Guide to Exercise Bikes for Home
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Home Exercise Bikes are a fantastic workout option because they give you a great low-impact cardio workout that also helps strengthen your lower body muscles and joints. And at-home exercise bikes provide an ultra-convenient way to get these benefits.
Selecting the best Home Exercise Bikes can be confusing. There is an amazing range of styles and models at every price point. We’ve made this guide to try to simplify the process.
In this article we’ll give you an overview of some of the most important factors when selecting a bike and then share some of our favorite exercise bikes for home.
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What to Consider When Choosing a Home Exercise Bike
Types of Exercise Bikes
The first thing you should think about is what kind of exercise bike is best for you – an Indoor Cycling Bike is going to give you a much different workout than a Recumbent Bike. While each kind of Exercise Bike will give you a workout, they will differ in things like the intensity of the workout and seat comfort.
Some factors you may want to consider: what is the fitness level and goals of the user? Are there any physical limitations (e.g., bad back) that need to be considered? Is the bike for one user or does it have to meet the needs of your entire family?
- Indoor Cycling Bikes (otherwise known as ‘spin bikes’) are the bikes you see in the Cycling Classes at your local health club. They’re meant to closely mimic the feel of road cycling. The rider sits leaning forward towards the handlebars. They generally have seats that can be uncomfortable to new users.
- Upright Bikes allows you to sit up straighter than on a Cycling bike with the pedals directly under your body. They typically have a wider seat than a cycling bike and are gentler on your back. Although less intense than Indoor Cycling Bikes, an Upright Bike can still give you a great workout.
- Fan Bikes gave a Upright Bike profile where the rider sits in an upright position. The big difference between Fan and Upright Bikes is that Fan Bikes have a large multi-blade fan at the front which is driven by the user’s pedaling and the movable arms. Resistance is determined by how hard the user pedals – the faster the pedaling, the higher the resistance. You can really get your heart rate up quickly with a Fan Bike which is why they’re great for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).
- Recumbent Bikes provide a less intense workout that is easier on your joints and back. You sit fully-supported on a larger seat in a reclined position with the pedals in front of you. Most Recumbent Bike designs have a ‘step through’ design making it easy to get on the bike. Recumbent Bikes can be great for people with physical difficulties or Seniors.
- We also want to point out the ‘Under Desk’ style. These models are unconventional but might be great for those with limited space available. These generally don’t give you quite as good a workout as other kinds of Stationary Bikes and the range of motion isn’t as wide. But depending out your physical capabilities this may be just what you need.
How Resistance is Generated
One thing to consider is how resistance is generated on the Exercise Bikes. There are three main resistance methods: Fan (or Air), Magnetic, and Friction.
While a Fan Bike has a similar seating position to an Upright Bike, it’s really a different category because of the way resistance is generated. As you pedal, a flywheel with ‘fins’ turns. As the fins spin through the air, resistance is created. The faster you pedal the greater the resistance. Fan Bikes normally also have moveable arms allowing you to incorporate your upper body into your workout.
Indoor Cycling, Upright, and Recumbent Bikes all use either Magnetic resistance or Friction resistance. With a Magnetic resistance bike, as you pedal you’re turning a metal flywheel positioned between two magnets. The resistance level is adjusted by the distance of the magnets to the wheel – when you increase the resistance level the magnets move closer. On a Friction bike the resistance is generated but pressing a braking pad against the spinning wheel. These bikes require a bit of upkeep (since you eventually have to replace the pad) and can be noisy. Friction bikes have been losing market share to Magnetic resistance. We favor Magnetic Resistance over Friction.
Our Favorite Exercise Bikes
Best Indoor Cycle Exercise Bikes for Home
Indoor Cycling Bikes are ridden leaning forward over the handlebars (or standing up when simulating a hill climb). While these bikes generally give you a more intense workout than Upright or Recumbent Bikes, many people find them to be uncomfortable.
Many Indoor Cycle Bikes are meant to be used with interactive training apps (like Peloton or iFit) to simulate in-person cycling classes. These apps offer online workouts like trainer-led classes or scenic rides from around the world. For many people these apps help them stay motivated and make their workouts more fun. Be sure to take into account any subscription fees when making your buying decision.
When picking an Indoor Cycling Bike be aware of the style of the bike’s pedals. While some bike’s have built-in foot straps or toe cages which allow riders to wear normal athletic shoes, many models require cycling shoes that can attach to the pedals. If you choose this style, make sure you have footwear compatible with the pedal clips.
Another important aspect is Flywheel weight. The flywheel is the metal disc at the front of the bike that is connected to the pedals via a belt of chain. As you pedal, the flywheel spins. The flywheel helps mimic the feel of a real bike. It makes the initial pedaling more difficult (as you work to get the flywheel going) just as it would be on a road bike. Once you get up to speed it helps maintain a smooth ride. The heavier the flywheel the more the bike with mimic an actual road bike and the smoother the ride will be. The lighter the flywheel, the easier it will be to get the bike moving and it will be a bit easier on your joints.
Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle - $1,999.99
The S22i come with a 30-day trial subscription to Nordictrack’s iFit training app. IFit features a huge library of trainer-led workouts. IFit automatically adjusts bike resistance and incline/decline to follow along with the workout. In addition to bike workouts, the library includes workouts for a variety of topics – running, strength training. yoga, Pilates, etc. The 22-inch HD screen rotates 360-degrees making it easier to follow along during a non-bike workout. After 30-days, iFit there is a subscription fee (which is less than Peloton).
- 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Hybrid SPD & toe clip pedals
- Automatic incline & decline to simulate true bike feeling
- 350lb user weight limit
- 32lbs flywheel
Amazon Review Highlight: “. I wanted something that would not only challenge me but also motivate at the same time and I can honestly say this does both. I’ve been using it every day since it was delivered, and I can already feel a difference in less than 30 days.”
Original Peloton Bike - $1,445
Peloton’s big differentiator is that in addition to pre-programmed workouts it offers live classes which come close to replicating the feel and experience of in-person classes. Many users develop a feeling of community and camaraderie with the Peloton community. Besides live classes, there is also an extensive library of pre-programmed workouts covering not just cycling but strength training, cardio, yoga, etc. The bike has no pre-programmed workouts outside of the subscription, so to get the most out of Peloton a subscription really is required. As with the S22i, the 21.5″ HD touchscreen rotates to make non-cycling workouts easier.
- Cycling shoes are required (not included)
- 30lbs flywheel
- 297lbs user weight limit
- Compact 2′ x 4′ footprint
Amazon Review Highlight: “I’m not typically a review person, but after 2+ years ownership of the Peloton bike, access to the platform, and total love for this product, felt it was necessary…I can say this bike, platform for all classes, and superior quality instructors, have been life changing.”
Schwinn Fitness IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike - $989.99
The IC4 is an more affordable alterative to the S22i and Peloton bikes. Although it doesn’t have a built-in HD screen, the IC4 has a tablet holder and is compatible with a number of fitness apps including Peloton and Zwift. It also comes with a 1-year subscription to Bowflex’s JRNY app which offers hundreds of workouts.
- Dual-sided SPD clip & toe cage pedals
- 100 levels of automatic magnetic resistance
- Backlit LCD Display
- 330lbs Maximum User Weight
- Armband Heart Monitor & 3lbs Dumbbells included
Amazon Review Highlight: “This trainer is likely the best one I’ve tried for the price. You can pay $2-3K for a bike with a big screen and programmed workouts, but you won’t get a better workout than you will on this one. It has a holder for you phone or tablet, and you can stream workouts (or videos) there.”
Sunny Fitness SF-B1805 Cycling Bike - $599.99
The SF-B1805 is a great, affordable option to more expensive cycling bikes. It’s extremely sturdy with a heavy flywheel (44lbs) for its price point. One of the ways they saved money was in eliminating not just a touchscreen but not having a console at all. It does have a built-in tablet holder allowing your to cycle along to a third-party fitness app (or Sunny’s own SunnyFit app).
- Toe cage pedals with adjustable straps
- Micro-adjustable magnetic resistance with belt drive
- 300lbs Maximum User Weight
- 44lbs flywheel
- Built-in transport wheels for easy moving
Amazon Review Highlight: “This bike is amazing. I love it. I place my galaxy tab s7+ on a tripod in front of it. Added a wahoo cadence sensor and use free classes on YouTube. This bike feels amazkng. It is so smooth through every resistance change and just riding. Probably done over 150 classes and love this bike. It is completely silent. I would say just buy a big tablet and this and you have a cheap Peleton bike.”
Other Favorite Cycle Bikes
Best Upright Exercise Bike for Home
While Upright Bikes can still give you a great workout, they generally offer a less intense workout experience than an Indoor Cycling Bike. Their design allows you to sit with your back straighter and they have wider, softer seats. This makes them more comfortable during a long workout and gentler on your back (and bottom!). Pedals are positioned under the seat and turn the flywheel directly. Their flywheels are quite a bit lighter than Indoor Cycling bikes making them more gentle on your joints.
Schwinn Fitness 130 Upright Bike- $499
This upright bike from Schwinn Fitness is a solid, dependable bike at a budget-friendly price. It has 13 pre-programmed workouts and is also Bluetooth compatible allowing you to synch the bike with a tablet to use third-party fitness apps.
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- 13lbs flywheel
- 5.5″ LCD display tracks metrics like speed, RPM, distance, heart rate, and more
- 300lbs Maximum User Weight
- Touch heart rate sensors in handlebars. Also compatible with chest strap monitors (strop not included)
Amazon Review Highlight: “I have tried to use a stationary bike in the past for cardio, but never stuck with it. Like all indoor cardio, just found it too mind numbingly boring. Using this one in conjunction with Zwift has been a game changer.”
Other Best Upright Bikes
Best Fan Exercise Bikes for Home
Because resistance is only limited by how hard you pedal, Fan Bikes are a great for getting your heart rate up quickly. That’s why they’re a favorite at CrossFit and HIIT workouts and are great for interval training. Fan Bikes have moving handlebars which allow you to add an upper body component to your workout. Fan bikes are generally more utilitarian than other exercise bikes and lack many of the ‘bells and whistles’.
Schwinn Fitness AD6 Airdyne Bike- $689
The AD6 is the mid-range offering in Schwinn’s Airdyne series and it brings lots of nice features at a reasonable price. Some of the things we like about it include its quiet single-stage belt drive, RPM gauge display, and good-sized LCD console that simultaneously displays 6 metrics. One thing we don’t care for is that the seat can only be adjusted vertically – it doesn’t adjust closer or farther to the front. Also, the AD6 does not offer any pre-programmed workout programs which may be an issue depending on how you exercise.
- Quiet and steady single-stage belt drive
- Heavy-duty pedals with foot straps
- Over-sized seat with extra padding
- Compatible with Polar style chest strap heart monitors
- Integrated water bottle holder
Amazon Review Highlight: “The Airdyne AD6 is a joy to use. It is built like a tank, is quiet and is rock solid during use. I use a Polar heart rate monitor and have no problem in getting my heart rate into the target zone”
Other Favorite Fan Bikes
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Home
Recumbent Bikes are great for people with back or hip problems and are also very popular with Seniors. You sit back on a wide, comfortable seat and pedal with your feet out front. Recumbent Bikes’ normally have a ‘walk through design allowing a rider to get on the bike without having to lift their leg over the seat. They do generally have a larger footprint than other Exercise Bikes so keep that in mind if you have space limitations.
Schwinn Fitness 270 Recumbent Bike- $1,089
The Schwinn 270 is an affordable recumbent bike that also comes with many features. One area it falls short is that it lacks a HD touchscreen to view interactive training workouts or other media. It does have an integrated tablet holder and is Bluetooth compatible with many fitness apps.
- 25 levels of magnetic resistance
- 29 pre-programmed workouts
- Pedals with plastic foot straps
- Compatible with chest strap heart monitors (strap not included)
- 300lbs Maximum User Weight
- Three speed fan
Amazon Review Highlight: “It is priced right, attractive when assembled, and was not as tough assembling as I thought… It has a nice range of adjustments and a nice visible screen to track your exercise, It rides well and has a nice range of resistance settings.”
Sunny Fitness SF-RB421004 Recumbent Bike- $399.99
If you’re looking for decent recumbent bike at a bargain price, the SF-RB421004 is a good option. It obviously lacks many of the features of higher-priced models, but does give you what you need for a workout. It has adjustable magnetic resistance, a digital monitor to track your workout, a device holder to hold your tablet or phone, and more.
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance adjusted via dial
- Handlebar-mounted pulse sensors
- Digital monitor tracks workout metrics such as speed, calories, distance, and more
- 240lbs Maximum User Weight
- Pedals with adjustable foot straps
Website Review Highlight: “I love this bike. It is sturdy and a very smooth ride. The floor support bar is adjustable so the bike does not rock. The adjustable seat is perfect. The pedals are wide and comfortable. The seat is substantial for large bottoms! The display is easy to navigate.”
Other Favorite Recumbent Bikes
Best 'Under Desk' Exercise Bikes for Home
With an Under Desk ‘bike’, the rider sits on a chair with the bike in front of them. While originally designed to allow office workers to get a workout in during the course of their day, an Under Desk bike is really ideal for many people with mobility issues. They may have difficulty mounting an exercise bike but theses machines still allow them to get some exercise.
Sunny Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler Exerciser- $149.99
This convenient machine is great for getting your legs moving, improving blood flow, improving endurance, and building lower body muscle. Many cheaper Under Desk models generate their resistance via friction – which can make them annoyingly loud if you’re trying to watch TV or listen to music while exercising. This machine comes with 8 levels of magnetic resistance that is not only quiet but will keep up with you as your fitness and stamina improve.
Amazon Review Highlight: “I’m an 80 year old with aging joints, living in a space that will not accommodate large equipment ~ hence this purchase because it’s portable and came fully assembled….Besides beginning to feel more comfort and flexibility in the joints, I can feel this equipment working on my hamstrings, quads, and glutes.”
DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser- $179.99
This model also features 8 levels of ultra-quiet magnetic resistance. We like that the LCD display is removable with a long cord and desk stand – so you don’t have to bend down to track the progress of your workout.
Website Review Highlight: ” I bought one of these machines for my 85 year old mother that has a lot of health issues. Her legs were very swollen due to immobility that concerned her doctors and family….it made all the difference in the world in her mobility! This unit is great for seniors and anyone that sits too much.”
Best Exercise Bikes for Home
An Exercise Bike is a great fitness option for the home. They offer an excellent cardiovascular workout that’s completely low-impact – all in the comfort of your own home. When selecting the best exercise bike for you consider your specific situation – your fitness level and goals, the space you have for an exercise bike, your budget, etc. Find the Exercise Bike that best fits your fitness journey.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As a Sunny Health & Fitness affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
All prices are accurate as of 2/14/24.
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Additional Resources for Healthy Living
Unfortunately, there are a lot of web sites out there giving unreliable fitness advice. But there are also some great ones which we rely on when writing our articles. A few great resources for information you may want to also view include the National Institutes of Heath, the Mayo Clinic, and the World Health Organization.