The upright bike and spin bike are two types of exercise bikes used for indoor cycling workouts. Both bikes provide a challenging workout. While spin bikes might be more popular, upright bikes also have their share of fans and are a good option for anyone interested in bike workouts but not ready to try cycling on the road or at the gym.
Upright bike vs spin bike, which is better? As a cyclist myself, I have my own indoor bike at home where I do most of my high-intensity cycling, which I cannot really perform safely outdoors.
I have tried both upright bikes and spin bikes, and the workout results were quite different from each other. I will tell you what I found out about the pros and cons of both exercise bikes in this article.
What Is an Upright Bike?
An upright bike is a stationary bicycle with handlebars extending out from the front of the machine. They have a seat and pedals set at 90 degrees from one another so that riders can sit upright rather than leaning forward like they would on a spin bike, which would be discussed later.
Upright bikes come in many different models and styles. Some have large cushioned seats for comfort; others have smaller seats with high backs for support; some have adjustable seats so you can change how far forward or backward they are from the handlebars; some have built-in fans for cooling; others come with speakers so you can listen to music while working out.
What’s a Spin Bike?
Spin bikes are stationary bicycles that are designed for indoor use. It is a stationary exercise bike that’s designed to simulate the experience of riding a road bike. It has a heavier flywheel than regular stationary bikes, which makes it easier to pedal against resistance.
These spinning cycling bikes are often used by people who want to ride outdoors but don’t have access to a bike, or who want to take their workout indoors during the winter months. It is also used by cyclists who are recovering from injuries as well as those who want to improve their cycling technique.
They’re popular among people who want a low-impact, high-intensity workout. There are several types of spin bikes, and the resistance of these bikes can be adjusted using different settings, so you can pick one that’s right for your fitness level and goals.
7 Differences Between Stationary Bikes and Spin Bikes
How do spin bikes work? How about stationary bikes?
The spin bike vs stationary bike dilemma is common, especially with novice users, who initially want to know what the differences are between the two types of exercise bikes.
So here’s where things start to get tricky: both types of machines are very effective at burning fat and strengthening your legs, but there are some differences between them that make one better than another in certain situations. Let’s see the differences between these bikes in detail:
#1 – Workout Intensity
A spin bike is going to give you a much more intense workout than an upright bike because your body is leaning forward and your legs are moving quickly. On an upright bike, you’re sitting up straight and pedaling slowly, which gives you a much slower pace that doesn’t require as much effort on your part.
This means that people who want a high-intensity workout might prefer a spin bike over an upright one.
Another difference is regarding the muscles used on stationary bike and the spin bike. While both offer a full body workout, each one focuses on different muscle groups.
The spin bike’s higher seat position allows you to engage your core muscles more than its counterpart, while the upright bike’s lower seat position challenges your leg muscles more than any other part of your body.
Both bikes allow you to burn calories and build lean muscle mass at an equal rate, but if you have back issues or joint problems that make it difficult for you to sit up straight for long periods at one time then the upright bike may be better suited for you since it requires less flexibility from your spine than the spin bike does.
Both spin bikes and stationary bikes have their pros and cons as far as calorie burn goes. On one hand, spin bikes are more dynamic than stationary bikes, meaning that your body moves in more ways than just pedaling, which could potentially help you burn more calories.
On the other hand, stationary bikes are more comfortable than spin bikes, so if you’re just looking to get in a good cardio workout without feeling too much discomfort, a stationary bike might be better.
In general, I’d say that if you’re trying to burn as many calories as possible while working out on an exercise bike, go with a spin bike. If you want something that’s simple and easy to use without any extra bells and whistles, stick with a stationary bike.
If you are concerned with your knees for either bike type, check out my post on the best exercise bike for bad knees, you might find my recommendations helpful if you are recovering from a knee injury or if you have compromised knee health.
#2 – Resistance
With a spin bike, you can adjust the resistance on your flywheel at any time during your workout. A stationary bike doesn’t offer this feature because it doesn’t have a flywheel. You’ll just have to find a resistance level that works for you and stick with it.
#3 – Adjustability
Adjustability is a huge factor in deciding between an upright bike and a spin bike. Both bikes allow you to adjust the seat height, as well as the handlebars, but the spin bike has an additional adjustment for its pedals.
The spin bike allows you to change the angle of the pedal so that your leg is at a more natural angle when riding. This helps you avoid pain or discomfort in your knees, ankles, or hips when getting on and off the bike.
In contrast, the upright bike’s pedals are fixed at a 90-degree angle from the floor so they feel more like regular pedals on a bicycle. They also don’t allow for any adjustment of their position relative to each other like the spin bike does with its adjustable cleats.
#4 – Stability
Spin bikes are designed for spinning, so they have a wider base that gives you more stability when riding. You can also adjust the height of your seat on a spin bike so you can sit in an upright position with your back straight up against the backrest.
Stationary bikes, on the other hand, don’t have as much of a base and don’t adjust in height as easily as spin bikes do.
Stationary bikes can sometimes be difficult to ride because they’re not as stable as spin bikes are when you’re pedaling at high speeds—but they do provide more resistance than spin bikes do so they’ll work better if you’re looking for something more intense.
#5 – Key Features
When it comes to differentiating the spin bike from the stationary bike, there are a few key features that you should be aware of.
Console
The first thing you’ll notice is the console. While both bikes have a dashboard, spin bikes typically have more options for tracking data and monitoring your progress. They may also include more resistance levels than standard stationary bikes.
Handlebars
In terms of handles, spin bikes are generally equipped with handlebars that allow you to get into a more aerodynamic position as you pedal. This helps you to achieve a better workout and burn more calories.
The upright bike’s handlebars are positioned higher so that riders can get into an aerodynamic position while riding. This allows them to work their upper body muscles in addition to their lower body muscles when pedaling fast enough (around 80 RPMs).
Pedals
Pedals on spin bikes are also unique in that they’re made out of metal instead of plastic or rubber-like those found on stationary bikes. The metal pedals also allow you to use them as platforms for other exercises like lunges or squats which can help improve strength and stamina in your lower body muscles.
Seats
Finally, spin bike seats are typically slightly wider than those found on standard stationary bikes because they need space for your legs while riding so that they’re not squished against each other uncomfortably as you pedal forward at high speeds.
#6 – Ease of Use
Upright bikes are good for people who want something that’s relatively easy to use. They’re designed to be simple, with an adjustable seat height and handlebars that make them accessible for people of all heights and fitness levels.
They also tend to offer a wider range of resistance levels than spin bikes, so if you like your workouts really intense but don’t have the upper body strength for it on a spin bike yet, this might be your best option.
Spin bikes are more difficult to use than upright bikes because they require more physical balance—you’re in an inverted position on these bikes, which can be tricky at first.
If you don’t have much experience with cycling or exercising in general, it may be better to start out with an upright bike until you build up enough confidence that the inverted position doesn’t feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
#7 – Cost
If cost is your main concern, then it’s worth noting that spin bikes tend to cost more than upright bikes. However, if you want a workout that’s more intense or immersive than what an upright bike can offer, then a spin bike may be worth its higher price tag.
Which Is Better Upright Bike or Spin Bike?
So in the end, which is better? An upright bike or spin bike?
The truth is that both types of bikes have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for a more challenging workout, you’ll probably enjoy the benefits of a spin bike over an upright one. And if you just want to get in shape without worrying about leaning forward, then perhaps an upright bike would be best suited to your needs.
But when it comes down to it, what matters most is what will motivate YOU! If you enjoy spinning and want to make it part of your regular routine, then by all means go ahead and invest in a spin bike. However, if you find yourself getting bored with spinning after just a few weeks or months, then maybe an upright bike would be better suited for your needs.
The important thing is not where you start but where you end up—and that’s with a healthy body.
Spinning the Wheel for Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Upright Exercise Bike Better?
The short answer is that both of these exercise bikes are great ways to get in shape! However, there are some differences between the two that you should consider before you make your decision.
An upright exercise bike is designed for comfort and ease of use—you can sit down on it and pedal away with little effort. You don’t need to be very strong or flexible to use this kind of bike, which makes it ideal for people with joint pain or other physical limitations.
Spin bikes are designed for more intense workouts than upright bikes. They’re designed for fast pedaling, so if you want to get your heart rate up quickly, this may be the best option for you.
Which One Is Better for Weight Loss?
In your quest to find the best exercise machine for belly fat and you consider these two bikes, you might find yourself wondering which is better for weight loss?
Upright bikes and spin bikes are both great for weight loss, but they’re different in how they provide that benefit.
Upright bikes are great for people who want to work on their cardiovascular health without having to worry about being able to keep up with a high-intensity workout.
They have an adjustable tension knob that allows you to adjust the resistance level of the bike so that it’s just right for you, and they come in three different sizes: small, medium, and large.
Spin bikes are great for people who want a more challenging workout than an upright bike provides.
These bikes have specially designed seats that allow you to put your body into a more aerodynamic position, which makes it easier to pedal faster than an upright bike allows. They also have adjustable tension knobs so that you can adjust them to meet your needs.
Can You Do a Spin Class on an Upright Bike?
You can do a spin class on an upright bike, but it’s not as good as doing it on a spin bike.
Spin bikes are designed to be used in spinning classes and are optimized for that purpose. The handlebars are at the right height, your body position is ideal for pedaling and resistance, and the pedals have straps so you don’t slip off them when you’re going hard during those sprints.
Upright bikes, on the other hand, are designed for casual riders who want to ride outside or indoors by themselves.
They have different features and components than spin bikes do—for example, they have higher handlebars so that you can sit upright without having to lean forward, which makes it easier to maintain balance. But these features don’t make them as good for spinning classes; they just make them better suited for casual riding than spin bikes are.
Is Spinning the Same as a Stationary Bike?
Spinning and stationary bikes are both great ways to get in shape, but they differ in a few key ways.
Stationary bikes are typically cheaper than spinning bikes, which means you don’t have to spend as much to get a good workout. They’re also more convenient since you can take them anywhere in your house or apartment. However, because they don’t move, you’ll need to push yourself harder on a stationary bike than you would on a spinning bike.
Spinning bikes are designed for high-intensity interval training, which is great for burning fat and building muscle. They’re typically more expensive than stationary bikes but offer more variety in terms of programs and resistance levels.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of classes held at gyms that have them so you can keep up with other fitness enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, which bike is best for you will depend on what you want from the product. For some people, versatility and the opportunity to get a good workout at home are key. If this sounds like you, then finding an upright best exercise bike for bad knees like might be the way to go.
Others, however, may prefer slotting into a spin class and getting a blend of versatility and an opportunity to challenge themselves with different workouts. In this case, a spin bike might just be the way to go.
If you’re interested in exploring other exercise machines that could help trim your body of fat, check out my post on how to lose belly fat with the exercise machine.
Ultimately, being fit is about improving the quality of your life. The goal is NOT to look good by losing a lot of weight or choosing the perfect exercise machine – it’s about being healthy and feeling great.
If you make fitness a priority, in a few weeks or months, you will begin to notice changes in your body and overall health.
I’m a triathlete and life coach, with a focus on holistic health, fitness & women’s issues.
I also write about my gastronomic adventures and my love for the outdoors.