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Quick Summary
DeskCycle is a portable under-desk cycle that uses magnetic resistance with a precision-balanced flywheel to provide super-quiet and ultra-smooth operation at any resistance level. With large pedals and adjustable Velcro straps, it’s comfortable to use. DeskCycle offers a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints. The low to high 8 resistance settings allow users to customize DeskCycle according to their workout goals.
It has a removable LCD screen to track your real-time activity, an online calorie counter, and Fitbit compatible. Users can easily track fitness progress at a glance with the help of a display stand. Compact size fits under the office desk with ease and is easy to store anywhere. DeskCycle is a convenient cardio solution designed for active seniors, physical therapy, and workplace fitness. This mini pedal exerciser promotes an active lifestyle for people of all ages.
- Magnetic resistance for ultra-quiet operation
- Personalized intensity exercises
- Large pedals that are easy to use
- Wide adjustable Velcro straps can fit different feet sizes
- Setting the resistance level only by hand
- LCD needs regular changing of batteries
Detailed Review
DeskCycle is a pedal exerciser designed to exercise at work. Seating for long hours can cause obesity, poor blood circulation, high-stress levels, and low energy. DeskCycle can help you burn calories, improve mood, reduce stress level, boost energy, enhances legs mobility, and improve overall health. Active circulation increases your blood flow while improving focus and productivity while being seated for a long duration.
DeskCycle under desk bike comes with magnetic resistance for a whisper-quiet and smooth operation. The precision high-inertia flywheel keeps the pedal moving at a smooth pace. There are 8 resistance levels to choose from via the easy tension control knob. You can adjust the resistance from low to high by rotating the knob; 1-2 warm-up, 3-4 light cardio and rehab, 5-6 endurance training, 7-8 muscular toning. This sturdy DeskCycle measures 24 x 20 x 10” and features high-impact plastic and steel construction.
The 6-function LCD tracks RPM, speed, distance, time, scan, and online calorie counter during use. The portable high-quality exercise bike has the lowest pedal height; only 10” at the highest point to work with your office desk that’s as low as 27”. In addition to smooth and quiet pedal motion, it also offers bidirectional stride motion. You can pedal forward or backward to work opposite muscle groups.
Health Benefits
Not only user-friendly, but DeskCycle also has many health benefits. This mini workout machine keeps your legs active while seated and stimulates blood circulation. Furthermore, you can again do exercises for arms and shoulders at home with this DeskCycle. Healthy and smooth pedal motion allows for low-impact cycling that’s easy on the joints. This is why it’s ideal for elderly use and recovery exercise after surgery. Besides, the wide 20” front leg eliminates rocking; it’s very stable.
The large LCD monitor is easy to read from the top and tracks distance, time, speed, strides, and calories burned. Thanks to the LCD stand included in the package, the user can place the removable display anywhere on the desk directly. We like its compact and portable design that comfortably fits under any desk. This makes it great for people to exercise anywhere at any time of the day. Furthermore, it’s easy to store, weighing just 23lbs.
Lastly, you control the machine. There’s no need to plug-in into an electrical outlet to operate DeskCycle. You can quickly achieve health and fitness goals.
What we liked
What’s best about the DeskCycle exercise bike is that it offers a convenient solution to stay active without going to the gym. It’s a great way to keep your feet moving while seated at the home, office, school, or any other place. You can burn calories while working, watching TV, talking on the phone, etc. It’s always lovely to exercise from the comfort of your couch or office chair, sofa-friendly fitness!
Another great thing about DeskCycle is its ultra-quiet operation, thanks to touch-less magnetic resistance. It won’t disturb your coworkers or the people around you. Unlike other mini pedal exercisers in the market, this DeskCycle has a wide resistance range with 8 levels that offer two times more challenging power. This lets you do personalized intensity exercises. Plus, it’s easy to use and glides very smoothly. This means all age groups can benefit from DeskCycle.
Then there are large pedals that are easy to locate and comfortable to use. The wide adjustable Velcro straps can fit different feet sizes. We appreciate this feature as it allows you to pedal naked feet or to wear shoes. Double weighted keeps pedal facing upwards so you can easily insert your feet.
What could be better?
Although DeskCycle large pedals have adjustable Velcro straps with a weighted base, the surface isn’t 100% non-slip. Molded finger grips on the pedal design could’ve been a better addition for achieving a perfect grip. This ergonomic pedal design is more convenient for both leg and arm exercises. Unlike other under-desk machines, DeskCycle pedals also lack fluid pedal motion. Plus, the 2 AA battery-powered LCD needs regular changing of batteries when used daily for extended periods.
To adjust the tension while pedaling, the user has to bend down for setting the resistance level by hand via rotating the tension knob. To offer hands-free adjustment, other portable under-desk elliptical machines use foot-shifters that allow for simple tension settings.
Deskcycle vs. Deskcycle 2 vs. Deskcycle Eclipse
The first two, DeskCycle and DeskCycle 2, may look similar to you, but the latter is the new, improved model with upgraded features. It has a larger display with 160 hours of activity instead of 100 hours of real-time metrics display with DeskCycle. Furthermore, you get an adjustable pedal height option 9-10” with DeskCycle 2 to get more desk clearance. DeskCycle has a fixed 10” pedal height and weighs 23lbs, whereas DeskCycle 2 measures 22.9 x 11.5 x 11.1” and weighs 24.75lbs. Magnetic resistance levels, real-time tracking, pedals, and quiet operation are identical for both under desk bikes.
Moreover, both have a low-profile design to offer a low-impact workout experience. All you have to do is slide feet onto the pedals with adjustable straps and achieve a 10” stride length smoothly.
Deskcycle Eclipse has a different design that’s only to be used while sitting only. It has 17” long and 6” wide pedals with no straps that allow users to place feet anywhere freely. This compact machine measures 23 x 18 x 10” that makes it suitable to work under a desk as low as 24”. The Eclipse is 5lbs heavier than DeskCycle and DeskCycle 2.
You can bump up the workout intensity as you cycle through 8 magnetic tension levels. All these three deskCycle under-desk machines increase blood circulation, joint motion while improves lower body muscular endurance. However, Deskcycle Eclipse doesn’t offer any upper body exercise and is designed explicitly for under-desk usage. On the other hand, DeskCycle and DeskCycle 2 can be used on a desk-level surface to engage upper body muscle groups as you pedal forwards or backward with your arms.
Our verdict
If you’re looking for an easy way to stay more active to work or home while you answer, respond to emails, writing, reading, or even TV, DeskCycle is an excellent option. It’s a mini exercise bike that can easily fit under the desk or front of your couch. One can get healthy without interrupting your schedule. Whisper-quiet operation lets you use it in any office setting.
A great item for all fitness enthusiasts!
- Magnetic resistance for ultra-quiet operation
- Personalized intensity exercises
- Large pedals that are easy to use
- Wide adjustable Velcro straps can fit different feet sizes
- Setting the resistance level only by hand
- LCD needs regular changing of batteries
The article has been researched & compiled by the Editorial F5F Team, a group of experienced fitness & health writers.