Written by Kristy

We purchased a Gravdel Upright Exercise Bike back in February of this year (2021). We grabbed it during a sale for a bargain price of under $300 (it’s currently only $259!!). There were several bikes that we were considering, all at the same price point. To be honest, we ended up choosing this one because the colors matched the other equipment in our home-gym area (tell me I’m not alone in doing this 😉 ) It has proven to be a wise investment so far!

We have been riding for almost three months now. By “we” I mean myself and my eight year old daughter. My husband tried it out after he assembled it. The bike fit him (he is 6’2” and solid) but it with his work schedule that does not fit his exercise ambitions. Nonetheless, we are all quite happy with the bike for a multitude of reasons.

For example, it is really quiet. This pleases my husband because, after working all day, he does not hear me when I am on it, pedaling away. (May also be good for mamas trying to squeeze in a workout while their little ones nap too!) Zoe enjoyed it during the cold, snowy February and March Michigan months. She was able to burn off some energy while staying warm and dry. Our “gym” is in the basement so we take turns on the different equipment. Due to its lightweight build and wheels, it would be fairly simple to move out of the way if it is being used in a high-traffic or more visible area.

Because it was relatively inexpensive for an exercise bike, we did not feel bad customizing it. We used a marker to indicate where the seat’s height needs to be for each of us, making it super-fast and easy to adjust, depending on who is using it. We decided to the LCD fitness monitor that is positioned above the cellphone holder so that we were able to rig a board to the cellphone shelf to better secure whatever device we use (iPad, etc.) Zoe likes to watch scenic YouTube videos of bike paths as she rides. Our “modified shelf” has been a quick and cheap addition to the bike…and I may or may-not have written inspirational quotes on it to encourage myself. 

So now let’s talk about the infamous Peleton bike for a moment, just for comparison. Did you know their bike is around $2,000!  Per this article, the initial price was $1,200. The company’s CEO believed that consumers relate a higher price to a higher quality and they were able to successfully raise the cost. 

The Peloton bike does offer more features, a major one being the touchscreen interactive monitor.  The monitor allows users to compete with other members, select scenic bike rides and track their progress as part of a membership. This membership costs $39 per month and is required for at least a year. The membership alone costs more than my Amazon bike! Cha-ching. $$$$

Why am I bringing Peloton into my personal review of an Amazon bike?  One, to show the HUGE price difference of the bikes.  Two, because the Peleton app is a game-changer, in regard to at-home-exercising, in my opinion. For $12.99 per month, you can access the Peleton app. Anyone can purchase the app, it is not exclusively for Peleton members. As I type this, they are offering a one-month free trial. The app has many exercise classes that do not require an exercise bike but,  because I have the Gravdel bike, I have obviously taken several cycle classes – and I LOVE them.

Unrelated, but my daughter recently broke her arm. It was a stressful evening and all I wanted to do after she was settled was get on my bike and take a class. The app offers so many options, a low impact ride was exactly what I needed to decompress.

There are some accommodations to make when using the app on a non-Peleton bike. For example, you need to track your own cadence (speed) and resistance (the Gravdel bike does have an adjustable tension/resistance knob). These are minor issues that allow us to save thousands while still enjoying a fun exercise class in the convenience of home.

Prior to downloading the app, I still enjoyed the bike (although now I LOVE it).  I would watch TV while riding, scroll social media or listen to an audiobook. It can be a mindless, quiet form of exercise. It is important to – quickly – learn that the emergency brake is located on the resistance knob.  This is handy to know because the pedals can move too fast to stop without it. 

There is a water bottle holder attached to the bike; however, our bike is next to a shelf so I can keep a coffee on it (anyone else like coffee when the exercise?) and hand weights for easy accessibility. The seat is comfortable enough. I am under the impression most people buy padded biking shorts regardless of the bike.  The pedals have toe cages but you can buy upgraded pedals separately  if you want the “clip in” style.  And for those who do not want to buy the Peleton app, YouTube has many free classes and scenic rides. 

Overall, I am extremely happy with this purchase. It may be one of my favorite buys of the year so far (thanks Simply Sales!) For anyone interested in my personal results from the bike, I am someone who exercises daily. Because of this, my “activity level” has not increased; therefore, I have not noticed too many physical differences.  What I have noticed is my attitude towards exercising.  I get excited to start a new class and “show up” more than I thought I would. There have been days where I have taken more than one class.

Bottom line, if you were considering one, I recommend it! It’s been a good ride so far.