Best exercise bike under £200

Best exercise bike under £200


Recumbent exercise bikes, folding exercise bikes, upright bikes – finding the best budget exercise bike for you.

We’re on a budget. We all have limitations. But we work hard to earn money so can buy things we want. Today, we’re not looking at the gold-plated, premium listed indoor bikes of the internet, no. Today, we’re being a bit more realistic and realising that in order to lose weight, reach our fitness goals, and stay as healthy as we can be, all we need to do is spend under £200.

Seriously? You can get some great equipment for next to nothing. We wouldn’t be listing these well-known brands and models on our site if you couldn’t. From styles like the recumbent exercise bike to the affordable spinning bike, we can find a host of hidden gems, and yes, we still don’t need an overpriced gym membership.

As always, I hope this review gives you a clearer idea of what you want, or preferably we find your hidden gem straight away. Foldable exercise bikes, affordable exercise bikes, recumbent bikes – if all of this is spinning you out and you don’t know what you’re looking for yet, then I’m here to help clear the way.

These affordable bikes have an array of innovative tech inclusions and superior engineering. From a magnetic resistance system to an intuitive flywheel weight, let’s get into why these bikes aren’t just affordable but also quality.

Saddle up.

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In A Rush?

  Best Dripex: Alternative Best Dripex: Best JLL: Alternative Best JLL: Best Recumbent JLL:
Brand Dripex Dripex JLL JLL JLL
Model Upright Exercise Bike Magnetic Resistance (2022 version) JF100 JF150 RE100
Photo F3
Resistance Infinite Magnetic Resistance 10 Levels (magnetic) 8 Levels (magnetic) Air Resistance
Max. Weight 330 lb 135 kg 100 kg 100 kg 100 kg
Assembled Dimensions 102L x 52.5W x 102H cm 101.5L x 50.5W x 104.5H cm 62L x 51W x 120H cm 95L x 49W x 132H cm 140L x 60W x 82H cm
PRICE* £159.99 £189.99 £149.99 £169.99 £159.99
           
Check Prices
*Prices correct at the time of writing

Best Dripex Exercise Bike Under £200:

Dripex Upright Exercise Bike (Indoor Studio Cycles) (£159.99)

Key features

  • Item Dimensions: 102 L x 52.5 W x 102 H
  • Item Weight: 28 Kgs
  • Maximum Weight: 330 pounds
  • Belt Drive System
  • Multi-functional LCD Display
  • Adjustable & Leather Cycling Saddle
  • Adjustable Anti-skid Cage Pedals
  • Large Bidirectional Flywheel
  • Emergency Stop Brake
  • Infinite resistance
  • Heart Rate Sensors
  • Front Foot Tube Wheels
Pros
  • Suitable for multiple users
  • Infinite resistance helps target main muscle groups.
  • Sturdy and durable construction to last long
  • Multifunctional digital monitor
  • Unbelievably smooth and quiet ride
Cons
  • Does not comes with a bottle or tablet holder
  • The LCD display is not backlit

Overview

When it comes to an indoor studio, you want bikes that you can afford, rely on, and keep anyone in that studio safe. That’s exactly why the Dripex Upright Exercise Bike is on this list. Oh, and not to mention the fact that it accommodates for multiple users.

The infinite resistance of this bike makes for endless value too. What I mean by that is that you can tune this machine to any resistance you want until you literally can’t spin anymore. This type of deep personalisation is a far cry from the now-dated sequential crank turning that a lot of old bikes feature – it just gives you more specificity in the resistance department and more precision in your workout regimes.

Worried about cheaper bikes and safety? Don’t be, this bike is equipped with numerous safety features to ensure a comfortable and safe workout experience. For example, the anti-skid pedal allows you full control over your movements while riding and accessing this bike. There’s nothing worse than sustaining unnecessary injuries before you’ve even started working out, so it’s great to see that even on affordable models, this level of safety. In short, it will prevent you from losing momentum, keep you unscathed, and let you focus on what you should be – your workout.

This is a great-looking modern bike, perfect for a suite and perfect for the aesthetics of most areas. Definitely give it a thought.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Dripex Upright Exercise Bike (indoor studio cycles) here.


An Alternative Best Dripex Exercise Bike Under £200:

Dripex Magnetic Resistance Indoor Exercise Bike (2022 Upgraded Version) (£189.99)

Key Features

  • Item Dimension: 101.5 L x 50.5 W x 104.5 H centimetres
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds/135 KG
  • Material: High-Density Steel & Soft Foam
  • Transmission Mode: Belt Drive
  • Resistance Mode: Magnetic Resistance
  • Heavy-Duty Flywheel
  • Adjustable Handlebar
  • Multi-Function LCD Monitor
  • Phone Holder
  • Transportation Wheels
  • Pulse Sensor
  • Emergency Brake
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • No maintenance required
  • Adjustable seat and handlebar make it suitable for various user heights
  • Smooth and quiet belt drive system
  • Comfortable seat cushion
Cons
  • No mention of a warranty in the user manual
  • LCD does not display multiple stats together

Overview

Still fancy a Dripex? Then this is the next best thing in the sequence. They’re a great brand with a focus on safety, intuitive magnetic resistance features, and, to be informal… great-looking bikes.

The most notable thing about this bike, other than the very affordable price, of course, is the heavy-duty flywheel weight. To keep it simple, this features gives you a heavy road bike feel, making for realistic resistance and a hard workout if you so wish. A spin bike with a light flywheel weight doesn’t always feel right for everyone, it can often result in a louder riding experience, too, so look out for heavier flywheel weights for a smooth ride with minimal noise output.

From the transport wheels to the comfortable riding seat, this bike is accessible, comfy, safe and generally easy to use. The adjustable resistance again gives you more variation as to your workout and helps to ground you, the rider, to the machine.

Above all, you get adjustable handlebars and seat on this exercise bike. While the handlebar can be adjusted up to 5 levels, the large air-permeable seat is adjustable up to 11 levels. When you look at all of these amazing features, the Dripex bike seems like a steal at this price.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Dripex Magnetic Resistance Indoor Exercise Bike (2022 Upgraded Version) here.


Best JLL Exercise Bike Under £200:

JLL JF100 Home Exercise Bike (£149.99)

Key Features

  • Resistance – 10 levels of resistance with a magnetic system
  • Flywheel – 4 KG two-way design
  • Adjustable Seat – 7 height adjustment levels
  • Electronic Monitor
  • Handlebars – 360-degree adjustability & comes with pulse sensors
  • Pedals – Strap adjustments with 5 options
  • Max user weight – 100 KG
  • Dimensions – 62cm x 51cm x 120cm
  • Monitor – Electronic LCD monitor
Pros
  • 360-degree adjustable handlebars
  • 10 levels of magnetic resistance
  • Smooth riding experience
  • Excellent toe cage design
  • Easy-to-read monitor
  • Minimal maintenance
Cons
  • Some users have been disappointed with how the bike doesn’t fold
  • People over 6 feet tall may feel uncomfortable while riding

Overview

Another absolute steal. If you’re not in the game for aesthetics, then this is the quintessential minimalist machine going. It might be far from a realistic riding experience, but it does more than enough in the engineering department to help keep you fit and healthy whilst saving space and money.

If you’re a rider like me, who may be a little worried as to the integrity of these machines’ frames, then please don’t give it another thought. All of these machines are sturdily built with safety in mind, and the JLL JF100 is no different. When trying to find exercise bikes, safety comes first. With features like toe-caged, non-slip pedals and a seriously sturdy steel frame, this machine weighs up to other home cardio machines of a higher price range – you’ll be safe and focussed on what you need to do.

When it comes to magnetic resistance, you get a nice range of 10 levels to sweat over. It might not be infinite, but trust me, it’s enough. You don’t need a realistic ride experience or fancy inclusions like hand pulse sensors, or even a fancy bike like the Ultrasport F bike to push yourself, you need a well-built machine that’s going to serve you well.

To top the build (literally), the monitor provides you with all of the details about your workout that you need to know. The speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate can all be seen while cycling. You can record these stats and use them to create goals to achieve and improve your fitness.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the JLL JF100 Home Exercise Bike here.


An Alternative Best JLL Exercise Bike Under £200:

JLL JF150 Upright Exercise Bike (in Blue or Red) (£169.99)

Key Features

  • Resistance – 8 levels of magnetic resistance 
  • Crank – Durable 3-piece crank system
  • Monitor – LCD monitor that tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate
  • Flywheel – Two-way 5 KG flywheel
  • Pedals – 5 strap adjustments available
  • Handlebars – Built-in pulse sensors and 360-degree adjustability 
  • Seat – 7 seats height adjustment levels available
  • Transport – Wheels built-in
Pros
  • Durable steel frame & build quality
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance
  • Built-in heart rate sensor plates
  • LCD monitor
  • 7 seat height adjustment levels
Cons
  • Some users found that the pedals create noise
  • Adjusting the tension cable during assembly can be trick

Overview

One obvious factor of this brilliantly developed machine is the sleek look. This should never be underestimated when it comes to value. Think about your car or even your home for a second; the difference that an eye-catching design can make is often tenfold, I’m certainly more motivated when my home, my car or anything I own is in check.

But good looks are one thing. As we all know, it’s what’s on the inside that counts…

The JL JF150 has a host of adjustability and comfort features to help you exercise. The 5 straps for pedal comfort and the 360 degree (yes, 360 degree) handlebar adjustments leaves you winning from all angles. The seat should be mentioned here, too; 7 seat height adjustments gives you a healthy range to optimise your riding position through, which reminds us – comfort isn’t just nice, it’s essential to a healthy fitness lifestyle.

Nobody else should have to suffer for that lifestyle either, when I look at most exercise bikes or fitness equipment, I think, ‘noisy’. Thankfully, unlike the classic affordable exercise bike, this indoor cycling bike makes very little noise. How? Due to the high-grade rubber belt and lightweight frame. It’s simple – this bike is quiet, smooth, modern and sturdy, if you can think of a reason to leave this bike here, then fair enough, but as a gym reviewer, I can’t see any deal-breaking factors here.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the JLL JF150 Upright Exercise Bike here.


Best Recumbent JLL Exercise Bike Under £200:

JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike (£159.99)

Key Features

  • Resistance – Magnetic resistance for smooth and quiet restriction
  • Flywheel – 5 KG flywheel 
  • Belt – Direct belt-driven system
  • Monitor – LCD display that shows the time, distance, speed, calories burned, wattage, and heart rate 
  • Crank – Strong 3-piece crank system
  • Adjustable Seat – Horizontal adjustments are available 
  • Handlebars – Built-in pulse sensor plates
  • Pedals – Adjustable toe straps 
  • Transport – Built-in wheels 
  • Max weight limit – 100 KG
Pros
  • Smooth magnetic resistance system
  • Durable rubber belt
  • Quiet flywheel
  • Easy-to-read monitor displays speed, time, distance, calories, and pulse rate
  • Built-in pulse sensor plates
Cons
  • Handlebars are placed a little too low for some users
  • Pedals aren’t as durable as some were expecting

Overview

Okay, so it’s not the most exciting of words to use, but this bike scream accessibility. Because we’re not five years old anymore and don’t like to be excited (right?), we look for new ways to satisfy our thirsts. Namely, having a well-built, easy-to-ride machine that helps me to sustain cardiovascular performance AND reduce the probability of joint pain, muscle tear or tension, well… it’s exciting to me.

While some may desire a folding exercise bike, others want something with a low profile. Most recumbent exercise bikes could be described as low profile, but the RE100 tops the list for me. Remember, the best exercise bike for you might not even be on the list of best exercise bikes for others. However, if you value 8 levels of magnetic resistance, a solid magnetic braking system, a simple but effective monitor and a machine that’s built for safety, then you won’t be needing a list at all.

Unlike an upright bike, this design favours a more relaxed approach to riding. However, with recumbent exercise bikes, there’s often more room for endurance and long-range riding as a result. Because you don’t have to think about peripheral fatigue or extraneous strain, you can keep pedalling for longer, keep that heart rate up, and that calories burned counter ticking.

A great bike with a great design that looks a little 80s but feels a little futuristic. Definitely give this one a look over.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike here.


Conclusion

Another great list with hopefully an equally great read. I love reviewing equipment because it’s what I’m curious about, and to dive deep into the world of gym equipment is like reading a book that was written for me. While I hope you’re equally as curious here, I objectively know that any or one of these bikes will benefit you, interested or not. Staying fit has been so important in my own lifestyle that I can only scream (as loud as possible) that it help’s everyone, it’s the way we’re designed. And who’s to say we have to splash out on things that were made for us?

From the best folding exercise bike to a recumbent bike with full body workout potential, there’s a sea for us to swim through. With these reviews, however, I hope we can cut that swim short. Be sure to follow your instincts and check over a bike that suits you. Weigh up the pros and the cons of your best exercise bike under 200 and make the right purchase today.


FAQ’S

What is classed as a very affordable price for an indoor cycle?

It all depends, really. There are so many factors involved, but generally, the price range we’ve looked at today is ‘very affordable’, and while the variety and relativity of products on the market does make for fluctuating ‘affordable’ mark, cheap is cheap, no matter how you look at it.

Why does flywheel weight matter?

Flywheel weight is important for a few factors. Namely, the feel of the riding experience weight of the product (of course) and the quietness of the ride. A smoother ride often stems from a heavier weight; less flux in motion is a good thing, and lighter flywheels tend to produce more micro-movements. Secondly, a heavier flywheel weight makes for a great experience relative to realism. If you want a more serious ride, look for heavier flywheel weights.

Is there a foldable exercise bike for under £200?

There is indeed, in fact, we review 5 of the best foldable bike, all of which are under £200


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