Introduction
Exercise bikes have evolved quite a lot over the years because you can now buy a spin bike or a recumbent bike, for example, in addition to a traditional upright bike.
However in this article I want to review the Best Choice Products Folding Upright Exercise Bike because this is actually a cross between an upright bicycle and a recumbent bicycle.
In terms of design, it looks more like an upright bike, particular as it can be folded away when it is not being used, but because it has a back rest and arm supports, it is also very similar to a recumbent bike as well.
So let’s take a closer look at this popular low-cost machine:
Features And Benefits
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- sturdy steel frame
- built-in LCD display
- track time, speed, distance, calories and pulse
- comfortable padded seat
- includes back rest and arm supports
- compact space-saving design
- can be folded away when not being used
- suitable for anyone up to 220 pounds
Product Dimensions / Weight
This machine is small and compact with dimensions (in inches) of 26 (L) x 21 (W) x 50 (H), and can be folded inwards when it is not being used so that it takes up even less space in your home.
It’s overall weight is a little over 40 pounds, so it is obviously quite a light machine, but its sturdy steel frame means that it can safely accommodate anyone up to 220 pounds.
Positives
It is hard to enthuse about this Best Choice Products Upright Bike too much because it is after all a low-cost entry-level machine. Nevertheless it does still have some positive features that are worth highlighting.
The most obvious benefit of this particular machine is that in many ways it is both an upright and a recumbent bike.
The back rest and arm supports give it more of a recumbent feel and will make your workout a lot more comfortable, whilst the overall positioning of the seat, handlebars and pedals ensures that it still feels like you are using an upright exercise bike.
Apart from that, there are the standard features that you tend to get on a basic upright exercise bike, including a built-in LCD display that indicates time, speed, distance, calories burned and pulse rate (taken from the hand-grip monitors on the front handlebars) and a knob to adjust the resistance.
Talking of which, there are 8 magnetic levels of resistance in total, ranging from easy to very hard, and the workout is said to be pretty smooth and quiet, regardless of how hard you push yourself.
In addition, it is worth pointing out that the seat on this machine is said to be pretty comfortable, unlike most other exercise bikes, and for extra comfort there are two sets of padded handlebars at the front and by your side so that you can choose which position you like best.
Finally, although this bike looks pretty lightweight from the photos, it does have a sturdy steel frame that can accommodate any user up to 220 lbs.
Negatives
Considering the low price of this machine, you cannot really complain about the lack of extra features, such as the omission of any workout programs or the omission of a water bottle holder, for instance.
A few people have complained about the length of time that it took to assemble this machine out of the box, particularly as the instruction manual is not as clear as it could be, but it should be pointed out that this is not exclusively the case because many people have said that it was really easy to assemble.
One slight issue is that if you are leaning back and using the side handles to grip on to, you won’t be able to monitor your pulse rate during your workout because these are located on the main handlebars at the front, but this is a very minor issue in all fairness.
Finally, you might find this bike uncomfortable to use if you are at least 6 feet tall (or have really long legs), and you certainly don’t want to be using this bike if you weigh more than 220 pounds because this is the maximum weight capacity.
Final Thoughts
If you are a fitness fanatic who wants to buy an exercise bicycle with lots of workout programs and lots of extra features, then this is obviously not the bike for you.
However if you are just looking for a simple low-cost exercise bike that will give you a comfortable and effective cardio workout at home, then this adjustable magnetic upright exercise bike from Best Choice Products is well worth considering because it has a solid frame, a comfortable seat with back support and a decent range of resistance to give you a challenging workout.
Indeed the added back support which gives it its recumbent feel makes it ideal for anybody who has any kind of back problems because it will eliminate the annoying aches and pains that you commonly get with an upright bike.
→ Click here to buy the Best Choice Products Folding Upright Exercise Bike