Exercise Bikes 2023: A Breakdown of the Best Options for Home Use
Exercise bikes remain one of the most popular pieces of home gym equipment thanks to their versatility, low-impact training and space efficiency. The smooth spinning motion strengthens your cardiovascular system while sculpting your lower body.
With so many exercise bike models and features available, it can be tricky choosing the right one to match your fitness goals and budget. Below we’ll break down the leading options across upright, recumbent, indoor cycling, and smart exercise bike categories ranging from budget picks under $500 to high-end bikes over $1500.
Best Upright Exercise Bikes
Upright exercise bikes have a compact footprint and emulate road bike positioning with a vertically stacked frame. Here are top-rated upright options across price points:
Budget Upright Bikes Under $500
This fan-favorite Marcy bike offers eight levels of preset tension control for adjustable resistance. The step-through design allows easy mounting and dismounting. Built-in transport wheels make moving it around a breeze. Expect to pay around $160.
Pyhigh Upright Stationary Bike:
Pyhigh’s upright exercise bike provides 16 levels of magnetic resistance and a large, padded seat for under $300. The multi-function monitor tracks your time, speed, distance, calories burned and pulse. Smooth belt drive technology ensures a quiet workout.
Mid-Range Upright Bikes $500 – $1500
With 29 programmed workouts and 25 levels of resistance, the Schwinn 170 adapts to all fitness levels and training goals. Dual displays let you monitor different workout metrics simultaneously. Expect to invest around $600.
This stationary bike has an adjustable racing handlebar and four-way seat adjustment for proper bike fit. The 35 lb flywheel with friction resistance pads provides a smooth, quiet ride. Bluetooth connectivity enables playing music from your devices. Typically priced under $500.
High-End Upright Bikes Over $1500
Unique leaning mode on the VeloCore engages your core and burns extra calories. The 16-inch console rotates for easy viewing of the JRNY coaching app. The 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels accommodate rides from leisurely to intense. Expect to pay $1,699.
Peloton’s original indoor cycling bike features a built-in 21.5 inch HD touchscreen for streaming live and on-demand classes. Clip-in pedals accommodate cycling shoes. Magnetic resistance provides a smooth, nearly silent ride. Packages start at $1,445 with monthly membership fees.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Recumbent bikes have padded reclining seats with back support to spread weight evenly across your body for greater comfort. Here are top options:
Budget Recumbent Bikes Under $500
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike:
Step-through design, eight resistance levels and smooth belt drive make this a user-friendly recumbent bike for under $200. High-density foam padding on the seat and adjustable straps on the pedals enhance comfort. An LCD console displays your workout stats.
Exerpeutic WorkFit Recumbent Bike:
In addition to eight tension settings for the recumbent cycling, this 2-in-1 Exerpeutic model offers an adjustable desktop to get work done while exercising. Transport wheels allow moving the bike easily. Expect to pay around $300.
Mid-Range Recumbent Bikes $500 – $1500
This feature-packed pick has 29 preset workout programs, dual LCD screens, media shelf and USB charging. The vented seat back has multi-position adjustability for custom comfort and support. Price is typically around $799.
Diamondback 510Sr Recumbent Bike:
20 levels of computer-controlled magnetic resistance in this Diamondback recumbent bike provide smooth adjustments in intensity. Comfort extras include a vented mesh backrest, forearm pads and adjustable fan with multiple speeds. Expect to invest $999 or so.
High-End Recumbent Bikes Over $1500
NordicTrack VR21 Recumbent Bike:
This smart WiFi-enabled bike comes with a 10” HD touchscreen for accessing unlimited global workouts through iFit training. AutoBreeze workout fans and decline to -10% give you a truly immersive experience. It’s around $1,999 retail.
Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Recumbent Bike:
Expect premium extras like Bluetooth connectivity, multi-color rim lighting and magnetic media tray from this high-end Horizon model. Passive and active shock absorption enhance comfort on longer rides. Price is typically $2,299.
Best Indoor Cycling Bikes
Indoor cycling bikes mimic road bikes with heavy flywheels, adjustable resistance and performance seats for intense cardio. Here are top spin bike picks:
Budget Indoor Cycling Bikes Under $500
PYHIGH S2 Indoor Cycling Bike:
This smoothly operating belt drive spin bike has 48 lb chrome flywheel and friction resistance for a quiet ride. It comes with adjustable cage pedals to accommodate cycling shoes. Price is very reasonable at around $330.
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike:
This Sunny model offers 49 lb chrome flywheel with felt pad resistance system. The fully adjustable seat and handles let you dial in proper bike fit. Price is typically under $500.
Mid-Range Indoor Cycling Bikes $500 – $1500
Echelon Connect Sport Indoor Cycling Bike:
Stream live and on-demand spin classes on your connected device with Echelon membership. 32 levels of magnetic resistance provide adjustability. Expect to pay around $800.
JOROTO X3 Indoor Cycling Bike:
Magnetic tension control on the JOROTO X3 combines with 35 lb bidirectional flywheel for a smooth, consistent ride. IPX4 sweat resistance protects the frame. Bluetooth enabled sound system pipes in your music. Cost is usually $700-800.
High-End Indoor Cycling Bikes Over $1500
This smart bike auto-adjusts resistance based on your selected training program via apps like Zwift or Sufferfest. The manual mode allows adjusting resistance manually for interval training. Price is $3,499.
Peloton’s premium bike has a 24 inch rotating HD touchscreen, Apple GymKit integration, 6-way seat adjustment and 60 lb flywheel. Auto-Follow resistance technology provides an immersive class experience. Packages start at $2,495 with membership.
Best Smart Exercise Bikes
Smart exercise bikes connect to training apps, classes and virtual courses that make workouts more engaging. Here are top connected options:
Mid-Range Smart Bikes $500-$1500
This quiet magnetic resistance bike comes with a free JRNY app subscription providing trainer-led classes on the console. Bluetooth connectivity tracks and syncs workout metrics. Price is $999.
Schwinn IC4 Bike with Explore the World App
Dual-link foot pedals on the IC4 bike accommodate shoes or bare feet cycling. Connect to Schwinn’s Explore the World immersive app for global workouts. Expect to pay around $999.
High-End Smart Bikes Over $1500
NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle with iFit
This smart bike’s 22” HD touchscreen swivels for easy viewing of global workouts streamed through iFit training. Auto resistance control adjusts intensity to match terrain. It retails for $1999.
New from Echelon, the EX5s has fully adjustable 21.5 inch touchscreen allowing visibility from any seat position. Take classes streamed live and on-demand through Echelon Fit membership. Price is $2,599.99.
Finding the Best Leggings for Indoor Cycling
When it comes to choosing attire for spinning on exercise bikes, leggings are the ideal selection. Leggings provide both comfort and performance benefits compared to shorts or regular workout pants. The right leggings allow you to pedal vigorously and hold poses without restriction or coverage concerns.
However, not all leggings are created equal when it comes to the unique demands of indoor cycling. Here are the factors savvy spinners should look for when shopping for the best leggings to wear for cycling workouts:
Moisture-Wicking Fabric
As your effort and exertion increases during your spin class, your body heats up and sweat production ramps up. Leggings crafted using moisture-wicking technical fabrics keep you cool and dry by pulling sweat away from your skin so it can evaporate quickly.
Natural fibers like cotton tend to hold onto moisture rather than wicking it away. Look for leggings made from moisture-wicking synthetic blends incorporating polyester, nylon, spandex and sometimes proprietary fibers like Cocona.
Four-Way Stretch Fabric
Leggings worn for spinning need to stretch and move fluidly with your body as you pedal and transition between sitting and standing positions. Four-way stretch fabrics flex in every direction, providing both comfort and unrestricted mobility.
Quality cycling leggings contain around 15-25% spandex blended with nylon or polyester for optimal elasticity and recovery. The leggings should feel snug when stationary then comfortably stretch and move with your body once you begin cycling.
Compression Support
Many spin enthusiasts opt for leggings over shorts because the light compression improves blood flow and circulation during demanding cardio. Enhanced blood flow allows you to ride longer and harder with less fatigue. It also aids muscle recovery.
Look for leggings providing targeted compression in the quads, hamstrings and calves with ratings around 20-30 mmHg. Graduated compression that decreases from ankle to knee is ideal.
Flatlock Seams
The repetitive motion of indoor cycling creates lots of friction, especially along seams around the inner thighs. Flatlock stitching creates seams with minimal thickness to prevent chafing and irritation during your workouts.
Seamless leggings are another great option that eliminates seams altogether for the ultimate chafe-free experience. However, seamless leggings often come with a higher price tag.
Now that you know what to look for, invest in a few pairs of high-quality leggings designed specifically for the unique movements and demands of indoor cycling.
Finding the Right Bike for Your Goals and Space
With so many options across types and price points, start by considering your budget, fitness objectives and room layout to narrow down choices. Test ride some models at sporting goods stores. Investing in a quality exercise bike tailored to your needs makes achieving better cardiovascular health and strength possible from home.
