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Are you interested in buying a folding exercise bike but at the same time you are unsure of all the things you should take into consideration? Then this article is the right one for you. We have compiled a list of the most important things to consider when buying a folding exercise bike along with the best folding exercise bikes that you can currently find on the fitness equipment market with their pros and cons to make this whole process of buying a foldable exercise bike much easier for you.
Contents
- Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Overview
- BEST FOLDING EXERCISE BIKES – REVIEWS
- Proform X-Bike DUO
- ZAAP Fitness Folding X-Bike Recumbent Upright Exercise Bike
- Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise Bike
- Best folding exercise bike for heavy person: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
- Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic GOLD 525XLR
- Best folding exercise bike with back support: Ultrasport F-Bike Advanced Bicycle Trainer
- Olympic 2000 Magnetic Folding Exercise Bike ES-892
- Pleny Foldable Fitness Exercise Bike with 16 Level Resistance
- Skandika Unisex’s Folding Exercise Bike
- What to consider to buy the best folding exercise bike?
- Final Thoughts – What’s the best folding exercise bike?
Best Folding Exercise Bikes – Overview
| Bike Name | Resistance | Weight | Transportation wheels? | Maximum user weight | Heart monitor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proform X-Bike DUOOur review > | 14 digital resistance levels | 35 kg | 115 kg (253 lb) | ||
ZAAP Fitness Folding X-Bike Recumbent Upright Exercise BikeOur review > | 8 levels of magnetic resistance | 17 kg | 120 kg (264 lb) | ||
Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise BikeOur review > | 8 levels of magnetic resistance | 13.9 kg | 100 kg (220 lbs) | ||
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright BikeOur review > | 8-level Magnetic Tension control system | 17.6 kg | 136 kg (300 lb) | ||
Exerpeutic GOLD 525XLR Folding Recumbent Exercise BikeOur review > | 8-level Magnetic Tension control system | 29.5 kg | 181 kg (400 lb) | ||
Ultrasport F-Bike Advanced Bicycle TrainerOur review > | 8 resistance levels | 18 kg | 100 kg (220 lb) | ||
Olympic 2000 Magnetic Folding Exercise Bike ES-892Our review > | 8 different tension levels | 15 kg | 100 kg (220 lb) | ||
pleny Foldable Fitness Exercise Bike with 16 Level ResistanceOur review > | 16-level tension control system | 17 kg | 136 kg (300 lb) | ||
Skandika Unisex’s Folding Exercise BikeOur review > | 8-level manually adjustable resistance | 16.5 kg | 110 kg (242 lb) |
BEST FOLDING EXERCISE BIKES – REVIEWS
There are plenty of folding exercise bikes available on the market and if you are buying your first folding bike, then it can be quite hard to find one that suits your needs.
As much as product reviews on the Internet can at times be misleading and confusing, in a large number of cases, they are quite helpful providing the reader with every piece of information they need to know before deciding on a particular model. Still, what may suit one person’s needs, may not suit others.
To facilitate this whole process, we made a list of what are considered to be currently the best folding exercise bikes on the market.
Proform X-Bike DUO
If you cannot decide whether you like cycling in an upright position or recumbent, then this bike is the perfect choice for you since it allows you to quickly change the cycling position between these two options.
The recumbent position that this model offers proves to be the best fit for the people suffering from back pain or knee sensitivity. Furthermore, it is ideal for beginners owing to its preinstalled training programs and the possibility of alternating between wide arrays of resistance levels.
Main features and benefits:
- Max user weight: 115 kg (253 pounds)
- Fits heights from 5’ tall to around 6’2″
- Sit Up or Sit Back option (Upright or Recumbent Frame) – A Sit Back option is ideal for when you are starting and want a lighter workout
- 14 digital resistance levels
- 14 Built-In Programs to vary your training and help you stay motivated
- Comfortable, Oversized, Cushioned Seat
- Built-in transport wheels
- Integrated Tablet Holder
- Compatible with iFit Coach app
- D batteries required (not included)
Our review
The greatest quality of this model is its upright or recumbent frame as not many models have this option. The maximum user weight indicates that this bike is most suitable for average to overweight people. Besides, it suits people of shorter to average height although some pretty tall people will also find it suitable.
The digital system allows you to select one of the 14 resistance levels and transfer onto the preferred one much quicker than in the standard systems. Also, it allows you to introduce harder workouts as you improve your fitness. Besides, the model includes 14 pre-installed training programs so every user can find the best work out for them.
This exercise bike has a vertically adjustable and cushioned but oversized seat for comfort and a tablet holder which can be seen from either exercising position you have chosen. The best of all is that this model comes with built-in transportation wheels so you can move it wherever you please.
In case you have an iFit Coach subscription, you can connect your bike to the app and have full access to virtual workouts. However, this model does not include batteries. Also, its weight could be a problem for the user since additional strength is needed for its complex assembly and disposal. Another disadvantage is that it doesn’t come with heart rate monitor although this can easily be fixed by using one of the fitness trackers or smartwatches.
Read more reviews here >
ZAAP Fitness Folding X-Bike Recumbent Upright Exercise Bike
Do you want to own an exercise bike despite having space problems in your home? If the answer is yes, then you are going to love this recumbent upright exercise bike. It is easy to assemble and fold when not being used.
Beginners who want light and especially comfortable exercise will find it particularly interesting as well as elderly and people who are recovering from some injuries because of the recumbent position which helps them in their recovery process.
Also, what makes this bike different from the others is that for a small amount of money, you get a folding exercise bike of great quality.
Main features and benefits:
- Really affordable, good value for money
- Simple and easy to assemble
- More compact than some other folding exercise bikes
- Max user weight: 120 kg
- Suitable for taller people as well (to around 6’5″ tall)
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Lightweight (17 kg)
- Very quiet
- The wheels on the front stabilizer bar make it easy to move around
Our review
This model has several good features. Firstly, it is really simple to assemble so that everyone can do this with no problem.
Furthermore, it is quite compact, easy to fold and lightweight so additional help in moving it around is not needed.
Also, it comes with wheels on the front stabilizer bar which facilitates transportation a lot.
The fact that this is a recumbent bike implies a very comfortable, wide and adjustable seat with a backrest helping to relieve the tension you may experience in your lower back after a workout.
There are bars at the sides of the seat which aren’t only very helpful in getting on and off the bike but also serve as an armrest for when you get tired during a workout.
Next, there are 8 levels of magnetic resistance suitable for those wanting light exercise to stay fit or recover from an injury. Also, it does not produce any noticeable noise so you won’t be bothering anyone in the room while you exercise.
As an additional feature, this bike offers hand pulse functionality so you can monitor your heart rate and adjust your workouts as needed.
However, some might find the maximum user weight problematic. It best suits average to slim people of average height and people who do not fit within the scope of these average proportions will not find this model a good fit.
Read more reviews here >
Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise Bike
Viavito brand is the newest addition to the fitness equipment market. Their first folding exercise bike is affordable and has good quality for a really small price.
It is great for beginners and senior citizens as well as people recovering from injuries of the lower body because it is convenient for a lighter and smoother workout.
Also, this model is praised for its ultra-compact folding design which makes it super easy to fold it up and store in a closet after use. Moreover, the simple and clear instructions that are included, facilitate the assembly of this model.
Main features and benefits:
- Max user weight: 100 kg (220 lbs)
- Suitable for heights 5’2″ to around 6’2″
- Lightweight (Product weighs 13.9 kg/30.6 lbs) and easy to assemble
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Ultra-compact folding design
- Integrated Pulse Sensors
- Large, extra padded seat suitable for users of different body sizes
- Stays steady on uneven flooring or carpet thanks to leg levellers in rear-end caps
Our review
Despite being a new brand on the market, with this model, they are giving other brands a run for their money.
This extremely affordable exercise bike comes with 8 levels of magnetic resistance which allows for a smooth workout helping people stay active in the comfort of their home. It is convenient for people of slimmer to average weight and average to a shorter height.
Also, it has a large, very comfortable, extra padded and adjustable seat so that users of different body sizes can enjoy their workout. Furthermore, it is really quiet, producing almost no noise at all.
As an extra feature, it has integrated pulse sensors with an LCD display so you can keep track of your heart rate during a workout. The surprising feature of this bike is that owing to levellers in rear end caps, it stays completely steady on uneven flooring. On the other hand, it doesn’t come with any transportation wheels but since the product is lightweight, this does not seem to be a serious problem.
One thing to note, it does come with a very light flywheel of 1.2kg which might influence the smoothness of pedalling during a workout.
Read more reviews here >
Best folding exercise bike for heavy person: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
In case you want a stable and sturdy exercise bike that doesn’t make even the lowest noise possible, then this model should be on your wishlist.
Moreover, it is suitable for people who are looking for moderate exercise and staying active or those interested in both upper and lower body workout.
This space-saving bike can be folded up to almost one half of its original size which is great if you are space restricted.
Main features and benefits:
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds / 136 kg
- Fits heights 5’3″ inch to 6’1″ inch (1,61m to 1,86m)
- It comes with transportation wheels
- An 8 level Magnetic Tension control system
- Large seat cushion makes it suitable for people of bigger size
- Heart rate monitor
- Large LCD screen
- Stable and sturdy bike
- Quiet with nice, smooth action
Our review
This exercise bike of a stable and sturdy design is the perfect fit for heavier people of average to taller height. With 8 resistance levels, users can alternate between much easier and quite challenging workout depending on their needs.
People of bigger size will find the very large, comfortable and adjustable seat extremely appealing. Also, it is very quiet so you can listen to music or watch TV without being disturbed.
What differentiates this bike from others is its compactness and the ability to be quickly moved around thanks to the transportation wheels.
As an additional feature, there are heart pulse sensors in the handlebars which monitor your heart rate so you know whether you need a change in the intensity of your workout.
There are two possible downsides of this model. Firstly, its assembly demands a bit more time than it does with other bikes. Secondly, it does not have any levellers so it can be used only on a hard flat floor which could pose a problem if the floor in your home is even a little bit uneven.
Read more reviews here >
Best Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic GOLD 525XLR
If you are looking for the best folding recumbent exercise bike with a high weight capacity, then look no further because this bike is the right one for you. This model is capable of supporting 181kg which is much more than any other folding exercise bike can offer.
It is ideal for overweight, taller, older people due to the recumbent position, diabetics since it helps regulate blood sugars, and for people with knee, back or mobility problems as it is easy to get on and off the seat. Moreover, it is extremely stable and sturdy so you won’t be slipping or falling over in the middle of your workout.
Main features and benefits:
- 181 kg maximum weight capacity (400 lb)
- A heavy-duty and high durability steel frame makes this bike really sturdy
- Large seat cushion and a back-rest
- Easy to get on and off the bike
- 8 level magnetic tension control System
- Fits heights 5’2″ to 6’5″ (1,55m – 1,98m), suitable for taller people
- Hand Pulse Sensors
- Comes with transportation wheels for easier relocation and storage
Our review
This model is one of the most robust and sturdy models on the market due to its heavy-duty steel frame. Large cushioned seat with a backrest supports users of any shape and size.
Also, the seat is highly adjustable making it especially suitable for taller people.
Due to its recumbent position, there is no problem with getting on or off the bike.
Users are given the choice of 8 levels of magnetic resistance so they can choose between a lighter and a more challenging workout just by turning a dial.
The bikes cranking system allows a highly smooth ride even with fast pedalling.
Hand pulse sensors are found in the handlebars so you can monitor your heart rate during your workout. Also, it comes with transportation wheels which significantly facilitate relocation and storage given the fact that it is a bit heavier than other bikes with the weight of almost 30kg.
The drawbacks of this recumbent bike include no additional features or workout programs even with a high price, instructions for its assembly are confusing and complex and it cannot be pedalled in reverse.
Read more reviews here >
Best folding exercise bike with back support: Ultrasport F-Bike Advanced Bicycle Trainer
Bikes from the F series made by Ultrasport are most convenient for light, smooth and occasional exercising to be active and stay fit. This model is particularly suitable for beginners, older people with arthritis, people recovering from hip or knee surgeries, since it is available with or without backrest, and families with small children because it is extremely quiet. Furthermore, it is especially praised for being very compact, lightweight, and quite easy to assemble, thanks to simple and straightforward instructions, and fold up for storage.
Main features and benefits:
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- 8 resistance levels
- Very solid, sturdy and well built
- Available in different colours
- Once folded it’s compact
- Available with or without backrest
- Accessories that will make your exercise more enjoyable are available to buy separately (for example, The Ultrasport F-Bike attachment for tablet PC, Ebook reader or smartphone)
- Hand pulse sensors
- Really easy to put together
- Suitable for heights from around 5’2″ up to around 6’ (good for taller people)
- Smooth and very quiet when in use
- Good value for money
Our review
If you are of average to taller height and average weight, then you should consider this exercise bike. It takes a minimal amount of time and effort to put it together, and it is very easy to fold it and store away when not used.
Solid curved design and its availability in different colours surely make this exercise bike very appealing to the eye.
The seat is very comfortable and adjustable suiting users of different heights and it is available with or without backrest.
Hand pulse sensors are found in the handlebars to measure your heart rate and pulse and show it on the LCD display. The 8 resistance levels allow diverse intensities of the workout.
This model lacks additional features but you can buy accessories such as an attachment for tablet, ebook reader or smartphone separately.
One of the disadvantages of this product is the resistance levels since they fail to support harder workouts. Another one is the lack of transportation wheels which makes it harder to move this exercise bike around. Also, the common problem with exercise bikes, in general, is that the seat can be uncomfortable for some users. To resolve this problem, you can always buy a soft gel cover for the seat to make it more comfortable.
Read more reviews here >
Olympic 2000 Magnetic Folding Exercise Bike ES-892
This folding exercise bike is perfect for senior citizens or people with health problems such as mobility issues, osteoporosis, and arthritis thanks to its very sturdy and stable design with ergonomic rear stabilizers that make getting on and off quite easily.
Moreover, it is convenient for people who want a light and smooth exercise with an ability to transfer to a more challenging workout which is enabled thanks to the heavier flywheel. Furthermore, if you happen to be space-restricted, you will find this bike particularly appealing since it is very compact, lightweight and space-saving.
Main features and benefits:
- Maximum weight capacity: 100 kg
- 8 different tension levels
- Monitor has 4 settings which include Time, Speed, Distance and Calories.
- Comes with ergonomic rear stabilizer
- The flywheel weighs 2.5 kg giving you a more varied and challenging workout
- Additional handlebars – on the side of the seat
- Double padded seat with backrest
- Easy to get on and off the bike
- Straightforward and quick to assemble
- Height can be adjusted to suit a shorter person
- Light and easy to move around with two wheels in the back
- Good quality and sturdy
Our review
The maximum weight capacity allows it to be used by slimmer to average people of average to a shorter height. With 8 different tension levels and heavier flywheel, users can opt for a more varied and challenging workout.
The seat is double padded and comfortable with backrest so the pressure is taken off your lower back. The seat and the backrest can be adjusted to suit the user’s height.
There are handlebars in the front and on the sides of the seat making it easier to get on and off the bike. With two transportation wheels in the back, it is really easy to move it around.
The instructions for its assembly are simple and clear so no problems should arise.
A monitor helps you control your workout by keeping track of time, speed and distance as well as the calories burned during the workout. Unfortunately, there is no functionality for monitoring your heart rate.
Also, the height of the bike might be too tall for a short person even when accordingly adjusted or the seat to be uncomfortable but in that case, you can always buy a soft gel cover.
Read more reviews here >
Pleny Foldable Fitness Exercise Bike with 16 Level Resistance
If the colour of your bike matters much to you, then feel free to check out this model since it is available in two colours, black and pink. The only difference between these two bikes lies in their resistance levels. Namely, the pink one is most suitable for beginners and those in want of a lighter workout since it has a much lower resistance than the black one which is convenient for a more challenging workout. The heavy-duty construction of this bike is designed to support intense levels of indoor cycling.
Main features and benefits:
- A 16-level tension control system
- User weight: up to 300 pounds (136 kg)
- For users with leg length starting from 29″ (73.6cm)
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Heart rate monitoring
- Build-in wheels for easier transportation
- Curved design makes it easy to go up and get down
- Available in black and pink colours (a black model offers higher resistance while the pink model is perfect for beginners)
- Easy to put together
- Very stable and sturdy despite its simplicity
- Extremely quiet with smooth operation
Our review
The greatest feature of this exercise bike is his incredible 16 levels of resistance. This provides the user with wide nuances between light and intense workouts to suit their needs.
You needn’t worry about noise because it is extremely quiet and operates smoothly. Also, the maximum weight capacity of 136 kg and the heavy-duty steel construction make this model suitable for average or a bit heavier users of average to taller height.
Unlike most exercise bikes, this model has a curved design which facilitates getting on and off the bike so it could be used by elderly people as well. Moreover, it is very compact, weighing only 17 kg which makes it lighter than most exercise bikes and once folded up it fits even the smallest storage places.
It is easy to move around due to the built-in wheels. This model also has heart rate sensors installed in the handlebars so your heart rate is displayed along with time, speed, distance, and calories burned on the LCD display.
Possible drawbacks of this fitness bike are that there are no additional features included and that similarly to other exercise bikes, some might find the seat uncomfortable.
Read more reviews here >
Skandika Unisex’s Folding Exercise Bike
If you are a beginner or an intermediate user wanting to stay active and fit, then this bike might be just right for you. It is very compact and easy to assemble as well as to fold up for storage and move around thanks to the built-in transportation wheels. Despite being lightweight, it is quite stable and sturdy providing a quiet and smooth ride.
Main features and benefits:
- Maximum user weight: 110 kg
- 8-level manually adjustable resistance
- Transport wheels make the bike easy to move around
- Wide, comfortable padded seat
- Available in black, green and red colour (but the price differs slightly for each of the models)
- Hand pulse sensors
Our review
This foldable exercise bike is available in three different colours, black, green and red but the price varies depending on the colour.
The 8 resistance levels allow workouts of varied intensity. The seat is wide, padded and adjustable so it suits people of different size and height. Hand pulse sensors allow the user to monitor their progress which is shown along with time, distance, speed, and calories on an LCD display.
The pedals are ergonomic with a safety strap so it is easy to get on and off. However, this bike might not be suitable for shorter people since it is very high even when adjusted at the lowest height. Also, it doesn’t provide challenging workouts even at the highest resistance level so it is not suitable for pros.
Read more reviews here >
What to consider to buy the best folding exercise bike?
Finding a folding exercise bike that makes the best fit for you can be quite hard. The process is even harder when you don’t know what to look for in a bike and spending all of your free time reading bike reviews on the Internet isn’t helpful. Here is some advice on the things you should take into account when buying a foldable bike.
Exercise goal
First and foremost, what it is you want to accomplish exercising? Depending on whether your goal is to lose weight, recover from an injury, prepare yourself for a cycling event or tone your muscles, an exercise bike needs to help you achieve it more easily. Once you have decided on your goal, you are one step closer to achieving it.
Assembly
When buying a foldable exercise bike, you need to bear in mind that these things usually come flat packed, meaning that you will be the one to put all the pieces together.
Before buying, familiarise yourself with its instructions and its assembly process. Since you are buying a foldable bike, check the weight of the product and whether it is hard to fold it up and get back again or move around.
Weight capacity
Be sure to check the weight-bearing capacity of the bike because this tells you whether or not it is suitable for a person of your height and weight. Also, the greater the capacity of the bike is, the harder and more demanding workouts it supports.
Levels of resistance
Some exercise bikes come with a great number of resistance levels making them convenient for those people who want to be pushed and challenged as they make progress while others with a smaller number are usually suitable for beginners or those in need of light exercise.
Levels of noise
Since you already want to cycle within the comfort of your home at your own time, then you should check how much noise your bike produces. Most of the available bikes are quiet but you will enjoy your workout more if you listen to your favourite music instead of the sound of the pedals working.
Seat comfort
You will be spending some time exercising so make sure the seat is comfortable enough. Also, check whether it is height adjustable, so you wouldn’t experience any problems getting on and off the bike, as well as if it comes with a backrest, to avoid any post-workout tension in your lower back.
Additional features
Often, exercise bikes come with additional features such as cup or tablet holder, some fitness apps, heart monitor to motivate you or to make your workout more pleasant. Be aware that these features imply more money so if you aren’t into these things; it is better to look for a bike that doesn’t include them than to regret it later.
Final Thoughts – What’s the best folding exercise bike?
In the end, choosing the perfect folding exercise bike for your home gym depends solely on your needs and exercise goals. If you are space restricted, then look for a folding bike that is very compact, lightweight, and easy to assemble and fold up.
In case you want to lose weight, then try to find a bike of greater weight capacity with more resistance levels that are perfect for harder and quite intense workouts.
On the other hand, if you are recovering from an injury or you are just a beginner then an exercise bike with a smaller amount of resistance levels will be enough for you. It all depends on what you want to accomplish.
Finally, this article surely has helped you by providing all the things to bear in mind when buying an exercise bike. Now it is on you to decide which one will help you achieve desired results.
