Are folding exercise bikes any good?

What folding bikes do well

Folding bikes are light, compact and quiet. Most use magnetic resistance with a belt drive and fold in seconds with a pin or lever. Transport wheels make them easy to move. Many have a phone or tablet holder, and some connect to an app by Bluetooth.

They suit steady seated riding while watching something, short daily rides and homes where the bike cannot stay out. Some models add a backrest or arm resistance bands, and a few convert between upright and reclined positions.

Where they fall short

The flywheel is light, often around 2 to 4 kg, so the pedal stroke is less smooth than on a spin bike, especially at higher resistance. The frame is lighter and narrower, so it can rock under hard efforts. Standing on the pedals is not part of the design.

Adjustment is usually limited to seat height, with no fore and aft movement and fixed handlebars. That suits riders in the middle of the height range best. See exercise bikes for tall and short riders.

Note:Do not stand on the pedals of a folding bike unless the maker says it is designed for it. Check the folding lock is fully engaged before every ride.

Folding bikes in our guides

The table uses facts from each Amazon listing. Check the current listing before buying.

See folding and recumbent bikes →

Folding bike or full-size upright?

A full-size upright has a heavier frame and flywheel and usually more adjustment, but it does not fold. It still has wheels and a fairly small footprint. If your bike can stay out in a corner, an upright gives a better ride. If it must be put away every day, a folding bike is the practical choice.

Our best exercise bikes guide includes both types, and exercise bike dimensions gives typical footprints.

What to check in a listing

Also look at the seat. Folding bikes often have wide padded seats, which many riders like. If yours feels hard, see how to make an exercise bike seat more comfortable.

• Max user weight, compared with your own; see max user weight explained.
• Seat height range or inseam range.
• Folded size, to check it fits your cupboard or corner.
• Resistance type and levels: magnetic is quiet.
• Backrest, if you want support.
• Folding lock: a solid pin or lever.

Who folding bikes suit

Folding bikes suit people who want gentle to moderate seated riding, live in a small flat, share a room with the bike or need to move it often. They suit less well riders who want spin classes, standing efforts or very tall or heavy riders, where a sturdier upright, spin bike or recumbent is better. Our best spin bikes guide covers class-style bikes.

Frequently asked questions

Are folding exercise bikes stable? For seated riding, yes. They are less stable than full-size bikes under hard efforts.

Can you do spin classes on a folding bike? You can follow seated parts at moderate effort, but standing climbs are not part of the design.

How heavy are folding exercise bikes? Usually light enough for one person to fold and wheel away. Check the listed weight.

Do folding bikes have good resistance? Many have 8 to 16 magnetic levels, which suits seated riding. The light flywheel limits hard efforts.