Best Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes, sometimes referred to as stationary exercise bikes, provide a convenient way to work out without traveling to the gym or bearing the outdoor elements. More compact than most gym equipment, exercise bikes are ideal for smaller spaces yet offer multiple intensity levels. They’re also great for anyone with joint pain because they provide a lower-impact workout than other common exercises like running or jumping.

In this post, we’re breaking down the various types of indoor cycling bikes and the benefits they can offer those who use them. We’re also discussing the different things to consider when shopping for a new exercise bike so that you can choose the best one for you.

Best Exercise Bike of 2023

Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is an indoor exercise bike ideal for those who want to feel the real thing. The bike’s flex frame simulates the movement and feel of an outdoor cycle, giving the rider a natural and comfortable feel.

The S22i Studio Cycle has a footprint of 55 inches by 21.9 inches. Riders will enjoy an ultra-smooth and quiet ride due to the expert-engineered inertia-enhanced flywheel, outfitted with SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance, creating a quiet, smooth experience. An ergonomic padded saddle can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, while the non-slip handlebar has multiple positions to suit different riders. This exercise bike features 24 digital resistance levels, a 20-percent live incline, 10-percent live decline control, and a 22-inch rotating HD smart touch screen.

This exercise bike comes with NordicTrack’s unique iFit, an interactive personal training experience. The iFit trainers host live workouts from studios and scenic locales worldwide. The Automatic Trainer Control lets your iFit trainer adjust your resistance, incline, and decline in real time so you can get the maximum out of your workout.

Additionally, riders can access other workouts, such as strength training, using the included 3-pound dumbbells to get more of a full-body workout.

The S22i Studio Cycle includes one-year iFit Family Membership, a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. Buyers can shop online and enjoy a 30-day return policy.

Specs

Dimensions: 55.0″ L X 29.1″ W X 56.9″ H.

Weight: 203 pounds

22” 360° Rotating Smart HD Touchscreen

3 Reasons To Buy It

• This indoor bike has a 2-year parts warranty and a 1-year labor warranty.
• It comes with three-pound dumbbells.
• This bike’s flex frame simulates the movement and feels of an outdoor cycle.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• It’s a heavy bike and not the cheapest exercise bike.

Most Affordable Exercise Bike: Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

The Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike mixes intuitive design with affordability. Its straightforward design keeps your focus on your workout without all the distractions of fancy, over-the-top features.

Adjustable, padded handlebars and a padded, contoured adjustable seat keep riders comfortable. A high-speed, high-inertia drive system allows for easy start-up and a quiet ride. This indoor bike is built for convenience, with a charging USB port, MP3 input, and an adjustable three-speed fan built-in.

This exercise bike comes with a variety of options for a dynamic workout. A total of 25 computer-controlled resistance levels and 29 programs are displayed via the DualTrack two-blue backlit LCD screen. Riders can keep track of time, distance, and calorie goals via Bluetooth and connect to popular apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health.

For a more global experience, the Explore the World features lets riders choose different courses taking them through scenic areas of the world.

Shop Schwinn bikes online or at a retail location near you. Schwinn fitness equipment includes a 10-year frame, two-year parts, and a one-year electronics warranty.

Specs

Dimensions: 41L X 21.4W X55.6″H

Weight: 58.4 pounds

Max User Weight Limit: 300 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy It

• 25 levels of computer-controlled resistance for a wide range of cardio workout options.
• It has an adjustable angle and padded handlebars for a comfortable riding position.
• An affordable price point.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• It only comes with a few additional features like the other indoor bikes on this list.

Most Interactive Exercise Bike: Peloton Bike

Peloton bike is an immersive exercise bike known for its live and on-demand classes, streamed through a mounted touchscreen. The Peloton bike is ideal for the competitive type, which features a worldwide leaderboard where you can track your progress and compare yourself to other riders.

The Peloton bike can fit in most small spaces with a footprint of 4 feet by 2 feet. It can comfortably suit riders ranging in height from 4 feet, 11 inches up to 6 feet and 4 inches and has an adjustable seat and handlebar for a custom fit. A near-silent belt drive means the bike is ultra-quiet when in use. The Peloton bike uses Delta-compatible clip-in pedals, so you’ll need cycling shoes to be able to use them, which can be purchased when buying the bike.

In addition to purchasing the Peloton bike, owners must sign up for a monthly All-Access membership, which grants users unlimited access to live classes with instructors and a library of on-demand workouts ranging from 5 to 90 minutes.

Other Peloton bike perks include access to training programs, challenges, and special event programming, all on its adjustable sweat-proof 21.5-inch HD touchscreen. Riders can tap into their Peloton bike in-workout metrics, including power, cadence, resistance, and heart rate, and can be paired with a heart rate monitor.

Buyers can shop online or visit one of their many nationwide showrooms. Each Peloton Bike comes with a 12-month limited warranty, a 5-year frame warranty, and a 30-day home trial.

Specs

Dimensions: 23 × 59 inches (4′ x 2′ footprint)

Weight: 135 pounds

21.5″ HD touchscreen

3 Reasons To Buy It

• For its combination of live and on-demand classes.
• It is smaller and takes up less space than other spin bikes.
• It comes with a 12-month limited warranty, a 5-year frame warranty, and a 30-day home trial.

Specs

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• You have to sign up for a membership for class access.

Most Advanced Exercise Bike: MYX

The MYX is a high-grade exercise bike used in cycling studios and gyms, making it durable and approachable for just about anyone. It’s the only professional-quality bike offered for at-home use.

Its footprint is compact, spanning just 3 feet, 4 inches in length, and 1 foot, 7 inches in width. It’s built for riders ranging in height from 4 feet, 11 inches up to 6 feet, 8 inches, and the bike seat quickly adjusts for up to four riders. The pedals can accommodate both SPD clip-ins or regular athletic shoes, making it an excellent option for someone who doesn’t have cycling shoes. The ride is smooth and quiet due to its mechanical-friction braking and 4-pound flywheel weight.

The 21.5-inch screen uniquely swivels 360 degrees, allowing the rider to hop off the bike for other non-cycling exercises, which are included in MYX’s library of workouts. By adding the MYX fitness membership, riders get unlimited access to various fitness classes, one-on-one coaching, heart-rate data, progress tracking, and more.

MYX is available to shop online, where buyers can enjoy full-service delivery, a 30-day return policy, and a 1-year warranty.

Specs

Dimensions: 54 L x 21 W x 47 ” H

Weight: 134 pounds

Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy It

• It’s built for small and tall riders and has a weight limit of 350 pounds.
• The 21.5-inch screen swivels 360 degrees.
• This bike is high grade durable indoor bike.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

You are required to buy a BODi membership separately.

Best Exercise Bike for Riders with Pain: NordicTrack Commercial VR21

The Commercial VR21 is a recumbent bike built for comfort and versatility. It’s perfect for the person who wants a traditional recumbent bike but with the smart-tech features often seen on cycling models.

The Commercial VR21’s oversized lumbar-support seat takes the pressure off joints, and the EasyGlide™ seat adjusts with zero hassle. Adjustable straps and extra-wide ergonomic pedals ensure a stable ride, and the StepThru™ design makes hopping on and off a breeze.

Its 32 onboard workouts and 25 resistance levels provide easy to intense exercise options. A 20-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel lets riders easily control their effort.

Riders will enjoy a one-year NordicTrack iFit membership included with the bike purchase. The immersive fitness program features live workouts from iFit trainers, who can adjust your bike’s settings in real time so you can maximize your workout. The membership also includes access to various other workouts like Crossfit for a well-rounded fitness experience.

This bike’s heavy-duty steel frame includes a 10-year warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. Buyers can shop NordicTrack bikes online, which includes a 30-day return policy.

Specs

Dimensions: 61.1” L x 24.2” W x 54.6” H

Weight: 146 pounds

Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy It

• The lumbar support bike seat takes the stress off your joints.
• It comes with a one-year membership to NordicTrack iFit with purchase.
• The extra-wide ergonomic pedals ensure a stable and smooth ride.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• $800 is a lot to pay for a recumbent exercise bike.

Best Peloton Bike Alternative: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike

The Yosuda indoor cycling bike is similar to Peloton because it has a heavy flywheel, adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, and a quiet belt drive system. It is a low-tech Peloton bike. Plus, you can download the Peloton app and follow their training programs on this budget-friendly bike.

The Yosuda exercise bike uses friction resistance, which is cheaper than magnetic resistance. Still, friction resistance is a little louder than magnetic, but that being said, the Yosuda indoor cycling bike is still a quiet ride.  It comes with a heavy-duty steel frame of the exercise bike guarantees stability while cycling, even when cycling quickly. 

The adjustment resistance knob is a “manual micro-adjustment” system, which means you have a ton of variability between the minimum and maximum resistance levels. This a great exercise bike when you’re looking for an inexpensive exercise bike that doesn’t take up much space. It comes with a three-month warranty on the steel frame and a one-year warranty on all parts.

Specs

Dimensions: 40.16” L x 21.65” W x 46.06” H

Weight: 73 pounds

Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy It

• This is an affordable alternative indoor bike, around $300
• Yosuda comes with caged pedals for extra grip.
• The heavy-duty steel frame ensures a safe and secure ride.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• This is not for you if you’re looking for an exercise bike to last.

Best Air Assault Bike: Rogue Echo Bike

The Rogue Air Assult bike uses air resistance to determine your intensity. The harder you pedal and push, the more resistance you’ll feel. This differs from all the exercise bikes on this list because it has a dual propulsion system- your hands and your feet. If you want to feel like you are in the Crossfit games, this bike is the official bike of Crossfit. And for a good reason. 

With many similar bikes today, the Rogue air assault bike stands out because of its—stability, low maintenance, quick responsiveness via a belt drive, easy-to-use monitor, and multiple adjustment options to dial in the bike for different heights. Every part of the Echo bike is solid. This exercise bike is built to last from the foot pegs to the fan blades. 

This 127-pound bike provides maximum output burst stability while offering two one-inch front wheels. The belt-driven steel fan blades produce a smooth, quiet, and consistent ride, allowing you to track intervals, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and more. Rogue offers a two-year warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials when used under normal conditions.

Specs

Dimensions: 58-⅞”L x 44.5” x 23.75”

Weight: 127 pounds

Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy It

• It is easy to assemble and has a low-maintenance belt drive system.
• This air assault bike has quality steel construction for increased stability.
• It offers easy portability via a set of 1” polyurethane front wheels.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• Limited built-in cardio workout programs.

Best Foldable Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

When space is at a premium, and you still want to get your sweat on, then the Marcy folding bike is one of the best folding bikes on the market.  Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike is sturdier and more stable than others on the market because it’s made of 14-gauge steel. Due to this, it is not the smallest folding bike on the market.

Unfolded, this exercise bike is 34 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 44 inches tall; folded, it’s 18.5 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 51.5 inches tall. Marcy’s folding bike has an ergonomically designed frame that folds up easily. 

This bike has wheels, so it’s easy to move around and store when not in use. It has a magnetic resistance mechanism adjusted to the preset eight levels to match your cardiovascular ability. It comes with an LCD screen that displays time, distance, and calories, and this doesn’t come with many of the high-tech features that other bikes on this list have. Due to its sturdy construction and lack of features, this bike is excellent for cardio beginners. 

Specs

Dimensions: 18.5” L x 18.5” W x 51.5” H

Weight: 37 pounds

Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

3 Reasons To Buy It

• It’s folded away for easy storage, which is great when space is at a premium.
• Tougher than other folding bikes because it’s made from 14-inch gauge steel.
• It comes with eight pre-set resistance levels to help match your cardiovascular ability.

1 Reason Not To Buy It

• This model shows only basic stats and has no heart rate monitoring.

Types of Exercise Bikes

Upright Exercise Bikes

Upright exercise bikes are the most common type of home exercise equipment and are the most similar to a traditional bicycle, with the pedals under your body. Upright bikes are compact, great for smaller spaces, and can be used both standing and sitting.

These exercise bikes are ideal for anyone who doesn’t regularly exercise because they offer a low-impact workout that improves muscle tone, strengthens legs, and delivers a great cardio workout.

Of all the home bikes, upright ones are typically the most affordable, making them a great entry-level option for someone looking for a basic indoor cycling bike.

Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent exercise bikes are similar to upright bikes but are better suited to anyone with knee or back injuries. Since this exercise bike provides a chair in a reclined position rather than a saddle for a seat, they are more comfortable and supportive of the back.

Due to their unique position, recumbent bikes focus more on exercising the glutes and have more of an impact on the lower stomach muscles and less on your upper body. While workouts on recumbent bikes can be less intense, they’re ideal for anyone with low mobility, injuries, or pain.

Indoor Exercise Bikes

Indoor exercise bikes are like those found in cycling studios and are great for anyone who regularly cycles. These bikes have a greater range of resistance levels than a typical exercise bike and can simulate what road bikes feel like with their varying levels of gears.

Indoor exercise bikes have various resistance options, and their saddle is as high as the handlebars, making them ideal for more strenuous and advanced full-body workouts. Someone who is training for a cycling event will benefit the most from these types of exercise bikes.

Smart Bikes

Similar to indoor cycling bikes, smart bikes have a built-in screen that allows you to connect to cycling apps and programs. Usually, these bikes can automatically change the bike resistance according to the app workout.

Smart bikes are much more interactive and intuitive than most types and thus come with a higher price tag. Anyone looking for a bike with many options and the potential to experience cycling classes and workouts from home will enjoy the benefits of a smart exercise bike.

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Exercise Bike

The most important thing to consider when choosing an exercise bike is comfort. While ensuring the exercise bike fits you, consider additional features like resistance levels and accessories like Bluetooth capabilities, tablet holders, and touchscreens.

Fit

With so many different bike sizes and shapes, it’s always best to try the bike in-store before buying it, if possible. Adjusting the bike to your height and size, and finding pedals to fit your feet, are all crucial to how the bike will suit you. Specific seats may be uncomfortable for you, and some models may have handlebars that are too far to reach. Tall riders may find they hit their knees on the handlebars with certain models. Making sure the bike can be adjusted to suit you is crucial.

Resistance

A bike’s resistance levels are one of the main factors for different workout levels. Many exercise bikes will have electronic resistance controls. How strenuous or varied you like your workouts depends on how many resistance options. Look for a bike with easy-to-adjust levels.

Accessories

Exercise bikes often come with a variety of extra features. Determine what is most important to you by envisioning how often you’ll use the bike. Consider a water bottle holder, book rest, easy-to-use heart-rate monitor, safety locks, and user-friendly controls. Data and programming are also something to keep in mind. Keep this in mind if you want a wide range of programs that adapt to different weights, ages, and fitness levels.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes provide various perks, from health benefits to convenience and safety. Some main advantages include the following:

• Space-saving compared to other larger gym equipment
• Safer than road cycling
• Strengthens legs and lower body
• Helps with weight loss
• It can provide a low-impact exercise, ideal for those with joint pain
• Easy for interval training

FAQs

What exercise bike is best for weight loss?

Weight loss is achieved by burning more calories daily than you intake. Exercise is one of the best ways to burn calories, with a higher-intensity workout burning more than a lower-intensive workout.

You’ll want to increase the resistance level to increase intensity on an exercise bike. Most bikes will feature resistance levels of 1-10, but some even reach up to 20, which simulates riding up a steep hill.

Look for an exercise bike with high resistance levels for the best weight loss. If you’re new to cycling or exercise bikes, you’ll want to set your resistance level low to begin and work your way up to higher levels.

Is an elliptical better than a stationary bike?

An elliptical is used in the standing position and works both your upper and lower body. Your legs move in a circular up-and-down motion while your arms move back and forth. Like a stationary exercise bike, you can change the resistance or adjust the incline to make it more challenging.

Both machines are low-impact, making them great choices for anyone with joint pain. A stationary exercise bike, however, will burn slightly more calories at a high-intensity level. Still, the elliptical will engage more muscles overall because it incorporates both the upper and lower body. An elliptical may be better for bone health because it’s more weight-bearing, while an exercise bike is ideal for someone with knee, hip, or ankle pain.

The elliptical and stationary exercise bike provides a great workout; ultimately, whichever you enjoy more will be the better option.

Is cycling as beneficial as walking?

Cycling can burn about twice as many calories as walking, making it a much more efficient workout. Harvard University compared how many calories a 155-pound person would burn by doing various 30-minute exercises. Walking will burn 149 calories, moderately riding a stationary bike will burn 260 calories, and vigorously riding a stationary bike will burn 391 calories.

While you may have to walk much longer or more intensely to burn the same calories as biking, it’s still beneficial to your overall health.

Is riding a stationary Indoor Cycling bike bad for your knees?

Riding a stationary bike is not necessarily bad for your knees; however, if you already have knee pain, it may worsen. Anyone with knee pain will do best with a recumbent bike over other exercise bikes. A recumbent bike takes more weight off your knees and causes less strain. Remember, exercise is one of the best ways to improve joint pain, don’t overwork yourself and stick to low-impact workouts.

How do I choose an exercise bike?

A few factors play into choosing an exercise bike, but your overall comfort is ultimately most important. To find the best fit, try the bike in person to see if it adjusts and operates to your specific body and preference.

Pay attention to resistance levels as well. The more resistance levels an indoor cycling bike has, the more vigorous and dynamic a workout you’ll be able to achieve. Accessories are also important; find a bike that suits your wants and needs, whether that’s a water bottle holder or an LED screen with data.

Conclusion

All exercise bikes can provide many health benefits, like improving lower body strength and helping with weight loss. They offer a great alternative to those with joint pain who find other, more high-impact exercises put too much strain on their bodies.

Whether choosing a high-tech indoor cycling bike or a traditional, low-impact recumbent bike, riders will reap its benefits as long it comfortably suits their height and preferences. Even the most intuitive, feature-loaded bike can do more harm than good if it doesn’t fit properly.

Try the indoor cycling bike in person to ensure you find your perfect fit. This will ensure you choose the best exercise bike for you.