Spin bike vs exercise bike

Flywheel and ride feel

A spin bike usually has a heavy flywheel, often visible at the front. The weight keeps the pedals turning smoothly, so the ride feels like rolling along a road, and you can stand on the pedals without the bike feeling jerky. Many spin bikes have a fixed connection between pedals and flywheel, so the pedals keep turning while the flywheel spins. Stop pedalling gradually or use the brake, as the manual describes.

An upright exercise bike usually has a lighter flywheel hidden inside a cover. That is plenty for seated riding at a steady cadence, and it keeps the bike lighter and more compact. Most uprights freewheel, so the pedals stop when you stop. Standing out of the saddle is less natural on an upright, and some makers advise against it, so check the manual.

Riding position

On a spin bike, the saddle is narrow and the handlebars sit lower and further forward, so you lean forward like a road cyclist. Both saddle and bars usually adjust up and down and fore and aft, and getting them right matters for a comfortable ride. Our guide on how to set up a spin bike walks through saddle height, set-back and bar height.

On an upright exercise bike, you sit more upright on a wider, softer seat, with handlebars closer to you. It feels like a town bike. Many uprights adjust only the seat height, though better models add fore and aft seat movement and adjustable bars. If you prefer a reclined, supported seat, see our recumbent vs upright exercise bike comparison.

Resistance control, pedals and data

Spin bikes traditionally use a single knob or lever. On friction models it presses a pad onto the flywheel; on magnetic models it moves magnets closer. Some have unmarked knobs, which suits instructor cues such as "add a quarter turn". Others have numbered levels. Pedals are often toe cages, with clip-in options on some models; our guide to spin bike shoes and pedals explains the systems.

Upright exercise bikes nearly always have numbered magnetic levels, set with a dial or console buttons, plus a console that shows time, speed and distance. Pedals are flat with straps. For connected training, both types can link to apps if they have Bluetooth; see using Zwift or the Peloton app on any bike. If you want watts for zone sessions, check the listing says the bike reports power, then use our bike power zones tool.

Three example bikes compared

The table uses facts from each Amazon listing. Check current listings before buying, as specifications can change.

• VirtuFit Stage 2.0i: saddle adjusts horizontally and vertically, multi-grip handlebars with elbow pads, toe clip pedals and wireless heart rate support at 5 kHz.
• Sunny upright: seat height 74 to 94 cm, fore and aft 38 to 46 cm, inseam range 65 to 88 cm, listed footprint 98 x 59 x 130 cm.
• Marcy NS-1201U: steel frame with powder-coated finish, padded handles, listed footprint 83.8 x 50.8 x 132.1 cm.

See our best spin bikes →

Space, noise and upkeep

Spin bikes are often heavier because of the flywheel, and their long frames can take more floor length than a compact upright. Uprights are usually lighter and easier to wheel away. Measure your space with our guide to exercise bike dimensions.

Magnetic models of either type are quiet. Friction spin bikes make a faint rubbing sound and need the brake pad checked for wear. Belt drives are quieter than chains. A mat under either bike protects the floor and reduces sound passing downstairs.

Note:On a fixed-flywheel spin bike, do not try to stop the pedals suddenly with your feet. Slow down gradually or press the emergency brake as your manual describes, and keep hands and loose clothing away from the flywheel.

Which should you choose?

Choose a spin bike if you want to follow class-style rides with standing climbs and sprints, you like a road-bike position, and you have room for a heavier frame. Our best spin bike UK and best spin bike under 500 guides list current models.

Choose an upright exercise bike if you mainly ride seated, want numbered levels and a simple console, and prefer something lighter and more compact. See our best exercise bike UK guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a spin bike the same as a stationary bike? A spin bike is one type of stationary bike. "Stationary bike" covers spin bikes, uprights and recumbents.

Can you do spin classes on an upright exercise bike? You can follow seated parts of a class, but standing climbs feel less stable on most uprights. A spin bike suits class-style rides better.

Why are spin bike flywheels heavier? The extra weight keeps the pedals turning smoothly, which makes standing and fast pedalling feel steady.

Do I need cycling shoes for a spin bike? No. Most come with toe cages for trainers. Clip-in shoes are optional if the pedals support them.