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The best exercise bikes typically include a range of features, including pulse monitors, plenty of resistance levels, a screen, and foldability. People of different ages, weights, and fitness levels can use exercise bikes to improve or maintain their physical health.

A quick look at the 12 best exercise bikes

Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:

  • Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
  • Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and strength.
  • Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures variation in classes and services that benefit a person’s health.
  • Materials: MNT chooses products that have safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If set-up is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a set-up or installation service.
  • Quality: MNT chooses companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
  • Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support.
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The information in this article, including prices, are correct at the time of publication.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

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Best for easy moving: YOSUDA Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike YB001

  • List price: around $280
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 40 x 22 x 45 inches (in)
  • User weight capacity: 270 pounds (lb)
  • Resistance type: magnetic

This bike has a 35-pound (lb) flywheel that keeps it steady during use, simulating the feel of cycling outdoors.

It also has adjustable magnetic resistance and an adjustable seat that people can move up and down as well as forward and backward. The pedals also have aluminum alloy cages to prevent the feet from slipping.

The exercise bike has an LCD monitor that displays the time, speed, distance traveled, and calories burned, as well as an odometer, which allows people to track their workout.

YOSUDA provides a free flat bracket, which people can use for their own electronic devices to listen to music while they exercise.

The castor wheels help people move the bike safely and easily, reducing the need for heavy lifting.

Best for versatile use: Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

  • List price: around $270
  • Bike type: upright or recumbent
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 29 x 20 x 49 in (folded), 29 x 20 x 44 in (upright), or 32 x 20 x 41 in (recumbent)
  • User weight capacity: 300 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

People can use this folding exercise bike upright or in a recumbent position, which may suit people looking for a more versatile bike. It can support weights of up to 300 lb and heights between 4 feet (ft) 6 in to 6 ft.

There is an in-built display that allows users to track speed, calories burned, distance traveled, and heart rate.

This bike has a precision-balanced flywheel that ensures that it is quiet during use and moves smoothly. There are 10 levels of resistance.

Best for streaming classes: Peloton Bike

  • List price: $1,445
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions: 4 x 2 feet (ft)
  • User weight capacity: 297 lb
  • Resistance type:

Peloton offers a range of exercise classes, including live streams that are available 24 hours per day. Users with a Peloton membership can take part in group workouts with trainers and other users.

The bike includes a 22-in HD touchscreen that classes stream directly to. Tracking programs allow users to track goals and progress during workouts.

The bike is adjustable and can suit people between 5 ft and 6 ft 5 in tall. It supports weights of up to 297 lb.

A range of membership options is available for online classes, starting at $12.99 per month.

Learn more about Peloton here.

Best for a 1-year free membership: ProForm Carbon CX

  • List price: $599
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 52.5 x 21.9 x 51 in
  • User weight capacity: 250 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

This upright bike has an adjustable seat and handlebars. Using an upright bike can mimic riding an outdoor bike and provide a whole-body workout.

The bike has 16 resistance levels and silent magnetic resistance, ensuring a quiet workout.

ProForm includes two 3-lb dumbbells with each bike and a 1-year iFit family membership, which provides access to online fitness classes.

This bike can support weights of up to 250 lb. ProForm also provides a 10-year frame and 1-year labor and parts warranties.

ProForm offers classes through the iFit program. There is a range of plans available, starting at $180 per year for individual membership.

Learn more about ProForm bikes here.

Best leaning exercise bike: Bowflex VeloCore Bike

  • List price: from $1,799
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 59.8 x 24.1 x 53.3 in
  • User weight capacity: 325 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

This product is a leaning exercise bike, meaning that it can lean from side to side during use while remaining stationary. This can mimic the feeling of cycling outdoors. The leaning feature is adjustable, so people can opt not to use it.

This bike is available in two models, so customers can choose between having a 16- or a 22-in HD touchscreen. The screen can display various metrics, such as distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate, and time spent exercising.

Users can also stream video or audio through the touchscreen using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. The bike is compatible with iOS and Android.

This bike also has wheels that allow for movement and storage.

Bowflex includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband and a set of 3-lb dumbbells with each bike. The company also provides a 1-year warranty on electronics and labor plus a 2-year warranty on the frame and parts.

The price is $1,799 for the 16-in model and $2,199 for the 22-in model.

Bowflex offers online classes through a JRNY membership, which is available for $149 per year.

Learn more about Bowflex bikes here.

Best folding bike: Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike with High Back Seat NS-653

  • List price: around $180
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 25 x 22 x 47 in (folded), or 39 x 22 x 48 in (upright)
  • User weight capacity: 220 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

This bike is suitable for people with limited space.

It has a back pad to reduce strain during long or intense workouts. It also has secure pedals that prevent the feet from slipping.

This bike comes with a screen that tracks people’s speed, distance traveled, time, and calories burned.

To save space, a person can easily fold the bike away, and the transport wheels can help them move it without lifting it.

Best recumbent bike: Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series 270

  • List price: $659
  • Bike type: recumbent
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 64 x 27 x 50 in
  • User weight capacity: 300 lb
  • Resistance type: eddy current

The Schwinn 270 features 29 training programs that target different types of workouts. Nine of these programs focus on the heart rate, two are fitness tests, and the rider can customize four to meet their individual needs.

Learn more about Schwinn exercise bikes here.

Riders can challenge themselves with 25 resistance levels and enjoy a smooth ride with a weighted flywheel for a consistent pedal feel.

Connectivity features include Bluetooth connectivity that the rider can sync with the Schwinn Trainer App and other fitness apps.

The user can also apply the Explore the World App, allowing them to watch the scenery of their virtual ride in real-time.

The bike displays include two LCDs, in-console speakers with a USB charging port, and an adjustable fan.

This product also carries a California proposition 65 warning that it may contain chemicals that can cause harm.

Learn more about recumbent bikes here.

Best adjustable bike: Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike

  • List price: $199.99
  • Bike type: recumbent
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 56.3 x 26.3 x 42.9 in
  • User weight capacity: 300 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

This bike may suit people with mobility difficulties, as it is designed to be easy to mount and dismount. It also features front and side handlebars.

Users can also adjust the seat by flicking a handle without needing to get off the bike first.

The transportation wheels allow people to move and store the bike easily. It can support heights between 5 ft 3 in and 6 ft 6 in.

The LCD screen is easy to read and displays the user’s workout time, distance traveled, calories burned, speed, and heart rate.

Best for an air bike: Rogue Echo Bike

  • List price: $895
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 58.875 x 29.875 x 52.75 in
  • User weight capacity: 350 lb
  • Resistance type: air

Air bikes have a large fan at the front that attaches to the handles and peddles. The user creates wind resistance by pedaling, which also moves the bike’s handles. Air bikes may suit people who want an intense workout.

The Rogue Echo Bike uses a quiet, belt-driven fan to provide a smoother workout experience.

Learn more about the Rogue Echo bike here.

This air bike has an LCD console that displays the user’s heart rate during exercise. Customers can purchase a range of compatible accessories, such as heart rate monitors, phone holders, and a wind guard.

The bike is compatible with 5khz heart rate monitors, such as the Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor.

The bike supports weights of up to 350 lb. The company provides free shipping and a 2-year limited warranty with each bike.

Learn more about air bikes here.

Best for simulating outdoor cycling: Tacx NEO Bike Smart Trainer

  • List price: $3,199.99
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 54.7 x 29.5 x 46.1 in
  • User weight capacity: 275 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

The Tacx NEO Bike Smart Trainer simulates outdoor riding. It can simulate gradients up to 25% and a maximum power of 2,200 watts.

The bike’s built-in Road Feel and Gear Feel options mimic the feeling of riding outdoors by simulating ground vibrations for different road surfaces.

Users change gears manually using leavers, and the bike uses dynamic inertia over a flywheel. This means that the pedaling motion will feel natural in any outdoor simulation as the bike compensates for weight, speed, and inclines. Riders can also enjoy silent pedaling.

There is a 4.5-in display showing training data, and users can connect training apps, such as Zwift and TrainerRoad.

Fans on either side of the display keep the user cool and mimic the feeling of cycling outdoors. These fans will automatically adjust to the rider’s power, speed, and heart rate.

Additional connectivity features include a phone and tablet holder and two USB charging ports.

Best for a total body workout: BODI MYX II Bike Studio

  • List price: $1,800
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 54 x 21 x 47 in
  • User weight capacity: 350 lb
  • Resistance type: friction

This bike is reportedly a total workout system. It comes with a stabilizing mat, an exercise mat, a 24-in roller, a resistance band, and a set of weights with a kettlebell.

Learn more about MYXfitness here.

The bike has a 21.5-in, 360-degree swiveling touchscreen tablet that displays workout data, including heart rate, speed, cadence, and resistance. People can also watch and partake in thousands of workout videos with several online instructors.

The MYX II Plus bike also comes with a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor. People can pair their bikes with their Apple Watch to track their fitness metrics.

Each purchase comes with a 3-year BODI and BeachBody on demand membership for five people. This allows people access to unlimited workouts and nutritional advice.

The company offers a full-service delivery, which includes assembling and setting the bike up. The company also offers a 30-day return policy and a 1-year guarantee.

Best for more resistance levels: NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

  • List price: $1,999
  • Bike type: upright
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 63 x 22 x 60 in
  • User weight capacity: 350 lb
  • Resistance type: magnetic

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle comes with a free 1-year iFIT membership.

Learn more about NordicTrack here.

The bike has a 360-degree, 22-inch Smart HD touchscreen that can stream iFIT classes and workouts. The bike has automatic trainer control, which will automatically change resistance levels depending on the workout a person follows.

The S22i has an ergonomic seat that people can adjust horizontally and vertically and an adjustable handlebar. An automatic fan function means people are likely to remain cooler during their workout.

The S22i has 24 levels of resistance, a 10% decline, and a 20% incline. Each purchase comes with a pair of 3 lb dumbbells.

NordicTrack offers a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty.

This product carries a California proposition 65 warning.

People may wish to consider several factors before purchasing an exercise bike, such as the price, dimensions, and type of resistance. The following table compares the main features of the bikes.

List priceBike typeDimensionsUser weight
capacity		Resistance
type
YOSUDAaround $280upright40 x 22 x 45 in270 lbmagnetic
Lanosaround $270• upright
• recumbent		• 29 x 20 x 49 in (folded)
• 29 x 20 x 44 in (upright)
• 32 x 20 x 41 in (recumbent)		300 lbmagnetic
Peloton$1,445upright4 x 2 ft297 lbmagnetic
ProForm$599upright52.5 x 21.9 x 51 in250 lbmagnetic
Bowflexfrom $1,799upright59.8 x 53.3 x 24.1 in325 lbmagnetic
Marcyaround $180upright• 25 x 22 x 47 in (folded)
• 39 x 22 x 48 in (upright)		220 lbmagnetic
Schwinn$659recumbent64 x 27 x 50 in300 lbeddy current
Sunny
Health
and
Fitness		$199.99recumbent56.3 x 26.3 x 42.9 in300 lbmagnetic
Rogue$895upright58.875 x 29.875 x 52.75 in350 lbair
Tacx$3,199.99upright54.7 x 29.5 x 46.1 in275 lbmagnetic
BODI$1,800upright54 x 21 x 47 in350 lbfriction
NordicTrack$1,999upright63 x 22 x 60 in350 lbmagnetic

One of the most important features a person should look for in an exercise bike is an adjustable seat so that they can sit comfortably and correctly. A person should also check that the exercise bike is suitable for their specific weight and height.

Some exercise bikes have a pulse monitor, which allows people to track their pulse during exercise. Some models with pulse monitors may also offer in-built screens that stream exercise classes or movies from electronic devices.

Learn about the best fitness trackers here.

Exercise bikes also come with a variety of resistance levels, with some having more than others.

People may also want to check that the exercise bike they are purchasing has nonslip pedals, as this could reduce the likelihood of their feet slipping during a workout.

Also, purchasing a foldable exercise bike could be important for people who live or work out in a small space. Several companies offer foldable bikes to help people make more use of tight spaces.

The section below will look at some specific product options in more detail.

According to a 2019 systematic review, cycling is a movement similar to walking and, therefore, a beneficial exercise for physical conditioning and rehabilitation. The review also notes that the health benefits of cycling outdoors should be applicable to people exercising at home.

The health benefits of using an exercise bike include:

  • increasing maximal oxygen consumption
  • reducing cholesterol levels
  • reducing systolic blood pressure
  • reducing weight
  • reducing body fat

A 2017 study on female middle school students also supports the benefits of cycling. The researchers found that the participants experienced a reduction in body fat and an increase in muscular endurance and strength after 16 weeks of spinning and cycling classes.

The study authors also note that using an exercise bike for spinning was more beneficial than exercising on a regular bike.

Learn about the different benefits of running and cycling for fitness and weight loss here.

Here we answer some common questions about home exercise bikes.

Are exercise bikes good for losing weight?

Exercise bikes help people burn calories through movement.

Using an exercise bike regularly, alongside eating a healthy and balanced diet, can help people reach their weight and fitness goals.

What is the difference between an upright and a recumbent bike?

Upright bikes are more similar to road bikes, in that the pedals are below a person’s center of gravity, and people have to sit upright to use the bike.

Recumbent bikes allow people to sit in a more relaxed manner. These bikes may also be more beneficial for people who find it difficult to get on or off upright bikes.

Can I use an exercise bike without a subscription?

Yes, people can use exercise bikes without a subscription.

Subscriptions tend to offer extra features, such as on-demand classes led by trainers. People can use all the basic functions of a bike without paying for a subscription.

Exercise bikes provide a great way for people to reach their fitness goals at home. There is a wide range of exercise bikes available online, from simple foldable designs to bikes with pulse sensors, automatic resistance adjustments, and in-built workouts.

When purchasing an exercise bike, a person should first consider what they want from the product, then find a suitable match. Some features, such as color screens, are expensive additions that will increase the total cost of the bike.