Our comprehensive buying guide to the best folding exercise bikes will help you find the perfect bike for your needs.
Cycling is an incredible way to get your heart rate up with minimal impact on your joints.
Indoor exercise bikes have a smaller footprint than a treadmill or an elliptical machine. However, they still take up a decent amount of space with their fixed bases, which can be detrimental in smaller homes when you’re trying to tidy things up. This is where a folding exercise bike can be beneficial.
If you’re not someone who is going to be pounding the pedals for an hour or two each day and don’t need some home gym-quality bike, but rather someone who likes to go for a quick ride now and then to burn some calories but doesn’t want to dedicate a corner of your home as a permanent residence for a spin bike, then a folding bike is perfect for you.
We have shifted through so many different options to curate this list to help you choose the best folding exercise bikes for your home.
In a hurry? The test winner after 14 hours of research:
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic
Why is it better?
- Great weight capacity
- Tension resistance
- Compact design
85/100
our score
Our Buying Guide
In the lockdown, where all the gym and outdoor activities were closed, we all were afraid to gain some extra weight. It can be tough to burn as many calories as outdoors while doing an indoor activity.
But do not worry, we are here to help you make your indoor activity more powerful and exhausting so that you can maintain your shape without stepping out of your room.
At BikesReviewed, we are devoted to helping you to find the best indoor folding bikes that suit your necessities. We have personally examined, very carefully, the below-listed products and compared them with customer opinions and their reviews.
How We Picked
We have spent 14 hours searching for the best foldable indoor bikes going through the online resources and the manufacturer’s website to understand the best bikes’ specifications for indoor activities.
This research gave us a good idea about the product comparison by their features, pros, and cons with a mixture of genuine customer reviews and experiences. We have compared 16 and 9 research sources in the process.
We have also estimated 200 consumer opinions to complete our product search. And after that, we considered them depending on their distinct categories.
9
Researched sources
200+
REviews considered
14
hours researching
16
products compared
Last Updated: November 23, 2021
By Max Shumpert: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding folding exercise bikes available for those who are interested in exercising at home. The best 7 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best folding exercise bikes currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Best Folding Exercise Bikes 2021
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | EXERPEUTIC FOLDING MAGNETIC UPRIGHT BIKE | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
best folding exercise bike for short person | MARCY NS-652 | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review | |
best folding recumbent exercise bike 2021 | EXERPEUTIC 400XL FOLDING RECUMBENT BIKE | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review | |
best folding exercise bike for home | MARCY RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKE WITH RESISTANCE ME-709 | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review | |
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike
| SUNNY FITNESS MAGNETIC FOLDING RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKE | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review | |
Best exercise bike with desk | EXERPEUTIC WORKFIT 1000 DESK STATION | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review | |
Best exercise bike with flywheel
| XTERRA FITNESS FB150 FOLDING EXERCISE BIKE | Rating: | View Latest Deal →Read Full Review |
Best Folding Upright Exercise Bike
Upright bikes are a great option if you’re looking for the feel of a traditional bike ride when you work out. Just like a bicycle, upright fold up exercise bikes feature a saddle seat, and the pedals are located under the rider’s body.
1. EXERPEUTIC FOLDING MAGNETIC – Our Top Pick
- All LEVELS: An 8-level magnetic control system allows the user to adjust the tension level for an easier or more challenging workout. This indoor...
- THE FUTURE OF FITNESS: Add the MyCloud Fitness Cadence sensor (sold separately) to track your workouts effectively, stream motivating classes,...
- EASY TO READ: A 3.5 W" x 1.5" H LCD screen allows you to see your distance, calories burned, time, and speed. The cycling bike has a 300 lb...
Specs:
- 31”L x 19”W x 46”H
- 22” L x 20” W x 55.5” H (folded)
- 42.8 pounds
- Cushioned seat
- Adjustable to suit riders 5’3” to 6’1”
- 300-pound capacity
- Magnetic resistance
- LCD display
Features:
- Pulse monitor
- Large LCD
- Oversized, heavily cushioned seat
- Three piece high torque crank system
Our personal favorite is the folding magnetic upright exercise bike from Exerpeutic. We first saw this bike recommended in a roundup review by the best reviews list, and what particularly stood out was Exerpeutic’s strength as top bike brand in exercise bikes.
This bike continues Exerpeutic’s reign of dominance in the indoor exercise bike market. It manages to maintain a tiny footprint despite its feature-packed, affordable design.
It features a high torque three-piece crank system and ‘double drive’ transmission system designed to provide the rider with the smoothest operation possible.
The adjustable tension is magnetic and offers eight different tension options, which provide a challenging workout regardless of your fitness level.
This Exerpeutic bike also features an oversized seat, large display, and hand pulse sensors to keep you comfortable and dialed into your workout.
The weight limit for this bike is 300 pounds. This bike is built to last, and a one-year limited warranty is included, which adds some peace of mind.
Even when fully assembled, this bike has a small footprint. But, when it’s folded, you’ll be able to save on space even further. It’s folded dimensions of 22″ L x 20″ W x 55.5″ H are sure to be a hit with people who are very short on free small space.
As for the workout, extra wide leg stabilizers provide smooth and comfortable operation without the fear of tipping over. The drive mechanism is extremely quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone while riding, including yourself.
The high torque 3-piece crank system, “double drive” transmission, and many other features are explored in our Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Review.
What We Like
- Heavy duty frame can hold up to 300 lbs weight
- 8 level magnetic resistance for different workout options for user
- 3 piece crank system for smooth pedaling
- Belt drive system and quiet workout sessions
- Large and cushioned seat
What We Don’t Like
- No preset programs
- Small bottle holder
2. MARCY NS-652- best folding exercise bike for short person
- EXCELLENT CARDIO WORKOUT - The fat-blasting cardio offered by this exercise device is significant, as each pedal targets the quads, hamstrings,...
- ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE - This bicycle has a manually adjustable resistance that offers various degrees of exercises. With eight preset levels of...
- FOLDABLE - The exercise utility is designed to fold compactly with its advanced frame design that allows for easier storage and portability as it...
Specs:
- 32”L x 18”W x 42”H
- 14”L x 18”W x 51”H (folded)
- 37 pounds
- Padded seat
- 5 Adjustable seat levels (33”-36”)
- 250-pound capacity
- Magnetic resistance
- 2” LCD display
Features:
- Tiny size
- Easy to adjust resistance
- Adjustable counter weighted pedals
Another healthy option in the good category is the NS-652 from Marcy.
This bike features one of the smallest footprints of any bike on the market, making it a strong choice for anyone with only a small space for workouts.
Like the Exerpeutic model above, this bike also features 8 levels of magnetic resistance, which provide a challenging workout for people of all skill and fitness levels.
This bike’s resistance bands levels are particularly easy to adjust, even on the fly.
Its heavy-duty and durable design is where this bike truly shines and hence, making it the best folding exercise bike for a heavy person. This bike’s resistance band levels on this bike are particularly easy to adjust, even on the fly.
It’s constructed from high-grade 14 gauge steel frame that’s powder-coated with a scratch-resistant finish. The pedals are counterweighted and offer the feel of a high-end bike at a fraction of the cost.
This Marcy folding exercise bike has a 2″ LCD computer which provides the rider with different variables, including speed and calories burned, distance, and time.
At only 37 pounds, it’s one of the lighter bikes on the market and certainly one of the smallest, whether it’s ready to ride or folded up for storage. However, the bike supports most riders with its 250-pound weight capacity.
We look at the heavy-duty, durable design, and features such as the 2″ LCD computer, in our Marcy NS-652 Review.
What We Like
- Slightly larger than other models
- Great for every body size
- Quiet and smooth drive system while working out
- Great visibility of large LCD monitor
- Easy to assemble and adjust the height of the seat
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to use for tall user
- No pulse sensors on the bike
Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike
With a recumbent bike, you’ll find several differences compared to an upright one. First, the seat is more similar to a chair, with a seat section and a back. Also, the pedals are in front of the rider instead of underneath them.
This allows for a ride that many feel is more comfortable than an upright bike, especially for extended periods. Many riders find that the position of the bike helps alleviate muscle fatigue.
Recumbent bikes are especially well suited for older people or who have joint or mobility issues, as they’re easier to get on and off of compared to an upright bike.
Although these bikes can be more comfortable to use than upright bikes, that doesn’t mean they’re easier to ride.
Due to the way the seat and pedals are pitched, a recumbent bike requires additional effort to pedal the bike.
1. EXERPEUTIC 400XL – best folding recumbent exercise bike 2021
- Foldable recumbent exercise bike with quiet V-belt double-drive transmission system
- Precision-balanced flywheel; 8-level adjustable magnetic tension control system
- Easy-to-read LCD display tracks your distance, calories, time, speed, and heart rate
Specs:
- 33”L x 19”W x 46”H
- 20”L x 17”W x 54”H
- 43 pounds
- Heavily padded seat with backrest
- Adjusts for riders between 5’2” and 6’2”
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Magnetic resistance
- LCD display
Features:
- Ultra-smooth and quiet operation
- Accurate pulse display
- Comfortable seat and backrest
- High torque crank system
Regarding folding recumbent portable exercise bike options, the 400XL from Exerpeutic may be the best choice you could make, thanks to its intelligent and feature-rich design.
Much like the other bikes we’ve profiled, this Exerpeutic folding exercise bike features eight levels of magnetic resistance band control. It also features a three-piece high-torque crank system. The V-belt dual-drive transmission system is ultra-quiet.
These features work to provide one of the smoothest exercise experiences for riders of all skill and fitness levels.
Those seeking comfort are sure to appreciate the heavily padded seat and backrest of the 400XL. Unlike most bikes, the large seat on this model is nearly as comfortable as a high-end desk chair.
The display is large and easy to read. It offers readouts for time, speed, calories burned, and heart rate.
It also features a which makes this an ideal choice for larger riders and anyone looking for a bike that’s built to last.
The heavy-duty build, 300 pounds weight capacity and many other aspects are explored in our Exerpeutic 400XL Review.
What We Like
- Ideal option for limited spaces
- Sturdy and solid while working out
- Fluid pedaling motion for smooth ride
- Quiet working out experience
- Highly comfortable bike with padded seat
What We Don’t Like
- Some parts are cheap
- Heart monitor is not accurate
2. MARCY RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKE WITH RESISTANCE ME-709 – best folding exercise bike for home
MARCY RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKE WITH RESISTANCE ME-709
- 8 preset resistance levels
- Pedals with Safety Straps
- Made of 14 gauge, high-quality frame
Specs:
- 55.5”L x 25”W x 37.5”H
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- LCD display
- Foam padded seat
Features:
- Incredibly easy to get on and off
- Step-through design
- Pedals with Safety Straps
- Easy to read computer screen
- Comfortable Padded Seat
- Transportation wheels
We have another bike from MARCY on our folding bike list. The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike features Resistance ME-709 and heavy-duty steel construction along with a powder-coated finish.
The bike has a step-through design that offers extreme mobility during exercise training and offers quick mounting and dismounting for the knees and back.
The bike has eight levels of a magnetic resistance mechanism. The knob controls the intensity and the difficulty of stimulating riding on various terrains. You can easily customize your workout sessions according to fitness levels.
The bike has a multi-functional LCD monitor screen that acts as an odometer. It has a sharp function and panel display that allows you to see the time, speed, distance, and burned calories with XL number for better readability.
The bike has a highly padded seat and an ergonomically designed saddle. It is built with extremely comfortable high-density foam material for extra comfort while training. You get foam handlebars as well for maximum comfort.
The weighted pedals offer maximum foot comfort and support along with control. You get adjustable foot straps for a perfect fit for your shoes.
What We Like
- High quality and most affordable recumbent bike
- Smaller footprint than any other model
- Various variable resistance
- Great option for heavy riders
- Stays grounded during intense workouts
What We Don’t Like
- Seat is not comfortable enough
- Backrest is not adjustable
3. Sunny Fitness Magnetic Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike – BEST BUDGET FOLDING EXERCISE BIKE
Sunny Fitness Magnetic Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Folding frame for easy storage (15L x 18.5W x 51.5H in)
- Pulse Grips : real-time reading of your heart rate
- LCD Computer displays: time, speed, distance, and calories
Specs:
- 15L x 18.5W x 51.5H
- Adjustable Inseam Height Max 33 in/ Min 31 in
- Max user weight: 220lb
- Cushioned seat and back
- Magnetic resistance
- LCD display
Features:
- Transportation wheels
- Comprehensive display
- Pulse Grips : real-time reading of your heart rate
Sunny Fitness Magnetic Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike is another popular folding recumbent bike category. It has plenty of desirable features and an attractive price point.
It is easily foldable and creates more space in the room. This bike is a smooth operator thanks to its adjustable eight levels of resistance settings, with an LCD to show speed, time & distance.
Keeping tabs on your development on the SF-RB1117 is basic with the Digital LCD Monitor screen! The heart monitor screen, which rapidly reveals to you how quick your heart is pulsating – can assist you with practicing at the right power for the most extreme outcomes.
The agreeable seat will bolster your bottom while the backrest offers extra help during longer and testing exercise meetings. It’s also comfortable to sit on and ride. It has a large padded seat with a backrest and larger-than-average pedals with safety straps.
The large pedals provide the rider with a comfortable and stable feeling pedal you can ride for hours without fatigue. It can take a maximum user weight of 220 lbs. It can take a maximum user weight of 220 lbs.
It’s also a smart choice for people concerned with space since it’s assembled dimensions are only 15L x 18.5W x 51.5H in. Keep your force and your feet moving securely with the Sunny Health and Fitness Foot Pedals.
Finished non-slip foot pedals will suit all sizes, while the rest of the grasp will guarantee a safe balance during the most requesting and fiery exercises! Foot lashes keep your feet outfitted so you can concentrate on the exercise without feeling lopsided.
What We Like
- Quiet riding experience even at extreme sessions
- Quick assembly
- The bike is stable and safe to ride
- Can be used by all heights and size with various adjustable changes
- Very well priced and high-quality
What We Don’t Like
- No water bottle holder
- Resistance does not go high enough
Desk Station Folding Exercise Bike
Does it seem nearly impossible for you to put down your work for long enough to get a good workout in?
Fortunately, desk station bikes make it easy for you to take your work with you. Desk station bikes feature an integrated desk that’s large enough for a laptop computer, so you can keep up with work while you’re working out.
These bikes are growing increasingly popular and seem like a good fit for those who are otherwise too busy to exercise.
They’re even finding a home in libraries and office buildings throughout the country, so people can get a workout in while they study, read or work.
1. EXERPEUTIC WORKFIT 1000 – Best exercise bike with desk
- Sliding Desktop: large fully adjustable desktop with tilt, forward, back, up and down adjustability for sitting or standing positions. 3 angle...
- Patented XBike Desk and Exercise Semi-Recumbent Bicycle. 2.5" Thick large AirSoft seat with extra comfort. Adjustable to fit 5 1 to 6 3 user...
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs. Semi-recumbent design for comfortable, effective workouts
Specs:
- 45.25″ L x 25″ W x 51.25″ H
- 21.25L x 25.5”W
- 64.7 pounds
- 2.5” thick AirSoft cooling seat
- Accommodates riders 5’2”-6’3”
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Magnetic resistance
- LCD display
Features:
- Large, adjustable desk with storage and cupholders
- Comfortable cooling seat
- Industry leading three year warranty
- Transport wheels
- Strong choice for tall people.
The Exerpeutic WORKFIT 1000 fully adjustable desk folding exercise bike with a pulse is one of the most practical pieces of workout gear on the market thanks to its integrated, ergonomic desk feature.
The large, fully adjustable desktop adjusts from 41″-45″ and there are three different tilt settings, so you’ll be able to angle your work to your most comfortable position.
The desk also features a storage drawer, two cupholders, and a padded arm rest. Best of all, it makes an ideal standing desk for those who like to stand while they work as well.
Integrated into the desktop is an LCD with readouts for distance, calories burned, time, speed, and heart rate.
At around 65 pounds, it’s one of the heavier bikes on the market. However, integrated transportation wheels allow you to move the bike anywhere you need to with limited effort.
Those concerned with space are sure to appreciate the space savings they get from folding the machine up. This bike is only 21.25″ L x 25.50″ when folded.
As for the ride itself, a three-piece, high-torque cranking system and V-belt drive provide smooth and quiet operation. The bike also features the industry-standard magnetic eight levels of resistance.
Comfort-wise, it’s tough to top the WORKFIT 1000. While it does feature a bike seat instead of a standard seat, the seat is thick and made from a cooling material that remains cool to the touch after use. The bike can fit 5’1″ to 6’3″, so it’s one of the best folding exercise bikes for tall people.
A standard seat may be preferable for some people, especially those who work at the desk for hours. But this seat is certainly among the more comfortable options on the market.
We go into detail regarding the LCD Displays heart rate sensors and all other sorts of features in our Exerpeutic Workfit 1000 Review.
What We Like
- Can work or workout at the same time
- Great fit for riders due to adjustable height feature
- Easy to store and fold when not in use
- Easy to assemble in 1 hour
- Easy adjusting table height, angle and distance
What We Don’t Like
- Suitable for only light workouts
- No Preset workout sessions
Second-Hand options to consider
1. XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike – BEST EXERCISE BIKE WITH FLYWHEEL
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
- Solid x-frame design folds to just 18. 1″ x 18. 1″ of floor space.
- 2″ x 1″ LCD window is easy to read with all the necessary information – clearly displays speed, distance, time, calories, and pulse.
- Dial tension knob for users of all fitness levels.
Specs:
- 18.1″ L x 18.1″ W x 50.79″ H
- Pulse grips in the handlebars
- 32 lbs weight
- Anatomically designed seat
- Accommodates riders 4’10” to 5’10” tall
- 225-pound weight capacity
- Magnetic resistance
- LCD display
Features:
- Large, adjustable desk with storage and cupholders
- Pulse grips in the handlebars
- Industry leading three year warranty
- Transport wheels
- Strong choice for tall people.
The FB150 is one of the most affordable exercise bikes that is designed for light cardio workouts. The frame is forged from thick steel tubing with an “X” structure, along with the silent belt drive, which makes the pedaling motion very smooth.
If you’re looking for comfort and to shed off those extra calories, this may be your best bet for an upright bike. It features an oversized seat that you can adjust up and down to provide maximum comfort during your workouts.
It also features multi-grip padded handlebars for extra versatility and comfort.
Just like many other upright folding bikes, it has eight levels of magnetic resistance system. The Flywheels weigh around 3.3 lbs which is very light, and The bike also consists of a 3-piece crankset to ensure a smooth workout regardless of your experience level.
From an entertainment perspective, you can’t beat this bike. Like most other bikes, it includes an LCD with readouts for time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate.
Your foldable upright exercise bike functions as an all-in-one entertainment center that ensures you’ll have plenty to occupy yourself with while working out.
What We Like
- Great bike at a very affordable price
- Requires very less space to store
- Equipped with a console to monitor workout
- Resistance level can be adjusted from low to high
- Quiet and smooth workout experience
What We Don’t Like
- No training program installed
- Not designed for high intense workouts
Pros and Cons of Folding Exercise Bikes
When it comes to portable exercise bikes, there are some benefits as well as some pitfalls when compared to a traditional exercise bike.
On the plus side, it’s difficult to beat a folding bike when it comes to saving space.
It’s great to fold your bike up and stow it out of the way when it isn’t in use. Some of these bikes fold up so small that they can even fit under a bed, or in a closet when they aren’t in use.
This feature is reason enough for many people who don’t have much space to work out to opt for a folding bike.
Plus, folding bikes tend to be much more affordable than their larger counterparts. They’re also easier to assemble and transport if necessary.
At the same time, there are some drawbacks to opting for a folding bike.
Compared to traditional stationary bikes, folding bikes are much less stable and don’t give you the same feeling of security that a non-folding bike would.
To make a folding bike practical, you must make several concessions in its design.
They’re usually lightweight, and the stability features are much less robust than what you’ll find on a traditional stationary bike. In most cases, the smaller and easier to store a folding bike is, the less stable it feels when you’re riding it.
For many riders, the benefit of being able to stow your equipment away when you aren’t using it outweighs the drawback of stability. Unless you have a large room in your home or apartment that you can dedicate to working out, a traditional exercise bike is rarely practical.
Another drawback with folding bikes is they tend to lack many of the higher-end features that make a traditional stationary bike so desirable.
Folding bikes usually feature small screens with a limited number of readouts compared to non-folding bikes. They also don’t provide the same level of resistance that a traditional bike can, making them a poor choice for serious riders and cyclists.
There are also several benefits of a stationary bike compared to a traditional outdoor bike. For one, a stationary bike allows you to work out at any time, regardless of weather conditions. You’re also able to listen to music, watch tv, browse the web, or even do work when on a stationary bike.
Sure, you won’t be able to enjoy the great outdoors from your seat on a stationary bike, but they still represent a very practical alternative to a traditional bike for most people.
Why You Should Choose Your Best Folding Exercise Bike Carefully?
Purchasing a new fold-up exercise bike can be a major expense, especially if you’re looking for a more high-end model, which can often cost $1500 or over.
Not only can a new bike be a relatively major expense, but making a poorly informed choice can lead to you purchasing a bike you’re not quite happy with, which will result in you dreading your workout or, worse yet, not doing it at all.
By carefully selecting the best bike for your needs, you’ll be able to ensure that the bike you choose falls within your budget and provides you with all the features you need.
Most importantly, you’ll be sure you’re selecting a bike that provides a comfortable riding experience.
This is perhaps the most important facet of an exercise bike. If your bike is uncomfortable, you’ll be making excuses for skipping your workouts in no time.
What To Pay Attention On When Choosing Your Folding Exercise Bike
When selecting the folding exercise bike reviews, there are several features you’ll want to consider before arriving at your decision. Depending on your needs, some of these features will be more or less important to you.
A helpful way to narrow down what is and isn’t important to you is to create a list with each of the features below.
Then, score each feature’s importance to you on a scale of 1-5. That way you can organize which features are most important so you’ll know exactly what to look for when you start shopping.
Sturdiness
For many riders, sturdiness and stability are the most important features. Several concessions must be made when compared to traditional stationary bikes to create a practical and useful folding bike,. One of those concessions is usually stability.
Bikes that are particularly small and portable be the least sturdy, while more substantial bikes tend to provide more stability and sturdiness.
If you’re a large rider planning on engaging in demanding workouts, you will want to look towards a model can handle everything that you can dish out.
This may mean sacrificing size, weight, and portability, but you’re likely to find that the added stability is worth the trade-off.
Setting Up
Ask anyone who uses a foldable upright exercise bike, and they’re likely to tell you that they mainly reason they opted for a folding bike to save time. No one wants to spend the first ten minutes of their workout fumbling around with their bike trying to get it set up and ready to go.
Today, many bikes can be set up and ready to ride in under a minute. But there are still plenty of bikes on the market that is a bit more clumsy and difficult to set up and ride.
If time is a concern for you, you’ll want to choose a bike that’s quick and easy to set up from its folded state.
Your Fitness Level
How physically fit you are is another important consideration you’ll need to evaluate the best folding exercise bike for your needs.
If you’re looking for a low-impact stationary workout on a bike that’s easy to ride, you’ll be looking at different models than a cyclist looking to stay sharp when they’re unable to ride outside.
Fortunately, there are models available for people of all abilities and skill levels.
Older riders and riders with joint, mobility, or other health issues, will likely find that a recumbent bike suits their needs the best.
These bike styles are the easiest to get on and off of, and they usually feature heavily padded chairs with backrests that make riding a comfortable experience.
Meanwhile, suppose you’re a serious cycling enthusiast or just someone who is looking for a more challenging workout. In that case, you may choose to opt for an upright bike that’s capable of providing an experience that’s closer to cycling, with resistance levels and programs designed to challenge the rider.
Resistance Types and Levels
There are several different types of resistance systems available on stationary bikes.
Most bikes you’ll come across will have magnetic resistance. You’ll also find bikes using different resistance systems, including flywheel-based resistance, fan resistance, and friction resistance.
This resistance style isn’t particularly common because it’s not very practical. With this style of bike, a large flywheel is used to create resistance on the bike.
This can result in a extremely heavy bike since a flywheel can weigh upwards of 50 pounds. Sometimes, flywheel’s are used in conjunction with other resistance styles.
But, as other resistance models become more accessible, bikes that only use a flywheel for resistance are going the way of the dinosaur.
Bikes that use friction for resistance are among the most popular for serious workout enthusiasts and cyclists. These bikes use brakes to affect how difficult it is to pedal the bike. They’re reliable and can generate extremely high levels of resistance.
These bikes are less popular for home use because they create quite a bit of noise. They also require occasional maintenance to make sure the brake pad is operating properly.
Occasionally, they need to be replaced, adding maintenance cost to the bike.
If you’re a casual cyclist, or someone looking for a basic home workout, you’ll probably find a friction resistance bike isn’t best suited for your needs.
Magnetic Resistance
As you’d imagine, this style of bike uses magnets to generate resistance for the rider as they pedal.
These bikes are most popular for home use for many different reasons. First, they require no maintenance at all while offering reliable operation that’s well suited to most riding scenarios.
These bikes are also among the quietest available, making them a strong choice for multitaskers who would like to work, listen to music, or watch television as they ride.
Nearly every rider will find that a bike with magnetic resistance offers high quality, challenging workout. So, unless you’re looking for a high-end cycling experience, this style of bike could be your best choice.
Fan-Based Resistance
This style of bike is perhaps the most interesting. With fan-based resistance, the bike’s flywheel is eliminated.
Instead of using friction or magnets to generate resistance, a large fan inside the bike’s front section works to create resistance. The faster you pedal the bike, the more resistance is generated.
This style of bike is very popular among professional cyclists because of the level of resistance it can generate. It also offers the bonus of increasing airflow in the area, which helps keep the rider cool and comfortable during their workout.
These relatively quiet bikes make them a strong choice for at-home use. Unfortunately, they’re prohibitively expensive for most riders, and due to the large fan located at the front of the bike, they aren’t available in a folding format.
Comfort Level (adjustable seat and handlebars, pedals, etc…)
Comfort is usually a critical consideration for most riders, for obvious reasons.
If you expect to use your new stationary bike several times each week, you’re going to want it to provide you with a workout that’s at least somewhat comfortable.
Most bikes are relatively adjustable and can be altered to fit the needs and body types of different riders. While not all bike components will be adjustable, you’ll likely want to find an option where you can at least adjust the seat’s height.
Some bikes feature additional adjustments and allow you to adjust the pedals, handlebars, and seat. The more room for adjustment on the bike, the easier it will be for you to dial in a perfect fit to achieve a comfortable workout.
For people who are especially short or tall, finding a bike that’s comfortable to ride can be challenging, so you may want to try and ride as many different options as possible in a store before making your decision.
The seat will be a major consideration for anyone hoping for a comfortable workout.
Most upright bikes feature standard bike seats to mimic the act of cycling. This style of the larger seat can be much more unforgiving than a heavily padded seat with a back like you’ll find on most recumbent exercise bikes.
That said, upright bike seats can still be very comfortable. You just need to select the right one. Some manufacturers have aftermarket seats available.
Most seats can be outfitted with gel seat padded covers designed to provide an extra level of padding and comfort as well.
Some upright bikes and most recumbent bikes feature seats that are far more forgiving than a standard bike seat.
Some are heavily padded and large and offer an experience similar to sitting in a comfortable desk chair. These seats may be best for people with limited fitness levels, as well as older people as well.
These seats also usually feature padded back sections, making riding even easier and more comfortable.
A final consideration to make when it comes to comfort is the ergonomics of the bike.
Today, many bikes feature ergonomic designs that allow the rider to maintain a comfortable posture and positioning while riding.
The ergonomic design extends to every aspect of the bike, including the comfortable seat, pedals, and handlebars. Ergonomically designed bikes can be significantly more comfortable, and they’re especially helpful for longer exercise sessions.
Ease of Use
Another important consideration to make is the ease of use of the bike. This includes things like easy to assemble, set up, fold for storage and ride.
When it comes to assembly, most folding bikes are relatively easy to put together, especially when compared to non-folding bikes which tend to have a much more involved assembly process.
If you don’t have any experience assembling workout equipment, or if the idea of spending more than an hour or so constructing a bike seems like torture, you may want to opt for a bike where most of the assembly is already completed.
The next aspect to consider is how easy or difficult it is to get the bike set up or folded away for storage. Some bikes, especially the more expensive options, can be set up for use in just a few seconds, with very little effort.
On the other hand, there are plenty of options that aren’t nearly as easy to set up, and they can leave riders feeling frustrated and less interested in working out.
If you plan on stowing your bike away often, chances are you’ll want a bike that can be set up and stowed away quickly and with ease.
It also may be helpful to look for a model with an integrated wheel, which makes moving your bike around the house or transporting it much easier.
Additional Gadgets/Features
So far, we’ve covered many basic considerations you’ll need to make when choosing the best bike for your needs. But, there are still many additions to the features, gadgets, and options available on different bikes.
This includes things like the onboard computer and the display of a bike. Even bare-bones models provide some degree of information on an LCD screen. Most provide values like time, distance, calories burned, and speed.
More advanced models include heart rate monitoring and different programs that simulate an actual bike ride over different types of terrain.
If your needs are very basic, you probably aren’t very concerned with how comprehensive the computer system of your bike is. But for more serious riders and anyone interested in a bike that offers specific workout programs, you’ll want to invest in a bike with a more robust onboard computer.
Another style of bike that’s rising in popularity are bikes that also include adjustable desks that allow you to work while you exercise.
These bikes are an attractive alternative to a traditional stationary bike for anyone who has difficulty taking time away from work to exercise. Most of these bikes also make great standing desks, so they can be used even when you aren’t working out.
Benefits of a Folding Exercise Bike
- Tones Muscles: It aids in toning the muscles on your legs, quads, calves, and glutes.
- Lose weight: An exercise bike is one of the best ways to burn calories everyday. Based on your weight and intensity of riding, you can burn between 200-300 calories or more if you ride at least half an hour.
- Best Way To Do Cardio Exercise: Riding a stationary bike is the best way to do cardio at home. It helps boost the efficiency of your heart and also regulates blood sugar level and blood pressure.
- Makes muscles stronger: Riding can help strengthen the prime muscles that support your legs, thighs, and back, including the hamstring muscles.
- Easy On Joints: Riding doesn’t put extra pressure on your joints like other exercises, such as running, jogging, etc.
Folding Exercise Bike FAQ’s
Are folding exercise bikes good?
These bikes can be a great choice due to its small footprint. The bike is constructed in such a way that it is lightweight and can be moved easily. If you have limited space then smaller footprints offer you a lot of exercise possibilities.
Which is the best folding exercise bike?
Here are the best exercise bikes that can be folded:
- EXERPEUTIC FOLDING MAGNETIC UPRIGHT BIKE
- EXERPEUTIC 400XL FOLDING RECUMBENT BIKE
- MARCY FOLDABLE EXERCISE BIKE NS-652
- EXERPEUTIC WORK FIT 1000 DESK STATION
- MARCY RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKE WITH RESISTANCE ME-709
- Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
What is the best value exercise bike?
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is a good option if you are looking for an affordable exercise bike. It is amazing for a cardio workout. Marcy foldable exercise bike has many other features that you may get in high-end models but here you have at a reasonable price.
Are folding bikes good for long rides?
The exercise bike is good for short and long rides. However, it all depends on your endurance, long rides require more endurance and also the ability of the bike. Folding exercise bikes perform the same as every other bike when it comes to long distance.
What should I look for when buying an exercise bike?
Look for the models and easy to use. Purchase the best exercise bike with a screen that can be easily seen. Make sure you can track your fitness, speed, distance, resistance, and calories burned. Also, check exercise bike reviews to know more about the models year and price.
How long should I ride an exercise bike?
If you are using the exercise bike for cardio or aerobic exercise then you can ride for 30 to 40 min for at least 3 -5 days a week.
What is a magnetic exercise bike?
There are 2 types of folding exercise bikes available and the most common is a magnetic exercise bike. These bikes engineered with the power of magnetism, controlled by the flow of electricity. The flywheel can change the resistance level of the bike to give you a more effective workout.
Are folding bikes durable?
The weight and durability of your folding bike depend on the design and material. Most bikes are made with aluminum or good quality steel.
Which is the best folding exercise bike for a short person?
Sunny Fitness Magnetic Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike is the best choice if you are short in height. The bike is smooth to operate due to its 8 adjustable resistance setting and easy to use LCD.
Read Next – Best Beginner BMX Bikes
Conclusion
As you can see, a lot goes into selecting the best bike for your needs. Whether you’re in the market for an upright foldable exercise bike, or a recumbent model, you’ll want to consider your options carefully before making a decision.
Based on the needs of most riders, we’ve recommended several affordable and high quality bikes that provide a solid home workout without encroaching on your space to do other things.
At the same time, you may find that the best folding exercise bike for you isn’t one of the ones we’ve covered above. You do your research, prioritize which features are most important to you, and select a bike that will provide you with everything you need for a high-quality workout in the comfort of your home.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic
Why is it better?
- Great weight capacity
- Tension resistance
- Compact design
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Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API