Getting enough exercise can be difficult. It often feels like you don’t have enough time to get in a workout. Perhaps you don’t want to pay for a gym membership that you might not use. Fortunately, there are other options to consider, such as getting one of the best upright exercise bikes for the house.
Upright exercise bikes can be a huge benefit for those who want to get into better shape and who need a simple and effective method of doing it. Of course, with all of the upright exercise bikes on the market today, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your money. To make things easier, we review the top upright exercise bikes available.
Check out the options below and see what each of these bikes has to offer. Find the solution that will work best for your fitness and health needs. We’ve also included information on the benefits of using stationary bikes and more.
Best Upright Exercise Bikes - Our Top Picks
JOROTO Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
The JOROTO upright exercise bike features a solid overall build and is capable of holding riders up to 280 lbs. The upright bike uses an AV type frame with a 35-lb. chrome flywheel to help ensure durability. The bike even features four horizontal adjustment knobs, which help to keep the bike stable on a range of different surfaces. This ensures a safe ride for you while you are exercising.
Thanks to the magnetic resistance and belt drive of the JOROTO upright exercise bike, you will enjoy the whisper-quiet performance. The ride is smooth and almost silent, so you will not have to worry about the sound bothering other people in the house.
Another benefit of the indoor cycling bike is the fact that it is fully adjustable. The bike has a wide seat and handlebars, which are four-way adjustable, allowing it to work with users of many different sizes. The suitable inseam for users of this bike is between 27.5” and 36.2”.
The upright exercise bike features high-quality steel toe-caged pedals that have straps you can easily adjust. Even adjusting the resistance of your workouts with this bike is easy. All you need to do is turn a knob to change up the workout.
Those who choose this bike will also be happy to know that it comes with a multi-use holder. You can use it for a phone, a tablet, a bottle of water, etc. The transportation wheels are another benefit. Although the bike weighs close to 80 lbs., you will be able to maneuver the bike to just where you need with minimal effort.
The upright exercise bike includes a multi-grip handlebar system, a wide pedal crank, and a digital monitor. The monitor will make it easy for you to track your progress in real-time while you are on the stationary bike.
Pros
- The build is high-quality and durable
- The seat is wide and soft for a comfortable ride
- Change the resistance levels quickly and easily
Cons
- The bike only holds up to 280 lbs., which may not be enough for larger users
Schwinn Upright Bike Series 130
Schwinn is a popular name in bikes, whether they are traditional bikes or stationary bikes. The Series 130 upright bike allows you to track your goals. This will make it easier for you to set and reach your exercise goals. In addition, there is a DualTrack LCD screen that provides easy visibility for the goal tracking and the 22 programs the bike offers.
You will note that this bike features a high-speed, high inertia drive system. This allows for easy start-up and smooth workouts. The bike is nice and quiet, as well, so you will not have to worry about disturbing others in the home while you are exercising.
Another nice feature of the 130 is the 20 different levels of resistance that it can provide. This lets you change up the style and intensity of your workouts quickly and easily.
The seat is contoured and padded, so you can be sure you are having a comfortable workout no matter how long you choose to ride. If you would like to use a different bike seat, the seat post makes it easy to change out with any clamp and rail bike seat. The handlebars are adjustable, so you can change up the angle, which also helps with comfort while you are riding.
Pros
- The user height range is quite large for this exercise bike – between 4’6” and 6’6”
- The console features 22 different exercise programs to meet your needs
- The frame is sturdy and durable
Cons
- Some customers have had trouble setting up and assembling the upright bike
NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S22i
NordicTrack is one of the most popular names in exercise equipment, and it has been providing quality gear for many years. The S22i is a commercial studio cycle similar to what you might see in a gym, although it can work very well for the home, too.
This high-quality upright exercise bike has a lot to offer. One of the main benefits that help to make it a standout is the 22” interactive coaching touchscreen. This makes it possible to quickly and easily access studio session workouts from professional trainers, all from the comfort of your home.
When you use the on-demand workouts, the bike will even automatically adjust the incline and the speed to match the trainers’ workouts. This provides you with an immersive experience without needing to go to the gym.
There are thousands of on-demand workout experiences including options for burning calories, incline cycling, bootcamp, cross-training, and more. It is even possible to use Google Maps to have virtual rides and to see just how far you’ve gone. You can rotate the screen, so you can watch the trainers and do other exercises while you are off your bike. It also includes two 3 lb. dumbbells for cross-training while on the bike.
The upright exercise bike features Silent Magnetic Resistance. The SMR provides a smooth and quiet workout, so you never have to worry about bothering others in the home while you are exercising. NordicTrack is sure the frame is durable, so they offer a 10-year frame warranty.
Pros
- Holds up to 350 lbs., which is great for heavier users
- Plenty of new and interesting workouts to try from professional trainers
- The bike’s console is easy to use
Cons
- The upright bike is quite heavy, which means it can be difficult to move from room to room
Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series AD6
Schwinn has made the list again with the AD6, a single-stage belt-drive bike that uses a progressive wind resistance system. The upright bike is quiet and easy to use. Thanks to the resistance system, there are infinite levels of resistance, which means many different and interesting workout options for you.
There is a RevMeter RPM gauge that will help you with interval training. Another nice benefit is the frictionless fan that will help to keep you cool and comfortable while you are riding. The self-balancing foot pedals include foot straps to ensure your feet stay in place while riding. The water bottle holder is another nice touch.
The LCD display is nothing fancy, but it provides you with easy to see and understand metrics. You will be able to see your distance, calories, and speed, for example. The upright bike also has transport wheels, which will make it easier to move the bike to where you need it and to store it out of the way when you aren’t using it.
An element that helps to separate this upright exercise bike from other options available are the moving handles. They will allow you to get in an upper body workout while you are riding and working on your lower body and cardio.
Pros
- Comfortable seat for those long exercise sessions
- The upright exercise bike can hold up to 300 lbs.
- Work on the upper and lower body at the same time
Cons
- Some customers have had trouble with the installation and assembly
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike L:001A
Model L:001A features a 35 lb. flywheel and a heavy-duty steel frame for added durability. The bike will remain stable while you are riding, and the belt-driven system will provide a smooth and quiet ride when compared with chain-driven systems. You never have to worry about disturbing others in the house when you are using the bike.
The upright exercise bike features two-way adjustable handlebars that are nonslip. The four-way padded seat has an inseam height from 25” to 35”. You will be happy to know that there is a large resistance range, so you can alter how difficult the routine is that you are doing. This could be a good option for those wanting variety in their workouts.
The exercise bike features an LCD monitor that can track your time, distance, speed, and the calories burned. It also has an odometer. Another benefit of the bike is that it comes with an iPad holder, which you could also use for other tablets. This way, you could listen to music, stream a show, listen to a podcast, and more while you are exercising.
The upright bike has adjustable cage pedals, so you can go fast on the bike without worry. There is also a water bottle holder, as well as transport wheels. The wheels will make it easier for you to move this upright bike to just where you need it. The belt-drive exercise bike could be a solid solution to your exercise needs.
Pros
- Easily change the resistance levels to meet your needs
- The bike is easy to use and is quiet thanks to the pure wool felt brake pad
- The cage pedals will help to ensure a safe ride
Cons
- The maximum user weight is 270 lbs., which might not be high enough for some users
Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness upright exercise bike features a heavy-duty steel frame with a 49 lb. flywheel. The bike is solidly built and stable, so you will not have to worry about it wobbling from side to side as you are riding.
The upright exercise bike features a realistic resistance system that is designed to make you feel as if you are riding out on the road. You will also find an emergency brake to make the bike stop immediately if you need to get off for any reason. The model features an adjustable inseam height from 29” to 41”.
The belt-drive system is nice and quiet, so you will be able to watch a show while exercising. You will not have to worry about disturbing others because of the sound of the bike either. The four-way seat is adjustable, as are the two-way handlebars. There are toe clips in the pedals to ensure your feet stay in place.
Another nice benefit is the water bottle holder. This ensures you can stay hydrated while you are exercising. The adjustable resistance will make for an excellent workout. Keep in mind that this bike will be able to hold users up to 275 lbs.
Pros
- Transport wheels help to make the bike easier to move
- Easy to adjust the seat and the handlebars
- The upright exercise bike offers a sturdy frame and comfort
Cons
- The bike does not have an LCD screen, which is something that many users may prefer
Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
There are many similarities between this indoor cycling bike from Sunny Health & Fitness and their previous option on the list. However, rather than being belt-drive, this upright exercise bike is chain-driven. It features a 40 lb. flywheel that provides a smooth and stable ride.
The exercise bike features a simple-to-use system for resistance levels. There is a micro-adjustable knob, so you can get just the right levels of resistance for your ride.
The handlebars are ergonomic and can accommodate a range of different riding styles. You can easily adjust the two-way multi-grip handlebars, which is nice for riders of different heights. The seat is also four-way adjustable. The upright exercise bike also has levelers you can use to ensure the bike is stable even when the surface might be uneven.
The steel frame is sturdy, but you should note that the maximum rider weight for the bike is 275 lbs. The bike features caged pedals, so your feet will not slip while you are riding. The transportation wheels also make it easy for the bike to move to different locations, even though it weighs close to 100 lbs.
Pros
- The micro-tension control allows you to get the right level of resistance for your rides
- The heavy flywheel allows for smooth and safe operation
- The caged pedals keep your feet where they belong
Cons
- You will not have an LCD screen on the bike
MaxKare Stationary Bike
The MaxKare Stationary Bike is a belt-drive indoor cycle that features a heavy 44 lb. flywheel. This helps to provide you with more stability when you are using the exercise bike. Although it is not a magnetic resistance bike, it still provides you with quiet operation, so you can exercise without worrying about disturbing others.
The handlebars can be lifted up and down, and the seat will move up, down, forward, and backward. This makes the upright exercise bike easy to adjust to work with your height. You will also be happy to know that the exercise bike’s seat features high-density padding for a soft and comfortable ride. This is nice for those longer sessions on the bike.
The tension knob makes it easy for you to quickly adjust the resistance levels on the bike. You can get the perfect level of resistance for the type of workout you have in mind. The bike also has an emergency brake lever next to the tension knob, making it easy to stop the bike quickly if there is a need.
The bike also features an LCD monitor that will track your calories burned, heart rate, speed, and time. It also has an odometer. You will also find a bracket to hold your phone or tablet.
Pros
- The caged pedals help to reduce the chance of slippage
- Transportation wheels will make the exercise bike easier to move
- Adjustable for riders from 4’11” through 6’3”
Cons
- Some users have had trouble assembling the bike on their own
MaxKare Magnetic Exercise Bike
The system is quiet, and you will find that it makes it easy to adjust the tension levels for the workout. Whether you want an easy workout, or you are challenging yourself, there are levels of resistance that will work for you.
The exercise bike has a durable frame along with a quiet flywheel. However, you will want to keep in mind that the maximum weight for this upright exercise bike is 264 lbs., which is on the low end of the bikes on this list. Those who are heavier will want to look for a different option.
The handlebars are two-way adjustable, while the seat is four-way adjustable. You should not have any trouble getting the bike adjusted just the way you need for a smooth and comfortable ride. The large padded seat helps to add to the level of comfort. The steel toe-caged pedals will help to ensure that your feet stay in place.
Those who choose this upright exercise bike will also enjoy the fact that it has an LCD monitor. You can easily see the amount of time on the bike, your speed, distance, and the number of calories you have burned during the workout. There is also a phone and tablet bracket, so you can be sure your mobile devices are secure while you are exercising.
Pros
- You will enjoy a smooth and quiet ride with the upright bike thanks to the magnetic flywheel
- The transportation wheels help make the bike easier to move
- The upright stationary bike is easy to adjust
Cons
- A handful of customers have had issues with the build quality, but these complaints are rare
Body Rider BRF700
The BRF700 from Body Rider provides you with a quality exercise bike that has moving handles that provide elliptical action. This will allow you to get in an upper body and lower body workout at the same time. The resistance system is easy to adjust, so you can change up the intensity of the workout with the turn of a knob.
The upright stationary bike has an adjustable seat. The company recently updated the seats they use for the bike to ensure that it is comfortable for the users. The steel frame is heavy-duty and durable, and the fan wheel helps to keep you cool while you are riding.
Pros
- The bike weighs less than 50 lbs., so it is easy to move just where you need it
- Easy to use digital display will track the time, distance, speed, and the calories burned
- Work out the upper and lower body at the same time thanks to the dual-action handlebars
Cons
- The weight capacity is only 250 lbs., which may not be enough for some users
Why Use an Upright Bicycle
Having and using an upright exercise bike can do many great things for your health. It is a fun and effective form of exercise that could help you to get into better shape and help you to drop some extra pounds. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best health reasons to consider getting one of the best upright exercise bikes on this list.
Improve Your Cardio Fitness
Using an exercise bike is an excellent way to get the heart pumping, which helps to improve your cardiovascular fitness. This type of exercise can work well to help strengthen your heart and your muscles. It could help to improve the blood flow in your body and the oxygen throughout the body.
When you have improved cardio fitness, you will find that it could help to improve your health in many ways. You may be able to improve the function of your brain and your memory. You can lower your blood pressure and improve your sugar levels.
Cardio exercise is also a good option for lowering your stress and improving your mood. Cardio can help people to get better sleep at night, too, which is essential for good health.
Lose Weight and Burn Fat
Many people choose to use these types of bikes for exercise because they want to lose some weight. The upright bikes work very well for this since you can change the resistance levels. It allows you to work up a sweat and burn those calories. Bikes with the LCD displays help you keep track of the calories you have burned, too.
With an exercise bike and the right routines, you can easily burn hundreds of calories per hour on the bike. This will help you start shedding those pounds faster than you might have thought possible. You just need to make sure that you keep up with the exercises and change up your resistance levels and routines to keep the body burning calories.
When you combine high-intensity workouts on the exercise bike with a healthy diet, it will help to reduce body weight and body fat. If you are looking for a viable way to get into better shape, choosing an upright exercise bike could be right for you.
Strengthen Your Lower Body
Riding the upright exercise bike will also help you to strengthen your legs. This is especially true when you start using higher resistance levels. Sitting upright on the bike will also help you to strengthen your core, which is an added benefit.
Some of the bikes on the list of the best upright exercise bikes above also feature moveable handles. These will help you to strengthen your upper body muscles including your biceps, back, and shoulders, at the same time. The dual action can also help you to burn more calories during the workout.
Low Impact Workouts
Those who have joint issues may not be able to do certain types of exercises that could cause stress on their bones and joints. One of the great benefits of indoor cycling on these bikes is that it is low impact. It is easy on the joints, while still providing a quality workout.
It Is Safer than the Street
You might be wondering why you don’t just get a traditional bike and head out onto the road or the trails. Simply put, using an exercise bike will be safer than actually cycling. You will not have to worry about traffic in your exercise room, and you won’t have to worry about falling along a trail.
Not only will it be safer, but you can ride on your upright exercise bike no matter what the weather outside might be. Even if it is raining out, or if the weather is unbearably hot, you can simply hop onto your stationary bike and get your heart rate up with a ride. It can also ensure that you do not get too much sun.
Why Does an Upright Exercise Bike Make Sense for You?
In addition to the health benefits, you might be wondering about some of the other benefits that can be had when you choose an indoor exercise bike. You will find that there are plenty of other benefits that could make one of these bikes the perfect exercise choice.
A Cost-Effective Option
How much does a monthly gym membership cost? Even if you were to find a cheap gym, you would be paying each month to use the gym. Over time, this starts to add up substantially. By choosing to buy your own upright exercise bike, you will only have a one-time expense.
Those who are looking for a good way to get into shape and who don’t want to deal with a gym contract will find that the exercise bike is a great choice. It could be an ideal option to add to your home equipment, or it might even be your first piece of exercise equipment.
Highly Convenient
Having an upright bike at your home is also very convenient. If you have a gym membership, you will have to make an effort to get out of the house and drive to and from the gym when you want to work out. Depending on how far the gym is from your home, this can take up a lot of time.
With the upright exercise bike at home, you can work out at your own convenience, no matter the time of day or night.
They Don’t Take Up Much Room
Some pieces of exercise equipment that you might be considering for your home are quite large and unwieldy. One of the nice benefits of an exercise bike is that they are on the smaller side. They will not take up much room, and you can generally move them from room to room if you need.
Of course, there are some bikes on the list above that are quite heavy, and they may be more difficult to move. Many of the bikes have transportation wheels, which can make it easier to move the bike.
They Are Quiet
If you haven’t been looking at upright exercise bikes for the home in the past few years, you might think that they are still loud and clunky. The technology that is used to make these bikes today has helped to reduce the overall noise that they make. They tend to be quiet enough that you can watch TV while riding without needing to crank the volume.
In addition, they are quiet enough that you do not have to worry about disturbing other people in the home. This is helpful if you have roommates or if you have children that might be napping. It also means that you can exercise late at night without causing too much noise.
How to Stay Motivated to Exercise on Your Bike
You do not want to buy an upright exercise bike and then use it as a hanger for your clothes. You need to make sure you are finding ways to stay motivated. The following are some fantastic ways to help you keep up with your motivation.
- Create an energetic music playlist that will help you stay motivated throughout the ride, and that will make you want to keep coming back. Be sure to change the playlist about once a month to keep things fresh.
- You might also want to watch a TV show while you are exercising. Make it a point to only watch your show while you are exercising. If you binge on the show, you will also be binging on exercise.
- Create some goals. For example, you might want to have a target of exercising for 30 minutes. Reward yourself when you reach that level. You could also work toward beating any previous records that you have.
- Make a game out of it. Think about places that you might want to visit and then plot out on a map the number of miles you would have to ride. Keep track of the number of miles you go each session to see how long it takes you to reach those locations.
These are just some of the many ways that you can spur yourself to keep motivated with your exercise bike. Once you start feeling healthier and seeing results, you will find that staying motivated becomes even easier.
Related: Best Folding Exercise Bikes
Choosing the Right Exercise Bike
If you are getting ready to buy an upright bike, you will want to know some of the most important things that you should be looking for when making your choice.
One of the first things that you will want to consider is the resistance system. They might be using friction, wind, or magnetic resistance, as you have seen from the options above. Each of these options can work well, but it is important to understand that they work differently. Consider which of the resistance options you feel will work best for your needs and will provide you with the resistance you desire.
Fortunately, the quality of the options on our list above helps to ensure the high-quality operation and a wide range of resistance levels.
You should also consider whether you want to have an LCD screen on the bike. These can be quite helpful when it comes to tracking your calories burned and your distance. They are not necessary, but they might be a feature that you would like to have with your bike.
The size and the weight of the bike should be considered, as well. When you are choosing an upright exercise bike, check to see how much of a footprint it will have and make sure you have the space.
In addition, check the weight of the bike. If you are going to be moving it around the house, you want to have something that will be light enough for you to use. If you are choosing a heavier bike, check to see if it has transportation wheels.
Consider these factors, as well as any other features or options that you might want when you are making your choice.
What’s the Difference Between Upright Exercise Bikes and Recumbent Exercise Bikes?
On the list above, you will find upright exercise bikes. These are a very popular option, but you might come across recumbent bikes in your search, as well. Both can be good options, but it is a good idea to have an understanding of their differences.
Upright bikes tend to be very affordable and they can provide a feeling that is similar to actual biking. In addition, they take up less room than a recumbent bike. Because you are sitting up and holding yourself in position, they also help to engage the core more.
Recumbent bikes could be a good option for some. They often have step-through models, which are helpful for those who can’t get onto a regular bike seat. Because of their design, they also tend to be a good option for those who may have poor balance.
The option that you choose is ultimately up to you. The best upright exercise bikes on the market today are listed above, and they are a great place to start.
Simple Tips for Caring for Your Exercise Bikes
When you choose to spend money on an upright exercise bike, you will want to make sure that it lasts for a long time. While it is true that these exercise bikes will not require much in the way of maintenance or care, you still want to treat them well.
Fortunately, caring for an exercise bike tends to be easy. One of the most important tools you will be using is a soft cloth. You will use this to wipe down your bike after each use. You do not want your sweat to cause damage to the bike, and you want to make sure that your bike remains clean for your health.
Wipe the bike clean after each workout, so you can prevent a buildup of grime and so you can prevent rust from developing. You should use a mix of soap and water, sprayed onto a soft cloth, to wipe the exercise bike down. Then, make sure it is dry with another soft cloth. Make sure that you never use any type of abrasive cleaner on the bike.
About once a week, you will want to check the bike to make sure that none of the assembly has started to loosen. After a lot of riding, elements can come loose. Check them and tighten them to ensure the bike continues to work properly.
With these simple tips, you will find that it’s easy to keep your bike in great shape now and for many years to come.
Conclusion
Which one of the upright exercise bikes is the top choice? While we’ve provided you with all of the best options on the market, we believe that the best option is the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S22i. Even though this is a studio bike, it is easily the best upright option on the list in terms of features. Those who want to have a high-end upright bike will find that this could be a fantastic option to choose from.
Of course, the other bikes on the list have plenty of wonderful qualities of their own, and one of them might be a good solution for your needs.
Now, it’s up to you to sort through the options and find the solution that will work best for your needs and the amount of space that you have. Once you have a quality upright exercise bike in your home, you will finally be able to start getting into shape and shedding those pounds. The sooner you start the sooner you will be on your way to better health.