Best Upright Exercise Bikes: Lose Weight and Stay in Shape
So, you are looking for an upright exercise bike for your home?
Great decision, as working out at home is a convenient and cost-effective way to exercise. Using an upright exercise bike allows you to get the exercise you need from the comfort of your own home.
With an upright stationary bike, you don’t have to worry about the weather outside, you can eliminate commuting time, and also stop recurring gym payments.
Other reasons people choose upright bicycles for exercise at home instead of an alternative spin or recumbent bike is:
- Balance of a natural and comfortable riding position
- Space-saving design
In general, upright bicycles have training programs pre-installed that automatically adjust the resistance during the session. However, some premium models can also be paired with smartphone training applications so you can simulate different rides with varying resistances.
Most fitness bicycles also have a computer with a screen that displays ride metrics, also allowing you to choose a home bike workout and customize different things.
How Do Upright Bikes Work?
Upright bicycles generally use magnetic resistance, electromagnetic resistance, or air resistance in combination with a lighter flywheel.
These home cycling bikes usually allow you to select a specific resistance on the control panel or with a dial so you can work out at different preset intensities. The upright indoor stationary bike differs from the indoor spin bike in two key ways.
Firstly, the geometry is not designed for standing efforts meaning they are more compact and the handlebars are higher for a comfortable position while sitting.
Secondly, they have wide, comfy seats to make it comfortable to sit for long periods.
The 7 Different Types of Exercise Bikes for Home Use
TOP – Smart trainers – Recumbent bike – Upright bike – Spin Bikes BOTTOM – Bike rollers (2x), Turbo Trainer – Direct-Drive Trainer
Upright bike
The best home workout bikes have the following characteristics:
- Magnetic, electromagnetic, air/fan resistance
- Relaxed upright position
- Comfortable saddle and handlebars
- Compact
- Limited positioning
- Large display
Spin bike
Also known as indoor cycling bikes:
- Weighted flywheel for a more real experience like riding a road bike
- Support standing up to ride for a more intense workout
- Require more space
- Manually select resistance
Recumbent bike
Fully seated bike option:
- Most comfortable position
- Easy to use
- Great for people with upper-body injuries
- Lowest resistance, least intensity
Peloton bike
Best home workout bike and subscription service:
- Professional quality static bicycle
- Trainer led virtual classes and rider community
- Recurring payment to training service
- The base model requires extra purchases
Bike Trainers
For more serious cyclists:
- Most realistic ride feel and positioning
- Require a physical bicycle to use
- Takes time to set up (excluding basic rollers)
The 9 Best Upright Bikes of 2024
Schwinn 170
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Weight: 59 lbs
- Rider height: 4’6″ to 6’6″
- Dimensions: L 41.3″ x W 21.4″ x H 55.6″
The Schwinn 170 upright exercise bike is a premium model with many features including an immersive ride app by the reliable cycling brand.
This seated bike comes with lots of functions that allow you to customize and maximize your workout. These include Bluetooth connectivity for your favorite training tracker app, access to the “Explore the World” app by Schwinn for virtual riding courses, and even heart rate sensors.
Additionally, the bike is pre-loaded with 29 workout programs that you can choose between on the backlit LCD screen.
Finally, the 170 has ergonomic grips and the seat is comfortable using contoured padding. It can also be swapped for any clamp and rail bicycle seat.
Nautilus Upright Bike Series
29 Training Programs: Interval training, weight loss, and cardio health. Create one geared program for your own needs
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Weight: 76-90 lbs
- Max rider weight: 300-325 lbs
- Number of resistance levels: 25
- 25 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options
The U616 and U618 are two great options from Nautilus for upright and quiet exercise bikes.
Both models utilize a high-speed, high inertia drive system combined with a weighted flywheel. This allows for easy start-up and smooth, silent workouts.
Each has the ability to connect your Bluetooth devices so you can track and monitor your progress with your favorite training app such as Nautilus Trainer 2 or MyFitnessPal. In addition, you can take advantage of the Explore the World virtual route app.
Other notable features include the adjustable console with backlighting so you can see it no matter what, and the multi-positional handlebar with incline and resistance settings integrated.
Yosuda – Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike
MSRP Check on Amazon
The Yosuda Stationary Bike is one of the best-value upright bikes available to buy, featuring a range of features to make indoor cycling easier and more enjoyable.
This bike trainer has an intuitive computer that tracks ride time, speed, distance, calories burned, and distance. The bike has a range of resistance options so you can choose the best one for your needs and level.
The Yosuda stationary bike’s components are heavy-duty and durable. It uses a step-through frame that makes mounting and dismounting very convenient. Additionally, the riding geometry and touchpoints are all optimized for supreme comfort and adjustability.
Finally, this upright bike uses a super smooth belt-drive and flywheel combination that makes this bike a joy to use.
- Weight: 68 lbs
- Friction resistance
- Max rider weight: 270 lbs
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs
Marcy Magnetic Upright Bike
Best budget upright bike on Amazon
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Weight: 41 lbs
- No of resistance: 8
- Resistance: Magnetic
- No of resistance: 8
- Dimensions LxWxH 36″ L x 20″ W x 49.5 inches
Marcy reliably manufactures the best cheap exercise bikes, and the NS-40504U magnetic upright bike is one of their best models.
This bike has a sturdy steel frame and a compact design that is surprisingly stable. On the NS-40504U Marcy incorporates a comfy foam seat and ergonomic grips that make even long rides comfortable. Additionally, This upright bicycle is highly adjustable so you can find your optimal position.
Made as a portable stationary bike, you can easily transport it on the rear wheels because of its low weight. The magnetic resistance system also allows the bike to be quiet and smooth, with eight distinct levels of resistance to choose from for a customized workout.
Finally, Marcy has also included a basic LCD screen that tracks key ride statistics.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
Fits users 5’3” to 6’1”
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Weight: 39 lbs
- Number of resistance: 8
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Max rider weight: 300 lbs
- LCD Display – Distance, calories burned, time, speed, pulse (hand pulse), and scan
- Rider height: 5’3 (160cm) – 6’1″ (185cm)
The Exerpeutic upright exercise bike is a budget-friendly and ultra-convenient option for anyone with minimal space to place their bike.
The bike has small dimensions when set up for riding and folds quickly into half of the assembled size for easy storage. Additionally, the bike has two front wheels and is lightweight which allows you to move it around with ease when you’re done riding.
Other notable features of this cheap upright bike are the heart rate sensors on the handlebars, the comfortable padded saddle, the quick setup time, and the easy-adjust seatpost.
Finally, the magnetic resistance and belt system makes this bike smooth and quiet, with eight levels of resistance to pick from.
Dimensions
- Folded: 22” L x 20” W x 55.5”
- Assembled: 31”L x 19”W x 46”H
3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike
A premium comfort-focused product
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Dimensions: 41″ x 22″ x 55″
- Weight: 87 lbs
- Max weight: 350 lbs
- Number of resistances: 16
- Digital large format electronics display for easy viewing
- Oversized seat slides forward and back to fit you perfectly
The 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike is a high-quality choice designed for maximum comfort and ease of use.
The seat on this bike is oversized and very comfortable. The saddle height also has several adjustments both up and down, and forward and back, so you can find the perfect positioning for you. Additionally, the handlebars grips and positioning along with the pedal straps are all ergonomically designed for comfort so you can ride for long periods.
3G Cardio is so confident in their product that they offer a 7-year warranty on the parts. They also include useful features like handheld pulse sensors and a wireless heart rate chest strap. Finally, this bike also has an easy-to-read digital screen that has all of your ride metrics so you can track your workouts.
HARISON Stationary Upright Exercise Bike
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Max rider weight: 350 lbs
- Number of resistance: 14
Harison’s Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is a sleek-looking and sturdy choice at a very reasonable price point.
This bike is built with a solid steel-reinforced frame and wide base. It uses a US mute system with 14 levels of magnetic resistance that make this bike run smooth and nearly silent. You can control the resistance with the multi-control knob under the screen.
Another standout of this bike is it has a 4-way adjustable oversized and padded leather saddle, along with comfortable handlebars with varied hand positions.
While in use, the bike’s computer records all of your ride metrics and you can also watch your tablet or phone because of the detachable holder. Finally, when you’re done riding you can easily wheel the bike away to storage with the convenient front wheels.
CIRCUIT FITNESS Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
MSRP Check on Amazon
- H 37.5″ L x 22″ W x 54″ H
- Transportation Wheels
- Weight: 80 lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Maximum rider weight: 300 lbs
- Number of resistances: 32
Circuit Fitness’ AMZ-594U magnetic upright bike is another highly rated choice on Amazon with all the essentials for the perfect home workout.
This device is built with a combination of steel and durable plastic to create a solid frame. It also has adjustable feet so you can achieve perfect stability on an uneven surface. The low step-through frame shape also makes getting on and off super easy.
With a huge 32 levels of magnetic resistance to choose from as well as 15 distinct training programs, you can always get a great workout with as much difficulty as you want.
This bike has anti-slip pedals with straps along with ergonomic touchpoints to ensure you are safe and comfortable at all times. Finally, you can track all of your ride statistics including pulse on the large LCD screen.
Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708
MSRP Check on Amazon
- Dimensions: L 35″ x 17.2″ W x 47.5″ H
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Maximum rider weight: 250 lbs
- Number of resistance levels: 8
The final product on our list is the ME-708 model by Marcy, a lightweight, affordable, and streamlined option with all the essentials.
This upright bicycle uses a silent and smooth magnetic resistance mechanism with eight different settings to choose from using a tension knob. One running the bike will record all the important ride stats on the large LCD screen.
The adjustable padded seat on the ME-708 allows users of various body sizes to find the perfect position and stay comfortable for long durations. Additionally, the pedal foot straps are also adjustable and are counterbalanced to make pedaling even smoother.
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