The 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders of 2024, Ridden and Approved by Our Experts

Whether they’re shopping for shoes, clothing, or tiny houses, taller consumers can often find their options lacking — and at-home fitness equipment isn’t always that much more accommodating. Thankfully, some of the best exercise bikes on the market cater to riders as tall as 6 feet 6 inches. We saddled up on more than 20 different bikes to find the best exercise bikes for tall riders that won’t crunch your budget (or vertebrae).

Below, you’ll find bikes with integrated fitness apps and huge HD touchscreens for the techies, along with more utilitarian models to fit minimalist lifestyles. Join us as we break down what makes these hyper-adjustable exercise bikes suitable for taller-than-average cyclists.

The 6 Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders 

• Best Overall Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack S22i
• Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders Under $1,000: Schwinn IC4
• Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Simple Display: Diamondback Bike 1260sc
• Best Budget Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack Commercial R35
• Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Peloton: Peloton Bike

How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders 

The BarBend team of fitness professionals includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and cycling enthusiasts, but what makes us uniquely qualified to speak to exercise bikes for tall riders is our own height range. Our team members range from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 3 inches — and our tallest tester is actually our go-to exercise bike expert. Altogether, we’ve spun the pedals on more than 20 exercise bikes from top brands, rating each of them on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including adjustability, customizations, and durability.

The average height among U.S. adults is 5 feet 9 inches for men, and 5 feet 3 inches for women, so we consider tall riders to be anyone from 6 feet to 6 feet 6 inches tall (the highest recommended height among our picks). (1) Beyond the specs and measurements for each bike, we leaned on the experience of our taller teammates when curating this list of the best exercise bikes for tall riders because — simply put — they are our tallest riders. Read on to see which of these bikes might be the best fit for you.

Adjustability

Before we even saddled up on these bikes, we maxed out the seat heights and adjusted the handlebars to get a sense of the range that the product pages list as their recommended user heights. Most options we included claim to accommodate riders up to at least 6 feet 5 inches, but a few don’t list a recommended height range. 

In cases like this, we looked into other measurements, like inseam height — the distance from your upper inner thigh to the heel of your foot — and leaned on the experience of our taller team members. (2)

[Related: The 9 Best Portable Exercise Bikes]

Outside of the seat heights, we also noted the adjustability of the handlebars — specifically if they can be adjusted four ways or just vertically. Other elements — like types of pedals and swiveling screens — earned mentions, but since hopping in a Peloton class with a few crunched vertebrae is not ideal, we focused on making sure you can find a comfortable fit.

Customizations

During a ride, you typically manage resistance via an adjustment knob on the frame just below the seat. However — unless you go with a recumbent option — you may have your seat raised so high that leaning down to reach the knob can be a bit of a challenge. 

We made sure to include bikes that offer alternatives, from levers and handlebar buttons to automatic adjustments via connected apps like iFIT or Peloton. Whether you’re cruising (virtually, of course) through Malibu or trying to keep up with your instructor, being able to quickly and comfortably adjust the resistance was a huge factor when we made our picks.

Price

By including options ranging from $279.99 to $1,799, we tried to accommodate a wide range of budgets in addition to heights. Most stationary bikes fall between $600 and $2,000, and most of our picks fall right in the middle of that range. 

The higher you climb up that range, the more premium features you can expect to see, like integration with some of the best fitness apps, more resistance levels, and even incline and decline capabilities. 

Best Overall Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack S22i

Between the 13-inch range on the seat stack and adjustable handlebars, tall riders should have little issue taking the S22i for a virtual jaunt via the thousands of classes available through iFIT, which comes integrated into the 22-inch display of this exercise bike. If you find the resistance adjustment knob to be out of reach with the seat height maxed out, the S22i also provides buttons on the handlebars. You can also allow iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature to automatically change it in response to the terrain of a scenic ride or the class you’re taking.

Although NordicTrack doesn’t list a recommended height range for the S22i, its seat height is adjustable up to 13 inches, allowing for an inseam range of 28 to 41 inches from the lowest pedal position to the seat. If you measure from your heel up to the top of your inner thigh, match your measurement with that range. (2)

[Related: iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal?]

While she wasn’t a huge fan of the seat itself, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, rated its adjustability and ergonomics 4.8 out of 5. “The seat adjusts vertically, horizontally, and even tilts, but I thought the actual seat was kind of uncomfortable,” she said. She noted that it can be swapped out for a more comfortable seat, but finding the slider rails could make finding a replacement difficult.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4

It’s worth noting that an iFIT membership will set you back $39.99 per month, but Meier thinks it’s essential to get the most out of the bike. “Without iFIT, you basically just have an expensive manual bike,” she said, rating its tech capabilities and dynamic programming both 5 out of 5.

When she moved this 205-pound hoss around our gym, Meier — a competitive weightlifter, mind you — had a bit of trouble navigating the large screen, leading to a 3.5 out of 5 rating for portability. “There’s not a handle or anything, so trying to drive that thing — especially with the screen throwing off the balance — was tough.”

Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.

Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders Under $1,000: Schwinn IC4

A 24-inch height range — the largest of any bike we tested — makes the Schwinn IC4’s sub-$1,000 price point even more appealing for tall riders. It can accommodate users up to 6 feet 6 inches, and includes a four-way adjustable seat so they can find the right setup for their body type. While you won’t find an HD touchscreen on the console, you can sync your own device to follow workouts or entertainment. You can also connect many of the best heart rate monitors — or strap on Schwinn’s included band — to keep an eye on your pulse while you pump the pedals.

After getting to know the IC4, certified personal trainer Kate Meier rated its value, adjustability, and ergonomics all 5 out of 5. “For less than $1,000, you’re getting a ton of tech and conveniences — like the water bottle holder, and pair of dumbbells,” she said. Tall techies may be disappointed when they see a 3-inch LCD monitor, but Meier noted that the included media shelf allows riders to follow workouts from their own mobile devices.

During rides, the 40-pound flywheel — 10 pounds heavier than what we consider heavy — allows for smooth transitions between the 100 levels of magnetic resistance. Meier rated its customizations 5 out of 5, noting that there are two ways to adjust resistance. “If it’s uncomfortable to reach down to the resistance knob, you can change it digitally from the LCD monitor,” she pointed out.

Read our full Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Review.

Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Simple Display: Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle

The Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle allows riders up to 6 feet 5 inches to track their metrics via the pedal-activated LCD screen or their own connected device. Once you start pedaling, this user-powered bike roars to life, displaying stats like heart rate, time, and calories burned. 

While the lack of an HD touchscreen may have cost it a point for its tech capabilities and value — both a 4 out of 5 — our tester appreciated the freedom to connect their own device. “The console is smaller than some other high-end bikes I’ve used, but it shows you everything you need,” they said. “And the fact that the tablet holder doesn’t cover it let me see both at the same time.”

[Related: Best Beginner Mountain Bikes]

The four-way adjustable seat and handlebars helped the 1260sc earn a 5 out of 5 for both adjustability and ergonomics, but it was the unique resistance-adjustment mechanism that impressed our tester. “This totally surprised me, but I think I prefer this lever to a regular resistance knob,” they stated. “It changed real quick, and though it makes a clicking noise, it didn’t bother me at all.”

Its rear-flywheel drive may help prolong the life of the bike, as it’s out of the danger zone where sweat droplets and spilled water can splash and lead to corrosion. “Most cycling studios use bikes with rear flywheels for this exact reason,” they explained, rating its durability another 5 out of 5.” They need less maintenance and just create fewer problems over time.” (3)

Best Budget Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: Yosuda YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike

Our pick for the best budget exercise bike for tall riders — the Yosuda YB001R — offers the adjustability to suit tall riders, and it does so a fraction of the cost of most exercise bikes. Most options that have the adjustability taller users need are closer to $1,200 to $2,000. This makes the YB001R a whopping $900 less than the low end of the average range. 

While Yosuda doesn’t list a recommended height range, you can use its inseam height range (25 inches to 35 inches) to glean how you may fit in the saddle. (2) If you measure from the top of your inner thigh to the heel of your foot, make sure that measurement falls within their listed range.

Our tester, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, was happy to note that the YB001R offered some of the same flexibility as more expensive bikes. “I was able to adjust the seat four ways and fit just fine,” they said, rating its adjustability and ergonomics both 3.5 out of 5. “It doesn’t list a recommended height range, but I think even people taller than me would be comfortable, too.”

[Related: The 12 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment of 2024]

Another element that isn’t listed is a number of resistance levels. While this isn’t unheard of on exercise bikes, it means you’ll need to make adjustments based on feel instead of a specific level, which prompted a customizations rating of 3 out of 5 from our tester.

Given its compact footprint — a 4 out of 5 — our tester noted how easy it was to move around the gym. “The wheels are what made it a breeze to move around, plus it’s only 68 pounds,” they said.

For $279.99, our tester thought that being able to support tall riders gave it a lot of value — 3.5 out of 5 — but did note one durability concern. “The frame has been sturdy, but after two or three rides, I could already see some small tears on the seat — not a good sign.” 

They rated its durability 3.5 out of 5. “It may not be someone’s forever bike, but for a quick fix or beginner, this is a great price.”

Read our full Yosuda Exercise Bike Review.

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Tall Riders: NordicTrack Commercial R35

While the NordicTrack R35 doesn’t explicitly list its height range, the sliding adjustable seat helped make it one of the best recumbent bikes we’ve tested. By comparison, the Schwinn 230 is about 4 inches shorter than the R35 and has a recommended height range of 6 feet 6 inches.  We love this model’s  oversized seat, extra-wide pedals, and step-through steel frame, all of which support comfort and accessibility. One of our taller testers — who is also a CrossFit Level 1 trainer — rated its adjustability, customizations, and durability a 4 out of 5.

Whether you’re 4 feet 6 inches or 6 feet 6 inches tall, recumbent bikes offer some benefits that upright bikes can’t. “For people with lower back pain, cycling [on an upright bike] may exacerbate that due to the positioning of the body on the bike,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. (4) “Seniors and individuals with limited mobility may struggle to get on and off of an [upright] bike, in which case a recumbent bike is recommended.” 

[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People (2024)]

Our tester loved the support that the recumbent design offers, especially given their recent ankle surgery. “Following my ankle reconstruction, a recumbent bike was one of these first ways I was able to start exercising again,” they shared. “It feels really low impact and is a good way to stay gently active while doing other things like reading a book or watching TV,” they said.

It also includes a 14-inch HD touchscreen where you can access on-demand cardio, strength, and mobility classes via iFIT. While an iFIT subscription costs an additional $39.99 per month, its dynamic programming earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester. “You can use Google Maps to plot new routes, plus it can auto-adjust the resistance for you, so you don’t have to mess with it during a ride.”

Recumbent bikes are typically larger than upright exercise bikes, but even with the transport wheels, its 192-pound overall weight made it tough for our tester to move around by themselves. “I definitely wouldn’t recommend anyone with an injury moving it around, but I’d probably leave it in one spot regardless,” they said, rating its portability 3.5 out of 5.

Read our Full NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike Review.

Best Exercise Bike for Tall Riders with Peloton: Peloton Bike

No matter how tall the rider, Peloton’s studio class vibes are world-class. Not only can its premium cycling content — a 5 out of 5 from just about all of our testers — get your heart pumping, the bike itself can accommodate riders up to 6 feet 5 inches tall. With a four-way adjustable seat and vertically-adjustable handlebars, most users should be able to find a comfortable riding position. In fact, its adjustability, ergonomics, customizations, and durability all earned a 4 out of 5.

There’s a reason the Peloton Bike has become synonymous with indoor cycling. As BarBend editorial member Randall Colburn attests, the instructors themselves are key to its popularity and effectiveness. “The instructors provide motivation, allow room for adjustments, and routinely make me laugh. I would die for Denis Morton,” he said.

[Related: The 6 Best Exercise Bikes with Virtual Courses]

While you’ll also need to commit to the $44 per month subscription, our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated its value 4.5 out of 5. “The overall riding experience just can’t be beat. Plus, the 21.5-inch screen makes the classes feel that much more immersive,” they said, rating its tech capabilities a 4.5 out of 5.

If you want the full experience, you may need to spring for Delta-compatible cycling shoes, as that’s what Peloton provides. You can, however, swap out the pedals for ones with toe cages or clip-ins for SPD cleats. 

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]

What to Consider Before Buying an Exercise Bike for Tall Riders

For tall riders, knowing what to look for when buying an indoor cycle should start with its adjustability. Check the maximum seat height, handlebar adjustment, and if the bike lists a recommended user height range. After making sure a bike can accommodate your particular height, make sure it aligns with your budget and intended use. 

Seat Height

Since bikes that can’t accommodate your height are unusable — and unworthy! — for you, start by checking the maximum height of the seat stack. Seats often slide forward and backward a few inches, but the seat stack height will indicate how high or low your booty can sit on the bike. Obviously that will indicate the leg length it can accommodate, so find this measurement before looking any further. 

If you’re going to invest in a home gym essential like an exercise bike, make sure you won’t be crunching any vertebrae when you start spinning the pedals. Our tallest tester — 6 feet 3 inches — has tested out most of the bikes we have used, so lean on his experience as you peruse our list.

Adjustable Handlebars

The other major adjustable element on an exercise bike is the handlebars. Some models feature four-way adjustable handlebars, but more commonly, you’ll see options that just raise and lower in about a 6-inch range. Once you find a bike with a seat that lets you comfortably reach the pedals, consider how far you’ll need to reach, as well as your preferred grip — overhand, hook, or extended. (5) 

Your Budget

While the average range of exercise bikes out there is pretty wide — around $600 to $3,000 — most of the models we’ve tested cost between $1,200 to $2,000. While you may be able to save some cash with a budget-friendly bike, these often don’t have the steel frames or seat height ranges to support taller riders. 

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes Under $500]

Once you have a figure in mind, use our price chart to quickly identify the exercise bikes that align with your finances. 

How Much Do the Best Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders Cost?

When you start shopping around for an exercise bike, you can expect to drop anywhere from $600 to $3,000. On average, though, a quality exercise bike will cost you between $1,200 and $2,000. Check out the options we selected for tall riders and see which bikes align with your budget.

We provided a wide range — from $279.99 to $1,799 — in order to accommodate the budgets of as many tall riders as possible. And that is what all of these exercise bikes have in common — they can accommodate taller-than-average users. Of course, you should first ensure that you can comfortably use your bike, but also consider the features and capabilities that distinguish each option.

Models closer to the low end of the price range might eschew fancy HD touchscreens for LCD displays that will track your metrics, but do little else. These options typically include some kind of device holder so you can supply the screen for streaming workouts on Apple Fitness+ or shows on Amazon Prime or Max. On the other hand, you may decide it’s worth the price bump to have an onboard screen and integrated fitness app to connect to WiFi and hop in a studio class or explore rides from around the world.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes for Tall Riders

The major benefit of the bikes we rounded up for this list is that they offer comfortable rides for taller-than-average athletes. As you may have experienced when shopping for new shoes or a suit, tall consumers aren’t always accounted for. Beyond being physically accommodating, these bikes offer a low-impact form of cardio exercise, as well as a way to improve your overall health.

Comfort

If you’ve ever squeezed into a small Uber, or ducked under a low door frame, you may be aware most things are designed for the average user, not the outliers. A huge benefit for exercise bikes for tall riders is the fact that you can get your sweat on in comfort. Adjustable seat heights and handlebars help create some of the best cardio machines for tall users because the physical apparatus can be modified to accommodate you.  

Low-Impact Cardio

For those experiencing chronic back problems or joint issues, finding an appealing form of cardio that doesn’t require you to absorb impact can be a challenge. (6) Climbing aboard an exercise bike that can accommodate your height allows you to reap the benefits of cardio exercise without depending on your knees, ankles, or back to bear the burden of shock absorption. Beyond being an engaging and exciting form of cardio, regular exercise on an indoor cycle can support lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease. (7)

Health Benefits

All the best rowing machines, treadmills, and exercise bikes offer ways to improve your overall health, but the adjustability of indoor cycles make them uniquely positioned to suit the needs of taller users. Beyond the cardiovascular benefits, at least one study has shown that building muscles around joints like the knee can decrease the load on your cartilage. (8)

As our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, laid out, exercise bikes offer myriad health benefits. “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few.” (6)(7)

The benefits of cardiovascular exercise — lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease — have been well-researched, but the specific health benefits of indoor cycling are also plentiful. By itself, indoor cycling can increase your aerobic capacity, but in conjunction with a healthy diet it can help reduce cholesterol and support weight loss without losing muscle mass. (7)

Final Word

To effectively and comfortably enjoy the benefits of cycling, you don’t want to be hunched over the handlebars, putting undue stress on your back and joints. Fortunately, we have come across many exercise bikes for tall riders that can accommodate people up to 6 feet 6 inches. These models open the door for low-impact exercise, allowing users of all heights to access the bounty of health benefits regular cardio offers, like reduced risk of heart disease or lower blood pressure. (7)(9).

While aspects like resistance and build are important for any bike, we paid close attention to the adjustability of the seats and handlebars when we curated our list. You’ll still find the HD touchscreens, fitness app integration, and heavy flywheels. But without a frame large enough to support your frame, these features would be useless. No matter if you’re 4 feet 6 inches or 6 inches tall, these bikes can bring you the engaging indoor cycling experience you’re looking for.

FAQs

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021b, September 10). FASTSTATS – body measurements. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm 
2. CES. (2021, January 14). How to measure inseam for indoor bikes and rowers. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/how-to-measure-inseam-for-indoor-bikes-and-rowers
3. GirlBikeLove. (2023b, October 23). Rear vs. front flywheel exercise bikes: Is there any difference?. YouTube. https://youtu.be/-EsnFy1XGQE 
4. Newman, K., Gibson, K., Zeller, H., Carter, S., and Joyce, B. (July 7, 2009). “Recumbent Exercise Bicycle for Low-Impact Rehabilitation of Obese Individuals.” ASME. J. Med. Devices. June 2009; 3(2): 027516.
5. UK, H.-. (n.d.). What are the main hand positions when riding an exercise bike?. HomeFitnessCode. https://www.homefitnesscode.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-main-hand-positions-when-riding-an-exercise-bike 
6. Dong, X., Li, C., Liu, J., Huang, P., Jiang, G., Zhang, M., Zhang, W., & Zhang, X. (2021). The effect of running on knee joint cartilage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 47, 147–155.
7. Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(8), 452.
8. Sandmeier R. H. (2000). Osteoarthritis and Exercise: Does Increased Activity Wear Out Joints?. The Permanente Journal, 4(4), 26–28.
9. Mersy D. J. (1991). Health benefits of aerobic exercise. Postgraduate medicine, 90(1), 103–112.

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