Most people would agree that regular exercise is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy adult life, especially when you’re above 50. While there are various forms of exercise, cycling can be a perfect choice, especially when you desire a full-body workout. Besides being very effective, it’s a low-impact workout, which means it doesn’t put a lot of strain on the joints.
Thus, for a senior that wants to work out from home, an indoor cycling bike is usually the way to go, specifically, an upright bike.
If you’ve been in the market for the best upright bike for seniors, you might be overwhelmed by the huge number of options available. To help you overcome the hurdles, we’ve done all the research and testing and come up with a list of the top five bikes based on factors such as quality, price, performance, and customer ratings on big e-commerce sites like Amazon.
By using one of these bikes, you can increase your muscle stimulation, burn unhealthy fat, promote your heart circulation and increase your joint mobility.
Alright, enough talking. Let’s delve into the review.
Our Top 5 Best Upright Exercise Bike for Seniors
01. Editor’s Choice: Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
A recumbent bike is a way to go if you enjoy cycling but want something that can provide more support for your back. This is exactly what you get with the Schwinn 270. The bike allows you to ride in a reclined position which helps to lower the strain on your hips and lower back. Also, it comes equipped with a high-speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel for a smooth and quiet workout.
Main Features and Benefits
29 Preset Programs
Besides an integrated console with several workout metrics and 29 preset workouts, the bike also offers 25 levels of magnetic resistance, a weighted flywheel, a comfortable seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in speakers.
DualTrack LCD Window
The dual-track LCD window system displays up to 13 workout metrics at a time, which is just amazing. We also like the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect the bike with popular app-based tracking tools like MyFitnessPal and Explore the World.
VR Compatibility
Another huge perk is VR compatibility. In other words, you can ride the bike wearing a VR headset and explore several courses from around the world. However, the VR headset is not included, so you have to purchase it separately if you need it.
Comfortable Seat
The bike also comes with a comfortable seat with lumbar support and cushioning. It has an aluminum slider seat rail system with a quick and easy lever. For extra comfort, the backrest is designed to allow airflow. A 3-speed fan is also added to keep you cool during your workouts.
Specifications
- Brand: Schwinn Fitness
- Material: Carbon steel
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Bike weight: 86.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 64″ x 27.7″ x 49.9″
- Resistance levels: 25
- Adjustable seat: Yes
- Color: Multi
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Great value for the price
- Awesome console with DualTrack backlit LCD window system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Breathable backrest
- Easy to assemble (though it might take time)
- Adjustable seat
What We Didn’t Like
- Not touchscreen
- Not suitable for very tall users
02. Best Quality: 3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike
The 3G Cardio Elite RB doesn’t only excel in performance; it’s also one of the most comfortable bikes out there. It comes packed with a lot of cool features – magnetic resistance, a smooth belt drive system, an adjustable seat, a solid metal frame, a compact footprint, and a commercial warranty – all geared towards giving you a quiet, smooth and comfortable ride. There are 16 resistance levels to which you can adjust the bike depending on your need. In other words, the machine is suitable for various degrees of cardio training – light, medium, and even intense workouts. Overall, if you’re serious about getting into shape and want to do it from the comfort of your home, then the Elite RB will make a great choice.
Main Features and Benefits
Compact and sturdy design
With dimensions of 49″(L) x 27″(W) x 43″(H), the Elite RB is undeniably one of the most compact exercise bikes out there and is shorter than many similar models. This makes it easier to access and fit in, which is definitely a plus for seniors. The step-thru frame is quite low, which makes it easier to get on and off. It has a robust metal construction that can support up to 350 pounds of weight.
Heavy-duty flywheel
We were also impressed with the heavy flywheel, which ensures a smooth ride and provides you with more resistance. As earlier indicated, the drive system is a belt, so it operates very quietly. The resistance mechanism is magnetic, so it requires little to no maintenance.
Easy to assemble
The unit is very easy to assemble. And much of it is connected to how well the hardware and accessories are packaged with clear instructions. The items are arranged in cards with labels, so you know exactly where they go. The instructions are pretty straightforward. However, it’s worth noting that the unit is quite heavy, so you might need help to lift and fit individual components.
LCD display
The bike also features an LCD console that displays useful information about your workout. But it’s not like the one you see on cheaper models; it’s a bit advanced with a larger screen and blue LED backlight that allows you to read the screen in low light conditions. The metrics displayed include distance, calories burned, pulse, speed, time, watts, and RPM. You can also input your user information such as age, height, gender, and weight. While it doesn’t have online connectivity, it offers up to 16 programs to help you get started. You can also adjust the resistance in manual mode as you work out.
Specifications
- Brand: 3G Cardio
- Maximum user weight: 350 pounds
- Resistance mechanism: Magnetic
- Color: Gray/Silver
- Dimensions: 49″ x 27″ x 43″
- Weight: 115 pounds
- Recline position: Yes
- Number of resistance levels: 16
What We Liked
- Large LCD screen
- Heavy-duty construction
- Compact design (suitable for tight spaces)
- Comfortable seat, even for long runs (extremely adjustable)
- Comes with preset programs
- High weight limit
- Easy to assemble
- Stores up to four user profile
What We Didn’t Like
- No online connectivity
03. Barwing 16-8-2-3 4 IN 1 Exercise Stationary Bike
If you’re looking for an exercise bike with a design that is geared towards older people, then you won’t go wrong with the Barwing 16-8-2-3. This is why it’s such a great gift for seniors and parents. It provides a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints while engaging the whole body, especially your cardio. With its foldable design, the bike is easy to store in small spaces. But beyond the compact design, it brings a lot more to the table. Some of these include an adjustable seat and handlebars, LCD monitor, built-in resistance bands, a phone holder, and a lot more.
Main Features and Benefits
Magnetic resistance system
The bike employs an upgraded magnetic resistance system, though a manual one, featuring a control knob for adjusting tension, a magnetic brake pad, and a flywheel. Being magnetic means no friction is created with the wheel, so much to operate almost silently. There are 16 resistance levels (gear adjustments), which offer you more flexibility with regard to your workout intensity. The X-type design of the frame provides more stability and can accommodate up to 300 pounds weight.
Adjustable design
This is one of the few exercise bikes built with maximum user comfort in mind. As the name suggests, there are 16 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, 8 seat height adjustments, 2 seat angle adjustments, and 3 workout posture adjustments (recline, upright, and folding). All these features are geared towards making your workouts more convenient and comfortable.
The seat is also cushioned with back support. And for the handlebars, resistance bands are built into the stem to increase the effectiveness of your workouts on the upper body.
Easy storage
The bike has a foldable design which makes it easy to store. Thus, it’s an excellent choice for folks living in a small room or apartment. When not in use, you can simply fold it down and place against the wall or put it in the loft. The front base is equipped with transport wheels to make it easier to move the bike from one location to another. The overall weight is around 40 pounds.
Digital console
Like most high-end models, the Barwing 16-8-2-3 comes with a digital console with an LCD monitor that displays your workout stats. These include metrics such as distance, odometer, time, calories burned, speed and heart rate. The heart rate sensors are built into the handlebars, so you need to grasp them in order for the monitor to display your pulse data. The console has a SCAN function that displays one metric after a few seconds, as it’s not possible to view them all at once.
Specifications
- Brand: BARWING
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Resistance mechanism: Magnetic
- Adjustable design: Yes
- Recline position: Yes
- Color: Gray
- Power source: Battery
- Dimensions: 32.3″ x 19.5″ x 46.5″
- Construction material: Alloy steel
What We Liked
- Ultra-quiet while in use
- Ergonomic design
- Comes with pulse sensors
- Tablet holder included
- Comes with resistance bands
- Solid construction
What We Didn’t Like
- No water bottle holder
04. Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series
With up to 25 levels of magnetic resistance and a price point under $600, the Nautilus R616 is undeniably one of the most affordable recumbent bikes for high-intensity workouts. It is an upgraded version of the older R614, which also happens to be a great bike. The R616 packs a lot of interesting features that you would not normally expect for the price. Some of these include Bluetooth connectivity, 29 programmed workouts, a digital tracker, media shelf, water bottle holder, and a lot more.
Main Features and Benefits
Construction
Like most Nautilus models, the bike is equipped with a sturdy frame that supports up to 300 pounds of weight. This is a little above average and should be suitable for most users. Make sure your weight is within this range!
Longevity-wise, you can expect to get many years of use from the bike with full function.
Comfort
Both the seat and handlebars are adjustable. Specifically, the seat can be adjusted in different ways to increase convenience and accommodate different heights. The seat is padded with a ventilated back built on top of a sliding seat rail for adjustable comfort.
Magnetic Resistance
The bike also offers adjustable resistance levels, which allow you to customize it to suit different workout intensities. The experience is synonymous with real-life outdoor cycling, where you feel like you’re navigating uphill or on a flat round. The resistance system is magnetic, which provides a smooth and consistent ride, and requires minimal maintenance.
There are about 25 levels of resistance which provides a wide range of workout intensity options.
Assembly
We also found the bike very easy to assemble. The unit comes preassembled with the framework being pre-wired, which takes away a lot of the work. The remaining parts to attach are easy and shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Specifications
- Brand: Nautilus
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 61″ x 22″ x 41″
- Weight: 105 pounds
- Resistance mechanism: Magnetic
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Number of resistance levels: 25
- Power source: Electricity (corded)
- Digital monitor: Yes
What We Liked
- Adjustable design
- Smooth, uniform ride
- Suitable for a wide range of users
- Requires little maintenance
- Easy to assemble
- Reasonable price
What We Didn’t Like
- Could use a heavier flywheel
05. Exerpeutic Therapeutic Fitness 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike
Lastly, we have the Exerpeutic 1111 – a magnetic bike that is designed for small spaces. The major selling points are the step-thru design and pulse function. It is very easy to get on and off the bike.
Construction
Design-wise, the bike has a sturdy frame that can accommodate up to 300 pounds of weight, which is quite impressive for its price. Most entry-level exercise bikes don’t offer that much.
Comfort
The bike features an oversized seat with a cushion and backrest that ensure you have a comfortable workout. The seat is fully adjustable and can accommodate different user heights, specifically, 5’3” to 6’6”. So it’s probably best for average height and tall people.
Tension Resistance
It uses a magnetic resistance system that provides enough momentum for more intense workouts. There are 8 levels of resistance that allow you to customize your ride and challenge yourself over time. You can change between these levels via the tension control system.
V-Belt Drive
In terms of noise, the Exerpeutic 900XL is on the quiet side. And this is because it uses a V-belt drive and a precision-balanced flywheel. So, you can watch TV, listen to a song, or even read a novel while working out on the bike. And you won’t have to worry about disturbing neighbours.
The bike also comes with extended leg stabilizers to prevent any tip over while you’re using it.
LCD
Another feature we love is the large LCD screen which displays valuable information about your workouts. These include time, calories burnt, distances covered, pulse, and current speed. Interestingly, the bike also comes with built-in sensors to monitor your heart rates and pulse. This is something obviously lacking in many similar models. These sensors are located in the grip or handlebars.
Specifications
- Brand: Exerpeutic
- Color: Grey, Black
- Dimensions: 54″(L) x 22″(W) x 34″(H)
- Weight: 63 pounds
- Resistance mechanism: Magnetic
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Drive system: Belt
- Console: Yes (LCD)
- Resistance levels: 8
- Transportation wheels: Yes
- Adjustable seat: Yes
What We Liked
- Very quiet
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to setup
- Adjustable seat
- Great for beginners
- Comes with transport wheels
What We didn’t Like
- Not suitable for intense workouts
Best Upright Exercise Bike for Seniors: Buying Guide
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an upright exercise bike.
Drive System
Two major parts that control the movement and speed of an exercise bike are the flywheel and pedals. The connection between these two is made by the drive system or transmission. There are two main types of drive systems – chain drive and belt drive.
The chain drive system is the one you see in older cycling bikes. It makes you feel like you’re riding an actual traditional road bike. The major disadvantage with this system is that it tends to be a bit noisy and typically requires more maintenance than a belt drive system.
A belt system, on the other hand, offers a smoother and quieter ride. It tends to be more durable and requires less maintenance. The majority of magnetic exercise bikes use this drive system.
However, many experienced outdoor riders still prefer the chain drive.
Digital Monitor
A digital monitor might not be a must-have, but it can be very helpful, especially if you need something to keep you motivated. The screen displays useful information about your workout, which often includes real-time metrics like calories burned, time, speed, distance, pulse, and even heart rate.
As earlier indicated, this is not an essential feature, but it’s definitely useful and will make it easier to keep track of your progress. This can be a huge motivator to reach for the next level.
Resistance
Before putting out your money for any cycling bike, you should consider the resistance levels. Ideally, you want a bike with variable resistance. The number of resistance levels differs with each bike, but generally, the more resistance levels a bike has, the more challenging or demanding it will be. So, except you’re a beginner, you probably want a bike with more resistance levels.
Most bikes usually come with a button, lever, or knob to adjust the resistance. Any one of these control is fine, provided it’s placed where you can easily access it.
Price Ranges
Even when you’re shopping for a cheap exercise bike, it’s still a good idea to have a specific budget in mind. This helps to narrow down your options.
You can find many cheap bikes under $300, but if you want something with higher quality, you can move up further to $500. Looking up user reviews can be helpful in determining whether a particular bike is reliable and can meet your needs. This is very important since many cheap exercise bikes are usually of low quality.
FAQs
Is an upright exercise bike worth it?
Yes! An upright bike provides a great way to stay in shape by working out from home. It is compact, quiet, and easy to maintain. It’s already becoming a staple in the world of home gym equipment.
Is an exercise bike better than a road bike?
If your plan is to shed weight or tone muscles, then you may find an indoor exercise bike more effective for this purpose. Besides the convenience it offers, you will find it easier to follow workout programs which can make a big difference.
How long should I spend on an upright exercise bike?
30-60 minutes of exercise is great. In fact, most cycling classes are designed to take that long. That said, you can cycle for as long as you want. It all depends on your fitness goals.
Do upright bikes tone leg muscles?
Yes, upright bikes are great for toning leg muscles. Most of the exercises on the bike combine pedaling and resistance, which target various muscle groups in the leg.
What is the best squat rack for small space?
From our end, that would be Schwinn; however, you can’t go wrong with any model on the list.
How can I get these bikes?
Simply click on the corresponding link to go to the product page.
Conclusion
There you have it – the best upright exercise bike for seniors. By now, you should have made your pick, or else consult the buying guide again. The models reviewed here are not only the best options for the elderly but also offer the best combo of quality, performance, and comfort.
We hope you enjoyed the read and found the information helpful. Let us know if you need further help. Till then, have fun, pedal hard, and stay fit!
