Introduction
When you live in a small apartment, you don’t want your workout gear taking up half the living room. The good news is that this article will go over the best compact exercise bikes for apartments. They fold, roll, or even fit under your desk — all while giving you an efficient, low-impact cardio workout.
The best part? Unlike treadmills, compact exercise bikes for apartments are whisper-quiet, making them a smart choice for upstairs neighbors or late-night workouts. In this guide, we’ll compare the top compact bikes in 2025 for different budgets and living situations. Now, let’s dive into the best compact exercise bikes for apartments.
Quick Picks
- Best overall compact bike: Schwinn 170 Upright Bike – sturdy, small footprint, 25 resistance levels.
- Best folding budget bike: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright – under $200, folds in half, lightweight.
- Best under-desk option: DeskCycle 2 – ultra-compact, fits under desks, near silent.
Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Dimensions | Best For | Price/Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwinn 170 Upright | Upright bike | 41” L x 21” W x 55” H | Overall performance | Check Price |
| Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic | Folding bike | 22” L x 20” W x 55” H (folded) | Budget apartments | Check Price |
| DeskCycle 2 | Under-desk bike | 24” L x 20” W x 10” H | Work-from-home users | Check Price |
1. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike – Best Overall
The Schwinn 170 offers the best balance of compact design, stability, and features. Despite its small footprint, it delivers 25 levels of magnetic resistance, a comfortable seat, and even Bluetooth connectivity for fitness apps. All of this makes it one of the best compact exercise bikes for apartments.
- Dimensions: 41” L x 21” W x 55” H
- Resistance: 25 levels magnetic
- Noise: Very quiet, perfect for apartments
2. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright – Best Folding Budget Bike
If you’re tight on both space and budget, the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright is a winner. It costs under $200 and folds up to about half its footprint, making it easy to tuck into a closet or corner. All of this makes it one of the best compact exercise bikes for apartments
- Dimensions: 22” L x 20” W x 55” H (folded)
- Resistance: 8 levels magnetic
- Noise: Quiet, neighbor-friendly
3. DeskCycle 2 – Best Under-Desk Compact Bike
The DeskCycle 2 is an under-desk bike designed for apartments and offices. At just 24” long and 10” tall, it slides under most desks and lets you pedal while working. Resistance is smooth and silent, and it’s perfect for sneaking in extra activity during your day. All of this makes it one of the best compact exercise bikes for apartments
- Dimensions: 24” L x 20” W x 10” H
- Resistance: 8 magnetic levels
- Noise: Whisper quiet
Apartment Exercise Bike Buying Guide
1. Upright vs Folding vs Under-Desk
- Upright bikes feel most like a gym bike, usually sturdier.
- Folding bikes save the most space, great for closets or corners.
- Under-desk bikes are the smallest and great for WFH setups.
2. Noise Considerations
Magnetic bikes are almost silent, making them perfect for apartment living. Avoid fan-based resistance bikes if noise is a concern.
3. Storage & Portability
If you’re in a studio, go folding. If you have a home office, an under-desk bike might be the smartest choice.
FAQs
Q: Are exercise bikes quieter than treadmills?
Yes — magnetic resistance bikes like the Schwinn 170 are nearly silent compared to treadmills.
Q: Can a folding bike still give a good workout?
Absolutely. Models like the Exerpeutic Folding Bike have adjustable resistance levels that deliver solid cardio sessions.
Q: What’s the smallest exercise bike for apartments?
The DeskCycle 2 is just 24” long, making it one of the smallest and most compact bikes available.
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Conclusion
The best compact exercise bikes for apartments give you gym-quality cardio without stealing your floor space.
- Choose the Schwinn 170 if you want a durable upright with tons of features.
- Pick the Exerpeutic Folding Bike if you’re on a budget and need something that folds away.
- Go for the DeskCycle 2 if you want a compact bike that fits under your desk.
No matter your budget or space, there’s a compact bike here that will fit your apartment lifestyle and keep you active in 2025.
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