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Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike
FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike
FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Great price
- Compact and easily transportable
- Comfortable padded seat
- 8 manual resistance settings
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Looks and feels like a budget exercise bike
- No heart rate monitoring
- Tiny LCD screen (2″ x 1″)
This XTERRA Fitness bike has eight levels of manual resistance that can be changed through the tension knob. This folding exercise bike features a fly wheel construction with strap foot pedals and a small LCD window that displays your basic cardio workout essentials, including speed, distance, time, calories, and pulse. Many reviewers also note how surprisingly comfortable the padded seat is—a rarity among foldable exercise bikes. The best part for those short on real estate, though, is that it folds up easily and takes up minimal space, into dimensions of 18.1” x 18.1” of floor space, when not in use.
In general, folding exercise bikes are less durable than their non-folding counterparts. The downside here is that that’s true of the FB150 too. It can only hold riders up to 225 pounds. While that’s enough for most “average” guys, it’s not ideal for bigger fellahs. It also lacks heart rate monitoring and the LCD screen is tiny (just 2″ x 1″). But if you meet the weight requirement and you’re looking to score a compact exercise bike on a budget, you can still clock plenty of miles on this bad boy for a low-impact cardio workout. If you don’t mind “splurging” a little, the company’s FB350 Folding Exercise Bike adds a few more creature comforts like a seat back, seat handles, and accessory handles.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 28,000 Amazon reviews, 89% recommend the XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike with at least a 4-star rating.
Dimensions | 32 x 18.1 x 43.3 Inches |
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Weight | 32 Pounds |
Maximum Weight Limit | 225 Pounds |
Warranty | 1 year (frame) / 90 days (brakes and parts) |
Most Versatile Folding Exercise Bike
BulbHead Slim Cycle Folding Stationary Bike
Most Versatile Folding Exercise Bike
BulbHead Slim Cycle Folding Stationary Bike
Pros
- 8 resistance levels
- Ideal for beginners
- Seat adjusts to upright or recumbent positions
- Versatile design adds built-in resistance bands
- Great price
- More than 10,000 five-star Amazon ratings
Cons
- Heavier than other models
- Not ideal for intense resistance training
- No included warranty (sold as an optional add-on)
If you’re looking for a more versatile, full-featured exercise bike, this model from BulbHead is much more than just a bike. It offers built-in resistance bands, too, along with eight levels of adjustable resistance to challenge your legs. It can also be adjusted to sit upright or in a recumbent position, for a lower impact exercise that still delivers a decent heart-pumping workout. The digital display tracks all the essentials: Burned calories, distance, speed, how many miles you rode, and your heart rate. Plus, while other bikes we’ve tested tend to be loud, we found BulbHead’s motor as quiet as a whisper.
While the built-in resistance bands add a nice touch of versatility, we wouldn’t suggest using them for intense resistance workouts as they’re not extremely durable. This model is also slightly heavier than other comparable folding exercise bikes. But, given the sub-$200 price tag, overwhelmingly positive reviews (including over 10,000 five-star Amazon ratings), and easy assembly, this is still a great value bike, especially for beginners.
What do buyers say? “Very sturdy bike with comfortable seat and easy operating instructions. Pedaling is smooth and you can make it as easy or strenuous as you want,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Weight | 44 pounds |
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Dimensions | 45 x 17 x 9 inches |
Maximum Weight Limit | 300 pounds |
Warranty | None (optional 2-year warranty add-on) |
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Office Use
Exerpeutic EXERWORK 2000i Bluetooth Folding Exercise Desk Bike
Best Folding Exercise Bike for Office Use
Exerpeutic EXERWORK 2000i Bluetooth Folding Exercise Desk Bike
Now 38% Off
Pros
- Unique design is very WFH-friendly
- Built-in adjustable desktop with four-way tilt
- Durable construction supports larger riders
- Quiet, belt-driven design
- 24-level magnetic tension control system
- Extra comfy seat built for long work days
Cons
- Not great for shorter people
- Heavy
If you’re looking to work while biking, this bike is a the perfect solution. Because it’s meant to be used for longer stretches than your typical cardio workout, the cushioned seating with backrest is more comfortable than most other models. We like that the sliding desktop is adjustable, so you can tilt it forward, back, up, and down to find the ideal position for working and working out. The folding exercise bike also has an impressive 24-level magnetic tension control system with two dozen preset workouts to challenge yourself on the LCD display. Plus, because it’s a belt-driven construction, it’s super quiet so your workout won’t interrupt your Zoom meetings.
Our only gripes—and those of some other reviewers—is that it’s not as accommodating to shorter people. The addition of a built-in work surface also makes this model heavier than most (at 69 pounds), and the attachment can make this foldable bike a bit harder and more awkward to store. Still, given its unique design, mid-range price (under $400), and positive reviews, it’s arguably the best WFH-friendly folding exercise bike we’ve seen this year.
What do buyers say? “A relatively inexpensive and convenient way to get some extra activity while working from home,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Read more: Best Desk Treadmills
Weight | 69 pounds |
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Dimensions | 43 x 25 x 50.5 inches |
Maximum Weight Limit | 400 pounds |
Warranty | 3-year limited |
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Most Durable Folding Exercise Bike
Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike
Most Durable Folding Exercise Bike
Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Beefy alloy steel frame
- Can accommodate bigger and taller guys
- 8-level magnetic tension control system
- Folds to half its size
- Bluetooth-friendly
- Good price
Cons
- Not as portable as other models
- Assembly can be a hassle
Everything about this foldable exercise bike is beefier, heavy-duty, and just plain bigger. It is built for bigger dudes … it has a maximum recommended weight capacity of 400 pounds and a height capacity of 6’5″. Plus, it boasts an oversized seat cushion, and a large LCD display that shows calories burned, distance, time, speed, and your pulse. It offers eight levels of magnetic tension for a comparatively challenging workout. The durable alloy steel frame can be folded up into half its size, making it another great option for anyone with limited floor space. Plus, beyond its sturdy build, it’s also relatively high-tech. You can connect this Exerpeutic bike via Bluetooth to your smartphone to log your workouts, including to the Mycloudfitness app, which shows your live workout stats, and provides trainer-led video workouts. (Though, if you’re planning to use the latter, we recommend using your iPad instead.)
We’re hard-pressed to find much to dislike about this model. Our only two quibbles are that its bulkier build (including 20% more steel than some of Exerpeutic’s other models) makes this one heavier at more than 50 pounds. Some reviewers find that it’s also more difficult to assemble than other comparable models. But, if you’re a big dude, this might be the best ultra-durable foldable bike model for you.
What do buyers say? “Great bike for bear-sized people. I am 6’6″ and well over the 400lb limit of this bike, and I will let you know the important things for people my size right up front: It’s sturdy,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Weight | 52 pounds |
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Dimensions | 39 x 26.4 x 48.4 Inches |
Maximum Weight Limit | 400 pounds |
Warranty | 1 year (frame) / 90 days (all other components) |
Most User-Friendly Folding Exercise Bike
Lanos 2-in-1 Folding Exercise Bike
Most User-Friendly Folding Exercise Bike
Lanos 2-in-1 Folding Exercise Bike
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Easy to assemble (less than an hour)
- Wide, comfortable seat
- Three riding positions
- Supports bigger buys
- Quiet operation
- Great price
Lanos’ folding exercise bike has a solid level of variety with 10 levels of magnetic resistance. It’s beefier than most models we’ve seen with support for riders up to 330 pounds and a max height of 6’7″, so this is another great option for bigger guys. The plush, cushioned seat, solid back support, and three customizable riding positions (upright, semi-stationary, and recumbent) all ensure maximum comfort, even for longer sessions. Plus, it boasts an easy-to-read LCD monitor that also has a tablet holder located on the handle bars so that you can check your email and Instagram notifications as you spin.
This is another very well-reviewed folding bike with more than 5,000 five-star Amazon ratings. Reviewers note that the Lanos is easy to assemble, and folding is a cinch. The no-frills resistance system uses a knob that lets you adjust tension, and the LCD monitor shows all the essential stats (heart rate, distance, calories, and miles). With a sale price under $200, this is our hands-down pick for the most user-friendly folding exercise bike of 2023.
What do buyers say? “It was easy to set up and folds up quite nicely too. Only thing is it’s so fun and easy to use, my kids are on it more than me. But it gets them moving so it’s actually a win win!” said one Amazon reviewer.
Weight | 45 pounds |
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Dimensions | 45 x 15.7 x 9 inches |
Maximum Weight Limit | 330 pounds |
Warranty | 90 days |
The Benefits of Folding Exercise Bikes
Low impact workouts: In general, folding exercise bikes provide most of the same ample cardio benefits for newbies. Just like any spinning workout, they can strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure and help burn off calories.
But the real reason to buy a folding exercise bike over a traditional model is because of their space-saving capabilities. Most weigh less and fold down to less than half their expanded size, making them an ideal cardio machine for smaller apartments or compact spaces (like basements or garages).
But if you’re looking for a more intense workout—say, full-body HIIT exercises—then you’re better off investing in a traditional exercise bike or air bike, if you have the space and budget for one.
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How to Shop for the Best Folding Exercise Bike
Folding exercise bikes are similar to traditional indoor exercise bikes, although there are some key differences. It’s important to understand them when shopping for the best foldable bike for you.
Size and Portability
If you’re shopping for foldable exercise bikes, there’s a good chance you’re short on space at home. So, it’s likely that size and portability are important considerations. The most lightweight folding bikes we’ve seen weigh less than 40 pounds, while beefier models can be more than 60 pounds. In either case, they’re still fairly portable, even for one person to move. This is made all the easier for models with built-in transport wheels. Also, be sure to compare the “open” and “folded” sizes, so you’ll know just how much floor space that folding bike will save you.
Types of Resistance
As with traditional models, the type of resistance can make all the difference. Thankfully, the choice is simple because most folding exercise bikes rely on magnetic resistance. This is the quietest and most low-maintenance construction. Some use air-powered flywheels which offer almost limitless resistance levels, but they are inherently louder and need more frequent maintenance.
Delivery and Assembly
The most important difference between traditional exercise bikes and folding models is, of course, in the name: Folding. This can make foldable exercise bikes slightly more complicated than their ordinary counterparts, which means they can be more difficult to assemble. When shopping for your first model, check other buyers’ reviews on how easy or difficult the assembly process was. Also consider what delivery options are provided. Will the bike be left outside your front door? Or is “white glove” delivery (inside your home) offered, whether for free or as an add-on? You may want to consider the latter and, if you don’t want to bother assembling it yourself, see if the company offers assembly as well.
Price
In the world of home gym and workout equipment, folding exercise bikes are relatively affordable. Most fall into the $150-$200 range. Some budget models can be had for closer to $100 but, in most cases, we don’t recommend these as they’re just not built to last. The best folding exercise bikes can top $300 and offer a lot more convenience features—think larger LCD screens, built-in work desks, dozens of resistance levels, and more.
FAQs About the Best Folding Exercise Bikes
If this is your first time shopping for foldable exercise bikes (even if you’ve bought a “typical” exercise bike before), you may have some questions. Here are the most common, along with answers from our in-house fitness experts.
How Should I Decide on a Folding Exercise Bike?
We’ll dive into this a bit more below. But, in general, you’ll want to consider the price, durability, warranty, and resistance type. Size and portability are arguably the two most important factors, however.
Can I Get a Good Workout Using a Folding Exercise Bike?
Working out on a folding exercise bike can get your heart rate up. However, most trainers and workout veterans admit that it won’t be quite as intense. Folding models aren’t as beefy, as durable, or as up to the task of more intense cardio workouts. Despite that, they’re still a great, affordable option for beginners looking to start small on their workout journey. Plus, if you’re short on space, a folding model may be the best (or only) way to go.
Are Exercise Bikes Good for Weight Loss?
Virtually any fitness machine, especially cardio equipment like exercise bikes, can help with weight loss. Folding exercise bikes aren’t much different, other than that they’re more compact and able to fold away for easy storage.
Is It Safe to Ride an Exercise Bike Every Day?
The short answer is: Yes. Just keep in mind that your body needs rest days, too. They’re just as important as your workout days.
How We Selected the Best Folding Exercise Bikes
For the past few years, Men’s Health‘s fitness directors and editors tested countless home gym equipment pieces, including folding exercise bikes. Experts including our in-house Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. put dozens of folding exercise bikes through the wringer to evaluate every feature and spec, including resistance, functionality, durability, effectiveness, user-friendliness, and price. We also considered top-reviewed folding bikes that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust. The list above represents our honest picks of the best folding exercise bikes of 2023.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He’s logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men’s Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.