If you go to the gym, we can assure you one of the most popular machines that you’ll see is the exercise bike. An exercise bike mimics cycling motion when you ride a real bicycle. It gives you a great cardiovascular workout, only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. So to maintain your fitness routine at home, this kind of trainer is a necessary item.
Floor space is becoming extremely expensive nowadays, as you may know, and not everyone has the ability to afford a big apartment. Therefore, many people don’t want to buy a full-size exercise bike to save the most space in their houses.
If you don’t have time to work out neither at home nor at the gym, you can fold your exercise bike and bring it to your workplace. Just tuck it into a corner of your private office and enjoy a relaxing time during overtime shifts.
In this article, we focus on the 7 best folding exercise bikes that fold to fit in every space. Be sure to check out all the great information about the best folding exercise bike we have here for you!
Top 7 Best Folding Exercise Bikes Reviews
PRODUCTS | MODEL | FEATURES | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse |
| Check Price | |
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike |
| Check Price | |
BulbHead As Seen On TV Slim Cycle 2-in-1 Stationary Bike |
| Check Price | |
Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike |
| Check Price | |
ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike Folding Magnetic Upright Bike Stationary Bike |
| Check Price | |
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike with Adjustable Resistance |
| Check Price | |
Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat Folding Exercise Bike |
| Check Price |
Below are detailed reviews of these folding exercise bikes
1Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 22″ L x 20″ W x 55.5″ H
- Magnetic Tension: 8 level
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Product weight: 39 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Let’s first talk about the key factor that makes Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike to our list of best folding exercise bikes. The folded dimensions are 22” L x 20” W x 55.5” H, which are only half of the assembled size. The compact design makes it very easy to get on and off the bike, delivering effectiveness and comfort to your training progress. It can be moved easily by using the transport wheels.
This bike can supports up to 300 lbs weight capacity which is quite impressive for its lightweight. The large cushioned seat can be adjusted up and down to fit users who are 5’3” to 6’1” in height perfectly. So if you are under all over this height range, you’d better thinking about other bikes. There are 3 pieces of cranking system providing a steady cycling motion. It also adds extra protection to the users. The leg stabilizers help the bike to stand still even on the hard flat surfaces.
It also features a large LCD that shows distance, calories burned, time, speed of your workout, and more usefully, a scan mode brings a total look over all of your data after some seconds. The dual hand pulse sensors will calculate your heart rate and display it on the screen to help you monitor your target heart rate.
Right below the LCD and handlebar located a tension control with numbers from 1 to 8 describing 8 levels of magnetic tension control system allows you to adjust it to any level you want and also delivers quiet operation.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Magnetic resistance delivers quiet operation
- 8 specific levels of tension
- Lightweight
- Only half of the assembled size when folded
- 3-piece pedal crank with foot straps to protect your feet
Cons
- Do not fit tall people (over 6’’1)
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 225 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 18.1″ x 18.1″ x 50.8″
- Resistance: 8 level
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Product weight: 32 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year frame, 90 days parts
The XTERRA Fitness model FB150 is built with thick steel tubing to create an exclusive X-frame design and a near-silent belt drive system to ensure a smooth and sturdy operation. The 3.3 lbs precision-balanced flywheel and the friction-free magnetic resistance provides smooth, quiet operation. There are 8 levels of magnetic resistance and they are simply controlled through a large dial knob to fit all fitness intensity.
When folded, the size comes down to only 18. 1″ x 18. 1″ and 50’’8 in height. The machine is equipped with a 3-piece pedal cranking system and adjustable foot cage for extra security and durability. The large contoured seat provides long ride with comfort and seat height is adjustable to fit people from 4’10” to 5’10”. Moreover, the transports wheels allow you to move the bike easily even if it is folded or not.
Tracking your progress on the FB150 is simple with the easy-to-read 2’’ x 1’’ LCD screen. The screen displays distance, time, calories to keep your focus on personal goals. Your heart rate will be recorded by the mounted hand pulse sensors and also shown on screen, too. The pulse rate is a necessary factor to monitor your training accurately and effectively.
Pros
- Low cost
- 3-piece pedal crank with foot straps for added durability
- Thick X-frame design
- Folded dimensions only 18. 1″ x 18. 1″
- Quiet and friction-free operation
Cons
- Weight capacity is only 225 lbs
- Only fit short people under 6’’1
BulbHead As Seen On TV Slim Cycle 2-in-1 Stationary Bike
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 15″ x 15″ x 54″
- Resistance: 8 level
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Product weight: 40 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year
As its name says it, the BulbHead As Seen On TV Slim Cycle 2-in-1 model offers 2 in 1 functionality of both a recumbent and an upright exercise bike. As an upright bike, it offers you a high-intensity workout that can improve your cardiovascular exercise. And as a recumbent bike, it gives a low-impact workout in a relaxing position. Just lay your back behind and you will feel the comfort of the cushioned backrest and padded oversized seat and challenge your muscles with 8 levels of quiet magnetic resistance through a convenient tension dial. Its weight capacity is up to 300 lbs, so it will fit most users
This model has built-in Arm Resistance Bands that allow you to tone up and strengthen your arm muscles while cycling. In our opinion, this sculpting system can help to explain the name 2-in-1 as the combination of cardio and upper body strength.
Like other options in this list, this machine equips an LCD to keep track of burned calories, distance, speed. The large screen makes it easy to read and brings about an elegant look to the bike. In addition, the built-in hand pulse sensors read your heart rate accurately and display the data through the monitor screen for the optimal workout.
Moreover, the 2.5’’ thick memory foam cushion provides a superior sitting experience, especially during those long ride. When you’re finished your training, just fold it up to half the size and put it on the flat floor.
Pros
- 2-in-1 stationary bike
- Large & modern designed LCD screen
- Upper body sculpting system
- 8 levels of resistance can be adjusted by tension dial
- Can be folded flat to stuck in any floor space
Cons
- The backrest is quite small for big size riders
Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 26.4″L x 24.8″W x 57.5″H
- Resistance: 8 level
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Product weight: 51.6 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
This Exerpeutic Gold model is a heavy duty version of other machines in its product line with larger weight capacity. Its frame is made from heavy and highly durable steel, which is 20% more steel than the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike, offering more stability and higher performance. The maximum weight capacity is expanded to 400 lbs to meet the demand of overweight users, while the precision balanced flywheel and V-belt drive system provide a smooth and nearly silent operation that will not interrupt the people around you.
The machine is also equipped with an extra large softened seat that can be adjusted up and down to fit from 5’’1 to 6’’5 user heights. The 3-piece cranking pedals with adjustable safety straps ensure a consistent and anti-slip cycling motion.
You can experience the same features as other best folding exercise bike on the market with this trainer. The heart pulse monitoring will record your heart rate and show it on the LCD screen, alongside with other common indicators such as distance, time, speed, calories burned and scan mode. It also allows you to challenge your work out with 8 levels of resistance.
When folded, its size reduces to 26.4 inches (Long) x 24.8 inches (Wide) x 57.5 inches (High) which are a little bigger than other machines in this article.
Pros
- Minimalist & high quality design
- Extended weight capacity up to 400 lbs
- 14.6’’ extra large seat cushion with plenty of padding for more comfort
- Can fit users with taller height (up to 6.5’’)
- Customizable seat and pedals
- Safe and quiet operation
Cons
- Quite bigger and heavier even in folded condition compared to others in this review
ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike Folding Magnetic Upright Bike Stationary Bike Recumbent Exercise Bike
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 26.2 x 15.8 x 47.5 inches
- Resistance: 8 level
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Product weight: 35 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
ATIVAFIT Indoor Cycling Bike is designed with the X-type frame based on the physical balance theory for improving sturdiness and security. The foot straps keep your feet saddled in so that you can feel safe without slipping while pedaling.
The superior cushion is made widen and flexible seating height from 26 to 32 inches to more closely fit your situation. You can change your intensity from the beginning level to level 8 without any noise thanks to the smooth magnetic resistance. According to the manufacturer, its weight capacity is 265 lbs.
The LCD display console provides multi-function digital monitoring your time, distance, speed, calories, hand pulse, and scan mode. It comes with a phone bracket that allows you to easily pullout to put your phone or tablet on to keep yourself interested in riding. On the handlebars integrated hand pulse sensors which quickly tell you your heartbeat to help you adjust the correct intensity for optimizing results. This data is one of the most important due to the fact that it will let you better understand your health and fitness status.
In terms of compactness, this machine has transport wheels for easy moving without any lifting or muscles. In addition, its folding size is really small and can be stuck in even the tiniest of space.
Pros
- Equipped with a mobile device holder
- Fold dimensions are among the smallest in this article
- Super lightweight
- X-type design physical balance design
- Multi-functional digital screen
Cons
- The seat position is quite low for tall users
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike with Adjustable Resistance
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 14″L x 18″W x 51″H
- Resistance: 8 level
- Inseam Length: 28″ – 33″
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Product weight: 37 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years for the frame
Marcy is famous for providing consistent efficiency and durability on a regular basis. This NS-652 model is not an exception. It’s an upright bike that stimulates users with harder riding motion than other recumbent bikes. The elegant design is made from a 14-gauge steel frame that gives the bike a sturdy built quality, longevity, and surface resiliency.
The seat is sporty but comfortable with high density padded foam. Its height is adjustable from 28’’ – 33’’ by turning the knob under it to change the distance between it and the pedals. The large pedals have textured grips to prevent slipping during a fast ride. Plus, safety straps ensure your feet do not fall off the pedal.
The Marcy NS-652 has a magnetic system resistance, as you may know, brings about a smooth and silent operation that mimics closely to real cycling motion. The intensity can be adjusted manually from 1 to 8 levels using the tension knob.
The easy to read LCD shows all the basic data you need for your fitness goals including time, speed, distance, calories, and odometer like every bike on this list. The scan mode will give you a total look overall the data every 4 seconds.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Robust and stable 14-gauge steel frame
- Inseam height supports up to 6’’3 tall users (from 28’’ – 33’’)
- Superior cushion
- The assembly is fairly easy
Cons
- Maximum weight capacity is only 250 lbs
Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat Folding Exercise Bike
Specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 12.5″L x 21.5″W x 57″H
- Resistance: 10 level
- Inseam Length: 25″ – 30″
- LCD display: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Flywheel Weight: 3 lbs
- Product weight: 37 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years for the frame
Sunny Health & Fitness is always shown up in our top picks including this review of best folding exercise bike. The Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat is a recumbent bike that allows users to ride in two positions. When you don’t use the handle, lay your back on the large backrest behind you; or you can seat stably on the XL seat and grab the handlebars to simulate a real cycling motion. The backrest and seat are both fully cushion padded in order to maintain good blood circulation and reduce the strain put on your tailbone while sitting. No matter what positions you choose, you can work out comfortably during longer exercise sessions. In addition, there is a water bottle holder behind the seat to keep you hydrated all the time.
Tracking workout data with Digital monitor screen is a common feature of good quality machines on the market to help users control and achieve their fitness goals. Like other options in this list, the Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat Exercise Bike from Sunny Health & Fitness also shows you the time, speed, distance, odometer, calories burned and heart rate. The handlebars have sensors to measure your heart rate and are coated with foam to protect your hand. Plus, the convenient scan mode will assist you in tracking all your fitness goals more details and easily.
This model has a belt drive system with 3.3 lbs flywheel delivering quiet, smooth and solid operation. The magnetic resistance provides up to 10 adjustable levels which can be changed by switching the tension knob and its weight capacity up to 300 lbs.
Pros
- Dual motion (recumbent bike)
- XL ultra-cushioned seat
- Smooth and silent belt-drive system
- Pulse grips handle for heart rate reading
- LCD can display odometer
- Have a water bottle holder
- Up to 10 levels of magnetic resistance
Cons
- Sometimes it has a little clicking sound
How to Set Up and Use Your Folding Exercise Bike
In order to start your bike workout, you have to know how to set up the folding bike first. Below are some instructions to help you get through this:
Step 1
You need to stand next to your bike at first. Then you can begin with adjusting the seat. Place the saddle at a height that suits yours. Then continue with the handlebars. If they are properly set up, you will feel very different because of the comfort it brings. It is advisable that you raise the handlebars above the saddle height for improving your posture.
Step 2
Now, try sitting on the bike and start with your pedals. First, put one leg onto the pedal and adjust the seat so that your leg is only bent about 15 degrees. Adjust the seat until you feel it right. If the pedals are too high, it will cause you difficulty when biking. A bit low may be better in this case.
Step 3
Place your feet right onto the pedal spindle now and keep them still. Letting your toes out of the pedals may get them hurt and cause you discomfort while riding bikes. Now, sit with a straight back and start to lean forward a bit.
Step 4
Remember to sit still when you are pedaling. Gradually push the pedals forward, down and pull them up. Keep them in a circle. Pedal at a moderate speed. If you are too slow, you do not burn lots of calories. If you pedal too fast, you will get exhausted soon and give up on the workout. It is advisable that you work at 70-90 rpm. Adjust yourself with resistance to avoid bouncing up and down.
Features to Consider When Buying a Folding Exercise Bike
Nowadays there are many designs available on the market; therefore, it is difficult to pick out a suitable unit for you. In order to do so, you must be clear about on the features that a folding exercise bike has. Because it can be way too hard for you, we have included all the needed information in this article. Keep reading and find out how can you choose a folding exercise bike.
Resistance Types
There are various types of resistance:
- Resistance flywheel
This is an old design in which a huge flywheel is used to create a drag on the bike. Because of the flywheel and bike weighs heavier with up to 50 pounds. New modern models are being released so this type of resistant may no longer be used anymore because of its inconvenience.
- Friction resistance
It is the most popular resistance, especially to professional cyclists. It is liked because of its reliability and its ability to create high resistance. The only downside is that it is a little noisy and requires high maintenance costs to make sure that the brake pads work well. Therefore if you are just a normal rider but not a professional cyclist you don’t have to pay too much for this kind of resistance.
- Magnetic resistance
Its name has shown that it uses magnets to create resistance to the riders when they are riding the bike. It is very common now for unprofessional riders because it is reliable and it goes with no maintenance cost. The magnetic resistance also doesn’t make a lot of noise so it is an ideal choice for those who want to do other activities such as listen to music or watching TV when they are riding.
Resistance Levels
The resistance levels do vary from low to high. What you choose relies on your requirements for your workout. If you want to exercise intensely, you can go for units with high resistance levels. Otherwise, you can find lower ones. Choosing the right resistance levels would really maximize your workout process.
Space saving
Space saving is also the main reason why people have a tendency to go for folding exercise bikes. This kind of bikes allows us to fold it up and put it on small spaces such as under the bed or in the basement. Movement is also much easier compared to stationary bikes. They also don’t take us much time and effort to take it out after storage.
Weight Limit
The weight limit of folding bikes is usually from about 200 pounds to 350 pounds. You’d better have a look at your weight before buying so that you can choose the right weight capacity. It would be a waste of money if the equipment cannot support your weight and help you with your workout.
Height Adjustment
Height is also a factor that is worth mentioning when it comes to pick out a folding exercise bike. At least when you sit on the bike, your legs should be able to reach the pedals without any difficulties. Or else, you cannot make use of the benefits of the unit and it would be pointless wasting time without getting any progress.
Durable and Stable
Buyers tend to seek for durability and stability. However, the folding bikes cannot meet all the needs of customers. Some characteristics such as sturdiness and thickness have to be sacrificed for portability and compactness. Stationary bikes, however, are more sturdy but less practical when comparing to one of the best folding exercise bikes. In general, every kind has its own pros and cons but folding exercise bikes are worth considering.
Affordable
Compared with normal stationary bikes, folding bikes are much more convenient and affordable. It is clear that you can always find a good design that fits your budget. Bear in mind that the most expensive one may not the best suitable one so if you have a large budget, look for a high-quality unit. If you don’t, just find the one that you think you are suitable for.
Extra features
Some folding bikes go with very convenient extra features such as portability, LCD screens or connection to mobile devices. Those all help you keep track of your workout better. Therefore, when you make a purchase, you can have a look at some extra features for your own sake afterward.
Folding Exercise Bikes – FAQs
Are folding bikes on the market safe for children?
All exercise equipment can turn out dangerous for children without adults looking after. But with folding bikes, it is much easier to fold and store them out of children’s reach. This would be impossible if it is for stationary bikes.
Are folding exercise bikes easy to assemble?
Most of them are easy to assemble because they are designed for customers’ convenience. Nonetheless, to ensure, you should search for information carefully before purchasing because some designs need tools to set up whereas others totally don’t.
Can I lose weight on an exercise bike?
The main advantage of the best folding exercise bikes is still promoting resilience and improve whole-body fitness. Losing weight is possible if you maintain your workout every day so that you can burn more than 500 calories. In that way, you will lose weight only within a week.
Is a folding exercise bike more efficient than a treadmill?
Actually, it all depends all that you really want. If your main purpose is to lose weight by burning as many calories as possible, a treadmill may get you in the way. However, a folding bike would benefit you in the long term. It can strengthen your joints and keep you healthy by having effects on your whole body. Besides, riding bikes can work as a form of entertainment besides simply working out.
What types of exercise bikes are there?
There are three main types of folding exercise bikes available, including upright bikes, recumbent bikes and spin bikes. An additional design is the semi-recumbent bikes, known as a combination of an upright bike and a recumbent bike.
Conclusion
We’ve come through an overview of the best folding exercise bikes in 2020 so far. Just like other fitness machines, they can provide functionality and solidity, track your progress, and so on. The prominent feature that sets them apart from other bikes on the market is, of course, the ability to be folded. So instead of subscribing monthly at the gym or going to the park with your old bicycle, you can choose to make it more convenient and time-saving.
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each model, let’s go to the mall or online to take your pick from the choices you’ve got.