8 Folding Exercise Bikes for a Space-Saving Cardio Workout

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LET’S SET the record straight: Folding exercise stationary bikes are not designed for ultra-intense cardio workouts like their traditional counterparts. You won't be getting intense exercise on these machines, but they do provide an effective way to get moving without monopolizing your living space. But the true beauty of foldable indoor exercise bikes lies in their compactness–you can effortlessly tuck them under a bed or into a closet when they're not in use.

While foldable exercise bikes may not match the durability and intensity of their non-folding counterparts (or ellipticals, treadmills, or rowing machines), they offer a practical solution for getting a light cardio workout in from the comfort of home.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

To help you find the best foldable exercise bike, we've diligently tested numerous options, drawing on our extensive experience and expertise in fitness equipment. Collaborating with fitness experts like Joe Alvarado, a cycle studio instructor at Life Time Fitness in Denver, we've curated a list of top-notch choices. These bikes boast stability, comfort, user-friendly folding mechanisms, and are fairly priced. Whether you're looking to strengthen your heart, reduce blood pressure, or simply burn some calories, spinning on one of these foldable gems is always a good idea. Ready to upgrade your home gym setup? Keep reading to delve into the top 8 foldable exercise bikes for your home use.

Foldable Exercise Bike with Adjustable Resistance

If you're under 250 pounds and looking for a foldable exercise bike that's solid, comfortable, and won't break the bank, this one's a winner. As one of my personal favorites, this bike combines durability and ease of use for an exceptional value. The bike's 14-gauge steel frame makes for a sturdy, durable build that feels more like a traditional exercise bike than most foldable versions. Assembly is a breeze, and the eight levels of resistance cater to varying intensity levels mid-ride.

Now, it's not the fanciest in terms of tech–no instructor-led classes or virtual scenic routes here. But it's got the basics covered. The LCD screen is all business, tracking time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

Now, it's not the fanciest in terms of tech–no instructor-led classes or virtual scenic routes here. But it's got the basics covered. The LCD screen is all business, tracking time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

Read more: Best Exercise Bikes

2-in-1 Folding Exercise Bike

First things first, this baby's got 10 levels of magnetic resistance, so you can really kick your workout up a notch when you're in the mood for some intensity. And let me tell you, it's built like a tank. It can handle riders weighing up to 330 pounds, and even if you're a towering 6'7", it's got you covered. Big guys, this one's your go-to.

Here's where it gets exciting–the comfort. We're talking a plush, cushioned seat and back support that's solid as a rock. You can even switch between three riding positions: upright, semi-stationary, and recumbent. No more fidgeting around trying to find the perfect fit.

Even on those days when you're pushing the resistance to the max for longer sessions, this bike stays comfortable and steady. Plus, setting it up is a piece of cake, and folding it down when you're done is also a cinch.

It's been on sale for the past six months (yeah, you heard that right), and it's sitting comfortably under $150. So, if you're on the hunt for the comfiest, most big guy-friendly folding exercise bike in 2024, the Lanos is where it's at.

Read more: Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes

FB150 Folding Exercise Bike

The XTERRA Fitness folding exercise bike is a solid pick for budget-conscious shoppers who want to break a sweat at home without breaking the bank.

It's got eight manual resistance levels that you can tweak using the trusty tension knob. Plus, it's rocking a flywheel design and strap foot pedals for a smooth ride. It's not the techiest bike out there–no fancy heart-rate monitoring or high-tech gizmos. But it's not pretending to be, covering the basics with an LCD window that tracks your speed, distance, time, calories, and pulse.

Now, foldable exercise bikes and comfy seats aren't usually in the same sentence, but this one defies the norm with a plushy seat that's comfortable even for long sessions.

And the real kicker for space-conscious folks–it folds up super easily and small enough that it won't hog your floor space. (When it's not in action, it shrinks down to a compact 18.1" x 18.1".) Perfect if you're tight on room.

The only catch: It can handle riders up to 225 pounds. That's good for most of us, but if you're a big fella, it might not be the best fit.

Read more: Best Rowing Machines

Slim Cycle Folding Stationary Bike

For beginners who want an all-in-one cycling solution at home, this bike is where it's at. This beauty isn't just your regular exercise bike–it's got built-in resistance bands that take your workout up a notch by getting your upper body involved (and without having to purchase additional equipment). You've got eight levels of resistance to play with, so you can challenge those legs of yours. Plus, you can adjust it to sit upright or go full-on recumbent based on your needs and preferences.

It's got your back with a digital display, tracking all the important stuff: calories burned, distance covered, speed, miles ridden, and even your heart rate. And let me tell you, while some other exercise bikes can sound like a construction site, this one's surprisingly quiet.

Now, a quick heads-up about those resistance bands–they're handy for adding some versatility, but don't go too hard on them, they're not the most durable. And yes, this bike's a bit on the heavier side compared to similar folding exercise bikes.

Read more: Best Treadmills

400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike

If you're after a foldable home workout buddy that comes with some cool tech perks, the 400XL folding exercise bike from Exerpeutic might just be your jam. You can sync it up with the MyCloudFitness app via Bluetooth, making your workouts feel a bit like having a trainer right in your pocket. Not only does it dish out post-workout reports, but it also hooks you up with tailored training plans, including options for some high-intensity intervals or a good stretch session.

This baby's got a semi-recumbent design that's built like a tank with heavy-duty steel. You've got 8 magnetic resistance levels to play with, so whether you're a beginner or a fitness fanatic, there's a sweet spot for you.

But here's the deal: If you're just looking for a no-nonsense, basic bike, this might be more tech than you need. The 400XL really shines when you're serious about keeping tabs on your progress and following guided workouts. So, if that's your gig, this is your ultimate recumbent bike, bringing together the smarts and the sweat in one sleek package.

Read more: Best Incline Treadmills

Desk Exercise Bike

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 eight levels of magnetic resistance to challenge yourself with. Plus, because it's a belt-driven construction, it's super quiet so your workout won't interrupt your Zoom meetings.

Our only gripe is that it's not as accommodating to bigger guys. On top of it's limited weight capacity, the addition of a built-in work surface and the ProForm name also makes this model pricier than more we tested. Still, given its unique design and built-to-last construction, it's the best WFH-friendly folding exercise bike we've seen this year.

Read more: Best Desk Treadmills

Folding Exercise Bike

This folding exercise bike is all about versatility, my friend. Think of it as the Swiss army knife of this list.

Sturdy steel and that X-frame design make the base stable despite it's lightweight nature. But here's what we really love: that flywheel is designed to take a beating from rust, dust, and even sweat, so it's geared up for consistent use in the long run. Plus, integrated resistance bands. Yep, you can work those upper body muscles while pedaling away. Two birds, one stone!

It's also gone all out with the comfort–padded handlebars, a cushy seat, and a backrest that'll make you feel like you're in the lap of luxury. But the seat isn't just comfy; it's adjustable and can switch from upright to semi-recumbent with the turn of a knob. So, everyone in the house can hop on and find their sweet spot.

This bike isn't not the fanciest in terms of tech–no fancy pre-programmed workouts or Bluetooth wizardry here. But hey, it makes up for it with stability, comfort, and an affordable price tag. Oh, and it's got some extra goodies like an adjustable water bottle holder, a device holder, and an LCD monitor that tracks the basics: time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.

Read more: Best Under-Desk Exercise Bikes

Space Saving Recumbent Exercise Bike with Upper Body Motion

This bike isn't just about working your legs; it's designed to engage your upper body as well. So, if you're looking to boost coordination and mobility in both your upper and lower extremities, this bike is a great option. It also provides excellent back support to ensure a comfortable workout experience, making it ideal for seniors, those with mobility limitations, and even beginners.

The accessibility features don't stop there; this bike features an electronic monitor to keep track of all your workout data and offers eight levels of magnetic resistance for lower body workouts. For your upper body, there's a tension dial resistance system that allows you to progress gradually at your own pace.

However, it's important to note that this bike has a weight limit of 250 pounds, so it may not be the best choice for larger individuals or those seeking intense workout sessions.

Read more: Best Cardio Machines

What to Consider When Shopping for a Folding Exercise Bike

If this is your first time shopping for foldable exercise bikes (even if you’ve bought a “typical” exercise bike before), you may not know what to look for. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right. We're up-to-date on industry standards (weight capacity, warranty, resistance options, and tech features) and the components that make up an excellent folding exercise bike versus a ‘meh’ one.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations. So, if you’re going to trust anyone to help you make a buying decision here, it should be us.

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 2024.

Read More About the Best Home Gym Equipment

Best Folding Treadmills | Best Exercise Bikes | Best Under-Desk Exercise Bikes | Best Treadmills | Best Home Gym Equipment | Home Gym Awards 2023 | Best Cardio Machines | Best Under-Desk Treadmills | Best Ellipticals | Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes

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