On paper, the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike seems to straddle the line between a good set of workout features, and a reasonable price tag. The fact that it offers pulse monitoring is a draw too, as you can use that to see at a glance just how hard you're working. In fact, this machine has made our guide to the best exercise bikes, and should appeal to anyone with only a small amount of space at home for fitness equipment, or for those of you who are new to exercise and want something that isn't overly complicated to use.
The bike is relatively light too, and is compact enough when folded down to be slotted into a corner when not in use. Some of the bigger, more expensive indoor bikes need to be left out permanently, or can be folded away but are heavy to drag around. You won't have such problems with this one. But does that mean it's the right choice your home gym setup? Let's take a closer look to find out...
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse review: overview
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike offers the ability, as the name suggests, to fold away for easy storage. It's light enough to move about, yet solid and strong enough to support proper exercise workouts in an upright riding position. It's also quiet enough to be used at home with others are in the house. Even if you want to pitch it in front of the TV, other's will still be able to hear clearly over the sound of the bike.
The large padded seat makes this a comfortable option too, while the simple cycle computer means its accessible for beginners to get to grips with.
Design: Upright
Workout modes: Six
Supported weight: 300lbs
Warranty: One year frame warranty
This does come with a heart rate sensor, which enables you to keep an eye on your progress and adjust your workout efforts accordingly. But this is a basic offering, so we'd suggest you'll get far more out of using a dedicated one of the best fitness trackers to see how your new indoor bike is helping you achieve your goals. Apple, Garmin and Fitbit are great choices, and Fitbit devices are often on sale among the best Amazon Prime Day Fitbit deals.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse review: design
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is a basic looking model, since it goes for minimalism and compact form over fancy design aesthetics. When it comes to performance, though, the system offers the impressive magnetic brake resistance similar to more high-end indoor bikes. That means the resistance is smooth and more realistic, while the noise is kept to a minimum.
There's a 3.3-inch LCD display, which gives you basic figures in the centre console. That's flanked by the handlebars fitted with heart rate sensor plates to monitor your pulse as you exercise.
The seat is a large padded unit for comfort, and the bike can be adjusted to suit riders of between five foot three inches, up to six foot one inches. You can also stand to get a bit more purchase, but the bike isn't really made for that, like a spin style bike would be. If that's what you're looking for, consider the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle instead.
There's a one year warranty on the frame, which is low compared to the competition. That said, this indoor bike is far cheaper, so a shorter warranty is to be expected. The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike also comes with transporting wheels, making it easy to move this 42lb bike around your home, even if you're tired after a workout.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse review: features
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike comes with six programs built-in allowing you to hop on, start pedaling and get into the work right away. Granted these are basic but you get data on speed, distance, calories and heart rate allowing you to make up your own workouts based on your data.
There are eight levels of magnetic tension offering resistance to help you work through levels of effort to suit your goals. The use of a flywheel and V-belt drive give this a more realistic resistance that feels more like riding on the roads, without making too much noise.
The inclusion of heart rate plates in the handles makes it very easy to check your effort without the need to wear a heart rate chest strap or connect anything up using Bluetooth. The wide feet make for a solid stance which means the bike holds its position as you ride.
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse review: performance
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is very comfortable thanks to that large and wide seat that's well cushioned to allow for longer rides without discomfort being an issue.
Access to the resistance levels is convenient with a large dial right in the centre and below that is even a TV clicker holder. Yup, this is a bike designed for use in front of the TV. As such it's suitably quiet, without enough noise to distract you from what you're watching or listening to while you workout.
The pedals are large and feature straps to hold you in, making for effortless riding that you can easily step into and out of without feeling locked in but while still feeling supported.
Those wide feet make for a solid base, yes, but don't expect to do stand up hill climb style riding at speed. This can be rocked side to side if you really go for it, but then this isn't a bike built for that kind of riding. And with a single year on the frame warranty we wouldn't want to push it that hard anyway.
The display and programs are basic but there is clarity and it does the job so if you want simple this is ideal for your needs. If you're looking for a smarter system you might want to go elsewhere. That or add in your activity tracker to get data that way.
Should I buy the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike?
While the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is a bit basic, this is also its appeal. You can just hop on, get pedaling and you're working out. In an age of smart screens and subscription based training this level of ease is a welcome option. Of course that also means this is more affordable, can be folded away for storage and offers the comfort of a big padded seat.
Running quietly, this is ideal for TV-based exercise at home, finding a nice halfway between working out to get fit and taking time for yourself. The warranty could be better but at this price there's a lot on offer.
If you think you'd prefer a recumbent exercise bike for comfort, try the NordicTrack Commercial VR25, or check out the Assault AirBike Classic for more intense fitness sessions that work out your arms and legs.
