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Best Mini Exercise Bikes – Reviews 2020

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Last update: Apr 1, 2020

You may not be doing laps on the Champs-Élysées together with Chris Froome or other Tour de France greats, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still reap the benefits of working out.

Innovations in home fitness equipment have provided consumers with more options than ever before. Which on the one hand is a good thing, because you’ve got more choice. But, on the other, it might make choosing a good mini exercise bike more confusing.

In the article below, I’ll help you to make a more informed buying decision. So you can choose the best mini exercise bike for your needs.

Best Mini Exercise Bike - Reviews 2020

1. MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike

Product weight: 23 lb
Dimensions: 16″ x 9″ x 16″
LCD display: Yes

The MagneTrainer-ER is a mini pedal exerciser which you can use for both your arms and legs.

It has a magnetic resistance which you can adjust by rotating the black knob on the front side of the machine. The resistance isn’t limited to a certain amount of resistance levels.

One of the things that is interesting about this machine is the fact that the bike is being used in therapy centers and hospitals. According to MagneTrainer, the bike is used in; nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and physical therapy clinics. This is a good indicator of the quality of this exercise peddler.

Furthermore, the ER comes with a full one-year warranty which includes labor, parts, and shipping.

PROS

  • You’re free to choose the resistance you like. It isn’t limited to a certain amount of levels.
  • It has a full one year warranty.
  • The patented magnetic resistance makes your exercise feel more smooth.

CONS

  • Depending on the length of your legs and the height of your desk, it might be too high to use under a desk. So, if you want to use it under a desk, it is strongly recommended to take a look at the measurements.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418

Product weight: 21 lb
Dimensions: 21.7″ x 14″ x 18.1″
LCD display: Yes

The SF-B0418 is a mini magnetic bike from Sunny Health & Fitness. The machine can be used to train your legs and arms.

The pedals have small grooves for your fingers and relatively large adjustable pedal straps for your feet.

With 21 pounds the bike is stable without being overly heavy. On top of the machine, there’s a handle, which makes it easier to place it above or underneath your desk. The SF-B0418 is; 22” long, 18” wide and 14” high.

Furthermore, it has eight levels of resistance. You can increase or decrease the level of resistance from low to high with the ‘tension knob’. This gives you the freedom to exercise at your preferred intensity.

PROS

  • The handle on top makes it easier to move the machine.
  • The magnetic resistance helps to make the workout feel smoother.
  • The pedals have grooves for your fingers, which makes it more comfortable to hold them in your hands.

CONS

  • The height of the pedals might be too high to use it under some desks. Of course, this also depends on the height of your desk and the length of your legs.

3. DeskCycle Desk

Product weight: 23 lb
Dimensions: 24″ x 20″ x 10″
LCD display: Yes

Like the name says the DeskCycle Desk is specifically designed to fit under a desk.

Obviously, you’ll have to measure in advance, if it does fit under your desk. Better be safe than sorry.

With a pedal height of 10 inches, the pedals are relatively low, which is the reason why it’s easier to use under a desk compared to some other models. So the design allows the machine to be used under a wider range of desks.

The DeskCycle Desk offers a relatively large range of resistance, which is useful for users who want a low or higher-intensity workout. However, the amount of resistance levels doesn’t differ from for example the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418, which also has eight levels of resistance.

Furthermore, the display is detachable. This means you can place the display on your desk, which makes it easier to keep track of your workout. The display shows; time, distance, speed, and scan.

PROS

  • The pedals are relatively low the ground. This is useful for people who want to use it under a desk.
  • It has a magnetic resistance which helps to provide a smoother workout experience.
  • The resistance range is relatively wide.

CONS

  • The pedals don’t have grooves.

4. Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler

Product weight: 5 lb
Dimensions: 15″ x 6.5″ x 17″
LCD display: Yes

The Drive Medical Deluxe is a more basic model. If you’re looking for a simple machine without a lot of extra features, then the Drive Medical Deluxe could be a good choice.

The bike is relatively lightweight which might make it slide a bit faster than the heavier bikes.

However, it does have four anti-slip rubber pads which help to prevent it from sliding. Plus, the weight probably makes it easier to move the machine.

Furthermore, it has a foldable design. You can bend the ‘legs’ of the machine, which makes it relatively small. The folded dimensions are; 12.5” by 14.7” by 6.5”. The total dimensions of the exercise peddler are; 15” by 6.5” by 17”. So compared to other machines it is rather compact, especially when folded.

PROS

  • The folding mechanism makes storage easier.
  • With 5 pounds it’s relatively easy to lift and move.
  • The Drive Medical Deluxe doesn’t have a lot of ‘bells and whistles’.

CONS

  • Some people may not like the relatively basic construction of the machine.
  • Might be too light for a heavy person.

5. Vaunn Medical Pedal Exerciser

Product weight: 4.4 lb
Dimensions: 21″ x 15.8″ x 11.8″
LCD display: No

Just like the Drive Medical Deluxe, the Vaunn Medical Pedal exerciser is a relatively basic machine.

If you’re looking for a lightweight pedal exerciser with a simple design, then this model might be a good choice. There’s no assembly process, which means it’s already fully assembled straight out of the box.

It doesn’t have a display and there are no specific resistance levels. You can just turn the knob increase or decrease the resistance. Furthermore, it has a triple-layered chrome-plated heavy duty construction. So, it provides a stable low impact exercise.

PROS

  • It’s already pre-assembled, so no assembly needed.
  • With 4.4 pounds it’s relatively easy to lift and store.
  • It’s a single chrome frame construction, which provides a stable exercise.

CONS

  • Less suited for users who are looking for a machine with a lot of features and extras.
  • Compared to the more advanced bikes its lightweight, which means that the risk of moving might be a bit higher, especially if you put more pressure on the machine.

What are the advantages of mini exercise peddlers?

Mini bicycles come in all sorts and forms. Traditionally, you could only use them for leg workouts. However, nowadays, you can place your machine on a desk or dinner table and instantly turn your leg exercise into an arm exercise.

The purpose of a mini bike is the same as a ‘traditional’ exercise bike, which is working out, but mini bikes don’t have the same design and usually provide a lower workout intensity. A mini bike is a good workout solution for people who may otherwise sit still for too long.

The bikes have only two main components: the pedals and the frame. This simplistic design may be perfect if you’re looking for a minimalist addition to your living room or if you want to use it in an office environment.

Another advantage of this type of workout equipment is their portability. They aren’t that heavy, which makes them easy to store when not in use. Some pedal exercisers can even fold for easier storage.

The main advantages are summarized below:

  • Lightweight, minimalist design for easier storage and transportation.
  • Simple and straightforward workout which still helps to burn extra calories.
  • Can be easily incorporated into a routine.
  • They’re compact, which makes them perfect to use in a living room or home office environment.

How do you use one?

The most common way people use pedal exercisers is by placing it under a desk or table and operating it with their feet while performing other tasks. In this way, you can smoothly incorporate a workout into your workday or leisure time.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your health while working on your computer or laptop in your office, a mini stationary bike may be a good solution. Research on the subject indicates that light intensity physical activity at work may even increase personal productivity.

It is important to note that you should follow all relevant safety procedures when using a pedal exerciser. Always read and follow the manual.

Are pedal exercisers good for weight loss & cardio?

The short answer: yes, you can burn additional calories with a mini exercise bike.

However, the effectiveness of a mini bike depends on many factors. As you pedal, your body burns calories. Your metabolism, the resistance level and the speed at which you pedal, all influence the effectiveness of your workout.

Combining the regular use of a pedal exerciser with a healthy lifestyle can be an effective way to lose weight and improve your fitness level. You may obviously find increased effectiveness by changing the way you eat or by eliminating unhealthy habits from your life such as excessive drinking or smoking.

If you want to take it to the next level you might want to consider using a upright or recumbent exercise bike, because they will probably help you to burn even more calories. That’s why they’re especially useful for persons who are overweight or obese.

And the winner is...

In my opinion, the winner is the MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser. According to MagneTrainer the bike is being used in hospitals, physical therapy clinics, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Which in itself is a good indication about the quality of this machine.

The bike is relatively small and probably quiet enough to be operated in almost any home or home office environment. That’s why I would choose the MagneTrainer-ER.

2 thoughts on “Best Mini Exercise Bikes – Reviews 2020”

  1. Thanks for the great article. I found it very helpful. I’m headed for a hip replacement and trying to get as strong as I can. This should help me achieve that. Ordered the MagneTrainer-ER from Amazon today using your link. Hope they give you a financial reward for being so helpful.

    • Hi Judi,

      Thank you for great compliment, it’s really motivating to hear you found the article helpful!

      I wish you all the best during your recovery period.

      Kind regards,

      Koen van Emden

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