Improve your warm-up, get your legs spinning or add cardio to your training with the best exercise bikes, that are always ready to ride.
The best exercise bike for you is one that gets you excited to ride indoors regularly. Exercise bikes have taken a step forward in recent years and many are packed with motivational features such as third-party ride app connectivity or even their own virtual personal trainers. The best exercise bikes will also connect to the best smartwatches and heart rate monitors, enabling you to use advanced zone training methods.
For those looking to take control of their fitness and training, exercise bikes are a great way to start. They offer simple and user-friendly platforms that raise your heart rate and get your legs spinning. Depending on your needs there are three forms of resistance to choose from. With manual resistance bikes, it’s as simple as turning a dial, which can be great for quick cardio and warm-ups. Wind resistance bikes tend to work both the legs and arms and are fantastic for cross-training. The harder you work with these bikes the more resistance is generated. Finally, electromagnetic bikes, which are smooth and quiet to operate, are perfect for connecting to third-party training apps.
Here's a summary of the best exercise bikes for various needs:
-
Best Exercise Bike on a Budget:
Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100- Affordable, stable, and simple to use.
- Features mechanical resistance, a 12kg flywheel, and adjustable settings.
- Lacks advanced features like online communities or higher resistance levels.
- Ideal for beginners but may not suit more intense riders.
-
Best Peloton Alternative:
Echelon Smart Connect EX3- Sturdy, compact, and offers a variety of resistance levels with a magnetic flywheel.
- Comes with the Echelon Fit App for live and on-demand classes.
- Lower cost than Peloton but requires a subscription for full functionality.
- Limited adjustability for taller riders.
-
Best for Motivation and Community:
Peloton Indoor Training Bike- Offers live-streamed classes, virtual studio access, and a variety of workout genres.
- Includes a 22" HD touchscreen and motivates users with leaderboards and coaching.
- Expensive, with additional costs for membership and power measurement.
-
Best Budget Option for Third-Party Connectivity:
Horizon Fitness 7.0 IC Fitness Bike- Includes Bluetooth heart rate monitor and large tablet holder.
- Good resistance range (100 levels) and smooth transitions.
- Requires a power outlet and the seat can be uncomfortable.
-
Best Budget Exercise Bike for Big Efforts:
Schwinn 800IC Exercise Bike- Quiet, comfortable, and easy to use, with a 100-level mechanical resistance system.
- Compatible with third-party apps and comes with SPD pedals.
- Larger footprint, not ideal for small spaces.
-
Best Air Resistance Exercise Bike:
Wattbike Air- Known for its smooth air resistance and high power output.
- Great for high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Heavier and lacks a built-in display; requires a tablet for data tracking.
-
Best for Durability:
Concept 2 BikeErg- Reliable and durable with a fan-based resistance system.
- Offers Bluetooth connectivity and minimal maintenance.
- Can be adjusted easily for different riders, though power measurements may not be very accurate.
- CAROL BIKE
- AI-Powered Workouts: The bike uses artificial intelligence to tailor workouts to individual fitness levels and goals.
- Compact Design: Its space-saving design makes it suitable for home use.
- Quick Workouts: Carol emphasizes efficiency, allowing users to achieve significant fitness benefits in short workout sessions, typically around 8 minutes.
- Performance Tracking: The bike tracks performance metrics and provides feedback to help users improve their fitness.
The best exercise bikes vary significantly in price depending on their features and technology. Basic models typically start at around $150/£100, while high-end options can cost upwards of $1,895/£1500, with some models reaching $3,000/£2,500. More advanced options, like smart bikes, often require a monthly subscription to access online classes and advanced tracking features.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points:
-
Entry-Level Exercise Bikes:
- Cost: $150-$500
- Features: Basic manual resistance, upright seating, minimal performance data, no connectivity or interactive features.
-
Mid-Range Exercise Bikes:
- Cost: $500-$1,500
- Features: Better resistance options (electromagnetic or air), Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity for apps like Zwift, adjustable seating, more detailed performance data.
-
High-End Smart Bikes:
- Cost: $1,500-$3,000
- Features: Interactive features like virtual rides, automatic resistance adjustments, compatibility with fitness apps, premium performance data, and more realistic riding positions that mimic outdoor bikes.
Smart bikes like Peloton are particularly popular for their interactive workouts and virtual community, though they can require a subscription for full functionality. If you're looking for a more immersive experience, Peloton and its alternatives offer instructor-led classes, progress tracking, and even off-bike exercises.
Air bikes and foldable bikes are options for those looking for a more compact or functional workout without requiring electricity or a lot of space, but they tend to offer limited adjustability and can be noisier when used with zwift or wahoo x.
Ultimately, the best bike depends on your goals and budget. For weight loss and fitness, an entry-level bike may suffice for internal training, but if you want a more interactive and data-driven experience, you’ll need to invest in a smart bike with the right tech and subscription.
Each bike excels in different areas, so the best choice depends on your priorities, whether it's budget, connectivity, or performance.