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The home gym: a sanctuary where you can train however you like, whenever you like, and wear whatever you like without anybody complaining to a manager. A key component for many home gyms is cardio equipment — powerful treadmills, sturdy ellipticals, and the best exercise bikes. But when space is limited, finding pieces that you can fold and...
The post The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
The home gym: a sanctuary where you can train however you like, whenever you like, and wear whatever you like without anybody complaining to a manager. A key component for many home gyms is cardio equipment — powerful treadmills, sturdy ellipticals, and the best exercise bikes. But when space is limited, finding pieces that you can fold and stow away may be the perfect solution. The best folding exercise bikes save the day and your floor space. After getting your sweat on, simply fold the bike and tuck it away, opening up more room for more activities.
Similar to other popular forms of cardio equipment, exercise bikes can help get your blood pumping, strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. The BarBend team understands that cardio kings, queens, and royalty have varied needs and desires when it comes to what they want in a folding exercise bike. We built and tested products. We combed through customer reviews. We sifted through the research so that no matter your budget, space, ability, or goals, you can be one step closer to finding the perfect fit. Here are our picks for the best folding exercise bikes.
The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024
How We Tested the Best Folding Exercise Bikes
With the assortment of options out there, building the best home gym is easier now than ever before, but that’s not to say sorting through all the choices is a stress-free process. The BarBend team is stacked with certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, and fitness fanatics who’ve tried and tested 10 of the most popular folding exercise bikes on the market to bring you our top six picks. We scored each bike on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in the following categories:
Considering that the main draw of a folding exercise bike is that it, uh, folds, we took into account the profile of each piece when set up and folded away. How much space did it take up? How easy was it to move around? Additionally, we also kept a focus on functionality and durability while we pedaled our little hearts out, because what’s the use of a compact folding exercise bike if it feels like it’s going to fall apart when you’re riding it?
We analyzed each folding exercise bike’s conveniences, such as available water bottle and phone holders, comfortable cushions, and heart rate sensors. Our testers also played around with the tech capabilities and customizations, pushing all the buttons on the monitors (when there were monitors) and moving the seat, backrests, and handlebars in every possible configuration. Our testers sound like unsupervised children, but we assure you, they’re professionals.
Based on how a product fares in each category of testing, our team then provides a value score that takes into account the cost versus what the bike has to offer. Lower-priced options with better standout features score higher in value, while higher-priced options with less impressive features score lower. However, fear not! Each of our top choices was selected because we found it suitable and worthwhile for the right audience.
Best Folding Exercise Bike Overall: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
A folding exercise bike that gives you 1 month of free access to the FitPass App with purchase. With adjustable seat recline for upright or recumbent riding, and resistance bands so that you can do bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, or shoulder work while on your ride.
Shop FitNation
Specs
Pros
Cons
With standout features like the ability to adjust for a reclining seat, built-in resistance bands for upper body work, and pulse sensors to track your heart rate, the Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra is our choice for the best overall folding exercise bike. The benefits of cycling, outside of heart and lung health, primarily target your lower body, but with the addition of resistance bands on the front of this bike, you’re able to get a total body workout. Plus, being able to hop on an exercise bike then fold it up and hide it away when guests are coming over is a worthwhile consideration.
Your purchase gets you a free month of Echelon’s FitPass app, which can help round out your fitness journey with its library of equipment-free classes. The membership is $11.99 a month after your trial. If you want access to a larger library of classes and workouts you can take on the bike, Echelon also offers a $39.99 a month premium membership.
For the ability to work with this app and the on-bike monitor tracking calories, distance, pulse, time, and speed, our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 certified coach, gave a score of 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities. “If tech is what you’re after, It’s one of the top options for folding bikes,” they said.
Shipping and setup are a breeze. Shipping was free and our tester received their bike within a week of ordering. “With the color photos in the directions, assembly for me was quick and easy,” they said. With its adjustable height and resistance, as well as the option to ride either upright or recumbent, customization capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, some of the means to do so lacked clarity. Our tester recalled, “I found the adjustment knobs unintuitive.” This is a complaint we also saw mentioned in some customer reviews.
Easy to set up. Easy to fold up. But how does it ride? When it comes to durability, we gave this bike a 3.5 out of 5, with our tester noting that it “was shaky when I was using it.” But with more than 400 reviews online, people seem to love the bike and remark on how supportive customer service is. You also have a 30-day return window, just so long as the bike is returned without any dents or scratches, and shipped back in the original box. Customer service scored a 5 out of 5.
At $230, it does come out as a pricier choice compared to the average folding exercise bike, but it’s still less expensive than many of the best cardio machines or traditional exercise bikes, which can range from $600 to $2000.
Best Durable Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28" and 33", the recommended height of users ranges from 5'1 to 6'3".
Shop Marcy
Specs
Pros
Cons
You know those times when you buy something and it falls apart? You shout, “You piece of junk!” and kick it because kicking solves many problems. At-home cardio equipment can so often feel like a treacherous gamble, unsure how sturdy and resilient your purchase will prove to be. But with the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike, you’re getting the most durable folding bike we’ve tried. “It’s a heavy-duty base compared to others,” said our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach. “I can tell they used higher-grade steel in the construction.”
This emphasis on the bike’s build allows for a secure ride. “It’s sturdy and smooth and stable when I’m cycling, unlike some of the other folding bikes I’ve tried,” our tester said. “It’s nice feeling like you’re not going to tip over when you’re riding, right?! Plus, the seat’s comfortable.” They gave its durability score of 5 out of 5, higher than any other folding bike we tested.
It’s easy to fold up and store with built-in transportation wheels, and the LCD screen panel is user-friendly with basic data points such as speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Eight levels of magnetic resistance and 4 inches of adjustable seat height allow you to customize your ride for your height and intended exertion. Marcy recommends the bike for users between 5’1 and 6’3, but some customers on the shorter side have complained about the seat height being too tall even at the lowest setting. Our tester rated its customization capabilities a 4 out of 5.
The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike provides users a stable ride.
With a two-year warranty for parts and a 90-day return window, the high-quality value of this bike feels worthwhile for those whom it fits, and who are looking for a quiet, comfortable, and well-built piece of budget home gym equipment.
It’s currently listed on Amazon at $179.29 for black (which we tried) and $140 for white (which we didn’t). Be aware that the specs for the two options are similar, but not identical.
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
This super compact exercise bike folds up into a tiny square that you can store away under desks, under beds, or in the closet. With wheels for easy transportation, and at under 50 lbs, you can move this bike wherever you want it to go.
Shop Sharper Image
Specs
Pros
Cons
You’re combing the web, searching for the best compact exercise equipment because you live in a box (no judgment, I’m writing this from a box, too), and beginning to recognize the trade-offs or additional costs associated with tools to get your sweat on when floor space is limited. The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is the most compact and slim folding cycle we came across, measuring just 7 inches wide, 23 inches tall, and 25.5 inches long when folded up. This is almost one-third the size of the average folding exercise bike.
The bike looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, with how small and compact it folds up to be. Our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, gave it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. But that compact footprint is its primary selling point. There’s no screen, or backrest, or handlebars, which Sharper Image advertises as a benefit, seeing as how users will have to keep their core engaged to not topple off of the bike. Our tester, though, rated it a 3 out of 5 in terms of its durability, noting, “It’s like I’m on a unicycle. I’d only use this on hardwood floors, as I feel like I’d fall over if I was on carpet.”
But this bike has a targeted demographic, and that demographic consists of those living in tight quarters: dorm rooms, shared spaces, or in a closet in their parent’s house. The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is so compact when folded that it can fit under desks with at least a 24-inch vertical clearance.
Our tester received their shipment within a week. “I got it up my stairs by myself because it’s only 45 pounds,” they say. “Then it took me 10 minutes to unbox it and pop out the legs and seat.” It also comes with wheels that simplify the transport process. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5.
At $349.99, this is one of the most expensive options we’ve come across, nearly double the price of the average folding exercise bike, which typically costs between $180 and $200. Our tester gave this bike a value score of 3.5 out of 5 for its cost versus lack of… well, most things found on a spin bike, such as handles, a backrest, or an LCD screen (it does have a cup holder!). However, customers seem to love this lil’ guy. “People who are tight on space and don’t have room for anything else love this bike,” says our tester, who rated the customer experience a 4.9 out of 5.
There’s a 60-day return window as long as the bike’s undamaged and you’ve retained your purchase slip. If you choose to accept your refund in the form of a Sharper Image gift card, they’ll give you a prepaid shipping label, or you can pay for return shipping and get your refund returned to the card you used for purchase.
Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
The ShareVgo exercise bike is a low-cost entry into connected cycling. Track your distance traveled and calories burned over your workout to see how you compare from week to week.
Shop ShareVgo
Specs
The post The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
The home gym: a sanctuary where you can train however you like, whenever you like, and wear whatever you like without anybody complaining to a manager. A key component for many home gyms is cardio equipment — powerful treadmills, sturdy ellipticals, and the best exercise bikes. But when space is limited, finding pieces that you can fold and stow away may be the perfect solution. The best folding exercise bikes save the day and your floor space. After getting your sweat on, simply fold the bike and tuck it away, opening up more room for more activities.
Similar to other popular forms of cardio equipment, exercise bikes can help get your blood pumping, strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. The BarBend team understands that cardio kings, queens, and royalty have varied needs and desires when it comes to what they want in a folding exercise bike. We built and tested products. We combed through customer reviews. We sifted through the research so that no matter your budget, space, ability, or goals, you can be one step closer to finding the perfect fit. Here are our picks for the best folding exercise bikes.
The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024
- Best Overall Folding Exercise Bike: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
- Best Durable Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
- Best Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike
How We Tested the Best Folding Exercise Bikes
With the assortment of options out there, building the best home gym is easier now than ever before, but that’s not to say sorting through all the choices is a stress-free process. The BarBend team is stacked with certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, and fitness fanatics who’ve tried and tested 10 of the most popular folding exercise bikes on the market to bring you our top six picks. We scored each bike on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in the following categories:
- Footprint and portability
- Delivery and setup
- Durability
- Customizations
- Tech capabilities
- Conveniences
- Shipping
- Customer reviews
- Value
- Warranty, financing, and returns
- Customer service
Considering that the main draw of a folding exercise bike is that it, uh, folds, we took into account the profile of each piece when set up and folded away. How much space did it take up? How easy was it to move around? Additionally, we also kept a focus on functionality and durability while we pedaled our little hearts out, because what’s the use of a compact folding exercise bike if it feels like it’s going to fall apart when you’re riding it?
We analyzed each folding exercise bike’s conveniences, such as available water bottle and phone holders, comfortable cushions, and heart rate sensors. Our testers also played around with the tech capabilities and customizations, pushing all the buttons on the monitors (when there were monitors) and moving the seat, backrests, and handlebars in every possible configuration. Our testers sound like unsupervised children, but we assure you, they’re professionals.
Based on how a product fares in each category of testing, our team then provides a value score that takes into account the cost versus what the bike has to offer. Lower-priced options with better standout features score higher in value, while higher-priced options with less impressive features score lower. However, fear not! Each of our top choices was selected because we found it suitable and worthwhile for the right audience.
Best Folding Exercise Bike Overall: FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
FitNation Flex Bike Ultra
A folding exercise bike that gives you 1 month of free access to the FitPass App with purchase. With adjustable seat recline for upright or recumbent riding, and resistance bands so that you can do bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, or shoulder work while on your ride.
Shop FitNation
Specs
- Price: $229.99
- Dimensions Assembled: 41? H x 42.5? L x 21.5? W
- Dimensions Folded: 54? H x 17? L x 21.5? W
- Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Bike Weight: 39lbs
Pros
- The built-in resistance bands give you a total body workout.
- This bike’s adjustable seat allows for recumbent and upright rides.
- Customers receive a free month’s membership to FitPass.
Cons
- We experienced some wobble during our rides.
- At $229.99, this bike is nearly $100 more expensive than many folding exercise bikes.
- There is no water bottle holder.
With standout features like the ability to adjust for a reclining seat, built-in resistance bands for upper body work, and pulse sensors to track your heart rate, the Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra is our choice for the best overall folding exercise bike. The benefits of cycling, outside of heart and lung health, primarily target your lower body, but with the addition of resistance bands on the front of this bike, you’re able to get a total body workout. Plus, being able to hop on an exercise bike then fold it up and hide it away when guests are coming over is a worthwhile consideration.
Your purchase gets you a free month of Echelon’s FitPass app, which can help round out your fitness journey with its library of equipment-free classes. The membership is $11.99 a month after your trial. If you want access to a larger library of classes and workouts you can take on the bike, Echelon also offers a $39.99 a month premium membership.
For the ability to work with this app and the on-bike monitor tracking calories, distance, pulse, time, and speed, our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 certified coach, gave a score of 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities. “If tech is what you’re after, It’s one of the top options for folding bikes,” they said.
Shipping and setup are a breeze. Shipping was free and our tester received their bike within a week of ordering. “With the color photos in the directions, assembly for me was quick and easy,” they said. With its adjustable height and resistance, as well as the option to ride either upright or recumbent, customization capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, some of the means to do so lacked clarity. Our tester recalled, “I found the adjustment knobs unintuitive.” This is a complaint we also saw mentioned in some customer reviews.
Easy to set up. Easy to fold up. But how does it ride? When it comes to durability, we gave this bike a 3.5 out of 5, with our tester noting that it “was shaky when I was using it.” But with more than 400 reviews online, people seem to love the bike and remark on how supportive customer service is. You also have a 30-day return window, just so long as the bike is returned without any dents or scratches, and shipped back in the original box. Customer service scored a 5 out of 5.
At $230, it does come out as a pricier choice compared to the average folding exercise bike, but it’s still less expensive than many of the best cardio machines or traditional exercise bikes, which can range from $600 to $2000.
Best Durable Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28" and 33", the recommended height of users ranges from 5'1 to 6'3".
Shop Marcy
Specs
- Price: Starting at $179.29
- Dimensions Assembled: 43.75” H x 33.5” L x 18.25” W
- Dimensions Folded: 51.5” H x 18.25” L x 18.25” W
- Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Bike Weight: 37lbs
Pros
- The heavy-duty 14-gauge steel frame provides a sturdy ride.
- Adjustable seat allows users of varying heights to feel comfortable.
- The bike has transportation wheels, which makes it easier to move around.
Cons
- There are no heart rate sensors on the handles.
- It has no water bottle holder or phone holder.
- It didn’t come with batteries for the LCD monitor.
You know those times when you buy something and it falls apart? You shout, “You piece of junk!” and kick it because kicking solves many problems. At-home cardio equipment can so often feel like a treacherous gamble, unsure how sturdy and resilient your purchase will prove to be. But with the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike, you’re getting the most durable folding bike we’ve tried. “It’s a heavy-duty base compared to others,” said our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach. “I can tell they used higher-grade steel in the construction.”
This emphasis on the bike’s build allows for a secure ride. “It’s sturdy and smooth and stable when I’m cycling, unlike some of the other folding bikes I’ve tried,” our tester said. “It’s nice feeling like you’re not going to tip over when you’re riding, right?! Plus, the seat’s comfortable.” They gave its durability score of 5 out of 5, higher than any other folding bike we tested.
It’s easy to fold up and store with built-in transportation wheels, and the LCD screen panel is user-friendly with basic data points such as speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Eight levels of magnetic resistance and 4 inches of adjustable seat height allow you to customize your ride for your height and intended exertion. Marcy recommends the bike for users between 5’1 and 6’3, but some customers on the shorter side have complained about the seat height being too tall even at the lowest setting. Our tester rated its customization capabilities a 4 out of 5.
With a two-year warranty for parts and a 90-day return window, the high-quality value of this bike feels worthwhile for those whom it fits, and who are looking for a quiet, comfortable, and well-built piece of budget home gym equipment.
It’s currently listed on Amazon at $179.29 for black (which we tried) and $140 for white (which we didn’t). Be aware that the specs for the two options are similar, but not identical.
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
This super compact exercise bike folds up into a tiny square that you can store away under desks, under beds, or in the closet. With wheels for easy transportation, and at under 50 lbs, you can move this bike wherever you want it to go.
Shop Sharper Image
Specs
- Price: $349.99
- Dimensions Assembled: 35? H x 27.5? L x 22” W
- Dimensions Folded: 23? H x 25.5? L x 7? W
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Bike Weight: 45lbs
Pros
- When folded, this bike measures almost one-third the size of the average folding exercise bike.
- Minimal assembly is required, as this bike comes ready to go out of the box.
- Users can adjust the bike for heights between 5’ to 6’4”.
Cons
- At $349.99, this bike is nearly double the cost of the average folding exercise bike, which typically runs between $180 and $200.
- There is no back support or handlebars to help riders balance.
- This bike has no tech or tracking capabilities.
You’re combing the web, searching for the best compact exercise equipment because you live in a box (no judgment, I’m writing this from a box, too), and beginning to recognize the trade-offs or additional costs associated with tools to get your sweat on when floor space is limited. The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is the most compact and slim folding cycle we came across, measuring just 7 inches wide, 23 inches tall, and 25.5 inches long when folded up. This is almost one-third the size of the average folding exercise bike.
The bike looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, with how small and compact it folds up to be. Our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, gave it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. But that compact footprint is its primary selling point. There’s no screen, or backrest, or handlebars, which Sharper Image advertises as a benefit, seeing as how users will have to keep their core engaged to not topple off of the bike. Our tester, though, rated it a 3 out of 5 in terms of its durability, noting, “It’s like I’m on a unicycle. I’d only use this on hardwood floors, as I feel like I’d fall over if I was on carpet.”
But this bike has a targeted demographic, and that demographic consists of those living in tight quarters: dorm rooms, shared spaces, or in a closet in their parent’s house. The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is so compact when folded that it can fit under desks with at least a 24-inch vertical clearance.
Our tester received their shipment within a week. “I got it up my stairs by myself because it’s only 45 pounds,” they say. “Then it took me 10 minutes to unbox it and pop out the legs and seat.” It also comes with wheels that simplify the transport process. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5.
At $349.99, this is one of the most expensive options we’ve come across, nearly double the price of the average folding exercise bike, which typically costs between $180 and $200. Our tester gave this bike a value score of 3.5 out of 5 for its cost versus lack of… well, most things found on a spin bike, such as handles, a backrest, or an LCD screen (it does have a cup holder!). However, customers seem to love this lil’ guy. “People who are tight on space and don’t have room for anything else love this bike,” says our tester, who rated the customer experience a 4.9 out of 5.
There’s a 60-day return window as long as the bike’s undamaged and you’ve retained your purchase slip. If you choose to accept your refund in the form of a Sharper Image gift card, they’ll give you a prepaid shipping label, or you can pay for return shipping and get your refund returned to the card you used for purchase.
Best Folding Exercise Bike with Companion App: ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
The ShareVgo exercise bike is a low-cost entry into connected cycling. Track your distance traveled and calories burned over your workout to see how you compare from week to week.
Shop ShareVgo
Specs
- Price: $225.99
- Dimensions Assembled: 55” H x 28” L x 22” W
- Dimensions Folded: 63” H x 9” L x...
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