This could be your pathfinder for finding the best upright exercise bike for home use. We get it; you may have been searching the internet for a solution to finding the ideal upright bike for you.
Hopefully, this might enable you to finally make a decision on which upright exercise bike to purchase.
Table of Contents
Upright Exercise Bike vs. Recumbent Bike
We will like to briefly explain the difference between the recumbent bike and the upright exercise bike as this may help you to make the most informed decision. However, you can skip this paragraph and hop onto the best upright exercise bike with a price range below.
The recumbent bike has its benefits just as the upright bike has but they have distinct differences.
Benefits of Upright Exercise Bike
This unit is simply built for low-impact cardiovascular exercises that could improve your overall health greatly and it is also simple to use. Having it in your home gym allows you to jump on and do your thing with an extraordinary experience that will get your heart all pumped up with even less stress to the joints.
The low-impact aspect of the upright bike is important because you don’t want to end up having issues with your joints after working out to get in a better shape, which will be ironic, right?
It can be comfortable and fun to work out with. However, depending on the model and brand though. Finding the right and best upright bike is through a thorough review such as this but you also need to ask yourself some important questions as well to get there.
You should be able to determine the price range you can afford. Do you have physical health issues? what is your fitness level, and are you a senior or not, do you need an upright bike that can also work the upper body?
These are very relevant questions and if you have a physical health issue, for instance, chronic back pain or you are elderly then we will not recommend the upright exercise bike for you. But if you are the opposite, then go ahead and look for that ideal upright exercise bike and most especially if you love riding.
Good for Any Fitness Level
Believe it or not, fitness equipment like the rowing machine requires some level of fitness to work out with it because it requires some coordination to effectively use it, so also the elliptical machine as well.
On the other hand, the upright exercise bike does not require any level of fitness or skills to exercise with it. Just about anyone can get on the upright bike and exercise with the level of resistance that is good while he works his way up the resistance level with time.
Loses Weight
Some might think that one can only burn as many calories by using the treadmills. Well, in as much that is true, it is also true that you can burn a lot of calories by using the upright exercise bike.
Here is the thing, for you to burn a lot of calories with the treadmill you must be in a certain fitness level to be able to run 5 mph for one hour that could allow you to burn up to 700 calories or run 7.5 mph for one hour to burn up to 1,100 calories.
You see, not everyone could do that but you can lose more than 900 calories if you workout and cycle intensively with the upright bike for an hour. It is easier to cycle vigorously for an hour than to run 5 or 7.5 mph for an hour on a treadmill.
It Improves Cardiovascular Health
Just like cycling with a real outdoor bike raises the heart rate so does the upright exercise bike, only this time you can do it with ease and convenience. Being able to work out with the upright bike for 20 to 30 minutes daily can greatly improve your overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
This is even more achievable because purchasing the upright exercise bike for home use can only increase the likelihood of exercising frequently.
Offers Convenience and Cuts down Cost
We tend not to exercise as we should because of time constraints or bad weather. All of these reasons will be eliminated once you purchase the right upright exercise bike for home use because you can always exercise even if there is bad weather. You don’t have to worry about the traffic and slippery road if you have to work out outdoors.
You also cut costs if you don’t have to go to the gym because you will not be paying for the gym membership fee and of course probably cut the gas costs that will be required if you have to drive to the gym.
The benefit of a Recumbent Bike
The advantages of a recumbent bike are quite obvious just like the upright exercise bike but this has a different design and effect on the body. Yes, they both mostly work the lower body are both low-impact units but the recumbent bike is the alternative to individuals with back pains and for the elderly.
We may write a little bit extensively about the recumbent bike to help you better understand the difference, and yes we have not forgotten that this post is all about the best upright exercise bike reviews.
Again note that the recumbent bike is the best option for individuals with physical limitations that have to do with back pain and low fitness level that is associated with old age. This unit still offers challenging workouts with a comfortable reclining position that is great for those with back pain.
The seat supports the back and gives more leverage to the lower body to push harder even in a challenging workout that will ultimately result in burning tons of calories.
To put into a better perspective, the recumbent bike seat and design are great for folks with rheumatoid arthritis and reduces fatigue and soreness as well. This unit offers features that can do extremely low-impact cardio workouts that still help you to build strength, tone, and built the lower body muscles.
Moreover, the recumbent bike has got a lot of features that make working out with it to be fun and enjoyable. But like earlier mentioned, the higher the price of any fitness equipment the better.
There are still a good number of low-budget recumbent bike that still offers the luxuries of fun to an extent. You can work out with any recumbent bike while watching your favorite TV show comfortably because of the seat that has a reclining position.
There are also features such as the computer consoles with programmed workouts, the ability to connect iPod/MP3 players or connect a device via Bluetooth, speakers, media shelf, a fan, and even more. All of these make working out even more enjoyable.
The recumbent bike is also good for those that are new to physical fitness and cycling because it will help them achieve that physical fitness they have always desired.
Best Recumbent Bikes to Consider
Just in case you are considering adding a recumbent bike to the home gym these units might be a good place to start looking. You may also read our comprehensive recumbent reviews right here.
The Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike is still the all times best budget-friendly recumbent machine; how can you refuse a unit that is below $200 and yet with some great and compelling features.
It is well built with a sold frame and seat that offer that comfort that is usually associated with a recumbent bike. On top of that, you can adjust the seat to a preferred position for optimal comfort and accommodation.
It does have a great magnetic resistance system that offers the opportunity for challenging workout experience. Overall, this is a recommendable recumbent bike that has very impressive Amazon customer reviews. Read the full review here.
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is on our top pick of one of the best recumbent bikes. The reason is simple; with over 900 Amazon customer reviews it still maintains an impressive approval rating of 4.3 out 5.
Only very few fitness equipment have that kind of approval rating with so many reviews.
Then, it has got features such as the ability to import workout data which will help in tracking your progress and keeping motivated and focused on your fitness goals.
Amazing 25 levels of resistance with 29 programs that are designed to help you burn a lot more calories than you can ordinarily burn with some other equipment. There are so many more reasons to consider this unit if it falls within your budget range. You may click right here to read the full review.
Best Upright Exercise Bike for Home Use
Below are some of the best upright exercise bikes for home use.
Best Upright Exercise Bike – Price Range $100 to $150
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike with Pulse is indeed where you should be looking at if your budget falls within its price range. This is very recommendable to folks that are looking for an affordable upright bike.
The good thing is that it is not only below $200 price range it also got some great features for the price. It has got features like the tension resistance with 8 levels. A large comfortable seat that is well cushioned to convey the comfort with the ability to be adjusted to fit individuals with 5’3’’ to 6’1’’ tall. It is foldable and has got transportation wheels to make storage and relocation a lot easier.
Currently, as the time of writing this review, it has about 4,807 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.3 out 5. This is a handy compact upright exercise bike for low-budget folks. Click right here to read the full review.
The Body Rider BRF700 Fan Upright Exercise Bike is one unique upright bike that is worth looking at. For those that need an upright bike that can work the upper and lower body, this is it.
Most upright bikes can only work the lower body but this unit right here has dual-action extended handlebars for upper and body engagement; built with very sturdy steel frame design for stability and comfort.
It has got a high-momentum fan wheel system that offers an outstanding workout experience with easy to adjust resistance levels that usher in challenging workout that burns lots of calories.
This is an affordable upright exercise bike with an adjustable seat that is well cushioned and padded for maximum comfort. It has an easy-to-use digital display that tracks your workout progress by displaying such data as the time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
It supports 250 pounds of maximum weight capacity. Moreover, it will interest you to know that it has 1,373 Amazon customer reviews and still maintains an approval rating of 3.9 out 5. You may read our full review of this unit right here.
The Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708 is the most affordable and popular as well. Despite its affordability, it features a premium frame of 14-gauge steel tubing, finished with powder coating.
This means it is a durable and sturdy piece of equipment. It is also adorned with a smooth magnetic resistance system designed for folks of all fitness levels that love working out. There are 8 levels of resistance with an easy to operate tension knob that allows you to experience different challenging workouts that simulate different terrains.
The seat is also adjustable to accommodate different body sizes of users. It provides the much-needed comfort that could allow a user to work out toward achieving physical fitness without getting bored or tired.
It has a unique design of Ultra-Functional Console that includes an LCD screen that works as an Odometer and displays workout data such as the time, speed, distance, and calories burned. The display has good and quality readability.
The ergonomic designs of the pedals support efficient workouts and are also equipped with adjustable foot straps for perfect fit and safety. It supports 300 pounds maximum user weight capacity.
This is a good buy with 1,059 Amazon customer reviews and still maintains an approval rating of 4 out 5.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike has about 856 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.2 out 5. This is a good indication that this unit belongs to the best upright exercise bike for home use category.
The price is unbeatably affordable and has got some great features as well. You can keep track of your performance and fitness progress through the LCD monitor that displays the necessary workout data such as time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
It has a very impressive flywheel that weighs about 22 pounds and offers high inertia and resistance which provide you with the opportunity to have total control of your workout session. It is also integrated with a chain drive mechanism that provides a sturdy and smooth ride.
The seat has always been an important aspect of the upright exercise bike and the Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike has got a well designed adjustable seat that offers comfort and stability.
The resistance level can be adjusted easily by twisting the knob to increase or decrease it while the brake allows a user to stop the flywheel instantly without hassle.
The handlebars are covered with rubber foams to increase comfort and the machine supports 220 to 240 pounds maximum user weight capacity.
Best Upright Exercise Bike – Price Range $200 to $500
The Sunny Health and Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike is worth checking out because of its price range and great features. It also has a very impressive Amazon approval rating of 4.2 out of 5 after 2,245 customer reviews.
Let’s see what else makes this unit different. It has got a heavy-duty crank and smooth chain drive mechanism with 40 pounds flywheel. The seat and the handlebars are fully adjustable for optimal comfort. It has adjustable handlebars that move up and down in height.
You have several handgrip options because of its multi-grip ergonomic handlebar design. You can easily increase or decrease the resistance level that offers a challenging workout by simply twisting the tension knob.
This unit is great for any user level and has a safety stop switch as well. The seat is padded with leather and it is also adjustable up/down and forward/backward.
The adjustment is done by a twist of the adjustment knob. You can work out for long periods comfortably. It supports 275 pounds maximum weight capacity and you may read our full review right here.
The FitDesk 2.0 Desk Exercise Bike with Massage Bar is one popular unit. As the time of writing this review, it has 1,424 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.2 out 5. This is very impressive and an indication that it worth the money.
It is durably built to last with high-quality gearbox components for many years of reliable operation. It is quiet during operation, thanks to its twin belt, high-velocity flywheel.
It features a unique non-slip surface desk with easy access drawer and massage rollers designated to make typing while working out comfortably. Its digital resistance meter tracks workout data such as mileage, calories burned, time, etc. It has a unique seat with back and extender that allows upright and semi-recumbent use.
It has 8 positions magnetic resistance that offers a smooth, quiet, and challenging workout. It has a control knob that is mounted on the frame which could be used to easily adjust the resistance for a harder or easier workout.
Its integrated arm resistance bands make it possible to work the upper body as well. This unit comes in handy because it is compact and easy to store while you will be able to realize your fitness goals with it; Supports 250 pounds maximum weight capacity.
The Schwinn 130 Upright Bike is one of those upright bikes that has got some additional features that are designed to make your workout effective and fun at the same time. Schwinn has always been a household name in terms of fitness equipment production and they are proud to have their name on this unit.
The features available in this unit are not commonly found in every upright bike out there and that is what makes it stand out. It has dual track two LCD window system that allows you to monitor up to 13 different display feedbacks just like the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike.
It has a SchwinnConnect feature that enables you to track your goal and export workout data as well so that you will be aware of your workout progress as you remain focused on achieving your fitness goals.
USB charging port and data exchange to SchwinnConnect and/or myfitnesspal.com are also available. It has 22 programs, 2 user settings, and goal tracking that are designed to keep you challenged and motivated. The 20 levels of eddy current resistance offer a challenging workout that will ultimately result in burning tons of calories.
You will experience consistent, smooth, and quiet workout because of its high speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
The machine has good stability because of its oversized crossbar tubing. Easy to move from room to room due to its transport wheels. It has angle adjustable handlebars for comfortable riding positions.
It does have a great warranty as well and supports 300 pounds of maximum weight capacity.
There are 263 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4 out 5 as at the time of writing this report.
Click right here to read the full review.
The Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike is worth looking up because it has been widely accepted by those that have purchased it. There are 484 Amazon customer reviews written about this unit and it has maintained a 4.1 out 5 approval rating. With that, you can have some sort of confidence in the machine but let’s look at its features.
This is one of the few upright bikes that can work both the upper and lower body due to its flexible handlebars system. It has wind resistance that gets harder and challenging the more when you push harder on the pedals.
It also has a console that continuously shows 6 workout metrics without having to wait for a scan. It has got four levelers that further guarantees stability while working out, plus transport wheels that are designed to make the movement of the unit easy.
Also good to know that it is telemetry-enabled which means you can use a heart rate chest strap (although, this accessory is not included, has to be purchased separately).
The seat is thickly padded to maximize comfort and has an integrated water bottle holder meant to be used for water and hydration.
Best Upright Exercise Bike- Price Range $500 to $1000
The Nautilus U616 Upright Bike is a unit you can acquire with a considerable amount of money. Currently, as at the time of writing this upright exercise bike guide, it has 124 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.3 out 5. This shows that so far, its customers are recommending it.
These are the features that it possesses:
It has a Blue backlit dual track LCD display-two LCD windows display status that is up to 13 workout details. It also means you can still read the display even in the dark without hassle. It has Bluetooth LE connectivity and charging USB port.
It has got 29 programs that include 12 profiles, 9 heart rate controlled, 4 user profiles, 2 fitness tests, 1 recovery test, and Quickstart. The seat is fore/aft adjustable and it is also well-padded and contoured to convey perfect comfort. The seat post system also allows for easy seat exchange.
The 25 levels of eddy current resistance provide the opportunity for an intense and challenging workout that could get rid of calories like no other. You also get to experience smooth, quiet, and consistent workout because of its high speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
The frame is well built with oversized crossbar tubing for added stability. For a comfortable workout, it has angle adjustable handlebars.
It is telemetry enabled which means you can use a chest strap to monitor your heart rate even as it also has the grip contact heart rate. It supports 300 pounds of maximum weight capacity and has a great warranty. Click right here to read our full review.
The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is mostly confused for Schwinn 170 Upright Bike (M17) which is cheaper than the former. But we are discussing the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike which is a lot better and great for having that indoor cycling experience. There are certainly great features in this unit that you can’t just refuse. Let’s have an overview of the features, shall we?
This bike shares a lot in common with the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike. Except that the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike has more features. It has DualTrack two LCD windows system that allows you to monitor up to 13 various display feedback.
There is the SchwinnConnect that allows you to export data and track your fitness goals which ultimately help you to realize your objectives (this means you will be able to connect to the Schwinn website and compatible with MyfitnessPal.com for more fitness resources).
There are 29 programs available which include 12 profiles, 9 heart rate control for (4 beginners, 4 advanced and 1 custom); 4 Custom user-defined, 2 fitness tests for (1 Beginner, and 1 advanced); 1 recovery test, 1 Quickstart.
It has 4 user capabilities for multiple user set-ups and it is telemetry heart-rate enabled but the chest strap is not included upon purchasing the unit, you have to purchase that separately.
It has 25 eddy-current resistance system that is aligned with a high speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel which offers an extraordinarily smooth and quiet workout experience.
It supports up to 300 pounds maximum user weight capacity and you could read more by clicking on our full review right here.
It has 494 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.2 out 5 as at the time this report was written.
Best Upright Bike – Price Range $1000 and Above
If you are looking for something a lot more sophisticated and above the $1000 price range then we would recommend the Sole Fitness LCB Light Commercial Upright Bike. Even though it only has 4 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.3 out 5 we still think that it worth the money having looked at the unit and the features.
This unit is for light commercial use that offers 40 levels of resistance and 30 pounds flywheel that guarantees a smooth transition between resistance levels. The seat can be adjusted vertically and horizontally with the handlebars as well.
It has got 9 inches LCD console with a built-in fan that could keep you cool throughout your workout session. It also has 6 standard programs, w custom programs, and w heart rate programs.
Pulse grip heart rate monitoring and chest strap heart rate compatible are also available although you have to purchase the chest strap accessory separately. It has custom oversized pedals with ECB resistance plus an MP3 compatible sound system for your entertainment.
It is built with durability in mind as it is meant for a light commercial purpose that can withstand the use by multiple people. It supports 300 pounds maximum weight capacity and a lifetime warranty for the frame, 3 years for the electronics, and a 1-year warranty for labor.
The Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Black has about 137 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.5 out 5 as at the time of writing this review. This is an impressive approval rating for high-end equipment such as this.
For sure this unit has some cool features that could redefine working out with an upright bike because it introduces intelligent cycling and the most technologically advanced features.
It has this revolutionary new display Bluetooth wireless technology that connects wirelessly to phones or tablets for data tracking. It can also transmit to a receiver for projection onto a screen.
The 4-way adjustable seat and handlebar provide optimum comfort and suitability.
You can connect to BKOOL for an immersive 3D cycling experience.
Click right here to read our full review
Conclusion
We have tried to make this review about the upright buying guide as comprehensive as possible. Hopefully, you will be able to finally decide which upright bike to purchase.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
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