The Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 of 2024 — Expert Tested and Reviewed

When you think of an at-home exercise bike, your mind likely jumps to a high-end brand with fancy equipment and luxe streaming services that sells a bike for upwards of $1,500. But what if we told you that you could get a home exercise bike with many of the same mechanical features, but at a third of the price? Affordable exercise bikes offer the same health benefits as their fancier counterparts, including a low-impact, beginner-friendly workout that boosts cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. (1)(2) 

We’ve tested over 20 exercise bikes and curated the best at a super low price point. These exercise bikes all come in under $500 (likely less than your annual gym membership) while still offering the necessary features, comfort, and durability that you want in a piece of cardio equipment. Whether you’re looking for a gentle recumbent bike, one to slide under your desk as you work, or a studio-style bike for a more intense cycling experience, there’s an affordable exercise bike option here for you. Keep reading to see our picks for the best exercise bikes under $500.

The Best Exercise Bikes Under $500

• Best Overall Exercise Bike Under $500: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Under $500: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
• Best Adjustable Exercise Bike Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Trainer
• Best Upright Exercise Bike Under $500: Schwinn 130 Upright Bike
• Best Exercise Bike Under $500 for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike
• Best Budget Exercise Bike Under $500: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
• Best Magnetic Exercise Bike Under $500: JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike
• Best Folding Exercise Bike Under $500: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes Under $500

Investing in exercise equipment is a big deal. As a customer, you likely can’t vet every option yourself — but that’s where BarBend steps in to help. Our team has been testing fitness equipment, including exercise bikes, for years. We combed through countless models online and tried more than 20 of the best exercise bikes on the market to sort out which are worth a purchase. 

Our group of expert testers (including certified personal trainers and an Olympic lifter) evaluated them on criteria including footprint and portability, durability, adjustability and ergonomics, tech capabilities, warranty, and even customer service. The result: these eight picks, which we think will serve you well. Here are a few factors we paid special attention to when picking these eight bikes.

Durability

When you’re buying a low-cost piece of exercise equipment, you may have doubts about quality and durability — especially because you, or your friends or family members will be the one sitting (or, in the case of low-cost treadmills, running) with your full body weight on the machine in question. Luckily, you don’t need to spend big bucks to get a machine that’ll last, and many of the budget exercise bikes we tested and examined surprised us with their sturdiness and follow-through. In fact, we have only included reliable options that we have tested on this list. 

When you’re spending under $500, the warranties tend to be limited, but they can make or break your experience with a bike, so that affected our decisions, too. The most durable bikes offer a 10-year warranty, but our certified personal trainer recommends looking for “at least five years on the frame, two years on parts, and one year for labor.”

Price

If you’re here, you’re not looking to spend $2,000+ on an exercise bike, and we understand that. That’s why we curated a list of bikes that range in price and features, so you can spend as little or much as you want and get only the things you need. At the absolute maximum, though, these bikes will cost $499.99 on the dot.

Features

Budget bikes may not have all the techy features included in high-end workout equipment, but they should still cover the basics. We kept an eye out for all the necessities, like a water bottle holder, media shelf, and adjustable parts to fit riders of different sizes. Beyond that, it’s up to you which features matter for your individual workout needs and goals — because no bike in this price range really has it all. However, we’ve included a range of different options with varying features, so there is likely a fit for you here.

Best Overall Exercise Bike Under $500: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike 

The Yosuda YB001R Indoor Cycling Bike is our pick for the overall best exercise bike under $500, as it offers a pretty solid workout experience for an affordable price tag.

This is a cycling-style bike, like those you’ll see in organized cycling classes. One of the standout features is the 35-pound flywheel (the spinning metal disc that provides resistance and momentum as you pedal). Generally, the heavier the flywheels the better, as it offers a less jerky ride. This one is almost on par with higher-end bikes like the Peloton Bike or Echelon Connect EX-8s, which both have 38-pound flywheels but go for about $1,500 and $3,000, respectively.

The Yosuda has a heavy flywheel, but small footprint, coming in significantly shorter length- and height-wise than a Peloton Bike. That’s why our expert tester and certified personal trainer gave it a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “It’s quite compact and easy to move, thanks to transport wheels under the handlebars,” they say. Reviewers agree that it’s an especially great option for small living spaces, like apartments, or slipping into the corner of a room.

Otherwise, the bike has pretty standard features, with quiet magnetic resistance, a water bottle holder, a tablet shelf, a four-way adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, and an LCD display that rotates between stats. “The digital display is nothing fancy, but it has the basics,” our expert tester says.

While this is the best budget bike we’ve found, it’s still a budget bike. Customers have some concerns about its durability, as does our tester. “It’s a great price but it’s not a very durable bike,” our expert tester admits. “I already have some tears in the bike seat, the LCD monitor can be wobbly, and I noticed that the pedal strap comes apart easily. Many people will probably need to replace it within a couple of years, which is fine if you’re looking for a quick fix but it’s not if you want a forever bike.” 

For that reason, they gave this bike a 3 out of 5 for value, despite its low price. (You’re covered by a limited warranty after purchase, but it times out after six months for parts, one year for labor, and three years for the frame.) The good news is that customers who’ve taken advantage of it have great things to say about their customer service. 

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Under $500: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

If you’re shopping for an exercise bike because you want a low-impact cardio workout, are a beginner or senior, or are dealing with an injury, it may be smart to choose a recumbent bike instead of an upright bike. A recumbent bike is a type of stationary bike where the seat is situated far behind the pedals rather than above them. This means more of your body weight is in the seat versus in the pedals, making it easier to pedal and putting less force on your lower-body joints. Recumbent bikes also have backrests, so your torso is supported while you ride.

“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,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. This Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike, in particular, has a 300lb user weight limit (above the industry average), making it a great exercise bike for heavy riders as well. 

This bike doesn’t have tons of bells and whistles, but it has all you need to get a decent cardio workout. Adjust the magnetic resistance within eight present levels while you ride, and see basic stats on your time, speed, distance, and calories burned on the little LCD screen. There’s no media shelf to hold a tablet, phone, or book, so this could be a better exercise bike option if you’re planning to pedal while doing audio-only workouts or watching something on your TV. 

The limited warranty runs out after two years, but reviewers have good things to say about its durability. (It’s earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon from a collective 20,000+ reviews.) Many happy customers report using this bike for years without any issues, logging multi-hour workouts many times per week. “This machine reminds me of an old truck I used to own: looked terrible, but ran like a champ,” one reviewer writes. “The bike is approaching 9000 [miles] on the odometer and is showing its age, but has otherwise held up well.” And at just $250 — the price of about 50 to-go lattes — that kind of performance just can’t be beat.

Best Adjustable Exercise Bike Under $500: Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Trainer

If you typically ride outside or in a cycling class, you’re used to setting up your bike, so it fits you exactly. With the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike, you can nearly replicate that fit and feel at home, thanks to the highly adjustable seat and handlebars. Both can be moved vertically, and the seat can also slide forward and back. With these tweaks, the bike can support riders up to 275 pounds and with a 31” to 42” inseam.

Once you find your ideal setup, you can ride hard without worry. In Amazon reviews, customers are impressed with how sturdy the bike feels, even when riding out of the saddle, thanks to the alloy steel frame and floor stabilizers. (It earned a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating after 6,000+ reviews.) The 49-pound flywheel and belt-drive system means this bike is smooth and quiet. “I can ride out of the saddle vigorously with no movement or instability. Thing is a rock,” one review wrote.

This is the only bike on this list with friction-based resistance. When you turn up the resistance, there’s a little leather strip that gets pressed against the flywheel to make pedaling harder. This means you have to judge the resistance level yourself by feel, and it isn’t always consistent from ride to ride, reviewers note. You’ll also need to keep it lubricated, so it doesn’t get noisy and, after a while, replace the leather completely, since it wears out with use. The common alternative, magnetic resistance, doesn’t require any upkeep but typically costs a little more at the outset.

The bike doesn’t have any onboard tech, though you can purchase a cadence or speed monitor separately to track your ride metrics if you’re invested. (And if you buy the bike on Sunny’s website instead of Amazon, they’ll throw in one for free.) You can then connect the monitor to a cycling app like Peloton or Zwift, or the brand’s completely free workout app called SunnyFit, which streams 1,300+ different types of workouts, including cycling, running, strength, stretching, and rowing.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike is a simple, solid exercise bike that doesn’t offer anything fancy, but doesn’t have any real downsides, either. And because it doesn’t come with much, you can customize the bike to your liking. As one reviewer puts it: “All in all, this is an excellent machine and at this price point, it’s also a phenomenal value.”

Best Upright Exercise Bike Under $500: Schwinn 130 Upright Bike

Upright bikes are a great compromise. They offer a more comfortable and accessible experience compared to athletic cycling-style bikes (which pitch you forward as if on a road bike) but allow you to work a little harder than a leaned-back recumbent bike. The Schwinn 130 demos exactly why they’re called upright bikes: When you’re pedaling, your torso will be more or less vertical. 

It has a cushy seat and handlebars within reach, so you don’t need to lean forward to hold them. Because you’re seated upright, it’s also compact; this model’s footprint is about the size of half a yoga mat, and customers note that it can be easily moved around by tipping it up onto the front wheels — a win if you’re looking to save space.

This Schwinn has a standard LCD screen with stats and basic guided workout programs — but it also comes with a pretty snazzy feature you can’t see just by looking. This bike can connect via Bluetooth to your phone, tablet, or TV, so you can use other indoor cycling apps to coach your rides. Amazon reviewers are obsessed with this capability and say that using the bike with an app like Zwift or JRNY has made their cardio significantly more engaging. Use the bike with guided workouts from the compatible Zwift or Explore the World apps, and the bike will even auto-adjust resistance as you ride.

The hardware’s not too shabby, either; this bike has a padded, contoured seat, oversized pedals, heart-rate-enabled handles, and a sleek-yet-solid metal frame. And it comes with a 10-year frame warranty and a 2-year parts warranty to back it up. (That’s pretty generous for a bike under $500.) One reviewer calls it, “surprisingly robust for a low cost option,” and says that it’s sturdy, quiet, and smooth, and offers a good variety of magnetic resistance across the 16 available levels. It comes with a water bottle holder and a media shelf (super handy if you’ve connected via Bluetooth). 

Overall, it earned a 4.6 on the brand’s site and a 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon as a result of more than 5,000 reviews. What’s keeping it from being a five? Like most other upright bikes, you can’t stand up to pedal on this model, so your workout intensity is limited to a certain extent. The seat can easily be swapped out, and that’s a good thing, as one customer wrote: “Only complaint I have is the seat becomes uncomfortable after the first 15 minutes of riding. I had to purchase a gel seat cushion which works wonders.”

Read our full Schwinn 130 Upright Bike Review.

Best Exercise Bike Under $500 for Small Spaces: Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike

This home exercise bike is so small, it’s almost unbelievable. The seat and legs fold in when not in use, turning it into a sleek black rectangle and taking up very little space (about the size of a slim carry-on suitcase). You can slide it into a corner or under a table without anyone noticing you have a cycling bike in your home. Whether you live in a tiny apartment, share a dorm room, or want a bike that can fit under your office desk, this could be the difference between skipping your workout or logging 30+ minutes of easy cardio a day.

Despite its small size, this Sharper Image Stationary Bike can support riders up to 250lbs and between 5’ to 6’4” tall. Though it doesn’t have any type of display, the bike offers eight different resistance levels. The catch: It doesn’t have handlebars, so you’re not going to be able to stand up on this bike or log any intense workouts. 

Instead, it makes a great bike for those looking to gently pedal while working, watching TV, or reading. “It is so quiet I was able to use the bike as my wife was taking a nap right next to me,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s compact when it folds up and you can easily store it in a closet. It’s about 40 pounds but has wheels on the front which makes it easier to tuck away.” Though there are only 33 reviews on the Sharper Image site, it earned a 4.7 out of 5 rating.

The lack of handlebars means it can be tricky to get on and off, but there are some upsides: It forces you to engage your core and even gives you room to do arm exercises with hand weights while you pedal, as one reviewer points out. The bike features a cup holder for small items like a water bottle or phone. If you’re looking for something even smaller — perhaps a bike that doesn’t come with a seat, and lets you pedal while sitting in your office chair — check out these mini exercise bikes, too.

Best Budget Exercise Bike Under $500: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike

If you’re looking for an exercise bike that has a minimal impact on your wallet and living space, a foldable exercise bike could be just the thing. This is one of the most affordable bikes on our list, and it’s a steal, coming in at under $200 on Amazon, where many reviewers call it a great piece of equipment for the price. 

When not in use, this bike folds up into a compact upright shape with a 22” x 20” footprint and transport wheels, making it easy to hide inside a coat closet. These two standout features are why Kate Meier, our expert tester and a certified personal trainer, gave it a stellar 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability as well as value. “It’s no frills, but super light and portable, so it’s great for small spaces,” she says. “You can roll it away as easily as a suitcase.”

Because it folds, this exercise bike isn’t quite as solid as the ones you’ve ridden in cycling classes or at the gym. You can’t stand and pedal, and the limited eight levels of resistance mean you can challenge yourself, but won’t be able to train too aggressively. It’s not a piece of equipment for athletes, but well suited for someone who wants a gentle cardio workout — for instance, to rehab an injury or pedal while watching TV. Still, despite the foldability and low price tag, Amazon reviewers — who’ve given the bike a 4.6 out of 5, overall — report that the bike is surprisingly stable, even on different types of floors.

The easy-to-read LCD display cycles between showing your distance, calories burned, time, speed, and heart rate, which it obtains via the hand pulse monitors on the handles. It’s not a lot, but it covers the basics, which is why Meier gave the tech capabilities a 3.5 out of 5. She gave the same rating for customizations, due to the fact that there’s no media shelf or water bottle holder, and limited adjustability of the seat and handlebars. “Overall, you get what you pay for,” Meier says. If you’re looking for a simple place to pedal, it could be just the thing you need.

Best Magnetic Exercise Bike Under $500: JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike

What creates resistance on an exercise bike? Sometimes it’s friction via a brake pad that’s pressed into the spinning flywheel. Other times, as is true in the case of this bike, the resistance comes from magnets. As you turn up the resistance dial on the JOROTO X2, the six built-in magnets move closer to the metal flywheel, increasing the magnetic pull and intensifying the resistance on each pedal stroke. 

Magnetic resistance comes with a few notable benefits: For one, unlike friction-based resistance, it’s silent and very smooth. There’s nothing pressing or rubbing against the flywheel, so you make less noise as you spin. It also requires less maintenance, as there are no brake pads that may need to be replaced. Many high-end exercise bikes use magnetic resistance (like those from Bowflex and NordicTrack), but you don’t need to pay big bucks to get it. Case in point: the JOROTO X2, which rings up just under $500.

For that price, you don’t just get magnetic resistance. This bike has many of the other essentials, including a dual water bottle holder that doubles as a tablet mount; a rotating digital display that shows speed, distance, time, and calories; a smooth belt-drive system; and a 35-pound flywheel that’s on par with other mid-range and even high-end models.

Reviewers — who’ve given it a 4.7 out of 5 rating overall on JOROTO’s site — are impressed with this bike’s value. “The weight and feel of the machine make it feel like the bike should have cost more than it did,” one customer writes. Some of the only critiques are that the seat is small and uncomfortable, that the resistance doesn’t go high enough, and that the digital display is lackluster and prone to issues — though many customers report that JAROTO’s customer service is outstanding and quick to send replacement parts, even occasionally outside the 1-year warranty. 

“I’d consider myself a beginner at spinning but am otherwise quite active. I can get at a 7/10 for difficulty when attempting to cycle [on this bike] at a slow speed with higher resistance,” one reviewer writes. It’s a great bike for beginner to intermediate riders who want a solid machine, but don’t want to splurge on a $1,000+ bike. Advanced riders may want to cough up the extra cash for a riding experience that meets their skill level though.

Best Folding Exercise Bike Under $500: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike  

Folding exercise bikes might seem too good to be true, but they can serve their purpose rather well. Take it from one reviewer, who defends her Marcy Foldable Upright Bike even to her “bike snob” friends: “Just because these folding bikes look like folding ironing boards doesn’t mean they aren’t mechanically sound for what they do — it’s a great design that I wish I had decades ago — lightweight and takes up little space…this folding bike can be moved around (in front of the TV or in the kitchen) whenever I want.” The transport wheels make it easy to roll around, and when it’s folded, it can stand up by itself, meaning you don’t need to lean it against a wall or sofa.

Countless other customers report back happily, even after having this bike for years and years, earning the machine a 4.4 out of 5 after more than 7,000 global ratings. Users vouch that it’s held up well, and helped them cross-train for running races, stay active while dealing with injuries, or continue to exercise in old age. They attest that the magnetic resistance is whisper-quiet, the bike feels relatively sturdy while pedaling, and that it doesn’t vibrate the floor when in use. The bike has a large, padded foam seat and digital display that shows speed, distance, time, and calories.

That said, this bike isn’t one for intense training; it doesn’t offer much resistance (just eight levels) or support standing rides, and has a tendency to wobble if you pedal too hard. It’s also not the most inclusive option. Riders under 5’4” report having issues reaching the pedals and the recommended user weight maxes out at 220lbs, one of the lowest ratings we’ve seen in an exercise bike, folding or otherwise. If you’re within the height and weight range, though, and looking to pedal leisurely — and without sacrificing much space to a piece of cardio equipment — this under-$200 folding exercise bike is a steal.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes

Even the most budget-friendly home exercise bikes cost a few hundred dollars, which can be tough to stomach if you don’t have the extra cash. Instead of viewing it as a frivolous big purchase, try instead to think of it as an investment in your health. The hype around working out is warranted. Regular physical exercise is one of the single best things you can do for your health and indoor cycling is a great way to reap the benefits. (4) “There’s a reason kids are encouraged to learn how to ride a bike from a young age: It’s fun, and it’s great exercise!” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer.

Stronger Mind and Body

“Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, and muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few,” says Capritto. Stationary biking also increases bone density, which reduces your risk of breaking bones or developing osteoporosis later in life. (5) And any type of exercise is also strongly linked to positive changes in mental health; it can help reduce anxiety and depression, and improve mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function, according to research. (6)

Low-Impact, Beginner-Friendly Cardio

If you’re a beginner to exercise, starting a weight-loss journey, dealing with an injury, or have limited mobility, other types of cardio — think: running, plyometrics, jump-roping, or bouncy dance cardio classes — may leave you feeling worse instead of better. Indoor cycling is a fantastic, low-impact exercise option that allows you to get moving without putting tons of force on your body. Research shows that, over time, the workout can help you build lower-body strength and cardio fitness while maintaining a low risk of injury. (7)  

All-Weather Workouts Without Leaving the House

“Indoor exercise bikes provide access to cycling no matter the weather or outdoor conditions,” Capritto says. “Many people do not feel safe cycling outside. As someone who lived in Miami and trained for triathlons there, riding outside can be brutally terrifying for city dwellers. An exercise bike eliminates traffic as a reason to skip your session, so it can be someone’s golden ticket to exercising more frequently.”

Not to mention, working out at home nixes the added time and cost that comes with commuting to the gym, which can make it a more accessible option for people who work multiple jobs, care for family members, or just have a lot to juggle.

What to Consider Before Buying an Exercise Bike Under $500 

An exercise bike is a big purchase even when you’re spending $500 or less. Since you’re sacrificing time, money, and space for a machine to help you meet your workout needs, you want to make sure it’s going to do what you want. Take a few minutes to think: Exactly what are you looking for in an exercise bike? 

Do you want a tool for high-intensity interval training or just a place to pedal while watching Netflix? Do you plan to store it away, or leave it in one place? How much are you really willing to spend, and how long do you hope it lasts? Here are a few key characteristics to consider when shopping for an at-home bike.

Space and Storage

Budget exercise bikes, in general, don’t have a hefty footprint. But one of the best things this category offers is exercise bikes that fold up for easy storage. Is that important to you, or would you rather have a more sturdy ride that stays in sight 24/7? Recumbent bikes are generally bulkier, so keep that in mind if you’re looking at that type of bike.

Resistance Type

When you’ve been tapping the resistance up or down on an exercise bike, you probably haven’t stopped to give much thought to how that dial or button is making it harder to pedal. The exact mechanism of resistance depends on the bike, usually falling into a few different camps. The most basic is friction-based resistance, which involves pressing a brake pad (usually made of leather or cotton) into the spinning flywheel. The next level up is magnetic resistance, which uses magnetic pull to slow the momentum of the flywheel. Then there are air bikes, which use air; they have a fan flywheel that becomes harder to pedal the faster you go. 

Workout Intensity

When checking out at-home exercise bikes, you’ll need to consider how hard you like to work out. If you love doing HIIT training or riding out of the saddle, you’ll want an upright bike that’s stable, durable, and built to withstand that kind of movement. If you’re looking to pedal at a more leisurely pace, an upright bike with a bigger seat, a recumbent bike, or a foldable exercise bike might work for you.

Cost

If you’re on this page, cost is already one of the main factors you’re keeping in mind as you look for an exercise bike. No budget bike will rival the experience you get on a high-end bike, with features like a built-in HD touchscreen and automatic resistance and incline adjustments, but it will give you a place to log some low-impact cardio at home. How long do you want to bike to last, and how much are you willing to spend per day, month, or year of use? That can help keep the cost in perspective.

How Much Do Exercise Bikes Cost?

Like other pieces of workout equipment, the price range for exercise bikes is huge, from about $100 to several thousands. All the bikes here come in under $500, but there’s still a big difference from the most affordable to the top of the category. To help you see the price differences clearly, here’s a cost breakdown of all our top exercise bike picks under $500.

Best Overall Exercise Bike Under $400	Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike	$439.99
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Under $500	Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike	$249.99
Best Adjustable Exercise Bike Under $500	Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Trainer	$399
Best Upright Exercise Bike Under $500	Schwinn 130 Upright Bike	$499
Best Exercise Bike Under $500 for Small Spaces	Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike	$349.99
Best Budget Exercise Bike Under $500	Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike	$190
Best Magnetic Exercise Bike Under $500	JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike	$499.99
Best Folding Exercise Bike Under $500	Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike	$179.99

For as little as $180, you can get a home exercise bike that lets you pedal and increase the resistance, but not much more. To get more features, you’ll need to bump your budget by at least $200. That’ll get you into a range of products with more comfortable seats, better digital displays, and a more sturdy feel. If you’d like to log more athletic or aggressive workouts or stand up while you pedal, you’ll need to get closer to $500 to find a bike that’s suitable for you. These models are still budget-friendly but will feel more like what you’ve tried in a gym.

Our expert testers and online customer reviews echo the sentiment that, when it comes to budget exercise bikes, you typically get what you pay for. These bikes will serve their purpose and perhaps stick around for a few years, but beyond that, aren’t likely to stand the test of effort or time. If you’re looking for a “forever bike”, a slightly more mid-market or high-end exercise bike might be the move for you.

Types of Exercise Bikes 

If you’re shopping for an exercise bike, your first step should be to determine which type of bike you want. There are four main categories: upright, cycling, recumbent, and air. Here are the details on each type.

Cycling

Cycling bikes are the ones you’ll see in a studio class or gym. They have a spinning metal flywheel, a seat more-or-less directly over the pedals, and handlebars somewhat far away from the seat — so you have to lean forward to hold them. They typically have hard, slim seats and allow you to stand up and pedal. In all, they replicate the experience of being on a road bike that you’d ride outside.

Upright

An upright bike is exactly what it sounds like: a stationary bike that positions you in a relatively upright position with the handlebars within reach. They typically have bigger, cushier seats than cycling bikes, and aren’t conducive to riding out of the saddle. If you’ve ridden a cruiser bike outside, that’s a great reference for what upright stationary bikes feel like.

Recumbent

A recumbent bike offers the most easy-going workout of the four types of exercise bikes. A recumbent bike usually has a backrest in addition to a spacious seat, allowing you to sit back while you pedal. The seat is typically situated well behind the pedals rather than over the top. 

Because you have less of your own weight in your legs while pedaling, and you don’t need to support your torso to stay upright, recumbent bikes tend to be easier overall and offer a lower-intensity workout. “Seniors and individuals with limited mobility may struggle to get on and off of an exercise bike, in which case a recumbent bike is recommended,” adds Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer.

Air

There aren’t any air bikes (aka fan bikes) on this list, but you may have seen one in a gym, functional fitness studio, or CrossFit box. “Air bikes are powered by the user, with a fan flywheel that creates resistance,” Capritto says. They’re generally motorless, and instead of handlebars, they often have two large moving arms that you push and pull in addition to pedaling with your feet. For this reason, “air bikes differ from recumbent and upright bikes in that they engage the upper body, thus providing a full-body workout,” Capritto adds.

Final Word 

Buying a piece of at-home cardio equipment can make a big difference in your workout routine, and thus, your life. It sounds like a tad dramatic, but squeezing in some exercise every day or a few times per week can help you feel better mentally and physically — and one of the best ways to make that happen is to have a dedicated place to break a sweat within your home. If you’re looking for a basic tool to fill that need, the good news is that there are plenty of exercise bikes under $500 that are up to the task. 

Even on a budget, you can find an exercise bike that fits you, depending on your home, workout routine, and needs. Are you looking to power through a virtual spin class, train for a race, or pedal leisurely while catching up on TV shows? Do you prefer the comfort of a recumbent bike, or want to be able to stand up out of the saddle? Is it important that you can stash the bike away when you have company, or do you have a spacious home gym or guest room where it could live? And finally, is it important to get the most affordable exercise bike possible, or would it be in your best interest to bump it up a notch? All of these questions are worth considering before you hit “add to cart.”

FAQs

References

1. Chavarrias M, Carlos-Vivas J, Collado-Mateo D, Pérez-Gómez J. Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Aug 8;55(8):452. 
2. Rissel C, Passmore E, Mason C, Merom D. Two pilot studies of the effect of bicycling on balance and leg strength among older adults. J Environ Public Health. 2013;2013:686412. 
3. Recumbent Bike vs. Upright Bike: What’s the difference? International Sports Sciences Association. (2019, July 31). https://www.issaonline.com/blog/post/recumbent-bike-vs-upright-bike-whats-the-difference 
4. Benefits of Physical Activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, Aug 1).  https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm 
5. Petersen BA, Hastings B, Gottschall JS. Low load, high repetition resistance training program increases bone mineral density in untrained adults. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2017 Jan-Feb;57(1-2):70-76.
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