INTRODUCTION
At SitZip, our mission is to help people stay active while they work. To do that, we test and evaluate desk bikes to find the few models that actually deliver on their promises. If you have looked into active office furniture in Europe, you have likely come across the desk bike from DeskBike.com. It is arguably the most recognizable model on the market, backed by a Dutch company that has been active for over a decade. But does this industry veteran still hold the crown?
Please note that this is an entirely independent review. We received no payment, reimbursement, or affiliate commission for this content.
Assembly and Build Quality
The first thing to note is the pedigree: Deskbike.com is a highly reliable business partner, particularly in the Netherlands. They have sold a massive number of these units, and it shows in the availability of parts and support. The assembly is straightforward, and the build feels geared towards office durability.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
The Deskbike offers excellent customization options that many competitors lack. They sell different frame sizes to accommodate various user heights, and offer extras like cushioned seat covers for longer sessions (as seen in the picture above).
We measured the crank length at 135mm. This sits in a middle ground—slightly longer than the ultra-short 100mm cranks found on under-desk mini cycles, but still significantly shorter than the 170mm standard found on road bikes (and the KingSmith W1B). While this helps prevent your knees from hitting the desk, it still results in a somewhat stilted pedaling motion compared to a regular bicycle.
The resistance adjustment is handled by a rotary knob that allows for incredibly granular changes. You can turn the knob many times to fine-tune the difficulty. However, we noticed that the first few full spins add very little actual resistance; the real bite only comes in the later turns.
It is also worth noting that unlike the KingSmith W1B, this is not an all-in-one unit. You must have a sit-stand desk to use it, as it replaces your chair entirely.
performance: Real Wattage Numbers
We equipped the bike with power pedals to measure exactly what it can do. The results indicate a machine built for "proper" resistance, unlike many cheaper magnetic mini-cycles.
Max Intensity: At the highest difficulty setting, maintaining 60rpm requires 150 watts of output. This is equivalent to cycling at approximately 30kph. This is a "proper" level of resistance that will genuinely elevate your heart rate if you choose to push it.
Stability, Noise, and Portability
The bike is generally stable and quiet enough for office environments.
One nice touch regarding the hardware is the cadence sensor that deskbike.com offers: it is rechargeable via USB-C, which is a modern convenience we appreciate over coin-cell batteries.
Tracking with Sitzip
While the hardware is reliable, the software experience is where this model stumbles significantly. By default, the app provided by Deskbike is not good.
The core issue is identical to the DeskCycle 2: the app allows for no difficulty setting input. Therefore, the data it displays (calories, speed, and distance) is effectively meaningless. It generates metrics based on an assumption of resistance, which does not reflect your actual effort.
As with other desk bikes we have calibrated, you can connect this model to the SitZip app to solve this problem.
Why do this? We have calibrated the resistance curve of the Deskbike. By inputting your difficulty level into the SitZip app, you convert the inaccurate data into accurate metrics. This allows you to track real kilometers driven, link a heart rate monitor, and race against friends or colleagues directly through the app.
how to connect this bike to our app?
You can use the optional Bluetooth sensor provided by Deskbike, or purchase a Garmin Cadence Sensor. In the video below you can see how you can connect this desk bike to the SitZip app.
Verdict
The Deskbike is a safe, proven choice. It is supported by a company that has invested in its product for over 10 years and offers a great ecosystem of accessories like seat covers and sizing options. If you are a business looking for a reliable B2B partner, this is a strong contender.
However, do not rely on their default app. Buy the bike for the hardware, but use SitZip for the software to ensure your workout data is actually real.
If you want a desk bike but don't want to purchase a standing desk, consider this model.
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