Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight

Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight


Finding the best exercise bikes that are good for losing weight, maintaining weight loss and maximising calories burned.

Some would say that all want to look good. And while I don’t disagree, I’m always an advocate for feeling good over looking good. In any case, humans should be as healthy as they can be. Studies and teachings throughout the ages have promoted health en mass, but in a society where a lack of health often comes with a brand, it’s important to navigate these potential traps with care.

One provision you can utilise to combat unhealthy diets is of course, an exercise bike. With a plethora of benefits, from a full body workout routine to reduced risk of heart disease, indoor cycling could literally be the difference between 2-3 years added onto your life. And all you have to do is ride it.

But equally as difficult as our bad diet temptations is the world of fitness equipment. We know that we could lose weight with the right bike, treadmill or weight equipment, but we don’t always know where to start. And even if we do know where to start then, just like your workout routines, there are always methods to better what we’re doing right now.

From finding the apex bike to informally identifying your favourite cycling shoes, there’s a lot to break down. So as I describe aspects of the indoor biking world with terms like recumbent bike, upright exercise bike, peloton bike workouts and so on, please remember that I’ll be breaking them down with you, not for you.

To begin the path of losing weight, all you need to do is read on, that’s it. You’re already walking one step in the right direction by being here.

Let’s get into it.

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In A Rush?

  My Top Pick: Best Top End: Best For Extras: Best Buy On A Budget: Best Value:
Brand JTX Life Fitness Sole JLL Spirit
Model Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike SB 900 IC400 Pro CU800
Photo F3
Resistance Friction Resistance 26 levels Magnetic Resistance Magnetic Resistance 40 levels
Max. Weight 135 kg 182 kg 135 kg 150 kg 204 kg
Assembled Dimensions 132L x 51W x 122H cm 105L x 62W x 138H cm 106.5L x 53.8W x 102.5H cm 130L x 54W x 145H cm 107L x 53.3W x 134.6H cm
           
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My Top Pick:

JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike

Key features

  • Fully commercial specification exercise bike
  • Heavy-duty steel frame
  • JTX SPD clip-in pedals
  • Choice for flat pedals or toe clips
  • Large 25Kg perimeter max traction flywheel
  • Advanced cycling computer
  • Wireless heart rate measurement
  • Horizontal and vertical adjustment for seat
  • Ergonomic multi-position handlebars
  • Lifetime JTX Fitness frame warranty. 3-year in-home repair warranty or 1-year commercial use warranty.
Pros
  • Outstanding warranty
  • Great adjustability for personalised riding experience
  • Ergonomic components for streamlined focus
  • Infinite levels of resistance making your workouts truly tailored to your preferences
  • Sturdy frame due to build mechanics and material usage
Cons
  • Not the sleekest looking
  • Heavy build making it more difficult to move

Overview

Want to know the reason why this is my top pick? The adjustability and sturdiness. With aspects of this bike focussing on adjustability, like the horizontal and vertical seat adjustments or the multi-grip handlebars, you can really make this machine feel like yours. Not only does it feel like yours, but it also offers a great deal of personal safety and posture preferences. Through moulding the bike around your posture, you can ensure that your position is keeping you fit and healthy in order to lose weight and continue your fitness journey harm free.

The sturdiness of this bike is the other reason; for those buying a new bike, it can be hard to avoid the frames that are cheaply made or deceitfully light. When I first started out, I needed safety, I needed reassurance, and I needed to know that I wasn’t going to be risking my physical health as well as my wallet.

Once you’ve settled in and realised how comfy this machine is, you’ll probably notice the words ‘infinite resistance’ in the manual. With a heavy 25 kg flywheel weight (great for smooth and quiet rides and a realistic bike feel), you can adjust the crank until you reach full resistance. Basically, you’re able to crank up the power as much as you want until you can’t physically spin anymore. Why is this good? Because you tailor the resistance level to exactly how you want it to be, unrestricted by pre-set levels that may not be to your liking.

As far as an indoor cycling bike that’s going to help you lose weight is concerned, this will do the job and more. Remember to check its console and tech features, too, as these can really enhance your workout.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike here.


Best Top End Exercise Bike:

Life Fitness Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike with Discover SE3 HD LCD Console

Key Features

  • Wide height range
  • Strong minimum RPM of 30
  • Self-powered console
  • Touch screen technology
  • Generator drive system
  • Multi-ribbed belt drive
  • Crank adjustments
  • Telemetry
  • Interchangeable seat
  • Wide ride pedals
  • Pedal size – 6.56 x 5.5″
  • Pedal straps
  • Integrated accessories holder
Pros
  • Single-stage drive with self-tensioning idlers for minimal mechanical drag and low maintenance
  • Great warranty variation
  • Good range of resistance levels for varied workouts
  • Strong adjustability options
  • Changeable parts
Cons
  • No remote buttons
  • No stretching platform

Overview

Before we get in between the specs here, I want to start off this overview with a summary as to why this bike is great – its dimensions, components, build style, and features are all tailored towards comfort and physical accommodation, and if you’re just starting to lose weight, or even well down the line then a bike like this is always a benefit.

Not all exercise bikes good for weight loss are great for posture. But the Life Fitness Integrity Series Stationary bike features an amazing amount of comfort components. From the wide ride pedals and pedals straps to an entirely interchangeable seat, this bike specialises in making you feel at home. And if you’re in it for the long haul, then you’ll want comfort that lasts, so it’s a good job the Life Fitness entry has been made with life span in mind.

I wouldn’t be surprised if other future brands begin to model their entries around this, but not because of the frame, comfort feature or adjustability – because of the HD console.

Digital inclusions like the discover SE3HD Console screen give room for a whole new way of growing your fitness levels, and this is just one reason that the Integrity Series hits the mark. With vivid high definition, the console creates a consistently captivating experience every time. Inviting experiences that enhance your workout with ease should always be worth considering for any bike manufacturer, and with engaging layouts, this bike becomes more than just a machine – this is a fitness hub and one that you should consider purchasing.

An absolute unit in the upper echelon of indoor cycles and one that’s worth every penny.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Life Fitness Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike with Discover SE3 HD LCD Console here.


Best For Extras:

Sole SB 900 Exercise Bike

Key Features

  • 22kg Flywheel
  • Magnetic resistance
  • Handle bars adjust vertically and horizontally
  • Seat adjusts vertically and horizontally
  • Gel seat for comfort
  • Toe strap and SPD clip pedals
  • Integrated console
  • Re-chargeable console battery (2.5 hrs/Lasts 110-120 hours)
  • Tablet and Smartphone holder
  • User Weight 21.2 stone (135kg)
  • Size L x 106.5cm W x 53.8cm H x 102.5cm (42” x 21” x 40”)
Pros
  • Superior seat technology for endurance level comfort
  • Great integration options with tablet holder, smartphone holder and fleshed-out console
  • Advanced level looks with sleek and modern finish
  • Great warranty and price tag for value-added maximising
  • Trusty brand with years in the game for reliability and buyer confidence
Cons
  • Light commercial equipment only for some
  • Console lacks variety

Overview

Some of us don’t want others to know about the moves we’re making to become healthier. I agree with this; it’s your journey, and while it’s good to be held accountable, telling anyone and everyone about your journey can lead to upset. Personally, I don’t even want people to hear me working out, so it’s a good job this machine’s flywheel and belt system make for an incredibly quiet ride.

But I don’t want to be too quiet here, especially when it comes to extras.

You may not want to dive straight into high-intensity interval training, perhaps you just want to discover what will help you to stay motivated in the first place. Features like tablet holders, on-demand classes, built-in screens, optional chest straps and so on can really be used in combination to find perfection. But beyond the optional chest strap or toe strap and SPD clip pedals, what’s really bringing that extra feeling?

The console.

Displaying workout info, even with your integrated tablet holder if you want, is an absolute must in the modern world. But to achieve optimal results with a console on a bike then, you need to do a few things, and given the limitations of super lightweight, small-sized equipment, it’s safe to say that Sole Fitness have. With a small yet effective display, the console displays to you the following readings – Time, Speed, Calories, RPM, Watts, Heart Rate, and Distance. It doesn’t have any fancy programmes, but it doesn’t need to.

It’s a stellar bike with fitness as the focus and a lightweight approach to come with it. Never stop being extra.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Sole SB 900 Exercise Bike here.


Best Buy On A Budget:

JLL IC400 Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike

Key Features

  • Resistance – Magnetic resistance
  • Flywheel – 22 KG flywheel 
  • Belt – Direct belt-driven system
  • Monitor – LCD display that tracks distance, time, speed, calories burned, and heart rate 
  • Crank – Strong 3-piece crank system
  • Seat – Both horizontal and height adjustments are available 
  • Handlebars – Ergonomic design that allows for horizontal and vertical adjustments 
  • Pedals – SPD compatible and comes with foot straps
  • Maximum user weight – 150 KG
  • Dimensions – 130 cm x 54 cm x 145 cm 
  • Item weight – 59KG
Pros
  • Smooth & adjustable magnetic resistance system
  • Heavy-duty flywheel for added value and smooth ride qualities
  • Rubber direct-belt design for less maintenance
  • Ergonomic & adjustable handlebars for ease and comfort
  • Large display monitor to track time, distance, speed, calories & pulse rate
Cons
  • Some users found that assembling the seat is a little tricky
  • The durability of the pedals could be better

Overview

As opposed to some of the other entries on this list, the JLL IC400 Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike prides itself on balance. What balance? The balance of affordability and quality.

Besides the quality of the frame, durability of components, and great adjustability all round, quality can manifest in different ways. For this entry, quality can be seen mostly for beginners. The included workout programs, for example, are ideal for newbies. If you’re struggling with how to start exercising with an indoor bike, you can select one of the programs whilst training that is included to be given some guidance and partake in a challenging workout. You can also easily keep track of your workout statistics by looking at the large monitor that has been fitted. 

Some may be concerned about the quality of the build, given the quality of the price tag. Well, I’m pleased to announce that this build isn’t just robust, it’s durable and long-lasting too. So, with the adjustable seat, dual-sided pedals, comfortable cardio workouts and great weight capacity, this indoor cycle isn’t far from upping its class. Definitely consider this on a budget.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the JLL IC400 Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike here.


Best Value:

Spirit CU800 Upright Exercise Bike

Key Features

  • Self-generating
  • Wide dual spring seat
  • Oversized foot pedals with fast latching system
  • 40 Levels of resistance
  • Water bottle holder
  • Contact heart rate monitoring
  • Optional telemetric heart rate monitoring.
  • 13.6kg Flywheel
  • Product Weight 52kg
  • Max User Weight  32.1Stone (204 kg)
  • Warranty – 3 years parts and labour
Pros
  • Strong frame build and classic aesthetics
  • Great console heart rate monitoring
  • Self-generating power
  • No application form online
  • Great deals around for UK residents
Cons
  • Chest strap sold separately
  • Large blue led matrix might be off-putting for some

Overview

Now for our more mid-range entry, and just because it’s last on the list doesn’t mean it’s the worst.

With longer workouts, a great max user weight capacity, and racing bike qualities – you don’t need spinning classes to push yourself here.

And with the high levels of resistance, you don’t even need all 40 to lose weight, but weight loss options are always great to have, which is exactly why the Spirit CU800 is on this list.

With a sturdy look, it’s safe to say what’s happening underneath reflects that. The heavy-duty, heavy gauge High Strength steel is a great choice as build materials for a bike. It lasts, it’s affordable, and most of all – it makes you feel comfortable when making use of all 40 levels of resistance. But power isn’t just strength, there’s power in intelligent design too.

The self-generating power source for the console is great, it’s economic and reflects the design intent of the manufacturers. It saves money, hassle with unplugging, hazards with wires and just makes me feel like I’ve made a smart purchasing decision.

Oversized foot pedals with a fast latching system help me to feel safe too, and if I feel safe, I obviously feel like I’m adding to that smart purchase decision.

All round, this bike feels like a sensible buy but with killer looks and great attention to detail. I’m going to be burning calories and losing weight with comfort of mind on the Spirit CU800 Upright Exercise Bike.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Spirit CU800 Upright Exercise Bike here.


Conclusion

Cardiovascular health, upper body workouts, losing weight with speed, it all sounds a little much sometimes.

But just like a worker tasked with something hard, there are always the tools and assistance for the job. From live classes (cycling classes) to a built-in screen giving instant fitness feedback, make sure that the bike you buy is equally as useful as its tech.

Nobody wants to discover that the machine they’ve bought is actually getting in the way of losing weight, causing damage or, at the end of the day, was a waste of hard-earned money.

Stationary cycling is a sure-fire way to stay in shape and reach your fitness goals.

Make sure you step one step further out of this article and into the world of cycling to make a real change now and find the best exercise bike to lose weight.


FAQ’S

What makes a premium bike?

When it comes to indoor cycling bikes, it’s not just the type, like recumbent bikes, for example, a recumbent exercise bike can be just as good as stationary bikes.

In reality, it’s down to the build, material usage, features, engineering quality… the list goes on.

Always look out for the specifics of a bike’s build to see if it’s worth the price tag.

Are home exercise bikes better than club fitness ones?

Upright bikes, stationary bikes or air bikes, it doesn’t matter on the type, you can find both at home or in health clubs.

While some machines are definitely suited for home use and others for health club use, there’s nothing to say that they can’t be interchanged – it’s all about space and both will serve the user in one way or another.


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