Indoor cycling bikes and upright bikes both build strength and endurance in a rider; they provide good workouts without heavily affecting the joints, hips and knees; and they're great for home gyms. But despite the similarities between the two, there are some differences.
Comfort
An indoor cycling bike is designed to mimic a road bike, so you're able to adjust the seats and handlebars to a customized position to simulate the position of riding a road bike. Upright bikes are designed to be more comfortable for the rider with wider seats that can typically only be moved forward and back, and can sometimes even recline.
Intensity
If you're riding an indoor cycling bike, you can manually control the intensity of the workout at any given moment through the use of a resistance knob attached to the bike's flywheel. Riders of upright bikes are typically limited to the built-in programs on the bike that automatically adjust tension to simulate various types of terrain.
Riders
Upright stationary bikes are typically designed for riders with low back pain who need a low-impact aerobic exercise that doesn't put too much strain on the back. Indoor cycling bikes, on the other hand, are generally designed for specialized cyclists who can't train outdoors or for group indoor cycling classes held at fitness facilities.
Flywheel
Most stationary upright bikes contain a flywheel that moves even when the pedals are not. An indoor cycling bike has a weighted flywheel, controlled by the rider, that allows for momentum and resistance during the ride. It's much like a road bike.
Range of Movement
Because an indoor cycling bike is built to withstand standing out of the seat, these bikes work a fuller range of muscles than an upright stationary bike because you can perform exercises in and out of the seat. A stationary bike is designed for the rider to stay in the seat, which limits exercise options.
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