ProForm Desk Bike Review

Our Rating

Rating: 78.1/100. The Proform Desk Bike is a good way to get some exercise in while you work, read, take a call or surf the web. It’s a great fit for a novice rider, someone rehabilitating an injury or someone a little older who needs a low-impact way to get moving. The more serious rider would need a stronger, more durable machine and would probably want something that comes with a few more bells and whistles. The option to add and remove the desk attachment is what makes this desk bike stand out from other stationary bikes. The desk easily connects to the handlebars and will hold up to a 17” device. Then, if you want a more intense ride, you can remove the desk and focus on your cardio fitness.

The desk itself is not the best quality material—and you may need a non-slip mat for laptops—but it does its job. The large LCD window shows the standard metrics: calories burned, speed, distance, time elapsed, resistance and heart rate. It doesn’t light up, however, so you will need to make sure you are in a well-lit room to see your results on the monitor.

The SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance makes for a smooth and very quiet ride, which is unusual for a bike at this price point. When changing resistance levels it smoothly transitions, no noisy or jerky interruptions. A major benefit of this bike is that you can fold it up and roll it out of the way, which is great for a small home gym. At 50 lbs it’s light enough for most people to be able to maneuver. As for height, it’s a tall bike and if you are shorter than 5’3 it may be a little challenging to jump on. The eight resistance levels are good for beginners or those wanting a light workout, but for stronger riders who want to go hard, a higher-end machine is the way to go. The padded seats are comfortable and the backrest offers lumbar support. The lower handlebars are good and will come in handy if your desk is attached to the upright handlebars.

The warranty is not the best, with only 90 days for parts and labor and one year for the frame.

Next are lists of pros and cons about the Proform Desk Bike.

Pros:

• Low price
• Large console/display LCD window tracks speed, distance, time, resistance, heart rate and calories burned.
• Eight resistance levels
• Easy to connect and disconnect desktop attachment
• Space saver – folds up and out of the way after use; easy to move with built-in transport wheels
• Smooth, quiet ride even when changing resistance levels
• Comfortable padded seat and backrest
• Two sets of handlebars: front and lower
• Grip pulse handlebars have heart rate sensors
• For support and stability pedals come with straps
• Water bottle holder is located at the rear of the seat for easy access

Cons:

• Once assembled it is high, so someone 5’3″ or shorter may find difficult to get on and off
• Resistance levels more suited to a beginner fitness level
• No apps or programs included
• Console doesn’t light up – need to be in a well-lit area to properly see the monitor
• Short warranty: 90 days for parts and labor and one year on frame

Introduction

Working while working out. If you that’s your dream then this could be your dream machine. The Proform Desk Bike is good for less intense workouts and suited to the needs of beginners, those needing rehabilitative training and older people looking for a low-impact workout option. The desk easily snaps on and can hold up to a 17″ device. The ride is smooth and quiet, even while transitioning between the eight levels of resistance. There are no extra bells and whistles on this model but you can get an effective workout that increases endurance, muscle tone and strength.

Workout Programs

The Proform Desk Bike doesn’t come with any pre-installed programs. It has a large LCD window that monitors speed, calories burned, time elapsed, distance, resistance and heart rate. Thanks to the desk, you could use a laptop or other device while you ride to access workout programs on the web or via apps and follow along.