5 Best Folding Exercise Bikes

best folding exercise bikes the uk market has to offer

You might have heard a lot of arguments against foldable exercise bikes. Some people believe that you won’t exercise your muscles well enough on one of these bikes while others think they’re too unstable and uncomfortable.

So, are folding exercise bikes any good?

The answer is yes. For example, people with peripheral neuropathy or severe heart issues may be demotivated by a state-of-the-art exercise bike because they can’t pedal on it easily. Moreover, some people don’t exercise at all because they don’t have the space to fit in such a bike. In this case, getting a folding bike is more beneficial because you’re at least moving.

Besides, did you know that most people don’t use their home gyms according to some specialists? Other reports show that 40% of people believe that they’re using their home equipment less than they should. And some of these respondents think this happens because their gym-grade equipment is too big and bulky for their homes.

In turn, foldable exercise bikes are compact and affordable. Therefore, even if you won’t follow through with your exercise plan, you won’t be throwing your money off the window.

So while fold-up bikes are not gym quality, they offer good value for home use. The caveat is you’ll have to choose one of the best bikes on the market.

So if you’re having troubles with your research, browse through the products below!

IN A HURRY?

If you’re in a hurry, here are some folding bikes available on Amazon UK right now:

Bestseller No. 1
Folding Exercise Bike with 10-Level Adjustable Magnetic Resistance | Upright and Recumbent...
  • Reliable Exercise Bike: This stationary exercise bike can be...
  • LCD Monitor and Ipad Mount: The LCD monitor on exercise bike...
  • Foldable 80% Space Saving: The exercise bike adopts a...
Bestseller No. 2
Ultrasport F-Bike, F-Rider Basics, Bike Trainer, Fitness Bike LCD Training Computer,...
  • For more than 15 years and with over 5 million products...
  • Foldable exercise bike, home trainer, fitness bike with 8...
  • Indoor cycling with the fitness and cardio equipment to...
Bestseller No. 3
BCAN Folding Exercise Bike for Heavy People, foldable exercise bike (330 LBS Weight...
  • 【330Lbs Weight Capacity】Our foldable exercise bike is...
  • 【Ultra Silent】8-levels magnetic resistance system of the...
  • 【Easy to Fold & Save Space】Just pull out the pull pin...
Bestseller No. 4
XS Sports B250 ​Folding Magnetic Exercise Bike - Indoor Fitness Equipment - Stationary...
  • STRONG; Our foldable ​exercise bike​ features a rock...
  • SAFE; Each XS Sports ​foldable bike ​has undergone...
  • ADVANCED; Our foldable ​stationary upright cycle ​is the...
Bestseller No. 5
ATIVAFIT Foldable Exercise Bike 8 Resistance Levels F-Bike with Heart Rate Sensor+Phone...
  • X-TYPE AND TRANSPORT WHEELS - ATIVAFIT bike combine with the...
  • COMFORTABLE SEAT AND ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT - The seat is padded...
  • HIGH QUALITY AND LARGE WEIGHT CAPACITY - Our fitness bike is...

What are the best folding exercise bikes?

Now let’s thoroughly review some of the most popular products on the UK market. Please bear in mind that due to the current climate, some might be out of stock.

Ultrasport F-Bike review: best budget folding exercise bike

Ultrasport F-Bike, F-Rider Basics, Bike Trainer, Fitness Bike LCD Training Computer,...
  • For more than 15 years and with over 5 million products...
  • Foldable exercise bike, home trainer, fitness bike with 8...
  • Indoor cycling with the fitness and cardio equipment to...

Folded dimensions: 18 x 19 x 52-inch

The Ultrasport F-Bike is the cheapest foldable bike of this review. However, it’s sturdy, it comes with a 2-year warranty, and it’s great for beginners.

I would recommend this bike especially for people with a low budget who want to increase their fitness and cardio levels. So, if you have problems with weight and hypertension, the F-Bike is a reliable product to improve your health issues.

However, the F-Bike isn’t great for fitness freaks. Although it has eight resistance levels, not even the highest level is very challenging for expert bikers. 

Newbies, on the other hand, can get challenging workouts. If that’s you, you’ll notice a quick improvement in your weight, stamina, and lower body muscles.

Another reason why the F-Bike is good for newbies is the front seat design. Fitness experts tend to have longer cycling sessions of at least 30 minutes, whereas newbies pedal for an average of 15 minutes. And that’s exactly how long you’ll feel comfortable on this firm seat. If you’re willing to invest a bit more, though, you can purchase a seat cushion and enjoy longer sessions. Otherwise, add a folded towel and you’ll be fine.

The other disadvantage with the resistance is that it wears off after about 500 miles. If the bike’s still in the 2-year warranty, you can contact customer service and they’ll send you a replacement quickly.

Another advantage is the LCD display. The intuitive screen shows you the most important stats, such as time, calories, speed, distance, and pulse. However, the handle sensors are a bit slow. If you take your hands off the handles, the sensors need about a minute to give you accurate stats.

When you’re done exercising on the F-Bike, you can fold it away easily. If you’re mobility-challenged, keep in mind that this fold-up bike is a little heavy. The advantage to its weight is more sturdiness, though.

Pros
  • 2-year warranty
  • Cheap
  • Sturdy
  • 100kg max weight
  • Quiet enough
  • Easy to fold
  • Eight resistance levels
  • Accurate enough stats
Cons
  • Low resistance levels for advanced cyclists
  • Heavy-ish
  • Slow sensors
  • Firm, non-adjustable seat

JLL RE100 review: best folding recumbent exercise bike

JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike. 5kg Two-Way Flywheel with 8 Levels of Magnetic...
  • Magnetic Resistance Allows For Smooth and Quiet restriction...
  • With a 5kg Two-Way Flywheel That is Driven by a Belt, The...
  • Heart Rate Sensors Built into Handlebars. This Allows You To...

Folded dimensions: 80 x 29 x 68 cm 

The JLL RE100 is a great fold-up recumbent exercise bike you can purchase if you have a low budget. That’s because the RE100 has all the basic features that contribute to a good workout, aka comfort, accurate stats tracking, and resistance.

Let’s start with the resistance. Unlike the Ultrasport F-Bike, you can feel the eight levels of magnetic resistance working on your legs thanks to the 5kg two-way flywheel. 

The rubber belt that transfers power to the flywheel is strong, which is another advantage. Firstly, a strong belt is more durable. Secondly, it guarantees you smooth pedalling with limited noise.

Besides, because the JLL RE100 has a recumbent design, you can feel your core working too. That means you’ll build more lean muscles and burn more calories as you’re doing that.

The JLL RE100 also features an accurate enough monitor. You’ll get the basic readings of time, speed, distance, and calories, plus pulse measurements. That way, you can ensure you’re doing challenging workouts that help you achieve your fitness goals.

Another reason to choose the JLL RE100 is the adjustable seat. The seat is wide and cushioned, plus you can move it back and forth so that you can reach the pedals easier. You can choose one of the seven horizontal levels for the seat, meaning you can find the right position for your needs even if you’re taller.

Now let’s get to the disadvantages. Keep in mind that this bike is in the low price range, so it won’t be as quality as a £400+ bike. For instance, many users find there’s not enough clearance under the pedals. Others complain that the seat is too low. 

Here’s what you can do: point your feet and use your calf muscles to pedal better. However, if you have very weak calf muscles because of chronic illness, raise your bike on 10-cm blocks. Remember to add one under the centre rail too for more support.

So, the JLL RE100 may need a few adjustments, but these are definitely worth it for the price.

Pros
  • 1-year warranty
  • Good value for money
  • Good resistance for beginners and intermediate levels
  • Quiet
  • Durable
  • Wide, cushioned, and adjustable seat
Cons
  • Not enough clearance under the pedals
  • The seat might be too low
  • You might need to do some DIY adjustments

Ultrasport F-Bike 400BS review: best foldable exercise bike with backrest 

Ultrasport F-Bike 400BS Cross bike trainer with backrest, tension band system, workout...
  • For more than 15 years and with over 5 million products...
  • Foldable exercise bike, home trainer, fitness bike with 8...
  • Incl. 2-step adjustable angle for ideal adjustment to body...

Folded dimensions: 54 x 45 x 135 cm

Many reviewers are pleased with the F-Bike 400BS because it helped them gain more strength and mobility. A lot of people used this bike to get stronger, to lose weight, and build more lean muscles.

Here’s why. The F-Bike 400BS comes with unique resistance ropes that help you exercise your entire body. As such, you’ll get everything you need from your workouts with just one piece of equipment. The result is that you can do comprehensive workouts that help you achieve your fitness goals faster and smarter.

Another advantage is this fold-up bike features an app that helps you keep better track of your stats. Keep in mind that this app isn’t the best on the market. You still have to keep it on all the time, even if you have your Bluetooth on. Besides, you can’t change your weight without creating a new profile.

Just like the other bikes in this review, the F-Bike 400BS folding bike features 8 resistance levels, so that you can improve your fitness levels. These levels are good especially for beginners, who will notice increased endurance, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health. Experts, on the other hand, won’t be challenged too much because this bike’s flywheel is just 2kg.

That said, the 400BS is a comfortable bike for prolonged workouts. You’ll like the padded, accommodating seat, as well as the backrest, which helps you keep a correct posture. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the seat or the backrest to ensure a better fit; but that’s just being picky, for the price.

Pros
  • Included resistance bands for comprehensive workouts
  • Smooth pedalling for low-impact workouts
  • Quiet
  • Fitness app for better tracking
  • 8 resistance levels for scalable workouts
  • Padded seat and backrest
Cons
  • 100 kg max weight
  • Low resistance levels for experts
  • The app could be better

Exerpeutic (EXER6) 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike review

Exerpeutic (EXER6) Unisex Adult Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike with Pulse...
  • Foldable recumbent exercise bike with quiet V-belt...
  • Precision-balanced flywheel; 8-level adjustable magnetic...
  • Easy-to-read LCD display tracks your distance, calories,...

Folded dimensions: 20 L x 17 W x 54 H inches

This Exerpeutic EXER6 is the best folding magnetic exercise bike if you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable semi-recumbent bike that needs no tweaks. Besides, the EXER6 has a strong magnetic tension system so that the eight levels of tension are challenging enough regardless of your fitness level.

The Exerpeutic EXER6 is a good choice if you’re looking for a versatile bike that you can use anywhere. You can even place it under your desk at work and move your legs while you’re browsing the web or talking on the phone. 

That said, some users have complained about the seat firmness. Apparently, the large seat cushion isn’t that cushiony for all people, although it’s comfortable enough during your workout session. The backrest is another advantage, especially if you have chronic backaches or poor posture.

You’ll also find that the fold-up Exerpeutic EXER6 is easy to adjust depending on your height. This bike accommodates people between 1.55 and 1.89m so that most people in your family can use it. Besides, the EXER6 is sturdy enough to hold people up to 136kg

The V-belt double-drive transmission system is durable and strong too, although a little bit noisy. However, if you watch TV or listen to music during your workouts, the noise won’t bother you as much.

Another reason to purchase the EXER6 is its semi-recumbent design. If you’re mobility challenged, you’ll notice you can get on and off the bike easily for your workouts. 

Besides, many reviewers notice that the EXER6 has a large LCD screen so that you can read all your stats easily. And, even though it doesn’t offer medical-grade measurements, the EXER6 is one of the most accurate folding bikes on the market.

Pros
  • Strong tension
  • Easy to move
  • Adjustable height
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Easy-to-read LCD screen
  • Accurate measurements
Cons
  • The instructions are in German
  • A bit noisy

 XS Sports B210 Folding Magnetic Exercise Bike

XS Sports B210 Folding Magnetic Exercise Bike - Indoor Fitness Equipment - Stationary...
  • STRONG; Our foldable ​exercise bike​ features a rock...
  • SAFE; Each XS Sports ​foldable bike ​has undergone...
  • ADVANCED; Our foldable ​stationary upright cycle ​is the...

The XS Sports B210 is one of the best compact folding exercise bikes if you’re a complete beginner, if you have knee pain or chronic health issues like peripheral neuropathy.

That’s because the B210 has a 1.6-kg flywheel that doesn’t produce much resistance, although it has multiple resistance levels. But, if you’re only interested in getting your blood pumping and your muscles working, this foldable bike is a good choice.

However, some people have noticed that it’s difficult to change between resistance levels quickly because you can turn the resistance wheel more than once. That means you can’t transition very smoothly between your warm-up and your actual workout.

That said, the B210 is a strong bike, although it’s lightweight and looks pretty flimsy. Don’t be fooled by the way it looks. It can hold even bigger people and it’s very stable. In fact, all the XS Sports bikes are thoroughly tested to ensure top performance and safety standards.

You’ll also notice that the B210 is a comfortable bike for home use, unlike other models. That’s because the bike has an ergonomic design that keeps you in a correct posture, as well as a height-adjustable seat. Thanks to these features, you can avoid muscle strain and post-exercise pain.

The B210 isn’t perfect, though. The stats measured on the LCD display aren’t close to accurate, and some people think the seat is too firm. Another frequently brought-up con is that people over or around 6 feet tall can’t maintain a correct posture on this bike.

Pros
  • Light
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to move
  • Compact
  • Strong and stable
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Not for power training
  • Best for average-height people
  • 100kg max weight
  • Inaccurate stats

Which folding exercise bike is best?

You’ve read the specs, pros, and cons of five different foldable exercise bikes. Did you already pick one, or do you need more help?

The point is to choose according to your needs. For instance, bikes that offer less resistance are better post-injury or for chronic pain. You should also choose a bike design that allows you to get on and off the bike easily, especially if you’re mobility challenged. If space is also important to you, choose a compact bike.

Remember not to choose a model for the wrong reasons. For instance, an accurate pulse sensor is good only if you can use its measurements. If you severe health problems, an accurate pulse sensor tells you whether you’re in danger or not. Also, you need accurate pulse measurements if you’re actively using them to reach your fitness goals. Otherwise, you don’t need extreme precision.

Vic

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