to work or read while they ride. However, a backrest is necessary, unless you have a reason to need the extra stability or want to lean back during the exercise.
With a backrest, you will not hunch over if you use it. This can help those with back and neck conditions. However, leaning against the backrest may make it difficult to use the handles on the upright bike.
Sitting on a recumbent bike is like sitting in a chair. The backrest allows you to lean back slightly and stretch your legs forward to reach the pedals. This allows for more even distribution of your weight on the bike.
The backrest on a recumbent bike combined with the position of your body reduces stress on your back muscles. Those with limited mobility in their core can also find this beneficial since they can sit in a neutral position to ride. There is no need to stretch your back or hunch over to reach the handlebars.
A recumbent bike is meant for those who want to complete their entire workout in one position, so a backrest makes it easier to remain comfortable throughout your ride. An upright bike is ideal for those who want to stand and sit, and alternate between the two when needed, so that it is like riding a traditional bike, so a backrest is not necessary.