There’s something satisfying about the sweat pool that accumulates underneath an exercise bike as you pour everything you have into your workout. I mean, it’s gross, but rewarding, too, right? When looking for an exercise bike, I want something that keeps me pedaling even as the sweat runs into my eyes. I want something that motivates me to push harder.
A quality exercise bike is sturdy enough for your toughest days and comfortable enough for an hour or more of training in zone two. It has the right amount of content, so we included bikes with and without touchscreens and subscription services.
I didn’t recreate the Great Lakes with my sweat for nothing. Keep reading for my comprehensive list of the best bikes for your next at-home cycling session.
Prefer a Video vs Text? Watch our Best Exercise Bikes video, updated for 2025, below:
Best Exercise Bikes, Compared:
 NordicTrack X24 Bike |  Bowflex C6 |  CAROL Bike |  Aviron Fit Bike |  Sole SB1200 |  NordicTrack S24 |  Peloton Bike |  Echelon EX-5s-22 |  Bowflex VeloCore |  Assault Bike Pro X |  Concept2 BikeErg | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||||||||
| Bottom Line | Whether you want to train in the studio, out on the trail, or watch Netflix, the NordicTrack X24 delivers a fun virtual ride. | The Bowflex C6 has a simple, compact, yet sturdy design that you can pair with your phone or just hop on and ride. | The CAROL Bike uses AI-powered resistance adjustments to get you the best workout in the shortest amount of time possible, but its offerings are not limited to those included in its subscription service. | The Aviron Fit Bike has refined tech and a rugged performance, making it a standout combo. | The SB1200 is a heavy-duty bike that offers streaming from Netflix, has screen mirroring, and includes trainer-led workout videos. | The NordicTrack S24 has silent, automatic resistance that adapts to your fitness level for a personalized training experience. | The Peloton Bike has earned its place as one of the most notorious exercise bikes with premium training content from the best instructors backed by playlists you’ll love. | A rear flywheel paired with a large touchscreen to take studio trainer-led workouts makes this bike less prone to sweat damage. | The Bowflex VeloCore is a unique spin on exercise bikes with a unique leaning design. Along with streaming content, this is a fantastic bike. | The first belt-drive air bike from Assault Fitness is a game changer for your home gym. | This unique exercise bike features unlimited air resistance with an indoor cycling design. |
| Awards Earned | |||||||||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | NordicTrack X24 Bike | Bowflex C6 | CAROL Bike | Aviron Fit Bike | Sole SB1200 | NordicTrack S24 | Peloton Bike | Echelon EX-5s-22 | Bowflex VeloCore | Assault Bike Pro X | Concept2 BikeErg |
| Workout Experience | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 9 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 9 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Overall Score | 89 | 84 | 86 | 85 | 83 | 88 | 84 | 79 | 85 | 80 | 82 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 11 | 1 | 7 | 1 | Hundreds | 21 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 13 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | iFIT - $39/month | N/A | $19.99/month | $29/month | N/A | $39/month | $44/month | Echelon - $39.99/month | JRNY – $19.99/month | N/A | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Audible, PlutoTV | N/A | Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Peloton, Kinomap, Zwift, Rouvy, BKOOL, FulGaz, CNN, Fox, NBC | Netflix, Spotify, Max, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Paramount+, YouTube TV | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | Netflix, Spotify, Prime Video, Audible, PlutoTV, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio | Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, NBA | N/A | Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Max 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen | N/A | N/A |
| Display | 24” pivoting touchscreen | Backlit LCD | 11.5” touchscreen | 22” rotating touchscreen | 10.1” Android-powered touchscreen | 24” pivoting touchscreen | 22” touchscreen | 22” rotating HD touchscreen | 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen | Battery-powered digital console | PM5 Monitor |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 56.4” L x 21.8” W x 62.7” H | 54.6" L x 30.7" W x 51.8" H | 45.5” L x 22” W | 62.5” L x 22” W x 60.5” H | 57” L x 21” W x 63” H | 56.4” L x 21.8” W x 62.7” H | 59” L x 23” W x 53” H | 58” L x 20” W | 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H | 50.95” L x 23.43” W x 50” H | 48” L x 24” W |
| Pedal Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid toe cages and SPD | Flat pedals with toe cages (upgrade available) | Hybrid | Hybrid | Delta | Hybrid | Flat or SPD Clips | Reinforced flat pedals | Flat metal |
| # of Adjustment Points | 3 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Bike Weight | 205 lbs (in box) | 113.6 lbs | 120 lbs | 139 lbs | 127 lbs | 205 lbs (in box) | 135 lbs | 124 lbs | 158 lbs | 95.64 lbs | 68 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs | 330 lbs | 330 lbs | 350 lbs | 330 lbs | 330 lbs | 297 lbs | 300 lbs | 325 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 32 lbs | 40 lbs | 22 lbs | 28.5 lbs | 35.27 lbs | 32 lbs | 30 lbs | 29 lbs | 33 lbs | 27" diameter fan | N/A |
| Max Resistance | 24 levels | 100 levels | AI-controlled | 1500 watts | 35.27 lbs | 24 levels | 100 resistance levels | 32 levels | 98 levels | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | electromagnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Air Resistance | Air |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame, 1-year parts and labor | 10-year frame, 1-year parts; $9/month lifetime warranty option | Lifetime frame, 2-year all other components, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year parts | 5-year frame, 1-year parts and labor | 1-year | 10 years frame, 1 year labor, 3 years parts | 7-Year Frame, 3-Year Moving Parts | 5-year frame, 2-year parts |
| Additional Features | 20% incline and -10% decline, two 3 lb weights included, storage tray | Included 3 lb dumbbells, included Bluetooth heart rate armband, connects to Peloton and Zwift apps | AI resistance, 3rd party app controls, science-backed workouts | Freewheeling, upgrade packages, social features | Adjustable device rack, weight cages, adjustable leveling feet | Automatic resistance adjustments, Google Maps routes, AI Coach | Leaderboard, live and on-demand classes, Lane Break game | Rear flywheel, resistance knob, two cup holders | Side-to-side leaning feature, 3 lb weights included, easy to lift and move | Quiet belt drive, phone and water storage, adjustable leveling feet | Adjustable damper, adjustable device rack, syncs to compatible chest straps |
Best Exercise Bikes of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
From magnetic to air resistance and subscription content to low-tech training, we have options you will love. These exercise bikes come in many shapes and colors. They should also fit most cyclists’ statures. Discover what we liked about each bike below.
NordicTrack X24 Studio Bike
Best Exercise Bike Overall
- -10% to 20% incline range
- iFIT trainer-led classes
- 24 magnetic resistance levels
- Rotating 24” touchscreen
- Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, and more
- 350-lb weight capacity
- Hybrid pedals
- Limited features without iFIT
- Heavier than most exercise bikes
The X24 fully immerses you in the outdoor training experience with automatic resistance and incline adjustments from iFIT. If your iFIT coach starts pedaling uphill, pedaling will get harder for you, too, and the bike frame will tilt to match the slope. At 24”, the touchscreen is basically your window to the outdoors, even when you are trapped inside.
I really like iFIT features like Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, and Audible. There are a few more apps, too, but you’ll miss out if you don’t subscribe. So then, do I recommend the NordicTrack X24 without iFIT? No, but there are tons of other options on this list for non-subscription bikes or alternative subscriptions.
Click here to read our detailed review of the NordicTrack S24 Exercise Bike.
Interested in the NordicTrack X24 Studio Bike?
Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike Under $1000
- Optional subscription
- Very quiet
- Lightweight
- Hybrid pedals
- Sturdy and well-built
- Sleek black and red frame
- Four adjustment points
- Few built-in training options
- Basic console
Though it is not a touchscreen, the console provides ride metrics such as speed, distance, calorie burn, time elapsed, RPMs, etc. Since the console is Bluetooth-compatible, it will also sync with a phone or tablet and connect with certain third-party apps. You can use Zwift, Peloton, iFit, or other cycling apps with the C6.
It has 100 levels of magnetic resistance. Other bikes have 32 resistance levels or maybe 26, but these arbitrary levels can make it harder to interpret overall resistance and rider strength. Having 100 levels allows you to think of your resistance as a percentage of the bike’s maximum resistance.
The Bowflex C6 bike also has hybrid pedals, allowing it to work with any athletic shoe. However, there are SPD clips on the underside of the flat pedal for those who prefer SPD spin shoes.
We think the Bowflex C6 is a great all-around bike and a good option for those who want the freedom to use other apps—you’re not locked into one subscription. This is one of our favorite bikes, and we are thrilled about the great price!
Click here to read our detailed review of the Bowflex C6.
Are you looking for more options? Check out our Best Cheap Exercise Bikes.
Interested in the Bowflex C6?
CAROL Bike 2.0
Best For Quick Workouts
- Quick, time-effective workouts
- REHIT Workouts
- Commercial-grade quality
- AI-controlled resistance
- Third-party training apps
- Great for beginners to advanced athletes
- Pricey with only 5-year warranty
- No transport handle
The REHIT workouts (reduced exertion high-intensity interval training) are CAROL’s bread and butter. If you only have a short amount of time, these are the workouts you need. These involve short, intense interval sprints followed by a few minutes of low-intensity intervals. The sprint intervals are only 10-20 seconds long for 2-3 times per REHIT workout.
You can do anything for 10 or 20 seconds, which makes working out and developing a consistent routine achievable. This exercise bike features thoughtfully constructed, science-based workouts to increase your VO2 max and functional threshold power, not only for beginners but also for advanced athletes.
By incorporating AI-generated resistance, the CAROL puts you at your maximum intensity by determining an appropriate resistance for you and your fitness level during the sprints. Then, after a REHIT workout, you can choose from HIIT and zone 2 training or control the resistance yourself in regular free rides.
Plus, if you want to spend more time on the bike but don’t want to get bored, there are plenty of streaming apps available to download, log in, and stream straight from the attached tablet on the bike. Although you’ll need to subscribe to CAROL’s membership to unlock the full workout library, you can stream from the apps without CAROL’s membership and take a couple CAROL workouts.
Rated for commercial use, the CAROL 2.0 has a generous 330-lb weight limit and a 22-lb rear-mounted flywheel. Grippy handlebars and a nicely padded seat make the CAROL Bike comfortable, even if you only spend a few minutes on it every other day.
Click here to read our detailed review of the CAROL Bike.
Interested in the CAROL Bike 2.0?
Aviron Fit Bike
Best Gamified Exercise Bike
- Gamified workouts
- Entertainment apps
- Trainer-led classes
- Challenging resistance
- 22” touchscreen
- Very adjustable
- Louder than most studio bikes
- Requires additional monthly fee for existing Aviron rowing subscribers
- Only 16 resistance levels
What surprised me the most about the Fit Bike is that it uses a chain drive. It also uses electromagnetic resistance, which has a different feel than the usual magnetic resistance. This bike isn’t the best for riding out of the saddle, but the grittier feel adds something else to the experience that you can’t find on other bikes on this list. It feels kind of in between a studio cycle and a bike trainer.
The Aviron experience includes tons of gamified workouts. Often, your objective is to pedal faster to defeat your enemies. Sky Quest is one of the largest games on Aviron, and it allows you to explore a virtual world alongside other Aviron members.
Aviron captures the outdoor cyclist moving indoors with the promise of a 1500-watt maximum resistance and a familiar ride. It also entices new exercisers with an addictive training platform that leaves you with no excuse not to exercise.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Aviron Fit Bike.
Interested in the Aviron Fit Bike?
Sole SB1200 Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike Without Subscription
- No subscription is required for content options
- 12 preloaded streaming apps
- Free trainer-led classes
- Solid build and heavy flywheel
- 330 lb weight limit
- Hybrid pedals
- Lifetime warranty
- Firm, underpadded handles
- Smaller touchscreen than others
What’s best about these apps is that they don’t require an additional subscription to access. All you have to do is log in with your Netflix or Hulu (insert relevant app) and start watching.
Another excellent feature is that you can screen-mirror your device in case none of the included apps are what you want to stream from. If you like trainer-led content, there are free Sole+ app classes, and you can use your device to screen-mirror other training apps. You also have the option to put your device on the rack above the screen to view content straight from your device.
Along with awesome content included without a subscription, the SB1200 is a solid bike that comes with 100 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, hybrid pedals with toe cages and SPD clips, a narrow, lightly padded saddle, a 330 lb weight limit, and 3-way adjustability. The seat and handlebar posts adjust for various heights, so this bike is great for most people and quiet for most homes.
The Sole SB1200 offers a traditional riding experience with a standard adjustment knob to control your resistance and the ability to ride in and out of the saddle comfortably. This is a great bike for high-intensity workouts and distance rides. It also doesn’t hurt that the frame is backed by a lifetime warranty, which helps to instill confidence in the overall construction.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole SB1200.
Interested in the Sole SB1200?
NordicTrack S24 Studio Bike
Best iFIT Bike
- 24” touchscreen
- Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, and more
- Hybrid pedals
- Quiet and stable
- Thousands of trainer-led classes
- Custom workout options
- Not all of the trainer’s cues apply to the S24 since there is no incline
- Limited features without iFIT
iFIT has thousands of training classes for the bike. With a single membership, you can also access iFIT’s treadmill, rower, elliptical classes, and more. In addition to classes, iFIT also has custom training options and entertainment apps. I love watching Netflix as the bike adjusts to an iFIT’s class preset levels.
The NordicTrack S24 has Bluetooth. You can connect a heart rate monitor and headphones. It also comes with a dumbbell rack and two 3-lb dumbbells.
I recommend the NordicTrack S24 for anyone who wants a premium iFIT bike and doesn’t mind missing out on the incline feature for a lower price.
Interested in the NordicTrack S24 Studio Bike?
Peloton Bike
Best Studio Fitness Class
- Live and on-demand trainer-led workouts
- Leaderboard and gamified workouts
- Streaming from apps like Netflix
- Solid bike with a sleek design
- 21.5” crisp touchscreen
- Costly membership
- Only Delta-compatible clip-in pedals
With some updates, Peloton has added streaming from apps like Netflix and gamified Lanebreak workouts to mix up their ever-growing library of instructor-led classes. There’s even a (slow-growing) list of outdoor-filmed workouts, although these have nothing on iFIT.
The content is the big reason people love Peloton’s bikes. You can use the Peloton app on a few other bikes on this list, but to get the full experience (leaderboard high-fives and all) you’ll need one of the bikes. Our top recommendation is the OG Peloton Bike. It’s priced reasonably and has a nice build quality, like the Bike+. Things like 100 levels of quiet adjustable resistance and good adjustability for a variety of sized riders are available on both bikes.
For maximum features, the Peloton Bike+ has a larger rotating touchscreen and automatic resistance changes with the instructor’s cues, front-facing speakers, and a USB-C charging port. It’s more expensive, but we like the all-black design.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Peloton Bike.
Interested in the Peloton Bike?
Echelon EX-5s-22
Best Rear Flywheel Exercise Bike
- Well priced
- Studio trainer-led workout classes
- Rear flywheel out of “sweat zone”
- Comfortable saddle
- Swivel 22” touchscreen
- Hybrid pedals
- Compact and lightweight
- Content not as great as others
- Limited warranty
The Echelon EX-5s-22 has 32 levels of magnetic resistance, so it is quiet to ride. It also has a touchscreen like other bikes, but it is priced slightly lower. The Echelon Premier Membership is designed to compete with iFIT and Peloton by offering trainer-led workout classes. The price of the membership is comparable to these popular training apps, and the library is ever-growing.
Live and on-demand cycling classes are available and then you can turn the screen and follow your ride with strength, stretching, Pilates, and yoga mat workouts. There are also entertainment streaming and scenic rides with the Premier Membership. Plus, when you purchase Echelon’s Premier Membership, you get a 5-year warranty and up to 5 member profiles on one account.
The Echelon EX-5s-22 is one of the most compact indoor bikes on the market with a touchscreen. At 124 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to move.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Echelon EX-5s-22.
Interested in the Echelon EX-5s-22?
Bowflex Velocore
Best Exercise Bike For Core Strength
- The lean mode is fun
- Two screen size options
- JRNY subscription available
- Streaming from apps like Netflix (with JRNY)
- Hybrid pedals
- Rear flywheel
- Leaning might take getting used to
- Limited warranty
The lean mode makes riding the bike feel like a motorcycle race! It requires a bit of balance and core strength, but once you get the hang of it, this bike is entertaining to ride. We love how the lean mode targets and strengthens your core. Unlike standard bikes, where you just need to sit on the saddle, the Velocore is a full-body challenging workout!
You can’t sit idly by and spin the pedals on this one. Along with the lean mode, subscribing to JRNY makes for a good training experience. JRNY features tailored workouts, trainer-led studio classes, and outdoor-filmed routes. You can also stream from Prime Video and Netflix with a subscription.
The Bowflex Velocore is best suited for riders who can sit upright and lean slightly from side to side without losing balance. We recommend this to cyclists who are looking for something fun that requires more core engagement than a standard spin bike. The Velocore is also a good option for those who want to watch third-party apps and access other training content with a subscription on the touchscreen.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Bowflex Velocore.
Interested in the Bowflex Velocore?
AssaultBike Pro X
Best Air Bike
- Commercial-grade quality
- Excellent price
- Quiet belt drive
- Onboard workouts
- No electricity
- Unlimited resistance
- Seat doesn’t adjust low for shorter users
- No wind guard
Our top pick for the best air bike is the AssaultBike Pro X. AssaultBikes are for homes and commercial settings. The Pro X is unique because of its belt drive system. It’s smooth to ride and a little quieter than other air bikes. It’s important to note that air bikes are loud because of their fans, but they’re worth it if you want to crank up your cardio in a matter of minutes.
The AssaultBike Pro X has a comfortable seat and flat, metal pedals to wear regular tennis shoes. The console is also simple, with onboard workouts. The Pro X doesn’t need to be plugged in, making it awesome for a garage gym and even the great outdoors. Although you could do long rides on the Pro X, it’s better for short, intense sessions, warm-ups, and cool-downs.
Click here to read our detailed review of the AssaultBike Pro X.
Are you looking for more options? Check out our Best Air Bikes.
Interested in the AssaultBike Pro X?
Concept2 BikeErg
Most Innovative Exercise Bike
- Unlimited resistance
- No subscription required
- Great third-party compatibility
- Very lightweight but sturdy
- 10-level fan damper
- Not having discrete resistance levels makes it hard to follow along with some cycling classes
While the BikeErg doesn’t have anything quite so flashy as a touchscreen, the PM5 digital monitor is accurate and has plenty of onboard training content to keep you occupied. The air resistance is unlimited and has a 10-level damper to control the airflow. It’s unique and effective.
Training on the Concept2 BikeErg is an experience unlike any other on this list. It sits somewhere between the Aviron Fit Bike and AssaultBike Pro X, in my opinion. The BikeErg has a chain drive, air resistance, and does not support riding out of the saddle very well. It feels like a studio bike to sit on, but it performs more like an air bike.
I recommend the Concept2 BikeErg for anyone torn between a studio bike, an air bike, and a bike trainer. The Concept2 BikeErg is the perfect compromise and also an innovative and fun bike in its own right.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Concept2 BikeErg.
Interested in the Concept2 BikeErg?
Finding the Best Exercise Bike: Factors to Consider
So, what should you look for in an exercise bike? There are lots of features and components, so let’s take a look at the most important ones:
Bike Type
There are several different styles of exercise bikes.
Upright – This design is similar to a beach cruiser, where the seat is lower and the handlebars are higher. This design allows you to sit up while riding, so your torso is not compressed. Upright bikes typically feature a wider, more comfortable seat and handlebars that gently angle up.
Studio – This is the typical “spin” bike where the seat is level with the handlebars for a more aero-style position. Riders lean forward from the hips, so their torso is often lower. Studio bikes have a narrower, less padded seat similar to outdoor road bikes.
Recumbent– A recumbent bike allows you to sit back behind the pedals rather than over them. This design provides more lumbar support and less knee tension. Recumbent bikes are also lower to the ground and easier to get on and off.
These bikes work well for those with hip or spine issues, mobility issues, or anyone recovering from an injury. Recumbent bikes typically feature a very wide seat with a backrest and wide, ergonomic pedals.
Rear Flywheel –These bikes move the flywheel — or front wheel — to the rear of the bike. This keeps the flywheel out of the “sweat zone,” so you don’t drip moisture down on your flywheel while riding. This design can make the bike less prone to damage and corrosion.
Air Bikes– Air bikes have large fans attached to the front of the bike. When you’re using the bike, the air is sucked into the fan, and the fan’s blades push against the air to create resistance for you to pedal against.
Most air bikes have moving handles that move in conjunction with the pedals to work your entire body. The handles move forward and backward in a push/pull motion. Typically, air bikes are used for short bursts of high-intensity like HIIT training. The fans generate sound, so these bikes aren’t best for areas where noise could be an issue.
Cost
The price of an exercise bike is based on the components, frame, and features. Look for the following:
When evaluating a bike, pay attention to the frame. It should have steel stabilizers and support posts to keep it stable while riding. Most solid bikes weigh between 100 to 200 lbs. Leveling feet under the stabilizers will also help keep the bike from rocking.
Also, check the flywheel’s weight. Typically, the heavier the flywheel, the better. However, some higher-end bikes, like the Keiser M3i, have light flywheels and are engineered for them. Most inexpensive exercise bikes with flywheels weighing less than 10 lbs aren’t very good quality.
You also want to check for multiple adjustment points. Most exercise bikes with touchscreens have three adjustment points: the saddle, which adjusts horizontally and vertically, and the handles, which adjust vertically. Indoor cycling bikes without a screen often have four, so the saddle adjusts horizontally.
Air bikes and recumbent bikes often only have adjustable seats.
Make sure you know what you are paying for. Some bikes are more expensive because they feature an attached screen designed for subscription content. If you don’t want to pay a monthly fee for an app, look for a bike without a screen—or one with a tablet holder for your personal tablet or phone.
Pedals
Exercise bikes typically feature four different kinds of pedals:
SPD cleat pedals are the “clip-in” cleats on indoor spin bikes and mountain bikes. You must buy a cycling shoe and SPD cleats that “clip” down into the metal casing attached to the pedal.
Road bikers most often use Delta pedals. These are larger than SPD cleats and lock right down into the pedal. Peloton bikes use LOOK Delta pedals.
Hybrid Pedals—Many indoor bikes (except for Peloton) feature hybrid pedals, with a cleat on one side (usually SPD) and a standard flat pedal toe cage on the other side. Check the kind of pedal on each bike to see if you need additional cycling shoes to ride it.
Flat, Ergonomic Pedals—This is the standard flat pedal. It is wide and textured and will work with any athletic shoe. Flat pedals often have a “cage” or “strap” that comes around the pedal to hold your shoe in securely, like some recumbent bikes. Most air bikes, on the other hand, don’t have straps or toe cages.
Screen/Console
Screens offer exciting features and content! Here are a few things to watch for with a bike screen:
Touchscreen – Many high-end bikes offer touchscreens where you can choose a program or manage data and navigation through the screen. The size of the screen will affect how well you can see any program. Even if it is a full-color touchscreen, if it is less than 10”, you may find it hard to see.
Also, check if the screen rotates side-to-side or swivels up and down. This helps avoid overhead glare and lets you see your screen if you are doing classes off the bike. However, be aware that most touchscreens do not allow riders to access the internet while riding.
Most screens are designed to feature specific apps and programs, so don’t assume that just because it has a screen, you can watch Netflix or browse the web — this is most often NOT the case.
Compatible Screen—Some bikes offer screens that show a limited number of outdoor routes even if you don’t have a subscription app. While most bikes with screens are intended for subscription content, you may be able to access a number of onboard programs through the screen.
You can even stream from apps like Netflix on the Sole SB1200 Bike. However, on most bikes, if you don’t pay for the subscription service, you won’t get all the classes and features.
LCD Screen—This is the standard digital screen found on traditional workout equipment. It does not display a subscription program with classes and trainers. Instead, it displays your metrics and stats while riding. LCD screens are typically found on more economical bikes and usually offer just a few onboard programs.
Subscription Content
The most well-known subscription training content is probably Peloton. However, NordicTrack and ProForm offer iFIT, Echelon offers their Premier Membership, and other companies are now following suit with additional fitness content.
Most training content is trainer-led. This features an instructor who guides you through a workout in a studio environment. Outdoor-filmed workouts follow an instructor as they ride a bike through remote locations. iFIT is the best training content for outdoor rides.
Some subscriptions also offer gamified workouts and streaming from apps like Netflix. Many brands require you to pay for their subscription in order to stream from these apps, meaning you’ll still need to log into the apps with subscription memberships. For example, a Netflix membership isn’t included when you subscribe to Peloton or JRNY. You get access to the Netflix app and then will need to log in with your Netflix account.
Sole doesn’t require a subscription for their trainer-led workout classes and streaming apps, so this is something to keep in mind if you want to cut down on cost.
Some brands include a free trial to their subscription when purchasing their exercise bikes. Many offer different ways of paying, such as monthly or yearly. Although you can use most exercise bikes with their subscription content, the amount of functionality you have on the touchscreen is usually limited.
If you aren’t into subscription training content, we recommend checking out a bike with a simple LCD screen to track your metrics. These often feature a device rack to stream whatever you want from your phone or tablet.
Resistance Type and Calibration
There are a few different ways resistance is created and measured. Both affect how the bike feels and functions.
Magnetic resistance is the most common type of resistance on an indoor cycling bike. Magnets adjacent to the flywheel oppose the wheel’s motion. Magnetic resistance is quiet and easily calibrated. Because no friction is generated with magnetic resistance, it is noticeably quieter and also creates less wear on the wheel.
Friction Resistance – This type of resistance is created when a brake pad creates drag as it rubs against the wheel to generate resistance. Tension resistance causes wear on the ,flywheel and the pads must occasionally be replaced. Also, as the pads wear down, it affects the amount of resistance on the flywheel, so it is not as easy to measure the actual tension.
Resistance Calibration
Digital Levels—Preset digital resistance is the most accurate way to measure resistance. With digital resistance levels, you can set and find the same tension each time, eliminating guesswork when increasing tension. It is also superior for moving quickly between resistance levels. Digital resistance is measured using preset levels that correspond to numbers on the console or screen.
Manual Knob Tension – Knob tension is usually found on bikes with friction resistance. This tension is much more difficult to measure and there are no preset levels you can automatically select.
Quality and Warranty
Exercise bikes are economical, but check for quality and warranty before you buy. Read reviews on how the bike typically holds up and what warranties are offered. In our reviews, we include warranty information on every bike. An extensive warranty usually indicates a well-built bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of exercise bikes?
The kinds of exercise bikes on this list are also referred to as “spin” bikes or indoor cycling bikes. Other types of exercise bikes include upright bikes, recumbent bikes, and air bikes. You can learn more about each type here.
Is cycling better than running?
Depending on whether you have joint issues or if you want low-impact exercise, you will probably prefer cycling vs running. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; it depends on which one works better for your body and your overall preference. Both provide excellent health benefits and are popular workout activities.
What type of resistance should I use on a stationary bike?
Magnetic resistance is one of the most common types on an exercise bike because it is smooth and quiet. On some bikes, it is even practically silent. This type of resistance also requires less maintenance than others and lets you see workout metrics like watt output and resistance level.
Magnetic bikes are usually more expensive. Friction-resistance bikes are typically less expensive but can make a little bit more noise and require a little bit more maintenance because they use a brake against a pad that can cause a bit more wear over time. Friction resistance usually isn’t measured in levels like magnetic resistance, so it’s often not displayed on the bike.
Air resistance is another form of tension that uses air, which is louder than other types. Air resistance offers unlimited amounts of tension, though. Each of these resistance types has pros and cons.
Which exercise cycle is best for home use?
We’ve rated the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike our best exercise bike for home use. The touchscreen displays iFIT content, and the S22i inclines and declines to give you an even more realistic indoor riding experience.
Leave a Reply