Welcome to our best exercise bikes review (updated)
We spent 40+ hours testing 24 of the most popular models and painstakingly reading customer reviews. The last time we bought a bike, we spent $500 but the belt broke in a few short weeks. When you choose from this list, you will get a comfortable, high-performing bike that makes exercise fun, easy, and affordable!
Ready to choose your dream bike?
Let’s go!
Different Types of the Best Exercise Bikes
WARNING: Please Read Our Exercise Bike Testing Criteria
First, a word to the wise: Buying a stationary bike for your home gym is much more complicated than it seems.
For example, have you ever thought about bike handles? How about the bike’s frame?
Probably not much, right?
But they matter A LOT.
When we started research for this review, we never even considered how important they might be. But if you want an easy, comfortable workout that burns off those midnight snacks, you have to consider EVERYTHING.
If you don’t, your workouts will be horribly uncomfortable, and you’ll never get a steady, stable cycling session. In fact, we read dozens of reviews where customers claimed they quit exercising because the bike was wobbly and the seat felt like a bed of nails. Some even suffered injuries.
One customer spent over $500 and the machine didn’t even track calories burned!
The moral of the story is that you must carefully consider every feature and function, as well as the size and construction of exercise bikes. If you don’t, you’ll hate getting on the bike every day and eventually quit riding.
Thankfully, we’ve done all that hard work for you.
Our criteria were as follows:
OK, let’s get to the bikes.
Test Results: What Are the Best Exercise Bikes for a Home Gym?
Stationary Bike Reviews
Spin Bikes
Both the options here are great choices for a home spin bike but we felt the Nordictrack exercise bike was the number 1 option. Read the review below to see why.
1. The Best Overall Spin Bike
NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle
Overview : The world’s most popular and advanced stationary bike. Nothing even comes close to rivaling the comfort, quality, and customizability. The S22i is the closest thing to a real bike ride in a home gym, and it’s so comfortable we swear we fell asleep at one point while riding. The built-in personal trainer keeps you energetic and motivated, helping you burn more calories more consistently. It’s an absolute BEAST.
Pros
Cons
The NordicTrack S22i is the world’s most popular and advanced exercise bike. And, it’s the #1 rated exercise bike by NBC.
Now, anyone can enjoy lifelike indoor cycling that’s 100% personalized to their skill level plus fitness coaching and nutrition benefits for faster results. It’s ideal for everyone from beginners to intermediate and even advanced, pro-level trainers.
Imagine biking in Japan, riding near a volcano in Hawaii, and spinning on the streets of Paris all before breakfast! With the S22i, you can. No other exercise bike made us actually look forward to exercising!
Plus, it comes with added training options like yoga and strength-training programs, so it’s like having your own home gym and not just an exercise bike.
What you’ll love :
Of course, nothing is perfect. Here’s what you might not like:
Verdict: The clear #1 best exercise bike. It’s perfect for anyone serious about getting fit comfortably and quickly. If you want the best of the best, this is the ONLY choice.
2. Spin Bike - Best Budget Option
YOSUDA Indoor Spin Bike
Overview: The perfect budget option for anyone who doesn’t want to pay $2,000 for an exercise bike. The Yosuda indoor cycling bike provides nearly the same quality exercise as the S22i but at a fraction of the price. It feels like an $800 bike, but it costs less than half that. Incredible value at this price point. You can also check it out at the Yosuda website.
Pros
Cons
The Yosuda indoor cycling bike is a mind blowing value. We had to double-check the price to make sure we weren’t dreaming. Then we triple-checked just to be sure.
If you're looking for an affordable bike that delivers elite training, luxury comfort, and excellent features WITHOUT the price tag of the NordicTrack, this is it.
The workout and comfort are nearly as good as the S22i. The S22i’s main value is in the iFit perks and fat-melting training programs. But as far the stability and overall comfort, the Yosuda is right up there with it.
Our favorite feature was its stability. The extra-heavy wheel keeps you straight as a missile even at high speeds so you can focus on your workout without any wobbling to ruin your groove. And it’s so stable that it barely makes a peep while riding (perfect if you don’t want to wake sleeping kids).
Of course, at this price, you won’t get any elite perks or super fancy features. But, you’re looking to lose weight, right? Do all those extras really matter to you?
What you’ll love:
What you might not like:
Upright Bikes
One of the most sought after upright exercise bike on the market we felt the Schwinn model was one of the strongest options available, read the review to find out why.
3. Best Upright Bike (Very Cheap!)
Schwinn 130 Upright Bike
Overview : Looking for the absolute cheapest option? The Schwinn upright bike is the lowest you can go while still getting a high-quality, safe, and comfortable workout. It’s perfect for anyone with limited space (tight apartments) and costs next to nothing. Buy it, get a great workout, and save for your next upgrade.
Pros
Cons
Schwinn is the world’s leading name in affordable exercise bikes, and their 130 series upright is a killer value. It’s got a lot of what you’d expect in an expensive bike—22 workout programs, goal tracking, LCD screens—but at a fraction of the price.
You’ll get goal tracking to keep motivated (psychology has proven that positive feedback from completing small tasks encourages people to keep going) and nearly 2 dozen workout programs for all skill levels, so you’ll have fun and get in shape quickly.
And even though it takes up next to no space, it has great adjustability, so even tall and heavy people can use it.
The best part? It’s so quiet you can easily watch TV. Most budget exercise bikes squeak so loud your neighbors will have you evicted. This one barely made a peep.
Upright exercise bikes are a great option for beginners that want to simulate a real outdoor riding experience but have very limited space. However, they’re known to strain the back a bit. Personally, we didn’t feel any back pain on the Schwinn.
What you’ll love:
The Best of the Rest
The top 3 were by far the best according to our tests. But there are plenty of other great exercise bikes to choose from. These 5 have each have something unique about them that might be perfect for you.
Recumbent Bikes
All of the best exercise bikes on this list are worthy options and provide a great form of low impact indoor exercise, however, we had to pick one Recumbent exercise bike the MaxKare would be our top pick for indoor cycling. Read the review below to see why.
4. Best Recumbent Bike - (Perfect for Seniors)
Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike
Overview: By far the best exercise bike on the market for seniors. One of the few stationary bikes designed with the elderly in mind. The extra-comfy seating, safe-grip handles, and ergonomic design put minimal stress on the back and joints while still providing a workout strong enough to improve health. Plus, the wheels make it extremely easy to move, even for those with waning strength.
Pros
Cons
The Schwinn recumbent is one of the best exercise bikes for seniors. It’s as close to senior-friendly as it gets for an exercise bike.
It’s designed specifically to minimize strain on the back—something very common in upright bikes. Plus, the recumbent design makes it easy to get mount and dismount without risking a fall. Upright bikes are not recommended for seniors.
During testing, multiple team members remarked just how convenient the exercise bike was. It’s easy to move, adjust the seat, and to slide on and off. And the handles are even padded with extra foam to improve grip, so your loved one can push their limits as safely as possible.
This is by far the safest way for an older fitness buff to exercise without risking injury.
Overall, though, we didn’t like the resistance system for people looking to lose weight and push their boundaries. It’s just not flexible enough. And all the extra safety measures mean it takes up a ton of space. It’s like a boat!
5. Best Foldable Bike - (for Small Spaces)
Sunny Health & Fitness Comfort XL Ultra Cushioned Seat Folding Exercise Bike
Overview: Our top-ranking foldable bike, and the only foldable model on this list sturdy enough to pass our rigorous standards. Perfect for anyone on a budget or with super tight spaces, especially if you’re just looking for a quick morning or evening workout while watching TV.
Pros
Cons
The drawbacks are obvious. It’s foldable so it won’t be as sturdy as a classic bike. And it won’t give nearly the same resistance. Plus, it doesn’t come with any frills. But hey, for a quick workout anywhere in your home even if you have no space, you can’t go wrong.
6. Best Air Bike (For Serious Cardio!)
Assault AirBike Classic
Overview: The ultimate fat destruction machine. This air bike is for anyone serious about getting fit FAST. It's like having a Crossfit gym in your basement. Imagine an infinite resistance, total body workout in 20 minutes or less right from your home. This bike is truly an assault on body fat.
Pros
Cons
The Assault AirBike classic is the exercise bike that revolutionized stationary bike training. It’s an all-out assault on body fat and muscles that’ll leave you loving the pain.
Crossfitters swear it makes them HATE training—but in an awesome way.
Unlike every other indoor bike on our list, this bike uses air to create tension, giving you infinite resistance. And this bike is actually super smooth due to the Assault ball bearing design, so you’ll get extra power without having to push too hard.
The built-in goal setting will push you to the max, shedding unwanted body fat and forcing you to crush your goals fast.
We felt sorer from 30 minutes on this indoor bike than we do from our normal gym routines. Beware, this is the ultimate high-intensity workout bike. Get it only if you intend to train hard.
NOTE: This is not a bike for anyone that wants a comfortable, luxurious workout. It’s a Rocky-style gym bike meant to push you to the max. It’s not full of features and it’s not very comfortable. Recommended only for 20-30 minute workouts.
Best Exercise Bikes for Workaholics or Seniors
The machines here are perfect for older exercisers that need a lighter way to exercise indoors, or desk-bound workers that simply can’t find the time to work out. Take a look below at what we think, are two of the best options available for you.
7. Best Desk Bike - (Work Station Exercise Bike)
FLEXISPOT Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike
Overview: Ideal for anyone working from home during the pandemic. The easiest, most convenient way to stay productive, healthy, and in shape during the “new normal.” Recommended for any work-from-home heroes that want to burn a few hundred calories throughout the day to keep the quarantine weight off.
Pros
Cons
Last but not least is this cool work-from-home bike. The Flexispot is a cutting-edge bike specifically designed for quarantined workers who want to avoid coming back to the office with 10-15 extra pounds.
Right off the bat, we were stunned at how much deskspace there was. We could easily fit a laptop, notebook, and phone. Plus, we managed to get a coffee on there too (a bit dangerous, though!).
It’s whisper quiet, so no need to worry about interrupting your work or Zoom calls.
We even felt more focused once we started to break a sweat. It’s definitely a great way to improve your productivity, safeguard your health, and fight back against quarantine weight. Plus, you get a cool desk with it too.
If all you want is an easy bike to use while working (or watching YouTube), this is it.
BONUS MENTIONS
8. Best Under Desk Cycle
DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle
The DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle has to get a quick mention here.
It’s perfect to keep in the office, especially if you’re sitting down for long periods of time. Sitting long hours destroys your joints over time. Not anymore!
This under desk cycle fits right under your desk and is the perfect way to protect your health, burn a few calories, and relieve stress. Anytime you feel a bit stressed or anxious, just pedal for 10 minutes. You’ll feel great.
Why did we choose this one? Because it’s actually quiet. Most under desk cycles creek and make a ruckus. The last thing you want is everyone staring at your desk.
Aside from that, it actually counts calories burned, speed, time, and distance, which is hard to find in an under desk cycle.
Vive Pedal Exerciser
Designed as a low impact leg peddler, the Vive Pedal Exerciser is a great companion for seated indoor exercise that you can do anywhere, similar to a smaller recumbent machine.
With a non-slip base, the compact Vive can fit under any desk and it won't wobble or move whilst in use. Each peddle has a non-slip surface and foot straps for a comfortable and sturdy fit but you will also find finger grooves, ready for you to use as an arm peddler on a tabletop.
You can adjust the resistance to meet your own levels and it can act as a great reintroduction to exercise if you have had surgery or have been out of exercise for a long time, it’s low impact and doesn’t require any excessive movements.
Equipped with a one-touch multifunctional display you can get real-time information on your speed, time, RPM, calories burned and distance covered and with its large display, you won't have any trouble reading the screen.
Conclusion
There you have it, a review of the best exercise bikes on the market and a worthy option for each category of indoor cycling.
Whether you want to go all out on a spin bike or take it easy with a upright or recumbent, you now have all the options and the only thing left to do is pick which one is right for you so that you can start your new exercise regime today.