Best Exercise Bikes for Apartments, Class Streaming, Beginners, and More

Find both affordable and high tech indoor bikes to up your cycling game.

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Exercise bikes are a key part of most public gyms and have become increasingly popular tools for home gyms. They’re generally smaller and relatively quieter than high-impact machines like treadmills, and they can take your endurance to new heights while also building strength in your legs, glutes, and even your arms (if you do your handlebar push-ups right, of course). 

An indoor bike can be a huge financial commitment, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for before you pull the trigger. How much technology do you want in your bike? Do you have enough space? How often will you use your machine? Do you need a quiet piece of equipment? How much money are you willing to spend? With these questions in mind, we’ve narrowed the options down to eight of the best exercise bikes on the market to make your decision just a little bit easier.

Best Exercise Bikes

Best Exercise Bike Overall

To nab the top spot, an exercise bike has to be versatile and able to accommodate both streaming and low-tech riding options. Our top pick excels in those areas and features a great price point with quiet operation.

Sole SB900

The SB900 may not include a huge fancy screen, but it does have a lot of other features that more than make up for that. Instead of delivering online workout programs to a big (and expensive) screen, the SB900’s integrated tablet holder allows you to follow along with whatever streaming service you like. If you don’t have one, you can use one of over 3,000 classes using the 90-day free trial ($19.99 per month after) of Sole’s streaming workout service, Studio™ — a workout streaming service. 

Sole SB900 Exercise Bike
Sole SB900 Exercise Bike
Sole SB900 Exercise Bike

The Sole SB900 is a durable and high quality addition to any home gym, featuring stat tracking, an adjustable seat and handlebars, quiet magnetic resistance and front wheels for easy portability. Its display is simple and you won’t find any added technological distractions within its console.

Avid cyclists will like that the pedals can accommodate both clip-in cycling shoes or regular trainers, so you don’t have to buy special footwear, but you have the option to. The integrated three-by-four-inch console display, while somewhat basic, is compatible with a wireless heart rate chest strap and shows key information about your workout, like RPMs, time, distance, and speed. The sturdy steel frame and silent magnetic resistance on the 48-pound flywheel make this a great choice for home use to work up a sweat no matter when you find the time to pedal. You can pick the SB900 up for around $899, which is a fair price considering the included features.

Who Should Buy the Sole SB900

  • Anyone who needs a bike they can ride early in the morning or late at night without waking up the whole house.
  • Athletes who don’t want to pay more money for a bike with advanced technology that they might not need or want.
  • Riders who want a bike that’s durable and more cost-effective than high-end models while still sporting many of the same features. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Sole SB900

  • Users who want a piece of equipment that comes with a heart rate monitor or hand-grip pulse sensors.
  • Customers who prefer to have the latest technology installed in their bike’s console might want to check out other options on this list.
  • If you’re on a particularly tight budget, there are cheaper options out there despite the reasonable price of the SB900.

Though you won’t find the most advanced tech in this pick, it’s a great price for a versatile bike that will allow for any type of workout — coached or not coached. You can also ride quietly for the entirety of your spin so you can work out in peace no matter when you find the time to pedal.

Read our full review of the Sole SB900.

Best Exercise Bike for the Money

Sometimes less is more. That rings true for this exercise bike that provides a nice combination of affordability and features that make it a great value. 

Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

The beauty of the SB700 is its simplicity. It has all the features you need to work up a good sweat without a ton of add-ons to work up the price. For a basic workout, you can track your stats on the screen without being distracted by a large display. Feel like streaming a class? Simply pop your tablet in the included holder and you’re ready to go.

Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

The Sole SB700 was built for riders who like to keep their workouts simple. It sports a 48-pound flywheel with adjustable resistance, adjustable handlebars and seat, and a tablet holder that allows for third-party fitness class streaming while you ride.

The integrated turn dial allows you to crank up the difficulty, and it features micro-adjustments, so you can ensure you always have just the right amount of burn. If you’re worried about noise, the SB700 features a kevlar braking system for a smooth and quiet ride. Also, you won’t have to worry about buying cycling shoes since the toe cages work with nearly all running shoes and sneakers. You can pick this up for the modest price of about $699 — half the price of some other bikes. 

Who Should Buy the Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

  • Anyone who wants a versatile bike at a lower price point. This bike is well-built without any extraneous features to jack up the price.
  • Those who simply want to hop on and ride without fussing with touchscreens and other displays.
  • Bikers who don’t want to switch between running shoes and clip-ins.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

  • Customers looking for the latest in technology built into their console. 
  • Athletes who want incorporated heart rate monitoring in their bike will want to look at other bikes on this list. 
  • People who prefer power-adjustable resistance will want to check out other options.

The SB700 has everything you need to have a great workout and enjoy some quality time pedaling. The no-frills nature of this bike helps to keep the price down, but you still have the option to stream on a tablet if you want a more tech-centered workout. 

Read our full review of the Sole SB700 Exercise Bike.

Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss

This pick provides a unique cycling workout that works both your upper and lower body for a full-body burn. There’s also a built-in calorie tracker so you can see how much you’ve burned as you go.

Assault AirBike

The Assault AirBike is unique in that instead of classic handlebars, this bike features moving arms, so you can work both your upper and lower body simultaneously. Known as the “calorie bike,” the added movement torches extra calories and is great for interval training, cross-training, and CrossFit.

This bike does utilize fan resistance, so things can get a bit noisy and windy, but the resistance limits are endless — the harder you go, the more resistance you’ll feel.

Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike

The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.

Who Should Buy the Assault AirBike

  • Athletes who want a full-body burn from a single piece of equipment.
  • Anyone who wants infinite resistance levels on their bike. 
  • Bikers who like following along with pre-programmed workouts — especially interval workouts.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Assault AirBike

  • Customers who need a quiet piece of equipment for home use. 
  • Bikers who need a machine that’s compatible with clip-in shoes. 
  • Riders who prefer to have advanced technology incorporated into their machine.
  • Anyone who wants to stream fitness classes during their workout. 

The Assault AirBike is definitely not your average indoor bike, but with its moving arms, you can expect an above-average burn that can torch extra calories and build both your strength and endurance.

Read our full review of the Assault AirBike.

Best Exercise Bike for Apartments

Life in apartments can become cramped quickly, so it pays to find exercise equipment with a small footprint. This exercise bike is small but mighty with a modest footprint and easy-to-move weight.

Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike

The Schwinn 170 seems made for those with limited space, as its footprint is only 41 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 56 inches tall. This means it fits neatly into a two-foot by four-foot area. When you inevitably need to move it to another unit or room then you’ll be glad that it only weighs about 58 pounds, which is a fraction of the weight of some other exercise bikes.

Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike
Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike
Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike

This bike is built for those who need efficiency. It’s lightweight, has a small footprint, is affordable, and still packs the features in. The Schwinn 170 comes with 29 programs and 25 levels of resistance to accommodate all skill levels.

Its small stature doesn’t imply weakness, however. The bike’s steel frame boasts a weight limit of 300 pounds, and its dual LCD screen is loaded with 29 programs and 25 levels of computer-controlled resistance. Also, the high-inertia drive system makes for smooth and quiet workouts, so your neighbors won’t hear every time you spin up the pedals. The Schwinn 170 won’t put you back a month’s rent either, as it costs only about $549.

Who Should Buy the Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike

  • Apartment dwellers looking to stay quiet and save on floor space will appreciate the smooth drive system and small footprint.
  • Anyone who wants the option to choose from different pre-set programs. This bike comes with 29. 
  • Users who don’t want to pay a higher price for added technology. You won’t find any fancy touchscreens or ultra-wide displays here.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike

  • Customers who prefer to have a high-tech exercise bike may be disappointed with the comparatively basic tech in this one. 
  • Anyone who wants a screen for built-in streaming will want to check out other options.
  • Those who want a bike that comes with weights will want to check out other options on this list.

Affordable, lightweight, and space-saving, the Schwinn 170 Exercise Bike is a great option for those who reside in an apartment. The price and size allow you to save some space and still have some money left over to upgrade your sofa or add another plant to your ever-growing indoor window-ledge garden.

Best Exercise Bike for Beginners

If you’re just testing the waters when it comes to cycling, this pick has all the basics, a couple of upgrades, and definitely won’t break the bank. 

Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

As a beginner, you likely don’t want to be dropping a ton of money on an indoor bike you may not end up liking. However, you’re still going to want a quality product that will aid in your training journey. The Sole SB700 is just that — it has stat tracking, a tablet holder, basic toe cages, and smaller dimensions that won’t consume your entire space. 

Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

The Sole SB700 was built for riders who like to keep their workouts simple. It sports a 48-pound flywheel with adjustable resistance, adjustable handlebars and seat, and a tablet holder that allows for third-party fitness class streaming while you ride.

Additionally, the Kelvar braking system makes for a smooth ride, so you won’t have to worry about the wobbles, allowing you to focus on building your skill and technique. This bike goes for just under $700, which keeps your first bike purchase on the less expensive end of the market.

Who Should Buy the Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

  • Users who want a tablet holder for the option to stream classes from a third-party app.
  • Anyone who wants to keep things basic and nix the advanced technology many more expensive options have. 
  • Athletes who are looking for a quality bike at a lower price point. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

  • Customers who want advanced technology built into their bike’s console. 
  • Riders who want a bike that’s compatible with clip-in shoes. 
  • Anyone who wants a bike with automatic or electronic resistance adjustment instead of manual.

The Sole SB700 is a great place to start when it comes to cycling. You can track your stats, stream classes on your tablet to learn, and know that you won’t be dishing out too much money on a brand-new form of exercise. 

Read our full review of the Sole SB700.

Best Exercise Bike for Interactive Classes

If you’re a studio-goer who loves a good inspirational quote from a fitness coach, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i allows you to bring that experience into your home. 

NordicTrack Commercial S22i

Though the NordicTrack Commercial S22i will cost you a pretty penny, you’ll get all of the technology you need to bring the studio cycling experience home with you. Not only does this bike have a 22” HD touchscreen display that allows you to interact with coaches and other users throughout your streamed classes, but your purchase also comes with a free month of iFit, so you won’t have to pay the membership fee for this experience for the first 30 days. 

NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.

On top of this technology, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i also has 22 levels of resistance, and incline and decline options that range from -10 to 20 percent, making it one of the more advanced and versatile options on the market.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Commercial S22i

  • Anyone who loves the studio experience, but would prefer to take that experience home with them to save money on expensive membership fees. 
  • Users who like having a large display and advanced technology built into their bikes. 
  • Athletes who want lots of resistance levels, as well as incline and decline options. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NordicTrack Commercial S22i

  • Customers who don’t want the distraction of added technology on their bikes. 
  • Bikers who don’t want to dish out a lot of cash on a new piece of fitness equipment.

The NordicTrack S22i is in some heavy competition when it comes to class streaming and technology (we’re looking at you, Peloton and Soul Cycle), but it holds up and even costs less than its direct competitors. That’s not to say this is a cheap option, but if you’re after a studio experience, this bike will be worth every penny.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial S22i.

Best Exercise Bike for Heavier Athletes

For a sturdy steel bike that can accommodate heavier builds, look no further than the NordicTrack Commercial S15i.

NordicTrack Commercial S15i

This 203-pound bike can hold users who weigh up to 350 pounds, which is more than the 300-pound average you’ll find across the market. It’s made of commercial-grade steel and offers a padded saddle for extra comfort for users of all sizes. 

NordicTrack Commercial S15i Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial S15i Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial S15i Exercise Bike

The NordicTrack Commercial S15i is great for anyone who wants modernizations like an included fitness subscription, a large touchscreen display, and incline and decline options. Plus, the sturdy build and padded seat will hold up throughout years (possibly even decades) of usage.

In addition to its quality, durability, and stability, this bike also features a ton of technology, including a 14-inch, 360-degree rotating touchscreen display, a free month of iFit, and Bluetooth connectivity for the ultimate immersive experience both on and off the bike. It’s worth noting that you will pay for the high quality of this piece of equipment — the NordicTrack S15i goes for just under $1,600.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Commercial S15i

  • Users who require a more stable build that can handle weights up to 350 pounds.
  • Anyone who wants a bike made of high-quality, commercial-grade steel that’s built to withstand lots of use. 
  • Riders who want the latest in technology built into their bike and aren’t afraid to pay extra for it. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NordicTrack Commercial S15i

  • Athletes who prefer a machine that doesn’t have a lot of distracting technology. 
  • Customers who want a bike at a low price point. 
  • Customers who don’t want to haul a 203-pound piece of equipment up a flight of stairs.

Not only is the NordicTrack Commercial S15i a high-quality build that can accommodate heavier athletes, but it’s also one of the most technologically advanced options out there.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack S15i.

Best Exercise Bike with Weights

Sometimes cardio isn’t enough by itself to give you the workout you want. This exercise bike comes with a set of weights to allow you to give your upper body a great burn as well.

Schwinn IC4

Hand weights are commonly used in many cycling studios to provide a full-body workout. Exercise bikes that are sold for home use often neglect to include this piece of equipment, but the Schwinn IC4 comes with a pair of three-pound dumbbells with cradles within reach for seamless use on and off the bike. To make the most use of those dumbbells, you can stream workouts on a tablet using the built-in tablet holder. You receive one year of streaming with JRNY for free with your purchase but the IC4 is also compatible with Peloton and Zwift programming.

Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike

The Schwinn IC4 combines upper and lower body work with its included set of dumbbells and 100 levels of cycling resistance for a complete upper and lower body burn. Dial up your favorite streaming app and hop on, this bike is compatible with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.

Aside from offering top-notch streaming and weights, this bike is excellent for cardio, with 100 levels of smooth magnetic resistance to cycle through. Dual sided-pedals are included for shoes with clips and regular running shoes to satisfy all footwear fans. Schwinn has this versatile bike priced at around $999.

Who Should Buy the Schwinn IC4

  • Bikers who are always reaching for hand weights during or after their spin class to add upper body strength work into their session.
  • Users who like to follow a coached virtual class when they ride. You can use Peloton, Zwift, or the free year of JRNY that comes included. 
  • Anyone who wants a variety of resistance levels will enjoy that they can select from 100 different ones here. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Schwinn IC4

  • Users who want a machine with a large screen or display to stream on. You’ll have to provide your own display with the built-in tablet holder here. 
  • Riders who want to perform strictly cardio or lower body training and don’t need the hand weights.
  • Those who are on a budget can find more cost-effective options on this list.

Schwinn’s IC4 is an all-around well-made machine with many features to support complete workouts. A wide range of resistance available and included dumbbells make for a full-body burn, while compatibility with multiple streaming platforms allows users to choose their favorite workouts. 

Benefits of Exercise Bikes

Of course, exercise bikes can provide cardiovascular and aerobic improvements, but they have some other unique benefits over other cardio machines. (1) Exercise bikes offer a lower joint impact form of cardio, you can perform the exercise while seated, and they’re inherently safer than road cycling. Let’s dig more into these benefits below.

Low-Impact Exercise

Unlike treadmills or other types of cardio that have you pounding the pavement, exercise bikes support your weight, and use a flywheel or some other magnetic system as resistance. This can decrease the stress your joints feel and often allow you to progress more quickly since you don’t have to wait for your joints and connective tissues to recover as much.

A person wearing a long sleeved grey shirt scrunches their face in exertion while using an air bike.
Image via Shutterstock / Frame Stock Footage

This can be particularly beneficial for larger or heavier athletes whose joints will have to endure more stress during forms of cardio that use body weight as the resistance instead of mechanical resistance. (2)

Seated Exercise

It might not seem like a big consideration at first, but remaining seated while performing a workout can have multiple benefits. If you suffer from vertigo or become dizzy sometimes, you should consult a physician, but being seated on an exercise bike might help to reduce head movement, which can help with vertigo. (3)

Additionally, those who suffer from low back pain may find that sitting can help them perform full workouts that they may have otherwise not been able to on a standing machine, like an elliptical or treadmill.

Safer Cycling

No type of exercise is 100 percent safe, but in terms of risk, indoor cycling can be safer than road cycling. Generally speaking, there are fewer cars and other road hazards in a home gym or exercise room. Since exercise bikes don’t move, there is also less risk of crashing or falling over, leaving you free to continue to make gains, rather than spending your time recovering from mishaps.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes

We made multiple considerations before pulling together this best list. Here are a few of the things we weighed to ensure each pick on this list will get you the right bang for your buck.

Quality

All of the bikes on this list are built to last. You won’t find one pick on here that won’t live out its average 10- to 20-year lifespan if you treat it right. Of course, that means cleaning it properly, wiping away any stray sweat droplets, and using the front wheels with care. 

A person works out on an air bike in the gym.
Image via Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

These bikes have durable steel frames, heavy and high-quality flywheels, powerful resistance, and interchangeable options for seats and pedals that may wear quicker than the frame. Rest assured that when you pick a bike off of this list, we’ve vetted it for quality and durability that will make any price tag worth your while.

Price Range

We want everyone, on every budget, to have an option on this list. We’ve included bikes from all price points, each one worth every dollar and then some. You’ll find bikes with fewer features at a less expensive price as well as more technologically advanced bikes at a higher price, so no matter your individual price range, we have a pick that will suit you. 

Features

We understand that not everyone wants a bike with big HD displays and loud fitness instructors screaming instructions through your speakers. But we also understand that some people need interactive touchscreens and motivational quotes to stay inspired throughout their sessions.

A person wears headphones and a black and grey tank top while riding an exercise bike.
Image via Shutterstock / Alfredo Lopez

We’ve included high-tech, mid-tech, and low-tech options within this list. Most high-tech options will have streaming platforms built into the console and larger display screens coupled with features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in fans and speakers. The mid-tech options will have some of these features, but they may just have a tablet holder for third-party app usage and a small display screen for stat-tracking. And the low-tech options will be as basic as they come, tracking only the necessary stats you need to follow along with your workout. No matter your preference, you’ll find a fully vetted pick here. 

How Much Do Exercise Bikes Cost?

Exercise bikes, like nearly all cardio machines, are a significant investment and represent a commitment to working out regularly when you purchase one. Nearly all of them come with the ability to access some sort of workout streaming service, which is an additional fee that you should consider when weighing your options.

Best Exercise Bike Overall Sole SB900 Exercise Bike $899.99 before optional streaming service
Best Exercise Bike for the Money Sole SB700 Exercise Bike $699.99 before optional streaming service
Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss Assault AirBike $699
Best Exercise Bike for Apartments Schwinn 170 Upright Bike $549 before optional streaming service
Best Exercise Bike for Beginners Sole SB700 Exercise Bike $699.99 before optional streaming service
Best Exercise Bike for Interactive Classes NordicTrack Commercial S22i $1,899 before optional streaming service
Best Exercise Bike for Heavier Athletes NordicTrack Commercial S15i $1,149 before optional streaming service
Best Exercise Bike with Weights Schwinn IC4 $999 before optional streaming service

The bikes themselves can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands for commercial or studio-level bikes. The ones on this list rest somewhere between $550 and $1,900. Streaming services generally cost somewhere in the realm of around $20 to $40 per month, though most offer annual subscriptions for a discounted price.

What to Consider Before Buying an Exercise Bike

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve worked through many indoor bikes throughout your training, there are multiple considerations you’ll want to make before you start browsing the web. Here are a few of the most important ones. 

Durability

If you work out a lot, you want a bike that can work with you. In other words, if you’re going to be using your indoor bike every day as your main form of exercise, you’ll want a durable steel frame and a powerful 30+ pound flywheel that will be able to withstand your daily usage and live out its full lifespan (which tends to be anywhere between 10 and 20 years). Bikes like this are typically a little pricier, but if you consider the number of years they will last you and the usage you’ll get out of them, they’re well worth the extra cash. 

Person warming up using an airbike
Image via Shutterstock / nazarovsergey

However, if your bike is going to be supplemental to other equipment you use more frequently — like weights or a treadmill — you don’t need to consider this factor as heavily. Though you should always make sure you’re getting your money’s worth in durability, you may be able to get away with a less costly bike — maybe even a used bike — if you aren’t going to be wearing it down as much as daily users.

All in all, you get what you pay for, so if you’re spending a lot, make sure you’re getting the powdered steel frame and heavy flywheel that will last you those 20 years. If you’re paying a little less, expect to take a few years off of that 20-year lifespan.

Technology

One of the main differences you’ll find between bike consoles is the presence (or absence) of technology. Many of the pricier options on the market will include larger display screens, interactive class-streaming options, speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, incorporated heart rate monitoring, and other modernized technology. The less expensive options often won’t have most of these features, which is why the price sometimes drops by over $1,000 for these bikes.

Person in tank top leaned over cycling
Image via Shutterstock / GaudiLab

If you’re hooked on streaming platforms like iFit or Peloton, you’ll want to opt for a bike that either has those classes built into the console or can at least accommodate a tablet to use for third-party app streaming throughout your workout. If you couldn’t care less about listening to a fitness instructor yell directions at you as you ride, you don’t need to dish out the extra cash for that added technology and can land on a much cheaper option and ride coach-free.

Different Types

Upright, air and recumbent bikes all have different benefits, and choosing the right one is important to ensure you get what you’re looking for out of your exercise bike. Upright bikes are great for those who are looking for a classic approach and are generally what people think of when picturing an indoor bike. Air bikes work using air resistance, as the name suggests, and allow you to incorporate your arms into the motion. Recumbent bikes typically allow for a less intense workout and feature a full seat in a reclined position.

Close up of person in running shoes cycling on an exercise bike
Image via Shutterstock / hurricanehank

Depending on what kind of workout you’re looking for and the kind of support you need in a bike, you’ll want to choose the type that best suits your personal workout style, in addition to considering the durability and incorporated technology.

Types of Exercise Bikes

There are three types of bikes you’ll want to consider: upright, air, and recumbent. Each one is aligned with different goals, so knowing the different types is a must when considering an exercise bike.

Upright

An upright bike is likely what you first think of when you picture an indoor bike. It’s your classic spin bike that’s meant to feel and look closest to a road bike — there’s a saddle and a pair of handlebars, and you ride by either sitting upright in the saddle or pedaling from a standing position.

Air

An air bike is similar to an upright bike in that you sit in an upright position while you ride, but instead of handlebars, this bike has two large moving arms that you use in addition to the regular pedals. Both the moving arms and the pedals power a large fan wheel on this bike, giving users a full-body burn. 

Recumbent

A recumbent bike provides a much less strenuous workout. It has a full seat that supports your back and is much more comfortable than an upright bike. While you still work your legs and glutes like you would on an upright or air bike, a recumbent bike is much easier on the joints.

Final Word

Whether you need a bike to supplement your strength training or to become your primary exercise modality, buying one is a big decision. It helps to consider the technology you want, price range, and specialized features. Whichever direction you choose, you’ll want to make sure you’re milking every penny out of your purchase.

Before you start scrolling the web and scouring the fitness equipment market, lay out a list of must-haves for yourself. Keep that list with you throughout your search and weigh it against every option to make sure you bring home the perfect bike for your workouts

FAQs

How long will an indoor bike last?

It depends on how often you use your bike, but the general lifespan is 10 to 20 years. If you use your bike every day as your main form of exercise, you can expect to trim a few years off of that range. And on the contrary, if your bike is only supplementing your other forms of exercise, you can expect to hit that 20-year mark.

What’s the best exercise bike on the market?

With so many options available in a saturated market, it can be difficult to select one exercise bike as the best one. That said, we’re particularly liking the Sole SB900 right now thanks to its commercial quality, heavy-duty flywheel, and integrated tablet holder for streaming. The price is also cheaper than many other comparable options.

What kind of resistance is the best?

There’s no resistance that’s better than the other, but there are some that will suit your particular situation better. For example, if you live in a big home and like to workout early in the morning, you’ll want a magnetic resistance bike that will stay fairly quiet. If you aren’t as conscious of the noise, friction or air resistance will be the same quality, just a little louder.

Is it worth it to buy a more expensive indoor bike?

If it’s technology you’re after, yes. The more expensive bikes are typically more expensive not for their quality, but for their advanced technology (like touchscreen displays and streaming options). If you’re a fitness class enthusiast or just want the latest tech in your console, it will be worth your while to dish out the extra cash.

However, you can find a good build with high durability even at lower price points. If you’re not interested in added technology, there are plenty of more cost-effective bikes on the market that will give you the same quality workout as those at a higher price point.

References

  1. Blumenthal, J. A., Emery, C. F., Madden, D. J., George, L. K., Coleman, R. E., Riddle, M. W., … & Williams, R. S. (1989). Cardiovascular and behavioral effects of aerobic exercise training in healthy older men and women. Journal of gerontology, 44(5), M147-M157.
  2. Newman, K., Gibson, K., Zeller, H., Carter, S., & Joyce, B. (2009). Recumbent Exercise Bicycle for Low-Impact Rehabilitation of Obese Individuals. Journal of Medical Devices, 3(2).
  3. Lion, A., Vibert, D., Bosser, G., Gauchard, G. C., & Perrin, P. P. (2016). Vertigo in downhill mountain biking and road cycling. European journal of sport science, 16(1), 135-140.