Contents
- In A Rush?
- My Top Pick:
- NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle
- Best Top End Home Exercise Bike (for the more advanced amongst you):
- Life Fitness IC8 Exercise Bike
- Best Entry Level Home Exercise Bike For Beginners / Intermediate Cyclists:
- Proform Smart Power 10.0 Exercise Bike
- Best Recumbent Bike:
- Life Fitness RS3 Recumbent Bike (track connect console)
- Best Looking:
- Nohrd Upright Exercise Bike (5 x colour options)
- Conclusion
- FAQ’S
Find the right exercise bike and home gym equipment to transform your home into the best home gym going
Most of us tailor our homes around comfort, aesthetic design, durability and option. Option? The option to include the right things for you, to acquire things that add value to your home and give you a sense of variety. Well, what we just described are all qualities I look for in an indoor cycle. And with indoor biking comes the opportunity to build a home gym for all your home gym equipment.
But don’t worry if you’re just starting out. A home gym takes time, effort and smart decision-making. Thankfully, I can guarantee that by including an exercise bike in your list of gym equipment, you’re already thinking smart.
But why, really? Well, an indoor exercise bike has full body endurance potential, usually a chance of learning through on-demand classes, low maintenance through minimum engineering requirements and relatively small dimensions.
So, if you give me a little time with this article, we’ll be taking up a little bit of space in your home gym for an incredible amount of fitness improvements. It’s a simple formula: stationary bike + sensible budget = fitness journey potential. And, on the theme of numbers, I’ve done the maths, so you don’t need to.
This article will break down some of the pros and cons of the best for your home. Bikes with technology or bikes with a focus on build quality… it’s your home gym and your wallet, I’ve just done some of the leg work… so to speak.
Let’s get into it.
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In A Rush?
My Top Pick:
NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle
Key features
- 360 rotating degree HD touchscreen
- Premium 30W sound system
- Auto Adjusting Resistance incline and decline
- Streamed worldwide on-demand classes
- Crystal clear audio
- Two-sided SPD compatible pedals
- Broad class range (inc. yoga)
- Bluetooth integration
- Google Maps for guided tours
- SMR silent magnetic resistance
- Ergonomic padded seat
Overview
So, the word of the day for this entry is technology. You only have to glance to witness the powers that this smart touchscreen console can give, and you only have to think for a second about what this could do for your home gym.
Think about the rating screen; how you could combine the on-demand classes for off-bike workouts? Or maybe think about the trainer-led courses, turning your home gym into a health club, or with the google maps and tours turning your home gym into a different country. The point is, with the 27” Rotating & Tilting Smart HD Touchscreen, you have so much option, which in turn gives your home gym option too.
But for those worried about stationary bike features for adjustability and safety then, we have you covered here too. The S27i has an ergonomic padded seat with vertical and horizontal adjustments.
To improve on that, the entry also features comfortable and professionally moulded handlebars, but the adjustment method here pushes those boundaries once more – the S27i features a built-in gas shock system to make them even easier to move.
Incredible.
To hit home with the safety aspects, this entry has a superbly built frame, dexterous yet durable components, a great step-through (on and off) design, and reliable adhesion throughout its build.
Want to know more? Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle here.
Best Top End Home Exercise Bike (for the more advanced amongst you):
Life Fitness IC8 Exercise Bike
Key Features
- Self-Powered Generator with Lipo battery
- Studio management via Halo Fitness Cloud
- 300-degree dial 3800W magnetic resistance system
- Aluminium evenly weighted rear flywheel
- 2-Stage Hybrid Chain and Poly-V belt freewheel
- 4-way saddle adjustment -vertical and horizontal. ‘User-Assist’ stepless vertical adjustment
- Pro Performance Handlebars with horizontal adjustment and ‘User-Assist’ vertical stepless adjustment
- Dual-sided SPD and toe cage pedals
- Aluminium Black Anodised posts
- Full cover sweat guards
- Emergency stop button
- Unisex padded sport saddle with opening
Overview
Sleek, modern, sharp – a potential centrepiece for your home gym. Home exercise bikes good for a home gym don’t always need to look good, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important.
Think about your motivation; there’s a reason we like the things we do, for some of us who like looks, then it’s no surprise we’d feel inspired to work out from our aesthetically superior machines.
Looks aside, The bike itself has an incredible build that gives low maintenance potential. This adds value by saving money and keeping you confident in your purchase for years to come. Speaking of years to come, the tech inclusion factors into how relevant this bike will be in the future. Namely, the onboard TFT console and studio management via Halo cloud give you incredible advancements, turning your home gym into an interlinked fitness system.
Let me explain…
The Halo cloud lets you store management data. For example, you can program fitness routines to be used with multiple machines, keep other trainers clued up with these routines and provide information for your family about each piece of equipment. In short, you can track everything you need and connect your gym further in minutes.
Given all of the specs and features, let’s just say this entry won’t be weakening any time soon, which means your gym will stay current and up to date too.
To help shield this bike’s longevity, the combo of a freewheel, right and left leg balance watt reading, drop handlebars aero grips, advanced monitor AND a fully protected frame – you just don’t see this every day, and for the price, in reality, it’s entirely justified.
A greatly considered machine with a sharp and modern feel.
Keep your gym advanced with the IC8 today.
Want to know more? Read our full review of the Life Fitness IC8 Exercise Bike here.
Best Entry Level Home Exercise Bike For Beginners / Intermediate Cyclists:
Proform Smart Power 10.0 Exercise Bike
Key Features
- iFit membership (30 Day trial)
- Interactive personal training
- 22 magnetic resistance levels
- Vertical and horizontal seat adjustments
- Pedal toe clips and straps
- Water bottle holder
- Aux port
- 2 loudspeakers
- 10-inch touchscreen display
- Magnetic resistance mechanism
- Plastic components
Overview
You don’t have to be a pro to make the right decisions, and you don’t have to be an athlete to start your fitness journey today. Everybody has the power to begin making a great home gym right now, and the Proform Smart Power 10.0 Exercise Bike is a great place to start.
With a brilliant price tag, superb accessibility features and brilliantly simple-to-use design, this entry-level bike will be the start to your fitness future. With adjustability and safety being at the forefront of this design, through features like the vertical and horizontal seat adjustments and pedal toe clips and straps, you can be sure to have a consistently risk-free ride every time.
The console is part of that safety element. With a 10″ full-colour touch display, you get both mid-ride adjustability ease and access to a great variety of programs and digital features. Specifically, the console hosts more than 50 workout videos, a surprising amount given the price tag of this entry.
In short, this machine is a brilliant all-rounder with a great price tag. It’s lower cost mainly stems from plastic components however this only really affects the cosmetic side of things, not the engineering, so your money and the machine are just as safe as each other. A definite recommendation for beginners on a budget.
Want to know more? Read our full review of the Proform Smart Power 10.0 Exercise Bike here.
Best Recumbent Bike:
Life Fitness RS3 Recumbent Bike (track connect console)
Key Features
- Console Customization
- 20 Resistance Levels
- 13-position seat adjustment
- Ergonomic design
- Customised positioning
- Easy mobility
- Step through design
- Non-slip, self-balancing pedals
- Track Connect console or Go Console
- Deluxe two-grip handlebars
![](https://gymfreakz.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Life-Fitness-RS3-Recumbent-Bike-track-connect-console-1.jpg)
Overview
They say home is where the heart is, and part of what home gives is a certain level of comfort. While some may want to push themselves through their fitness journies, others may want to progress at a steadier pace…
And that’s exactly why I’ve included a recumbent bike on this list.
With deluxe two-grip handlebars, self-levelling pedals for ease of access, deeply customised positioning and a step-through design, you wouldn’t even know of the term ‘worry’ here. You’ll experience an unprecedented level of safe and relaxed workout routines. With recumbent exercise bikes being the reclined bike of the indoor cycling world, and yourself perhaps being someone who isn’t after the tour de France trophy, then the RS3 Recumbent Bike is most probably the best for you.
This recumbent exercise bike also features 20 resistance levels and a 13-position seat adjustment option. Combine those dexterous and rider-oriented features with the choice of two consoles you get a brilliantly customisable riding experience.
Simply, you wouldn’t want your home gym to be harsh and uninviting, so why would you want your bike to be?
The track console has a broad range of enhancing qualities too. The Track Connect Console has 14 workout programmes, the same Polar Chest Strap included, 4 user profiles for custom workouts, the same energy saver mode, and even iPod compatibility.
We can all agree this is a huge improvement on the Go Console. While a little more expensive, the Track Connect is the enhancement to your workout that you’ve been waiting for.
Definitely put this on the list if you’re after a slower-paced, posture focussed workout progression. Weigh it up now.
Want to know more? Read our full review of the Life Fitness RS3 Recumbent Bike here.
Best Looking:
Nohrd Upright Exercise Bike (5 x colour options)
Overview
With no console being included, you have to wonder why this price tag is as up there as it is. Don’t get me wrong, the bike is obviously unique, grabs my eye, and looks clearly well built. But what am I really paying for with this bike?
Wood?
Well, it’s only when you lift your bonnet that you realise the complexity of your car, and the Nohrd Upright Bike is hiding some beautiful features.
From the advanced planetary gearing to the wear-free brake technology to the point engineering, this bike is a beacon for well-designed alternative machines everywhere, so I wouldn’t blame you if you recoiled slightly when you got to this entry. But it’s not just about what’s underneath that’s appealing too.
You want sturdiness as well as innovative feature design, I get it, I’m the same, so you’ll be pleased to know that the part steel frame, fold-over handlebars and space-saving design make this beauty convenient too. Think about your home gym for a second – if you want something modern yet classic feeling, something that won’t take up much room even without the foldaway features, then you’re in the right place. A great bike for those after something to break the mould.
Definitely divvy up this machine, your home gym is always worth something different.
Want to know more? Read our full review of the Nohrd Upright Exercise Bike here.
Conclusion
Have you decided on the best exercise bike for home gym environments? Or are you still weighing up the pros and cons of each?
Let me help a little.
In my opinion, you don’t need a peloton bike or the commercial S22i studio cycle to make a great home gym. I mean, if you have a little bit of spending money, then go for the obvious top pic on this list – a home system can be much better than a simple bike. However, when it comes to indoor cycling and spin bikes, all you need is a well-built, durable and safe machine to get you burning calories and improve or maintain endurance ability and stable cardiovascular health.
The best exercise bike for home gym suites, or the best exercise bikes in general, are always down to you – your preferences are what make you, you, so trust your judgement and make the right decision for you and your gym.
FAQ’S
What actually spins on a spinning bike, and why is it important?
Upright bikes and recumbent bikes alike have something called a flywheel.
This flywheel, often with inertia-designed properties, come in a variety of weights for a variety of benefits.
A heavier weighted flywheel will help to give you more of a challenge, a more realistic feeling and quiet and smooth ride.
Whereas a lighter flywheel generally brings down the price tag, makes for a more relaxed experience and offers easier resistance alterations (great for mid-ride adjustments)
…and in case you were wondering, why do spin classes get their name?
Spin classes get their name from the spinning motion of the flywheel.
This is what gives you resistance and helps to keep you going during your workout.
What shouldn’t I do with an indoor bike?
No matter the equipment, whether the best premium exercise bike or not, you should always look after it.
Don’t take indoor cycles outside (usually not protected from exterior wear and tear), and please be careful of max user weight – most bikes accommodate for a lot, but if you exceed the max user weight, then you will do damage.
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