The Best Upright Exercise Bikes for a Low-Impact Cardio Workout
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When it comes to exercise bikes, there are several styles to choose from. You have recumbent bikes, spin bikes (like the Peloton and Schwinn IC4) and upright bikes. The biggest difference between these bikes is the riding style. You sit back on recumbent bikes and lean forward on spin bikes.
True to their name, upright bikes put you in an upright position that’s generally more comfortable for many people. This position also focuses on activating the major muscle groups in your lower body. Upright bikes are also low-impact, so they’re an excellent option for anyone who wants to get in some cardio with a lower risk of injury.
In this guide, we rounded up the best upright exercise bikes to appeal to all types of riders. There are budget-friendly bikes that don’t have a lot of tech, but are a great fit for beginners, as well as smart bikes that can connect to fitness apps like iFit and Zwift for a fully immersive experience. In addition to highlighting our top picks, we dig into the benefits (and potential drawbacks) of upright bikes to help you decide whether or not this is the right cardio machine for you.
Our Picks for the Best Upright Exercise Bikes:
- Best Upright Bike with Workout Programs: NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 Upright Bike
- Best Value Upright Bike: Sole Fitness LCB Upright Bike
- Best Upright Bike with a Touchscreen: ProForm Pro C10U Upright Bike
- Best Upright Bike for Seniors: Sole Fitness B94 Upright Bike
- Best Upright Bike for Beginners: Horizon Fitness Comfort U Upright Bike
- Best Upright Air Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Tornado LX Fan Bike
- Best Foldable Upright Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike
Best Upright Bike with Workout Programs: NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 Upright Bike
NordicTrack
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Flywheel weight: 19 pounds
- Resistance levels: 24
- Console: 14-inch HD display
- Sound system: Two digitally amplified speakers with premium sound array
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Programming: iFit
- Footprint: 55.3-inch H x 24.9-inch W x 41.5-inch L
- Max user weight: 325 pounds
- Warranty: 10-year frame, two-tear parts, one-year labor
- Extra features: Water bottle holder, fan
NordicTrack is known for its iFit programming. And if you want an upright bike that gives you access to thousands of on-demand and live classes, you can't go wrong with the NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 Upright Bike. iFit does require an ongoing subscription, but the fitness app has a library of more than 16,000 workouts—from cycling classes to off-the-machine exercises—that’s updated regularly. This bike also supports interactive programming, which means your iFit trainer can control your resistance and incline as needed during your workout. And you can watch it all on the 14-inch HD touchscreen. If you don’t sign up for iFit, you’ll get access to a handful of sample workouts, or you can operate the bike in manual mode.
The workout programs aren’t the only selling point of this bike, though. It has a heavy-duty (19-pound) inertia-enhanced flywheel, which helps maintain a smooth rotation without any lagging or jerking. That flywheel operates on magnetic resistance, so it’s quieter than other bikes. You can digitally control the resistance—there are 24 levels—and the seat and the pedals are oversized (and adjustable) for ergonomics and comfort. Overall, customers love the bike, giving it a perfect five-star rating on NordicTrack’s site.
Related Post: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Is this the Exercise Bike for You?
Pros:
- Trainer-led resistance and speed
- Supports iFit membership
- Digital, magnetic resistance
Cons:
- Limited workout programs without iFit membership
Best Value Upright Bike: Sole Fitness LCB Upright Bike
Sole Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Flywheel weight: 30 pounds
- Resistance levels: 40
- Console: Basic LCD display
- Sound system: Bluetooth audio speakers
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Programming: Studio
- Footprint: 55-inch H x 23-inch W x 44-inch L
- Max user weight: 350 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, five-year electronics, five-year parts, two-year labor
- Extra features: Tablet holder, USB port, water bottle holder, cooling fans
If you want to save a little cash and don’t care if your bike has a large touchscreen, the Sole Fitness LCB Upright Bike is a good option for you. It has impressive specs—like a 30-pound flywheel, 40 levels of resistance and vertical and horizontal adjustment capabilities—that rival more expensive indoor cycling bikes. Like the NordicTrack model, it operates on magnetic resistance. This, combined with the heavy flywheel, ensures a quieter and smoother ride, even at top speeds.
Related Post: A Complete Sole Fitness Exercise Bike Review
You can access 10 preset workouts via the basic LCD display, which also allows you to track metrics like calorie burn, speed, distance and time. If you want more immersive programming, you can sign up for a Studio membership—Sole’s fitness app—and follow along on your own tablet. This bike is Bluetooth-compatible and supports USB charging. As an added bonus, customers say it’s also easy to assemble.
Pros:
- Quiet ride
- Vertical and horizontal adjustable seat
- Compatible with Studio
Cons:
- Underwhelming display
Best Upright Bike with a Touchscreen: ProForm Pro C10U Upright Bike
ProForm
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Flywheel weight: 15 pounds
- Resistance levels: 25
- Console: 10-inch HD touchscreen
- Sound system: Dual two-inch Bluetooth speakers
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Programming: iFit
- Footprint: 58-inch H x 21.2-inch W x 34.5-inch L
- Max user weight: 275 pounds
- Warranty: 10-year frame, two-year parts, one-year labor
- Extra features: Tablet holder, water bottle holder, fan
The ProForm Pro C10U has one of the most impressive touchscreens for a bike at this price point. It has a 10-inch display that lets you stream live and on-demand workouts (with an iFit subscription), plus large, one-touch buttons that control the digital resistance. There are 25 levels of resistance, and the bike utilizes a 15-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel with magnetic resistance for a smooth, quiet ride. With or without iFit, the touchscreen displays your workout stats as you ride.
Some users do say that the bike is lighter weight and a little less stable than others in the category, but that’s reflected in its 275-pound weight capacity. Many of the others on this list cap out at 300 to 350 pounds. But, if you fall within this weight range and you want a more budget-friendly bike, it’s a good choice. The seat is oversized and cushioned for comfort, and has both vertical and horizontal adjustments, so the bike can work for users of most heights.
Related Post: Is the ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT Right for You?
Pros:
- 10-inch touchscreen
- 25 levels of digital resistance
- Magnetic resistance for a smoother, quieter ride
Cons:
- Lower weight capacity than others
Best Upright Bike for Seniors: Sole Fitness B94 Upright Bike
Sole Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Flywheel weight: 20 pounds
- Resistance levels: 20
- Console: Nine-inch LCD display
- Sound system: Bluetooth speakers
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Programming: Studio
- Footprint: 46-inch H x 18-inch W x 30-inch L
- Max user weight: 300 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, three-year parts and electronics, one-year labor
- Extra features: Tablet holder, water bottle holder, cooling fan, USB charging port
If you have limited mobility, it may be difficult to get on and off some upright bikes. But the Sole Fitness B94 is closer to the ground, and has a cushioned gel seat and oversized pedals that help you maintain your balance and stability as you ride. There’s no advanced tech to learn—it has a basic nine-inch LCD display with one-touch buttons that let you easily navigate to its 10 pre-programmed workouts. If you do want a more immersive experience, you can connect an Apple or Android tablet to the bike via Bluetooth and play audio or follow along with your own fitness subscription.
It operates on magnetic resistance—more specifically, an eddy current brake (ECB) system—that provides a smooth and quiet ride. Customers say the bike feels high quality, and is well-made and sturdy. It has 20 levels of digital resistance, so you can manually control how hard your workout is. The Sole Fitness B94 also comes with all the typical comfort and convenience features, like a cooling fan, water bottle holder, USB charging port, tablet holder and heart rate sensors (with an included chest strap).
Related Post: The Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors
Pros:
- One-touch controls
- Cushioned gel seat
- Digital resistance controls
Cons:
- Some riders have problems with the fan
Best Upright Bike for Beginners: Horizon Fitness Comfort U Upright Bike
Horizon Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic brake
- Resistance levels: N/A
- Console: 5.5-inch non-backlit LCD screen
- Sound system: Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Programming: 10 preset workout programs
- Footprint: 53-inch H x 22-inch W x 47-inch L
- Max user weight: 300 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, one-year parts and labor
- Extra features: Tablet holder, water bottle holder
If you’re new to cycling, a basic upright bike can help you meet your fitness goals. The Horizon Fitness Comfort U Upright Bike is a pretty bare bones model, but it has everything you need to start riding right away. The bike has a sturdy steel frame that supports up to 300 pounds, plus a gel comfort seat and self-balancing pedals that stay upright for easier riding. Unlike other upright bikes, this one doesn’t have a flywheel, but it has magnetic resistance that helps prevent shaking or unsteadiness. There are no digital resistance levels; instead, the intensity of your ride is largely controlled by your speed.
The console is very basic, too—ideal for beginners. It has a 5.5-inch non-backlit display that shows only pertinent metrics, like calories, time and distance. There are 10 workout programs, like manual, fat burn, performance intervals and distance training. To keep the price down on this bike, Horizon skipped extras like Bluetooth and a charging port, but it does have a tablet rack, water bottle holder and built-in speakers.
Pros:
- Sturdy, steel frame
- 10 preset workout programs
- Gel comfort seat
Cons:
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Best Upright Air Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Tornado LX Fan Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Air
- Resistance levels: Unlimited
- Console: Basic performance monitor
- Sound system: N/A
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Programming: SunnyFit
- Footprint: 34.8-inch H x 23.5-inch W x 55-inch L
- Max user weight: 330 pounds
- Warranty: Three-year frame, 180 days parts and components
- Extra features: Tablet holder, transportation bar and wheels
Air bikes generate resistance by forcing wind through a large fan as you pedal. Because the resistance is created by air, it’s fully controlled by your speed. As such, air bikes, like the Sunny Health & Fitness Tornado LX Fan Bike, offer unlimited resistance. This air bike has an extra large fan for some serious power, and a chain-drive system. While air bikes are louder than magnetic bikes because of this resistance system, customers say this one is fairly quiet. And unlike other upright bikes, which mostly engage your lower body and your core, this model has movable handlebars that let you push against the resistance as you pedal. This brings your upper body in, turning your ride into a full-body workout.
The Tornado LX has a basic performance monitor that shows speed, interval times, RPM, distance, calories, watts and heart rate. It also has a tablet holder, so you can watch a movie or follow along with a fitness app. The seat is four-way adjustable, so you can move it up, down, forward or backward. Other notable bike features include self-leveling pedals and a transportation bar and transportation wheels, so you can roll it out of the way when you’re not using it.
Pros:
- Unlimited resistance
- Easy-to-read performance monitor
- Movable handlebars for full-body workout
Cons:
- Louder than magnetic bikes
Best Foldable Upright Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance levels: 16
- Console: Basic non-backlit monitor
- Sound system: N/A
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Programming: SunnyFit
- Footprint: 45.3-inch H x 16.9-inch W x 33.3-inch L
- Max user weight: 220 pounds
- Warranty: One-year frame, 180-day parts and components
- Extra features: Tablet holder
Most upright bikes don’t fold, so they can take up extra space. If you don’t have a dedicated home gym, you may prefer a more compact model like the Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike. This option is best for casual riders, since it’s not as sturdy as some of the other picks and can get shaky at higher speeds. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly bike that can help you burn some calories, this is an excellent choice. Many customers say they were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the bike, especially considering the price.
It operates on magnetic resistance like some of the higher-priced bikes, and has a belt drive instead of a chain, so it’s quieter than many others at this price point. There are 16 levels of resistance that you can easily adjust via a turn dial that sits under the seat. The seat itself is also adjustable—you can move it up and down, but not forward and backward. The bike comes with a basic performance monitor, but has a tablet holder, so you can connect to the brand’s fitness app, SunnyFit, if you have a subscription.
Pros:
- Foldable and compact
- Very budget-friendly
- Quiet, belt-drive system
Cons:
- No water bottle holder or fan
Benefits of Using an Upright Bike
The biggest benefit of using an upright bike is that you can get your cardio in any time you want to. You’re not limited to the weather or your gym’s schedule—if you have an upright bike at home, you’re in control of when you use it. Of course, this is a benefit of home fitness equipment in general.
If you want to get more specific, upright bikes offer a low-impact workout that’s easier on the joints than higher impact activities, like running or jump-roping. Low-impact doesn’t mean low-intensity, though. You can still dial up the resistance and work up a serious sweat.
When it comes to health benefits, indoor cycling can improve aerobic capacity, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol. It can also help change your body composition—whether your goal is to lose weight or decrease body fat percentage, an upright bike may help you do that.
Upright bikes typically have a smaller footprint than other types of fitness equipment, too. If you have limited space, you may not be able to make a treadmill work, but an upright bike can sit more easily in the corner of a room.
Potential Downsides of Using an Upright Bike
Using an upright bike can come with some downsides, too. For one, you may not burn as many calories as you would on a treadmill or elliptical. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a 155-pound person burns about 250 calories cycling at moderate speed for 30 minutes. That same person burns 360 calories running at a moderate speed (a 10-minute mile).
Upright bikes also focus mostly on the lower body, unless they have movable handlebars. Other cardio machines, like rowing machines, offer a full-body workout. They also don’t train you the same way riding a bike outdoors does. Upright bikes are a great tool for cardio health, but if you’re trying to become a better cyclist, you’re better off using an indoor bike trainer to help you improve your form and speed.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Upright Bike for You
Your fitness level is one factor to consider when choosing an upright bike, but you also want to think about the type of resistance, number of resistance levels and ease of use (especially if you have joint or mobility issues). Take a look at the bike’s extra features, too. Is not having a water bottle holder or tablet shelf a dealbreaker? Figure out your non-negotiables and dig into each bike’s specs to make sure it has what you need.
Your fitness level
When it comes to fitness equipment, beginners and experienced cyclists have very different needs. If you’re brand new to riding, you may want an entry level model that has some pre-programmed workouts and a basic screen that tracks metrics. If you’ve been riding a while, it’s probably beneficial to invest a little more in a high-quality machine that gives you access to spin classes, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other home workouts that let you expand on your skills.
Resistance type
There are three main types of resistance: magnetic, friction and air. Magnetic resistance offers the quietest, smoothest ride, but it often bumps the price of the bike up a bit. Friction bikes are typically less expensive, but they can be noisier. Air resistance bikes are the loudest, but they provide a full-body workout, since they engage the upper body more than the other types; you typically push and pull the handlebars in addition to pedaling on an air bike.
Resistance levels
The resistance type also plays a role in the resistance levels. Air bikes have unlimited resistance—your cycling speed determines how much resistance is produced. But many magnetic and friction resistance bikes have a set number of resistance levels. There may only be two or three, or as many as 40 different levels. Some bikes made for beginners have only one resistance level so you can’t change the intensity of your workout as easily. When deciding on a bike, consider how important manual control over the resistance is to you.
Ease of use
Most upright bikes are pretty straightforward, but when you start adding advanced technology to your exercise equipment, things can get a little more complicated. If you don’t have a lot of experience with fitness apps or streaming services and you’d prefer to just hit start and go, you’d be better off with an entry level bike that has a basic LCD display. If you’re comfortable with technology and you want the latest and greatest, you can get a machine that requires Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi for the full workout experience.
Extra features
Extra features, like fans, water bottle holders, tablet holders and heart rate monitors, may be a nice-to-have, or they may be a dealbreaker. Of course, that’s up to you. But before making your purchase, write a list of the extra features you want and make sure the bike you choose has them.
Your budget
Of course, budget is an important consideration in any purchase. On average, upright bikes range from a few hundred dollars to closer to a thousand. When deciding how much you want to spend, make sure to factor in the cost of any ongoing fitness subscription services. For example, if you want to access iFit on a NordicTrack or ProForm model, you’ll have to commit to a recurring charge for the life of the machine. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to access manual mode and a handful of workout programs.
How We Chose the Best Upright Bikes
What works for one person doesn’t always work for another. When choosing our best upright bike picks, we considered different needs. Beginners may want a more basic model that’s easy to use, while experienced cyclists may need a machine with higher levels of resistance. We took both ends of the spectrum (and everything in between) into consideration to come up with a list of varying styles.
Construction quality, workout program variety, adjustability, price and warranty length and coverage also factored into our decision. Once we had our front runners, we also considered customer reviews. We only chose bikes that had mostly positive reviews, without any major complaints from customers.
Upright Bikes FAQs
Is a recumbent bike different than an upright bike?
Yes, a recumbent bike is different from an upright bike (which may also be called a stationary bike). Upright bikes more closely mimic the position and feel of a standard road bike, while recumbent bikes put you in a seated position with the pedals in front of you. Upright bikes typically provide a more intense workout, while recumbent bikes are better for older adults or those who don’t want to engage the core or upper body as much.
Can I lose fat using an upright bike?
Yes, an upright bike can help you lose body fat and change your body composition. However, as with any type of exercise, it’s important to combine cycling with a balanced diet for best results.
Who are upright bikes best for?
Like spin bikes, upright bikes are best for experienced cyclists or those looking for a more advanced cardiovascular workout. If you want an indoor exercise bike, but prefer low- to moderate-intensity cycling, you may want to consider a recumbent bike instead.
Final Thoughts
Upright bikes engage your core while activating the muscles in your lower body. For many people, they’re more comfortable than spin bikes and a little more intense (in a good way) than recumbent bikes. When choosing an upright bike, consider your fitness level, the type/levels of resistance and overall ease of use. If you’re looking for a large library of workout programs, you’ll probably like the NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 Upright Bike, but if you’d rather have just the basics, the Horizon Fitness Comfort U Upright Bike will likely do the trick.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
