20+ Desk Bike FAQs – With Expert Answers & Tips!

In this article, get the answers to desk bike FAQs that cannot be found anywhere else on the internet! Find out whether desk bikes help you lose weight, along with the most popular types of desk bikes. Also, find out if desk bikes are any good!

Plus, I disclose some expert tips which will get you thinking like a pro whether you’re purchasing or using a desk bike.

Did you know? Cycling is linked to improved weight control, leg strength, cardiac health, as well as increasing energy levels and mental health. Source

Desk Bike FAQs

Do desk bikes come assembled?

Most desk bikes are sold as flat packs so they generally require assembly; following some assembly tricks can reduce the amount of time involved in assembly.

Fortunately, assembly videos are often provided to make the assembly process easier.

Can you use desk bikes on carpet?

Desk bikes can be used on carpet, provided that it is not a very thick carpet that will absorb the motion of the desk bike.

Additionally, while most casters can move on carpet, a thick carpet could hinder your movement as the wheels are likely to get caught in the material.

Tip: If the casters provided on your desk bike become worn, are unsuitable for the flooring or are merely just poor quality, you can purchase replacement casters separately.

Do desk bikes damage the floor?

Most desk bikes come with non-skid suction cups on each end of the front and rear stabilizers that help protect the floor from damage while peddling. It may also be available as an accessory that you can purchase, and this would be advisable to protect both the desk bike and the flooring.

Consumers should check the website or salesperson to verify that the wheels or non-skid pads are high-quality materials which won’t cause damage the floor.

Instead of these rubber inserts, some desk bikes balance on caster wheels. An example of this is the FlexiSpot Sit2Go Fitness Chair. It features lockable gravity caster wheels which can lock when you sit on it.

Desk bikes generally feature wheels which are designed intentionally to protect the floor from damage.

Polyurethane wheels or polyurethane coatings on the base of the desk bike stabilizers are one of the best materials to minimize scratching or damage to floors.

That factor aside, if the weight of the desk bike is heavy, you probably won’t be able to easily lift it, which may result in dragging it on the floor.

This could increase the risk of damaging the floor if no casters are provided.

Tip: Some companies offer reduced shipping costs if the product is flat pack. This will reduce the overall cost by a sizable amount.

Are desk bikes portable?

Under desk exercisers are the most portable type of desk bike due to their light weight and compact size. The lightest pedal exerciser weighs 3.97 pounds. However, a bike and chair desk bike have more components to account for and is a heavier unit which weighs at least 28.66 pounds or more. This combined with a larger structure makes it more cumbersome to move. If the bike and chair desk bike is foldable, it will make it more portable.

The most difficult desk bike to move is the all-in-one bike desk which features both a chair and a desk. The starting weight for these is approximately 40 pounds and upwards. Their larger structure can make them awkward to move too. However, most bike desks feature caster wheels which enables you to move them within a room or on the same ground level.

Do desk bikes require maintenance?

Desk bikes require minimal care and maintenance. Every month or so, the desk bike fittings should be checked to ensure that they have not come loose.

If the desk bike feels wobbly or sounds squeaky, then components should be checked as soon as possible to prevent damage or injury.

Magnetic resistance desk bikes require the least maintenance and can be used for years without needing attention.

Contact-based resistance desk bikes will encounter wear and tear since the pads are being worn down during use. Furthermore, some desk peddlers, such as the DeskCycle stipulate that lubrication is not required.

Casters and non-skid pads should be checked to ensure they are intact and not wearing. In addition, dirt and hair can often clog up casters, so this should be removed to ensure a flowing wheel motion.

How to clean a desk bike?

Since the desk bike will not be subject to the outdoor elements, the majority of cleaning will consist of wiping away the dust, stains and sweat. This can be accomplished with a damp cloth. However, if stains occur, soap and warm water can also be used.

Spills around or on the desk peddler should be cleaned immediately.

With under desk peddlers, it’s recommended to clean them regularly. They should be cleaned after each workout, day or after each user if the desk bike is shared.

The area where the desk bike is positioned should also be kept clean. Particular emphasis should be placed on cleaning the floor where the desk bike will be positioned or wheeled through as this will minimize the amount of dirt and hair that can become trapped in the caster wheels.

Can you sanitize desk bikes?

Desk bikes can be sanitized and this is good practice, especially if the desk bike is shared or after an intense workout.  To disinfect a desk bike, wipe down the touch points with an alcohol wipe or spray alcohol onto a cloth and wipe the bike down.

Ideally, desk peddlers should be sanitized every day that it is used.

The primary touch points include the seat, pedals, tension control knobs, digital monitors and handles. Avoid spraying IPA directly on to the desk peddler.

Where can I use a desk bike?

While they are conventionally advertised for use in office areas, desk bikes can be used in a broad range of environments.

Alternative locations you can use a desk bike for include:

• studying or working at a desk
• sewing machine
• while watching TV
• while gaming
• at a workshop
• at a bench
• at your kitchen table
• in a meeting room

Can I use a desk bike at a standing desk?

Almost all under desk bikes can be used in conjunction with height adjustable standing desks. In fact, it is much easier to fit a desk peddler to a height-adjustable desk since you can adjust the desk height to prevent your knees hitting off the desk.

The only desk exercise bikes which can’t be used at a sit-stand desk are all in one desk bikes which already encompass a built-in table. At least with a height-adjustable desk, you don’t have to worry as much about your height on a desk bike being suitable for your desk.

There are some desk bikes which can only realistically be used with standing desks, due to the nature of their height. That is unless you have a high table or don’t intend to use the desk bike at a desk.

Click here for plenty more desk bike height FAQs.

Using a desk bike results in a higher sitting position which can lead to your workplace being too low for you and cause you to lean forwards.

Using a desk bike and standing desk both encourages and grants you the freedom to adopt a greater number of active positions.

This can help eliminate static postures and it can also evade the dreaded “sitting disease” that is taking the world by storm!

Can I use a desk bike on a swivel chair?

You can use a desk bike on a swivel chair, or almost any chair for that matter. That is, provided it gives you the correct height to sit while using the desk bike.

How to stop a chair rolling away from the desk bike?

When using a desk cycle in conjunction with a swivel chair or a chair with wheels, there is a risk that the chair rolls away from the desk bike, even if the desk bike is fixed or not moving.

To prevent the chair from tethering, follow the below techniques to minimize movement:

1. If your chair has lockable wheels, locking them will prevent the chair from rolling away.
2. Verify that the desk cycle is secured and not moving.
3. Pedal downwards to reduce bodily movement and keeping the chair and under desk bike in place.
4. Place the chair on a carpet to prevent the chair from moving.

If after trying the above techniques, the chair still moves, Velcro straps can be used to tether the chair to the desk cycle to prevent unwanted movement from occurring.

Since the majority of office chairs don’t have locking casters and you may not have a rug or carpet to position the chair on, the tethering option may be your last resort.

To correctly install the tether:

1. Position the chair and desk cycle at the appropriate distance from each other.
2. Wrap the strap as low as possible on the base of the chair (just below the cylinder and above the 5-star base).
3. Attach the other part of the strap over the rear stabilizer to the base of the desk peddler.
4. Ensure there is adequate tension on the strap so that it is tight.
5. Used the desk pedal to check that the distance between the chair and bike is adequate and the strap is tight enough.
6. Once all adjustments are complete, cut any excess Velcro so that it is tidy and doesn’t represent a trip hazard.

Can you lose weight on a desk bike?

Whether you use the desk bike for introducing light movement into your stationary position or you use it for moderate to intense cardio workouts, desk cycles will increase energy expenditure and can contribute to burning more calories and weight loss. In a study where participants rode an average of 50 minutes per day on an elliptical desk exerciser, they burned approximately 107 calories per day. This could achieve a reduction of 1.1 pounds of weight if this activity level was maintained for a sufficient time period. According to DeskCycle, when compared with sitting still, energy expenditure increases:

Are desk bikes noisy?

Most desk bikes are very quiet insofar that you could use it next to a colleague or family member and they would barely notice you using it. The quietest desk peddlers are magnetic resistance desk bikes and contact resistance bikes which have a flywheel. You can expect slightly more noise from an air resistance desk bike. If desk peddlers are positioned on a creaky floor or moves during peddling the user can expect noise to be generated during peddling. However, a carpet or rug can dampen the noise from a floor.

Noise can also be minimized by preventing the desk exercise bike from moving.

Furthermore, desk bikes can noise if they are:

• fitted with a friction control knob for altering tension
• parts become worn
• develop a fault or are not well maintained

Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for caring for the desk bike will keep such squeaks to a minimum.

Are desk bikes worth it?

Desk bikes are a good means of becoming active at your desk and increasing energy expenditure while you sit. Desk peddlers are also a good means of burning calories while you sit, and they can also contribute to weight loss. Some desk bikes can also be used for intense cardio workouts. However, the number of calories burned is often overhyped by manufacturers. Despite this, desk bikes are certainly worth the investment.

A growing number of studies are suggesting that desk bikes are considered a positive intervention, especially to a sedentary workplace. In one study, bikes desks were perceived to encourage a positive attitude and increase work performance in two thirds of participants. 50% of participants felt more confident and more energetic after using the bike desk.

One disadvantage of desk bikes is that it can be noisy if you opt for an air resistance desk bike. There are quiet bike desks available, the quietest includes the magnetic resistance desk which are extremely quiet, followed by contact resistance bike desks which also generate little noise. Furthermore, it can be difficult to fit a desk bike to your desk if you are a taller user as you might end up hitting your knees off the desk.

Source

How fast should I cycle at a desk bike?

The speed at which you pedal on a desk bike will be dictated by desk bike capabilities. Not all desk bikes are designed for intense workouts. Furthermore, if you intend to use the desk peddler for building muscle or challenging yourself, it’s likely that you’ll need a higher resistance level.

The higher the resistance level, the slower the speed that you’ll be able to achieve.

The majority of people using a DeskCycle could achieve a leisurely pace of 15 mph while using a low resistance level. However, few people could maintain 30 mph at resistance level 4 for more than a few minutes on the DeskCycle.

The activity that you’re performing while you pedal will also dictate how fast you can pedal while comfortably being able to complete your task. For instance, if you’re using a desk bike while typing on a laptop or working in an office, it’s likely you won’t go above 25 mph since this would make it difficult to type.

If you’re looking to complete a cardio workout on the desk bike, starting a speed of 15 mph and working up to 25 mph at your desired resistance level is recommended by DeskCycle.

This is all part of learning how to use and choose a desk bike properly, which will come with time!

Tip: Many popular desk bike websites feature exercise plans and videos that you can follow to achieve a quality and heart-pulsing workout.

Can you pedal without sweating?

People can pedal at their desk without sweating by adopting a low resistance and low speed on the desk bike. At a pace of 15 mph while using a low resistance level, DeskCycle suggest that you can pedal without sweating!

Pedaling around 25 mph is considered a cardio workout. Incorporating short breaks from pedaling and maintaining a cool temperature in the room will also prevent sweating.

Are desk bikes suitable for children?

Desk bikes are suited for children and teenagers provided they can fit the desk cycle and are mature enough to use it. Most under desk bikes are suited to people 4’0” and taller. There are some desk bikes targeted at children, such as the FitStudent Junior Bike Desk, which is intended for 2nd – 5th grade students, and the FitStudent Varsity Bike Desk which can accommodate high school and college students.

Are desk bikes expensive?

On average, desk bikes can cost anywhere in the range of $29.99 – $499.99. This makes them accessible to all budgets. They are also one of the most budget-friendly types of active office furniture available on the market, especially when compared to the price of a standing desk. The most cost-efficient type of desk peddler is the under desk bike which ranges from $29.99 – $209.99.

For more information on the price of desk bikes and to avoid being ripped off, I compiled this desk bikes price comparison article on 20 of the most popular and budget-friendly.

Can you stand on a desk bike?

Almost all manufacturers of desk exercise bikes do not recommend standing on them. I have yet to come across one that allows you to stand while using it. Most mini desk peddlers do not facilitate standing on them since there is nothing to support your balance while you stand.

Furthermore, the under desk bike won’t balance properly if you stood on it and it could cause you to fall over. In addition, the weight capacity of some under desk bikes, such as ones intended for physical therapy, don’t have a weight capacity provided. If a person did stand on them, it could surpass the capability of the desk bike and break under their weight. 

Since this information isn’t readily available on the websites, I reached out to manufacturers to clarify if you could stand on their desk bikes.

Examples of desk bikes which you cannot stand on include the:

• DeskCycle GOREDI Pedal Exerciser
• FitDesk Bike Desk 3.0
• FlexiSpot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair
• FlexiSpot Home office All-in-One Desk Bike/Bike Workstation V9
• FlexiSpot Under Desk Bike V9U

Can you pedal backwards on a desk bike?

Practically all desk peddlers enable both forward and backward peddling. Some manufacturers even recommend changing the direction of pedaling. Mechanically, pedaling backwards won’t damage your desk exercise bike either since the majority of desk bikes use magnetic resistance. There are even friction resistance desk peddlers which enable bidirectional pedaling. 

There are some studies from the American Council of Exercise stating that backward pedaling yields physical benefits:

1. better engage your quadricep muscles
2. reduce pressure on the knee joints
3. elevate your heart rate

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are mental benefits too since it diversifies your way of using the desk bike which could make it more interesting to use and also better engage the brain.

Tip: If you’re interested in backpedaling on a bike that doesn’t have a flywheel, check with the manufacturer to determine if it is safe or will damage the bike.

Do desk bikes have brakes?

Most desk bikes lack brakes since they are stationary bikes. This minimizes the amount of maintenance required.

Can you wear heels on a desk bike?

Heels or practically any footwear can be worn on a desk bike. Most desk bike manufacturers don’t specify the type of footwear to be worn on a desk bike. I reached out to multiple popular desk bike companies, and they specified that the user could wear any footwear they prefer.

They can even go barefoot on the desk peddler if they find it comfortable. Some desk bike pedals are designed to be smooth which allows users to comfortably pedal barefoot. Although some people may find that their foot slips while peddling barefoot.

If the desk peddler has straps attached to the pedals, this can help achieve a better grip and prevent the rider’s foot from slipping and lifting off the pedal. However, a strap that is too small can inhibit the type of footwear and size of foot that will fit. However, this can be overcome by removing the straps or opting for adjustable pedal straps.

Do desk bikes require assembly?

Most products will require assembly, even the under desk exercise bikes. However, they usually are easy to assemble and assembly can be completed within about 10 – 15 minutes. The Magnetic Mini Exercise Pedal Cycle requires minimal assembly. Components that need to be attached to the body of all types of desk cycles include:

• Pedals
• Rear stabilizer
• Front stabilizer
• Digital monitor

If the product is a bike and chair desk bike or an all-in-one workstation, the extra parts associated with these will also need to be added. An extra 5 – 10 minutes should suffice for this.

Extra components include:

• Seat
• Backrest
• Seat slide rail
• Seat adjustment handle
• Handlebar
• Desk

Once assembly is complete, tension control is required and height adjustments to the seat and desk need to be made.

Are desk bikes suitable for tall/short people?

Desk bikes are suitable for a wide range of heights and can accommodate from 4’0” – 6’9”. There are even desk peddlers suited for children and teenagers. If the desk bike needs to accommodate multiple people, most desks can fit a range of heights. In addition, many desk peddlers have height adjustable seats and desks.

There are also some techniques which can be employed if the desk bike is too short or too large for you. Height becomes less of a consideration if the user does not intend to use the stationary exercise bike at a desk; this eliminates the risk of their knees coming into contact with the desk.

When choosing the perfect desk bike for you, height is one of the key factors to consider.

What are the most popular types of desk bike?

Desk bike are primarily available in the below formats which are listed in order of most popular types of desk bikes on the market:

• Mini under desk bike
• All in one bike desk
• Bike and chair desk bike

Tip: If it’s a popular brand of desk peddler, there are often videos on YouTube or on the website demonstrating how to use and assemble it.

Do desk bikes have a long warranty?

A desk bike should have a minimum of a 1-year warranty. The warranty on desk bikes can be broken down based on the components. For example, the Sunny Health Fitness guarantee entitles you to one of the longest warranties of desk bike manufacturers with:

• 3-year warranty on the structural frame of the recumbent desk bike
• 1-year warranty on the structural frame of the Magnetic Mini Exercise Pedal Cycle
• 180-day warranty on other parts and components

The DeskCycle warranty lasts 1 year and covers all parts. Furthermore, it applies to US customers only. Outside of the US, distributors of the DeskCycle are responsible for the warranty.

To add some perspective, the FlexiSpot desk bikes feature a 1-year warranty. Plus, they recommend no more than 5 – 6 hours of light intensity peddling per day.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found these desk bike tips and FAQs valuable and learned something new! Do you own a desk bike or are you considering buying one?

If you’re eager to learn more about one of the newest trends on the block or you are still in the process of choosing a desk bike, then this article will help to ensure you purchase the right one first time around: How to choose a desk bike?

My personal favorite products to promote an active work space are the

Magnetic Mini Exercise Pedal Cycle

Ergotron WorkFit-LX 

CoolMesh Pro Multi-Function Chair

My aim with this website is to help you on all matters related to your home office and your work area. With that in mind, if you have any questions or comments on the above, please drop them in the box below. I’d love to hear them!