Best stationary bike for short person (2023 Reviews): Which one should you buy?

Stationary bikes are available in different sizes and shapes. In order to have a comfortable experience, you need to pick a model that will fit your body proportion. For someone with a small body, this means picking the best stationary bike for short person.

Considering the huge number of options out there and the overwhelming amount of information, finding such a bike can be a daunting task. Well, we are here to help you out. After a lot of research and testing, we’ve finally come up with a list of the top 5 stationary bikes for short people.

Like other stationary bikes, these bikes will help you lose fat and strengthen your body. But more importantly, they can be customized to suit users with short legs or small bodies generally. Of course, they also offer other perks which you may find helpful.

Without wasting any more time, let’s hit the meat of the review.

Our Top 5 Best Stationary Bike for Short Person

01. Editor’s Choice: SF-B1002 Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Exercise Bike

The SF-B1002 is one of the most popular models by Sunny Health that is low-priced but offers many useful features for indoor cycling. Some of these include a belt drive system for quieter rides, a heavy-duty chrome 49 pounds flywheel, a solid steel frame, and adjustable resistance. This makes the bike an excellent choice for high-intensity workouts from the comfort of your home.

It features an adjustable seat and handlebars, which allow you to achieve proper form when you want to work out. The seat is four-way adjustable, so you can move it forth or back and up or down, while the handlebar can be moved two ways – up or down. You can make all adjustments by simply turning a knob.

The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty frame made of alloy steel with double coating to prevent corrosion. The dimensions are 54″ x 19″ x 44″, which makes it fairly compact compared to other fitness machines. So it doesn’t take up all the floor space in the room. The total weight of the bike is around 113 pounds, while the recommended user weight capacity is 275 pounds.

Another thing we fancy about this bike is the fact that it has an LCD monitor which records your workout stats. It tracks important metrics like time, distance, speed, and calories burned. The bike also comes with a bottle holder.

Specifications

Pros

• Heavy-duty flywheel
• Comes with transport wheels
• Simple LCD display
• Easy installation steps
• Quieter ride
• Adjustable resistance

Cons

• The seat could use more padding

02. XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike

With a recommended user weight limit of 225 pounds, the XTERRA FB350 might not be the most robust exercise bike out there, but it does provide an effective workout. It comes with a solid X-frame design that folds to almost half its normal length, taking up only 20.5″ x 20.5″ floor space.

It operates a frictionless magnetic resistance with a 3.3-pounds precision-balanced flywheel and a belt drive system for a smooth and quiet ride. Maintenance is minimal or almost nonexistent. We were also impressed with the anatomical design of the seat. It is large and adjusts to different positions for maximum comfort. A back pad and multi-grip padded handlebars are also added for additional comfort and support.

Like most standard models, the bike provides 8 levels of resistance and an easy-to-use LCD console that keeps track of your workout data. These include time, speed, calories burned, distance, and pulse. You can adjust the resistance via the tension knob.

Specifications

Pros

• Versatile seating positions
• Comes with digital tracker
• Large multi-grip padded handlebars
• Easy to move
• Comfortable seat
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Not suitable for users taller than 5’10”

03. Schwinn Upright Bike Series

A recumbent bike is the way to go if you enjoy cycling but want something that is more engaging. This is exactly what you get with the Schwinn 130. The bike allows you to ride in an upright position which allows you to generate more momentum and intensity. Also, it comes equipped with a high-speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel for a smooth and quiet workout.

Besides an integrated console with several workout metrics and 13 workout programs, the bike also offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance, a weighted flywheel, a comfortable seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in speakers.

The LCD screen is 5.5”, which is large and clear enough. We also like the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect the bike with popular app-based tracking tools like MyFitnessPal and Explore the World.

The bike also comes with a comfortable seat with lumbar support and cushioning. With 16 levels of magnetic resistance, you can challenge yourself to new feats.

Other notable features of the bike include weighted strapped pedals, adjustable handlebars and telemetry heart rate.

Specifications

Pros

• Easy to use
• Great value for the price
• Streamlined console
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Easy to assemble (though it might take time)
• Small footprint

Cons

• Display is not backlit

04. Schwinn Fitness IC Bike Series

The Schwinn is a top bargain for anyone who wants an indoor cycle trainer that is affordable and effective. It is specifically designed for high-intensity spinning, making it a great option if your goal is to burn calories, tone the lower body or train your cardio. Although a budget-friendly option, it offers some exciting features and has a simple design that can fulfill the needs of any serious indoor cyclist.

One of the major highlights of the bike is the belt drive system which is outfitted with a 40-pounds flywheel. The setup ensures you enjoy smoother and quieter rides. Also, with over 100 resistance levels, anyone can use the bike, whether beginners or professionals.

The bike can support up to 300 pounds and has a fully adjustable ventilated race-style seat. We also found it relatively compact with a dimension of 45″ x 23″ x 49″. It will easily fit into tiny spaces. When setting it up, allow a clearance of 2 ft. from the wall so you can have easy access and exit from the bike.

That said, the machine is quite heavy; it weighs about 100 pounds. Luckily, it’s fitted with caster wheels on the front so you can easily reposition it if necessary.

Specifications

Pros

• Easy to relocate
• Large user weight capacity
• Small footprint
• Comes with a console and water bottle holder
• Heavy flywheel
• Sturdy base

Cons

• The seat could use some padding
• No preset workouts

05. ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Heart Pulse

With dimensions of 32″ x 17.5″ x 46″, the ProGear 225 gets our vote as the most compact upright bike for short persons. Not to mention that it has a foldable design that makes it perfect for individuals with limited spaces.

The bike provides 8 levels of magnetic resistance with a tension knob that is smooth and easy to use. It is equipped with a dual transmission flywheel and transport wheels on the front. The recommended weight capacity is 220 pounds, so it’s definitely not for overweight individuals.

We found the seat to be fairly comfortable; it has a contoured design with padding. You can adjust the height from 5’1″ to 6′ – another indicator the bike is specifically targeted towards short persons. Thus, if you’re taller than 6′, then this is probably not the bike for you.

Like the other models, the bike comes with an LCD display that indicates your workout stats. One of the major ones is the heart rate. Knowing your heart rate can help you maximize your workout.

Assembly is easy and should take about 30 minutes. Some parts are already assembled, leaving you with a few remaining components to attach. The instructions are clear, and all the hardware is included in the package.

Specifications

Pros

• Cheap price
• Smooth and consistent pedalling motion
• Very quiet operation
• Easy to move
• Easy to put together
• Perfect for small spaces

Cons

• Not suitable for users taller than 6 feet

Best Stationary Bike for Short Person: Buying Guide

When choosing a bike for a short person, there are a few things you want to look out for. Let’s briefly review them:

Stability

The stability of the exercise bike is mainly connected to the flywheel. This is often known as the heart of the machine. It is the large disc-shaped device found on the front of the bike that connects the drive system and pedals. It stores rotational energy and ensures the bike operates smoothly.

A heavy flywheel (at least 18 pounds and upwards) is generally recommended, especially if you want to replicate the experience of a road bike. It provides greater stability and a reserve of power.

That said, a lighter flywheel can also be great, depending on how the drive system is designed. It is also easier in the joints.

Resistance

Resistance is the most important aspect of indoor cycling, so it’s a vital feature of any exercise bike. Getting a stationary bike with variable resistance is non-negotiable. Of course, the level of resistance varies with each bike, but in most cases, the higher the number, the better!

In addition to resistance levels, you should also be wary of the type of control in place to adjust the resistance. In many exercise bikes, this could be a knob, a button, or a lever. Each of these controls is okay, as long as it’s easy to access.

Screen or Display

Many exercise bikes come with an LCD screen or console that contains various stats regarding your performance. These include things like distance covered, amount of calories burned, time spent on the machine, heart rate, and so on.

While this is not a must-have, especially when you’re spending less money, it is a nice feature that will make it easier to measure your progress. This can be the booster you need to add more pump action!

Price Range

Even when you’re shopping for a cheap stationary bike, it’s still a good idea to have a specific budget in mind. This helps to narrow down your options.

You can find many cheap stationary bikes under $300, but if you want something with higher quality, you can move up further to $500. Looking up user reviews can be helpful in determining whether a particular bike is reliable and can meet your needs. This is very important since many cheap exercise bikes are usually of low quality.

Warranty

Though not a necessity, it’s always a good idea to get a spin bike with a warranty. This sounds logical, especially if you’re purchasing a unit that is worth over a thousand dollars.

Higher-priced models typically have longer warranties than lower-priced models. That said, even a short warranty is functional and probably better than not having any. It gives you peace of mind.

FAQs

Is a stationary bike worth it?

Yes, stationary bikes are great home workout equipment. You can burn hundreds of calories by cycling for just an hour. And unlike some cardio machines, they don’t put a strain on your joints. They are also a more affordable option compared to some other home gym machines.

Is a stationary bike better than a road bike?

If your plan is to shed weight or tone muscles, then you may find a stationary bike more effective for this purpose. Besides the convenience it offers, you will find it easier to follow workout programs which can make a big difference.

How long should you spend on a stationary bike?

We recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise if you’re following a schedule. If you can aim for one hour, then you’re bound to achieve even more impressive results.

Do stationary bikes tone leg muscles?

Yes, stationary bikes are great for toning leg muscles. Most of the exercises on the bike combine pedaling and resistance, which target various muscle groups in the leg.

Conclusion

The best stationary bike for short person will not only give an incredible workout but also allow you to track your progress in real-time. The bikes reviewed here are specifically targeted towards short people or individuals with short legs.

By now, you should have made your pick. And just in case you’re still a bit hesitant, you can always look up our buyer’s guide.

Whether you’re a beginner or you cycle professionally, the bikes reviewed can help you reach your fitness goals.

Let us know if you have any more questions. Until then, pedal hard, have fun, and stay fit!