Lucky for you, I\u2019ve done the research for you and gathered a list of the 13 best exercise bikes, so you can pick the right one for you.<\/p>\n
How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes<\/h2>\n
The Breaking Muscle team comprises a passionate squad of fitness aficionados, including conditioning coaches, spin instructors, competitive triathletes, and home gym owners. Altogether, our team has tested and reviewed 50+ exercise bikes \u2014 from the cheapest to the most expensive \u2014 putting them through rigorous a 13-point protocol.<\/p>\n
From there, we chose the best exercise bikes by category rating each from 1 to 5 based on criteria like:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Adjustability: <\/strong>Are the handlebars and the seat adjustable to fit various body sizes?<\/li>\n
- Customization: <\/strong>Can you swap in your own pedals, saddle, and handlebars for a more custom riding experience?<\/li>\n
- Tech capabilities:<\/strong> What interactive tech is available, if any? Is there Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity available?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We have lots to cover\u2026 so gear up and let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n
Our Top Picks for the Best Exercise Bikes<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Spin Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Portable Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: CAROL Bike<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Magnetic Exercise Bike: Bowflex VeloCore<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Affordable Exercise Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Cubii Move<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Exercise Bike With a Screen: Peloton Bike+<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike<\/h2>\n
\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"NordicTrack](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/nordictrack-s22i-studio-bike.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tNordicTrack S22i Studio Bike\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.5\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions: <\/strong>60″ L x 22″ W x 63″ H<\/li>\n
- Resistance levels: <\/strong>24<\/li>\n
- Available programming:<\/strong> Yes (requires iFIT subscription)<\/li>\n
- Weight capacity: <\/strong>350 pounds<\/li>\n
- Type:<\/strong> Spin<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Excellent classes and courses with iFIT<\/li>\n
- Smooth resistance with impressive incline\/decline<\/li>\n
- Multiple convenient accessories<\/li>\n
- One-year iFIT membership included<\/li>\n
- Bluetooth connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Slightly cumbersome to move<\/li>\n
- Limited workouts without iFIT subscription<\/li>\n
- Higher-priced exercise bike<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The NordicTrack S22i is hands-down the best exercise bike overall. We had three product testers take this bike for a ride to tell us why it won our top pick.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/nordictrack-s22i-studio-cycle-bike-riding-sitting-down.jpg\")
Working out on the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n This NordicTrack bike\u2019s programming, screen, and connectivity are excellent. Our product testers love the complimentary one-year iFIT membership because you can do live coach-led workouts, on-demand studio classes, and outdoor courses. <\/p>\n
Plus, the 22-inch touchscreen is high-definition, so it looks like you\u2019re riding through a trail in Hawaii or taking a spin class in person. It also swivels, so you can do other iFIT workouts off the bike without needing to see the screen from the rest of your home gym. <\/p>\n
RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
With 24 smooth-adjusting, magnetic resistance levels, our Breaking Muscle staff members found the riding experience on the S22i impressive.<\/p>\n
They were pleasantly surprised that this bike inclines up to 20 percent grade and declines down to -10 percent, which is rare for a spin bike \u2014 the angle can even be auto-adjusted during your workouts by your iFIT coaches. The resistance and incline levels adjust digitally, which feels higher-end than push buttons.<\/p>\n
NordicTrack included a series of convenient accessories on the S22i. For starters, our product testers like the dual water bottle holders and the built-in fan to keep you hydrated and comfortable during your rides. Plus, the media shelf helps hold your smartphone, and there\u2019s even an easy-access storage tray for the two (complimentary) three-pound dumbbells.<\/p>\n
When it comes to mobility, the S22i is more cumbersome than you\u2019d expect. Our product testers found the front wheels helped it move, but there\u2019s no handle at the back, so you have to awkwardly lift it from the rear stabilizer beam for the wheels to kick in. They also noticed you need to be careful with the big screen knocking into things as you reposition it. Combined with its 205-pound in-box weight, a second person can be helpful when moving the bike.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the S22i\u2019s programming is limited if you don\u2019t have an iFIT membership. Without it, you essentially just have the machine in manual mode. There are a few free bike workouts in iFIT that you can access without the recurring subscription, but even the live chat agent couldn\u2019t confirm this and suggested we call their Customer Service team.<\/p>\n
With the impressive build quality and tech of this NordicTrack Studio Bike, it\u2019s no surprise that it commands a higher price. At the time of publishing, it retails at $1,999 \u2014 making it comparable to the Peloton Bike+. Remember, you\u2019ll also need an ongoing iFIT subscription to use the bike to its full potential. That said, I think it\u2019s well worth the cost, considering the bike\u2019s features and the value of the iFIT membership.<\/p>\n
All the above considered, we rank this 4.5 out of 5 stars for its excellent classes and courses with iFIT, smooth resistance with incline\/decline capability, and convenient accessories.<\/p>\n
Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X<\/h2>\n
\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Assault](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/assault-fitness-assaultbike-pro-x.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tAssault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.4\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Overall dimensions: <\/strong>51.73\u201d L x 24.52\u201d W x 52.51\u201d H<\/li>\n
- Weight:<\/strong> 125 pounds<\/li>\n
- Weight capacity:<\/strong> 330 pounds<\/li>\n
- Display: <\/strong>High-contrast LCD screen<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Rugged, beefy design<\/li>\n
- Excellent console capability<\/li>\n
- Impressive frame and parts warranty<\/li>\n
- Extreme calorie burn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Repairs can be challenging<\/li>\n
- Large and cumbersome to move<\/li>\n
- Fan-based style is loud<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Pro X is a beast of an air bike. Our product tester loved its belt drive because it\u2019s smoother than their more affordable Assault Bike Classic and the previous model (the Assault Bike Pro), both of which have chain drives. <\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/riding-the-assault-fitness-assault-bike-pro-x.jpg\")
Working out on the Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n At first use, its 125-pound weight stood out, as it\u2019s incredibly sturdy even when pedaling and pushing as hard as possible. Almost everything on this unit is metal; a full-metal construction means it\u2019s seriously rugged and should last years, even when used by heavier and stronger athletes.<\/p>\n
Assault Fitness uses the same \u201cElite\u201d monitor on all their air bikes, and after testing 10+ air bikes, it\u2019s become our product tester\u2019s favorite. The physical buttons are easy to touch and colored, which is an underrated feature you\u2019ll appreciate if you\u2019ve done a HIIT workout on an air bike. The console\u2019s high-contrast LCD screen also displays all the essential metrics: heart rate, calories, distance, RPM, and more. The included programming intervals and Bluetooth connectivity are a great benefit as well.<\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/assault-fitness-assault-bike-pro-x-monitor.jpg\")
Highlighting the stats displayed on the AssaultBike Pro X’s monitor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Having reviewed dozens of cardio equipment pieces over the past three years, I\u2019m personally impressed by Assault\u2019s warranty on their Pro X. The frame is covered by a seven-year warranty, with a three-year warranty on moving parts. <\/p>\n
Many companies try to pass the majority of frustrating part repairs on to their customers by only covering \u201cnon-wear and tear\u201d parts. However, Assault breaks the mold by explicitly covering \u201cmoving\u201d parts for the first three years. Knowing you can put the Pro X through brutal workouts day after day while being covered on parts delivers serious peace of mind.<\/p>\n
One of our Breaking Muscle staff members has extensive experience repairing air bikes and says swapping a belt or changing internal components can be a nightmare. Bike repairs often need special parts and are best done by a certified technician, so expect any significant repairs to take multiple hours, with most of your help coming from how-to\/troubleshooting videos. To be fair, this applies to air bikes bought from any <\/em>company \u2014 not just Assault Fitness.<\/p>\n
Because the Pro X is large, it can be cumbersome to move. One of our product testers found the easiest way to transport it is to lift it from the rear stabilizer until the wheels contact the floor. Still, the 125-pound weight with its 52-inch x 24.5-inch footprint makes this air bike challenging to move compared to the Concept2 BikeErg, and it might be too much for some users.<\/p>\n
In general, fan bikes might not be the best choice for home gyms that have to be careful of noise levels. As a fan-based bike, the Assault Bike Pro X is loud. <\/p>\n
That said, the fan-blade system of the Pro X appears to be a regular bike hub with fan blades welded to it \u2014 making it much smaller than what you\u2019d find on the Rogue Echo bike. This smaller size means less air displacement, and some Breaking Muscle team members were surprised by how quiet it was in comparison.<\/p>\n
All the above considered, we rank this 4.4 out of 5 stars for its rugged design, excellent console capabilities, and impressive warranty.<\/p>\n
Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s<\/h2>\n
\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t![\"Echelon](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/echelon-connect-ex-8s.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tEchelon Connect EX-8s Bike\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.6\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 59″ L x 23″ W x 65″ H<\/li>\n
- Resistance levels:<\/strong> 32<\/li>\n
- Available programming:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n
- Weight capacity:<\/strong> 300 pounds<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Spin<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Amazing 24-inch HD touchscreen<\/li>\n
- Huge class selection with Echelor Premier<\/li>\n
- More affordable Fit Pass is also available<\/li>\n
- Designed and engineered in the USA<\/li>\n
- Sleek bike design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Subscription quality is lacking<\/li>\n
- High price for bike specs<\/li>\n
- The one-year warranty is disappointing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
One of our product testers took the Echelon Connect bike for a ride and was immediately impressed. <\/p>\n
It features an oversized 24-inch curved touchscreen, which feels enormous but immersive when working out. Combine that with the high-definition quality and LED lights that sync to your workout metrics, and it feels like you\u2019re cycling in a live studio class \u2014 which is super motivating. The dual-facing speakers offer great sound, and the screen flips 180 degrees, so you can easily view it for Echelon Premier workouts.<\/p>\n
By joining their Echelon Premier Membership at $39.99 monthly, you unlock daily live classes and over 15,000 various, on-demand classes. Premier members receive exclusive discounts, a more comprehensive range of class difficulties, and up to five user profiles. With this membership, you can also view a leaderboard and compete against others, see when your friends are online, and check other users\u2019 stats worldwide. Finally, the Echelon app syncs your console with your Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, FitBit, and Spotify profiles and data.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, Echelon offers a more affordable \u201cFit Pass\u201d at $11.99 monthly. This plan is best if you want to work out anywhere, anytime, without needing any equipment. Fit Pass includes 60+ instructors, 40+ daily live classes, challenges, and more. I like their range of workouts; they have everything from cardio and core training to meditation and barre. They even have a travel-the-world-fitness class option, which reminds our product tester of JRNY and iFIT. <\/p>\n
Despite the massive class selection, our product tester finds the quality could be better for the monthly price, even if you sign up for a two-year plan ($29.16 monthly). She notes that the price seems high for what it is because it isn’t as produced as Peloton\u2019s live and on-demand classes, but it isn’t bad \u2014 the production quality just isn’t quite there yet.<\/p>\n
The EX-8S retails for $3,079.50, but it\u2019s on sale for $1,699.99 at the time of publishing. The sale price is way more reasonable, but the original cost seems expensive for the actual specs of the bike. Considering the Peloton Bike+ is more affordable and offers a better warranty, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if more customers jump ship.<\/p>\n
Echelon\u2019s warranty on the Connect EX-8S is flat-out disappointing at just one year. Their 30-day return policy and financing option are typical, but our product tester couldn\u2019t believe the warranty is only one year, especially for such a steep retail price. If you\u2019re an active Echelon Premier member, you can enjoy the benefit of full warranty coverage for up to five years. However, this requires an ongoing monthly membership for 60 months, costing you a whopping $1,700 over those five years in subscription fees.<\/p>\n
All the above considered, we rank this 3.8 out of 5 stars for the outstanding 24\u201d HD touchscreen, along with the workout subscription options offered through Echelon Premier and the more affordable Fit Pass.<\/p>\n
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike<\/h2>\n
\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Horizon](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/horizon-5.0r-recumbent-bike.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHorizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 66″ L x 25.2″ W x 52.2″ H<\/li>\n
- Resistance levels:<\/strong> 100<\/li>\n
- Available programming: <\/strong>Yes<\/li>\n
- Weight capacity:<\/strong> 300 pounds<\/li>\n
- Type:<\/strong> Recumbent<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Mobility-friendly access<\/li>\n
- Sturdy and stable design<\/li>\n
- Simple and intuitive controls <\/li>\n
- Lighter flywheel is easy on joints<\/li>\n
- Smooth magnetic resistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- The bike requires some assembly<\/li>\n
- 123-pound weight might be too hard to move<\/li>\n
- Touchscreen console requires basic tech skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Horizon 5.0R is excellent for seniors due to its mobility-friendly design. For example, the low, step-through frame helps you access the seated position even if you struggle with mobility or leg strength. Once you\u2019re ready to sit down into the seat, there are front handlebars that you can hold for support as you sit down \u2014 they also make it easier to stand up after your workout. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m impressed by the sturdiness of the 5.0R, which is a blessing because most seniors have trouble with their balance. <\/p>\n
The large 66-inch by 25.2-inch footprint and lower seat position result in a more stable machine. The flywheel, however, weighs just 15.4 pounds, which makes it easy to pedal at first and is gentler on your joints. That said, 100 magnetic resistance levels are available, so you can still get a smooth but seriously intense workout.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m also glad to see toe clips on the pedals; they help keep your feet from slipping out, which is more likely on a recumbent bike due to the reclined angle of your feet. The extra-large, adjustable seat includes a backrest and handlebars along the sides. Even though you have a near-zero chance of slipping out of the seat during your workout, holding the handlebars for extra support and peace of mind is nice.<\/p>\n
Finally, I\u2019m pleased with this exercise bike’s simple controls and convenient features. For one, the screen and control buttons are easy to see and reach while seated. Further, a built-in fan and an included water bottle holder keep you comfortable and hydrated during your rides. All of these features add a nice touch for older populations. <\/p>\n
- Resistance levels:<\/strong> 100<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 66″ L x 25.2″ W x 52.2″ H<\/li>\n
- Resistance levels:<\/strong> 32<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 59″ L x 23″ W x 65″ H<\/li>\n
- Weight:<\/strong> 125 pounds<\/li>\n
- Overall dimensions: <\/strong>51.73\u201d L x 24.52\u201d W x 52.51\u201d H<\/li>\n
- Resistance levels: <\/strong>24<\/li>\n
- Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Customization: <\/strong>Can you swap in your own pedals, saddle, and handlebars for a more custom riding experience?<\/li>\n
![\"Diamondback](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/diamondback-1260-sc.webp\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/diamondback-1260sc-in-use.jpg\")
![\"An](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/diamondback-1260-sc-monitor.jpg\")