Best Upright Exercise Bikes [June 2021]

Budget Friendly

Editor's Choice

Value For Money

Schwinn 170

Nautilus U618

Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

Resistance

Fluid, 25 Levels

25 Levels

Magnetic, 24 Levels

User Profiles

4

4

5

Seat

4-way-adjustability

4-way-adjustability

2-way-adjustability

Weight Capacity

300 lbs

325 lbs

350 lbs

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

Budget Friendly

Schwinn 170

Resistance

Fluid, 25 Levels

User Profiles

4

Seat

4-way-adjustability

Weight Capacity

300 lbs

View on Amazon

Editor's Choice

Nautilus U618

Resistance

25 Levels

User Profiles

4

Seat

4-way-adjustability

Weight Capacity

325 lbs

View on Amazon

Value For Money

Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

Resistance

Magnetic, 24 Levels

User Profiles

5

Seat

2-way-adjustability

Weight Capacity

350 lbs

View on Amazon

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

Are you looking for a new exercise bike to kickstart your fitness journey or recharge your current workout routine? The upright bike is the most popular home cardio equipment of all time. It is a compact and cost-effective machine that can offer a heart-pumping workout regardless of your ability.

This upright bike fills the void between a spin bike and a recumbent bike. The upright bike is more significant than a spin bike. People who feel lazy on a recumbent bike and do not want the intensity of a spin bike can choose an upright exercise bike.

It has the power to mimic the workout that you are getting from a regular outdoor bike. Furthermore, it is built for a low-impact workout that improves heart rate while putting far less stress on your joints.

With so many brands and models of upright bikes, knowing how to start your search can be confusing. We are here to help you! Below you will find the Best Upright Exercise Bikes to help you stay fit from your home comfort.

Top 10 Upright Bikes

Which are the Best Upright Exercise Bikes?​

1. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

Schwinn 170 is one of the top-rated upright indoor bikes under $500. It has power-packed with a wide variety of preset workouts and offers online data tracking. It is a good value for money beginners who aim to save a few bucks and want more than basic training features.

It comes with impressive features such as in-console speakers, a media shelf, an MP3 port, and USB charging. Furthermore, the bike comes with various workout guidance and resistance levels along with heart rate programs. It is the best upright bike suitable for burning calories effectively, building muscles as well as for competitive training.

• Flywheel: This indoor bike is known for massive flywheels that give you a smooth and sleek workout. Also, it is quiet and free from whirring that is found in low-quality bikes.
• Cushioned Seat: It comes with a contoured seat along with a grip that lets your body stay in a relaxed and comfortable riding position.
• Programs: You can select from a set of 29 onboard workout programs in addition to eight routes via Ride Social for an outdoor bike experience. It includes – QuickStart, Pulse Rate Control (9), Profile (12), Recovery Test, and Fitness Test (2).
• Handlebars: It features adjustable handles to match your preferred angle. It makes bike riding comfortable.
• Console: It comes with a dual display – one provides the statistics of your current workout, and the other display shows the progress of your goals. Moreover, you can create four user profiles for many users of the family and track their performance.

2. Nautilus U618 Upright Bike

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

This U618 is the top-rated home upright bike that offers a good combination of price and performance. It is a light commercial bike with a sturdy and robust built. It comes in a compact, sturdy frame with a transport wheel that makes U618 easy to store after use. Also, the bike gives a smooth workout for users up to 300 lbs user weight.

The bike is suitable for all types of users, from casual to an avid users. It is one of the best indoor exercise bikes. It motivates the rider to have endurance training with built-in speakers, an mp3 player, and a USB charging port. Overall, it is a durable bike with an excellent design.

• Seat: It has Nautilus Gel fore/aft adjusting seat that helps you adjust the seat vertically and horizontally to get maximum comfort.
• Magnetic Brake: It features an Eddy Current Braking System with 25 levels of resistance. Its higher resistance makes the rides smoother, consistent, and quiet.
• Crankset: It has a heavy-duty crank. Its three-piece chrome crankset is equipped with weighted pedals to give stability.
• Console: It comes with an adjustable Sight Line console. It can tilt to reduce the glare for a better view. The two blue backlit displays are fitted in the console for easy reading of the training progress.
• Programs: It gives a range of options with 29 pre-set programs inclusive of 4 user-defined programs. It includes 12 profiles programs, including Rolling Hills, Cross-Training, Mount Hood, Intervals, Stairs, etc.

3. Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-13

This S22i Cycle is one of the best commercial use indoor exercise cycles. It comes with 32 pounds flywheels that are a brilliant weight for a home-use indoor cycle. Furthermore, a heavy-duty flywheel makes smoother movements and perfect resistance on a stationary bike.

The main attractive point of this machine is its motor that will tilt the bike reach up to + 20% incline and -10% decline. It increases the strength and power of your body muscles. It comes with various unique features that help you to stay always fit, like a heavy-duty flywheel, impressive design, iFit workout library.

• +20% Incline and -10% Decline: This bike has a feature of +20% Incline and -10% decline. The machine tilts up and down to match the grade of your indoor bike ride. It helps increase the training variable as you can incline, resistance, and speed is more important for your climbing challenges. The fantastic thing is the combination of 24 levels of resistance and incline.
• Heart Rate Monitor: This best exercise bike has a contact pulse sensor that is also compatible with Bluetooth chest straps for wireless pulse monitoring. With this iFit feature, you can automatically check your pulse rate to track cardio health in the long term.
• Resistance: This magnet is situated adjacent to a heavy-duty flywheel that creates frictionless resistance. It comes with 24 levels of resistance. Whenever you can use an onboard workout program or iFit, the resistance will adjust automatically for you.
• Compact and Sleek design: This bike comes with a compact and sleek design that can fit easily in your small home gym area. Its size measures 55.0″ long by 21.9″ wide.
• Dual Heating Fans: This machine has two fans that are attached at the bottom of the screen. It produces excellent airflow, and it is situated at just the right height.
• Customizable Seat: This machine’s saddle is adjustable for both sides vertically and horizontally to fit a wide range of user’s heights. Its padding is enabled to give more comfort and endurance. On the other hand, it has an interchangeable road bike saddle, so you can customize your exercise cycle to make it feel like your outdoor ride.

4. 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike ​

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

3G Cardio is a fully commercial quality best exercise bike constructed to offer cardio workouts in homes and clubs. It sports a comfortable four-way adaptable seat that can fit users with different heights.

It has rock-solid built with a small footprint making it ideal for home gyms or you can even place it in living room. At the price tag, we expect a perfect ride, and this cardio bike does not disappoint! The pedals are also oversized with adjustable straps to keep your feet secure during exercise. Furthermore, the frames are compact and sturdy enough and boast two transport wheels so that they can move easily.

• Resistance System: It has a quiet belt drive and 16 magnetic resistance levels that give smooth and silent operation.
• Ergonomic Handlebars: They offer a multi-grip design with a parallel horizontal or upright grip. The lower section of the handles features stainless steel pulse sensor, so by holding on to them, the console will track your pulse. 
• Crank System: It comes with a three-piece crankset with solid steel crank arms.
• Console: It features a multi-panel display that offers all the workout data, including heart rate metrics. Also, it is compatible with a wireless polar chest strap.
• Programs: It comes with 16 preset workout programs that help to keep you motivated throughout the workout. It includes 12 standard programs, three heart rates, and a 1-watt program.
• Warranty: It offers a lifetime frame warranty, seven years for parts, one year for labor, and three years for light commercial.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Exercise Bike

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

If you are looking for an excellent upright bike that gives more comfort at your home? So, this Sunny Health & Fitness machine is an ideal choice for you. It comes with a feature of device holders that improve your fitness experience by securely holding your phone or tablet. With this accessory, you can see your favorite shows, movies, fitness videos, listen to music, and more.

This best upright bike comes with a great feature of a pulse sensor for maintaining your pulse rate, time, speed, distance, burned calories, and RPMs displayed on HD Touchscreen Panel. Measuring your pulse rate is an essential feature for efficient and correct exercise. It comes with pre-installed 24 programs that help you to choose a perfect option for your full-body exercise.

• Magnetic Resistance: This Upright bike comes with a magnetic resistance with 16 levels. It gives more comfort to your indoor bike ride. Further, it can perform very quiet operations with a belt-drive system as well. 
• Extra Rack: It comes with a water bottle rack that can help you stay hydrated in the most demanding workouts. 
• 4-way adjustable seat: Now, you can enjoy your bike ride comfortably with this 4-way position seat. It can move up/down and backward/forward as per your comfort. The seat is suitable with your legs length up to a minimum of 26 inches to a maximum of 35 inches. 
• Heavy-duty Frame: This Sunny Fitness bike is constructed of durable steel frame that makes the machine sturdy and long-lasting for many years.
• Adjustable Pedals: It has non-slip foot pedals that will accommodate all foot sizes, while the remaining grip is ensured to save your foot during the time of workout.
• Foot Stabilizer: It does not matter the surface of the floor is stable for stationary workouts. Moreover, it is the height of each foot leveler to create a balance for your perfect bike ride.

6. Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike​

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

This Schwinn IC3 is an excellent cost-efficient upright indoor exercise bike. The main attractive point is its wireless heart rate monitor and Shimano Dynamic pedals that come under a range of $500.

This bike is built of solid steel material that makes the machine is durable and portable. Its narrow footprints can fit perfectly in your home gym settings. It has an LCD monitor console that is equipped to show your pulse, time, speed, distance, burned calories, and RPMs.

• Customize seat and handlebars: It comes with an adjustable handlebar and seat that give relieves to your long or intense rides. You can adjust the seat horizontally or vertically as per your comfort.
• Water Bottle base: This upright machine has an in-built holder so that you can stay hydrated always during the time of workout.
• Media Shelf: It comes with an integrated multi-media device holder specially designed to hold your mobile, tablet, or iPads. While you can see your favorite shows or workout videos at the time of exercise.
• Emergency Brake System: This bike ensures a safe indoor bike ride with an emergency stop button.
• FlyWheel: It has a 40-lbs flywheel to provide smooth, silent belt drive operation and infinite resistance.
• Pedals: This machine offers a dual SPD pedal for more flexibility using its standard toe cages or SPD clips based on rider preference.

7. Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

Sunny Health Fitness is a high-quality and budget-friendly indoor exercise bike. It is not a heavy-weighted machine, but also it comes in a recumbent bike style. It provides an unparallel exercise due to its small size and eases to use.

The size measure of the machine is 32″ L x 21″ W x 49″ H that covers very little space in your home. Its frame is built of durable steel tubes; also, it has transportable wheels at the front side of the bike.

• Resistance: Its resistance is easily adjustable by the brake knob. It means to adjust while you pedal by rotating the knob clockwise to increase the resistance at the ten levels.
• Adjustable Pedals: The caged pedals are furnished with an anti-slip feature and come with straps. They will prevent your feet from slipping and provide more support while pedaling.
• Console: The LCD screen is simple and easy to use. It comes with auto on/off function and automatically shut down if no single is found from the flywheels. It has a digital monitor display panel to show your speed, distance, RPMs, time, Pulse rate, and burning calories.
• Handlebars: The handlebars are fixed in the front of the seat that is perfect for intense workouts. It is equipped with rubber foam pedals to give you more comfort.

8. Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

This Exerpeutic folding magnetic upright bike is a great, cost-efficient bike that can easily foldable for storage. It comes with a semi-recumbent position with a heavily padded seat and adjustable seat height feature. It is an excellent indoor bike designed with a pulse sensor that is perfect for those who need more workouts and has less space in their homes.

This upright bike has arrived with a magnetic tension system that provides eight levels of resistance. It has an in-built sensor on the handlebars to enable you to monitor your paddling speed, distance, time, burning calories, and pulse rate with additional accessories. Its compact size is ideal for your small workout area.

• LCD Display: This bike has a display for monitoring your burned calories, pulse rate, time, speed, distance, and RPMs. It is capable of showing different resistance to choose form.
• Heart Rate Monitor. This folding exercise bike comes with a hand sensor on the handlebars to measure the pulse rate of users. Its grip will keep you in the exercise bike position and measuring your pulse at the same time.
• Adjustable Seat: It has an ergonomic seat that comes with excellent padding to add to the comfort. It can adjust upwards and downwards based on the user’s height of 5’3″ to 6’1″. Also, it gives many upper and lower body workouts.
• Portable Bike: This bike comes with transportable wheels that help to easily move the unit when it is not in use. You can fold this indoor bike and move it from one pace to another.

9. Assault AirBike Classic​

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

Are you looking for an indoor exercise bike that can provide various unique features such as adjustable pedals, handlebars, seats, and more? So, this Assault AirBike Classic is an excellent choice for your home. Its small and narrow footprints can take very little space in your home. It gives high-end performance to its users. You can enjoy an outdoor bike riding experience with this upright bike at your home.

This AirBike has three interval programs that are 20/10 Interval, 10/20 Interval, and Custom Interval. The programs’ main goal is to measure Distance, Calories, Time, Training sessions, Pulse rate, etc.

• Resistance: It has a fan air resistance system measuring 25″ in diameter. The fan wheels can support very smooth ride motion, and you can make very less efforts.
• Seat: Its seat is adjustable to fit almost everyone. You can easily set the saddle forward/backward or up/down. It does not need any tools. The seat has adjustable angling, and it’s shaped more comfortable.
• Handles: The main attractive feature of this bike is its moving arms. It is built of thick steel tubing so that it can support the toughest training sessions.
• Transportable Wheels: This bike has a built-in transportable wheel for easy moving from one place to another.

10. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Amazon.com Price as of 2021-06-14

Yosuda is one of the best spin indoor bikes. It comes with a sporty and streamlined look. It is built of durable steel frame and packed with fitness-minded function. This best exercise bike is an ideal choice for spinning workouts like weight loss, increase leg muscle strength, cardio, and interval training, and more.

It can take up to 270 lbs user’s weight. You can find your perfect position with a 4-way adjusting seat and handlebar height. Furthermore, it arrives with a central knob for increasing or decreasing the resistance level.

• Flywheel: This bike helps to give you a real road cycling experience and provides a smooth and quiet operation. It comes with a 35 lbs flywheel that is a bit lighter but gives a consistent pedaling feel.
• Console Panel: It has a primary and well-designed digital LCD console panel for taking your health goal. It can display your current workout speed, distance, time, RPMs, burning calories, and many more.
• Resistance: It comes with more relief and safety with aluminum alloy toe cage cap pedals and adjustable cover. It can protect your feet from accidental slipping and provide more support during riding.
• Transportable Wheels: The wheels are fixed on the bottom of the cycle that offers you to transport easily from one place to another. 
• Warranty: This Yasuda bike gives 30 days money-back guarantee and 6 months part-exchange guarantee.

How To Choose A Upright Exercise Bike?

Getting an excellent deal out of any fitness equipment is a must. The best exercise bike delivers a big challenge to trainers of all strength levels without sacrificing features or comfort.

You must look at its resistance and ensure the seat is comfy enough as you will be spending much time working out. Some essential factors that you must consider before you choose the one.

Fitness Level

Some stationary bikes are designed for multi-training athletes who want a machine that provides a wide range of different challenges and cardio workout. The others market toward casual riders who need a stationary bike with simple functions.

If you are not at a high level of fitness, you do not require the machine with a dozen resistance levels and training regimens. While looking for an exercise bike, check whether it is ideal for your fitness level.

Resistance

If you are looking to achieve the most out of your training, resistance is an important feature. Each upright bike has different resistance types and levels.

• Direct tension resistance uses a flywheel and disc brake system to apply more tension on the pedals.
• Air resistance system is fan-based in that pedaling drives a fan that generates tension against the flywheel.
• Magnetic resistance uses electromagnetic brakes to control how tight or lose the flywheel against the magnetic.

The magnetic tension system offers a quieter and smoother ride compared to others. It is a perfect option for beginners.

Comfort Level

If you are planning to use a bike for many hours at a time to lose weight or build on your cardio, you want an exercise bike to be comfortable. Test the saddle to be sure it is of the desired comfort. Also, check the seat is padded and large enough for you?

The seat of a bike is fully adjustable. For maximum comfort, the seat has to be at the same height as your hip.

Crank

Exercise bikes will have a one-piece or three-piece crank. A one-piece crankset is a single metal bar bent into shape. It is weaker than the three-piece crank, consisting of three pieces bolted together.

Console

The upright bike comes with a control module that enables you to receive feedback and control your exercise. Some high-end bikes feature a control panel with an LCD that has buttons.

The more money you spend, the larger the LCD screen and excellent display quality. They also offer workout metrics like time, distance, speed, calories, burned, and more. Many monitors show heart rate information RPM, pulse, etc.

Ease Of Use

The upright bikes have a digital display that allows you to track and optimize your performance. If you are buying the exercise bike as a gift for someone who is not tech-savvy, you must consider its ease of use.

Height Range

If you are tall, say over 6 feet, you can find it uncomfortable to ride several stationary bikes. If you are very shot, that is under 5 feet, and you might find it difficult to reach the handle and pedals. Thus consider the bike’s height range so that you can fit on it.

Safety

You need to take a closer look at the pedals so that you do not get slip or encounter problems such as having knee injuries. Most of the best exercise bikes in the market today include a strap to make sure that you get to experience smooth pedalling.

If you have children in your home, make sure that the bike has safety locks to prevent it from moving and causing accidents..

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Is A Better Recumbent Or Upright Exercise Bike?

Upright bikes target your abs, back, arms, glute, and even your neck. On the other side, a recumbent bike targets the hamstring better than upright bikes. It offers good transition exercise after injuries or illness as it is gentle on the back and joints. The upright bike offers the total body workout, while recumbent exercise bikes do not provide these features.

2. What Muscles Does An Upright Bike Work?

It strengthens legs and lower body muscles. The pedaling action helps to strengthen the hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps. Also, it can work the muscles in your core, glutes, and back.

3. Are 20 Minutes On An Upright Exercise Bike Enough?

It all depends on what your goals are! If you are in a state where you never work out or do any form of cardio, the 20 minutes will be more than enough for you to start. If you are elevating pulse rate and challenging yourself, you are actively improving your strength, muscle tone, and cardiovascular conditioning.

Related Articles