ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review (2024): A Connected Bike at a Price We Like

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best exercise bikes that can bring the studio experience into your home at a reasonable cost, the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 should be a top contender. With a swiveling 22-inch display and iFIT integration, studio-quality virtual classes are at your fingertips. As the jewel in ProForm’s exercise bike lineup, you can also expect a stable, smooth ride so you can focus on powering over that next (virtual) hill.

The BarBend team of fitness pros — certified personal trainers, cyclists, CrossFit coaches, and more — have sweat through thousands of workouts on over 20 different exercise bikes over the years. Among the app-connected exercise bikes on the market, the Studio Bike Pro 22 is one of the most affordable options we’ve tested that includes an HD touchscreen this large. Anyone looking for immersive and engaging rides — in the studio or around the world — may have just found their match.

Main Takeaways

• The 22-inch HD touchscreen swivels 180 degrees, allowing you to hop off the bike and use the included dumbbells to follow strength training and HIIT classes.
• A free 30-day trial of iFIT is included, so you can try out its studio and scenic offerings. After your trial, you’ll need to renew for $39.99 per month.
• Between its 144-pound frame and bulky screen, moving the bike can be tough — even with the built-in transport wheels.
• The 32-pound flywheel allows for 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance, making it a great option for small or shared spaces. 

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Highlights 

• Price: $1,299
• Resistance Levels: 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance
• Weight Capacity: 250lbs
• Dimensions: 54” H x 56.5” L x 21.9” W
• Weight: 144lbs
• Pedals: Dual-sided

With more and more app-connected cardio machines hitting the market, finding an exercise bike that balances a high-tech experience with a quality build is becoming increasingly challenging. The steel frame and 32-pound flywheel on the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 are just the kind of solid features we like to see supporting high-end technology like an HD touchscreen display. 

iFIT’s 17,000+ live and on-demand classes will put the 22-inch screen to good use whether you stick to cycling or swivel it 180 degrees for an off-machine strength or yoga session. Without an iFIT subscription — $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial — we’re not so sure the $1,299 price would be justifiable, but anyone looking for an immersive experience like this might struggle to find a less expensive alternative.

Athletes of varying heights and body types should be able to adjust the seat, handlebars, and pedal straps to find a comfortable fit, though the seat and pedals can also be swapped out with third-party options. If you prefer to clip into a set of SPD-compatible cleats, consider this bike BYOP — bring your own pedals.

Pros

• The 32-pound flywheel helps bring you 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance.
• Its 22-inch HD touchscreen brings an immersive virtual workout experience.
• Over 17,000 live and on-demand classes are available via iFIT.
• The seat and handlebars are adjustable, and the pedals can be swapped out for clip-in options. 

Cons

• While there’s plenty of high-end tech, basics like an accessory tray and fan are missing.
• After the free 30-day trial, an iFIT membership costs $39.99 per month.
• The 22-inch display can be cumbersome during transport.
• Its 250-pound weight capacity is at the low end of the average 250- to 300-pound range of comparable bikes.

Training With the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

While many of us on the BarBend team have experience on iFIT-integrated equipment, as well as other ProForm bikes, I got to take this one for a spin myself. I used a scale from 1 (yikes!) to 5 (hooray!) to rate the bike across 13 different categories — such as durability, tech capabilities, and more — to bring you the lowdown on the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22.

With a large HD touchscreen, iFIT on board, and adjustable everything, the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 hits all the big marks for a quality exercise bike. However, while we appreciated the water bottle holder, we missed having some of the simple things, like a fan or an accessory tray. That said, it’s easy to overlook that when scrolling through the app’s vast library of live and on-demand fitness classes and scenic rides. 

Dynamic Programming

When you decide to go with the Studio Bike Pro 22, you are effectively committing to using iFIT as your fitness app of choice. However, after your initial free month, access to the 17,000+ live and on-demand classes will cost you an additional $39.99 per month. Whether you feel like hopping in a studio class, exploring distant locales with a scenic ride, or creating your own route with its Google Maps integration, iFIT offers a ton of engaging options.

This high-quality spin bike is particularly suited to maximize that investment, as iFIT’s AutoAdjust functionality can make automatic adjustments to your speed and incline in tune to the demands of a given ride. 

The 22-inch display can swivel 180 degrees so you can follow HIIT, yoga, and strength training classes off the bike. If you ever come across other compatible machines — in a gym or while traveling — you can also log workouts on rowing machines, ellipticals, or treadmills with iFIT.

Our expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto has used iFIT on several types of machines. “With iFIT, you can take exercise classes much like you would in a brick-and-mortar fitness studio,” she explains. “It really is some of the best interactive programming out there and helps prevent boredom.”

Beyond providing an immersive iFIT experience, the screen is also where you can track your   workout metrics, including time, distance, calorie burn, wattage, heart rate, and cadence. Now, there is no built-in heart rate monitoring on this bike, but ProForm does offer the SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitor, which you can buy separately and sync to the bike’s programming. Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to connect wireless headphones so you’re not disturbing your roommates, be they two- or four-legged.

Adjustability and Ergonomics

With a four-way adjustable seat and vertically-adjustable handlebars, most athletes will be able to get comfy for their ride. On some bikes, the seat stacks can be difficult to adjust, but I found every adjustment I made smooth and effortless. Also, if the seat and pedals are not to your liking, you switch them out for a third-party option. For this reason, I scored this category a 5 out of 5.

With 10 available positions in the 9-inch stack, even taller users should have little issue settling in. On top of the vertical adjustability, the seat can also slide forward and backward within a 3-inch range. I tried each position and, though 3 inches is a small range, it could make a big difference for taller or shorter athletes. 

I generally prefer the triangle grip in the seated position, but when I rose out of the saddle, the vertical grips were my go-to. The handlebar also adjusts vertically 3.75 inches.

I found the adjustable toe straps secure after slipping in my best running shoes, even at higher intensities, though some may prefer clip-in pedals for that real studio experience. Thankfully, the Pro 22’s commitment to adjustability extends to their pedals, as you can swap them out for an SPD-compatible pair.

Footprint and Portability

At 56.5 inches long and 21.9 inches wide, this bike will take up 8.59 square feet of floor space. Compared to the average for similar indoor bikes with screens we have used — 9.1 square feet — the Studio Bike Pro 22 can save you a little bit of room. If that’s still too big for your apartment or home gym, try a machine that has a smaller display, like the ProForm Carbon CX, the Studio Bike Pro 22’s kid brother. 

When I moved the bike around the gym, the 144-pound weight was not an issue. However, the 22-inch screen made it a bit tough to balance. I rated its portability 3.5 out of 5 because I would expect it to be even more difficult to move on carpet, as opposed to the rubber flooring I rolled it on.

Overall Build and Quality​

The heavy-duty steel frame and inertia-enhanced flywheel on this bike keep you grounded as you cycle through ProForm’s 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, which hum softly so as not to wake up the rest of your household in the wee hours. Even at higher intensities, I found the frame to be solid as a rock and I gave its durability a 5 out of 5, as it felt stable throughout my ride.

That said, the 250-pound weight capacity is on the low end of 250- to 300-pound weight capacities we’ve seen on bikes in this price range. While I didn’t experience any wobbling in my time on board, heavier users may want to consider looking elsewhere.

[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes For Heavy People]

As I looked closely at the build, I only noticed one suspect area that caused me to dock it a point for its construction, which I rated a 4 out of 5. The welding connecting the screen and the frame didn’t appear to be as smooth as it was on other areas on the bike. The screen wasn’t wobbly as I pedaled, but it was concerning nonetheless, especially on a bike that costs $1,299.

What to Consider Before Buying the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

Connected bikes like the Studio Bike Pro 22 usually have long lists of specs and features that can be difficult to parse. To help you think about what to look for when buying an indoor cycle, here are a few factors to consider.

Tech

With the recent surge in popularity of connected home fitness equipment, the ante keeps getting raised when it comes to exercise bikes. When you start your search for an exercise bike, consider just how high-tech you want your experience to be. 

It’s not uncommon to find bikes like the Studio Bike Pro 22 with HD touchscreens pushing 22 inches that act as command central for your bike. On the other hand, some people may prefer a quiet, contemplative ride as opposed to a virtual iFIT trainer and music pumping throughout their workout. If you fall into the latter camp, you can save a few bucks by opting for a more utilitarian model, like the Schwinn IC4. 

Price

Because exercise bikes are such popular home gym essentials, it can feel like there are endless options out there. After you take a look at your own finances and establish a budget, find a few comparable options and check the features that are important to you. For instance, the NordicTrack S22i also has a 22-inch display and iFIT integration, but is a full $700 more. With both of these bikes, the $39.99 monthly subscription is also an added cost to factor in.

[Related: Best Exercise Bikes Under $500]

Another big consideration is the warranty that comes with your purchase. In this case, ProForm’s warranties all meet the minimum lengths — plus 5 years on the frame — that our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends. “Look for at least 5 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, and one year for labor,” she says.

Your Space

Before you click add to cart for any exercise bike, grab your measuring tape and plan out exactly where you want to set it up. This bike will take up 8.59 square feet, which is right in line with the Echelon Connect EX-5 (8.56 square feet) and slightly smaller than the comparable Peloton Bike+ (9.42 square feet). If you want to visualize the bike in your living room, it’s around half the size of your average two-seater sofa. (sofa) 

I thought the large wheels on the Studio Bike Pro 22 made it easy to roll, but I only moved it on a hard, rubber surface. If you’ll be moving yours on a thick carpet, I suspect that it would be tougher to wheel around. Also, while a large screen is great for an iFIT workout, the added weight can throw off the balance during transport. If you are particularly tight on space, consider one of the best portable exercise bikes as an alternative. 

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 vs. The Competition

Sorting through specifications, features, and customer reviews can be overwhelming, and the increasing tech capabilities on bikes like the Studio Pro Bike 22 can cause even more confusion. Check out our chart to help simplify your search and maybe add some context with a few comparisons.

	ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22	Echelon Connect EX-5 Bike	Peloton Bike
Price	$1,299	$1,299	$1,445
Resistance Levels	24 levels of digital magnetic resistance	32 levels of magnetic resistance	100 levels of magnetic resistance
Tech	22″ Smart HD Touchscreen Display	Holds Smart Devices from 5.5″ to 12.5″ with 180-degree flip	21.5-inch HD adjustable touchscreen
App Integration	iFIT ($39.99 a month)	Echelon Fit ($11.99 to $39.99)	Peloton App ($12.99 to $44 a month)
Pedals	Hybrid design with adjustable toe cage is compatible with SPD clips and sneakers	Hybrid design with adjustable toe cage is compatible with SPD cleats and sneakers	Compatible with Delta cleats
Weight Capacity	250lbs	300lbs	297lbs
Weight	144 pounds	106 pounds	135 pounds
Warranty	10 years frame, 2 years parts,1 year labor	12 months total warranty; 5 years with Echelon Fit Premier subscription	5 years frame, 12 months touchscreen, components, pedals, and labor
Dimensions	54” H x 56.5” L x 21.9” W	55” H x 58” L x 20” W	53” H x 59” L x 23” W

In terms of price, footprint, and fitness app integration, the Echelon Connect EX-5 Bike and Studio Bike Pro 22 are similar. If you take a closer look, you can tell who each bike may be best suited for.

Where they start to diverge is the onboard technology — namely, the display. While the headlines for both the Pro 22 and the Peloton Bike are their app-connected programming and large HD touchscreens, the EX-5 lacks a display altogether. The EX-5, though, has a 300-pound capacity that hits the high-end of the average range — 250 to 300 pounds — and includes eight more levels of resistance than the Pro 22. It’s also 38 pounds lighter. 

All of these options offer integration with three of the best fitness apps out there, although our testing team feels like Echelon Fit lacks the production value of iFIT and Peloton. Bikes we have tested that feature iFIT consistently earn 5’s out of 5 for their dynamic programming, while Peloton can count the BarBend team among its many fans. 

With more than 17,000 live and on-demand classes at the ready, iFIT is suited for both casual and professional athletes. “I’ve done a bunch of the outdoor rides and runs on iFIT and I honestly think it’s officially emerged as a Peloton competitor,” said our tester. 

Places to Buy the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

You can buy the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 on the ProForm and Gronk Fitness websites.

Customer Experience

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty. A BarBend tester rated ProForm’s customer service 4 out of 5 and said, “You can reach them by email, social media, or phone and they’re pretty responsive.”

Company Information

ProForm is owned by Icon Health & Fitness. In addition to bikes, ProForm makes rowers, treadmills, ellipticals, HIIT trainers, strength equipment and even a fitness mirror. The products all work with iFIT to bring the studio experience into your home. ProForm is a popular brand in the cardio equipment space, particularly because of their compatibility with iFIT.

In Conclusion

The first feature that caught my attention on the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 was its biggest and brightest — the huge 22-inch HD touchscreen. The Peloton Bike and NordicTrack S22i have similar displays — and programming — but cost up to $700 more than the Pro 22’s $1,299 price tag. 

While the tech is the shiny object I first noticed, the overall quality of the build, stable ride, and adjustability was the cake under the icing. After all, it would be difficult to enjoy those interactive classes if the actual bike couldn’t hold up during the workout. If immersive studio experiences or virtual globe-trotting rides keep you motivated, we think spinning the pedals on the Pro 22 is an engaging way to reap the cardiovascular benefits of cycling, like reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. (2) 

FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 
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.