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Whether they’re shopping for shoes, clothing, or tiny houses, taller consumers can often find their options lacking — and at-home fitness equipment isn’t always that much more accommodating. Thankfully, some of the best exercise bikes on the market cater to riders as tall as 6 feet 6 inches. We saddled up on more than 20 different bikes to...
The post The 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders of 2024, Ridden and Approved by Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.
Whether they’re shopping for shoes, clothing, or tiny houses, taller consumers can often find their options lacking — and at-home fitness equipment isn’t always that much more accommodating. Thankfully, some of the best exercise bikes on the market cater to riders as tall as 6 feet 6 inches. We saddled up on more than 20 different bikes to find the best exercise bikes for tall riders that won’t crunch your budget (or vertebrae).
Below, you’ll find bikes with integrated fitness apps and huge HD touchscreens for the techies, along with more utilitarian models to fit minimalist lifestyles. Join us as we break down what makes these hyper-adjustable exercise bikes suitable for taller-than-average cyclists.
The 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders
About Our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders
The BarBend team of fitness professionals includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and cycling enthusiasts, but what makes us uniquely qualified to speak to exercise bikes for tall riders is our own height range. Our team members range from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 3 inches — and our tallest tester is actually our go-to exercise bike expert. Altogether, we’ve spun the pedals on more than 20 exercise bikes from top brands, rating each of them on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including adjustability, customizations, and durability.
The average height among U.S. adults is 5 feet 9 inches for men, and 5 feet 3 inches for women, so we consider tall riders to be anyone from 6 feet to 6 feet 6 inches tall (the highest recommended height among our picks). (1) Beyond the specs and measurements for each bike, we leaned on the experience of our taller teammates when curating this list of the best exercise bikes for tall riders because — simply put — they are our tallest riders. Read on to see which of these bikes might be the best fit for you.
Adjustability
Before we even saddled up on these bikes, we maxed out the seat heights and adjusted the handlebars to get a sense of the range that the product pages list as their recommended user heights. Most options we included claim to accommodate riders up to at least 6 feet 5 inches, but a few don’t list a recommended height range.
BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod, NASM-CPT, adjusting the resistance on the NordicTrack S22i.
In cases like this, we looked into other measurements, like inseam height — the distance from your upper inner thigh to the heel of your foot — and leaned on the experience of our taller team members. (2)
[Related: The 9 Best Portable Exercise Bikes]
Outside of the seat heights, we also noted the adjustability of the handlebars — specifically if they can be adjusted four ways or just vertically. Other elements — like types of pedals and swiveling screens — earned mentions, but since hopping in a Peloton class with a few crunched vertebrae is not ideal, we focused on making sure you can find a comfortable fit.
Customizations
During a ride, you typically manage resistance via an adjustment knob on the frame just below the seat. However — unless you go with a recumbent option — you may have your seat raised so high that leaning down to reach the knob can be a bit of a challenge.
The seat on the Diamondback 1260sc.
We made sure to include bikes that offer alternatives, from levers and handlebar buttons to automatic adjustments via connected apps like iFIT or Peloton. Whether you’re cruising (virtually, of course) through Malibu or trying to keep up with your instructor, being able to quickly and comfortably adjust the resistance was a huge factor when we made our picks.
Price
By including options ranging from $279.99 to $1,799, we tried to accommodate a wide range of budgets in addition to heights. Most stationary bikes fall between $600 and $2,000, and most of our picks fall right in the middle of that range.
The higher you climb up that range, the more premium features you can expect to see, like integration with some of the best fitness apps, more resistance levels, and even incline and decline capabilities.
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
Between the 13-inch range on the seat stack and adjustable handlebars, tall riders should have little issue taking the S22i for a virtual jaunt via the thousands of classes available through iFIT, which comes integrated into the 22-inch display of this exercise bike. If you find the resistance adjustment knob to be out of reach with the seat height maxed out, the S22i also provides buttons on the handlebars. You can also allow iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature to automatically change it in response to the terrain of a scenic ride or the class you’re taking.
BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod on the NordicTrack S22i.
Although NordicTrack doesn’t list a recommended height range for the S22i, its seat height is adjustable up to 13 inches, allowing for an inseam range of 28 to 41 inches from the lowest pedal position to the seat. If you measure from your heel up to the top of your inner thigh, match your measurement with that range. (2)
[Related: iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal?]
While she wasn’t a huge fan of the seat itself, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, rated its adjustability and ergonomics 4.8 out of 5. “The seat adjusts vertically, horizontally, and even tilts, but I thought the actual seat was kind of uncomfortable,” she said. She noted that it can be swapped out for a more comfortable seat, but finding the slider rails could make finding a replacement difficult.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4)
It’s worth noting that an iFIT membership will set you back $39.99 per month, but Meier thinks it’s essential to get the most out of the bike. “Without iFIT, you basically just have an expensive manual bike,” she said, rating its tech capabilities and dynamic programming both 5 out of 5.
When she moved this 205-pound hoss around our gym, Meier — a competitive weightlifter, mind you — had a bit of trouble navigating the large screen, leading to a 3.5 out of 5 rating for portability. “There’s not a handle or anything, so trying to drive that thing — especially with the screen throwing off the balance — was tough.”
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders Under $1,000: Schwinn IC4
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
The Schwinn IC4 combines upper and lower body work with its included set of dumbbells and 100 levels of cycling resistance for a complete upper and lower body burn. Dial up your favorite streaming app and hop on, this bike is compatible with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
Pros
Cons
A 24-inch height range — the largest of any bike we tested — makes the Schwinn IC4’s sub-$1,000 price point even more appealing for tall riders. It can accommodate users up to 6 feet 6 inches, and includes a four-way adjustable seat so they can find the right setup for their body type. While you won’t find an HD touchscreen on the console, you can sync your own device to follow workouts or entertainment. You can also connect many of the best heart rate monitors — or strap on Schwinn’s included band — to keep an eye on your pulse while you pump the pedals.
Our tester riding the Schwinn IC4.
After getting to know the IC4, certified personal trainer Kate Meier rated its value, adjustability, and ergonomics all 5 out of 5. “For less than $1,000, you’re getting a ton of tech and conveniences — like the water bottle holder, and pair of dumbbells,” she said. Tall techies may be disappointed when they see a 3-inch LCD monitor, but Meier noted that the included media shelf allows riders to follow workouts from their own mobile devices.
Our tester adjusting the settings on the Schwinn IC4.
During rides, the 40-pound flywheel — 10 pounds heavier than what we consider heavy — allows for smooth transitions between the 100 levels of magnetic resistance. Meier rated its customizations 5 out of 5, noting that there are two ways to adjust resistance. “If it’s uncomfortable to reach down to the resistance knob, you can change it digitally from the LCD monitor,” she pointed out.
Read our full Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Simple Display: Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
With a rear-mounted 31-pound flywheel, it can help avoid corrosion brought on by moisture from sweat or drinks. The adjustment lever for the 16 levels of magnetic resistance can allow for smooth adjustment and its user-powered design requires no electricity.
Shop Diamondback
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle allows riders up to 6 feet 5 inches to track their metrics via the pedal-activated LCD screen or their own connected device. Once you start pedaling, this user-powered bike roars to life, displaying stats like heart rate, time, and calories burned.
Our BarBend tester riding the Diamondback 1260sc.
While the lack of an HD touchscreen may have cost it a point for its tech capabilities and value — both a 4 out of 5 — our tester appreciated the freedom to connect their own device. “The console is smaller than some other high-end bikes I’ve used, but it shows you everything you need,” they said. “And the fact that the tablet holder doesn’t cover it let me see both at the same time.”
[Related: Best Beginner Mountain Bikes]
The four-way adjustable seat and handlebars helped the 1260sc earn a 5 out of 5 for both adjustability and ergonomics, but it was the unique resistance-adjustment mechanism that impressed our tester. “This totally surprised me, but I think I prefer this lever to a regular resistance knob,” they stated. “It changed real quick, and though it makes a clicking noise, it didn’t bother me at all.”
The rear flywheel on the Diamondback 1260sc.
Its rear-flywheel drive may help prolong the life of the bike, as it’s out of the danger zone where sweat droplets and spilled water can splash and lead to corrosion. “Most cycling studios use bikes with rear flywheels for this exact reason,” they explained, rating its durability another 5 out of 5.” They need less maintenance and just create fewer problems over time.” (3)
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: Yosuda YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike
Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike
Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike
Smooth and quiet cycling with a 35 lb flywheel and attached transport wheels so you can cruise where you want to. Simple LCD screen with a lip for an iPad, tablet, or phone.
Shop Yosuda
Specs
Pros
Cons
The post The 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders of 2024, Ridden and Approved by Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.
Whether they’re shopping for shoes, clothing, or tiny houses, taller consumers can often find their options lacking — and at-home fitness equipment isn’t always that much more accommodating. Thankfully, some of the best exercise bikes on the market cater to riders as tall as 6 feet 6 inches. We saddled up on more than 20 different bikes to find the best exercise bikes for tall riders that won’t crunch your budget (or vertebrae).
Below, you’ll find bikes with integrated fitness apps and huge HD touchscreens for the techies, along with more utilitarian models to fit minimalist lifestyles. Join us as we break down what makes these hyper-adjustable exercise bikes suitable for taller-than-average cyclists.
The 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders
- Best Overall Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack S22i
- Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders Under $1,000: Schwinn IC4
- Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Simple Display: Diamondback Bike 1260sc
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Peloton: Peloton Bike
About Our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders
The BarBend team of fitness professionals includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and cycling enthusiasts, but what makes us uniquely qualified to speak to exercise bikes for tall riders is our own height range. Our team members range from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 3 inches — and our tallest tester is actually our go-to exercise bike expert. Altogether, we’ve spun the pedals on more than 20 exercise bikes from top brands, rating each of them on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including adjustability, customizations, and durability.
The average height among U.S. adults is 5 feet 9 inches for men, and 5 feet 3 inches for women, so we consider tall riders to be anyone from 6 feet to 6 feet 6 inches tall (the highest recommended height among our picks). (1) Beyond the specs and measurements for each bike, we leaned on the experience of our taller teammates when curating this list of the best exercise bikes for tall riders because — simply put — they are our tallest riders. Read on to see which of these bikes might be the best fit for you.
Adjustability
Before we even saddled up on these bikes, we maxed out the seat heights and adjusted the handlebars to get a sense of the range that the product pages list as their recommended user heights. Most options we included claim to accommodate riders up to at least 6 feet 5 inches, but a few don’t list a recommended height range.
In cases like this, we looked into other measurements, like inseam height — the distance from your upper inner thigh to the heel of your foot — and leaned on the experience of our taller team members. (2)
[Related: The 9 Best Portable Exercise Bikes]
Outside of the seat heights, we also noted the adjustability of the handlebars — specifically if they can be adjusted four ways or just vertically. Other elements — like types of pedals and swiveling screens — earned mentions, but since hopping in a Peloton class with a few crunched vertebrae is not ideal, we focused on making sure you can find a comfortable fit.
Customizations
During a ride, you typically manage resistance via an adjustment knob on the frame just below the seat. However — unless you go with a recumbent option — you may have your seat raised so high that leaning down to reach the knob can be a bit of a challenge.
We made sure to include bikes that offer alternatives, from levers and handlebar buttons to automatic adjustments via connected apps like iFIT or Peloton. Whether you’re cruising (virtually, of course) through Malibu or trying to keep up with your instructor, being able to quickly and comfortably adjust the resistance was a huge factor when we made our picks.
Price
By including options ranging from $279.99 to $1,799, we tried to accommodate a wide range of budgets in addition to heights. Most stationary bikes fall between $600 and $2,000, and most of our picks fall right in the middle of that range.
The higher you climb up that range, the more premium features you can expect to see, like integration with some of the best fitness apps, more resistance levels, and even incline and decline capabilities.
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,799
- Recommended Height Range: Not listed, but the seat is adjustable up to 13 inches
- Resistance: 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Display: 22” HD touchscreen
- Dimensions: 58? H x 61? L x 22? W
- Weight: 205lbs
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Pros
- With a 13-inch seat height range and vertically-adjustable handlebars, tall riders can find a comfortable fit to take on iFIT workouts.
- The 22-inch HD touchscreen brings iFIT’s studio classes and scenic rides from around the world to life.
- You can expect smooth resistance and incline adjustment, whether you change it manually or automatically using iFIT’s SmartAdjust capability.
Cons
- Though we find it vital to the bike’s appeal, an iFIT membership costs an additional $39.99 per month.
- The large screen and 205-pound overall weight made it difficult for our testers to move around.
Between the 13-inch range on the seat stack and adjustable handlebars, tall riders should have little issue taking the S22i for a virtual jaunt via the thousands of classes available through iFIT, which comes integrated into the 22-inch display of this exercise bike. If you find the resistance adjustment knob to be out of reach with the seat height maxed out, the S22i also provides buttons on the handlebars. You can also allow iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature to automatically change it in response to the terrain of a scenic ride or the class you’re taking.
Although NordicTrack doesn’t list a recommended height range for the S22i, its seat height is adjustable up to 13 inches, allowing for an inseam range of 28 to 41 inches from the lowest pedal position to the seat. If you measure from your heel up to the top of your inner thigh, match your measurement with that range. (2)
[Related: iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal?]
While she wasn’t a huge fan of the seat itself, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, rated its adjustability and ergonomics 4.8 out of 5. “The seat adjusts vertically, horizontally, and even tilts, but I thought the actual seat was kind of uncomfortable,” she said. She noted that it can be swapped out for a more comfortable seat, but finding the slider rails could make finding a replacement difficult.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4)
It’s worth noting that an iFIT membership will set you back $39.99 per month, but Meier thinks it’s essential to get the most out of the bike. “Without iFIT, you basically just have an expensive manual bike,” she said, rating its tech capabilities and dynamic programming both 5 out of 5.
When she moved this 205-pound hoss around our gym, Meier — a competitive weightlifter, mind you — had a bit of trouble navigating the large screen, leading to a 3.5 out of 5 rating for portability. “There’s not a handle or anything, so trying to drive that thing — especially with the screen throwing off the balance — was tough.”
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders Under $1,000: Schwinn IC4
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
The Schwinn IC4 combines upper and lower body work with its included set of dumbbells and 100 levels of cycling resistance for a complete upper and lower body burn. Dial up your favorite streaming app and hop on, this bike is compatible with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
- Price: $899
- Recommended Height Range: 4’6? to 6’6?
- Display: LCD screen with device holder
- Resistance: 100 levels of magnetic resistance
- Dimensions: 51.8? H x 54.6? L x 30.7? W
- Weight: 112lbs
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
Pros
- The IC4’s 24-inch height range is the most accommodating among bikes we’ve tested, while still coming in at just $899.
- Riders up to 6 feet 6 inches can use the four-way adjustable seat and handlebars to find a comfortable position.
- A heavy 40-pound flywheel allows for smooth transitions between its 100 levels of resistance.
- Connect your mobile device to use apps like JRNY, Peloton, or Zwift to track metrics and follow virtual courses or studio classes.
Cons
- Tech-inclined riders may want a touchscreen display instead of supplying their own devices.
- With just a 3-inch LCD screen onboard, the $899 price tag may be too steep for some.
A 24-inch height range — the largest of any bike we tested — makes the Schwinn IC4’s sub-$1,000 price point even more appealing for tall riders. It can accommodate users up to 6 feet 6 inches, and includes a four-way adjustable seat so they can find the right setup for their body type. While you won’t find an HD touchscreen on the console, you can sync your own device to follow workouts or entertainment. You can also connect many of the best heart rate monitors — or strap on Schwinn’s included band — to keep an eye on your pulse while you pump the pedals.
After getting to know the IC4, certified personal trainer Kate Meier rated its value, adjustability, and ergonomics all 5 out of 5. “For less than $1,000, you’re getting a ton of tech and conveniences — like the water bottle holder, and pair of dumbbells,” she said. Tall techies may be disappointed when they see a 3-inch LCD monitor, but Meier noted that the included media shelf allows riders to follow workouts from their own mobile devices.
During rides, the 40-pound flywheel — 10 pounds heavier than what we consider heavy — allows for smooth transitions between the 100 levels of magnetic resistance. Meier rated its customizations 5 out of 5, noting that there are two ways to adjust resistance. “If it’s uncomfortable to reach down to the resistance knob, you can change it digitally from the LCD monitor,” she pointed out.
Read our full Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Simple Display: Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
With a rear-mounted 31-pound flywheel, it can help avoid corrosion brought on by moisture from sweat or drinks. The adjustment lever for the 16 levels of magnetic resistance can allow for smooth adjustment and its user-powered design requires no electricity.
Shop Diamondback
Specs
- Price: $1,199
- Recommended Height Range: 5’2? to 6’5?
- Dimensions: 50? H x 59? L x 23? W
- Display: LCD screen with device holder
- Weight: 130lbs
- Resistance: Lever-adjusted magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- Riders up to 6 feet 5 inches can track their metrics on the LCD screen, or by connecting their own tablet or phones via Bluetooth.
- Its heavy 31-pound flywheel is rear-mounted to avoid corrosion-inducing moisture from sweat or spilled drinks.
- The 16 resistance levels can be adjusted using a lever instead of a traditional knob.
Cons
- $1,199 might be too expensive for a bike with no screen.
- Some athletes may find the clicking noise distracting when adjusting the resistance lever.
The Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle allows riders up to 6 feet 5 inches to track their metrics via the pedal-activated LCD screen or their own connected device. Once you start pedaling, this user-powered bike roars to life, displaying stats like heart rate, time, and calories burned.
While the lack of an HD touchscreen may have cost it a point for its tech capabilities and value — both a 4 out of 5 — our tester appreciated the freedom to connect their own device. “The console is smaller than some other high-end bikes I’ve used, but it shows you everything you need,” they said. “And the fact that the tablet holder doesn’t cover it let me see both at the same time.”
[Related: Best Beginner Mountain Bikes]
The four-way adjustable seat and handlebars helped the 1260sc earn a 5 out of 5 for both adjustability and ergonomics, but it was the unique resistance-adjustment mechanism that impressed our tester. “This totally surprised me, but I think I prefer this lever to a regular resistance knob,” they stated. “It changed real quick, and though it makes a clicking noise, it didn’t bother me at all.”
Its rear-flywheel drive may help prolong the life of the bike, as it’s out of the danger zone where sweat droplets and spilled water can splash and lead to corrosion. “Most cycling studios use bikes with rear flywheels for this exact reason,” they explained, rating its durability another 5 out of 5.” They need less maintenance and just create fewer problems over time.” (3)
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: Yosuda YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike
Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike
Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike
Smooth and quiet cycling with a 35 lb flywheel and attached transport wheels so you can cruise where you want to. Simple LCD screen with a lip for an iPad, tablet, or phone.
Shop Yosuda
Specs
- Price: $279.99
- Recommended Height Range: Not listed, but it has a 25? to 35? inseam height adjustment
- Dimensions: 45” H x 40” L x 22” W
- Display: LCD screen with device holder
- Weight: 68lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Weight Capacity: 270lbs
Pros
- At just $279.99, it’s well below the average range we’ve seen for exercise bikes for tall riders — $1,200 to $2,000.
- With a 10-inch inseam height range up to 35 inches and four-way adjustable seat, tall riders should be able to find a comfortable position.
- It only occupies 6.11 square feet of floor space, which is almost a full square foot less than the average range for upright bikes.
Cons
- Its resistance levels...
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