Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors

Try before you buy. Everyone should try a bike before buying it, says Bernie Deitrick, who oversaw exercise bike testing at CR. An uncomfortable or poorly fitting bike could deter motivation and, worse, cause pain or exacerbate physical problems, Rogers says.

Look into trainers. People who aren’t experienced cyclists may want to consider a session with a personal trainer, who can help adjust a new bike to the right position, assess fitness levels, and recommend classes at an appropriate starting level.

Study the adjustability score. Older people in particular may want to pay special attention to the adjustability scores in our ratings, which reflect the ability to change the handlebar height, seat height, and seat position.

On exercise bikes, you generally lean forward in a way that may be uncomfortable for people with certain back problems. Because of that, a bike that allows you to sit a bit more upright may be preferable, Deitrick says. Rogers says raising the handlebars higher means you generally don’t have to lean forward as much.

Find the right-sized seat. Another factor that older people may want to consider is the size and comfort of the seat, or saddle, Deitrick says. A narrow racing seat can be uncomfortable for some. While some bikes come with a wider seat out of the box, you can swap out the seat on any of these bikes for one that you find more comfortable.

Pay attention to the types of pedals on your bike. With some bikes, like the Peloton, the built-in option requires you to use clip-in cycling shoes, so make sure you’re comfortable attaching your feet to your bike. Others have toe cages that you slide your regular athletic shoes into. (It’s possible to swap out the pedals, according to Deitrick, but you’ll need the right wrench and know-how to do so.)

Consider riding in a recumbent position. Although we don’t include them in our ratings, exercise bikes that allow you to ride in the recumbent position—reclined instead of leaning forward—may be good for those who have certain back problems or those who have balance issues, Deitrick and Rogers say.