You’ve been a couch potato too long, you feel almost helpless as you get chubbier by the day, and you are done sitting around and watching the ounces stack up.
However, with the nearest gym an hour’s drive away, and without much space around, it feels like you are running out of time, and options. Before giving up, you should try a space saver exercise bike, and soon you’ll be on your way to getting your fitness (and of course, confidence) back on track.
Now, if you are new to gym equipment, this post has everything you need to learn about these bikes right off the bat.
If you’re a fitness maestro just poking around for a new trick to spice up your workout sessions, you have ended up on the right page. Tag along to understand these bikes better and find out which ones have what it takes.
Let’s jump in!
Foldable Exercise Bike: What’s Great About Them?
You will love these bikes as much as I do when it comes to burning a few calories daily. But the one trick they have up their sleeve is the compact design, which makes them the go-to option for users with a small footprint.
Besides, the small size makes the bikes easy to move around, and most of them have transportation wheels to make it even easier. If space is at a premium for you, so much so, that you have to move your bike after use to create some room, these gizmos will save the day.
These bikes also win the favor of many with their affordability. They are usually cheaper than most of their larger opponents, making them a perfect pick if you’re on a tight budget too.
I particularly love the low-impact cardio exercise that these bikes offer. That makes them a big deal especially for novices who are just dipping their toes in the water. With those few extra pounds on such users, this helps avoid putting too much strain on their joints.
And for the avid fitness enthusiasts, hear me out before thinking these bikes don’t have anything for you. You also have higher resistance settings that ramp up the challenge for you as well.
Just like the case with any other workout equipment, it is yin and yang when it comes to foldable exercise bikes, so yeah; there are some downsides to muddle through.
One of these bummers is the lightweight build. While this is a great thing about these bikes on one side, it can be their undoing on the other, as it means the use of less and less heavy material like metals, taking away on durability.
It takes a close look to get a solidly built bike that’s worth the money.
Another challenge that this could bring about is the issue of weight restriction, with the need for an easily mobile, usable, and compact bike can affect such factors as strength and stability.
Chances are if the manufacturers don’t take care of every detail, falling for a bike that can’t support much weight could be very much a possibility. You should be very careful when buying, especially if you’re a larger user.
Also, when trying to save on weight, price, and size, such features as workout programs, monitors, high-end digital feedbacks and Bluetooth connectivity may have to come off.
Space Saver Exercise Bike:
All said and done, here’s a rundown of a few exercise bikes that you can turn to if you don’t have much space.
The Macy Foldable Exercise Bike checks all the boxes of an excellent cardio exercise thanks to its outstanding features. First things first, the foldable design makes it a perfect choice if you’re tight on space.
But this doesn’t come at the expense of performance; its magnetic resistance is just as outstanding with a reliable, quiet operation. And it’s adjustable to match your changing workout needs.
You also get a reliable LCD panel interface for accessing all the stats like time, speed, distance, and calories burned among others. What’s more, you can easily plan your workout on the user-friendly interface.
As far as construction, the 14-gauge top-quality frame offers a great deal of resilience, performance, and durability.
The pedals are counterweighted, and with adjustable straps, and the seat is padded for comfort and adjustable to suit your weight.
This is a great exercise bike for beginners and seasoned indoor cyclers alike.
With a 300-pound capacity, and measuring just 31” by 19” by 46”, this bike brings together compact design and heavy-duty performance.
The magnetic resistance (with up to eight levels) puts up quite a fight, allowing you to achieve an intense workout, and is very silent as well, which makes it perfect for indoors use.
The height is also adjustable to fit any user between 5’3” and 6’1” so it can be a great choice for use with your folks. With its LCD and a large, easy-to-read 3.3” by 1.5” window, you can easily track your stats as you wheel away.
Also impressive is the compact design, with a foldable design for saving space when not in use, and inbuilt transportation wheels make short work of moving it out of the way when done with your session.
Best Space-Saving Recumbent Bike - Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4616
For recumbent bike lovers, this Sunny Health & Fitness bike is for you! At only 32” by 21” by 49”, it’s perfect for saving on space. The magnetic resistance mechanism with up to 10 levels to choose from is awesome at giving you a solid and yet quiet workout experience.
Its steel frame is robust enough to hold up to 136Kgs, and you have a fully padded seat and backrest for ultimate comfort. And it gets even better; an adjustable design allows you to set it right where you feel most comfortable.
Another feature I’m sure you’ll love as much as I do is the adjustable chair to match your height and the foldable handlebars that make it easy to get on and off the bike. Lastly, there’s a performance monitor for keeping an eye on your progress.
Premium Option with The Best Features - Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
This Schwinn bike packs a hoard of awesome features that puts the competition to shame, with the fluid resistance mechanism being as unique as it is impressive. Despite the sleek 41.3” by 21.4” by 55.6” design, the frame is still solid enough to support up to 300 pounds.
Another lovable feature in this bike is its fully loaded console, which comes with a DualTrack blue LCD screen for perfect display. Up to 29 workout programs bring a completely new meaning to a modern exercise bike workout.
Then you have extra awesome features as the padded seat, Bluetooth connectivity for app-based setting, and tracking of your progress. You can’t help but love the telemetric HR-enabled design with contact hr sensors.
Great Looking Design - ECHANFIT Indoor Cycling Bike
If you prefer a bike that looks as great as it feels, then you should get yourself the ECHANFIT Indoor cycling bike and take on its silent magnetic resistance system with up to 16 levels.
Besides the looks, the steel material makes this bike one heck of a beast when it comes to strength and stability, making it capable of supporting up to 270 pounds. And with the frame offering personalized customization, you can adjust this bike to fit your body size if you’re anywhere between 4’9” and 6’0”
A large, soft seat comes in to give you the needed comfort throughout your workout, and it’s adjustable to match your height.
One outstanding thing about this bike is the arm resistance bands, which allow you to recruit your arms, shoulders, and even the back as well.
Another Great Recumbent Option - XTERRA Fitness FB350
The XTERRA Fitness FB350 offers a great option too if you are on the hunt for a recumbent bike for your home gym. The steel frame goes above and beyond in terms of performance and durability, but it’s the compact 40.5” by 21” by 50.5” size and a foldable design, allowing it to collapse down to a 20.5” by 20” footprint.
Comfort is catered to thanks to its large seat with a padded pad for lower back support, not to mention that the seat is adjustable too to suit your size just fine. You can’t go wrong with the belt drive system with up to eight levels of resistance.
Monitor your workout achievement with the inbuilt 2” by 1” LCD window display for such vital information as distance, time, speed, pulse, and calories burned.
400-Pound Weight Capacity - Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Folding Bike
The Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty foldable exercise bike stands shoulder high above the competition in serious heavy lifting. The alloy steel frame making it one of the most robust bikes out there at a capacity of 400 pounds.
But that doesn’t take away on the performance; a magnetic resistance system is in place with up to 8 levels for your varying workout out needs.
Nonetheless, it’s still a compact unit measuring 39” by 26.4” by 48.4” and folds even smaller to create more room.
Comfort shouldn’t be a problem with the spacious comfortable seat featuring a cushioning and being easily adjustable to fit users of any size between 5’1” and 6’5” perfectly.
An impressive large LCD is also on tow, allowing you to access important data like scan, speed, time, pulse, distance, and even an odometer.
This 32-pound machine makes it to this list thanks to its compact design along with a long list of great features. With its eight resistance levels easily adjustable using a dial tension knob, you can always set it to your desired resistance.
At 31.89” by 18.1” by 43.3”, it’s easy to fit in most tight spaces inside your home gym or house. And then you can settle down to enjoy such perks as the HR pulse grips on the handlebars, an easy-to-use 2” by 1” LCD console, transport wheels, and the large seat, which is adjustable to fit users between 4’10” and 5’10”
You can’t afford to miss such handy extras as the X-frame design, which folds nice and easy to cover just 18.1” by 18.1” when not in use, as well as the 3.3-pounds balanced flywheel for a smooth and quiet workout.
The Smallest Bike on The List - DeskCycle Under Desk Bike
If you are at your wit's end for lack of space, don’t worry, this DeskCycle Under Desk Bike pedal exerciser is all you need. At a meager 24” by 20” by 10”, this nice little gizmo fits almost anywhere and still gets the job done.
Before doubting it for the small size, you should check out the magnetic resistance mechanism with up to eight resistance levels just like the other larger options.
And the steel and high-impact plastic offer the durability you need, not to mention that this machine can also support up to 500 pounds, ranking it up there.
And yes, you can monitor how well you’re doing on the 1000 minute, 5-function LCD, keeping you informed on the distance, time, calories burned, speed, and scan.
If you’ve already done some footwork in search of a space-saving exercise bike, then you have probably come across or heard about the Peloton bike.
Peloton managed to compete with other well-known brands and put its name out there as a reputable exercise equipment company.
For those who haven’t, The Peloton Bike is one of the high-end indoor exercise bikes on the market packed with a laundry list of quite outstanding features that are sure to make your workout worthwhile.
The first thing I give this bike a thumbs up for is its sleek design (taking up only 4’ by 2’ of floor space) so it can squeeze nicely and easily into a tight space. Nevertheless, this bike can take on quite some weight, with a capacity of up to 300 pounds.
If that doesn’t blow you away, then its Wi-Fi-enabled 21.5-inch tablet definitely will. You can always monitor your workout stats in real-time on its sweat-proof, crisp, and responsive touch screen display.
I also love the idea of streaming live classes when needed and listen through the inbuilt speakers on the tablet, connect your Bluetooth headphones, or use wired ones. Even better, you can also compete with other like-minded fitness diehards on a live leader board as you make the most out of its cardio workout.
Its smooth pedals and flywheel are unmistakably silent thanks to the electromagnetic resistance design of this bike. But what does the trick for me here is the high sensitivity of the resistance, which allows you to adjust it even by one percent.
Of course, comfort has been taken care of too as you can bet, with the saddle being both comfy and easily adjustable in height as well as depth, allowing people of different sizes to find that sweet spot. It’s the ideal spin for the family.
Then you have the handlebars. These are not only very sturdy but also offer a solid grip even when your hands become all sweaty. You won’t have to worry about sliding or losing your grip on this one.
Peloton even came up with an upgraded version of this bike called the Peloton bike plus, we have a detailed comparison between it with and the original Peloton bike, you can check it here.
What’s Cool?
- Handy pedal clips that are easy to clip and unclip
- Covers a wide range of stats; from cadence to calories burned, speed, distance, ride time, etc
- Awesome live spin class
- Very quiet you don’t have to wake everyone else up
- A sleek modern design but still packs a punch
- Solid build supports up to 300 pounds
What’s Not so Cool?
- It’s a bit expensive.
- You have to pay monthly subscription fees.
Still can’t be as immersive as a spin class can get, there are a few alternatives to the Peloton bike.
Bikes like the Bowflex C6, which we have put against the Peloton before, and the Echelon EX3, which we also compared to the Peloton before, or even the Expresso bike, try to compete with Peloton while being more affordable.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
You have probably seen one and wondered why the weird shape, or rode on one and felt the difference. Recumbent bikes are built to offer the user a combination of ideal back support while taking the strain off their feet.
That’s what the unique design of this bike is for. With the pedals far out in the front, and the chair has back support, recumbent bikes prove to be non-weight bearing, and great for the back. This outstanding design makes these bikes perfect for users with shoulder, back, neck, or joint problems.
According to a 2017 study, recumbent bikes pack great benefits for users with cardiac limitations too, and their low placement offer people with mobility challenges easier access as well. And another one in 2019 recommended these bikes for endurance exercise for seniors who have knee and hip pain.
Other studies have also recommended these bikes for their varying benefits. These include a 2014 study that found no difference in the use of recumbent as compared to ordinary bikes but for better exercise in some leg muscles.
And another study in 2004 found these bikes to put less stress on the user’s anterior cruciate ligament, making them ideal for people recovering from injury in this part.
So, what’s the best one? Well, the answer to that is going to be relative depending on one’s experience.
And with a long list of top-of-the-line recumbent bikes out there, zeroing in on one that turns out to be the most comfortable of all can be virtually impossible.
The manufacturers are trying to outdo each other, resulting in awesome bikes rolling out the product lines. But to be sincere, one bike will be great at one feature, and another one will beat it at another feature.
What Is the Best Inexpensive Exercise Bike?
With the soaring demand for indoor bikes, manufacturers have gone to work making better, fancier bikes. And they are rolling them out in the thousands.
But these better, classier, and high-performance bikes come at a cost. The price tags keep skyrocketing, making most of them too expensive for most users to afford.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to settle for a cheap knock-off that won’t help you realize your weight loss goals. Trust me; the market has a fair share of those too.
The good news is, you can still find a great bike if you are willing to spend a couple of bucks. But of all the options out there, one stands out of the crowd, offering the best of both worlds in terms of performance and price — The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike.
With a price tag of less than $300, this bike comes with a heap of features that blow the competition right out of the water.
First in its long list of benefits is the strong build and a steel material construction that makes it capable of supporting up to 275 pounds, making it a great fit for both average and slightly larger users.
A resistance knob makes easy work of setting the desired resistance (with up to 100 levels to choose from) for your desired results. Also, its 2-way multi-grip handlebars are easily adjustable, and the seat is four-way adjustable to match different riding styles and individual height. You’re very much in charge here.
With inbuilt levelers, you never have to wheel away on a wobbly bike; even on a slightly uneven floor, you have those to help you set up the bike nice and sturdy.
The sturdy 40-pound flywheel running on a chain drive system maintains a smooth momentum for perfect speed, consistency, and stability.
Related Reading; Elliptigo Sub Review – The Most Fun Outdoor Stand Up Bike
How to Choose a Bike for Small Places
If you have been trying to get that ideal bike to add to your already cramped apartment or your small home gym, then you must have realized how daunting a prospect this can become. Now, that isn’t to say you have to give up on getting an exercise bike.
If you’re on the hunt for just the right bike, here are a few boxes you need to check.
The Size
If space isn’t a luxury for you, which is most likely the case, then size is going to be a very important consideration to factor in above all else.
The good thing is, exercise bikes come in a wide array of sizes, some are bulky and sure to take up more real estate, others are small and easy to fit almost anywhere or move around if you have to.
A stroll on the reviews section would be a great idea to view any pictures that customers have shared of the bike in a real home setting, giving you a better shot at gauging the size.
Is It Adjustable?
Some bikes might be small by design, but when their adjustability kicks in, they open up a world of options to get the best out of them.
With adjustable handlebars and seats, your bike can accommodate larger users without having to be too big. And even if that is not the case, the flexibility this brings about is awesome in itself.
Resistance Design
The resistance system of your bike simply determines how smooth or tough it feels on your legs, which in essence dictates the intensity of your workout.
A magnetic resistance system is a perfect choice in this sense, thanks to its solid yet quiet performance, and it brings on a feel of riding on the road.
Resistance Levels
While at it, look out for the number of resistance levels available.
This is similarly as important as it lets you customize the force you need to apply, meaning you can set the machine to match your needs.
If you are just starting or recovering from an injury, a low level will work great for you. But if you are in top form, you can crank it hard to make the most out of your workout session.
Recumbent or Upright
Another area where you need to make a choice is the type of bike. You have two main options (I will share more of these in the next section) to go by here: either a recumbent bike or an upright one.
That said, finding some models with a 2-in-1 design isn’t uncommon.
On the bottom line, each has its benefits and shortcomings, so you should go for the one that best matches your needs.
And while at it, also keep an eye out for those essential extras as comfort, connectivity, programs, display, and of course, weight capacity among others.
Exercise Bike Types
As aforementioned, exercise bikes come in different types, making the decision more of a preference; you have to go for the one that serves you best. For those in search of an exercise bike for the first time, here are some of the types at your disposal.
Recumbent Bikes
This type is usually unique from most other bike types on the market with its seat (which has back support) a little lower and further back in a reclined position.
They have a set of handles in most cases, with a pair at the back on the sides of the seat, and another at the front, which is where the pedals are in most bikes too.
Recumbent bikes are a mainstay among most users with injury, back, hip, or leg problems.
Upright Bikes
Upright exercise bikes aren’t far off from the ordinary ones, so you already have an idea of how they look; the only outstanding feature is that their pedals are at the front.
These bikes also have adjustable seats, but are stationary and run on a resistance mechanism like the recumbent ones.
And most of these bikes come with a screen for monitoring your workout performance and also for showing virtual classes if they have more advanced functionality.
Air Bike
If you’re setting out to test something different, then you’ll find it in an air bike. This type stands out of the crowd with its fan design.
Located near its pedals, the fan on these bikes creates the resistance, and the harder you pedal, the more it blows air, counteracting on your effort.
However, this type looks like ordinary bikes in most of the other aspects, especially the appearance.
A Spinner
This one is also known as a studio bike, and although they are not as common as upright and recumbent bikes, they too claim a share of the market.
These bikes too look pretty much the same as regular ones, but with the seat at the front along with the handlebars, although you mostly have room for adjusting it.
Just like the other types out there, a spinner gets the job done, and makes for a worthy addition to your home gym.
Cardio Strider
Here’s yet another great option to diversify your workout experience. The cardio strider too stands out with its pedal design, which, unlike other bikes, doesn’t rotate 180 degrees.
It acts pretty much like a stair master, having low steps. The only common thing about this bike and these other types is the seating position, which matches that of a recumbent bike.
Top Exercise Bikes Brands
Choosing an excellent exercise bike isn’t just about the functionality and those cutting-edge features, sometimes a closer look at the brand behind it could give you an idea of the quality you’re getting.
Granted, not all the brands manufacturing these bikes can be the same. So here’s a rundown of the top brands that I have great respect for based on reliability, quality, warranties, customer support, and brand reputation.
Just take note, however, that great as these brands might sound, their bikes might cost you a pretty penny.
Vision Fitness
Founded in 1993, Vision Fitness has been in the market for almost three decades now and has won several dozen awards for their gym equipment, including commercial and residential workout bikes.
Not only are their bikes high-end, but they also have some of the longest warranties in the business.
Sole Fitness
For solid yet affordable fitness equipment for your light commercial and home gym use, Sole Fitness is a renowned name in the industry.
This brand mainly builds upright bikes, recumbent bikes, and indoor cycle trainers, all with steel frames and heavy flywheels. And they have some of the top warranties in the industry.
The only catch is, you’ll need a hefty pocket to flip one out of their shelves, as the price range is between $599 and $1499, although they still offer great discounts too.
BH Fitness
Established back in the 60s, BH Fitness is part of a multinational company (BH Group) with a history of up to 100 years.
BH Fitness division focused on making stationary bikes right from the get-go. The company has some of the most outstanding quality control and customer service in the market.
And it’s a mainstay in the global market for commercial gyms, light commerce fitness businesses, and even for residential exercise bikes, treadmills, and other fitness gear.
Landice Exercise Bike
A popular brand in the home gyms and commercial fitness business sphere, Landice specializes in manufacturing recumbent and upright bikes.
The brand holds its head high when it comes to comfort and luxury, but the one thing that makes it stand out is the long warranties, which shows just how top-drawer the brand is in quality durability.
NordicTrack
Topping the list among global gym equipment sales, NordicTrack is one of the industry giants. And having been in business since the 1970s, the company has held its spot in the market for decades.
Similar to leading exercise bike manufacturers like Bowflex and Peloton, NordicTrack offers more than just bikes, they also provide a range of treadmills and elliptical trainers among others.
NordicTrack’s reputation hinges mainly on their product’s (Yes, including bikes) quality, performance, and great compatibility with a myriad of workout programs.
What Are the Benefits of Exercise Bikes?
There’s a long list of the advantages you can get with exercise bikes. Now, although it would be virtually impossible to go through all of them, here are a few takeaways that make these bikes worth a hard look.
Better Cardio Health
Cycling is one of the aerobic workouts that enhance the fitness of your heart, lungs, and of course, muscles.
This means better blood and oxygen flow in the body, resulting in even more benefits like stronger immunity, better sleep, reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and better blood sugar levels.
Shedding Off the Extra Fat
The main reason why most people consider working out in the first place is to lose weight, something exercise bikes are good at taking care of. With the ability to burn a whopping 600 calories in one hour with an intense session, there’s almost no limit to how far you can go at this one.
You Get a Low-Impact Workout
With the smooth movements achieved when working out on a stationary bike, you can safely strengthen joints and bones without overworking them.
It might not seem like much, but this proves to be a great deal for individuals with any issues or injuries in these parts.
Works Leg and The Lower Body Muscles
If there’s one thing a stationary bike does best, it’s to recruit your leg muscles as well as the lower body.
With the right resistance, you will be able to work most of the muscles in these parts such as hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps.
And some bikes even have moving handlebars that also allow you to recruit the upper body and hand muscles as well.
It’s as Safe and Convenient as It Gets
Indoor cycling is designed to simulate actual cycling, and while it has all the perquisites you will get with your ordinary bike on the road or trail, these bikes are also safer.
In the safety of your home gym, you won’t have to keep an eye over your shoulder for traffic.
You also don’t have to be wary about any slick road surfaces, have to work out only in the daytime or have to slow down due to poor visibility.
Some bikes have virtual training courses, and there are amazing apps like Zwift that allow to ride your bike in a virtual world with other people.
Cycling indoors has never been more fun, you can just pick up an exercise bike that works with Zwift and enjoy an online session with your friends or with strangers and work your body at the same time.
A Quick Takeaway
There you have it! If you are thinking of getting an exercise bike but the lack of space has been holding you back, now you know what options are available to you, and how to pick just the right one.
Related Readings:
- Best Exercise Bikes for Knee Replacement Rehab – My Personal Reviews & Research
- Stationary Bike Vs Elliptical – Which is Better For Weight Loss, Bad Knees, & Toning – My Comparison
- The Best Recumbent Bikes For Tall People
- Treadmill Vs. Bike: Which Is Better for Weight Loss? What About Muscle Building? Which is Cheaper?
- Bowflex C6 vs. Keiser M3i – Which Indoor Bike Is Better? My Personal Comparison
References:
- https://stepper-guide.com/folding-exercise-bikes-good
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health-products/a29659127/what-is-peloton-bike-review-cost-facts/
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/peloton-review-what-to-know-before-you-buy/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-recumbent-exercise-bikes#pros-and-cons
- https://www.nbcnews.com/shopping/fitness/best-affordable-indoor-exercise-bikes-n1245309
- https://pedallers.com/best-exercise-bike-for-small-spaces/
- https://www.precorhomefitness.com/blogs/blog/the-different-types-of-exercise-bikes
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/stationary-bike-workout#benefits
- https://fitness1stgym.com/8-shocking-benefits-of-a-stationary-bike-workout-in-the-gym/
- https://www.verywellfit.com/best-exercise-bikes-4157924
- https://www.exercisebike.net/bike-brands/
Ben Mayz
Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page
