Best Upright Exercise Bikes Under $300
If you are looking for a reliable and relatively sleek, compact, and portable piece of home cardio equipment, look no further than an upright exercise bike. Biking at home is an excellent way to transform your physique while preventing injury at in comfort and with low impact. Not only is stationary cycling good for preventing injuries, but it’s a great way for anyone who already has certain physical issues, such as spinal, knee, or wrist injuries, to stay in shape.
We’ve scoured the web for the best upright exercise bikes under $300, and while they all have their pros, cons, and unique features, each one will allow you to get great cardiovascular exercise as you burn calories and develop stronger muscles throughout your legs, core, and hips. For anyone who can’t hit the gym right now or jump on an outdoor bike and hit the road, these exercise bikes are a great indoor alternative. We’ve broken down all the features below; all you have to decide now is which ones mean the most to you so you can pick out your stationary bike under $300 and get peddling.
Upright Bikes Under $300 Overview & Comparison
| Name | Verdict | Programs | Resistant | Seat | Capacity | Shelf | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProForm 225 CSX Exercise Bike | Best Value at $300 | 25 | 18 Electronically Adjustable Magnetic | Up/Down Fore/Aft Adjustable | 250 Lbs | Yes | Requires Power Plugin, has Bluetooth, Speakers, Fan, iFit compatible, |
| Schwinn 110 Stationary Bike | Best Value at $200 | 7 | 8 Electronically Adjustable Magnetic | Only Up/Down Adjustable | 275 Lbs | Yes | Requires power plugin, has a compact structure, Speakers and Auxiliary Port |
| Sunny Health SF-B2952 Bike | Great Value at $240 | None | 8 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Up/Down Fore/Aft Adjustable | 275 Lbs | Yes | Runs on battery (no need for power plugin) |
| HARISON Home Exercise Bike | Overpriced at $310 | None | 14 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Up/Down Fore/Aft Adjustable | 300 Lbs | Yes | Runs on battery (no need for power plugin) |
| AECOJOY Home Upright Bike | Great Value at $200 | None | 8 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Up/Down Fore/Aft Adjustable | 280 Lbs | Yes | Runs on battery (no need for power plugin) & compact design |
| Sunny Health SF-B2906 Bike | Great Value at $210 | None | 8 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Only Up/Down Adjustable | 240 Lbs | Yes | Runs on battery (no need for power plugin) and compact built |
| Royal Fitness Upright Exercise Bike | Great Value at $150 | None | 8 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Only Up/Down Adjustable | 275 Lbs | Yes | Runs on battery (no need for power plugin) and extra compact built |
| Marcy ME-708 Stationary Bike | Great Value at $130 | None | 8 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Only Up/Down Adjustable | 250 Lbs | Runs on battery (no need for power plugin) and extra compact built | |
| HIROLLOP Desk Exercise Bike | Overpriced at $340 | None | 8 Manual Adjustable Magnetic | Only Up/Down Adjustable | 265 Lbs | Yes | Has a large laptop desk and it is removable |
ProForm 225 CSX Exercise Bike
Featured the best upright bike under 300, the ProForm 225 CSX bike has some great features that will not only challenge you but motivate you to work harder. This exercise bike with an upright frame is equipped with 18 digital resistance levels and interval training. Not only is it Bluetooth compatible, but you can plug in your MP3 player or iPod to the compatible audio port, so you’ll have easy access to the tunes that help you kick it into high gear.
This upright stationary bike under $300 has a 14-pound, 4-inch inertia-enhanced flywheel and is also compatible with the iFit app, where you can choose from hundreds of workouts. You can also use iFit to compete with friends, track your progress, and access Google maps to draw any route in the world imaginable.
The oversized cushioned seat can be adjusted up and down. The handlebars are not adjustable but include a dual-grip EKG heart rate monitor. The pedals are ergonomically designed with adjustable straps, yet some customers have complained of faulty pedals. But it helps to know that this exercise bike is protected by a 5-Year Frame Warranty and 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty.
The ProFrom 225 CSX has a water bottle holder and built-in fan, both seemingly basic features that you might not realize you needed until you end up with an exercise bike that doesn’t have them. When you’re done exercising, you can roll this upright exercise bike away on its transport wheels.
Schwinn A10 Stationary Upright Bike
Features second in our best stationary upright bikes under 300, the Schwinn A10 upright bike comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance and seven preset programs for a variety of workouts. Its padded and contoured seat provides a comfortable ride no matter which preset program you choose.
The large LCD console is not backlit but tracks speed, time, RPM, distance, calories, heart rate, and results. There are a USB port and power port for your phone, and there is room for a tablet as well; just note that a tablet would cover up the main display.
The stationary exercising bike is equipped with MP3 and has speakers to play music from your device through the bike’s speakers. Unfortunately, there is no Bluetooth on this model to connect to Schwinn’s app. So, you can’t save your workouts on the fitness application.
The handgrips on this cardio upright workout bike are comfortable and have three main places you can rest your hands, including the heart rate monitor—users like that this bike rides quietly and feels sturdy, with a maximum weight capacity of 275.
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B2952 Bike
1 used from $129.17
Seen in several best stationary upright exercise bikes under 300, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2952 stationary upright bike provides eight levels of magnetic resistance on a smooth belt drive system. If that’s not enough to keep you moving, you can personalize your workout type and track your exercise intensity with the integrated hand pulse sensors.
In terms of other features to keep you going strong, there are the performance monitor and device holder. The performance monitor stays busy tracking the most important variables, including your RPM, speed, distance, time, and pulse, and also displays a calendar, clock, temperature, and thermometer.
The monitor also comes equipped with a BMI and body fat percentage calculator, which is measured by entering your biometric data. Despite all this, the display still appears basic, though users agree that it is easy to use. Meanwhile, there is enough room for an iPad to stay entertained or watch a workout program as you go.
The seat is adjustable four ways, though some users complain that it is a bit small and hard – it’s dimensions are 11″ x 10.5″ x 2″, so you can decide if that works for you and can always add a gel seat cover if needed. While the handlebars are not adjustable, they have a nice, curved design, so you can hold them in different places if you need to, such as when you are leaning forward. The self-leveling pedals on this stationary cycling bike include adjustable pedal straps to keep your feet from slipping.
HARISON Exercise Stationary Bike
Third in our list of top exercise bikes reviews under 300, the Harrison indoor exercise bike comes equipped with a multi-function LCD display, a real-time digital monitor that records distance, speed, time, calories, RPM, scan, odometer, and heart rate. The 2 in 1 tablet holder works well for a tablet or even a book.
This heavy-duty frame is made of refined steel, making it super sturdy, and steady, and able to support up to 350 pounds. The surface is also sprayed with special paint for anti-rust and anti-corrosion. Plus, the horizontal, easy-to-access knob adjustments keep the exercise bike even more stable.
The wide, comfortable seat on this home workout bike has an ergonomic design and breathable material saddle. It is four-way adjustable and can be adjusted for height and proximity to handlebars for different heights or arm lengths.
In terms of resistance on the Harrison indoor exercise bike, you can choose from 14 levels of magnetic resistance. The US Mute Magnetic control system makes for a quiet ride, with a hassle-free, convenient multi-control resistance switch that allows you to control the intensity of your workout.
AECOJOY Home Upright Exercise Bike
The new and improved design of the AECOJOY upright exercise bike features a premium frame of heavy, durable tubing, finished with powder coating for a stable riding experience. The solid build of this frame can support users up to 280 pounds.
The LED-backlit monitor with an iPad holder tracks speed, distance, calories, pulse and has a scan feature where the display automatically changes every four seconds. There is a notification sound you can utilize if your heart rate goes over what you set it to, and you can set timers as well. There is substantial space for a smartphone or tablet, but a tablet will block you from viewing your stats as the holder is not above the monitor screen. Also, there are no apps or capabilities for connecting your phone to the machine.
The water bottle holder design makes it easy to stay hydrated while cycling. While the height of the handlebars on this upright bike is fixed, it provides a good grip, and the padded, breathable seat movies in four directions.
Users can easily switch from low to high resistance using the tension knob, maxing out at level eight. When finished, the AECOJOY upright bike has two wheels in the front for easy transportation; all you need to do is lift it up at the rear.
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B2906 Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2906 magnetic resistance upright bike has a performance monitor that displays all your basic stats, including scan, distance, calories, time, speed, odometer, and pulse. The handrail pulse sensors track your heart rate, so you know when you need to kick it up or down a notch.
The smooth-belt drive mechanism on this bike means a quiet ride for you and anyone else nearby, and users do agree that this bike is very quiet. And, when you’re done, you can use the wheels at the front to easily roll the bike out of the way.
The self-leveling foot pedals on the Sunny Health & Fitness bike come with textured, non-slip foot pedals that are grippy enough to get you through even the most robust workout. The soft and supportive seat will help keep you going as well. At just 44 pounds, this bike is easy to assemble and transport. Once you’ve completed your workout, you can use the wheels at the front of the bike to move it around easily.
The integrated device holder is meant to hold your mobile phone, but it looks to be able to hold a small tablet as well. Sunny Health & Fitness claims you can get professional tips and lessons from their trainers, although no additional information is provided on this.
Royal Fitness Indoor Upright Stationary Bike
Equipped with eight levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, users can customize their exercise difficulty with ease, as the silent resistance makes each adjustment smooth and quiet. The inertia-enhanced heavy-duty magnetic flywheel also makes the ride feel smooth and more natural.
When it comes to comfort, the extra-wide stride, steady pedal stroke, and large cushioned pedals ensure comfortable and safe training. The LCD digital monitor is powered by the user riding as opposed to batteries, and tracks time, speed, distance, and calories, and has a scan mode. The hand pulse sensors track and display your heart rate, so you know when you need to lower or raise your tension. Above the monitor is a tablet holder, and just below it is the tension knob.
The wide, cushioned bike seat can be moved in four directions: up, down, forward, and backward. The maximum weight capacity on this machine is relatively low at 275 pounds, and the inseam on this exercise bike is 22 to 30 inches.
The stabilizers at the bottom of the machine promote stability and balance while in use, and once you’ve completed your workout, the transport wheels will help you move it out of the way.
Marcy ME-708 Upright Exercise Bike
2 used from $115.33
Featuring a high-quality frame of premium steel with 14-gauge steel tubing, finished with powder coating, the Marcy ME-708 was created for enhanced durability. It is a bike that is meant to withstand heavy daily use as well as resist scratches, damages, and chips.
The Marcy ME-708 comes with a smooth magnetic resistance mechanism with eight levels of difficulty for users of all levels. The resistance can be adjusted with an easily accessible tension knob. Above that is a multi-functional console with an LCD screen that tracks distance traveled, speed, and calories burned and displays them in extra-large numbers for easy viewing, but it is not backlit.
The 10″ by 10″ seat can be adjusted by height, and the counterbalanced pedals provide maximum foot support and control, along with the adjustable foot straps. At just 41 pounds, this indoor exercise bike supports a user weight capacity up to 300 pounds and fits a wide range of user heights.
This bike has wheels for easy transportation and storage, although it may not be ideal for a carpeted surface due to lack of proper traction and stabilizers. Some users find it unstable either way.
HIROLLOP Desk Cycle Exercise Bike
You wouldn’t normally see this option in the best exercise upright bikes under 300 reviews across the web, but HIROLLOP exercise bike with desk is one that is truly unique. Its compact and sleek design was built for working cyclists to use it in the place of the chair in their office. Plus, it comes with a desk of its own, that is big enough for a 15.6″ laptop and mouse, but you don’t have to use this function.
The design of this bike is super compact and assembly free. The pedals fold up for space-saving when you are not using them, and they are a little more forward as opposed to directly underneath the ride for a more stable ride, since there are no handlebars.
Not only can you get a steady light cardio workout as you get your work done, but you can kick it up a notch using the easily adjustable knob with eight levels of magnetic tension. And of course, comfort is a big factor here if you plan to replace this with your desk chair, which is why the seat can be adjusted no matter how tall you are or how high your desk is.
This upright exercise bike has passed the noise test of less than 20 dB (which is lower than the standard sleep noise) with its high-quality silent flywheels. This means you and anyone else around you can work in peace. The maximum weight capacity of the HIROLLOP is 265 pounds, which is about average for most of these upright bikes.
Buyer’s Guide To Find A Good Indoor Upright Bike Under 300 USD
As with any piece of home fitness equipment, there are a few things you will want to know ahead of time before making the investment. Of course, one of these best upright bikes for under 300 may not be the biggest financial investment you ever make, but your health is an investment you should not want any longer to make. Plus, your time and money are valuable, so this guide is meant to help you make the best decision for you so you can maximize both.
Know your must-have features
Before you buy, really think about what your fitness goals are and what stats you will need to track in order to stay on track and motivated. Do you just need a bike that gets the job done when you have some free time or are you in it for the quantifiable progression? Does the bike have a heart-rate monitor? Some monitors will be more advanced and visible (backlit) than others, so understand if it is important to you that you see these stats at all times.
Also, if you will be using a phone or iPad, you need to check if there is a stand for it and if utilizing it will block you from seeing your feedback display. Consider music, too. Will you use headphones, or do you need USB/Bluetooth connectivity for a fitness or music app?
Check the size of the bike
You want to ensure you choose a bike that fits your weight and height. Things like maximum recommended weight capacity and inseam can all be found on each product’s page. You don’t want to put your safety at risk with a bike that can’t support you or with one where your feet don’t reach because you are not tall enough.
On that note, it helps to check if the seats are adjustable and in which directions. Also, is it transportable and heavy enough to lift on your own? These are the kinds of questions you want to ask yourself and even write down before going into this venture.
Check for comfort
We all get that riding a bike for more than an hour can get pretty uncomfortable, and some people prefer more padding than others. The size of the seat may be a factor or preference for you as well.
Are the handlebars adjustable? Do you need them to be adjustable, or can you place your hands in different areas on the bar depending on your stance or intensity level?
Conclusion
Before you spend your money on an upright bike and any time it takes to assemble, consider what your purpose is, such as how often you will be using it. Will you be using it every day, sitting in front of the TV for hours at a time? Some at-home cyclists may want to focus more on sturdiness and durability, while others may prefer more bells & whistles for shorter, more intense, and less frequent training periods. In either case, you can certainly find from this list of best upright bikes under 300 a quality bike with the perfect combination of features for you.