7 Best Compact Exercise Bikes in 2024

Staying fit and healthy is essential, but sometimes, finding the time or space for exercise can be challenging. That’s where compact exercise bikes come in.

These bikes are designed to provide a low-impact, efficient, and space-saving workout. Their small footprint and lightweight design make them perfect for use in small apartments, home gyms, or even offices. Plus, if it’s raining outside – you won’t get wet! Well, you’ll sweat. I don’t know if that counts. Anyhow, moving on!

The market for compact exercise bikes is flooded with numerous options, making it challenging to find the best one for your needs.

To help you choose the right one, I’ve compiled a list of the best compact exercise bikes that I’ve personally used and tested. My list includes the top-rated models, highlighting the features that make them stand out. Don’t worry whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a high-end model; I’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Top 7 Best Compact Exercise Bikes Reviewed

1. Pro-Form Pro C10U Upright Compact Exercise Bike – Top Pick
2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2883 Magnetic Exercise Bike – Runner-Up
3. Schwinn IC4 Fitness Cycling Exercise Bike – Best Upright
4. Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike – Best Folding
5. ATIVAFIT 3 in 1 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Best Recumbent
6. DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser – Best Under Desk
7. UREVO Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike

Product	Total	Adjustability	Durability	Comfort	Assembly	Size	Noise Level	Price/ Quality	User Interface
Pro-Form	77	9.5	10	10	9.5	10	9	9.5	9.5
Sunny	77	9	9.5	9	10	10	10	9.5	10
Schwinn	76.5	10	10	10	9.5	8.5	10	9	9.5
Marcy	76.5	8.5	10	10	9	10	9	10	10
Ativafit	74.5	9	9	10	9	9	10	9	9.5
DeskCycle	74	8.5	9.5	9	10	10	10	9	8
Urevo	73.5	8	10	9	9	10	10	9	8.5

I’m kicking off this list with my Top Pick – Pro-Form Pro C10U Upright Compact Exercise Bike. It was easy to place this one at the Top, and I’ll tell you why. This bike truly lives up to its reputation as the best compact exercise bike on the market.

One of the things I appreciated most about this bike is its compact design. It only takes up a little space, making it perfect for those who live in smaller apartments or homes. Its sleek, modern design also adds to its overall appeal, and it’s not an eyesore like some other fitness equipment can be. It’s functional but fantastic.

But it’s not just the design I love – the Pro-Form Pro C10U is packed with features that make it a fantastic exercise machine. The vertical and horizontally adjustable seat allows you to find the perfect fit for your body, essential for comfort during longer workouts. The device has 25 resistance levels with SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance, so you can easily adjust the difficulty to match your fitness level.

The integrated touchscreen display is also noteworthy since it displays all the data you could need throughout your exercise. It’s great for keeping you motivated by recording your speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Moreover, the interface is clear and straightforward, making it ideal for a fitness newbie.

When it comes to operation, the Pro-Form Pro C10U is exceptionally silent and smooth. The pedals may be adjusted to accommodate different shoe sizes, and the large flywheel ensures a steady and reliable ride. With Bluetooth connectivity, you may sync the machine with your mobile device and have access to even more exercise options.

It deserves the number 1 spot on this list. It’s the best compact stationary bike on this list.

Next, we have the Runner-up. Meet Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2883 Magnetic Exercise Bike. I’ve been using it regularly for a few weeks now. Overall, I'm satisfied with my purchase. Let me tell you why!

This bike's magnetic resistance technology makes exercising calm and practical. I can immediately challenge myself by fine-tuning the resistance to my chosen effort. The large LCD displays essential activity data, including duration and calories burned. It's easy and has kept me motivated and accountable throughout my workouts.

The comfy seat and adjustable handlebars eased me after poor exercise bike experiences. The bike's front wheels make travel and storage easy.

The bike's design also includes convenient back-mounted wheels and floor stabilizers, making it easy to move and store when not in use. The adjustable seat accommodates various leg lengths, from 26'' to 35'', catering to many users regardless of height. The 16 levels of pedaling resistance and the smooth and quiet motorized belt drive system help with a noise-free exercise experience.

And the conveniently placed pulse sensors enable users to stay within their target heart rate zone. With these functional features, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2883 Magnetic Exercise Bike is an excellent choice for those seeking a practical and customizable indoor cycling experience.

While I have encountered a few minor drawbacks with this bike, such as difficulty assembling it and the handlebars not being adjustable enough for my height, overall, I'm pleased with my purchase. If you're in the market for a quality exercise bike that won't suck your wallet dry, I recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness compact exercise bike.

The next one is the IC4 Fitness Cycling Exercise Bike by Schwinn. If you were looking for a great upright bike, your search would probably be over once you learn more about this one. And just to clarify, multiple options are available - the IC2, IC4, and IC4. In this review, I’ll talk about the IC4.

The bike's sleek and modern design was one of the first things that stood out to me. It's compact enough to fit in a small apartment yet sturdy and durable enough to withstand intense workouts. The adjustable seat and handlebars make finding a comfortable and ergonomic riding position easy, and the pedals have straps to keep my feet secure.

But what sets the Schwinn IC4 apart from other compact exercise bikes is its advanced features. The full-color backlit LCD displays real-time metrics like speed, distance, and calories burned, which helps me track my progress and stay motivated during my workouts. The bike also has 100 levels of magnetic resistance, allowing me to adjust my workout intensity and challenge myself as I progress.

One of my favorite features is Bluetooth connectivity, which allows me to sync my workouts with the Schwinn app and track my progress over time. The app also offers guided exercises and training programs to keep me engaged and help me reach my fitness goals.

It's versatile, comfortable, and practical, and its advanced features make it stand out from other bikes. And if you decide to buy an exercise bike and go for this one – you won't regret it!

Here we have a compact exercise bike by Marcy. And what’s best of all – it’s foldable! The only thing that remained to do was to see if it was any good! And I did. And it is.

First off, the foldable design is a game-changer. If you’re living in a small apartment, you’ll have little space to dedicate to workout equipment. The fact that you can easily fold up the Marcy bike and tuck it away in a closet is a massive plus. It's also super easy to set up - I could do it alone in just a few minutes.

Once I started using the bike, I was impressed with the customization level. The bike offers an adjustable seat that can be moved horizontally and vertically and accommodate leg lengths from 26" to 30", handlebars, and 8 preset resistance levels.

The adjustable handlebars allow users to target different muscle groups and experiment with various grip styles for a more dynamic workout. The LCD screen tracks essential workout metrics such as time, speed, distance, and calories burned, and an odometer enables users to monitor their progress and stay motivated.

What really stood out to me was how quiet the bike was. I live in an apartment building, and I was worried that my downstairs neighbors would be able to hear me using the bike, but I was pleasantly surprised by how little noise it made. I could watch TV or listen to music while riding without any problems.

All in all, I highly recommend the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike to anyone who wants to get a good workout at home without taking up too much space. It's a high-quality piece of equipment that's easy to use and customized to your needs.

At 5th place we have ourselves ATIVAFIT with their 3 in 1 Recumbent Exercise Bike. At first glance it looks very basic and not very stable. But even though it seems small or unstable, this is one tough cookie. It held me quite comfortably, and I’m a 6’1’’ 188-pound dude. Very impressive!

The recumbent design is incredibly comfortable. Instead of sitting on a traditional bike seat, the ATIVAFIT has a large, cushioned seat with a backrest that allows you to lean back and take pressure off your lower back. This makes it an excellent option for anyone who has trouble with a traditional bike seat or wants a more comfortable workout.

The 3 in 1 feature is also a huge plus. The ATIVAFIT can be used as a recumbent, upright, or semi-stationary arm bike. This versatility has allowed me to switch up my workouts and target different muscles without needing multiple pieces of equipment.

In terms of customization, the ATIVAFIT has adjustable resistance levels and a built-in monitor that tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The monitor is easy to use and has a clear display.

The assembly was relatively easy, and the bike felt sturdy and well-made. It's also surprisingly quiet - I can watch TV or listen to music without disturbance.

I'd highly recommend this low-profile exercise bike to anyone who wants a comfortable, customizable workout that won't pressure their lower back. It's a versatile, well-made piece of equipment that has enormously impacted my fitness routine.

The penultimate compact exercise bike on my list is an under-the-desk product. The DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser. If you are looking for a super small exercise bike and you also spend half of your day sitting behind a desk – then this one just might blow your mind.

DeskCycle 2 is super easy to use. You place it under your desk and start pedaling. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures users can pedal away without disturbing coworkers or family members, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle without compromising work or home life.

Featuring a bi-directional flywheel and 8 calibrated resistance levels, the DeskCycle 2 offers a customizable workout experience, enabling users to switch between light, leisurely pedaling, and more challenging exercises effortlessly.

The patented magnetic resistance mechanism delivers a natural bike feel, ensuring a smooth and consistent pedaling motion. With a 9-10" adjustable pedal height, the DeskCycle 2 can accommodate various desk and table heights, allowing greater versatility.

The LCD display can be detached from the peddler, and you can place it on the table. This way, you can minor all the stats much more conveniently. The display keeps track of essential workout metrics, such as time elapsed, strides per minute, distance traveled, and calories burned, motivating users to maintain their fitness goals.

The stay-flat, non-slip pedals with adjustable Velcro straps ensure secure foot placement for a safe and comfortable workout experience.

In terms of size, the DeskCycle 2 is compact and doesn't take up too much space under my desk. It's the best small exercise bike. If you can even call it a bike. It's also relatively lightweight, so I can move it around quickly. When you consider this list, this one is pretty much the perfect stationary bike for small spaces.

One downside of the DeskCycle 2 is that getting the pedals in the correct position under your desk can be tricky. I had to experiment to find the perfect placement since my legs are a bit longer and my feet size is also above average.

It's a simple but effective tool that can help you stay active and burn calories while you're an office bee or couch potato. If you spend many hours behind a desk looking for a workout, this might be a win-win scenario.

Just don't go too hard on the exercise and then jump into a meeting immediately or something like that. That workout would not work out. Ok, I'm gonna go now. Actually, there is one more entry on this list.

And here we are, at the end of this list. The last entry is UREVO’s Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike. Let’s check it out!

I have been using this bike for several months now and am satisfied with its performance. The bike feels sturdy and stable during use, which is vital as I tend to be heavier. I appreciate that it has a weight capacity of up to 330 lbs, which gives me confidence in its durability.

One of the critical features of this bike is its adjustable resistance levels. This is very useful in customizing my workouts to my desired level of intensity. The resistance can be easily adjusted with a turn of the knob, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my endurance and strength since I started using this compact stationary exercise bike.

The bike's digital monitor is also a nice feature, as it tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned. While I do not rely solely on the monitor for tracking my progress, it does provide me with some valuable data to help me gauge the intensity of my workouts.

The bike's seat is one area that may need some work. While it is cushioned for comfort, prolonged usage causes discomfort. A gel seat cover has helped, but it would be wonderful if the seat was more cushioned.

And if I make one more remark, it would be nice if the handlebars were adjustable. This hasn't been much of a problem for me, but I can see how it may be for people much shorter or taller than average.

There may be a few minor drawbacks, but the numerous advantages far outweigh them.

Pros and Cons of Compact Workout Bike

When considering home training equipment, many people like small workout bikes, especially if they live in an apartment.

Compared to standard exercise cycles, these models are compact and easy to store, making them an excellent choice for those with restricted living quarters.

Yet, just like any other product, tiny exercise bikes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Look at the pros and cons of utilizing a little exercise bike.

Pros

✅ Space-Saving

Exercise bikes are a popular and effective method of cardiovascular conditioning, but conventional exercise cycles may be bulky and take up a lot of room. So, they are an excellent choice for those restricted by the square footage of their living area.

✅ Portable

Several compact exercise bikes are light and convenient to transport. So even if they do not have transport wheels, you can still push them around quickly and easily. In some cases, even lift them.

✅ Cost-Effective

Compared to larger, more complex exercise bikes, a compact workout bike is less expensive. This makes them a good choice for people on a budget or who want to invest less money in their fitness equipment.

✅ Low-Impact

Many compact workout bikes are designed to provide a low-impact, easy workout on the joints. This can be particularly beneficial for people with knee or hip problems or recovering from an injury. Always make sure to use the exercise bike correctly to avoid injury.

✅ Versatile 

Compact workout bikes come in a variety of styles and designs, including upright, recumbent, and hybrid models. This allows users to choose the type of workout bike that fits their needs and preferences.

Cons

❌ Limited Features

Compared to larger exercise bikes, compact workout bikes may have fewer features and options. For example, they may not have built-in fans or speakers or fewer resistance levels.

❌ Less Stability

Because compact workout bikes are smaller and lighter than traditional exercise bikes, they may need to be more stable during use. This can be a problem for some users, particularly those taller or heavier.

❌ Limited Weight Capacity

Due to their reduced size and weight, compact exercise bikes may need help to support as much weight as their larger counterparts. Heavy people or those planning to exercise bikes through rigorous workouts may find this an issue.

❌ Fewer workout options

Despite their adaptability, tiny exercise bikes may provide fewer features than their bigger counterparts. They could be able to mimic outside terrain or offer a variety of pre-programmed routines.

What to Look For in a Small Home Exercise Bike?

Some considerations should be made before choosing a small home exercise bike. Picking the appropriate exercise bike makes a difference whether you want to become in shape or stay that way. In this piece, we'll discuss a few key considerations when buying a compact exercise bike at home.

1. Adjustability

When shopping for an exercise bike, one of the most important aspects to look for is the flexibility to customize the settings. Change the bike's settings to suit your height and weight by changing the seat, handlebars, and pedals. This makes it so you may find a posture that works for you and is comfortable throughout your workout, minimizing the chances of injury and annoyance.

2. Durability

While shopping for a compact exercise bike for the house, durability is an important feature to look for. A sturdy frame and high-quality materials ensure that the bike can withstand regular use over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

3. Comfort

Comfortable exercise bike selection is easy. Look for a comfy seat, adjustable handlebars, and efficient pedaling. If you want to work out, you must be comfortable on the bike.

4. Assembly

Pick a bike with easy-to-assemble parts. This will help you start exercising immediately.

5. Size

If you're short on storage space, consider the home exercise bike's footprint while buying. Choose a small footprint exercise bike that folds or rolls easily. However, remember that a smaller size may come at the cost of stability, so ensure that the bike is sturdy enough to support your workouts.

6. Noise Level

When choosing an exercise bike, it's also crucial to consider how loud it is, particularly if you want to use it in a public place or at night. Choose a bike with noise-reducing features like a belt drive or magnetic resistance to ride in peace.

7. Price/Quality

When shopping for a compact exercise bike for the house, it's crucial to consider both price and quality. Get a bike that satisfies your fitness demands at an affordable price without sacrificing the quality of its construction or the amenities it offers. If you're trying to save money on your fitness objectives, keep in mind that a more costly bike may occasionally be required due to its extra features and durability.

8. User Interface

Furthermore, the exercise bike's user interface is crucial if you want to monitor your development and establish objectives. Look for a bike with a user-friendly display screen that shows important metrics such as speed, distance, and calories burned. Pre-set programs, heart rate monitors, and Bluetooth connection are just a few extra features that may improve your workout and push you closer to your fitness objectives.

How to Use Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces?

An exercise bike might be ideal if you want to get in shape but only have a little room at home. Cardiovascular fitness and muscle development may both be accomplished from the convenience of home with an exercise bike.

Finding a foldable exercise bike that is nevertheless effective might be challenging. The perfect bike may make all the difference in your workouts, and these pointers will help you narrow down your options and make the most of your space.

1. Consider the Size and Weight of the Bike

Choose a workout bike that fits these criteria - small and easy to transport. While not in use, this will be much simpler to transport and stow away.

2. Look For Adjustable Features

The seat and handlebars of many exercise bikes may be adjusted so that you have the best possible fit. This is especially important if you're sharing the bike with other family members who have different body types.

3. Choose a Bike With a Small Footprint

An exercise bike with a vast footprint may not be the best option when space is at a premium. Going for bikes that only take up a little room while stored on the floor is preferable.

4. Invest in a Folding Exercise Bike

The space-saving foldable exercise bike is an excellent option if you're short on storage. These bikes are ideal for houses with little storage space since they can be folded and stashed away in a cupboard or even beneath a bed.

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to locate an exercise bike that will fit in your area while still allowing you to get a good workout. It would be best not to let a lack of room prevent you from working out.

FAQ

What Are the 3 Different Types of Stationary Bikes?

There are three distinct varieties of stationary bicycles - the upright, the recumbent, and the spin.

The user of an upright bike sits upright, and the pedals are positioned immediately in front of them, as on a standard bicycle designed for use in the great outdoors. With a quality bike, you can get excellent cardiovascular exercise and strengthen your core muscles. As a rule, they take up less room than other forms of stationary bikes, making them an appealing option for apartments and other small spaces.

In contrast to their upright counterparts, recumbent bicycles have sloping seats and padded backrests. Anyone with back or joint problems will find this design beneficial because of the increased support it offers and the less stress it places on the body's joints. Compared to conventional cycles, recumbents provide a more comprehensive range of resistance and are more relaxing to ride.

The third type of stationary bike is the spin bike. These bikes are designed for high-intensity workouts and are often used in group fitness classes. More difficult motion is possible on spin cycles because the flywheel offers more resistance.

The rider mimics the stance of a road bike by crouching forward while the handlebars are set lower than the seat. In addition, cycles on a compact spin bike may be set up with a range of resistance levels to provide an experience similar to climbing hills or sprinting.

There is a stationary bike for everyone, whether you want a low-impact cardiovascular exercise or a high-intensity ride. Learn the critical distinctions between upright, recumbent, and spin bikes to choose the best one for your requirements and objectives.

Are Exercise Bikes Good for Losing Weight?

Can you lose weight riding an exercise bike?

The quick answer is “yes”. Exercise bikes may be helpful in your fight against excess weight.

Among the many advantages of utilizing an exercise bike to shed pounds is the cardiac workout it gives with no impact. This is an excellent way to boost your metabolic rate and burn calories, which are crucial while trying to trim down. In addition, exercise bikes include many degrees of resistance, so you may ramp up the difficulty of your workout as your fitness increases.

Exercise bikes also have the added benefit of being convenient and simple enough to use at home. As a result, you may exercise whenever it is most convenient for you, regardless of the time of day or location, and without having to worry about the elements.

In addition to regular exercise, a nutritious diet is a crucial component of any weight reduction plan.

While exercise bikes can help you burn calories, pairing your workouts with a nutritious diet is essential to see the best results.

Exercise bikes can be a valuable tool for weight loss, offering a low-impact cardiovascular workout that burns calories and can be done from the comfort of your home. By incorporating regular exercise bike workouts into a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health and fitness.

Do Mini Under Desk Exercise Bikes Work?

Sitting at a desk for long hours can be tiring and can cause health problems in the long run. Especially now, post-pandemic, when remote work from home is the new norm. A lot of people are spending a lot of hours sitting at a desk.

Mini under-desk exercise bikes have been introduced to solve this problem, but the question remains: Do they actually work? Based on personal experience and research, mini under-desk exercise bikes do indeed work.

They provide a low-impact form of exercise that can improve blood circulation, burn calories, and reduce stress levels. I've used a mini under-desk exercise bike for a few months now, and it has made a noticeable difference in my energy levels and overall well-being. I feel more alert and focused during work hours and experience less stiffness and discomfort in my legs and back.

Research has also shown that mini under-desk exercise bikes can be beneficial. A study conducted by the American Council on Exercise found that using a mini exercise bike under a desk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, and reduced waist circumference in sedentary office workers.

Of course, like any form of exercise, the effectiveness of mini under-desk exercise bikes depends on consistency and intensity. Simply pedaling for a few minutes a day may not yield significant results. It's paramount to use the bike regularly, ideally for at least 30 minutes daily, and to increase resistance and speed over time to challenge the muscles.

In conclusion, mini under-desk exercise bikes work and can be helpful for those who sit for extended periods. Incorporating regular exercise into one's daily routine is essential for maintaining overall health, and a mini exercise bike is a convenient and effective way to do so.

Conclusion

After researching and compiling this list of the best compact exercise bikes, I can confidently say there is an exercise bike for everyone. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-tech machine with all the bells and whistles, a compact exercise bike on the market can meet your needs.

I was impressed with the variety of options available, from traditional pedal bikes to recumbent bikes and even folding bikes that can be stored easily in small spaces. Many of these exercise bikes for small spaces also have advanced features like digital screens, adjustable resistance levels, and even virtual workout programs to make exercising at home more engaging and enjoyable. The ergonomic design is also a huge plus!

Compact exercise bikes are an excellent investment for anyone looking to incorporate more exercise into their daily routine. In the end, Pro-Form Pro C10U Upright Compact Exercise Bike has the highest score across all categories combined and thus earned my TOP PICK overall rating. It gives you the best value for your money and is out of all the seven bikes.

If you have already used any of the compact exercise bikes I've recommended or have just now decided to buy one, please share your thoughts and experiences via the comment section below. I’d be pleased to discuss this further with you. And I hope that this guide has helped you buy the right compact exercise bike for you!

Also read:

• Best Budget Exercise Bike
• Best Exercise Bike for Apartment
• Is the Stationary Bike Good Cardio
• Exercise Bike vs Walking
• Calories Burned on Stationary Bike
• Spinning Bike vs Upright Bike
• Recumbent Bike Benefits

References:

1. Mary D. Brown, "Are Exercise Bikes Bad for Your Knees?," FitnessDY: https://fitnessdy.com/are-exercise-bikes-bad-for-your-knees/#google_vignette
2. Brad J. Schoenfeld, Bret Contreras, Andrew D. Vigotsky, Mark Peterson, "Differential Effects of Heavy Versus Moderate Loads on Measures of Strength and Hypertrophy in Resistance," J Sports Sci Med https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5131226/ (Dec 01, 2016)
3. "Noise," WHO: https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/noise (April 27, 2010)
4. Leoni Jesner, ACE-CPT, "What Are the Different Types of Exercise Bikes?," Very Well Fit, Cycling Guide: https://www.verywellfit.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-exercise-bikes-5191451 (October 02, 2022)