Desk bikes reviewed
picking the right desk bike model and cadence sensor
We recognize five different desk bike models: the basic desk bike, the under-desk-cycle, the desk-chair-cycle-hybrid, the comfortable bike chair, and the desk bike with desk included. These all have various benefits and downsides.
Note that ANY desk bike can be connected to SitZip, as long as you have a cadence sensor. Officially we only support the Garmin Cadence sensors, as these have proven to be most stable connections, high quality data and also include features such as reporting the battery level.
The desk bike
The basic desk bike model is meant for upright usage, typically with a standing desk. A standing desk is required because otherwise your knees will hit the desk when pedaling.
Pro's:
Feels most like riding a normal bicycle or exercise bike
Some models allow quite high wattages (200>) so for enthusiast cyclist looking to also get a real workout in their legs, this is a good option.
Con's:
Saddle gets uncomfortable after a while
Often not suitable for people over 120kg
You will probably still need a normal desk chair
Standing desk required
SitZip recommended models:
Deskbike.com is a Dutch brand which has sold these for a long time. They also sell a sensor that is chargable via USB-C, and offer various colors. The resistance setting is incredibly flexible and allows a wide range of difficulty, from almost nothing at all, to feeling like you are cycling uphill against the wind.
Lastly they also offer two variants depending on your height. This means that if you are very tall, Deskbike.com still has a model that will work for you. We have personally tested this desk bike and like it.
The under desk cycle
The under-desk cycle is popular amongst elderly and people rehabilitating their legs.
Pro's:
Very space efficient
Usually the cheapest option
Con's:
Pedaling will push your desk chair with wheels away from the cycle. Some people choose to attach the desk cycle to their desk chair to avoid this.
Range of motion is small, due to the fact that the under-desk cycle is close to the ground. A bigger range of motion is typically preferred as more muscle is used to perform the stroke.
Usually not suitable for high wattages, the range of motion and internals of these are not suitable for really giving your legs a proper workout. This model is more suitable for "staying active".
SitZip recommended models:
DeskCycle.com is an American brand which sells a high quality option.
The desk-chair-cycle-hybrid
The desk-chair-cycle-hybrid is a very new option. Only Flexispot sells this type currently, and only in select countries.
Pro's:
You dont need both a desk chair AND a desk bike
Even when not biking, sitting on this will be comfortable
Con's:
Very hard to find data or reviews on.
Hard to find these models in most countries.
Sitzip recommended models:
We are still looking to test this model, so we offer no recommendations yet.
The comfortable desk bike
The comfortable bike chair is different from the desk bike because the saddle is typically bigger, and it has a backrest.
Pro's:
Most people experience these as more comfortable than desk bikes with the bike saddle
Can lean back, shift positions every once in a while
You may not need an office chair anymore.
Con's:
In some models the back rest is either too close or too far.
Standing desk required
SitZip recommended models:
Skandika used to sell this model through Decathlon in Europe. Unfortunately they are currently unavailable.
The bike desk
The desk-cycle with included desk. Typically comes with a regular seat.
Pro's:
Very space efficient, especially if you don't have a standing desk or maybe even not a desk at all.
No need to buy a seperate standing desk.
If you want to keep your old desk while still having the benefit of a desk bike, you can use this to work on your laptop.
Con's:
Working on a laptop for an extended period of time can be uncomfortable, because you are forced to look down. If you can raise your laptop screen to a higher level, or maybe use an external monitor and keyboard, this is a better option
SitZip reviews of this type:
Kingsmith sells a desk-cycle with included desk, Click here.
