Droves of cheap exercise bikes exist, enough to buy a different one every month for a few years when the previous one breaks. If you don’t want that to be you, we are here to help. Our goal is to help you find the best, but still cheap, exercise bike that is well-built and will last you a long time.
You may not get all the bells and whistles associated with more expensive exercise bikes, but every bike on the list below will do what you need it to: provide you with a great, at-home cycling workout.
Keep reading to find out what our experts recommend for indoor cyclists on a tight budget.
Best Best Cheap Exercise Bikes, Compared:
 Bowflex C6 |  Sole SB900 |  Sole SB700 |  Schwinn IC4 |  Freebeat Boom Bike | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The Bowflex C6 has a simple, compact, yet sturdy design that you can pair with your phone or just hop on and ride. | The Sole SB900 simplifies the exercise bike to ensure you don't pay for anything superfluous but still have all the features you need for a quality workout. | The Sole SB700 has a robust steel frame, a heavy chrome-plated flywheel, and 100 magnetic resistance levels for indoor cyclists who care more about a quality build than spiffy features. | This is an uncomplicated exercise bike that lets you pedal for miles while connecting to your favorite apps. | The gamified aspect of the trainer-led workouts makes this budget bike fun to ride. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Bowflex C6 | Sole SB900 | Sole SB700 | Schwinn IC4 | Freebeat Boom Bike |
| Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Overall Score | 84 | 78 | 72 | 84 | 70 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $39/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display | Backlit LCD | Compact digital display | Compact digital console | LCD | 15.6” HD rotatable touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 54.6" L x 30.7" W x 51.8" H | 54"L x 21"W x 51"H | 42" x 21" x 40" | 48.7” L x 21.2” W x 51.8” H | 51.5” L x 24.7” W x 51.5” H |
| Pedal Type | Hybrid | Hybrid pedals - SPD/toe clip | Flat with toe clips | Hybrid | Toe cages |
| # of Adjustment Points | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Bike Weight | 113.6 lbs | 123 lbs | 141 lbs | 106 lbs | 79 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 330 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 40 lbs | 35 lbs | 48 lbs | 40 lbs | 15.4 lbs |
| Max Resistance | 100 levels | 100 resistance levels | 100 resistance levels | 100 levels | 100 levels |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Friction | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical parts, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | Residential and light-commercial: lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 24-month bike components, 12-month touchscreen |
| Additional Features | Included 3 lb dumbbells, included Bluetooth heart rate armband, connects to Peloton and Zwift apps | Bluetooth, Sole+, tablet rack | Tablet rack, Kevlar braking design | Bluetooth enabled, syncs with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift apps, includes two 3 lb dumbbells | Smart saddle detection, gamified classed, dynamic light strips |
Best Cheap Exercise Bikes of 2025 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
Our experts selected these cheap exercise bikes out of all the others for their trustworthy construction and nice features. We want budget shoppers to find an exercise bike that is enjoyable and suits their needs, too.
Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
- Through Bluetooth, you can use a wide variety of training apps on the LCD console, so you won’t be locked into one subscription option.
- This bike is practically silent, making it perfect for all home spaces.
- It has four adjustment points for users of all sizes to get a perfect bike fit.
- It is lightweight at 106 lbs, so it can be moved easily.
- The tablet holder isn’t adjustable, so you might need to remove your device from the case for it to fit properly.
- Each of the third-party apps requires separate subscriptions.
We love this bike because it’s adjustable to fit most users up to 330 lbs and can be used with any type of athletic shoe or SPD clips because of the hybrid pedals. The bike only weighs 106 lbs, so it’s easy to wheel around if it needs to be moved.
The C6 uses silent magnetic resistance that is adjusted by using the resistance knob below the handlebars. One hundred levels of resistance provide plenty of tension. One hundred levels make sense when you’re adjusting the resistance and give you a wide variety of levels to pedal against.
The BowFlex C6 allows you to use multiple third-party apps on your device, which can be placed on the attached tablet holder. The LCD console will display your workout metrics, such as your cadence and wattage. We like that apps like BowFlex’s JRNY, the Peloton App, and Zwift connect via Bluetooth if you want entertainment and guidance during your rides.
With the comfortability and versatility of the BowFlex C6 Bike, we’re happy to place it at the top of the list of the best cheap exercise bikes. It certainly is a solid option.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Bowflex C6.
Interested in the Sole SB900 Exercise Bike?
Sole SB900 Exercise Bike
- It has a solid steel construction, uses a belt drive system, and has quiet magnetic resistance.
- The heavy 48 lb flywheel creates a smooth pedal stroke.
- It has four adjustment points to help you find the right bike fit for you.
- It has front transportation wheels for easy moving when needed.
- The resistance isn’t digitally measured.
- The screen is small and might be hard for some users to see.
We really like the 48-lb flywheel on this bike. This heavy flywheel ensures a smooth, fluid pedal stroke, so you won’t experience any jerkiness when you pedal. The pedals offer two ways of riding, too. You can clip in with your SPD cleats or wear athletic shoes that will remain securely strapped into the toe cages. This makes the SB900 more accessible to a wider range of users.
A big perk that we enjoy about the Sole SB900 is that it doesn’t require a subscription. The LCD console is basic and displays your metrics, so if you prefer a lower-tech ride, you can just hop on and pedal. Of course, if you do want to take studio trainer-led classes, Sole offers the Sole+ app for free with your purchase.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole SB900.
Interested in the Sole SB900 Exercise Bike?
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
- The LCD screen is backlit and has an integrated tablet holder to stream from third-party apps.
- Its steel frame is backed by a lifetime warranty, which speaks to the bike’s overall build quality.
- The transportation wheels make it easy to move around when it’s not in use.
- The toe cages let you ride with any type of athletic shoe.
- The LCD screen is small and might be hard for some users to see.
- The resistance is created with a felt brake pad rather than a magnetic one.
We’ve found it to be quiet to use even though it uses friction resistance which can be adjusted by using the knob. The LCD console displays your RPMs, distance, time, and estimated calories. Your heart rate will be shown with the compatible chest strap as well. You don’t need Wi-Fi or an electrical outlet to use the SB700. The console turns on when you start pedaling.
If you love to hop on and ride, this bike is a great choice. It also comes with an integrated tablet holder, so you can use your device to stream from apps like Sole+ and Peloton.
Most users will find a perfect bike fit on the Sole SB700 because of its four adjustment points. It weighs 141 lbs and has front wheels, so it can easily move around. There are also adjustable leveling feet to prevent the SB700 from rocking.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Sole SB700.
Interested in the Sole SB700 Exercise Bike?
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
- Affordable, stable, and smooth to ride.
- Four adjustment points so riders can get a better fit.
- A generous 330-lb weight limit on a compact, lightweight frame.
- It pairs with third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift.
- Hybrid pedals with toe cages and SPD clips.
- The device rack isn’t adjustable.
- You must have subscriptions to the apps to use them with the bike.
You can’t go wrong with either bike, so they’re both on this list. The IC4 has a sporty design and connects to third-party apps like the JRNY app, Peloton app, Zwift, and the Explore the World app. You can stream from your phone or tablet using the device rack at the top of the handles.
The console has good readability and tracks all your vital metrics for great rides. What’s impressive about this bike is that it is lightweight at 114 lbs, yet it handles up to 330 lbs. The IC4 also features hybrid pedals, so you can clip in your cleats or just cycle in your tennis shoes.
The Schwinn IC4 is simple to use, so if you want to just hop on and ride, it is a great option. It’s worth its price, and the 10-year frame warranty helps instill confidence in the build.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Schwinn IC4.
Interested in the Schwinn IC4?
Freebeat Boom Bike
- Fun color options
- Freebeat classes are fun and game-like
- 15.6″ touchscreen
- Music-filled classes
- Colorful lights on the bottom of the bike
- Magnetic resistance
- Requires a subscription for most features
- Resistance could be stronger
The bike has magnetic resistance with auto adjustments in Freebeat classes. You can turn off the automatic resistance for manual control. It has a red adjustment knob on the frame. There are 100 resistance levels. They provide decent resistance but are not as challenging as the more expensive bikes we have tested.
The Freebeat Boom Bike is available in three color options: gray, yellow, and white. It also has colorful lights at the bottom. You can choose the lights’ color or set them to a random color. You can’t really see the colors while you are cycling unless you are in a darker room, but it’s a fun feature some users will appreciate for upping the energy.
Check out the Freebeat Boom Bike if you want a subscription service and fun features on a budget.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Freebeat Boom Bike.
Interested in the Freebeat Boom Bike?
Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
- The heavy 40 lb flywheel uses a belt drive for a smooth pedal stroke.
- The hybrid pedals let you ride based on your preference.
- It has a large 300 lb weight capacity to handle larger users.
- It’s lightweight at 100 lbs and has front wheels for transporting.
- The friction resistance uses felt pads that might break down after some use.
- The resistance level isn’t displayed on the console.
We like the battery-powered LCD console that doesn’t require electricity, Wi-Fi, or a subscription. It’s simple yet displays your heart rate, time, distance, RPMs, and calories. As you’re pedaling, you can simply reach down and turn the resistance knob, and you’ll feel the resistance add on or lessen up depending on which way you turn the knob.
Your water bottle will be secured in the large holder above the console. If you want to stream content while you ride, you can also place your device behind the clips at the front of the water bottle holder.
Interested in the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike?
Sunny Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike
- The 44 lb flywheel is hearty and impressive on this affordable bike.
- The magnetic resistance is quiet and requires little to no maintenance.
- The handlebars offer different areas for you to place your hands while riding.
- This bike is perfect for users wanting a no-tech riding experience.
- You have to pay extra to get a console with the bike in order to track your workout metrics.
- The device holder isn’t adjustable.
The stabilizers and leveling feet secure it to the floor, yet the two front wheels allow you to move it around when needed. It weighs 126 lbs but can support up to 300 lbs. The toe cages on the pedals work with any type of athletic shoe.
This bike doesn’t have a console to track your metrics, so if you want a low-tech bike, this one is a nice option. It has a device holder that allows you to use your phone or tablet. You could also place it in front of a TV to watch something while you ride.
Interested in the Sunny Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike?
Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
- The 270 lb weight limit and 35 lb flywheel make for a stable ride.
- The device holder lets you watch whatever content you want.
- The console displays your time, speed, distance, calories, and odometer.
- It comes with one year of free parts replacement.
- The resistance level isn’t displayed on the console.
- The LCD console might be hard for some users to see.
The console is centered between the handlebars. It shows a small screen on which you can switch between workout metrics. Below the console is a conveniently placed device holder so you can stream a cycling class or watch a show. This bike offers friction resistance and magnetic resistance. You just have to pay slightly more for magnetic resistance.
Interested in the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike?
What to Consider when Buying a Cheap Exercise Bike
Our testing of countless exercise bikes found that affordable options tend to be priced at $1000 and under. Unlike cheap treadmills, we’ve seen that there are quality exercise bikes priced even under $500. There are some things to look out for to be sure you pick a quality bike. Now, let’s jump into what those factors are.
Flywheel
The flywheel weight can indicate how stable and smooth the exercise bike is to use. For bikes under $1000, we recommend a heavy flywheel over 20 lbs. As you can see on our list above, we have recommendations with 40+ lb flywheels. Heavy flywheels generate momentum as you pedal to maintain a smooth stroke. This way, the pedal motion doesn’t feel uneven or jerky.
Lightweight flywheels (under 10 lbs) can also have very smooth strokes as long as the bike is engineered for it. Usually, quality exercise bikes with light flywheels are priced over $1000. So, if you find one for a couple of hundred bucks, just know it probably won’t generate a smooth pedal stroke and quality riding experience.
Resistance Type
The two main types of resistance found on exercise bikes are magnetic and friction resistance. Magnetic resistance is typically considered best because it is quiet and lower maintenance. Magnetic resistance uses magnets against the metal flywheel. It is easier to calibrate. That’s why many bikes with magnetic resistance display your resistance level while working out.
Friction resistance uses fabric pads pushed against the flywheel to create tension. Over time, the pads will need replacing because they’ll break down. This type of resistance is harder to calibrate, so you won’t see which resistance level you’re at.
So, if you prefer to know what level of tension you are pedaling at out of a specific number, magnetic resistance is the better option. However, magnetic resistance is known to have a longer lag time when the resistance is changed.
Friction resistance can give you more resistance options because you can add it on until you can no longer pedal instead of having a maximum level. Friction resistance might be better for stronger cyclists. Friction resistance can sometimes generate a little bit more noise than magnetic resistance.
Content Preference And Workout Metrics
As mentioned, we have yet to see a bike with a large attached touchscreen for under $1000. Some are just over this price range if a touch screen is important to you. As you’ve probably seen from our list of the best cheap exercise bikes, not having a screen can still give you plenty of content options.
If you love subscription workout content, we recommend making sure the bike you choose has a tablet holder. Some are adjustable for training on and off the bike. Most LCD consoles are battery-powered, so they don’t require the internet or an electrical outlet.
These consoles display your workout metrics like speed, distance, RPMs, estimated calories, time, and heart rate. Some are more limited in what they display than others, though. If seeing your progress displayed on the screen is important to you, be sure to get a bike with a console and look into what metrics are shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do exercise bikes last?
Exercise bikes can last upwards of 10- 20 years. It all depends on how well they are maintained and cared for and their quality. It’s important to regularly check that the hardware is secure and tightened. Also, be sure to wipe away any sweat after each ride to help avoid rust. Higher-quality exercise bikes will most likely last longer than ones of lesser quality.
Can I ride an exercise bike every day?
We recommend taking at least one rest day a week from the exercise bike. The workout it provides is low-impact, so it’s friendlier for the joints than running. However, if you’re constantly doing strenuous rides on the bike, you can increase your chances of burnout, overtraining, and even injuries. It’s important to give your body proper rest to avoid this.
How long should I ride a stationary bike?
The standard weekly recommendation for aerobic exercise is at least 150 minutes, which is about 20 minutes a day. If you’re a beginner, this might feel like a lot of time. If you’re an advanced cyclist, this probably isn’t long. If you’re new to cycling or fitness, then take it slow and listen to your body.
You might need to work up to 20-minute rides a few times a week. For more intermediate and advanced cyclists, you can ride for 30 minutes or more, depending on your fitness level.
Is a cheap exercise bike worth it?
We’ve tested cheap exercise bikes and found them to be of nice quality and performance. You can find solid exercise bikes for even just a few hundred dollars. As far as technology is concerned, cheap exercise bikes usually don’t come with attached touch screens from which to stream content.
Why are stationary bikes so expensive?
Stationary bikes can be expensive depending on their construction, technology, and brand. More expensive bikes usually include fitness content and an attached touch screen. These features cause the bike to cost more. A bike from a specific manufacturer might cost more than comparable bikes just because of the brand’s name.
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