Choosing the right exercise bike isn’t as simple as picking the most popular model online. With so many types of stationary bikes available today, it’s easy to end up with something that looks great on paper but doesn’t actually fit your space or fitness level. For beginners, especially, the wrong choice can quickly turn into an unused machine sitting in the corner. That’s where understanding different exercise bike types becomes essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down 6 types of stationary bikes to help you figure out which option fits your goals, and discuss two of the best choices from Tousains.
6 Types of Stationary Bikes
Upright Bike
An upright bike closely resembles a traditional outdoor bicycle. You sit in an upright position with the pedals directly beneath your body and the handlebars positioned slightly in front of you.
This type of stationary bike is popular for general fitness and moderate cardio workouts. It allows for steady riding as well as higher-intensity sessions, depending on the resistance level.
Best for:
- Beginners who want a familiar riding feel
- Daily cardio and light weight loss training
- Users with limited space but who don’t need extra back support
Things to consider:
The seat is smaller than a recumbent bike, but it generally occupies less space, making it suitable for home gyms.
Recumbent Bike
A recumbent bike places the rider in a reclined position with a large, supportive seat and backrest. The pedals are positioned in front of the body and close to the ground like a chair.
This design reduces pressure on the lower back and joints, making it one of the most comfortable stationary bike options for beginners, seniors, or people recovering from injury.
Best for:
- Low-impact cardio
- Joint-friendly workouts
- Users prioritizing comfort over intensity
Things to consider:
Recumbent bikes typically require more floor space and offer less intense workouts compared to other exercise bike types.
Spin Bike
Spin bikes, also known as indoor cycling bikes, are designed to mimic the feel of road cycling. They feature a heavier flywheel, narrow seat, and forward-leaning riding position.
These bikes are commonly used in high-intensity workouts and cycling classes, making them a strong choice for calorie burning and endurance training. The resistance is easy to adjust through the knob in front of the bike.
If you’re looking for a spin bike to make your cycling more engaging and effective, the Tousains AR BIKE1 with AI coach and games is now available on Kickstarter. It is compatible with fitness apps like Zwift to make your cycling more engaging and fun.
Best for:
- High-intensity cardio and interval training
- Riders who enjoy structured or class-based workouts
- Users focused on weight loss
Things to consider:
The riding posture and narrow saddle may feel uncomfortable for beginners or casual users.
Air Bike
Air bikes use a fan-based resistance system; the faster you pedal, the more resistance you create. Most models also include moving handlebars, turning the workout into a full-body exercise.
Since the resistance is unlimited, air bikes are known for being extremely challenging and are often used in HIIT workouts.
Best for:
- Full-body conditioning
- High-intensity interval training
- Users who want maximum calorie burn in a short time
Things to consider:
Air bikes can be loud, larger in size, and may feel too intense for beginners.
Cross-Trainer Bike
A cross-trainer bike combines cycling with upper-body movement. Similar to an elliptical, it features stationary bikes with moving handles, allowing you to push and pull with your arms while pedaling.
This design increases muscle engagement and helps balance upper and lower-body workouts.
Best for:
- Full-body cardio workouts
- Users looking to engage arms and core
- Those who prefer a smoother, low-impact motion
Things to consider:
Cross-trainer bikes are often bulkier.
Folding Exercise Bike
A folding exercise bike is designed for home users who need flexibility and minimal storage space. These bikes can be folded and stored away when not in use, making them ideal for apartments or shared living areas.
Many modern models, including the Tousains foldable exercise bike, use magnetic resistance systems, offering smooth and quiet operation suitable for daily workouts.
Best for:
- Small homes or apartments
- Beginners starting a fitness routine
- Anyone looking for a practical foldable exercise bike for home
Things to consider:
Folding bikes are generally built for moderate-intensity workouts rather than high-intensity training.
How to Choose the Right Stationary Bike for Your Home
Consider Your Fitness Level and Goals
Beginners or casual riders: Look for a stationary bike for beginners that offers comfort, stability, and easy resistance adjustment. Upright bikes, recumbent bikes, and Tousains foldable exercise bikes are all beginner-friendly options.
Weight loss and calorie burning: If fat loss is your main goal, the best type of exercise bike for weight loss is one that allows higher intensity or interval training, such as a spin bike or air bike.
Full-body workouts: If you want to engage both upper and lower body, consider a stationary bike with moving handles, like a cross-trainer bike or air bike.
Available Space and Storage at Home
For small spaces, a foldable exercise bike for home is often the most practical solution. You can use it daily and store it away easily without sacrificing your living area.
Types of Resistance
Magnetic resistance exercise bikes are quiet, smooth, and low-maintenance. If you’re wondering how magnetic resistance exercise bikes work, they create resistance using magnets rather than friction, which makes them ideal for home use, especially in apartments.
Air resistance bikes increase difficulty based on effort. The harder you pedal, the harder it gets, which is great for intense workouts but not always beginner-friendly.
Noise Level and Daily Use
- Magnetic resistance bikes are generally the quietest.
- Air bikes can be loud due to the fan.
- Spin bikes vary depending on the flywheel and resistance system.
Balance Features with Budget
You don’t need every feature to get an effective workout.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need a touchscreen or just basic tracking?
- Will I actually use built-in programs?
- Is portability more important than advanced performance?
- What intensity do I need? Daily cycling or as intensely as possible?
Final Thoughts: The Best Stationary Bike Is the One You’ll Use
There’s no single best stationary bike for everyone. The right choice depends on your fitness goals, available space, and what actually fits into your daily routine.
If you’re short on space or want something easy to store, the Tousains foldable exercise bike can be a space-saving solution. It delivers low-to moderate cardio without committing an entire room to workout equipment.
On the other hand, if you want a more intense option, the Tousains AR BIKE1 is here to help with 32 levels of magnetic resistance. Its AI coach and related game provided in the Tousains app add fun to your workout. Wonder how it operates? Explore more details at Kickstarter!
At the end of the day, consistency matters more than bike type. The best stationary bike is the one you enjoy using and can stick with long-term. That’s what leads to real results.
