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. While full integrated desk bikes are popular, under-desk units are often the first place people start their journey. The DeskCycle 2 is a massively popular, well-reviewed model with high sales volume, but does it hold up to scrutiny?
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 assembly itself was simple, requiring minimal effort to get up and running. A unique aesthetic feature of this model is the clear casing; you can see the internals and watch the mechanism work through the plastic, which is actually quite cool. It's less of an investment than a full bike, making it an approachable piece of hardware.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
While the unit is easy to set up, the ergonomics present some significant challenges compared to a dedicated stationary deskbike. First, because this is a pedal-only unit, you must use your own chair. If you use a standard office chair with wheels, you will inevitably be pushed backward while pedaling. You will likely need wheel stoppers or a strap to keep yourself in place.
Furthermore, unless you are quite short, you will still need a standing desk to use this effectively. If you try to use it under a standard fixed-height desk, your knees will likely hit the underside of the table, making the pedaling position awkward and uncomfortable.
Finally, we measured the crank length at only 10cm (100mm). Compare this to the standard 170mm found on road bike. This results in a very tight, stilted cycling motion that does not allow for full leg extension or optimal muscle utilization.
performance: Real Wattage Numbers
We equipped the bike with power pedals to measure exactly what it can do.
The results showed that this is designed for light movement rather than serious exercise:
Max Intensity: Even at the highest resistance setting, maintaining 60rpm only requires 100 watts of power. This is equivalent to biking at approximately 20 kilometers per hour. While better than sitting still, it is not super fast, and fit users may find it lacks the resistance needed for a heavier workout.
Stability, Noise, and Portability
Because the unit is separate from the chair, the unit itself is stable, but your connection to it is not (as mentioned regarding the rolling chair issue).
However, the major benefit of this form factor is portability. You can put it away easily when you are done, sliding it into a closet or under a shelf. This makes it a strong contender for smaller home offices where a permanent bike setup isn't feasible. Or for usage not at a desk, maybe in your living room couch while watching a movie? That's perfectly possible because the noise level is incredibly low.
Tracking with Sitzip
One disappointment of this model is the included display. It is, frankly, really useless. Because the computer is not connected to the resistance knob, it cannot detect which difficulty level you have selected. Therefore, it gives you fake data: it cannot possibly know your true speed, calories burned, or distance traveled.
If you want actual, accurate data, you can use our app. We have manually calibrated the difficulty levels for the DeskCycle 2. By pairing this unit with the SitZip app, you can input the resistance level you are using. The app then calculates the real data based on our calibration, allowing you to track accurate kilometers, link a heart rate monitor, and race against friends, colleagues, and family.
how to connect this bike to our app?
You can watch the video below to see how you can connect the DeskCycle 2 to our app
Verdict
The DeskCycle 2 is a "well-reviewed" model for a reason: it is affordable, easy to assemble, and easy to hide away. If you have limited space and want less of an investment, it is a decent start.
However, the 10cm crank length and the awkward ergonomics of trying to pedal from a rolling office chair prevent it from offering a true cycling experience.
If you have limited range of motion due to injury, or want to use this desk cycle as part of a rehabilitation program, the short 10cm crank length is actually a distinct advantage, as it allows for a complete pedal stroke with significantly less knee flexion than a standard bicycle.
If you want a serious ergonomic workout, however, you might want to look at a full integrated unit such as this model.
If you just want to keep your legs moving under a standing desk, this will do the job, provided you track your data with SitZip rather than the misleading built-in display.
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