Best Exercise Bike - Be Smart Be Weatherproof
Do you want to get fit and lose weight? These days, more people are taking up cycling as their preferred form of exercise. If you're thinking about buying an exercise bike, here's your guide!
If you love cycling to get good exercise, but you don't want to compromise your routine when unpredictable weather and seasonal restrictions hit, you might want to consider some different options. Bad conditions can make going outdoors difficult, if not impossible.
If you want to ensure a smooth ride every time, regardless of the weather, you'll want the best exercise bike. A great indoor exercise bike not only works for the same muscle groups as outdoor cycling, but it allows you to transition seamlessly back to outdoor riding without missing a beat.
Many fitness fanatics recognize the advantages of indoor cycling, so when it's too hot, too cold, too hazardous, or just plain unpleasant outside, having a solid, reliable alternative can be the difference between meeting your health goals and falling short or falling behind. So if you want to get your hands on the best exercise bike for keeping you on track, you're in the right place.
As much as I love my road bike, I wouldn't be the cyclist I am today without a stationary bike. Whether I'm training during the week for a century ride or it's just too dark for me to get out there in the morning, indoor cycling on my stationary bike helps keep me active.
You might also want to consider which bike seat and bike frame are the best for you and how comfortable you'll be for your cardio workout. This article will help you choose the best overall exercise bike that can fit into your life and which is optimal for you.
Check out our list of best exercise bikes, which has some options based on your need.
Buyer's Guide
For Buying the Best Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes have become a staple in home gyms, offering a convenient and effective way to stay fit without leaving the house. Whether you're a beginner looking to kickstart your fitness journey or an experienced cyclist seeking a challenging workout, choosing the right exercise bike is key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best exercise bike for your needs, with a focus on US-based options, trends, and consumer preferences.
Types of Exercise Bikes:
Understanding the different types of exercise bikes is essential when choosing the best one for your workout routine.
- Upright Bikes:
- What it is: Mimics the traditional outdoor bike setup, with pedals positioned under your body.
- Best for: People looking for a full-body workout that engages both upper and lower muscle groups.
- Pros: Compact and typically more affordable.
- Cons: May be less comfortable for long sessions due to upright seating position.
- Recumbent Bikes:
- What it is: Offers a reclined seat with back support, positioning the pedals in front of you.
- Best for: Those with joint or lower back issues, or anyone seeking a low-impact workout.
- Pros: Excellent comfort, great for rehabilitation or long-duration exercises.
- Cons: Larger and takes up more space compared to upright bikes.
- Indoor Cycling Bikes (Spin Bikes):
- What it is: A high-intensity bike designed to mimic the feel of road cycling, with adjustable resistance and handlebars.
- Best for: Experienced cyclists or anyone looking for an intense, calorie-burning workout.
- Pros: Offers high-intensity interval training (HIIT), often includes adjustable resistance for varying workout difficulty.
- Cons: May be challenging for beginners, and lacks built-in comfort features like backrests.
- Air Bikes (Fan Bikes):
- What it is: Uses a fan mechanism to increase resistance as you pedal harder, with moving handlebars for upper-body workouts.
- Best for: Full-body cardio and high-intensity workouts.
- Pros: Resistance adjusts to your effort level, providing a challenging workout.
- Cons: Can be noisy due to the fan, and may not have pre-programmed workouts or tech features.
Key Features to Consider:
When buying an exercise bike, look for features that suit your workout style, goals, and space requirements.
- Resistance Levels:
- Magnetic Resistance: Offers quiet and smooth operation with adjustable settings.
- Fan Resistance: Increases with your pedaling effort, ideal for interval training.
- Direct-Contact Resistance: Provides more intense resistance but may wear out over time.
- Seat Comfort:
- For long workout sessions, seat comfort is crucial. Look for cushioned, adjustable seats, and consider bikes with backrests for added support, especially if you prefer recumbent bikes.
- Pedal Design:
- Ensure the bike has adjustable pedals or foot straps to secure your feet during workouts, minimizing the risk of injury.
- Display and Connectivity:
- Look for bikes with LCD displays that show vital metrics like speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Many modern exercise bikes offer Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with fitness apps like Peloton, Zwift, or MyFitnessPal.
- Portability and Size:
- If space is limited, choose a bike that is compact or foldable. Transport wheels can make it easier to move the bike around when not in use.
- Weight Capacity:
- Check the bike’s weight limit to ensure it can support your body weight. Higher-end models often offer more durability and higher weight capacities.
- Preset Workouts and App Compatibility:
- Bikes with built-in workout programs can enhance your training, providing variety and structure. Integration with popular fitness apps can help you track progress, join virtual classes, or enjoy immersive workouts.
Price Range:
- Budget (Under $300):
- Best for beginners looking for basic features, such as adjustable resistance and a simple display.
- Example: XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Bike
- Mid-Range ($300 - $1,000):
- Offers better build quality, more resistance levels, and additional comfort features.
- Example: Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
- Premium ($1,000+):
- High-end bikes often come with advanced features like touchscreen displays, Bluetooth compatibility, interactive apps, and durable build materials.
- Example: Peloton Bike or NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle.
What to Know Before Buying an Exercise Bike
- Space Requirements: Measure your available space before purchasing, especially if opting for a larger recumbent or indoor cycling bike. Ensure you have enough room for comfortable movement and storage.
- Assembly: Many exercise bikes require assembly, so be sure to check the difficulty level and whether professional assembly is recommended.
- Noise Level: If you live in an apartment or shared space, look for models with magnetic resistance, as they tend to be quieter than fan-based or direct-contact bikes.
- Maintenance: Exercise bikes with direct-contact resistance may require more maintenance over time due to wear and tear on the pads, while magnetic bikes are virtually maintenance-free.
Choosing the right exercise bike comes down to your fitness goals, available space, and desired features. Whether you're looking for a high-tech interactive bike or a simple, budget-friendly model, this guide should help you find the perfect fit for your home gym. Remember to consider the key features, types of bikes, and your specific needs before making a purchase.
Ready to enhance your home workout experience?
Check out our top picks today and start pedaling your way to better fitness!
Top Picks
Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Exercise Bike
Specifications of Bowflex Exercise Bike
- Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 55.5 inches
- Item Weight: 158 Pounds
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Max Weight: 325 Pounds
- Package Weight: 76.66 Kilograms
- Display Type: 16”
Why We Love Bowflex Exercise Bike
Of all the things you control when choosing the right exercise bike for you, the content on the screen in front of you might be the one people think about the least. Many exercise bikes lock you into a platform, so you can train only with the videos provided by them.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as there are a lot of fantastic spin classes, cycling classes, and endurance-building sessions across the various exercise bikes, but it's also not hard for some of these videos to feel a little stale after a while.
You get a lot with the Bowflex Velocore bike. It's surprisingly modular, you can bring whatever shoes and seats and even weights and tablets along for the ride and the design supports it. With a good LCD, you can connect to the internet to check out some videos or even meetings on Zoom from the saddle of this Bowflex indoor cycling exercise bike, and the handlebars supported the design just fine.
The magnetic resistance system gives you plenty of challenges regardless of your skill level, and the special tilt system means you can get a core workout alongside your leg workouts. It's a great all-around experience, but where it excels is everything you can do on the screen.
What You Should Know About Bowflex Exercise Bike
Bowflex has its platform with instructors to help you train yourself in several ways like most exercise bikes, but there's a lot more here than just indoor exercise. With a 16" console, you can enjoy various streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max are a couple of the apps onboard, so you can enjoy a show while getting on a long-distance ride.
You can even use Zwift to ride alongside friends virtually, though it's worth pointing out that your performance on this bike isn't as accurate as you'd get on a dedicated Zwift-approved indoor trainer. No matter what you use, your performance is still tracked and available as a guide to improve yourself.
The only real downside to this indoor cycling exercise bike is its size. At 60 inches long and 24 inches wide, it has one of the larger footprints you'll find among indoor exercise bikes. The 158-pound body means it's nice and sturdy, but it also means those with smaller frames may find it challenging to move around using the two small wheels in the front.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Includes 1-Year JRNY Membership
- 16" Console with HD Touchscreen
- 100 levels of magnetic resistance
- There are a few concerns about occasional glitches in technology
Peloton Exercise Bike
Specifications of Peloton Exercise Bike
- Dimensions: 59"D x 23"W x 53"H
- Item Weight: 135 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel, Polypropylene
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Max Weight: 297 Pounds
- Display Type: 22”
Why We Love Peloton Exercise Bike
If you're looking for an exercise bike that's built to last and provides a premium experience, Peloton Exercise Bike is a clear choice. With a comfortable adjustable seat, handlebar, and screen, it's easy to find your perfect riding position. And the smooth, quiet operation means you can focus on your workout, not the noise level in your home.
Plus, the Peloton app gives you access to thousands of high-quality workout classes taught by top instructors, so you're always motivated to keep cycling. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Peloton has something for everyone. So why settle for anything less? Experience the Peloton difference today.
What You Should Know about Peloton Exercise Bike
Peloton is a great way to encourage you to push yourself just that little bit further. The Peloton Exercise Bike offers two different bikes, the standard Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike Plus. The Peloton Bike Plus is the newest and most feature-packed, but it's also one of the most expensive exercise bikes you can buy.
Unfortunately, once you've owned the bike for a while you'll find the course structures can become repetitive and many long-term users report difficulties remaining motivated once they reach a performance plateau as a result of this lack of variety. Peloton is still a great way to push yourself and get in shape, but be aware of the potential to lose motivation over time.
Peloton Bike offers game-changing cardio designed to motivate you like a personal trainer and the excitement of a studio fitness class at your own home. Explore various workouts and options with balance cycling and strength with yoga and meditation or take an audio-guided walk or run outside using the Peloton App.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Easy to assemble with the step-by-step instructions
- Comes with a bike frame, stabilizers, handlebars, water bottle holders, pedals, weight holders, a touchscreen, and a home assembly kit
- Solid frame with a good holding capacity
NordicTrack Exercise Bike
Specification of NordicTrack Exercise Bike
- Item Weight: 87.54 Kilograms
- Material: Aluminum
- Max Recommended Weight: 350 lb
- Dimensions: 60 x 22.01 x 62.99 Inches
- Warranty: 1 Year
- LCD Monitor: Yes
- Transportation Wheels: Yes
Why We Love NordicTrack Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Exercise Bike is a top-of-the-line exercise bike that gives you a great workout at home. The upgraded 22" rotating HD touchscreen display streams on-demand iFit workouts, and the improved HD graphics processor ensures a clear, crisp picture.
The adjustable display allows for 360-degree screen rotation, so you can always get a good view of your workout. The enhanced automatic trainer control and new, quieter incline motor make it easy to get a great workout, while the Bluetooth headphone connectivity lets you listen to your favorite music or an audiobook while you exercise.
The faster WIFI connectivity means you can always stay connected, and the bike comes with two 3 lb. dumbbells for cross-training. With a user weight capacity of 350 pounds, this bike can accommodate almost anyone. So if you're looking for a great way to get in shape, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is a perfect choice.
What You Should Know about NordicTrack Exercise Bike
The NordicTrack Exercise Bike brings home unparalleled interactive personal training with an included 30-day iFIT membership. You can experience the thrill of live and on-demand workouts with breathtaking landscapes around the world or follow iFIT Trainers as they coach boutique Studio Classes.
The iFIT Trainers automatically adjust your resistance, incline, and decline for an unmatched home exercise experience. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line home exercise bike, look no further than the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle!
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- The great 22” Smart HD Touchscreen luxury display has been reimagined with an enhanced graphics card and faster WIFI connectivity
- Bluetooth headphone connectivity and enjoy high-quality in-ear audio
- HIIT Workouts, Studio Classes, and Global Workouts, your iFIT Trainer will automatically adjust your resistance, incline, and decline to optimize your exercise
- Only 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included
YOSUDA Exercise Bike
Specification of YOSUDA Exercise Bike
- Item Weight: 72.75 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Flywheel: 35 lbs
- Max Recommended Weight: 270 lb
- Dimensions: 40.16 x 21.65 x 46.06 Inches
- Warranty: 3 months Overall framework and 12 months apart
- LCD Monitor: Yes
- Transportation Wheels: Yes
- Drive System: Belt
Why We Love YOSUDA Exercise Bike
Looking for a great workout without spending a fortune? The Yosuda Exercise Bike is perfect for you! This high-quality bike offers a great cycling experience at an affordable price. It's solidly built and designed for easy use, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get fit without breaking the bank.
What You Should Know about YOSUDA Exercise Bike
The Yosuda Exercise Bike is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality indoor cycling experience. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, making it ideal for use in an apartment or other small space. The bike also features an adjustable seat and handlebars, so you can find the perfect position for your height and riding style.
Perhaps the biggest downside of the Yosuda is the exclusion of cadence from its LCD monitor. This number, which is a measurement of your pedals' revolutions per minute, is frequently used in many popular cycling classes (like the offerings from Peloton and Apple Fitness Plus).
While it is possible to just match an instructor's leg speed to the best of your ability, having an exact cadence displayed helps to keep you honest with your perceived effort. Overall, the Yosuda is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality and affordable indoor cycling bike.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- May feel too big for shorter riders
- Fantastic stability during rides
Best Exercise Bike FAQs
We have tried to provide a short list of machines for you that you need.
Our comprehensive buyer's guide with frequently asked questions helps you choose the best bike with buyers guide help you decide the perfect option for you.
Here are some of the common frequently asked questions.
Q: Is riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes good exercise?
Answer: Depending on your health goals and the intensity of your workout, 30 minutes on a stationary bike can be enough to improve your fitness and lose weight. On average one should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular disease. Please check with your doctor or health coach based on your specific health goals.
Q: Is a stationary bike really good exercise?
Answer: Riding a stationary exercise bike is an efficient and effective way to burn calories and body fat while strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. Generally, a stationary bicycle puts less stress on your joints, but it still provides an excellent aerobic workout.
Q: Is a treadmill or bike better?
Answer: There isn't a simple answer to this question since it depends on many factors, such as your fitness level and the type of bike or treadmill you're using. That said, in general, biking is a more efficient mode of exercise than running on a treadmill because you can cover more distance in the same amount of time. This is especially true if you're riding outdoors on rolling hills or terrain because you're getting resistance from pedaling against gravity as well as from the moving bike.
If you're looking to improve your cardiovascular health, both the treadmill and the bike are good choices. However, if you want to focus specifically on toning your lower body muscles, then the bike would be a better option.
Q: Which is better magnetic or belt exercise bike?
Answer: Both options have their pros and cons. Magnetic flywheel system is more accurate as these are typically computerized and you will just punch in which level you want to be at. It's the type that you see so often in commercial gyms because these bikes are very popular. So if you want accuracy, this may be the one to go with.
Q: What is the difference between a spin bike and a stationary bike?
Answer: Mainly the spin bikes or indoor cycles are designed to more closely mimic the riding position of an outdoor bike, such that you're leaning forward more. Whereas stationary bikes are more upright and have a less aggressive riding position. The pedal stroke is also supposed to feel more realistic on a spin bike versus a stationary bike.
Q: How long should I bike for a good workout?
Answer: It depends on your fitness level and the type of bike ride you're planning. If you're a beginner, start with 10-15 minutes and gradually add time until you can bike for 30-60 minutes without stopping. If you're more experienced, try doing intervals (alternating between hard and easy pedaling) or adding some hills into the mix. And remember to always take breaks when needed, listen to your body, and drink plenty of water during and after your ride!
Q: Is it OK to stationary bike every day?
Answer: Yes, it is OK to bike every day. If you are looking to improve your fitness level and/or lose weight, spinning every day is a great way to accomplish those goals. However, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Q: Is biking better than walking?
Answer: Cycling can be better for burning more calories, and it helps increase your lower-body strength. On the other hand, walking may help with bone density and tends to cost less than cycling.
Q: Are 3 miles on a stationary bike the same as walking 3 miles?
Answer: It's not the same, but it's close. The stationary bike will give you a more intense workout because you're working against the resistance of the bike. With walking, your body has to work harder to lift your feet and push them forward. But overall, they're both good exercises for cardio and calorie burning.
Q: Can stationary bikes reduce belly fat?
Answer: Yes, biking can help you burn belly fat. One of the best ways to bike for weight loss is to do moderate-intensity intervals. These are short bursts of speed (about 15-30 seconds) followed by a brief period of rest (1-2 minutes). Repeat this cycle for 20-30 minutes.
In addition to interval training, make sure you're eating a healthy diet that's low in processed foods and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Biking regularly in conjunction with a healthy diet will help you lose weight and slim down your waistline.
Key Takeaways
So if you’re looking for a cardio workout that will have you burning calories and building muscle, an exercise bike is the way to go. And whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned pro, we can help you find the best stationary bike for your needs. Decide which one suits your need from our top picks for the best stationary bikes and happy cycling!