Few pieces of home gym equipment offer as much value as upright exercise bikes. There are plenty of affordable bikes currently on the market that make for an enjoyable cardio workout and are much easier on the joints than running / jogging. On the other hand, going for a more high-end model can closely replicate the same ‘feel’ and level of intensity that cyclists experience on the road, except you’re kept safe from the elements and dangers on the road.
Upright bikes are available at a wide range of price points, with respective feature sets and levels of build quality. Generally speaking, the phrase “you get what you pay for” is very much applicable. However, you don’t want to drop a large sum of cash on a piece of equipment that won’t or can’t meet your needs.
And so, we’re here to help. In this article, we review and recommend the best upright exercise bikes for almost anyone, as well as the best high-end upright bikes.
Top Rated Upright Exercise Bikes at a Glance
 Best Upright Exercise Bike Overall Schwinn 170 Upright BikeSchwinn are getting back to their cycling roots with this comfortable, feature-packed, and highly rated upright bike. With a console that can be integrated with Explore the WorldTM and other popular fitness apps, as well as 25 magnetic resistance levels and 29 built-in programs, the 170 has plenty to offer users of all ages and fitness levels. It’s easily the best all-round stationary upright bike on the market. |
 Best High-End Upright Bike Concept2 BikeErgIf you’re looking for something more advanced, then check out the BikeErg from Concept2. Belt-driven air resistance, advanced PM5 monitor, and clutch and damper all ensure this advanced stationary bike will help you get an edge over your competitors, or your own fitness levels. It’s arguably the best rated upright exercise bikes of the last two decades. |
Best Upright Exercise Bike Overall
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Schwinn are getting back to their cycling roots with this comfortable, feature-packed, and highly rated upright bike. With a console that can be integrated with Explore the WorldTM and other popular fitness apps, as well as 25 magnetic resistance levels and 29 built-in programs, the 170 has plenty to offer users of all ages and fitness levels. It’s easily the best all-round stationary upright bike on the market.
Best High-End Upright Bike
Concept2 BikeErg
If you’re looking for something more advanced, then check out the BikeErg from Concept2. Belt-driven air resistance, advanced PM5 monitor, and clutch and damper all ensure this advanced stationary bike will help you get an edge over your competitors, or your own fitness levels. It’s arguably the best rated upright exercise bikes of the last two decades.
The Best Upright Exercise Bikes for Almost Anyone
As we mentioned earlier, certain exercise bikes are geared towards certain athletes. Higher-end models are for serious cyclists who need a convenient indoor alternative to traditional bicycles. More affordable models are better geared towards those who want an enjoyable, low-impact cardio workout. The following five bikes are in the latter category.
#1 Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Kicking things off is a bike that manages to cram in a ton of features at a competitive price point. With just under 30 programs, 12 profiles and a variety of custom presets, the computer is the star of the show. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync up with Schwinn’s Trainer app, giving you easy access to all the metrics and data collected after each session.
The 170 is also compatible with the Explore the WorldTM app, as well as other popular fitness apps such as Under Armor, MyFitnessPal, and MapMyRide. This allows you to cycle through the virtual globe and collect a ton of data to make tracking your progress a piece of cake. If your smartphone is the last thing you want to see when working out, the two built-in LCD displays provide all the information and settings you need.
Comfort was clearly a serious focal point of the Schwinn 170’s design. A built-in 3-speed fan keeps you cool while you sit on the adjustable, padded, and contoured seat. USB and MP3 ports allow you to charge your devices, as well as play music through the in-console speakers. Schwinn has also included a smooth, weighted flywheel and 25 resistance levels to top it all off.
#2 L NOW D808 Magnetic Upright Bike
Unlike most exercise bikes, the D808 from L NOW uses a magnetic tension control system to provide eight different levels of resistance. Large, ergonomic handles surround the built-in computer. With it you can monitor your heart rate, distance, speed, time, calories, and numerous other metrics.
Below the LCD display, you’ll find a stand for books, magazines, tablets, and anything else to keep you entertained as you pedal. The frame completely encloses the mechanics, giving the D808 a cleaner and safer design. It’s also hollowed out to keep the flywheel cool over long sessions.
Another important factor that defines the comfort and build quality of an exercise bike is the pedals. Those found on the D808 feature adjustable straps to prevent slippage. The seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally. A pair of transport wheels up front make the D808 easy to move around.
#3 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Exercise Bike
If you’re looking for an exercise bike that’ll last, the SF-B1002 is a great choice. A heavy-duty steel frame holds the smooth, silent belt drive and solid chromed flywheel in place. The padded seat is fully adjustable, along with moveable handlebars for a comfortable workout.
The frame is solid enough to handle intense bursts without shaking around. Yet, paired with the built-in wheels, the bike is easy to move around. A bottle holder sits within arm’s reach to keep you hydrated during long workouts. The solid metal flywheel has variable resistance levels and mimics the smooth momentum of a real bicycle.
Being a fraction of the price you’d pay for other bikes on the list, there’s no computer on this model. Instead, resistance can be adjusted with a physical knob near the handlebars. Spiked foot pedals with adjustable straps come standard to prevent any slippage when pedaling.
#4 Diamondback Fitness 1260ub Upright Exercise Bike
Diamondback Fitness’ take on the upright exercise bike is rich in features and has a serious good build quality. 20 preset workouts, built-in heart rate sensors, and a variety of settings are available through the large LCD display. The saddle, handlebars, and even the center console are all adjustable to provide the best angle for your height.
Additional comfort features include auxiliary audio input, multi-speed cooling fans, and a fold-out rack for your media. The pedals are textured and feature adjustable straps. Same-day shipping and a one-month money-back guarantee come standard with every purchase.
A clean metal frame gives the 1260UB a suitably premium look and feel. It’s also completely enclosed for additional safety, with a perforated grille around the flywheel. This allows you to cycle for longer without worrying about overheating the bike.
Check current price at Diamondback Fitness
#5 Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
If you’ve looked around a bit, you’ve probably come across an exercise bike or two that features a foldable design. While this does make them more portable, they’re usually a lot more flimsy. Exerpeutic’s folding bike is one of the better options out there, with a solid steel frame that supports up to 300 pounds of weight.
It’s driven by a magnetic tension control system that provides eight different resistance levels. Pulse sensors on the handles allow you to monitor your heart rate without the need for additional accessories. A smooth and quiet belt drive connects your pedals to the precision-balanced flywheel.
Folding it reduces the footprint by half, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The LCD display provides numerous metrics such as speed, calories, time, and distance. The tiny price tag, solid build quality, and sufficient feature set make the Exerpeutic upright bike a considerable option for those on a budget.
The Best High End Upright Exercise Bikes
While the models we’ve already looked at are great for cardio, recovery, and weight loss, they don’t replicate the feeling of riding a real bike as well as those listed below. These machines feature advanced, precise designs that can keep up with the demands of cyclists when riding their bicycles isn’t an option.
#1 Concept2 BikeErg
If you’ve heard of Concept 2 before, you’ll probably know that when it comes to innovation and craftsmanship, their sports-based ergometers are second to none. The Concept2 BikeErg is this company’s single foray into upright stationary bikes and no exception to their creative and manufacturing quality standards. In fact, it’s arguably the best exercise bike on the market, upright or otherwise.
Numerous unique design elements make using the BikeErg feel more like real cycling. This includes a flywheel that works through air resistance as opposed to having mechanical resistance levels. The faster you pedal, the more air resistance you’ll experience. This results in a virtually limitless range of intensity.
Other real bicycle actions such as freewheeling and changing gears are also possible thanks to the clutch and wide damper range. Along with being able to adjust the standard saddle, handlebars, and pedals, you can also swap each component out for those on your bicycle.
The renowned PM5 performance monitor allows you to observe a variety of metrics as you cycle. The BikeErg is also much quieter, smoother, and durable than most other exercise bikes thanks to the self-tensioning poly groove belt drive. All-in-all, Concept2’s BikeErg is a fantastic innovation, and a great alternative to traditional air bikes and a cheaper option than other high-end spin bikes.
Check current price at Rogue Fitness
#2 Diamondback Fitness 510ic Indoor Cycle Trainer
The 510LC is Diamondback Fitness’ higher-end offering and it comes with a couple of upgrades. A more powerful computer provides 14 different workout programs, along with 16 resistance levels and heart rate monitoring. This, along with the standard set of metrics are viewable on the LCD display found between the handlebars.
Speaking of which, the handlebars on the 510LC are covered in soft foam and can be adjusted for height, as well as fore/aft positioning. This also applies to the saddle, which is ergonomic and well-cushioned. The heavy-duty flywheel features solid construction that helps it build momentum like a real bicycle.
A clean, premium steel frame, stability/leveling feet, and transport wheels add even more value to the build of this exercise bike. As usual, a money-back guarantee and same-day shipping come standard with every purchase.
#3 L NOW Indoor Cycling Bike
L NOW’s most expensive bike is significantly more affordable than those offered by other manufacturers on this list. Yet, it maintains a durable construction and an impressive list of features. As usual, the bike is easy to transport thanks to its compact frame and built-in wheels.
The handlebars are similar to those found on road bikes, with three different grip positions that’ll keep you comfortable through long sessions. The saddle is perforated to provide maximum breathability and heat dissipation. Durable straps and cutouts for cycling cleats can be found on the pedals.
Adjustable feet and a solid steel construction keep L NOW’s exercise bike stable through hard bursts. The precision-made flywheel features numerous resistance levels while an LCD monitor displays all the metrics you need. If you want a high-end bike without a high-end price tag, the L Now Indoor Cycling Bike is a considerable option.
What Makes a Good Upright Exercise Bike?
Even though comfort is probably the last thing you’d expect to feel when working out, it’s essential for an enjoyable exercise bike session. The most important factor that influences this is build quality. You don’t want to deal with a frame that’s falling apart, a flywheel that squeaks, or a seat that digs into your glutes.
A stable and durable exercise bike is usually built on a thick H pattern frame with good tubing. The flywheel should be precision machined and properly attached to run smoothly and quietly. Make sure you read through plenty of upright bike reviews as a faulty, loose or noisy flywheel is often the first thing people notice and complain about. Also, if you have kids around the house, a frame with enclosed mechanics will go a long way in preventing any accidents.
What you sit on is where you’ll feel the biggest difference in comfort. Ensure the seat is properly padded, adjustable, and shaped to your liking. Some people prefer flatter seats, whereas others will find a contoured design more comfortable. Again, thoroughly read through the reviews of any bike you’re looking at keeping an eye out for any consistent complaints about the comfort of the saddle.
Additional features such as the built-in computer and accessory support should be your next consideration. If you want a more detailed look at your workouts, ensure the computer can track and display a healthy list of metrics. Comfort features such as fans, speakers, and smartphone connectivity options can make workouts a lot of fun.
Well, there you have it: The best upright exercise bikes for almost anyone.
To figure out which one will best suit your needs, keep in mind the type of workout you’ll be doing on your bike and just how many of those features you truly need. If you simply want to do some cardio in a fun and risk-free environment, then a more affordable model will suffice. There are even some relatively good quality exercise bikes for less than $300 these days.
If you demand only the best and want to replicate the exact feeling of riding your own bicycle, a higher-end offering such as the Concept2 BikeErg exercise bike is the way to go. Either way, you’ll be investing in a fun and effective piece of gym equipment that will keep you fit for as long as you can pedal.
Before we finish, it’s worth noting that upright bikes can present problems for people with joint problems, especially hip, back, wrist, and neck. If this is you, recumbent exercise bikes are a great alternative that place very little stress on joints.
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As always, best of luck with your home workouts. Remember: When it comes to our health and fitness, we can make the effort or make excuses, but we can’t make both.
THFF (The Home Fit Freak)
