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The Pro V9 is a portable stationary bike with a desk attachment perfect for multitasking. Learn more about the FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro V9 in this review.
Updated: March 29, 2024
The FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro V9 is a desk and bike all in one. It’s an exercise bike with an attached screen that provides a light to medium amount of resistance. It is ideal for working with a laptop or paper and pencil. The FlexiSpot Deskcise is more than just an under-desk product. It has its own attached desk and provides more resistance so you can actually get a dedicated workout in after your work is complete. In this review of the FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro V9, I’ll give my feedback on how well the Deskcise performs and ideas on how it can be used.
The FlexiSpot Deskcise has a nice construction with one major flaw. The battery compartment is located underneath the silicone pad in the cup holder. I don’t like the idea of batteries accidentally getting wet. Otherwise, the FlexiSpot Deskcise is a well-built product. It performs well for its intended use. I think there are a few limitations to its design, like the stability of the desktop. However, I don’t think the FlexiSpot Deskcise is intended to replace a full-size desk or a true exercise bike, so I can’t knock it too much for its limitations.
The FlexiSpot Deskcise is mostly plastic. While I typically look for sturdier materials in exercise equipment, the Deskcise feels supportive enough. The plastic keeps it lightweight for better portability. It is also more affordable, under $500. The bike can support a maximum user weight of up to 300 lbs. The height range is reported as 5’1” to 6’2”. I’m 5’4”, and I did not have the bike on its lowest setting. Our shorter and taller users generally agreed with the height range FlexiSpot provided. While shorter or taller users could use the FlexiSpot, it may not be very comfortable for extended use.
The FlexiSpot has four transport wheels. This allows it to roll around easily. It weighs 89 lbs as it comes shipped. It’s super easy to roll around, so you don’t have to have a dedicated spot for it. However, I would suggest finding a dedicated storage spot for when you aren’t using it, so you aren’t pushing it around constantly.
The saddle is oversized, but it’s firm. The raised bumps on the saddle are not very comfortable. I understand what FlexiSpot was going for, but they could have used something a lot more padded. I recommend getting a padded cover for the saddle if you want to train for long stretches. I had no problems using the FlexiSpot for short stints, thankfully.
The saddle’s height is adjustable. It is a pneumatic seat, so you can sit on it while adjusting the height. As a result, it’s a bit challenging to lower the saddle when you aren’t sitting on it. You cannot adjust the saddle forward and backward.
The FlexiSpot Deskcise’s saddle and desk positioning make it more accessible than a high school desk but not by much.
You can adjust the desk forward and backward as well as up and down. The adjustability lets you use the desk as a standing desk, too, if you want.
The desk space isn’t the largest. You can store a laptop and a few other belongings on top before running out of room. It’s pretty comparable to the desk space that you would use in high school. I measured the desk to be about 19 inches long and 22 inches wide. You can’t store a desktop monitor on the Deskcise. If you have a lot of books and notebooks you need to look through simultaneously, this isn’t a great option. For many users, it will be a good option for a small space or in addition to a larger office setup.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say the desktop is flimsy. I didn’t think my belongings were in danger of toppling off at any time, but I would be hesitant to put too many heavy items on the FlexiSpot. Again, think high school desk capacity. The width tapers toward the front so it is not a perfect rectangle.
The pedals are a little small, but they are a grippy silicone. They functioned well, but I don’t like how dirty they became so quickly. A darker color or material would have been a better choice for users who are wearing shoes. If you are using the Deskcise at home without shoes on, this soft material is a lot more comfortable than other bike pedals for long-term use.
There are 8 resistance levels. I like levels 2 through 4 for active pedaling while working. Level 1 is super easy. Essentially, you are pedaling without any resistance at this level. It’s comfortable for lazy pedaling while working. It makes it much easier to continue moving and working at the same time. I like this setting for when I really need to concentrate on work. I previously tested the LifeSpan Ampera and found its lowest setting too challenging to concentrate effectively on my work for more than 20 minutes or so.
The highest level, 8, is more challenging than I expected for this bike. You could get a workout in on the FlexiSpot. The only limitation is the lack of handles. I had a little more trouble building up speed at the higher levels without handlebars to grab. The desktop doesn’t feel sturdy enough for the force generated by pedaling at this level.
The resistance adjusts with a dial on the frame. It’s not hard to reach, but it is a little harder to turn than I expected.
The FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro V9 doesn’t need a ton of features or accessories. When I talked about the Deskcise with other reviewers, I found that the additional things we wished the desk bike had would compromise other benefits of the bike. For example, we wanted more storage, but the bulkier and heavier the Deskcise becomes, the less portable and versatile it becomes.
The Deskcise’s screen and console are very simple. The screen shows you time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and rpms. It can also be set to scan through these metrics. There is one button below the screen to scroll through these options and set the screen to scan. The screen does not light up, so it is not easy to see in low lighting.
There is one cup holder on the FlexiSpot. It would not be a good option for open containers because the battery compartment is in the base and it is possible to hit your drink with your legs while pedaling. I like the silicone pad that provides traction for your bottle.
The desk has a firm cushion strip along the edge nearest to you. It’s about two and a half inches wide. I really like this feature. It feels super comfortable to rest my wrists and forearms on while typing. In fact, I’m doing so right now! This feature feels so thoughtful that I forgot that the desktop is just hollow plastic; it feels more premium than that. I could also kind of grip this raise padded section like handlebars when I was doing a workout on the FlexiSpot Deskcise.
The FlexiSpot Deskcise is a product I think I’m going to use more than I thought. It’s also a product that I will be recommending to the teachers in my life. The FlexiSpot is so quiet and fun to use that I think it would be minimally disruptive and fun to use in a classroom setting.
I like that the FlexiSpot helps me move while not distracting from my work. It feels easier to sustain than other under-desk bikes and under-desk treadmills. I also find it easier to keep up for a long time than standing.
I would like to see FlexiSpot make a few variations of this bike. I would like a variation that is sturdier for larger users. I also think an under-desk bike would be great; just take off the desk attachment so I can use it with the standing desk I already have.
I’m happy with the Deskcise’s performance.
There aren’t any training programs on the FlexiSpot Deskcise. I don’t think it needs them. But, you can use this bike to follow along with third-party training services.
I actually did a Peloton workout on the FlexiSpot, and it performed surprisingly well. It’s not going to hold up to more experienced indoor cyclist’s use, but for an intermediate user like me who is mainly cross-training for another sport, it’s pretty good.
You can’t stand up and pedal the FlexiSpot, but it does hold up well even at 100 rpm or more. When cycling with Peloton or other training services that use a scale, I just matched the resistance level to the first digit of the service’s resistance level. So, level 40 on the Peloton bike was level 4 for me. Or, level 87 is level 8 or 9.
