We’re big on indoor cycling here at Fitness Superstore. We talk about it a lot – and for good reason! Jumping on a stationary bike and getting a sweat on is one of the most effective home workouts, great for burning calories, building stamina, hitting personal bests and, most importantly, having fun while doing it.

Investing in the right bike for you is an important first step into the home cycling world, but what if you’re new to the cycling community, and aren’t sure what distinguishes a racer from an upright? Here’s what you need to know…

Styling

The most obvious difference between a racer (also known as Spin® bikes or studio bikes) and an upright bike is the aesthetics. It’s easy to visually tell them apart – a racer has an exposed flywheel at the front or rear of the bike, often with racing-style handlebars and slimline seat. An upright bike usually favours an oversized saddle for more comfort (it’s recommended to stay in the saddle on these) and a larger frame that’s covered for extra protection.

Flywheel

The general rule is the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride. Traditionally sporting flywheels on the heavier side, racers are considered the closest thing you can get to real on-road cycling. They need more momentum to keep moving, and are ideally suited to high intensity cycling sessions or studio classes.

Upright bikes usually keep their flywheel covered and hidden within their mechanical system. They’re often lighter in comparison, meaning they can’t generate as much speed or momentum as the flywheel in a racer bike.

Riding Position

With multiple handlebar and saddle positions, options and adjustments, racer bikes will have you leaning forward much further than you would on a normal upright. They’re designed to emulate a racing road bike, placing you in the best position for intense rides in or out of the saddle.

Regular uprights are designed to actively avoid slouching, promoting good posture as you pedal. As the name suggests, you sit in a more upright position, with higher handlebars to reduce leaning but slightly less adjustment.  

Technology

Want to experience spin® classes in your own home? Most modern studio bikes come with compatibility to a leading fitness app where you can follow along with experienced trainers and push yourself further than if you were cycling alone. Some racers include impressive touchscreens fixed to the frame for easy class viewing – like the NordicTrack S22i – while others display their metrics on a small LCD (but often include a tablet holder, like the best-selling Schwinn IC8).

Upright bikes are similar in their display offerings and technology, with the majority of new models able to connect to fitness apps, albeit apps with less of an emphasis on intensity and more focused on immersive global rides. 

Seemingly spoilt for choice, the number of different models and makes of racer bikes and upright bikes can seem slightly overwhelming, but understanding what type of exercise you want to do should make your decision when it comes to choosing a bike somewhat easier. Don’t forget, you can try any of our exercise bikes on display in any of our stores across the UK to be sure you’re picking the right bike for you!