Seatless Exercise Bike Promises Full-Body Workout Comfort

Getting fit just got a lot more comfortable, thanks to a Montana inventor who threw out the rulebook on exercise bikes.

Marty Williams, an outdoor gear designer, created the Cardio Speeder after studying how British racing legends Graeme Obree and Chris Boardman shattered speed records in the 1990s. Their secret? A radical body position that engaged far more than just their legs.

The bike eliminates the seat entirely, suspending riders over a steel frame in what Williams calls a "procumbent" position. This setup engages arm, shoulder, and core muscles for a complete, high-intensity workout that traditional stationary bikes simply can't match.

But here's the real win: no more saddle soreness. Anyone who's endured a long cycling session knows the discomfort of pressing against a bike seat for extended periods. The Cardio Speeder solves that problem by removing the seat altogether.

The design also helps people with limited mobility. Without a top tube or seat tube to climb over, getting on and off becomes much easier for less-nimble users.

The bike accommodates riders from 5 to over 6 feet tall and offers four different riding positions. It includes a 50-pound flywheel, adjustable resistance, hip and elbow pads, and a Bluetooth display that connects to popular apps like Zwift. The frame supports riders up to 300 pounds.

The Bright Side

This innovation shows how looking backward can move us forward. Williams took inspiration from 1990s cycling innovations and adapted them for everyday fitness enthusiasts who want better results without the pain.

The Cardio Speeder proves that exercise equipment doesn't have to follow conventional wisdom. Sometimes the best solution means questioning what we've always accepted as necessary, like whether a bike really needs a seat at all.

The bike is currently available through Kickstarter with pledges starting at $1,120. Williams previously cancelled an earlier campaign to offer a lower price and ensure the product would be ready to ship immediately after funding.

More comfortable workouts that engage your whole body sound like a win worth standing up for.