Under Desk Bike V Desk Bike

If you’re questioning whether to choose between an Under Desk Bike V Desk Bike, then you’re not alone! All too often, people purchase items without even knowing if they suit. With this article, you’ll walk away knowing precisely how to decide which type of desk bike best suits your needs and wants.

In my previous article, which could be described as the definitive guide to desk bikes, I guided readers through the features and common questions relating to the 3 most popular styles of desk bikes.

In this very article, get your hands on the 10 key criteria to consider when choosing between an under desk bike and a desk exercise bike.

Plus, I’ve sprinkled some tips and tricks which will get you thinking like an expert during the process.

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

Under desk bikes are the preferred option for people primarily concerned with looking for a compact, cost-efficient desk exercise peddler. They also suit people who can use it at an existing chair and desk and require the unit to be portable. Desk bikes are generally a more suitable option for people who are less constrained by cost and fit within the average height ranges for the unit. Desk bikes also suit users who prefer to have a chair and desk attached to their bike and are less concerned with portability and storage space. They also offer a more intense workout than under desk bikes.

Criteria	Under desk bike	Desk bike
Cost	$29.99 – $209.00	$199.99 – $1599.99
Portability	Excellent	Average
Storage	Excellent	Limited
Intensity	Average	Very good
Height suitability	All heights	Range from 5’1” – 6’1”
Weight	3.97 – 23 pounds	50+ pounds
Weight capacity	220 – 500 pounds	220 – 400 pounds
Comfort	Very good	Generally, very good
Seat attached	No	Yes
Desk attached	No	In all-in-one desk bikes

Who are under desk bikes are best suited to?

Under desk bikes are best suited to people:

With limited space and storage area.
That want to store their under desk bike under their desk.
That want the unit to be portable.
That don’t require a seat attached to their desk bike.
That can use it at an existing desk if necessary.
That intend to use it for light to moderate exercise.
That don’t fit into the height range for desk bikes.
That prefer to stay below $199.99.

Who are desk bikes are best suited to?

Desk bikes are best suited to people:

That require a chair and/or desk attached.
That have a decent amount of space for using the desk bike.
That have a decent amount of storage area.
That require a more intense workout.
That are less concerned with the desk bike being portable.
That can afford to spend over $199.99.

While the above factors are the key criteria, there are other considerations when choosing a desk bike. Fortunately, I’ve compiled a comprehensive buyers guide for desk bikes so that you won’t have any doubt or concern as to whether you’re choosing the right product for you.

Should I choose a desk bike with a desk attached?

The size of desks on bike desks tends to be relatively compact and often more than 50% smaller than a standard office desk, which is on average 47 inches wide. The average desk size will be able to fit a laptop, A4 notebook, tablet or newspaper on the desk. Most desks enable height adjustment; more advanced desks can enable inward and outward movement to allow you to position it closer or further away from yourself. This can be avoided by confirming the desk exercise bike is suited to your height. Desk height can be an issue for taller people as their knees may hit off the desk. If a desk isn’t already included, the addition of a desk onto a desk bike can increase the cost by as much as $100.

The average office desk measures approximately 47 inches wide.

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.

This makes it an ideal work space for completing casual everyday tasks or work activities on your laptop while pedaling.

I could picture myself with a cup of tea on the desk table while reading the Sunday paper or watching my favourite shows on Netflix. Who else has Friends on repeat?

If you’re on the market for a larger desktop for your bike desk, then the largest desk I have come across is the on the LifeSpan C3-DT7 Upright Electronic Bike Desk. Their desks range in size from a spacious 38 – 60 inches.

Tip: Some desks are even removable so you can alternate between using them at an existing desk or the attached desk.

What can I use a desk bike for?

Desk bikes can be used for a plethora of activities, including:

Studying
Working
Reading
Laptop use
Tablet use
Sewing
Gaming
Watching TV
Eating
Exercise

The number of uses for an all-in-one desk bike are honestly endless.

Desk height and position adjustability should also be evaluated. Most desk bikes enable desk height adjustment. Desk height is an important consideration, particularly if you are on the shorter or taller edge of the height range.

Some desk bikes enable you to push the desk inwards or outwards, depending on how far away from the desktop you want to sit.

Tip: If the desk height has a large range of adjustability, it can often be used as a standing desk to enable you to adopt another position other than sitting.

Conclusion

Desk exercise bikes and under desk peddlers are 2 very different, yet effective means of creating an active workstation into your home or office. As you move from under desk bikes to desk bikes, the price, space requirements, weight and assembly increases.

Assessing your personal requirements relating to these key criteria should help you narrow down your selection. I’d probably go for the under desk bike myself since I have limited space to fit it by my desk.

If you’re eager to introduce movement into your workday, study, gaming or whatever static activity you perform, then desk bikes are one of a myriad of ways to get moving.

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:

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!