Having a home gym is a fantastic way to stay in shape without the commute or expense of a commercial gym. But what if space is at a premium? That’s where the beauty of a Fold Away Exercise Bike comes in. For those of us who appreciate efficient workouts and smart storage solutions, a fold away exercise bike might just be the perfect piece of fitness equipment. I know what you might be thinking – are these bikes any good for serious fitness enthusiasts? As someone who spends a lot of time with barbells and weights, I was skeptical too. However, after rigorously testing a range of these compact cardio machines, I’ve discovered some real gems that even impressed this dedicated weightlifter enough to earn a permanent spot in my own home gym.
Welcome to Garage Gym Reviews’ comprehensive guide to the best fold away exercise bikes. We’ve put in the hours, pedaled the miles, and folded and unfolded more bikes than we can count to bring you unbiased reviews and recommendations.
Expert-Tested: The Top Fold Away Exercise Bikes of 2024
Our team at Garage Gym Reviews is composed of fitness experts, including certified personal trainers and seasoned athletes. We’re passionate about all types of gym equipment, from the heaviest power racks to the most compact cardio solutions. We’ve extensively tested everything from space-saving treadmills to versatile ellipticals, and of course, a wide array of stationary bikes, including powerful air bikes. For this guide, we focused our expertise on fold away exercise bikes, putting numerous models through rigorous testing to identify the top performers with standout features.
2024’s Best Fold Away Exercise Bikes: Our Top Picks
Best Overall Fold Away Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Ideal for: Fitness enthusiasts at any level seeking a sturdy, foldable bike with reliable resistance.
The Top Choice for Overall Performance
Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike product shot
GGR Score: 4.3 / 5
Key Features:
- Robust 14-gauge steel frame for enhanced stability
- Adjustable seat height to accommodate various users
- Integrated transport wheels for easy movement
- Comfortable, padded seat for longer workouts
- 8 levels of resistance to customize intensity
- Lightweight design at just 37 lbs
Pros:
- Exceptionally stable, even during high-intensity pedaling
- Appealing design that fits well in home gym environments
- Comfortable padded seat enhances workout duration
- Constructed with durable 14-gauge steel for longevity
Cons:
- Heavier compared to other fold away bikes, which may affect portability for some
- Basic LCD display provides essential metrics but lacks advanced data
- No built-in heart rate monitoring for users tracking cardiovascular data
The Bottom Line:
The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is a robust and budget-friendly option that’s perfect for home gyms of all sizes. Its sturdy build and ease of use make it a top recommendation.
This fold away exercise bike truly shifted my perspective on what these space-saving machines could offer. It’s become a permanent fixture in my home gym because of its surprising stability and solid construction. While the resistance isn’t quite enough for my primary workouts, it’s become invaluable for my daily warm-ups and cool-down routines.
What sets the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike apart is its substantial feel. It’s noticeably sturdier and heavier than many other models I tested, thanks to its thicker steel tubing. Made with 14-gauge steel, it’s objectively stronger than most fold away exercise bikes, which often use thinner 16- or 18-gauge steel. (Remember, a lower gauge number indicates thicker, stronger steel.)
This robust construction translates to a stable and secure workout experience. I felt no instability, even when pushing the pace. For beginners starting their cardio journey, the Marcy bike’s stronger frame provides added confidence. While not ‘heavy-duty’ in the commercial sense, it offers a more intense and stable workout platform compared to many lighter fold away options.
Exerpeutic Recumbent Bike angled product shot
RELATED: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Treadmill Workout
The Marcy bike also features a larger-than-average LCD screen, displaying essential metrics: time, distance, and calories burned. While it lacks advanced tech features, this is typical for most fold away exercise bikes in this category, focusing on simplicity and functionality.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the most compact fold away exercise bike available. Unfolded, it measures 34 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 44 inches tall. When folded, it becomes more compact at 18.5 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 51.5 inches tall. However, the inclusion of transport wheels makes it easy to move and store as needed.
RELATED: Top Fitness Trackers for Monitoring Progress
Best Adjustable Fold Away Exercise Bike: LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
Ideal for: Users seeking a comfortable and highly adjustable bike for longer cardio sessions.
The Most Adaptable Fold Away Bike
LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike
LEIKE X Bike product shot folded and upright
Key Features:
- Folds easily for minimal storage footprint
- Offers both upright and recumbent riding positions for versatility
- Comfortable seat designed for extended use
- Integrated media holder for entertainment during workouts
- Basic LCD screen for essential workout data
Pros:
- Exceptionally easy to fold, fitting neatly behind furniture
- Versatile upright and recumbent configurations enhance workout variety
- Comfortable enough for workouts lasting an hour or more
Cons:
- Can feel slightly shaky during very intense, high-speed pedaling
- Requires occasional screw tightening (every few months with regular use)
- Lacks advanced technology and convenience features
The Bottom Line:
The LEIKE X Bike is a quiet, budget-friendly fold away exercise bike, especially well-suited for apartment living where space and noise are concerns.
Our reviewer, Anthony O’Reilly, didn’t just test this fold away cycling bike; he’s been actively using it for nearly two years, logging over 3,000 miles. At 6 feet 3 inches, Anthony can attest to its suitability for taller individuals, and he’s also observed its comfortable fit for shorter users.
The LEIKE X Bike stands out as one of the best adjustable fold away bikes due to its ability to accommodate a wide range of heights. With seven seat adjustment levels, it caters to both tall and short users while still providing essential comfort features like a wide seat and a supportive backrest. The handlebars and pedals are also adjustable, further enhancing customization.
It includes a convenient stand that can hold most laptops and features 12 levels of magnetic resistance, surpassing the typical eight levels found in many fold away bikes. Its dual functionality as both a recumbent and upright bike allows for daily workout variety. While it doesn’t have a dedicated tablet holder, the lip above the LCD monitor can securely hold a device, which is a practical workaround. Like many in its class, tech features are minimal, keeping the focus on the workout itself.
Anthony’s experience storing the LEIKE X Bike in a 300-square-foot NYC apartment highlights its space-saving design. Moving to a larger space was also hassle-free, with the bike fitting easily into a moving truck without needing disassembly.
Another significant advantage is its higher maximum user weight capacity compared to many fold away bikes. The LEIKE bike supports up to 300 pounds, exceeding the average 250 to 275-pound limit of many competitors.
Best Budget Fold Away Exercise Bike: Pooboo Folding Exercise Bike
Ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-rich fold away bike at an affordable price.
The Best Value Fold Away Bike
Pooboo Folding Exercise Bike
Pooboo Folding Exercise Bike product shot
Key Features:
- 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance for varied workout intensity
- High 300-lb weight capacity, accommodating a wide range of users
- Converts to semi-recumbent or upright bike positions for workout versatility
- Typically priced under $200, offering exceptional value
- Includes resistance bands for upper body workouts
- Features phone and water bottle holders for convenience
Pros:
- Versatile recumbent and upright configurations for different workout styles
- 300-lb weight capacity is impressive for its budget category
- Smooth magnetic resistance for quiet operation
- Comes with resistance bands to enhance workout routines
- Highly affordable, generally under $200
- Convenient foldable design for easy storage
Cons:
- Very small LCD screen may be difficult for some users to read
- Seat is on the smaller side, which might not be comfortable for all users
- Assembly instructions could be clearer for first-time users
The Bottom Line:
The Pooboo folding bike offers an incredible array of features for its price, making it an excellent budget-friendly option without compromising on functionality.
This fold away exercise bike delivers more than you might expect from a budget model. It’s packed with features usually found on more expensive bikes, making it a standout value. It includes resistance bands and push-up handles, allowing you to incorporate upper-body exercises alongside your cardio, effectively turning your fold away exercise bike into a tool for full-body workouts.
Beyond these extras, the Pooboo Folding Exercise Bike is designed with convenience in mind. For its affordable price point (around $200), you get resistance bands, push-up handles, pulse sensors, an LCD screen displaying workout stats, eight resistance levels, adjustable seat and pedals, and even a phone holder. It’s a feature-rich package at a budget-friendly price.
RELATED: Top Resistance Bands for Home Workouts
The long-term durability of the Pooboo remains to be seen, but it does come with a one-year warranty, providing some assurance.
Best Compact Fold Away Exercise Bike: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Ideal for: Individuals with extremely limited space who prioritize minimal storage footprint above all else.
The Most Space-Efficient Fold Away Bike
Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike product shot folded and upright
Check Price
Key Features:
- Folds into a remarkably small rectangular shape for ultimate space saving
- Arrives fully assembled, ready to use right out of the box
- Low profile design may fit under some desks for discreet storage
Pros:
- Folds completely into a tiny, easily storable rectangle
- No assembly required, saving time and hassle
- Unfolded profile might allow use under certain desks
Cons:
- Lacks a screen, so no workout metrics are displayed
- Pedals are positioned very closely together, which may feel unnatural
- Overall ride can feel somewhat shaky, especially at higher intensities
The Bottom Line:
The Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike is uniquely designed for maximum compactness, making it ideal for those where space is the primary concern.
Another Garage Gym Reviews writer, Caroline Lubinsky, tested the Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike. Priced higher than most fold away stationary bikes at $350, its unique selling point is its unparalleled space-saving capability. Unlike typical fold away bikes that become thinner when folded, this model collapses into a truly small rectangle.
Caroline highlighted the complete lack of assembly as a major advantage. In a market where assembly is often required, this bike is ready to use within minutes of unboxing – just remove the packaging and unfold.
However, she noted the price is steep for a bike lacking a backrest and a screen. She also cautioned against it for those with balance issues due to its narrow base and closely set pedals. It performs best on hard flooring rather than carpet due to potential shakiness.
Woman riding Sharper Image bike in a gym setting
That said, the Sharper Image fold away exercise bike is by far the most compact piece of exercise equipment among those tested. Folded, it measures just 25.5 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 23 inches high. It can be easily stored under a bed or in a narrow closet. Even unfolded, it might fit under a desk, allowing for workouts during work hours.
Despite its small size, it accommodates users from 5 feet to 6 feet 4 inches tall and has a 250-pound weight limit. It includes eight levels of magnetic resistance, standard for fold away exercise bikes.
Other Fold Away Exercise Bikes We Evaluated
Beyond our top selections, we tested several other fold away exercise bikes that deserve a mention. While they didn’t make our top list, one of these might be the right fit for your specific needs.
Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra
This is a decent magnetic upright exercise bike that offers standard features like magnetic tension control, a cushioned seat, adjustable resistance, an LCD display, and fold away capability. However, the Fitnation Flex Bike Ultra is pricier than many similar models without offering significant advantages. At its $300 MSRP, it doesn’t stand out in terms of value. While it does fold into a semi-recumbent position, which is unique for an upright bike, this feature alone might not justify the higher cost for most users.
XTERRA foldable exercise bike angled product shot
XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
The XTERRA Fitness FB350 fold away bike is a typical X-frame design with a magnetic belt drive, common among bikes in this category. Once assembled, the cycling experience was satisfactory. However, assembly was a significant challenge, taking over two hours. The instructions were unclear, pre-drilled holes didn’t align properly, and solo assembly was awkward. If considering this bike or the similar XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike, we strongly recommend having assistance with assembly.
ShareVgo Bluetooth Smart Folding Exercise Bike
Caroline tested the ShareVgo bike and found it less impressive. Key concerns included a seat that wasn’t as comfortable as others, despite a good backrest. It felt flimsy and creaky during rides, raising durability concerns. The warranty is also short at only 90 days, which is less than the standard year or more offered by competitors. Caroline, well under the 250-pound weight limit, felt a lack of sturdiness, suggesting potential long-term reliability issues.
Our Testing Methodology for Fold Away Exercise Bikes
Our team of product testers rigorously evaluated each fold away exercise bike. From the initial ordering process to assembly and extensive use, we spent numerous hours with each bike to determine its value and performance. Here’s a glimpse into our testing process:
Initial Research: We started with extensive market research, drawing on any previous experience with fold away exercise bikes. With a vast selection available online, particularly on platforms like Amazon, we narrowed down options based on overall ratings, customer feedback, and brand reputation.
XTERRA folding exercise bike parts laid out for assembly
Ordering and Assembly: We personally ordered each shortlisted fold away exercise bike through standard retail channels like Amazon or manufacturer websites. Deliveries were received and handled just as a typical customer would experience. Assembly was performed by our team, following the provided instructions to assess ease of setup.
Workout Testing: We incorporated the fold away exercise bikes into various workout routines, including warm-ups, structured workouts, and cool-downs. Each bike was used for both endurance and interval training, utilizing all available features such as resistance levels and adjustments for seats and handlebars. We specifically evaluated resistance adjustability, stability during high-intensity intervals, and comfort during longer workout sessions.
Advantages of Using a Fold Away Exercise Bike
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, and fold away exercise bikes offer unique benefits, making them a valuable addition to a home gym setup.
RELATED: Benefits of Stationary Bike Workouts
Low-Impact Exercise
For individuals needing joint-friendly workout options, cycling is ideal. It provides effective cardiovascular exercise without the high impact stress on ankles, knees, and hips associated with activities like running.
The Shaper Image Space Saver Bike upright product shot
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Boost Cardiovascular Health
Regular use of a fold away exercise bike significantly improves cardiovascular health by enhancing aerobic fitness, which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Consistent cycling can lower resting heart rate, improve blood pressure, and increase cardiac output—the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood.
Enhance Circulation
Using a stationary bike, especially at intervals throughout the day, promotes healthy blood flow and reduces fluid retention in the legs. For those with sedentary jobs, a fold away exercise bike can counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, such as swollen ankles and knees.
Increase Daily Activity
Investing in a fold away exercise bike is a practical step towards increasing overall daily movement. You can easily engage in light exercise while on work calls or take short activity breaks. This boosts Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), which refers to calories burned outside of formal exercise, contributing to better health and weight management.
Cost-Effective Fitness Solution
Fold away exercise bikes are generally budget-friendly, costing significantly less than high-end models like Peloton or NordicTrack s22i Studio Bike. While they may lack advanced tech features, they provide an effective and affordable option for pedaling and basic fitness tracking.
Space-Saving Design
Beyond affordability, fold away exercise bikes are incredibly space-efficient. Whether you have a fully equipped home gym or are maximizing space in a small apartment, a fold away bike frees up valuable room for other equipment or activities.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Fold Away Exercise Bike
Before purchasing, consider these important factors to ensure you select the best fold away exercise bike for your needs.
Budget Allocation
Setting a budget is crucial. Knowing your price range helps narrow down choices on platforms like Amazon. While prices can range from as low as $80 to $100 up to $300 or more, remember that quality often reflects price. For a balance of features and durability, aim for the $150 to $250 range.
The unassembled pieces of a Marcy folding exercise bike ready for setup
Delivery and Setup
Review delivery details before finalizing your purchase, especially noting the weight of the bike. Heavier models might benefit from indoor delivery options to avoid handling heavy lifting from your doorstep. Some companies offer assembly services for an additional fee, but most fold away bikes are designed for straightforward self-assembly.
Resistance Mechanism
The type of resistance is an important factor. Most fold away exercise bikes use magnetic resistance, favored for its quiet operation and smooth flywheel motion. Magnetic systems also require minimal maintenance. Air-powered flywheels, while offering virtually unlimited resistance, tend to be noisier and may need more upkeep.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Consider features that enhance comfort and usability: Is the seat adjustable? Does it have a backrest and adjustable handlebars? Are there conveniences like a water bottle holder, phone/media shelf, or a cooling fan? These elements significantly impact your overall workout experience.
Portability Aspects
Check for transport wheels to ensure the fold away bike is easy to move and store. While most models include wheels, it’s a crucial feature for portability and should be confirmed.
Stability During Use
Assess the bike’s sturdiness, particularly if you plan on intense workouts or are a heavier user. A stable bike remains still during vigorous pedaling, enhancing safety and workout effectiveness. Wobbling indicates instability and potential safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fold Away Exercise Bikes
How do I select the right fold away exercise bike?
When choosing a fold away exercise bike, prioritize these factors: your budget, delivery and assembly options, the type of resistance, comfort and convenience features, and how portable and sturdy the bike is.
RELATED: Comprehensive Guide to Choosing an Exercise Bike
Can I achieve a good workout on a fold away exercise bike?
While advanced athletes might find the resistance levels limiting for intense training, fold away exercise bikes are excellent for beginners and those looking for moderate workouts. They are particularly beneficial for warm-ups, cool-downs, and increasing daily physical activity, even for seasoned fitness enthusiasts.
Are fold away exercise bikes effective for weight loss?
Yes, any exercise equipment that increases calorie expenditure can aid in weight loss. However, sustainable weight loss involves a combination of exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management to create a calorie deficit.
RELATED: Exercise Bikes and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
Is daily use of an exercise bike advisable?
Yes, daily exercise bike use is generally safe. However, incorporating rest days is important for recovery and preventing overtraining. Listen to your body and take rest days when needed.
Exercise bike, elliptical, or treadmill: Which is best for me?
Treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes each offer unique benefits and cater to different fitness preferences and needs. Reviewing guides and comparisons can help determine which type of cardio equipment best suits your personal fitness goals.
Is investing in a fold away exercise bike worthwhile?
Absolutely! Fold away exercise bikes are space-saving, typically affordable, and promote an active lifestyle, making them a valuable addition to any home, especially where space is limited.
What is a reasonable price for a quality fold away exercise bike?
A high-quality fold away exercise bike can be found for under $500, with more basic models available for significantly less, especially if advanced monitor features are not a priority.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
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