Size
Before purchasing one of these machines, be sure to check out the dimensions of the product itself, and compare that with the height of the desk you plan to place it under to ensure it will fit.
Design and Weight
It’s important to pay attention to the design of an under-desk bike. “One of the biggest complains I hear from patients is that the structure is flimsy, or the machine shifts forward a lot when they place their feet in,” says Malpelli. Look to see if the machine comes with a non-slip pad, an anchoring strap, or choose one that weighs more so it stays put.
Also, if you’re looking to use the bike for lower and upper body workouts, be sure to purchase one that can do both. “Be sure to position the machine correctly, too, otherwise you’ll just be reinforcing bad posture,” says Malpelli.
Noise Level
Under desk bikes are a good option for those who sit at a desk all day. But if you’re planning on using the machine during work—especially while taking phone calls—you’ll want to make sure you choose one that isn’t too noisy. Otherwise, you may end up purchasing it and not using it if the noise level is loud and distracting.
