Indoor Cycle vs Upright Exercise Bike: How do They Compare

Are you considering buying an indoor stationary exercise bike? If so, you are probably asking one vital question: “should I buy an indoor cycle bike or an upright exercise bike?” Both types of stationary bikes may seem similar. All kinds of indoor upright bikes are excellent for improving fitness levels and cardio health. But there are a few differences to know about before buying this vital piece of home gym equipment.

Working out with an indoor cycle or upright exercise bike has proven health benefits. A study published in the journal Medicina found that indoor cycling using an indoor exercise bike improves overall fitness. Regular cycling on an indoor bike or upright exercise bike helped lower cholesterol, blood pressure and increased oxygen consumption. Additionally, indoor cycling is an excellent way to lose weight.

What is an Indoor Cycle?

An indoor cycling bike more resembles a traditional road bike. The rider cycles in a crouching position like sitting on an actual road bike, and the pedals move a weighted flywheel. Like a real road bike, you can stand up and pedal for a more intense workout and target different muscles.  

What is an Upright Exercise Bike?

As the name suggests, you sit on an upright exercise bike in an upright position. The upright bike has a flywheel that typically has magnetic resistance. Usually, upright stationary bikes have an LCD display. The best models have preprogrammed workout plans to help meet your fitness goals.

Upright Exercise Bike vs. Indoor Bike — What’s the Difference?

Let’s look at the key differences between an indoor bike and a typical upright bike. This knowledge will help you make an informed choice on buying your next piece of home fitness equipment.

Riding Position

The primary difference between the two types of exercise bikes is the body position while cycling. With an indoor cycle, you sit, leaving over like riding an actual bike. Typically, the handlebar position is lower than the seat. In contrast, the handlebars are positioned higher on an upright bike, meaning you sit in a straighter position.

The difference in riding position is a crucial factor when deciding which type of bike to buy. For example, an indoor bike is the better option if you want a more intense cycling workout and pedal while standing up. On the other hand, an upright exercise bike is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a more comfortable exercise workout.

Seat

Another difference between indoor cycle and upright exercise cycles is the seat. An upright bike has a padded seat that is more comfortable to sit on. An indoor bike has a narrower, more uncomfortable seat like an actual bike.

Resistance

One key difference between the indoor cycle and an upright static bike is the resistance. Indoor cycles resemble road bikes while pedaling because the flywheel gives the feel of pedaling a traditional bike. On the other hand, an upright bike uses magnetic resistance. This can usually be adjusted to different settings to increase or decrease resistance.

Technology

Upright exercise bikes typically have more options when it comes to technology. Even the most basic upright bike usually has a display showing speed, heart rate, calories burned, distance, and RPM. In addition, some of the best stationary upright bikes have preprogrammed workouts and connectivity to fitness apps through Bluetooth.

On the contrary, indoor cycles are usually relatively simple bikes without digital consoles or Bluetooth connectivity. Some indoor bikes have a digital display, but these are generally for cycling enthusiasts to help mimic the feeling of riding on the road.

Cost

Indoor bikes usually cost significantly more than upright models. The cost makes an upright stationary bike a popular choice for the casual user who wants an excellent workout for weight loss or cardio health improvement. However, indoor bikes are usually the type of home gym gear that professional cyclists or serious athletes choose.

Pros and Cons of Stationary Indoor Exercise Bikes

Pros and Cons of Upright Exercise Bikes

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of an upright exercise bike:

Upright exercise bike pros:

• Display consoles to monitor fitness progress
• Some models have customized fitness programs
• Upright exercise bikes are easy to use
• They don’t take up much room
• Less expensive than recumbent bikes or spin bikes
• The upright position means you can read a book or other activity during a moderate exercise
• Excellent levels of resistance and quiet operation
• Some upright bikes are foldable exercise bikes

Upright exercise bike cons:

• Cheaper upright exercise bikes may not offer great resistance
• Not always suitable for heavy users or people with mobility issues
• You can only pedal in a seated position
• Impossible to mimic an indoor cycle class at home

Pros and Cons of Indoor Cycle

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of a indoor bike:

Indoor Bike pros:

• Suitable for intense workouts at home
• Cycle in a standing position
• Work more muscles than a traditional stationary exercise bike, meaning you burn more calories
• Sturdier frame than most upright bikes
• Similar feel to a traditional road bike

Indoor Bike cons:

• Can cause back pain and knee injury for beginners
• The seat is uncomfortable
• Some home fitness enthusiasts don’t like the lack of display on most models

How Indoor Bike and Upright Stationary Exercise Bike Workout Compares

The flywheel mechanism is attached to the pedals and moves the pedals as long as the wheel is moving. If you pedal while standing up, you will burn even more calories than a standard upright bike.

How to Choose Between Indoor Bike and Upright Exercise Bike

Whether to buy an indoor cycle or an upright exercise bike comes down to two factors. These are:

• Do you want a more intense workout to improve cardiovascular fitness?
• Do you want the experience of outdoor cycling like a regular bicycle?

If so, then an indoor cycle is for you.

However, an upright exercise bike also offers intense workouts, especially if you buy one with at least 14 resistance levels.

For most users who want to get fit in the comfort of their home, an upright exercise bike is the preferred choice. Upright stationary bikes have more options than indoor cycles and can help you achieve your fitness goals without a trainer.

Who is an Indoor Cycle For?

A Indoor bike is for professional cyclists, athletes, or gym enthusiasts who already have a good level of fitness. However, because there isn’t a preprogrammed workout plan with indoor bikes, you need to be self-motivated to hit your goals. In addition, the lack of display means that spin bikes are difficult for beginners to chart their progress.

Who is Upright Exercise Bike For?

An upright exercise bike is for anyone who wants to improve or maintain their fitness levels. Indoor exercise bikes have plenty of options to suit your budget, fitness goals, and indoor space. Additionally, connecting to fitness apps or subscribing to an interactive, online workout plan can help you get fit without joining any fitness classes.

Conclusion

Indoor bikes and upright exercise bikes are ideal for improving cardiovascular fitness levels, strengthening your leg and calf muscles, and boosting your general health. Indoor cycling workouts tend to be more intense and require some knowledge of fitness. Upright exercise bikes are suitable for most people who want to enjoy excellent and effective workout sessions at