Amanda Capritto notes, “Indoor cycling bikes are some of the best home gym essentials thanks to the abundance of health benefits they bring to the table.” The best exercise bikes can be excellent tools for at-home training, helping you burn calories, manage weight, and improve your cardiovascular fitness. (1) Today’s cycles also offer luxe conveniences and tech-riddled consoles, essentially turning your living room into a full-blown spin class with hands-free resistance toggles, ergonomic seats, live and on-demand programming, and much more.
If you’re in the market for a home exercise bike, choosing a silhouette is more involved than finding a comfortable saddle. You should think about product dimensions, available programming, resistance type, and (of course) price. To help give your purchase journey a helpful set of training wheels, our team has tested over 20 high-quality exercise bikes from some of the category’s most-respected brands, using our equipment testing methodology to rate and examine each profile in key categories including:
- Footprint: How much space does the exercise bike take up in a given room? Are there any features for easier storage? Are there wheels for more convenient transport, or are multiple hands needed to move the machine?
- Durability: Are the main components constructed using high-quality materials? Does the profile shake or wobble during bike rides? Is the listed weight capacity accommodating enough for small and large athletes alike?
- Resistance Type: What is the functionality of the resistance, and how effective is the operation? Are there multiple settings available for different training intensities, or is your training difficulty dependent on your effort?
- Available Tech and Programming: Are there preset workout modules to choose from or connectivity opportunities to popular cycling apps and workout platforms? Are there other digital conveniences like automatic resistance changes or Bluetooth compatibility?
- Ergonomics: How comfortable is the seat, and can the setup be adjusted accordingly to fit multiple body types?
- Value: Do the integrated conveniences and exhibited bike performance justify the price tag? Are there other necessary expenses like shipping costs or subscriptions to some of the best workout apps?
The BarBend team has helped connect over 850,000 athletes with high-quality conditioning equipment from top treadmills to rowers, ellipticals, walking pads, and (of course) exercise bikes. If your at-home setup is ready to shift into a new gear, we’re confident that the following details can help put you on the right path prior to check-out.
The 10 Best Exercise Bikes of 2025
- Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack X24 Bike
- Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AirBike Classic
- Best Exercise Bike for Beginners: Schwinn IC4
- Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight: CAROL Bike
- Best Foldable Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: NordicTrack 10 Recumbent Bike
- Best Budget Exercise Bike: Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike
- Best Exercise Bike for a Heavy Person: Echelon Connect EX-8s
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
- Best Exercise Bike with Live Classes: Peloton Bike
Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack X24 Bike
The NordicTrack X24 Bike features an impressive incline range between -10% and 20% along with 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance. Like other equipment offerings from the brand, this exercise bike is compatible with the iFIT platform for immersive training sessions across over 10,000 on-demand workout modules.
Why We Like It
If you’ve searched for or own home exercise equipment, you’ve likely heard of NordicTrack — there’s a reason the brand routinely ranks highly amongst the best treadmills, ellipticals, and other popular conditioning equipment categories. That reign stays true in the land of exercise bikes with the all-new X24 Bike thanks to its immersive 24-inch touchscreen, iFIT compatibility, and range of incline and resistance levels.
In addition to the 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, the X24 boasts what our tester, a certified personal trainer, calls, “Possibly the largest incline range I’ve ever seen in an indoor cycle. The -10% decline to 20% incline rivals some treadmills and really gives that on-road experience in each workout.” Toggling through these settings is also intuitive thanks to handlebar and touchscreen controls, but the X24 earns a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for adjustability thanks to the brand’s SmartAdjust capabilities. “When following along to an iFIT workout, the bike will automatically adjust levels in-sync with your onscreen instructor or workout.”
Speaking of iFIT, this impressive online workout platform features over 10,000 on-demand modules to choose from including real-world routes, strength training courses, and more. “One of my favorite features is taking full advantage of the SmartAdjust tech while I cruise through scenic roadways from all across the globe,” notes our tester, who scores the programming at a perfect 5 out of 5. Unfortunately, though, access to this service will cost you $39 monthly, which may place this (already expensive) exercise bike out of certain budgets.
Durability-wise, the X24 can support athletes up to 350 pounds, due in part to its stable metal frame and smooth, sturdy flywheel. As such, we score the durability at 4.5 out of 5. Be mindful, though, that a secure setup can compromise portability. With a listed weight of 205 pounds, this may not be the best pick for those in need of a more maneuverable profile. While our tester does note the front transport wheels make rearranging more feasible, we recommend opting for a smaller, more nimble setup like the Schwinn IC4 if you routinely need to move your bike from one room to the next.
Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AirBike Classic
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.
Why We Like It
Air bikes differ from standard exercise bikes in that they’re motorless with resistance being generated naturally by a fan that responds to the intensity of your movement. There’s plenty of silhouettes to choose from, but in our opinion, one of the best air bikes on the market is (still) the AirBike Classic from Assault Fitness.
Forged from steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat and extra-wide metal pedals, the bike is fortified by 20 sealed cartridges built into its pivots and moving parts. “With proper maintenance, there’s no reason this bike shouldn’t last decades in your home gym,” says our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, who rates the AirBike Classic at 4 out of 5 in terms of durability.
The AirBike is beloved by CrossFit enthusiasts for how quickly it can deliver high levels of resistance, which makes it ideal for HIIT workouts. It even includes seven built-in HIIT, Tabata, and stamina workouts via the console.
Jake Herod, certified nutrition coach and BarBend expert product tester, notes, “I promise you won’t be bored with the Assault AirBike, but you might want to be tapping out after just a few quick minutes. It tends to kick my butt every time I get on.”
Since it was designed for performance and not comfort, we rate both its customizations and tech capabilities at 3 out of 5. We also score the adjustability at 3.5 out of 5, since the seat only has six levels of height adjustment — the Rogue Echo, a top competitor, has eight. Also, as Herod notes, the air generated by the fan is going to make a lot more noise than a standard exercise bike, so it’s not ideal for those trying not to disturb their housemates during home workouts.
Still, our tester gave it a 4.5 out of 5 in terms of overall value. “When I get around to buying an air bike, it’ll be this one. It rides very smooth for a fan bike, and I know it’s built to stick around for years.”
Read our full Assault AirBike Classic Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Beginners: Schwinn IC4
The Schwinn IC4 combines upper and lower body work with its included set of dumbbells and 100 levels of cycling resistance for a complete body burn. Dial up your favorite streaming app and hop on — this bike is compatible with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.
Why We Like It
Starting something new can leave us filled with worry and excitement — your first day at a new job, buying your first-ever spin bike, or even kicking off a beginner workout plan. We like the Schwinn IC4 as a bike for beginners because it’s reliable, simple, and compatible with several different fitness apps such as JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift, thus granting you a vast array of classes to see what kind of cycling workout makes you most comfortable.
Also, the price is right at $999, making it far cheaper than digitally-connected bikes like the Peloton Bike or NordicTrack X24. Accordingly, we score the value at 5 out of 5.
What keeps the IC4’s price lower than its competitors is its lack of a touchscreen or large console with streaming capabilities. In lieu of a screen, it has a full-color backlit LCD display that tracks your workout metrics and performance. Despite the less immersive console layout, Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 scores the tech capabilities at 4 out of 5. “The LCD allows for micro-adjustments to your levels of resistance, and the Bluetooth connectivity is pretty straightforward, giving you access to some of the best cycling apps for training needs.”
The bike comes with a media holder for holding your device mid-workout. However, the tablet holder isn’t the most secure and may feel unstable during more intense rides. If you’d rather not leave your device’s integrity up to chance, it may be best to choose an exercise bike with an integrated screen for streaming, such as the CAROL Bike, Peloton Bike, or NordicTrack X24.
Finally, adjustability earns a 5-out-of-5 rating from Meier thanks to its intuitive range that can allow for a truly personalized cycling experience. “The handlebars and seat adjust with just a few turns of the dials, and the ride is especially smooth. It seriously reminds me of the Peloton Bike, but at half the cost.”
Read our full Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight: CAROL Bike
The CAROL Bike’s AI capabilities provide you with tailored training suggestions designed to give you the best workout in the least amount of time. Customers have a 100-day trial period to decide whether or not this bike is right for them, as well.
Why We Like It
Maybe you’ve dabbled with some of the best weight loss programs or are just looking for the right cardio equipment to support your fitness goals. Regardless, the CAROL Bike can provide by taking the guesswork out of your workouts with AI programming that quickly ascertains your fitness level — it knows how hard to push you. Across the board, this bike scored a 4.5 out of 5 in the fields of adjustability, customizations, dynamic programming, and footprint and portability.
The CAROL Bike’s AI programming is the bread and butter of its makeup. Each time you jump on for a ride, the algorithm learns more about your capabilities, providing you with a workout that’s specifically built for your skill set and goals. “There’s programming for fat burn, so you’ll have either a 15-minute ride or a 30-minute ride,” notes our expert tester, who rates the programming at 4.5 out of 5. “However, a big draw of this bike is how quick and efficient the most popular programming is. All you need is about 10 minutes to get a killer workout in.”
We know weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, and this bike is built to last for as long as you do. “The rear-mounted flywheel, belt drive, and frictionless magnetic brake is good for longevity, and it makes this a really quiet ride, too,” says our tester, scoring the durability at 4 out of 5. Plus, with a 330-pound weight limit — roughly 50 pounds more than the average bike we’ve tested — you should feel supported no matter your size. Other high-quality exercise bikes with high weight capacities include the NordicTrack X24 and 10 Recumbent Bike, both rated for athletes up to 350 pounds.
While the appeal of the CAROL Bike lies in the technology and durability, we do note that access to the CAROL platform does call for a $19.99 monthly subscription fee. There is no free trial period, either, and you lose access to the AI-powered resistance toggles without a membership. Taking this extra expense into account, along with the $2,595 equipment cost, we score the value at 3.5 out of 5.
Read our full CAROL Bike Review.
Best Foldable Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28″ and 33″, the recommended height of users ranges from 5’1 to 6’3″.
Why We Like It
Like the best folding treadmills, foldable exercise bikes can be great solutions for athletes training in tight quarters. The foldable frame allows for easier storage post-workout and can help you quickly turn a decorated living room or corner of your office into a dedicated training area. For our money, The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is the best of the bunch thanks to a lightweight-yet-stable frame, budget-friendly price point, and easy storage.
Despite the preconceptions surrounding foldable exercise bikes — unbalanced, unstable, easily breakable — our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates the durability at an impressive 5 out of 5. “Don’t let the lightweight design fool you — this Marcy offering is constructed from 14-gauge steel and can support a max weight of 250 pounds. Yes, that’s lower than a traditional exercise bike, but it’s very respectable given the entire profile weighs just 37 pounds.”
We also score the portability at 4 out of 5 thanks to the compact 18.5-inch length of this silhouette during storage. You can quickly place this entire indoor cycle in a closet or room corner and easily set it up when your training alarm goes off.
In terms of comfort, our tester notes that the padded seat has plenty of cushioning for regular use. “The seat also adjusts up to 30 inches, which should accommodate most users under 6 feet,” they add in reference to their 4-out-of-5 adjustability rating. “That said, this does mean that taller individuals may feel cramped across this profile.” For more approachable dimensions, it may be best to consider a more traditional exercise bike such as the NordicTrack X24 or Schwinn IC4.
As you can expect, the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is limited in tech. Its small LCD monitor can display basic workout metrics, but there are no preset training modules to choose from and the console cannot connect via Bluetooth to popular training apps. Accordingly, we score the available tech at 2 out of 5.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: NordicTrack 10 Recumbent Bike
As a new silhouette from NordicTrack, the 10 Recumbent Bike can support athletes up to 350 pounds and boasts 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance. SmartAdjust features available through iFIT also allow for hands-free toggles mid-workout — the machine automatically adjusts according to your on-screen instructor.
Best Budget Exercise Bike: Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike
Smooth and quiet cycling with a 35-pound flywheel and attached transport wheels so you can cruise where you want to. Simple LCD screen with a lip for an iPad, tablet, or phone.
Why We Like It
We like to highlight the best budget home gym equipment because getting fit shouldn’t result in a slimmer wallet. Our choice for the best budget exercise bike is the Yosuda YB001R — a sub-$350 exercise bike offering up a stable riding experience akin to other impressive cycles costing double or triple the price.
While the price is enough to earn the YB001R a 4-out–of-5 rating for value, we do point out that the durability is less than stellar in an effort to keep costs low. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes, “This is a fantastic, approachable price, but just be aware that it’s not the most durable bike. Don’t be surprised if you need to replace the entire thing in a few years.” As such, it’s not the kind of bike that can withstand intense rounds of pedaling on a daily basis and scores a 2.5-out-of-5 for the category.
The YB001R measures 49 inches tall, 45 inches long, and 22 inches wide, making it between 5 and 13 inches shorter and 4 and 20 inches smaller in length than many popular exercise bikes. Attached transport wheels can also help with portability, which we score at 4 out of 5. Other lightweight exercise bikes (with more stable and secure frames) include the Schwinn IC4 and Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike.
This Yosuda bike comes with a 35-pound heavy-duty flywheel, a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds, and a simple LCD display with a flimsy media shelf that can fit a phone or tablet. Our tester states, “The LCD display keeps moving when I’m riding, and when I start pushing my speed, I feel like it’s going to fall off!”
As you can see, there are trade-offs when looking for budget options. However, if you’re looking for an effective, affordable machine that you don’t plan on using every day, the Yosuda YB001R can be a good place to start.
Read our full Yosuda Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for a Heavy Person: Echelon Connect EX-8s
The Echelon EX-8s can glam up your home gym with a dual-flywheel design outfitted with LEDs you can customize by color, tempo, and brightness. The 24-inch touchscreen is curved to offer a deeper sense of immersion during classes on the Echelon Fit app.
Why We Like It
Athletes come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the right equipment for your body type can be one of the most difficult aspects of navigating the fitness market. For heavier riders, we like the Echelon Connect EX-8s, which has a 300-pound weight capacity and a flexing frame that can promote a lower-impact workout by absorbing some of the shock when users rise out of the seat.
This bike comes with impressive tech capabilities and performance-based features, including a curved 24-inch touchscreen, SPD shoe clips, toe cages, dumbbell holders, and 32 digital magnetic resistance levels. “There are stabilizers on the ground, too, which make the bike feel really sturdy during workouts,” adds our tester, a Crossfit Level 1 coach. “The seat and the handlebars can adjust, as well, so users of various heights can use this bike comfortably.” As such, customizations and adjustability both scored a 4 out of 5.
Transport wheels make it easy to move the Connect EX-8s around, although the large screen does limit how tightly you can weave the profile in and around obstacles. “The Echelon Connect is only 124 pounds, so it isn’t crazy heavy,” notes our tester, who rates the portability at a conservative 3.75 out of 5. “That said, the large screen can be difficult to fit through doorways, and good luck navigating this machine through a tight hall or around a corner.” For a more accommodating exercise bike, Echelon does offer a screenless model — the Echelon Connect EX-5.
The swiveling touchscreen allows users to access programming via the Premier tier of the Echelon Fit app, which offers on-demand classes for cardio, strength training, yoga, and more. Tech capabilities scored a 5 out of 5, but our tester did call out the $34.99 monthly subscription price. (Echelon’s FitPass tier costs just $11.99 per month and allows you access to off-equipment workouts, but won’t provide any on-bike training.)
There’s only a one-year warranty, which our tester thought was “such a disappointment for such an expensive bike.” However, having an active Premier membership extends your warranty by up to four years. You can also purchase an extended warranty for between $219 and $339, depending on the length.
Read our full Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 has a solid build, a comfortable ride, and a host of user-friendly features. Not only that but an affordable price for the quality with 16 levels of resistance to select from while you follow along to workouts from popular streaming apps like Explore the World and Zwift.
Why We Like It
Cycling is one of the best low-impact exercises for people of all ages, and we’ve worked hard to find and test the best recumbent bikes for seniors. The Schwinn 230 is our choice for the best exercise bike for seniors due to its recumbent positioning that can provide ample back support for a workout while also taking excessive strain off your joints. Our tester scored their workout experience at 4.5 out of 5, due in part to the comfortable setup and ergonomic backrest.
The recumbent position puts less stress on your joints and ACL, and you can easily adjust the seat position to make the ride work for your body, making this bike great for older adults with bad knees. (1) Our tester adds, “The handlebars are comfortable and make getting on and off the bike super easy.”
Tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5 during trials, with our tester noting the lack of a dedicated screen for streaming or programming. The LCD display provides basic workout stats, though we wish it was backlit to make reading it easier. “It might be especially difficult to read this screen if you have poor eyesight or you ride in the dark,” said our tester. There’s also a media shelf for your phone or tablet, but using this will block the LCD screen. For a more tech-convenient recumbent bike, consider something like the NordicTrack 10 Recumbent Bike.
Senior riders may also appreciate the quick-and-simple assembly process of the Schwinn 230. “It’s really easy to put together, but I always like to suggest having another person there to give you a hand,” notes our tester, who rates the process at 4 out of 5. “I’d recommend this bike for seniors, or anybody just looking for a low-impact workout.”
Read our full Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review.
Best Exercise Bike with Live Classes: Peloton Bike
The bike that started the Peloton craze offers a 21.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a five-megapixel front-facing camera, and a built-in microphone. The Peloton membership offers access to thousands of live and on-demand cycling classes as well as progress tracking and leaderboards.
Why We Like It
Interested in the energy and sense of community available at your local spinning studio, yet can’t carve out time in your schedule to make it to a class? Perhaps you enjoy cycling but also dabble in other modalities like yoga, pilates, and strength training, among others. The original Peloton Bike can be a perfect home gym addition for such needs thanks to its easily-recognizable library of live and on-demand workouts as well as a smooth, performance-ready ride.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, appreciates the 38-pound flywheel and magnetic resistance system, noting that both work in tandem to create a whisper quiet training environment that doesn’t skimp on intensity. “It’s one of the smoothest rides I’ve experienced on an indoor exercise bike, and I really like the multiple resistance levels that can ramp up the workout difficulty with just the turn of a knob,” they note in reference to their 4-out-of-5 ratings for adjustability and ride experience.
Now, a Peloton Bike will call for some extra purchases to get the most out of your training. Naturally, you’ll want to subscribe to the One Peloton app ($44 monthly) to unlock all the available programming, community leaderboards, and live workouts. You’ll also need a Delta-compatible pair of cycling shoes in order to clip into the pedals. “It makes sense since you’re essentially taking digital spin classes, but I’m not sure if others think of this requirement prior to signing up,” notes our tester, who scores the value at 4.5 out of 5 given the multiple add-on investments.
For a studio style bike that doesn’t require specific footwear, consider the Schwinn IC4 or NordicTrack X24.
One of the main features that make the Peloton Bike worth it to so many athletes is the dynamic programming, which we rate at 5 out of 5. “Every class I took featured a motivating instructor and plenty of immersive callouts. I also really focus on the music that’s used in digital apps, and I can say that Peloton’s playlists are top notch,” notes our tester.
Read our full Peloton Bike Review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes
We’ve got a stacked team here at BarBend, including cyclists, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and bonafide fitness junkies. We’ve made it our mission to try out every piece of equipment we can get our hands on, spinning wheels on 25 of the best exercise bikes on the market to craft this guide with real-world notes and relevant feedback. With help from our equipment testing methodology, we also rated each indoor cycle on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in categories such as the following:
- Quality: Whenever possible, we chose bikes featuring durable steel frame construction that can withstand daily use or intense intervals. Even our budget options, which incorporate more plastic parts than their more expensive counterparts, are considered some of the toughest in their price range.
- Resistance Type: Exercise bikes can feature different resistance types — typically magnetic, friction, or air resistance — that can influence their functionality and best setting. For example, air resistance can be excellent for HIIT workouts, but may be less ideal for those needing to plan around noise within their home. We made sure to include a mix of different bike profiles to accommodate different needs and preferences.
- Resistance Levels: In addition to the type of resistance, we also preferred bikes with a range of different workout intensities. We looked at the resistance range as well as how easy it was to toggle between the levels, either through utilitarian knobs and brakes or push-button controls along the handlebars or center console.
- Features: We’ve included high-tech, mid-tech, and low-tech options within this list. Most high-tech options will have streaming platforms built into the console, larger touchscreens, and features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in fans and speakers. The mid-tech options will have some of these features, while low-tech options will be as basic as they come, tracking only the necessary stats you need to follow along with your workout.
- Pedal Design: When looking at indoor cycles, most will offer a traditional bike pedal layout that can be operated with any footwear of choice. Some bikes, especially those offering studio-like workouts, can employ clipless cycling shoes (i.e., shoes you clip to the pedals for added control and power output). Accordingly, we made sure to call out such silhouettes in our reviews, as this can require some extra purchases before getting into your training routine.
- Price Range: From luxury options featuring interactive fitness apps and large touchscreens to some of the best budget home gym equipment, we’ve included bikes from all price points, each one worth every dollar and then some. When it comes to budget bikes, we chose reliable pieces of equipment with smaller footprints and easier portability.
- Warranty: Sometimes, damage can happen in shipping or during the manufacturing process. So, we prioritized bikes that have decent warranty options as best as possible.
- Adjustability: Exercise bikes are not a one-size-fits-all situation. After all, people are built differently. Our testers chose models that offer as much adjustability as possible, making our units suitable for as many athletes as possible.
Benefits of Exercise Bikes
Of course exercise bikes can provide cardiovascular and aerobic improvements, but they have some other unique benefits over other cardio machines. (2) In addition to it being a seated workout, riding an exercise bike puts less pressure on the joints than other forms of cardio. Let’s dig in more to these benefits below.
- Low-Impact Exercise: The low-impact nature of exercise bikes, ideal for older or heavier athletes, can decrease the stress on your joints and allow you to progress more quickly since it tends to require less recovery time. (3)(4)(5) This can be more appealing to those that routinely avoid running on a treadmill yet still want to include cardiovascular training as part of their routine.
- Health Benefits: Outside of just feeling good, there are clear connections between cycling and aerobic capacity, lowered blood pressure, and weight management. (6) Additionally, regular exercise has been shown to aid in the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer, and hypertension. (7)
- Safer Cycling: “An exercise bike eliminates traffic as a reason to skip your session, so it can be someone’s golden ticket to exercising more frequently,” says BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.
Types of Exercise Bike Resistance
To create a sense of challenge within your workouts, your exercise bike offers resistance against the pedals to increase intensity and generate more effective cardiovascular training. For a road bike comparison, think of your needed effort to climb an approaching hill as opposed to pedaling down a flat pathway. Indoor cycles can create this resistance through multiple methodologies, each with their own potential perks and pitfalls. Below, we’ve outlined the most common resistance types found across exercise bikes.
- Magnetic: Magnetic resistance is a popular option for exercise bikes thanks to its low maintenance needs and quiet operations. If you’re looking at the best exercise bikes with screens, you’ll likely encounter a magnetic resistance system as the flywheel can revolve without interfering with your on-screen workout’s audio output. While convenient and effective, though, magnetic exercise bikes are often the most expensive.
- Air: Air resistance swaps out the heavy metal flywheel for a large fan. Rather than relying on magnetic pull or friction to create resistance, the intensity is entirely dependent on your effort — the faster you pedal, the more challenging your workout will be. This resistance type can offer low maintenance needs and can be found at cheaper costs than other bikes on the market. That said, you will definitely generate a rush of noise with each workout, making these bikes less than ideal for those with other housemates or athletes looking to keep workout noises subdued.
- Friction: Friction-based resistance works similarly to magnetic resistance, swapping out the magnets for brake pads that squeeze onto the flywheel to generate workout intensity. These systems can be cheaper than other bike silhouettes but may call for more routine maintenance as the pads (either leather, rubber, or synthetic) begin to wear after extended use.
What to Consider Before Buying an Exercise Bike
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve worked through many indoor bikes throughout your training, there are multiple considerations you’ll want to make before you start browsing the web. Here is what to look for when buying an indoor cycle.
Durability
If you work out a lot, you want a bike that can work with you. In other words, if you’re going to be using your indoor bike every day, you’ll want a durable steel frame and a powerful flywheel — the weighted metal disc that provides resistance and momentum — that will be able to withstand intense pedals and live out its full lifespan, which tends to be anywhere between 10 and 20 years with proper care.
Bikes like this are typically a little pricier, but if you consider the number of years they will last you and the usage you’ll get out of them, they can be well worth the extra cash.
Technology
One of the main differences you’ll find between bike consoles is the presence (or absence) of technology. Many of the pricier options on the market will include larger display screens, interactive class-streaming options, speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, incorporated heart rate monitoring, and other technological flourishes.
The less expensive options often won’t have most of these features, which is why the price sometimes drops by over $1,000 for these bikes.
Different Types
Recumbent bikes vs upright bikes vs air bikes — they all have different benefits, and choosing the right one is important to ensure you get what you’re looking for out of your exercise bike.
“Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back. Upright bikes are your typical stationary bikes, which are excellent for high-intensity exercise and tech-savvy cyclists who love to take fitness classes,” says Amanda Capritto, BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer. “Air bikes differ from recumbent and upright bikes in that they engage the upper body, thus providing a full-body workout.”
Footprint
Before you go ahead and invest in a new exercise bike, you want to make sure it’s suitable for your available space. When you find a machine you like, read the size specs closely. Then, measure your space accordingly. Just make sure to leave yourself a little space for getting on and off the machine.
How Much Do the Best Exercise Bikes Cost?
Top exercise bikes can vary in price depending on a range of factors including resistance type, available tech features, weight rating, and more. On average, though, you can expect to pay roughly $1,350 for a high-quality profile with respectable options both cheaper and more expensive than this median cost. Below, we’ve outlined the price points (and other top specs) for each exercise bike featured in this guide. Peruse the chart and determine which silhouette suits your budget best.
| Superlative | Exercise Bike | Price | Resistance Type | Weight Capacity | Display Size | Warranty |
| Best Exercise Bike Overall | NordicTrack X24 Bike | $2,299 | Silent Magnetic Resistance | 350lbs | 24” HD touchscreen | 10-year frame, 2-year parts |
| Best Air Bike | Assault Fitness AirBike Classic | $799 | Air | 300lbs | Small LCD screen | 5-year frame, 2-year non-wear parts |
| Best Exercise Bike for Beginners | Schwinn IC4 | $999 | Magnetic | 330lbs | Small LCD screen | 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical parts, 3-year electronics, 1-year labor |
| Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight | CAROL Bike | $2,595 | Magnetic | 330lbs | 11.5” IPS touchscreen | 5-year frame, 1-year components |
| Best Foldable Exercise Bike | Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike | $179.99 | Magnetic | 250lbs | Small LCD display | 2-year |
| Best Recumbent Exercise Bike | NordicTrack 10 Recumbent Bike | $1,499 | Silent Magnetic Resistance | 350lbs | 10” HD touchscreen | 10-year frame, 2-year parts |
| Best Budget Exercise Bike | Yosuda YB001R Exercise Bike | $339.99 | Magnetic | 330lbs | Small LCD display | 3-year frame, 1-year parts |
| Best Exercise Bike for a Heavy Person | Echelon Connect EX-8s | $2,799.99 | Digital Magnetic Resistance | 300lbs | 24” HD touchscreen | 1-year |
| Best Exercise Bike for Seniors | Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike | $599 | Magnetic | 300lbs | 5.5” LCD | 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor |
| Best Exercise Bike with Live Classes | Peloton Bike | $1,445 | Magnetic | 297lbs | 21.5” HD touchscreen | 5-year frame, 1-year components, 1-year labor |
Best Exercise Bikes FAQs
What’s the best exercise bike overall?
Determining the best exercise bike on the market can be subjective depending on your workout preferences, available space, and personal budget. For our money, though, we feel the NordicTrack X24 is the best available indoor cycle today thanks to its impressive incline range, smooth and quiet magnetic resistance system, and iFIT compatibility for a large, immersive library of on-demand digital workouts.
What type of exercise bike is best?
The best exercise bike is totally dependent on what you’re capable of and what you’re wanting to do. If you need some back support and would prefer to be in a reclined position, a recumbent bike is the best choice. If you’re looking for an exercise bike with interactive features, you’ll want to look at bikes with app compatibility such as iFIT and Peloton.
Are exercise bikes good for weight loss or fat burning?
According to Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, “Cycling can be an effective training discipline for generating caloric burn while also improving cardiorespiratory functions. Additionally, training with an exercise bike (and combining your cardio with a dedicated resistance training routine) can help boost your metabolism and support long-term weight management.”
What is the difference between magnetic and air resistance bikes?
Magnetic and air resistance bikes differ, naturally, by the resistance system employed across the indoor cycle. Magnetic resistance uses magnetics across a metal flywheel to generate different workout intensities, while air resistance features a large fan that is dependent on your effort — the harder you train, the more resistance you’ll create. Magnetic resistance systems can be quieter than air during rides but may be more expensive. In general, though, you’re more than capable of high-quality workouts with either setup.
Is 30 minutes a day on an exercise bike enough?
Different goals require different levels of dedication. If you’re training for a century ride — that’s 100 miles — you’ll need to be spending hours upon hours on your bike. But, if you’re looking to kickstart a healthy habit, burn calories, and increase your cardiovascular fitness, 30 minutes a day is an excellent place to start. (2)
References
- Reiser, R. F., 2nd, Broker, J. P., & Peterson, M. L. (2004). Knee loads in the standard and recumbent cycling positions. Biomedical sciences instrumentation, 40, 36–42.
- Blumenthal, J. A., Emery, C. F., Madden, D. J., George, L. K., Coleman, R. E., Riddle, M. W., … & Williams, R. S. (1989). Cardiovascular and behavioral effects of aerobic exercise training in healthy older men and women. Journal of gerontology, 44(5), M147-M157.
- McLeod, W. D., & Blackburn, T. A. (1980). Biomechanics of knee rehabilitation with cycling. The American journal of sports medicine, 8(3), 175–180. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354658000800306
- Dong, X., Li, C., Liu, J., Huang, P., Jiang, G., Zhang, M., Zhang, W., & Zhang, X. (2021). The effect of running on knee joint cartilage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 47, 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.11.030
- Newman, K., Gibson, K., Zeller, H., Carter, S., & Joyce, B. (2009). Recumbent Exercise Bicycle for Low-Impact Rehabilitation of Obese Individuals. Journal of Medical Devices, 3(2).
- Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(8), 452. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080452
- Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 174(6), 801–809. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051351
