exercise bike

Upright Bike vs Spin Bike: Which is Right for You?

October 1, 2025

Selecting the perfect home workout bike can be a challenge, especially when faced with the two most popular options: the upright exercise bike and the cycling spin bike. If you're struggling to decide which is best for your fitness goals, you're not alone. Understanding the fundamental differences is key to making the right investment in your health.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the key factors in the upright bike vs spin bike debate, helping you find the ideal indoor exercise bike to power your training.

Key Differences: Upright Bike vs Spin Bike

Feature	Upright Exercise Bike	Cycling Spin Bike
Riding Position	Upright and relaxed, similar to a cruiser bike. Riders are seated directly above the pedals, often with a large, comfortable seat.	Forward-leaning, similar to a road racing bike. Designed for an aggressive, performance-focused stance, allowing for both seated and standing riding.
Workout Focus	Cardiovascular health, moderate-intensity training, and recovery. Easier on the joints and suitable for long, steady-state rides.	High-intensity interval training (HIIT), burning calories, and building power. Mimics the feel and challenge of outdoor road cycling.
Flywheel & Resistance	Lighter flywheel (typically under 10kg). Resistance is often magnetic and controlled by buttons or a console.	Heavy, perimeter-weighted flywheel (often 15kg+). Resistance is manually controlled via a knob, offering precise, infinite adjustment and a very realistic road feel.
Weight-Bearing	Primarily a seated workout. Not designed for standing out of the saddle.	Specifically designed for standing (out-of-the-saddle) climbing and sprinting, engaging more muscle groups and increasing intensity.
Comfort	Generally prioritizes comfort with a cushioned, adjustable seat and easy-to-reach console. Excellent for users with back or joint concerns.	Prioritizes performance; seats are often narrow and firm. Comfort is secondary to replicating a racing cycle geometry.

Detailed Breakdown of the Comparison

1. Riding Posture & Comfort

The most immediate difference in the upright bike vs spin bike comparison is the riding position.

Upright Bike: The design places you in a vertical, relaxed position. Your back is straight, and the handlebars are typically higher than the seat, similar to a city or cruiser bicycle. This position is ideal for those who want a comfortable, low-impact cardio session, such as beginners, older users, or those recovering from injury. For alternatives that offer even more back support, consider a recumbent option like the ARROW Studio Media Recumbent Exercise Bike.
Spin Bike: A spin bike requires a forward-leaning posture, with the handlebars often at or below the height of the saddle. This position is what allows riders to perform high-energy, out-of-the-saddle movements like climbs and sprints, which is the core of an indoor cycling class. This focus on performance is evident in models like the Schwinn 800IC Cycling Spin Bike.

2. Flywheel Weight & Intensity

The flywheel is the rotating mass at the front of the bike, and its weight is critical to the cycling experience.

Spin Bike: The heavy flywheel on a spin bike is designed to build momentum and maintain a high, steady cadence (revolutions per minute). When you apply resistance, this heavy flywheel provides the inertia that perfectly mimics the feel of riding uphill on a real bike. This mechanism is key to the challenging, intense workouts you get on models like the ARROW Studio Commercial Air Spin ERG Bike
Upright Bike: With a lighter flywheel, upright bikes start and stop momentum much faster. They are less about replicating an outdoor cycling experience and more about providing straightforward, consistent resistance for cardio exercise.

3. Workout Style & Goals

Your fitness goals should ultimately decide which indoor exercise bike is right for your home.

If your primary goal is to replicate a road cycling experience, perform high-intensity workouts, or join virtual cycling classes, the spin bike is the clear winner. Its design allows you to transition between high-power sprints and heavy resistance climbs, maximising your calorie burn and muscle engagement.
If your goal is steady, moderate-intensity cardio, gentle exercise, or a comfortable, safe way to stay active while watching TV or reading, the upright bike will be more than sufficient for your needs.

Find Your Perfect Ride

Whether you lean toward the high-octane performance of a spin bike or the comfortable practicality of an upright bike, Southern Cross Fitness has the perfect home workout bike for your needs.

Explore our full range of options, including both upright and spin models, on our dedicated Exercise Bikes Page. Get ready to achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your home.