Choosing the best exercise bike can significantly impact your fitness journey. With countless models on the market, finding the perfect match for your needs can be daunting. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide.
Our team meticulously researched and tested various bikes to bring you the most reliable options. In this article, you'll discover top-rated exercise bikes that cater to different goals and levels, ensuring you make a well-informed decision. Let's dive in and help you find the ideal exercise bike that fits seamlessly into your fitness routine.
Cardio Online is an Australian-owned small family business and every customer is important to us and treated as a genuine person and never just a number. We consider all the major use cases that our customers demand, from bikes for beginners, home workout enthusiasts, professional athletes, and commercial facility owners. We're constantly on the hunt for new products to test, and if we think they're good enough, or better than models we've listed, we update our recommendations.
Happy browsing and reach out to me and my team if you have any queries!
All the best, Tristram - Owner, Cardio Online
Finding a high-quality upright exercise bike requires taking a close look at everything from assembly to resistance levels. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting the best option for your needs:
✔️Comfortable seating:Whether you prefer a padded seat or a seat with ventilation is personal preference, but a comfortable seat is important so you can ride for a significant amount of time without discomfort.
✔️Display:A display that tracks metrics, even basic ones such as speed and distance, is useful on an upright bike. Some bikes offer more metrics and larger backlit screens than others. Certain units even have smart touchscreens for a more interactive experience.
✔️ Resistance:Looking for a upright exercise bike that offers a range of levels and a smooth resistance system such as a magnetic one are key for an efficient and effective ride.
✔️Adjustable settings:Ensuring that the seat positions and handlebars are highly adjustable can help accommodate a variety of different body types and heights. We also included information on maximum user weight for each bike on our list.
✔️ Special features:Some bikes have heart-rate monitors on the handlebars that sync up to the screen, built-in workout programs and options for connecting apps or music.
✔️ Dimensions:The most important thing to consider is dimensions of the bike and whether or not it will fit into your home gym space, whether that's a spacious basement or a small bedroom corner.
| Name | Rating | Pros | Cons | Why Buy | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lifespan Fitness EXER-58 Exercise Bike |
Best Entry Level Exercise Bike for Beginners on a Tight Budget |
Magnetic flywheel for smooth quiet pedalling is a nice touch, comfort sports saddle has great cushioning, tablet holder is a nice bonus for entertainment | Very basic features, Max user weight of 100kg is limiting, 8 levels of manual resistance is lower than we would like, Limited 1 year warranty | Good starting point for beginners wanting a basic no frills bike to get the body moving at home. | |
York C415 Exercise Bike |
Best Value Upright Bike for Beginners |
Award winning, 32 resistance levels, heavy flywheel for smooth motion, quiet operation, lifetime warranty, large comfortable seat, great weight capacity | Basic console | Ideal for home users seeking a no frills bike that is packed with a great set of specs | |
York C420 Exercise Bike |
Best Upright Bike for Seniors |
32 resistance levels, extra heavy flywheel for great performance, quiet operation, Comfortable seat, very high weight capacity, lifetime warranty | Basic console | Building on the C415's award winning specs, the C420 includes one of the easiest step-through designs we've seen on an exercise bike, making it perfect for seniors and mobility restricted users. | |
York LC-UB Exercise Bike |
Best Upright Bike for Heavy Riders |
High weight capacity, Comfortable XL cushioned seat, spacious step through design for easy mount and dismount | Premium price, Bulkier design | The York LC-UB is perfectly suited for heavier users thanks to its easy mount-dismount design and class-leading weight capacity. | |
Sole B94 Upright Exercise Bike |
Best Upright Exercise Bike Under $2000 |
Quiet operation, App compatibility, Gel-cushioned seat | Higher price, Limited weight capacity | Perfect for users wanting the lifetime performance of a top-spec upright bike without the premium price tag of fancy touchscreens | |
Sole LCB Upright Exercise Bike |
Best High-Tech Upright Bike with Touchscreen |
High resistance levels, Large 10" touchscreen display, wireless phone charging, built entertainment apps (Netflix, YouTube etc), fitness app connectivity (Zwift etc), Lifetime commercial warranty | Premium price | Perfect for both home users and gym studios seeking a reliable, high-quality commercial-grade bike packed with high end performance specs and all the bells and whistles like touchscreens and built-in streaming apps. |
Good starting point for beginners wanting a basic no frills bike to get the body moving at home.
The Lifespan EXER-58 Exercise Bike is the perfect choice for beginners looking for an affordable yet reliable way to kickstart their fitness journey.
Designed for ease of use, it features a smooth and quiet magnetic resistance system with 10 adjustable levels, allowing new users to start light and gradually build intensity.
The comfortable seat and adjustable handlebars ensure a customized fit, making longer workouts more enjoyable. Plus, the built-in LCD display keeps track of essential workout stats like time, speed, distance, and calories burned, keeping motivation high. With a sturdy yet compact frame, it’s an excellent space-saving option for home use.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a quality upright bike that covers all the basics, the EXER-58 delivers unbeatable value.
Pros
Cons
| Flywheel Weight | 4 kg |
| Maximum User Weight | 100 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 8 levels magnetic resistance - manual tension |
| Saddle Adjustability | Saddle vertically and horizontally adjustable |
| Display | Simple LCD |
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
| Warranty | 12-month parts replacement |
| Max User Height | 190 cm |
| Assembled Dimensions | 93 cm (L) x 49 cm (W) x 134 cm (H) |
| Display statistics | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Temperature, RPM, Odometer |
Ideal for home users seeking a no frills bike that is packed with a great set of specs.
The York C415 Exercise Bike stands out as the best value upright bike for beginners, offering an impressive balance of affordability, quality, and performance.
Unlike basic entry-level models, the C415 features a 32-level electronic resistance system, providing smoother, more precise adjustments to match your fitness progress.
The 5.5” LCD display tracks key metrics like speed, distance, and calories burned, while the pre-set workout programs add variety and structure to your training.
Designed for comfort, it boasts an adjustable, cushioned seat and ergonomically positioned handlebars, ensuring a natural riding posture.
With its solid build and quiet operation, the York C415 is a fantastic choice for those who want a reliable, feature-packed exercise bike without breaking the bank.
Pros
Cons
| Flywheel Weight | 10 kg |
| Maximum User Weight | 140 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 32 levels - electronic resistance |
| Seat | Adjustable XL cushioned seat |
| Design | Easy Step-through |
| Console Display | Backlit LCD |
| Frame Warranty | Lifetime |
| Workout stats | Scan, Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Recovery, RPM |
| Assembled Dimensions | 107 cm (L) x 54 cm (W) x 128 cm (H) |
Building on the C415's award winning specs, the C420 includes one of the easiest step-through designs we've seen on an exercise bike, making it perfect for seniors and mobility restricted users.
The York C420 Exercise Bike is our top pick for seniors looking for a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-use upright bike. Designed with accessibility in mind, it features a low step-through frame, making it effortless to get on and off—perfect for those with limited mobility or joint concerns.
The extra-padded, adjustable seat ensures maximum comfort, while the electromagnetic resistance system provides ultra-smooth and quiet operation, reducing strain on the knees and joints. With 16 resistance levels and pre-set workout programs, users can easily find the right intensity for their fitness level.
The large, clear LCD display makes tracking time, speed, distance, and heart rate simple, even for those who prefer larger text.
Whether for gentle rehabilitation, maintaining mobility, or staying active in retirement, the York C420 is the ideal choice for seniors seeking a dependable and comfortable upright bike.
Pros
Cons
| Flywheel Weight | 12 kg |
| Maximum User Weight | 150 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 32 levels - electronic resistance |
| Workout Programs | 17 programs |
| Seat Adjustment | Rake and slide XL cushioned seat for perfect comfort |
| Display | Large backlit LCD |
| Frame Warranty | Lifetime |
| Workout Stats | Scan, Time, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Recovery, RPM, Speed |
The York LC-UB is perfectly suited for heavier users thanks to its easy mount-dismount design and class-leading weight capacity.
The York LC-UB Exercise Bike is our best upright bike pick for heavy users, designed to provide unmatched durability, comfort, and accessibility. With a massive 180kg weight capacity and a reinforced steel frame, this bike is built to handle intense workouts while ensuring long-term reliability.
The step-through design makes mounting and dismounting effortless, eliminating the hassle of climbing over a high frame—an essential feature for larger users or those with mobility challenges.
Comfort is a top priority, with an extra-large, gel-cushioned seat that offers superior support, reducing pressure during longer rides. The electromagnetic resistance system delivers smooth, quiet, and precise resistance adjustments, while the clear LCD console keeps track of key workout metrics.
If you need a sturdy, high-capacity upright bike that prioritizes both comfort and performance, the York LC-UB is the ultimate choice.
Pros
Cons
| Flywheel Weight | 10 kg |
| Maximum User Weight | 180 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 32 magnetic resistance levels |
| Seat Adjustment | Rake and slide |
| Display | Dual-colour backlit 5.8" LCD |
| Programs | 20 - including Heart Rate, Body Fat and BMI workouts |
| Built-in Features | Tablet holder with USB charging |
| Assembled Dimensions | 96 cm (L) x 56 cm (W) x 143 cm (H) |
| Warranty | Light commercial warranty; Lifetime frame; 12 months parts |
Perfect for users wanting the lifetime performance of a top-spec upright bike without the premium price tag of fancy touchscreens.
The Sole B94 Exercise Bike takes the top spot as the best upright bike under $2000, offering premium features, superior build quality, and an ultra-smooth riding experience at a competitive price point.
With a heavy-duty 14kg flywheel and 20 levels of resistance, it delivers a commercial-grade feel, making workouts both challenging and comfortable. The adjustable gel-cushioned seat and ergonomically designed handlebars ensure optimal posture, reducing strain on the lower back and joints.
A 9” LCD display provides real-time workout feedback, while Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless integration with fitness apps for tracking progress. The quiet magnetic resistance system makes it ideal for home use, and the durable steel frame ensures long-lasting performance.
If you're looking for a high-quality upright bike with advanced features at a sub-$2000 price, the Sole B94 is an unbeatable choice.
Pros
Cons
| Flywheel Weight | 9 kg |
| Maximum User Weight | 136 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 20 levels magnetic resistance |
| Display | 9" LCD |
| Programs | 10 preset; free Sole+ app with 1000's more |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth with Zwift compatibility |
| Warranty | Commercial warranty with Lifetime on frame and brakes |
| Assembled dimensions | 123 cm (L) x 58 cm (W) x 152 cm (H) |
| Heart Rate | Pulse grips + HR Chest Strap Compatible |
Perfect for both home users and gym studios seeking a reliable, high-quality commercial-grade bike packed with high end performance specs and all the bells and whistles like touchscreens, wireless phone charging and built-in streaming apps like Netflix.
The Sole LCB Exercise Bike is the ultimate high-tech upright bike, designed for those who want an immersive and engaging workout experience. Featuring a vibrant 10.1” touchscreen display, this bike keeps you entertained with built-in apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify—so you can stream your favourite shows or playlists while you ride.
The 30 levels of smooth magnetic resistance and a 14kg flywheel deliver a near-silent, road-like cycling experience, perfect for both intense training sessions and leisurely rides.
Designed for maximum comfort, it boasts an adjustable gel seat, multi-position handlebars, and an ultra-stable frame, supporting users up to 150kg. With Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, and app integration for tracking your fitness progress, the Sole LCB combines cutting-edge technology with premium performance.
If you're looking for an upright bike that makes workouts more entertaining, engaging, and effective, this is the one to beat!
Pros
Cons
| Flywheel Weight | 14 kg |
| Maximum User Weight | 150 kg |
| Resistance Levels | 40 levels magnetic resistance |
| Display | 10.1" Entertainment Touchscreen |
| Workout Programs | 9 included; free Sole+ app with 1000's more |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth + WiFi |
| Warranty | Commercial warranty; Lifetime on frame and brakes |
| Apps | Netflix, YouTube etc built-in; Compatible with fitness apps including Zwift |
Look for features like adjustable resistance levels, a comfortable seat, an intuitive display, and connectivity options that suit your training needs.
Yes, upright bikes are great for beginners as they offer adjustable resistance levels and provide a comfortable, low-impact workout.
Most exercise bikes require a minimal footprint, but ensure you have enough space for safe access and use, especially in smaller rooms.
Modern exercise bikes like those with magnetic resistance are designed to be quiet, making them suitable for home use without disturbing others.
Exercise bikes are often recommended for those with joint issues as they provide a low-impact workout that is gentle on the knees and hips.
Preset workout programs offer variety and structure to your routine, allowing you to focus on different fitness goals such as endurance or heart rate training.
Most modern exercise bikes are designed to be low maintenance, though you should regularly check for any worn parts and ensure moving components are dust-free.
