Upright or Recumbent Exercise Bike? Compare the Fit at Home

Measure the spot where you’ll pedal and the route you’ll use to reach the seat. An upright bike and a recumbent bike can fit the same room in different ways. One may need more clearance to step on. The other can be longer once the seat is set for a taller rider.

Measure the bike in use

Get the assembled dimensions, then add the clearances in the manual. Check whether any seat or handlebar adjustment changes the overall footprint. Make sure the rider can get on and off without a wall or cabinet in the way. If you want to watch a screen or read the console, try doing that in the actual position you’ll use.

Try the adjustments before buying

See whether each intended rider can reach the pedals and controls with the seat set as the maker directs. Check how quickly you can change the setting between riders. A dial or lever may be harder to reach once the bike is against a wall.

Compare what will stay convenient

Consider how the bike gets power, where the cord runs and whether you can move it to clean. Test the model for a few minutes if possible. Choose the design you can get on, adjust and use easily in the space you have.