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Home gym equipment doesn’t need to take up your entire floor plan. While the best exercise bikes can help manage weight, increase endurance, and build stronger hearts, they can often have cumbersome screens and footprints that take up large chunks of permanent space in your home. (1)(2) Thankfully, there are a number of relatively compact (and affordable) exercise...
The post The 7 Best Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces of 2024, Expert-Tested and Reviewed appeared first on BarBend.
Home gym equipment doesn’t need to take up your entire floor plan. While the best exercise bikes can help manage weight, increase endurance, and build stronger hearts, they can often have cumbersome screens and footprints that take up large chunks of permanent space in your home. (1)(2) Thankfully, there are a number of relatively compact (and affordable) exercise bikes that can wedge into even the most cramped homes and gyms.
Our picks for the best exercise bikes for small spaces include options with compact dimensions, folding capabilities, and tablet-sized screens so you can get your sweat on without feeling cramped. We worked to consider a multitude of spaces, as well as users of varying fitness levels, when putting together this list, and we’re confident that there’s a choice below to fit your needs (and that itty-bitty space you have right behind your couch). Here are our top picks.
The 7 Best Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces of 2024
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 Small Spaces
Our team here at BarBend consists of former D1 athletes, road bikers, CrossFit coaches, and lovers of all things cardio. We’ve pumped the pedals on over 30 exercise bikes to bring you our honest take on how the best cardio machines compare. To present a clear understanding of our testing methodology, we’ve scored categories such as durability, footprint, portability, adjustability, and more on a scale from 1 (not good) to 5 (very good). Below, you’ll find some areas we zeroed in on when selecting the best in show.
Footprint
When space is the problem, bikes with smaller footprints can be the solution. “For people who don’t have the space for regular home gym equipment but still want to exercise at home, compact items provide a solution,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC.
The average footprint of an exercise bike is 8 square feet, so we worked to include options below that average — going as small as 1.24 and 1.7 square feet. We included a few bikes of average size on our list as well, as we felt they delivered features typically found in much larger machines, like touchscreen displays and app integration.
Durability and Stability
Smaller bikes, folding bikes, and mini bikes provide more compact rides, but often at the cost of durability. However, we made it our mission to find fun-sized bikes that still sport steel or alloy steel frames that can stand up to routine use. “Durability is an important factor, because if you’re investing in a piece of exercise equipment, you want it to last for years, if not a lifetime,” mentions Capritto.
We’re big fans of the benefits of cycling, but there’s nothing worse than taking off on your ride, hoping to reap the rewards of your cardio workout, only to be distracted by a shaky screen or unstable base. We dialed in on stability during our testing, taking note of any shake, wobble, or wiggle while we rode both in and out of the saddle.
Portability
If you’re not able to carve out a dedicated spot for an exercise, you’re going to want a unit you can carry or roll without too much of a struggle. With this in mind, we looked for high-quality models with transport wheels so you can get your ride in and then move it out of the way. Additionally, we provided some lightweight folding exercise bikes that make packing up and stowing your gear in a closet or trunk a possibility.
Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Studio Bike Pro
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a high-tech, high-quality indoor bike. It has a 22” HD touchscreen display that swivels 180 degrees to accommodate workouts both on and off the bike. It comes with a free year of iFit and features silent magnetic resistance making it a great option of in-home use.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro is our top pick for the best exercise bike for small spaces due to its trim footprint, commercial-grade steel frame, and the 3-year subscription to iFIT that comes with your purchase. iFIT is accessible on the swiveling 10-inch touchscreen, which is roughly the size of a tablet. Footprint, setup, adjustability, tech capabilities, conveniences, and value all scored a 4 out of 5.
[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]
With a length of 56.5 inches and a width of 21.9 inches, the Studio Bike Pro takes up a modest 8.59 square feet. Compared to the Peloton Bike, for example, the Studio Bike Pro is 3.5 inches shorter in length and 7 inches shorter in height. “While the 10-inch screen is smaller than what you’d see on a Peloton Bike, it made tipping the bike onto its transport wheels and moving it around easier,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave footprint and portability a 4 out of 5.
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22.
With the purchase of this bike, users get a 3-year iFIT subscription. iFIT gives you access to a vast library of cardio classes, and the bike’s swiveling display also allows you to take its strength and mobility classes off the bike. We scored it a 4.5 out of 5 for dynamic programming.
We also like iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature, which can automatically adjust your resistance to the specifications of certain classes. “iFIT is awesome,” they said. “I took a ride through Hawaii and it was super cool (and a little surprising) to feel the resistance change as I crested hills and cruised down them.” These tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, we do wish the bike had a heart rate monitor or set of pulse sensors built into it.
[Related: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review: A Connected Bike at a Price We Like]
The lowest score this bike garnered was a 2.75 out of 5 for durability. The 250-pound user weight limit is below the 300-pound standard for comparable bikes. “The stabilizer feet helped me level out the bike, but I still experienced some mild shaking when I rode in and out of the saddle,” noted our tester. “And when I pulled on the handlebars, they’d move a little from side to side.”
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: NordicTrack Commercial R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
Sit back, relax, and take a ride on the NordicTrack Commercial R35, our pick for the best recumbent bike for small spaces. Stationary bikes are low impact by design, but recumbent bikes emphasize comfort that much more by including a backrest. The Commercial R35 provides 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, a touchscreen to stream programming, and a sturdy frame that can support users up to 350 pounds. Setup, durability, customizations, adjustability, and tech capabilities all scored a 4 out of 5.
The low profile of recumbent bikes makes them great home gym additions for seniors, those recovering from injury, or individuals with mobility issues.“Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC.
Our tester on the NordicTrack Commercial R35
We felt secure and comfortable in the oversized seat and were impressed by the 350-pound user weight capacity, which is 50 pounds more than the 300-pound average for comparable bikes. “There wasn’t any shake or wobble when I took this bike for a ride, and due to the heightened weight capacity, I think this would be a worthwhile consideration for heavier people,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave durability a 4 out of 5.
The 14-inch HD touchscreen can play iFIT programming, which provides over 17,000 classes from boutique-like studio rides to scenic cruises. You can also hop off the bike to take strength training, yoga, or even cooking classes. This dynamic programming scored a 5 out of 5.
However, an iFIT subscription costs $39 a month after a one-month free trial. “You can use this bike without an iFIT subscription, but you’ll only be able to cycle in a basic manual mode,” says our tester. The screen is limited to iFIT programming, so you won’t be able to stream tv shows or other fitness programming here. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5.
The Commercial R35 weighs in at 192 pounds, which our tester has some issues moving around. “There are transport wheels, but since there isn’t a handle to grab onto, tipping this thing up to move was a struggle,” they noted, “While this isn’t the largest recumbent bike on the market, I’d recommend having a dedicated spot in your home for this bike.” Portability scored a 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike Review.
Best Spin Bike for Small Spaces: 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
Spin classes have taken the world by storm over the last decade, but not everyone loves being stuffed like sardines inside a studio. The Schwinn IC4 is our choice for the best spin bike for small spaces due to its app compatibility, 100 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, and included set of 3-pound dumbbells. Durability, customizations, conveniences, and adjustability scored a 5 out of 5.
The IC4 eschews a touchscreen for a more compact profile, instead providing an LCD monitor that provides basic training metrics and can be used to digitally adjust and view your resistance.
Our tester riding the Schwinn IC4.
The bike does, however, include a media shelf over the handlebars and Bluetooth connectivity so you can set up your smartphone or tablet to stream spin classes from Peloton, iFIT, and Zwift. You can also connect to the included heart rate monitor for more accurate stats.
[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]
JRNY is this bike’s official programming, and it offers thousands of classes for cycling, strength training, yoga, and cardio. The app’s adaptive training learns as you get stronger and recommends home workouts suited to your growing abilities.
It costs just $11.99 a month, which is a deal compared to Peloton ($44 a month) or iFIT ($39 a month). That said, our tester found that “the quality and quantity of classes aren’t as good as what you’d find on Peloton.”
Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, some apps won’t pull all of your ride details from the bike, as detailed in the below chart.
This bike also comes with dual water bottle holders, four-way seat and handlebar adjustability, and hybrid pedals, which allow you to either clip in with SPD cleats or slip sneakers into the toe cages.
“For being such a small bike, it’s super sturdy and durable, and you’re getting a ton of tech features for a price under $1,000,” noted tester Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer. Value, adjustability, and conveniences all scored a 5 out of 5.
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
Yosuda YB001 Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike
Yosuda YB001 Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike
At just $233, the Yosuda YB001 Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike is the most affordable upright bike from Yosuda and with a 69-pound overall weight, most users can tilt and roll it from room to room.
Shop Yosuda
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 7 Best Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces of 2024, Expert-Tested and Reviewed appeared first on BarBend.
Home gym equipment doesn’t need to take up your entire floor plan. While the best exercise bikes can help manage weight, increase endurance, and build stronger hearts, they can often have cumbersome screens and footprints that take up large chunks of permanent space in your home. (1)(2) Thankfully, there are a number of relatively compact (and affordable) exercise bikes that can wedge into even the most cramped homes and gyms.
Our picks for the best exercise bikes for small spaces include options with compact dimensions, folding capabilities, and tablet-sized screens so you can get your sweat on without feeling cramped. We worked to consider a multitude of spaces, as well as users of varying fitness levels, when putting together this list, and we’re confident that there’s a choice below to fit your needs (and that itty-bitty space you have right behind your couch). Here are our top picks.
The 7 Best Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces of 2024
- Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Studio Bike Pro
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Spin Bike for Small Spaces: Schwinn IC4
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- Best Under-Desk Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: DeskCycle 2
- Best Compact Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary 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 Small Spaces
Our team here at BarBend consists of former D1 athletes, road bikers, CrossFit coaches, and lovers of all things cardio. We’ve pumped the pedals on over 30 exercise bikes to bring you our honest take on how the best cardio machines compare. To present a clear understanding of our testing methodology, we’ve scored categories such as durability, footprint, portability, adjustability, and more on a scale from 1 (not good) to 5 (very good). Below, you’ll find some areas we zeroed in on when selecting the best in show.
Footprint
When space is the problem, bikes with smaller footprints can be the solution. “For people who don’t have the space for regular home gym equipment but still want to exercise at home, compact items provide a solution,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC.
The average footprint of an exercise bike is 8 square feet, so we worked to include options below that average — going as small as 1.24 and 1.7 square feet. We included a few bikes of average size on our list as well, as we felt they delivered features typically found in much larger machines, like touchscreen displays and app integration.
Durability and Stability
Smaller bikes, folding bikes, and mini bikes provide more compact rides, but often at the cost of durability. However, we made it our mission to find fun-sized bikes that still sport steel or alloy steel frames that can stand up to routine use. “Durability is an important factor, because if you’re investing in a piece of exercise equipment, you want it to last for years, if not a lifetime,” mentions Capritto.
We’re big fans of the benefits of cycling, but there’s nothing worse than taking off on your ride, hoping to reap the rewards of your cardio workout, only to be distracted by a shaky screen or unstable base. We dialed in on stability during our testing, taking note of any shake, wobble, or wiggle while we rode both in and out of the saddle.
Portability
If you’re not able to carve out a dedicated spot for an exercise, you’re going to want a unit you can carry or roll without too much of a struggle. With this in mind, we looked for high-quality models with transport wheels so you can get your ride in and then move it out of the way. Additionally, we provided some lightweight folding exercise bikes that make packing up and stowing your gear in a closet or trunk a possibility.
Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Studio Bike Pro
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a high-tech, high-quality indoor bike. It has a 22” HD touchscreen display that swivels 180 degrees to accommodate workouts both on and off the bike. It comes with a free year of iFit and features silent magnetic resistance making it a great option of in-home use.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $1,404
- Dimensions: 52” H x 56.5” L x 21.9” W
- Weight: 140lbs
- Resistance: 22 levels of digital resistance
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Pros
- For its compact size, this bike still includes 22 levels of resistance, a 10-inch touchscreen, and iFIT app integration.
- Your purchase includes a 3-year iFIT subscription, giving you access to over 17,000 interactive and trainer-led classes.
- It has built-in transport wheels to ease the burden of moving it from room to room.
Cons
- The 250-pound user weight capacity is lower than the 300-pound standard for other bikes at this price point.
- The 10-inch display, though compact, may be too small for some riders — especially since comparable bikes can have 16- to 22-inch displays.
- It lacks a heart rate monitor or pulse sensors.
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro is our top pick for the best exercise bike for small spaces due to its trim footprint, commercial-grade steel frame, and the 3-year subscription to iFIT that comes with your purchase. iFIT is accessible on the swiveling 10-inch touchscreen, which is roughly the size of a tablet. Footprint, setup, adjustability, tech capabilities, conveniences, and value all scored a 4 out of 5.
[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]
With a length of 56.5 inches and a width of 21.9 inches, the Studio Bike Pro takes up a modest 8.59 square feet. Compared to the Peloton Bike, for example, the Studio Bike Pro is 3.5 inches shorter in length and 7 inches shorter in height. “While the 10-inch screen is smaller than what you’d see on a Peloton Bike, it made tipping the bike onto its transport wheels and moving it around easier,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave footprint and portability a 4 out of 5.
With the purchase of this bike, users get a 3-year iFIT subscription. iFIT gives you access to a vast library of cardio classes, and the bike’s swiveling display also allows you to take its strength and mobility classes off the bike. We scored it a 4.5 out of 5 for dynamic programming.
We also like iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature, which can automatically adjust your resistance to the specifications of certain classes. “iFIT is awesome,” they said. “I took a ride through Hawaii and it was super cool (and a little surprising) to feel the resistance change as I crested hills and cruised down them.” These tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, we do wish the bike had a heart rate monitor or set of pulse sensors built into it.
[Related: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review: A Connected Bike at a Price We Like]
The lowest score this bike garnered was a 2.75 out of 5 for durability. The 250-pound user weight limit is below the 300-pound standard for comparable bikes. “The stabilizer feet helped me level out the bike, but I still experienced some mild shaking when I rode in and out of the saddle,” noted our tester. “And when I pulled on the handlebars, they’d move a little from side to side.”
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: NordicTrack Commercial R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,499
- Dimensions: 53.42’’ H x 69.22’’ L x 23.69’’ W
- Weight: 192lbs
- Resistance: 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Pros
- This recumbent bike’s reclined seating position and backrest works to take pressure off of your back and hips.
- The 14-inch HD touchscreen is integrated with iFIT so users can stream over 17,000 classes for cycling, strength training, yoga, and more.
- The 350-pound user weight capacity is 50 pounds higher than the 300-pound average.
Cons
- After a 30-day free iFIT trial, membership will cost $39.99 a month.
- At 192 pounds and without a handle, moving this bike around can be a pain.
- The screen is only meant to watch iFIT content, so you won’t be able to stream other programming.
Sit back, relax, and take a ride on the NordicTrack Commercial R35, our pick for the best recumbent bike for small spaces. Stationary bikes are low impact by design, but recumbent bikes emphasize comfort that much more by including a backrest. The Commercial R35 provides 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, a touchscreen to stream programming, and a sturdy frame that can support users up to 350 pounds. Setup, durability, customizations, adjustability, and tech capabilities all scored a 4 out of 5.
The low profile of recumbent bikes makes them great home gym additions for seniors, those recovering from injury, or individuals with mobility issues.“Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC.
We felt secure and comfortable in the oversized seat and were impressed by the 350-pound user weight capacity, which is 50 pounds more than the 300-pound average for comparable bikes. “There wasn’t any shake or wobble when I took this bike for a ride, and due to the heightened weight capacity, I think this would be a worthwhile consideration for heavier people,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who gave durability a 4 out of 5.
The 14-inch HD touchscreen can play iFIT programming, which provides over 17,000 classes from boutique-like studio rides to scenic cruises. You can also hop off the bike to take strength training, yoga, or even cooking classes. This dynamic programming scored a 5 out of 5.
However, an iFIT subscription costs $39 a month after a one-month free trial. “You can use this bike without an iFIT subscription, but you’ll only be able to cycle in a basic manual mode,” says our tester. The screen is limited to iFIT programming, so you won’t be able to stream tv shows or other fitness programming here. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5.
The Commercial R35 weighs in at 192 pounds, which our tester has some issues moving around. “There are transport wheels, but since there isn’t a handle to grab onto, tipping this thing up to move was a struggle,” they noted, “While this isn’t the largest recumbent bike on the market, I’d recommend having a dedicated spot in your home for this bike.” Portability scored a 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike Review.
Best Spin Bike for Small Spaces: 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: $999
- Dimensions: 51.8’’ H x 54.6’’ L x 30.7’’ W
- Weight: 112lbs
- Resistance: 100-micro-levels of magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
Pros
- It eschews a touchscreen to save space but includes a device holder so you can stream spin classes from the app of your choice with your smartphone or tablet.
- It comes with a set of 3-pound dumbbells — and easy-reach cradles — to better replicate the studio class experience.
- The hybrid pedals allow you to either clip in with SPD cleats or slip your sneakers into toe cages.
Cons
- While there is a small LCD screen that provides training metrics, users will need to have a smartphone, tablet, or TV to stream content or classes.
- While this bike can pair with some third-party apps, the connectivity is limited so you won’t be able to track all of your ride details.
Spin classes have taken the world by storm over the last decade, but not everyone loves being stuffed like sardines inside a studio. The Schwinn IC4 is our choice for the best spin bike for small spaces due to its app compatibility, 100 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, and included set of 3-pound dumbbells. Durability, customizations, conveniences, and adjustability scored a 5 out of 5.
The IC4 eschews a touchscreen for a more compact profile, instead providing an LCD monitor that provides basic training metrics and can be used to digitally adjust and view your resistance.
The bike does, however, include a media shelf over the handlebars and Bluetooth connectivity so you can set up your smartphone or tablet to stream spin classes from Peloton, iFIT, and Zwift. You can also connect to the included heart rate monitor for more accurate stats.
[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]
JRNY is this bike’s official programming, and it offers thousands of classes for cycling, strength training, yoga, and cardio. The app’s adaptive training learns as you get stronger and recommends home workouts suited to your growing abilities.
It costs just $11.99 a month, which is a deal compared to Peloton ($44 a month) or iFIT ($39 a month). That said, our tester found that “the quality and quantity of classes aren’t as good as what you’d find on Peloton.”
Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5. However, some apps won’t pull all of your ride details from the bike, as detailed in the below chart.
This bike also comes with dual water bottle holders, four-way seat and handlebar adjustability, and hybrid pedals, which allow you to either clip in with SPD cleats or slip sneakers into the toe cages.
“For being such a small bike, it’s super sturdy and durable, and you’re getting a ton of tech features for a price under $1,000,” noted tester Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer. Value, adjustability, and conveniences all scored a 5 out of 5.
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
Yosuda YB001 Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike
Yosuda YB001 Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike
At just $233, the Yosuda YB001 Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike is the most affordable upright bike from Yosuda and with a 69-pound overall weight, most users can tilt and roll it from room to room.
Shop Yosuda
...
Click here to view the article.
