Best Upright Exercise Bikes of 2023
Editor's Choice
Exercise Bike Benefits
- Efficient cardio trainer for all skill levels
- A great tool for weight management
- Tones the lower body
- Recumbent exercise bikes are very low impact
- Cycle trainers are effective for strength training
Upright exercise bikes, also called stationary bikes, look similar to traditional bicycles. Their main alternatives are recumbent exercise bikes (bikes with back support) and indoor cycles for competitive training. Uprights are classic solutions for at-home cardio training with resistance, and the best upright bikes can be shared by family members “8 to 108” as the saying goes.
To meet anyone’s desired resistance level some of the best upright exercise bikes of 2017 use fan air resistance. These fitness machines have big flywheels that look similar to room fans. The faster you pedal, the more resistance a fan flywheel can generate.
Magnetic resistance is the other major option, and it’s more common. The best bikes with magnetic resistance feature a wide range of settings. With many choices for light to strong resistance, anyone can ride for gentle physical rehabilitation or a more intense workout.
See the chart below for overviews of five top-scoring upright models with a wide variety of special features. For details you can click over to our full reviews.
Top 5 Best Rated Upright Exercise Bikes
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Model |  Assault |  XTERRA Fitness AIR650 Airbike Pro |  ProForm Pro C10U |  NordicTrack Commercial |  NordicTrack |
| Rating |  Rating: 95.75% | Rating: 95.0% | Rating: 95.0% |  Rating: 93.75% | Rating: 93.5% |
| Type | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright |
| Resistance | 27" Fan 6 Fan Blades | 27" Fan 9 Fan Blades | 25 | 24" | 24 Levels |
| Display | LCD Screen | Performance Monitor LCD | 10" HD Smart Touchscreen | 14" HD Smart Touchscreen | 7" Color Touch Screen |
| Programs | 7 on board workouts | 7 (plus manual) | iFit | n/a | 32 |
| MSRP | $999 | $1299 | $699 | $1000 - $1,500 Exercise bikes from $1,000 to $1,500 are both reasonably priced and highly effective. | $1,499 |
| Pricing | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price |
Upright Exercise Bikes Buying Guide
Upright exercise bikes have been around a long time and are often called stationary bikes. Upright exercise bikes are normally smaller and lighter than recumbent bikes, beginning in price around $400 for a bike with standard features. Because of the size of upright exercise bikes, they easily fit into small places. Some bikes even fold up for easy transport to other parts of the house or give you the option to take the bike with you on vacation.
The comfort level of upright exercise bikes can vary but keep in mind your body will eventually feel the effects of long rides, just like an outdoor bike. More expensive upright exercise bikes provide additional padding on the seat, pedals and handgrip areas giving you a more comfortable ride than a cheaper bike.
Upright exercise bikes include several workout programs to keep your exercise regime going. Besides users being able to define their own custom routine, workout programs target heart rate maintenance as well as weight control and body toning.
One of the benefits of using an upright exercise bike is the momentum you gain when trekking with increased resistance levels. Because you can stand up and pedal, your workout becomes harder as your resistance and speed increases. Dual action upright exercise bikes include moving arm handles giving you a complete cardiovascular workout for your arms, chest, abs and back.
There are many add-on features available if you are willing to put out more bucks for your upright exercise bike. Bikes with iPod/MP3 capability provide additional music stimulation during your workout. Set up your favorite tunes on your iPod and plug it in while you “ride” as you “jive”. Built-in speakers give you an ears-free ride eliminating irritating earphones.
Many upright exercise bikes also include access to iFit technology. iFit gives you additional resources to track your workout progress, stay toned with personal online trainer Jillian Michaels and compete in races all around the world through Google Maps.
Upright exercise bikes are the way to go if you are an avid outdoor rider looking to stay in shape during the cold winter months. Users who desire greater intensity during their workout find upright exercise bikes to be the best fit for them due to the capability to pedal standing up.
