We took a close look at the best exercise bikes available in the market to determine if they are worth the investment. Popular models in our line-up include the Peloton Bike and Peloton Bike+, as well as the Yosuda Indoor Stationary Bike, which is both cheap and very comfortable. Cycling on an exercise bike has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness, building lower body strength without putting stress on the joints, working the core muscles, and increasing overall endurance.
But it can be hard to choose the right exercise bike. In our thorough review, we look at bikes with different prices, features, and sizes so that you can find the best exercise bike for your spinning style. We go above and beyond by putting each bike in our homes for at least a month and working out on it in many different ways. Below we have mentioned the best exercise bikes.
Best Exercise Bikes Comparison Table
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike | Wattbike Atom Next Generation | Bowflex VeloCore Bike | NordicTrack S22i | MYX II Exercise Bike | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | Affordable | Expensive | Expensive | Expensive | Affordable |
Resistance Levels | 25 | Infinite | 100 | 24 | 10 |
Display | LCD | LCD | Touchscreen | Touchscreen | LCD |
Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
Programs | 29 | Customizable | 30+ | iFit Coach | 5 |
Bike Weight | 86 lbs | 100 lbs | 162 lbs | 218 lbs | 140 lbs |
Maximum User Weight | 300 lbs | 330 lbs | 325 lbs | 350 lbs | 350 lbs |
Adjustable Seat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Additional Features | Media tray, fan | Climb mode, Pedal Effectiveness Analysis | Lean mode, Burn Rate display | incline/decline, iFit Coach | Polar compatible, MYX membership benefits |
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Resistance Levels | 25 |
Workout Programs | 29 |
Display | DualTrack LCD |
Seat | Adjustable and ventilated |
Heart Rate Monitoring | Contact and telemetry enabled |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Connectivity | Bluetooth and USB |
Extras | Built-in speakers, media shelf, fan |
Recumbent exercise bikes are the best for older people because they are gentler and less hard on the body than upright bikes. When you lay back on a cushioned back, your lower back gets more support, and your hips, knees, and ankles feel less pressure. If you want a low-impact workout, the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is a great choice. Overall, it is one of the best exercise bikes that you can buy.
It has a seat that can be changed, which makes it very comfortable to ride. There are a number of resistance levels and workout options on the bike itself that can help you get your heart rate up. Using the “Explore the World by Bowflex” Fitness App, you can virtually ride along some scenic routes. Free scenic routes include Zion National Park, Route 66, and the French Riviera. There are also a number of heart rate training options on the platform, which tell you to stay in a certain “zone” to burn calories or just keep working through the whole session.
Pros
- Comfortable and adjustable recumbent seat
- Wide range of resistance levels for various fitness levels
Cons
- May not be suitable for users who prefer an upright biking position
- Some users may find the fan to be less powerful compared to other models
Wattbike Atom Next Generation
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Resistance Levels | 22 |
Power Range | 0-2000 watts |
Drive System | Carbon belt |
Pedals | Dual-sided pedals |
Display | High-resolution touchscreen |
Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, and USB |
Extras | Integrated smartphone holder |
At its price, the Wattbike Atom could be seen as an alternative to the Peloton. We won’t lie, the second-generation Wattbike Atom is an expensive piece of equipment. The Wattbike Atom Next Generation has better internals than the original bike. For example, the electromagnetic resistance system is now better. Still, it is one of the best exercise bikes that you can buy.
The Atom bike doesn’t have a touchscreen display like the Peloton bikes do. You can connect it to your phone, but we recommend using the extendable tablet holder with an iPad or other device. You can use everything the exercise bike has to offer if you connect your tablet and install the Wattbike Hub app (Android and iOS).
Once you open the Wattbike app, all you have to do to start getting in shape is set up an account. You can start with a Quick Ride from there. You can also choose from a list of warm-ups, cool-downs, challenges, and endurance tests. On a different tab, you can find several long-term plans for getting fit.
Pros
- Wide power range for intense workouts
- Carbon belt drive system for smooth and quiet operation
Cons
- Limited resistance levels compared to some other models
- May be more expensive compared to other exercise bikes
Bowflex VeloCore Bike
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Resistance Levels | 100 |
Drive System | Magnetic resistance |
Frame | Solid steel frame with VeloCore technology |
Display | 16″ high-definition touchscreen |
Seat | Adjustable and cushioned |
Connectivity | Bluetooth and USB |
Extras | Integrated dumbbell rack |
The Bowflex Velocore exercise bike leans from side to side, so you feel like you are riding a real bike instead of just pedaling in your living room. Even though it costs the same as a Peloton, the Bowflex VeloCore is a good alternative because of its unique design and large screen. The way it moves from side to side will also help tone your stomach, if you can stomach the price.
During testing, we thought that the screen on the VeloCore was great. It’s big, bright, and pretty easy to use as long as your fingers aren’t wet with sweat. The console can tilt, but it is very stable while you are using the bike. Overall, it is one of the best exercise bikes that you can buy.
The VeloCore can be used in either a locked upright position or a leaning forward position. There is a locking knob on the crossbar, just above the resistance knob. Push it down with an open palm to unlock the bike and turn on lean mode; pull it up to lock the bike in its normal upright position. Even in the middle of a workout, it’s easy to lock and unlock, so you can switch between modes whenever you want.
Pros
- Wide range of resistance levels for varied intensity levels
- VeloCore technology for a dynamic riding experience with leaning feature
- Solid steel frame for stability and durability
Cons
- The leaning feature may not appeal to all users
- Some users may find the seat less comfortable for extended workouts
NordicTrack S22i
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Resistance Levels | 24 |
Display | 22″ HD touchscreen |
Incline/Decline | -10% to +20% |
Workout Programs | iFit interactive training |
Seat | Adjustable and padded |
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
Connectivity | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi |
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is a great alternative to Peloton. It has a lot of great features, like magnetic resistance, which makes it quieter than a lot of the other exercise bikes on this list. The bike comes with a year’s worth of access to the brand’s live and on-demand iFit classes.
Unlike Peloton, the instructors can control the resistance of the bike from a distance on the NordicTrack, making for a more challenging workout. When it comes to classes, there are more than just spinning on the iFit platform. The touchscreen on the NordicTrack S22i can be turned 360 degrees, which is helpful if you want to watch a strength workout without a bike getting in the way. Thus, it is one of the best exercise bikes that you can buy.
Pros
- Wide range of resistance levels for customizable workouts
- Large HD touchscreen for immersive workout experiences
Cons
- Limited resistance levels compared to some other models
- May be more expensive compared to other exercise bikes
MYX II Exercise Bike
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Brand | MYX |
Model | II |
Type | Exercise Bike |
Resistance Levels | Adjustable |
Flywheel Weight | 40 lbs |
Display | LCD |
Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Programs | Customizable workouts |
Seat | Adjustable and padded |
Pedals | Toe cages and straps |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
Dimensions | 48.7″ x 21.2″ x 47.8″ |
Warranty | 1 year |
Don’t want to pay for a Peloton bike or wait for one? The MYX II Exercise Bike is the best alternative to Peloton that you can buy for less money. It’s also a better fit for people who would rather work out on their own than in a class. MYX Fitness is the best way to get personal training at home on demand.
For over $1,000 less than the Peloton Bike Plus, MYX’s machine offers the most similar at-home workout experience. It has a sturdy build, a screen that can be turned, motivating coaches, and a paid membership that gives you access to hundreds of on-demand workout classes. Overall, it is one of the best exercise bikes that you can buy.
The MYX II Exercise Bike has a big, swiveling HD screen that can face you in any direction, even if it’s 180 degrees away from where you’re working out. Using the easy-to-use interface, you can choose from a wide range of classes that are organized by bike, floor, cross-training, and recovery. The menus for classes are set up like Netflix’s, based on the type of workout, recommendations, and classes you’ve already liked. There are no leaderboards or cult-like vibes in MYX Fitness classes. Instead, the classes are more about getting to know each other.
Pros
- LCD display provides clear and comprehensive workout data.
- Heart rate monitoring helps you track your fitness progress
Cons
- May require initial setup and assembly.
- Limited preset workout programs compared to some other models.
- Lack of built-in speakers or entertainment features.
FAQs
An exercise bike is a piece of fitness equipment that makes you feel like you are cycling outside. It is also called a stationary bike or an indoor cycling bike. It usually has a saddle, pedals, and handlebars so that people can pedal while standing still.
How often you use an exercise bike will depend on your fitness goals and how you usually work out. Cardiovascular exercise, like biking, should be done for at least 150 minutes per week, as a general rule. But you can change the length and level of difficulty to fit your schedule and fitness level.
Yes, exercise bikes are good for people just starting out. They offer a low-impact way to work out, so people can start at a comfortable pace and gradually make the workout harder as their fitness improves. Beginners can change the level of resistance, start with shorter workouts, and gradually get stronger as they go.