If you’re wondering, How to Choose a Desk Bike? then you’re not alone! Get the low down on one of the newest active workplace accessories in this very article. This guide will bring you through 19 factors to consider when choosing a desk bike along with a cheat sheet so you can narrow down the selection in less than a minute!
Plus, walk away knowing about the most popular types of desk bikes from start to finish.
In my previous article, which could be described as the ultimate crash course on desk bikes, I went through the features and common FAQs on the 3 most popular styles of desk bikes.
Now, let’s give you another crash course in what to look for when purchasing a desk exercise bike.
Plus, I’ve sprinkled some expert tips and tricks 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, muscle development, cardiac health, as well as increasing energy levels and mental health. Source
How to Choose a Desk Bike?
When choosing a desk bike or under desk bike, the key considerations will include these below factors:
1. Intended purpose for desk bike
2. Type of desk bike
3. Height Adjustability of desk bike
4. Height of existing desk
5. Cost of desk bike
6. Noise of the desk bike
7. Portability of desk bike
8. Storage of desk bike
9. Resistance of desk bike
10. Comfort of desk bike
11. Seat of desk bike
12. Desk size on desk bike
13. Weight of desk bike
14. Weight capacity of desk bike
15. Desk bike assembly
16. Desk bike backrest
17. Desk bike accessories
18. Return policy
19. Warranty
Intended purpose for desk bike
The intended purpose of the desk cycle is a paramount consideration when choosing the type of desk bike. In fact, this should be the very first thing you should definitively be able to answer before you choose a product.
Answer the below questions to help narrow down your choice:
- Will I need a desk bike that can also withstand an intense workout?
- Where will I be using it?
- Will I be using the desk bike in multiple locations?
- Will I need a desk while using it?
- Will I use it at an existing desk?
- Will it need to be suitable for an intense workout?
- Will I need it to facilitate arm pedaling?
- Will I use an existing seat?
If you answer the above questions, you’re over half-way to choosing the type of exercise desk bike suited to you!
Type of desk bike
Below are some of the core reasons for choosing each type of desk bike. So, if you’re wondering whether to go for an upright bike and chair desk v recumbent bike and chair desk, keep reading.
- Under Desk Bikes: Best for fittings under your existing desk and is used with your current chair.
2. Bike and Chair Desk: Incorporate both a chair and a bike which can be used beside an existing desk:
- Upright Bike and Chair Desk: Better for a standing desk and more intense pedaling.
- Recumbent Bike and Chair Desk: Better for lower desks, less intense pedaling and comfort.
3. Workstation Bike Desks: Best for an independent workstation. Features both an exercise bike and chair with a desk attached.
Height Adjustability of desk bike
Most desk bikes accommodate heights between 5’1” – 6’2”, however, there are some desk bikes that can suit heights as short as 4’7” and as tall as 6’8”.
You’ll want to check the spec to see if the bike and chair can tolerate these ranges of heights. Ideally, you’ll get to try the desk bike on for size, as you won’t truly know how suited it is to your body till you take it for a (static) ride.
This is particularly evident if you’re tethering on the border of the height range as leg length and body proportion will vary amongst some individuals.
Fortunately, there are desk bikes available for shorter users (it won’t bother me in the least if it is categorized a student desk bike once it fits!).
Your best bet is to opt for a product that features both an adjustable desk and chair. This helps increase your chances of finding a perfect fit.
Height adjustable features are also useful if multiple people will be using the bike desk.
Height of existing desk
If you intend to use the item with an existing desk or table, you will need to be comfortably and ergonomically able to sit upright in line with the desk.
With an under desk bike, it’s important that the minimum height of the pedals will enable you to pedal without your knees banging off your desk.
Choosing a desk bike that fits becomes much easier if you have a height-adjustable desk.
Some desk bikes, such as the FitDesk Standing Desk Bike, are even specifically designed to work with a standing desk.
The average height of a desk is between 28 – 30 inches tall.
With an under desk bike exerciser, the minimum and maximum height will help determine if it’s suitable for the height of desk that you intend to use it at. For instance, the DeskCycle 2 has a minimum height of 68.5 cm, which the manufacturer claims makes it suitable for desks as low as 27 inches.
Cost of desk bike
If cost is a concern for you or even out of your control (especially if you’re an employee working off the company budget or a student asking your guardians to dig into their pockets for one), there are fortunately desk bikes to suit most budgets.
Desk bikes can range in price from as little as $43.99 – $499.99 +.
I even came across the LifeSpan C3-DT7 Upright Electronic Bike Desk which costs a sizzling $1599.99. But that said, it is the equivalent to purchasing an almost independent standing desk along with a bike desk, so it’s a 2 in 1 type of purchase.
I completed a thorough cost analysis on desk bikes available and I have arranged them order of least to most expensive:
- Under desk bike
- Bike and chair desk
- Workstation bike desk
Features that can increase the cost include opting for a desktop, this can add as much as $100 to the price.
Noise of the desk bike
Noise will be important if you work in a shared office or a noise-sensitive location. Not only that, but the last thing you want is a squeaking noise thundering under you as you try to concentrate!
Magnetic resistance bikes and contact resistance bikes are fitted with a flywheel which tends to offer a silent peddling experience.
Air resistance bikes do generate more noise, but they aren’t extremely loud either! It would be the equivalent to the noise from a desk fan.
Generally, the better the quality, the quieter it will be.
Tip: Magnetic resistance bikes tend to require very little maintenance and are very durable too.
Portability of desk bike
Having a desk bike that’s portable can be extremely useful, especially if you intend to use it in a number of different rooms or offices. Plus, if you want to store it somewhere, you can’t expect to be hauling a heavy elephant of a machine around the place.
Below I have ranked desk bikes in terms of least to most portable:
- Under desk bikes
- Bike and chair desks
- Workstation bike desks
In addition, having a desk bike with wheels enable you to move the product through the room with ease, since lifting it is often out of the question. These are more commonly present on the bike and chair desks and workstation bike desks since they are larger and heavier to move.
Under desk bikes may come with a handle for easy carrying.
Storage of desk bike
The size of the desk bike will dictate how easily it can be stored. If space is limited or if you simply want to move it out of your way or out of sight, then you’ll need somewhere that can fit it neatly.
The under desk bike is the most compact in terms of size and is therefore the easiest to store. The compact size enables you to neatly fit it underneath your desk, under your bed or even in the bottom of your wardrobe or closet.
Some desk bikes can even be folded to minimize the footprint that they consume. Bike desks often feature a removable desk which also makes it more compact to store.
Tip: If you will be frequently storing the desk bike and the size or weight of the unit is on the larger scale, opt for one with wheels to make moving it a breeze.
Resistance of desk bike
Depending on how easy or hard you want the resistance to be, you can adjust the tension control with the twist of a knob. This is usually up to as many at 8 different tension levels.
Level 1 usually offer barely any resistance whereas level 8 is primarily for muscle toning.
Generally, most people will opt for a light resistance, especially if they are working or focusing on a task. The goal is to encourage gentle movement, and it’s likely that you won’t be able to type or read very easily if you’re trying to be Speedy Gonzales!
Comfort of desk bike
Under desk bikes enable you to position it at a seat that you find most comfortable, be it the couch or your comfy multifunctional office chair.
Bike and chair desks and workstation bike desks have a built-in chair which means you are limited to sitting on the seat provided.
The recumbent desk bike does have a larger seat along with a backrest for a more comfortable seating experience.
Plus, it’s lower to the ground which can make it easier to sit into and it’s also less intense for pedaling.
Seat of desk bike
When looking into these first, I wondered could you use a desk bike all day? Then I started looking into the seats and comfort reviews.
While most people seem to offer glowing reviews about their desk bikes, the one prevailing trend is the discomfort that users experience while sitting on the seat.
One of the beauties of an under-desk exerciser is that you’re not confined to the saddle seat that comes with many bike desks. you can choose the seat you sit on. With an under-desk bike, you’ll want to ensure optimal comfort while you are peddling.
If you have ever cycled for a considerable amount of time, you’ll know that it’s often not the most comfortable experience. Most desk bikes come with a standard seat; this may be fine for a short amount of time or if you are used to sitting on these seats. However, a gel seat will go a long way to enhancing your comfort levels to no end!
There are saddle adapters which you can purchase to enable you to fit your existing seat to the bike desk.
Recumbent bike desks offer a larger seat whereas an upright bike desk has a narrow seat, which can make it more uncomfortable.
Tip: If you can’t try before you buy, it’s likely a gel seat with a large, contoured shape will be more comfortable.
Desk size on desk bike
The desk size on bike desks will be relatively compact. At a minimum, you can expect that the desk will be able to fit a laptop, A4 notebook, tablet or newspaper on the desk.
For example, the desktop on the FitDesk Bike Desk measures 16 x 19 inches, while the Pooboo Desk Cycle features a larger work surface area of 23.62 x 17.71 inches.
The largest desk I have come across is the on the LifeSpan C3-DT7 Upright Electronic Bike Desk. Their desks range in size from 38 – 60 inches, that’s pretty massive!
Desk height and position adjustability should also be considered. Most desk bikes enable desk height adjustment.
Some desk bikes enable you to push them inwards or outwards, depending on how far away from the desktop you want to sit.
Tip: If the desk height is adjustable, it can often be used as a standing desk to enable you to adopt another position other than sitting.
Weight of desk bike
If you need something portable, then a lighter object is more preferable.
However, if stability is as priority for you, a higher weighted bike will be sturdier to sit on. That said, it shouldn’t mean that you need to go and purchase the heaviest desk bike available! Something with a mid-range weight should suffice.
Weight capacity of desk bike
Most desk bikes have a weight limit of up to 300 lbs.
Exceeding the weight limit of a bike desk may not result in any damage or wear and tear if the weight capacity is only slightly exceeded. The weight capacity has a safety buffer built into the weight limit calculation to account for such scenarios.
However, if weight capacity is exceeded significantly or repeatedly, it’s likely to lead to a poorer user experience as the bike desk will probably feed unstable under you and the bike is liable to breaking faster.
It can impact on your safety, diminish the reliability and warranty of the bike desk, and could even break the bike if too much weight is applied.
This could ultimately result in serious injury.
Tip: A good rule of thumb is to determine the weight that will be applied to the product. Then add 10% to the weight capacity to give yourself some extra flexibility and peace of mind.
Desk bike assembly
Practically all desk bikes and under desk exercisers do require an element of assembly.
Under desk bikes require the least assembly and should take approximately 10 minutes.
Bike desks require more assembly which can take approximately 30 minutes, depending on how many components need to be attached.
For instance, if you choose a desk bike with a desktop or backrest, this will add on a few minutes to the overall assembly compared to a unit that lacks both of those items.
For under desk bike pedal exercisers, you’ll generally need to attach the below to the body of the unit:
- pedals
- front and rear stabilizer
- digital monitor stands
With bike desks, the parts that need to be attached to the main frame of the unit include:
- Saddle
- Pedals
- Saddle height adjuster and frame
- Front and rear stabilizers
- Backrest
- Desk
- Desk supports
- Digital monitor
- Resistance bands
Desk Bike Backrest
A backrest cushion adds an extra element of comfort and support for your back while you peddle.
If it’s not a feature that you’re concerned about having built into your desk cycle, then an under desk exerciser would tick the box.
Some desk bikes come with the option of having a backrest whereas in other desk bikes, the barest is a mandatory feature. Recumbent exercise desk bikes tend to always have a back support due to the nature of the position that you’ll be adopting.
The higher quality bike desks will even allow you to make backrest angle adjustments.
Desk bike accessories
If you’re enthusiastic about tracking your performance or enhancing your comfort levels, the accessories and additional features on a desk bike may be of benefit to you.
Pedals: Check for straps to help secure your foot in place. If the under-desk bike is designed to be used for your arms, the pedals may also be used as hand grips for engaging muscles in your upper body.
Digital Monitor: All under desk exercisers and desk bikes feature an LCD screen. These typically all track your speed, time, calories burnt (which I’d take with a pinch of salt) and distance.
Fitbit Compatible: Some desk bikes, such as DeskCycle, enable you to hook up to your Fitbit so you can log your daily activity and track your steps, calories, distance and minutes.
Return policy
If it’s your first time investing in a bike desk or under desk bike exerciser and you’re concerned about that you won’t end up liking the product, remember that
Most companies offer a return policy of 30 days.
So, even if you discover that it isn’t suited, you can usually return it, often free of charge! Just make sure you check their returns policy before you finalize the deal!
Warranty
At a bare minimum, there should be at least a 1-year warranty provided for a bike desk or under desk cycle. A decent warranty should range from 3 to 5 years.
FlexiSpot added a note to their warranty section stipulating that their Under Desk Bike V9U and V9UB products are not intended for professional cycling and should only be used for no more than about 2-3 hours of light-intense cycling every day.
Tip: If space is a constraint, a folding desk bike can be stored more compactly.
Conclusion
In summary, if you want a means of pedaling without a desk attached, go for the under desk bikes. Otherwise, you’ll more than likely need a bike desk.
The more I look into desk bikes, the more convinced I am that they are an excellent accessory to an active workstation or home. Desk bikes are yet another means of introducing motion into an otherwise inactive seating posture.
All 3 options grant you the luxury of active sitting; however, as you move from under desk bikes to desk bikes to workstation bike desks, the price of each option increases, become less portable, require greater assembly and more space than the former.
I have been actively researching numerous ways to introduce motion into my relatively static desk work, here’s what I’ve looked into so far in order of preference:
- Standing desk converters
- Ergonomic chairs
- Standing desks
- Kneeling chairs
- Standing desk chairs
- Anti-fatigue mats
- Balance boards
That said, desk bikes seem to have the most positive reviews overall. So, they might jump to the top of the list!
My personal favourite products so far are the Ergotron WorkFit-LX and the 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!
Sources
https://www.flexispot.com/all-in-one-desk-bikes-deskcise-pro
https://www.officechairsusa.com/lifespan-c3-dt7-upright-electronic-bike-desk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3f6HBhDHARIsAD_i3D96vm8NPdNToW5iaKr_7ZEwtZeZbhjLvghKcxp_tNavv-6PKyhRZ3oaApeeEALw_wcB
