Monark Exercise Bikes Comparison Chart
Monark is a global leader in ergometers and testing bikes, trusted in clinical environments, universities, and sports performance labs. Their designs are built around precision workloads, durable Swedish engineering, and accurate measurement tools used for everything from submaximal fitness testing to professional Wingate testing. The lineup ranges from simple ergomedic bikes like the 818E to fully specialized anaerobic test units like the 894E.
Whether you need a dependable cardio ergometer, an electronically controlled testing bike, or a lab-grade Wingate ergometer, Monark’s range offers options for every application. The chart below breaks down the differences between each model so you can quickly compare consoles, resistance systems, connectivity capabilities, user weight limits, and intended use.
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Monark 818E Ergomedic Fitness Bike
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Monark 828E Ergomedic Microfit Robobike Bike
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Monark 839E Electronic Test Bike w/o Console
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Monark Exercise 874E Ergomedic Exercise Bike
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Monark 894E Anaerobic Wingate Ergometer
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Ergomedic |
Ergomedic |
Electronic Ergometer |
Ergomedic |
Anaerobic Wingate Ergometer |
| Console Type | Novo Mini-Display |
Basic LCD Display |
Basic LCD Display |
Basic LCD Display |
LCD Console |
| Electronic Readouts | KP, Watts, RPM, GIH and more |
RPM, heart rate, time, speed, distance, calorie consumption, and power |
Distance, Energy, Force, Power, Time, Pedal Speed |
Distance, Energy, Force, Power, Time, Pedal Speed |
Distance, Energy, Force, Power, Time, Pedal Speed |
| Resistance System | Pendulum |
Pendulum |
Pendulum |
Weight basket |
Weight basket |
| Olympic Bar Holder | Yes (Pair) |
Yes (Pair) |
Yes (Pair) |
No |
No |
| Flywheel | Unknown |
48 lbs (21.8 kg) |
48 lbs (21.8 kg) |
44 lbs (20 kg) |
44 lbs (20 kg) |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | N/A |
ANT+ and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) protocols, enabling the use of chest belts for heart-rate monitoring |
Heart rate measured with telemetry type or with ear sensor |
Heart rate is monitored via telemetry-based chest belt |
Equipped to measure heartrate via chestbelt |
| Connectivity | N/A |
ANT+ - (FE-C (Fitness Equipment Controls) BLE - (FTMS (Fitness Machine Service) |
RS232 |
N/A |
RS232 |
| Protective Flywheel Cover | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Adjustable Brake Power | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Adjustable Seat | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Adjustable Handle Bars | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wheels for easy transportation | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Power Source | Self-Powered, Cordless, Requires 2-4 AA batteries |
Self Powered, Cordless. Requires 2-4 AA batteries to power console |
AC 110V-220V | 50/60Hz and 2 AA batteries in display |
Self Powered, Cordless. Requires 2-4 AA batteries. |
AC 110V-220V | 50/60Hz |
| Certifications | Unknown |
Unknown |
Unknown |
EU directive 93/42/EU class IIa |
ISO 9001:2008 CE 93/42/EEC MDD Class IIa |
| Machine Weight | Unknown |
115 lbs (52.2 kg) |
123 lbs (55.8 kg) |
127 lbs (57.6 kg) |
143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Maximum User Weight | Unknown |
550 lbs (249.4 kg) |
275 lbs (124.7 kg) |
550 lbs (249.4 kg) |
276 lbs (125 kg) |
| Dimensions | 45" L x 22" W x 45" H (114.3 cm x 55.9 cm x 114.3 cm) |
44" L x 21" W x 44.5" H (111.8 cm x 53.3 cm x 113 cm) |
44" L x 21" W x 45" H (111.8 cm x 53.3 cm x 114.3 cm) |
44" L x 21" W x 44.5" H (111.8 cm x 53.3 cm x 113 cm) |
44" L x 20" W x 51" H (112 cm x 51.7 cm x 129.5 cm) |
| Height at Handlebar | Unknown |
35" - 44.5" (89 cm - 113 cm) |
30" - 45" (76 cm - 113.5 cm) |
37" - 51" (94.5 cm - 129.5 cm) |
37" - 51" (94.5 cm - 129.5 cm) |
| Height at Seat | Unknown |
31.5" - 44" (80 cm x 112 cm) |
31.5" - 44" (80 cm x 112 cm) |
30.7" - 43.5" (78 cm - 110.5 cm) |
30.7" - 43.5" (78 cm - 110.5 cm) |
| Width at Handlebar | Unknown |
21" (53 cm) |
21" (53 cm) |
20.4" (51.7 cm) |
20.4" (51.7 cm) |
| Width at Support Tubes | Unknown |
18" (46 cm) |
18" (46 cm) |
25" (64 cm) |
25" (64 cm) |
| Bottom Bracket | 68/122 mm |
68/122 mm |
68/122 mm |
68/122 mm |
68/122 mm |
| Crank | Steel, 170 mm |
Steel, 170 mm |
Steel, 170 mm |
Steel, 170 mm |
Steel, 170 mm |
| Pedals | 9/16”, pedals with foot straps |
9/16”, pedals with foot straps |
9/16”, pedals with foot straps |
9/16”, pedals with foot straps |
Which Monark Bike Should You Buy?
- Best for General Fitness & Baseline Testing: Monark 818E A straightforward ergometer with pendulum-based resistance and simple readouts. Ideal for schools, rehab settings, and basic training assessments.
- Best for Connected Testing Environments: Monark 828E If you want wireless heart-rate monitoring, ANT+/BLE support, and broader data capture, the 828E is a major upgrade over the 818E.
- Best for Research & External Control: Monark 839E This model offers electronic resistance with RS232 connectivity—perfect for labs using software protocols, external control systems, or VO2 analysis tools.
- Best for Medical & Clinical Applications: Monark 874E Certified to EU medical standards and equipped with a high-precision weight basket. Designed for rehab clinics, hospitals, and controlled performance testing.
- Best for Anaerobic Power Testing: Monark 894E The industry standard for Wingate testing. If you’re evaluating peak power, fatigue index, or sprint capacity, this is the model you buy.
Try the full Monark lineup in our Benicia, CA showroom or explore detailed specs and availability online.
FAQs
Are Monark bikes accurate enough for professional testing?
Yes. Monark is one of the most trusted ergometer brands worldwide, with models specifically designed for lab-grade accuracy.
What is the main difference between pendulum and weight-basket resistance?
Pendulum systems are easier to use daily, but weight-basket systems provide the most precise workload application—essential for clinical and anaerobic tests.
Which models support modern app or sensor connectivity?
The 828E supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth FTMS, making it the most adaptable for external sensors.
Is the 894E only for Wingate tests?
No—but Wingate is its specialty. It can be used for other sprint tests requiring precise, high-load resistance.
Do Monark bikes require external power?
Most are self-powered. The 839E and 894E require AC power due to their electronic systems.