We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Cycling Working Out At Home Guide Working Out At Home Guide Overview Getting Started Scheduling Time Full-Body Workouts Bodyweight Exercises 20-Minute Full Body Cardio How to Do Cardio At Home 20 Cardio Exercises Strength Beginner Strength Workout Intermediate Strength Workout Advanced Strength Workout 20-Minute Strength Workout Gear & Apps Fitness Apps What To Buy: Adjustable Dumbbells What To Buy: Treadmills What To Buy: Exercise Bikes What To Buy: Yoga Mats Motivation Expert Tips Expert Inspiration How Working Out Changed Life Better Results We Found the Best Exercise Bikes After Spinning Every Week for a Month Our favorites are high-tech but easy to use, for low-impact at-home workouts By Alena Hall Alena Hall Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 08, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Medically reviewed by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell / Courtesy of Liz Allen Cycling is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise—but if you live in a busy area or frequently face bad weather, getting outside on a bike isn't always an option. Luckily, indoor cycling can provide you with many of the same benefits you would experience in the great outdoors. "Using an exercise bike is great because it's a low-impact option for both cardio and strength training," says Max Karp, certified personal trainer and trainer at Liteboxer in New York City. He explains that exercise bikes promote longevity because they're safer on your joints and can improve your cardiovascular health. When shopping for an exercise bike, check for key features like a sturdy frame and an adjustable seat. To find the top models, we consulted fitness experts like Karp before testing dozens of indoor cycling and under desk bikes for four weeks at home. We evaluated each bike based on its stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and overall value. A certified personal trainer from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy, how to use exercise bikes, and the best way to evaluate their features. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bowflex VeloCore Bike at Amazon ($1,690) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon ($899) Jump to Review Best Studio-Like Experience: Peloton Bike + Essentials at Amazon ($2,495) Jump to Review Best Budget: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike at Walmart ($189) Jump to Review Best With Optional App: Stryde The Bike at Strydebike.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Investment: Equinox+ SoulCycle At-Home Bike at Equinoxplus.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Value: Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle at Amazon ($659) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Echelon Indoor Cycling Bike at Echelonfit.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Design: Freebeat Fit Lit Bike at Freebeatfit.com ($1,299) Jump to Review Best Natural Ride: NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle at Amazon ($1,811) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks Exercise Bikes We Also Tested What to Look for When Shopping for an Exercise Bike How We Selected and Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Bowflex VeloCore Bike Target View On Amazon $1,690 View On Dick's $1,800 View On Best Buy $900 Pros Leaning mode feature One-year free membership to JRNY digital workout platform Dual-sided pedals Cons Resistance has to be adjusted manually Seat doesn't have much padding Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob | Product Weight: 158.3 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 pounds | Dimensions: 59.8 x 24.1 x 55.3 inches Why We Love It The VeloCore bike from Bowflex is a solid, sturdy bike loaded with features and a 325-pound weight capacity, making it our top choice for a well-rounded home workout. When we tested this bike, we didn't experience any wobbling when transitioning between positions, even while peddling fast or at high resistance levels, and we liked that the bike has front and back stabilizers to keep it well balanced. The seat can adjust up and down as well as forward and back. We noted that the seat felt centered and stable but could use more padding. The handlebars don't adjust; however, they are designed to provide a variety of grip options so you can find the right position for your ride. This bike has a unique, lean-mode feature that allows you to ride while leaning side to side, giving your arms, shoulders, and core a workout. It also comes with a set of 3-pound dumbbells, a heart rate armband monitor, and a free one-year JRNY membership to level up your workouts. The JRNY platform provides on-demand classes and real-time coaching, and we like that the digital display on the bike is large, easy to see, and tracks workout stats. We also like that the bike has dual-sided pedals, so you can use clips or toe cages, and we found both easy to use. Our feet felt secure and never came out or unclipped during testing. The bike offers 100 resistance levels, adjusted manually with a knob, and provides an introductory ride on JRNY that walks you through all the features and how to set it up for your size and comfort. Verywell Fit / Danielle Ransom Verywell Fit / Danielle Ransom Verywell Fit / Danielle Ransom Best Overall, Runner-Up Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike Amazon View On Amazon $899 View On Walmart $999 View On Dick's $900 Pros JRNY membership included Smooth, quiet ride 3-pound dumbbells included Cons Saddle not as comfortable as other options Has to be assembled Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 112 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: 54.6 x 30.7 x 51.8 inches Why We Love It If you're an indoor cyclist looking for a slightly budget-friendlier bike than our best overall that still gets the job done, we recommend Schwinn's IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike. When testing, we found this bike to be sturdy, even when peddling out of the saddle, and we love that it comes with two 3-pound dumbbells and includes a one-year free trial of the JRNY Membership (which typically costs $149 per year). Access to this membership allows you to take advantage of hundreds of classes for various fitness levels, both on and off the bike. The class library may not be as extensive as the options you get with the Peloton bike, but they're a great value for the price. We love that the bike comes with dual-sided pedals, so you can either clip into the bike with specialized cycling shoes or use your regular sneakers and slide into the pedal's toe cages. One element of this bike that we found particularly unique is that it was incredibly quiet—we couldn't even hear it spinning while working out. The bike didn't wobble, even when we pedaled extremely fast. Thanks to the JRNY Membership, we were able to complete a wide variety of workouts at all levels. This bike is a great option for beginner and advanced cyclists ready to invest in their indoor cycling journey. Verywell Fit / Sophia Heald Verywell Fit / Sophia Heald Best Studio-Like Experience Peloton Bike + Essentials Peloton View On Amazon $2,495 View On Dick's $2,495 View On Onepeloton.com Pros Sleek, compact design Auto-follow resistance feature Top-notch workout program integration Cons Long delivery timeframe Only supports Look Delta cleats Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob and digital auto-follow | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 297 pounds | Dimensions: 59 x 22 x 59 inches Editor's Note Peloton recently recalled 2.2 million exercise bikes due to safety concerns surrounding the bike's seat post, per the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall did not include the Peloton Bike+, only Bike models with the model number PL-01. Why We Love It If you’re looking for a peak indoor cycling experience, we recommend the Peloton Bike+. This indoor cycling-style bike is top-of-the-line, built with durable materials that give you a smooth and quiet ride every time. The new model features a digital auto-follow resistance in addition to the manual resistance knob. We love that it makes staying in sync with the live workout projected on the 24-inch swivel touch screen even easier. What makes the Peloton bike so superior is—without a doubt—the membership and Peloton app, which grants you access to up to 14 live classes a day and more than 5,000 on-demand workouts, real-time performance tracking, and unlimited accounts for family members and friends who also want to use the bike. We did note in testing that the app can be a bit unwieldy to use and figure out. However, Peloton is now rolling out a new feature that allows you to stream your favorite shows on Amazon Prime and YouTube TV while you bike for an even better experience. The bike is both compact and adjustable, making it easy to fit in tight spaces in your home, although we noted the seat is very hard and may benefit from a seat cushion. It also supports a maximum weight capacity of 297 pounds, and we found in testing that it's very sturdy and doesn't wobble at all. Simply put, the Peloton Bike+ makes your living room feel like your private spin studio with every workout you could ever need. This bike's superior app and high-quality design made our basement home gym feel like a spin studio. Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Best Budget YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Amazon View On Walmart $189 View On Yosudabikes.com $234 Pros Smooth, quiet ride Provides basic ride stats Additional tablet mount Cons Lower weight capacity than other options Seat is spring-loaded and may wobble during hard rides Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob | Product Weight: 68 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds | Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 45 inches Why We Love It For a fraction of the price of our overall pick, you can enjoy many of the same cycling perks with this YOSUDA bike. The 35-pound flywheel and heavy-duty steel frame make the bike stable enough to feel safe and secure. However, we noted in testing that the seat wobbles from side to side a bit while riding. The belt-driven system makes for a smooth and quiet ride, but we noticed a bit of natural resistance, or "stickiness" in the spinning mechanism, even in low gear. At 270 pounds, the maximum weight capacity is a little lower compared to other options. Still, the two-way adjustable handlebar and four-way padded seat ensure you’ll find a comfortable position for your daily workout. Our 5'7" editor felt the seat didn't adjust backward very far, so this bike may not be a good fit for taller riders. The manual resistance knob gives you total control over your workout. However, we noted that there is no way to tell what resistance level you are at specifically. The caged foot pedals keep your feet in place at all times, and we like that this model features an LCD monitor that tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. The additional iPad bracket makes it easy to listen to your favorite music, but the placement of the bracket is between the handlebars, which is a bit awkward for watching a guided workout. Verywell Fit / Claire Bugos Verywell Fit / Claire Bugos Verywell Fit / Claire Bugos Verywell Fit / Morgan Ashley Parker Verywell Fit / Morgan Ashley Parker Verywell Fit / Morgan Ashley Parker Best With Optional App Stryde The Bike Stryde View On Strydebike.com Pros Compatible with multiple apps Large screen No subscription required Cons Videos not as polished as other options Requires assembly Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Magnetic system | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 50 x 24 x 46 inches Why We Love It While the initial purchase of a bike may cost less than a year of spin classes, many exercise bike companies require an app-based subscription to get started. The Stryde bike, equipped with a 22-inch tablet, offers access to over 500 guided classes via the Stryde app, or you can opt out of the membership for a more budget-friendly workout. Users can watch streaming services, check email, or access the internet during their workout instead. When testing, we found this bike to be one of the best Peloton alternatives for classes. During each class, Stryde keeps track of stats, including miles, cadence, and output, as well as how well you measure up to others that have taken the class before you. All of this information is available right on the screen, and post-class, you're provided with a workout summary. The Stryde app tracks your recent achievements and milestones and offers a running tab of the data for all of your rides. The bike features a durable frame with a 350-pound weight capacity that we found to be very sturdy. We did note that the handlebars wobbled a bit when we moved side to side on the bike. We like that the dual-sided pedals have SPD clips for those with cycling shoes but also include toe cages for anyone wishing to ride with their go-to sneakers. Verywell Fit / Rozalynn S. Frazier Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore Verywell Fit / dkukin Verywell Fit / dkukin Verywell Fit / dkukin Best Investment Equinox+ SoulCycle At-Home Bike Equinox View On Equinoxplus.com Pros Professional delivery and setup Lots of streaming options Large touchscreen display Cons Very heavy Membership is needed to access most features Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob | Product Weight: 142 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 62.2 x 22.2 x 53.5 inches Why We Love It Riders obsessed with SoulCycle struggle to find at-home class programming that feels like their favorite studio experience—until now. The SoulCycle At-Home Bike brings both the equipment you trust and instructors you love right to your home gym. We love the Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to stream many different services and get a great workout without the hassle of leaving home. The matte black bike has a 21-inch touchscreen display and high-tech speakers, perfect for streaming live and on-demand classes led by top SoulCycle instructors. When testing the bike, we found it easy to navigate the screen and loved how many stats it tracked. The club-quality bike has a magnetic resistance flywheel and narrow carbon-fiber belt, making for a smooth, silent, and natural-feeling ride. We found in testing that the bike is super sturdy and easy to use. The resistance knob is easy to reach and adjust while riding. The four-way adjustable seat and handlebars ensure a customized fit, and transport wheels make it easy to stow the bike away after your workout. We love that the bike is delivered pre-assembled and comes with access to Equinox+, which lets you stream classes from Equinox, SoulCycle, Rumble, TB12, and more, whenever you want. Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente Best Value Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle Amazon View On Amazon $659 View On Dick's $800 View On Horizonfitness.com $799 Pros Often goes on sale 100 resistance levels Compact size Cons Seat and handlebar adjuster is awkward Push button resistance control can take time to get to higher levels Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 87 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 47 inches Why We Love It This Indoor Cycling bike from Horizon has all the great features you'd expect at a reasonable price, and it often goes on sale. Horizon also offers a financing option with a budget-friendly monthly payment. The bike comes with a Bluetooth heart rate band, dual water bottle holders, and a well-positioned media rack. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your phone or tablet and follow along with your favorite workout app, and the bike has 100 resistance levels. Although, it's worth noting the resistance level is controlled with a push button, so it can take a while to get up to the higher levels of resistance. The bike has a simple, clear display that monitors cadence, resistance, and heart rate and includes five pre-programmed workouts if you decide not to use a streaming app. The four-way adjustable handlebars and seat allow you to customize your bike, but we noted in testing that the adjustment knob has a long handle that hits the mounting post, making adjusting awkward. However, adjusting in four directions helps with proper positioning and reducing back pain. The bike is easy to assemble, and the needed tools are included. It's a compact size, so it doesn't have a large footprint, and it feels solid and stable. We didn't experience any wobbling with this option, even when moving between sitting in the saddle and standing on the pedals, and the wheel rotation is smooth and even. Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa Best Adjustable Echelon Indoor Cycling Bike Echelon View On Echelonfit.com Pros Rotating screen Echelon app offers immersive scenic riding routes Dumbbell holder included Cons Resistance knob is sensitive Connectivity issues may arise when first using the bike Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 124 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 58 x 21.5 x 61 inches Why We Love It The Echelon Smart Connect bike offers lots of adjustability for the perfect, customized fit. The padded handlebars adjust up and down as well as forward and backward. The vented seat adjusts up and down, and the 22-inch screen can rotate 180 degrees for off-bike workouts. There are even stability knobs on the base that can be adjusted to balance the bike on uneven floors. We noted in testing that the bike felt secure and safe during all workouts and cadences. The bike is compatible with the Echelon Fit app that offers live and on-demand workouts, including immersive scenic riding routes. We like that the app offers short classes that are a nice feature for beginners or those who don't have a lot of time. We noticed some connectivity issues at the beginning where progress was not being logged, but this issue cleared up after about 25 rides. The bike also features two water bottle holders, dual pedals, and dumbbell holders (dumbbells not included). It has 32 resistance levels, and the resistance knob is easy to reach, but it's worth noting that the knob is a bit sensitive when changing resistance levels. Verywell Fit / Ashley Craiger Verywell Fit / Ashley Craiger Verywell Fit / Ashley Craiger Best Design Freebeat Fit Lit Bike Freebeat Fit View On Freebeatfit.com $1,299 Pros Compact, sleek design Comes in four colors Membership offers fitness games and challenges Cons Display does nothing without a membership Auto-adjust resistance feature can't be turned off Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob | Product Weight: 113.3 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 49.3 x 22.6 x 58.8 inches Why We Love It This sleek, streamlined bike comes in four elegant colors to complement your home and supports up to 10 individual profiles so your whole family can use it. The bike is compact for small spaces, sturdy, and has a 300-pound weight capacity. We found in testing that it felt very stable and didn't wobble at all during workouts. It was easy to set up and adjust the seat and handlebars and was also easy to move around, but we noted that the wheels left marks on the floor when we moved it. A Freebeat membership offers thousands of on-demand classes, challenges, and games where you can compete against friends and family for prizes. You can track progress and stats in real-time on the 22-inch rotating touchscreen, but it's worth noting that the display essentially does nothing without a monthly membership. Users cannot stream other services or check email like you can on other bikes on our list. We like that membership offers 15- and 30-minute classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels and comes equipped with smart saddle technology that detects in- and out-of-saddle riding to provide the perfect intensity. Resistance is auto-adjusted based on the intensity of the class to provide a hands-free ride, but we noted that there is no way to turn this feature off if you want to ride at your own pace or level. Sleek and compact, the Freebeat Fit Lit Bike didn't take up too much space in our homes. Verywell Fit / Jessica Mahgerefteh Best Natural Ride NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon $1,811 View On Walmart $1,999 View On Nordictrack.com Pros Incline feature Beautiful cinematography for scenic rides Ability to have up to five user profiles Cons Bike wobbles during rides Seat is very hard Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob | Product Weight: Not listed | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 62.99 x 22.01 x 60 inches Why We Love It This bike from NordicTrack provides an outdoor-like ride right in the comfort of your home with an incline feature, a built-in fan, and "outdoor" classes streamed through scenic routes. When testing this option, we particularly loved the stunning cinematography of the scenic classes, being able to incline, and the ability to mute the instructor to just listen to music. Class instructors on the iFit platform can adjust the incline and resistance automatically, keeping you challenged and focused on your workout. There's even a "time crunch" series of classes that provides a great workout in just 15 minutes. The bike is very quiet, even while auto-adjusting the incline so it doesn't distract from your workout, but we noted that it is a bit wobbly, and the included touchscreen wobbles throughout the workout. The bike comes with a free 30-day iFit membership, and we like that you can add up to five users to the profile. It has a 350-pound weight capacity, the touchscreen display rotates, and we noted that the handlebars are sturdy and have good grip. However, the seat felt very hard, so a padded seat cushion may be needed. Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Best Upright Schwinn 190 Upright Exercise Bike Amazon View On Amazon $1,000 View On Walmart $699 View On Academy.com Pros Step-through design for easy on and off One-handed seat adjustment Comfortable seat Cons Needs to be plugged in Can't adjust resistance on pre-set programs Key Specs Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 84 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: 47.9 x 28.8 x 56.4 inches Why We Love It This upright exercise bike has a step-through design, making it easy to get on and off, and a wide base for stability. We found in testing that the bike didn't wobble during rides, and the seat felt very comfortable. The bike has an LCD screen, Bluetooth speakers, a USB port, and a media shelf that can support your phone or tablet. The bike is also compatible with the JRNY and Zwift apps. You can access hundreds of classes with terrain control technology that automatically adjusts the resistance to match the course. The display is easy to use and understand, but we noted that using the app on a tablet or phone makes the bike display go dark. We like that the app provides an initial assessment to help determine current exercise levels, and trainer-led programs give cues for proper positioning, making this a great option for beginners. The handlebars on this bike can be adjusted to different angles to make them more ergonomic, and the seat has a quick-lock adjustment that allows you to adjust it one-handed while you're on the bike, making getting into the proper position quick and easy. We like that there are 13 built-in workout programs, but it's worth noting you can't adjust the resistance for pre-set programs. Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya Best Cycle Chair Flexispot Home Office Height Adjustable Cycle Desk Bike Amazon View On Amazon $493 View On Walmart $461 View On Flexispot.com $450 Pros Easy to set up Quiet and stable Can also be used as a standing desk Cons Desktop is a little difficult to adjust Seat may be uncomfortable for prolonged use Key Specs Style: Upright | Resistance: Manual | Product Weight: 5.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 11.25 x 15.2 x 18.25 inches Why We Love It If getting more movement in your day is a goal, we recommend this Cycle Desk Bike from Flexispot. The bike pedals are super quiet, and the desk surface is large enough to fit a laptop and other needed work supplies comfortably. The pedal motion is very smooth, and we noted that the bike felt stable and solid while using it. We also like that it can be used as a standing desk on the opposite side of the seat if a change of position is needed. This bike has a compact design that doesn't take up a lot of space, and it has a wheeled base that makes it easy to move out of the way when not in use. While we noted the seat takes some getting used to, it's easy to adjust the height with a pneumatic adjustment lever. The desktop is also adjustable up and down and forward and backward, but adjusting the angle and height takes some effort. It only took eight minutes to unbox and set up the bike for use and the instruction booklet was very clear. The bike has a cup holder, eight resistance levels, and a battery-powered tracker. Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Best Under Desk Bike Vaunn Folding Pedal Exerciser Amazon View On Amazon $43 View On Walmart $69 Pros Lightweight and easy to carry Comes fully assembled with battery Foldable Cons Noisy Motion is not as smooth as other options. Key Specs Style: Under desk | Resistance: Manual | Product Weight: 5.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 11.25 x 15.2 x 18.25 inches Why We Love It This Folding Pedal Exerciser from Vaunn Medical is a budget-friendly option to get started with low-impact exercise. It has a wide base and a sturdy frame that make it stable but still lightweight and easy to move. And we like the quick-release folding feature for when it needs to be moved or stored. The bike has a strap that wraps around your chair to keep it from moving around when using it, and we found it works best on carpet or a rubber floor so it doesn't slip. The bike comes fully assembled with an included battery for the LCD monitor, so it's easy to use right out of the box. Although, we noted in testing that it takes some trial and error to find the best position for optimal use and works best with passive activities like reading or watching TV. Pedaling causes the upper body to rock a bit, making things like typing awkward, and the exerciser is a bit noisy. Resistance is adjusted with a knob on top, and the pedals have adjustable straps for a secure fit around your foot. The LCD monitor tracks calories and distance traveled. Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Bonus Favorites Although we didn't test these exercise bikes for ourselves, we still think they're a solid buy. Many of these models have similar features and price points to our tested favorites. Best Recumbent Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Bike NS-716R Amazon View On Amazon $200 View On Walmart $200 View On Dick's $280 Pros Fits a wide range of users Safe for seniors and beginners LCD screen tracks basic stats Cons No "smart" features Resistance lacks intensity Key Specs Style: Recumbent | Resistance: Manual knob with 8 settings | Product Weight: 59 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 52 x 25 x 38 inches Why We Love It If you’re more interested in the recumbent style of an exercise bike, we recommend this model from Marcy. It features a fully-adjustable seat for a wide range of users, ensuring that your legs are positioned comfortably as you pedal. The soft, foam-covered handlebars also give you the additional support you need for every exercise session. The magnetic wheel is supported by a tension adjustment knob with eight presets, so you can easily change the intensity of your workout at any time. The bike also includes an LCD screen that tracks your speed, distance, time, and calories burned. Sleek yet sturdy, this bike can support a maximum capacity of 300 pounds. Best for Total Body Workouts Schwinn Fitness Airdyne AD6 Exercise Bike Amazon View On Amazon $799 View On Walmart $799 View On Dick's $1,000 Pros Moving handlebars Self-powered Great for HIIT Cons Louder than other options Very heavy Key Specs Style: Upright | Resistance: Progressive wind based on work intensity | Product Weight: 113 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 55 x 26 x 53 inches Why We Love It Just because a bike’s primary function is to work your legs doesn’t mean you can’t simultaneously activate your arms, core, and back. This upright fan bike from Schwinn gives you a tough total body workout in just a matter of minutes because you move the handlebars in addition to the pedals. The 26-blade fan is paired with a single-stage belt drive to deliver a quiet, smooth, and challenging workout experience. Its heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction can support a maximum capacity of 300 pounds, and the progressive wind resistance technology makes it an excellent tool for elite athletes and beginners alike. CrossFitters swear by this style of bike for high-intensity interval training. Exercise Bikes We Also Tested Bowflex's C6 Bike felt very sturdy and we like that the seat and resistance levels are easy to adjust. We also like the two water bottle holders and how quiet it is. But it only offers a small display screen with basic metrics, so you'll have to use a phone or tablet if you want to stream shows or workouts.Sunny Health & Fitness' Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike is a barebones bike with no advanced features, which is why it is so budget-friendly. However, we found it wobbly and loud at faster speeds, and the seat was hard and would not stay in position. There is also no place to hold a phone or tablet. The MYX II Fitness Bike feels stable and comes with a floor mat and weights. We found the display to be very clear, and the sound and connectivity are good. However, the handlebars were difficult to adjust, and we had a lot of difficulty getting the included heart rate monitor to work.FitDesk's Under-Desk Bike only took about 10 minutes to set up—plus, it's quiet and it pedals smoothly. However, we noticed that we couldn't use it under a standard height desk because there was not enough room to pedal comfortably. It also moved around when we pedaled too hard. What to Look for When Shopping for an Exercise Bike Style: There are four primary types of exercise bikes—indoor cycling bikes, upright, recumbent, and under desk bikes. Each of them feels different to use and has different benefits. Indoor cycling bikes are the most common, with features you'd expect to find in a cycling studio (like digital displays, adjustable seats, and workout classes or streaming capabilities). A recumbent bike allows you to ride in a reclined position so you can multitask while working out, which may allow you to ride for a longer period of time. Meanwhile, upright bikes are often loaded with extra features. They're designed with comfort in mind and take up a smaller footprint. Under desk bikes are the most compact and can be used while you work from home. Consider the style that best meets your needs before shopping around. Resistance: Exercise bikes use multiple mechanisms to create resistance on the pedals, which is the primary way for you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. Most indoor cycling bikes require you to adjust the resistance by using a manual knob, while most upright and recumbent bikes have keypad buttons. Some bikes come with pre-set resistance levels for convenience. Durability: Whether you're shopping for balance boards or a high-quality elliptical, when purchasing exercise equipment for home use, you want it to feel as sturdy as the pieces you’d use in a gym setting. Metal parts are generally more durable than plastic, and a higher weight capacity indicates a sturdy frame. We recommend checking the bike’s primary materials, construction style, weight capacity, and user reviews before investing. Adjustability: “Adjustable seats are key when choosing a bike,” says Tammeca Rochester, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle in New York City. She notes that 90% of all injuries can be prevented if the seat is correctly adjusted to the rider. Make sure the bike’s seat, handlebars, and pedals can be adjusted to fit you and anyone else in your home who plans on using the bike. Don't forget to choose the best cycling shoes (plus insoles for flat feet, high arches, or other specific concerns if needed) to avoid further discomfort. These factors can help you pick the best exercise bike for your home gym and needs. Verywell Fit / Madelyn Goodnight How We Selected and Tested the Best Exercise Bikes To find the best exercise bikes, we've researched and tested over dozens of models from the most popular and trusted fitness brands. For the bikes we select through research, we first ask our experts which features to look for in high-quality indoor cycling bikes. Then, we review key specs and customer feedback for bikes from reputable brands at all price points to find the best options. As we continue to test and evaluate new indoor cycling bikes, we keep these criteria in mind: Stability: When we ride the bike, does it feel sturdy and stable underneath us at all speeds and resistance levels? Some bikes tend to feel wobbly, especially when you start to pedal faster. We prioritize bikes that feel safe to use on different types of flooring (like carpet, hardwood, and concrete). Performance: We make sure to test all of the bike's features and associated apps to fully assess its performance. Is the bike easy and pleasant to use? Does it offer any workout classes or streaming services? Which statistics and metrics does it track, and are they helpful? Can we connect and sync the bike with other fitness wearables or profiles, like our Apple Watches or Apple Health accounts? Our favorite bikes are fun and easy to use, with an intuitive interface. Adjustability: Can we adjust the seat and handlebar height for multiple users? How easy is it to adjust the resistance, both before and during a workout? The best bikes can be adjusted quickly and easily, so you can share them with other members of your household.Comfort: We pay attention to how the bike's seat feels as we ride—is it soft and padded, or hard and uncomfortable? We also note how the handlebars feel and whether they have an ergonomic design to help take the strain off of our hands and wrists. Can we easily ride while standing up? Display: If the bike has a screen or other display, we check to see which metrics it tracks and how accurate they are. Is the display easy to use and read while we cycle? How is the video and audio quality? Can we tilt or rotate it? In general, we look for displays that enhance our experience (instead of taking away from it). Overall Value: To accurate assess a bike's overall value, we don't check its price until the end of the testing period, after we've evaluated it in all other categories. Based on the bike's performance, do we think it's priced fairly—or would we only buy it if it went on sale? We also consider whether we'd recommend the bike to a friend or family member. We continue to test the best exercise bikes on the market and we'll keep updating our list of recommendations as we test other types of bikes, like recumbent exercise bikes and air bikes. We tested the bikes in our own homes for weeks to find the top contenders. Verywell Fit / Liz Allen Our Experts We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Karen Maxwell, ACE-CPT, and Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, helped us design and refine our testing process. Others, like Karp and Rochester, helped us understand the benefits of using an indoor cycling bike and what kind of workout they provide. Max Karp, NYC-certified personal trainer and trainer at Liteboxer in New York City Tammeca Rochester, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle in New York City Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, board-certified orthopedic physical therapist Karen Maxwell, ACE-CPT, senior master instructor of CycleBar cycling studios Frequently Asked Questions Which muscles does an exercise bike work? “The goal of an indoor cycling bike is to challenge yourself physically while getting a neuromuscular and cardiovascular workout,” Rochester says. Exercise bikes work your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, Karp explains—although some bikes also come with light dumbbells for upper body exercises during your ride, he adds. Upright and indoor cycling bikes also require a posture that engages your back and core muscles effectively. Which is better: exercise bike or treadmill? Both machines are effective tools for at-home aerobic exercise. But generally speaking, exercise bikes are better for people with joint pain, injuries, or other problems, as the seated pedaling motion places far less impact on the hips, knees, and ankles. "While using a treadmill is still softer than running outdoors, there is still a lot of impact absorbed every time our foot strikes the ground," Karp says. "With an exercise bike, our legs move in a fluid motion with constant contact between our feet and the pedals—resulting in a smoother transfer of power and less abrupt force generated with each pedal stroke," he adds. How do I make my exercise bike more comfortable? First, adjust the seat: The seat height should be set so that when your front leg is fully extended on the pedal, there is a slight bend in your knee, and the seat angle should be level. The handlebars should be adjusted so that you can hold a comfortable bent-elbow position and still use all the handle positions easily. This will help you avoid neck, shoulder, and wrist pain. Gel seat covers that slip on over the standard saddle and padded cycling shorts are another way to add comfort to your workout. How much does an exercise bike cost? Most high-quality exercise bikes cost between $250 and $2,500. Cheaper options are available, but when it comes to fitness equipment, you want something durable, long-lasting, and functional—it's an investment. If you’re aiming for a Peloton experience—equipped with high-tech features and guided workouts—you don’t want to end up with a basic air bike that won’t fit your workout routine. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how important it is to pick the right home gym equipment for you. She is always exploring the latest and greatest wellness tools, machines, and gadgets, but more importantly, Alena carefully considers the quality and various features that make these fitness products worthwhile investments. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit