Best Exercise Bike Without Subscription

Best exercise bike without subscription


Finding the best exercise bikes built for straight-up cycling, no subscription distractions

The modern world is filled with sign-ups, subscriptions, and data plans. While the enhancing world of technology can work wonders for you, sometimes, you just want to get on with whatever you’re doing.

Recumbent bikes, upright bikes, air bikes – they can all come with top-quality apps that require subscriptions, but do they really help your game, and can you live without them?

For a lot of us, the answer to the above is absolutely 100% yes, and in fact, not only can we live without but we could ‘do without them’ too. Personally, when I look for a bike, I look to see how it performs. Features and factors like build quality, magnetic resistance levels, ergonomic components and bike adjustability/comfort should all take precedence. There’s no reason as to why we should get bogged down with subscriptions.

You might notice indoor cycle brands boasting iFit memberships, mobile device compatibility and on-demand classes. Most of these centre around subscription or app downloads, so if you’ve been undeniably put off by the idea of paying extra for subscriptions, then you’ll be pleased to hear that this list covers indoor bikes with pure ride focus, saving you hassle, time, and money.

Let’s get into finding the best exercise bike without subscription for you.

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In A Rush?

  My Top Pick: Best Top End: Best Entry Level: Best For Style: BEST FOR UNDER £1K:
Brand Spirit Life Fitness Sole Nohrd JTX
Model CU800 Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike B94 Upright Exercise Bike Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike
Photo F3
Resistance 40 levels 26 Levels 20 levels n/a Friction Resistance
Max. Weight 204 kg 182 kg 136 kg 200 kg 135 kg
Assembled Dimensions 107L x 53.3W x 134.6H cm 105L x 62W x 138H cm 123L x 58W x 152H cm 215H x 40W x 20Depth cm 132L x 51W x 122H cm
           
Check Prices

My Top Pick:

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.
  • Frame heavy-Gauge, High-Steel, durable powder coat paint finish.
  • 13.6kg Flywheel
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

The Spirit CU800 is the perfect example of an indoor cycle that focuses on the fundamentals. With a sturdy build, 40 levels of resistance, a wide dual spring seat and oversized foot pedals with a fast latching system, you can be sure that what you’re riding falls into the upper echelon of hardware quality.

From a more serious riding position to heavy-gauge, high-steel, durable powder coat paint finish. The CU800 offers a professional riding experience with a focus on long-lasting and industry-pinnacle components. Simply put, if you want to lose weight, improve or sustain cardiovascular health and better your endurance abilities, then the CU800 is the bike for you.

But this indoor bike doesn’t just have brawn, it has brains too…

The self-generator-powered console and entire unit are obvious points here too. It saves money, hassle with unplugging, hazards with wires and just makes you feel like you’ve made a smart purchasing decision. So, with hassle-free components, an economic and thought-free powering system, and a range of adjustability features, the CU800 remains the bike choice for sports goers.

A brilliant entry with a pure focus on quality and fitness focus. Buy this machine if you’re after a serious feeling ride.

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


Best Top End Home Exercise Bike (this is the daddy of all the bikes!):

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
  • Improved comfort curve seat
  • Interchangeable seat
  • Wide ride pedals
  • Pedal straps
  • Integrated accessories holder
Pros
  • Enhanced data readings from Telemetry
  • Great warranty variation
  • Good range of resistance levels for varied workouts
  • Strong adjustability options
  • Changeable parts
Cons
  • No remote buttons
  • No stretching platform

Overview

Sometimes we’re not just after the tiny details or searching for a bike with something super specific. Sometimes, we want something that ticks every box on a seemingly endless list.

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

Noticing the hefty price tag for this product, you may be wary that what you have to splash isn’t going to equate to the impact you expect. Thankfully, with a comprehensive approach to indoor cycle design, this entry should trample that fear in a 2-minute read.

So what’s so good here?

From an engineering perspective, well, it’s Life Fitness. Extensive research goes into these machines. With a comfortable ride, easy adjustment option, wide pedals, limited maintenance and ergonomic racing handlebars, I just can’t see this machine failing on the build side, especially with a boasting of low maintenance components.

However, what makes this bike really shine isn’t the interchangeable parts, isn’t the great warranty – it’s the console. While we want to focus on fitness without thinking too much about wider digital technology, thankfully, you don’t have to. The console is packed with superb on-demand classes, advanced telemetry and data reading, and personalisation that can make this bike truly feel like an extension of you.

An excellent pick for those wanting the best of builds, workout enhancements and superior riding feel. Check it out more now.

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 Entry Level Home Exercise Bike For Beginners / Intermediate Cyclists:

Sole B94 Upright Exercise Bike

Key Features

  • 1-20 Resistance levels
  • Foot pedals with 2-degree inward slope
  • 9kg Flywheel
  • Console 9″ LCD Display
  • Cooling fan
  • Integrated Bluetooth Speakers
  • MP3/Apple connectivity
  • USB Charging
  • Tablet/Smartphone Holder
  • Multi-Position Hand Grips
  • Bluetooth compatible
  • Contact heart rate monitoring
Pros
  • Great build life for added value
  • Carefully considered extras for user satisfaction
  • Entertainment options to keep you motivated
  • Heavy build qualities for a harder workout option
  • Great user weight capacity
Cons
  • Heavy duty aesthetics and feel, some may prefer a lighter ride
  • No self-balancing pedals – can be frustrating for those wanting absolute ease

Overview

If the fundamentals are ticked, like the build quality and component dexterity, what else is there to look for? How else can we justify buying an indoor cycle with a reasonably large price tag?

Well, the Sole B94 features one of the best extras lists I’ve ever witnessed on a bike. While you can stay well away from signing up for a subscription if you enjoy staying motivated with entertainment features like MP3 connectivity, integrated Bluetooth speakers, MP3/Apple connectivity, USB charging, and a tablet/smartphone holder, then suddenly the price tag seems a little more modest.

With the ability to enhance your fitness lifestyle with a meticulously varied set of features, what is it that you’re actually using that motivation on?

Sole Fitness are renowned for robust and resistant builds. The heavy-duty steel components are used with precision. They’re also used in conjunction with a lightweight frame design, namely through well-engineered tubing and aluminium shrouds. In short, this fine balance results in a sturdy machine that can still be easily moved if needed.

With an Eddy current brake, foot pedals with a 2-degree inward slope and a modest but well-built 9kg flywheel, you can be sure that this bike is for those who enjoy long-lasting components with a blend of light and heavy ride feels.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Sole B94 Upright Exercise Bike here.


Best For Style (for 2022 home exercise bike):

Nohrd Upright Exercise Bike (5 x colour options)

Key Features

  • Available in various woods
  • Bluetooth technology
  • Perfectly weighted flywheel
  • Precise planetary gearing system
  • Solid wooden and steel frame
  • Fold over handlebars to accommodate a wooden table for workstation option
  • Optional seat with backrest.
  • No console – uses handheld devices only
  • Rubber wheels for manoeuvrability
  • Suitable for body height range 160cm – 200cm
  • Maximum user weight 31.5 stone (200kg)
  • Floor space 80cm x 60cm
Pros
  • Incredible space-saving design (o.44 sq meters)
  • Unique look and feel with an array of inviting finish options
  • Precision engineering from industry-leading manufacturers
  • Brilliantly balanced flywheel relative to frame providing a balanced workout and keeping you safe
Cons
  • Unique look may only be for some
  • No console

Overview

In a sea of expectedness, a unique entry can speak a thousand words. While the other entries in this list all perform brilliantly, they do adopt a more uniformed approach to bike aesthetics.

With the Nohrd Upright Bike, however, uniqueness isn’t exclusive to looks.

With a delicate blend of solid wood and heavy steel and a variety of wood options to choose from, this machine looks great. Indoor cycling bikes can always benefit from a unique look – motivation, and home gym blending are important too. But to test exercise bikes for their true quality, you have to see what’s underneath.

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. With a focus on life span, component integrity, and small but smart features, this machine is a welcomed addition to any home gym or health club set-up. To top this, you get a brilliantly balanced flywheel relative to frame build, which provides a balanced workout and keeps your posture optimised.

The setting disc allows for infinitely variable resistance. How? In essence, think about turning a clock – the only difference is that time is finite. When you crank the resistance settings up, unrestricted by stages of resistance (every mm turned is a resistance level up) you’ll be able to keep turning to your desired workout intensity until you can’t spin anymore.

Proving that there’s more than meets the eye, the Nohrd Upright Bike has it all. A brilliantly balanced and integral stationary bike.

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


Best For Under 1K (2022’s best home exercise bike for under £1000):

JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike (£789)

Key Features

  • High-intensity cardio workout
  • Multi-position handlebars
  • Extra large steel frame
  • A dual pedal system with spd cleats
  • Quadri set adjustment system
  • Built-in heart rate receiver
  • 25kg perimeter-weighted flywheel
  • Advanced training computer
  • Dual bottle holder
  • Solid tablet holder
  • Heart rate monitor
Pros
  • Extremely smooth ride
  • Outstanding warranty
  • Complete stability during intense workouts
  • Integrated hand pulse sensors
  • Ideal for intensive studio bike training
Cons
  • No backlit on the display, which makes it a little hard to read

Overview

A heavy-hitting entry is exactly the type of bike that some will revel on. Sturdy, robust, resistant and long-lasting – if you want a true investment, then why not check out the JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike?

The JTX Cyclo studio bike also has a 25kg perimeter weighted flywheel that provides an extremely smooth and quiet ride. It also gives infinite resistance allowing you to do challenging workouts without losing the pace. You can also switch between low levels of resistance to intervals, hills, and sprints. This means that this indoor cycling bike can be a good source of high cardio training.

Combine the above power options with ergonomic multi-position handelbars, comfortable pedals and a very well-built seat – you don’t just get power you get comfort too. The cushioned seat is portably secured using the quick-release bolts that make movement effortless. With JTX fitness, you’re assured to have the most comfortable ride without losing momentum either. And if you want to retain momentum mid-ride, then you can take advantage of the easy adjustments overall. Both handlebar and seat adjust vertically and horizontally, allowing the bike to move easily. It helps in creating the perfect alignment and posture via bespoke configuration, helping the user to improve their overall fitness effectively.

A great bike for those wanting something reliable, affordable, and well-built. Follow this one up if you’re interested.

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


Conclusion

There you have it, a comprehensive list of top-quality bikes for the purists among us. From brilliantly designed fundamentals, like frame quality or seat type, to convenient extras that help enhance our fitness routines without having to sign up to a single thing.

If you’re reading this far then I’d guess that you might still be in two minds, and you don’t need a domyos basic exercise bike to fulfil your quality needs. Beyond being a little more clued up on the world of indoor cycles, I hope this list has taken you one spin closer to finding the right bike for you.

To recap, if you want a quality bike, sturdy heavy-duty build that lasts for a lifetime, then the JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike could be for you. If you’d like to equip your lifestyle with what’s essentially a mixed bag of all the top-notch features a bike can come with, then maybe the Life Fitness Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike with Discover SE3 HD LCD Consoleis the right pick for you. Either way, you know what you want, so make the right buying decision for your fitness lifestyle, and always remember – Your health is worth it.

Until the next time.


FAQ’S

Is there a difference between home exercise bikes and commercial-grade equipment?

Home exercise bikes can often be lighter but filled with more home entertainment extras. Commercial grade equipment can be generally more expensive as a focus on quality build, and customer option is needed. A peloton bike, however, can be used for both, so don’t underestimate crossing worlds here.

Should I be wary of today’s best deals?

If you want a great indoor exercise bike, today’s best deals are definitely worth a look. Some deals may be a little less reasonable than you think, so be careful but never ignore the potential for a great deal if one’s being advertised. Make sure to be careful as occasionally a deal opens in new tab.


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