Best Exercise Bike

Best Exercise Bike


Finding the cream of the crop for pioneering exercise bikes

Some of the best products exist, within reach, and in front of your very own eyes. Often, all we have to do is glance to witness all that the market can offer, and the world of exercise equipment is no different.

However, this isn’t always a good thing. Let me explain. When all that we could want is laid out in front of us, displayed so we can assess each and every inch, we’re not always a step closer to finding THE one, we’re a step closer to finding slightly different versions of the same desirable thing. This is frustrating.

Our answer? Buyers guides. They’re essential in weighing up the options for you. You know why you’re here; to buy the right bike. Finding the right bike here, however, takes a little bit of expertise and a simple 10-minute read.

Let’s break down what could be the best exercise bike from what we believe to be the absolute best of the bunch. A stationary bike with magnetic resistance, a peloton bike with a great max user weight, a recumbent exercise bike, a smart exercise bike… and we’ve not even touched on what these machines are made up of yet.

Thankfully, I’m here to make it easy. So let’s take a spin and break down the best bikes for you.

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In A Rush?

  My Top Pick: Best Top End: Best Entry Level Home: Best For Style: Best For Under 1K:
Brand NordicTrack Life Fitness Sole Nohrd JTX
Model Commercial S27i Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike B94 Upright Exercise Bike Cyclo Studio
Photo F3
Resistance Levels 24 Levels 26 Levels 20 Levels n/a n/a
Max. Weight 160 kg 182 kg 136 kg 200 kg 135 kg
Assembled Dimensions 145L x 71W x 165H cm 105L x 62W x 138H cm 123L x 58W x 152H cm 215H x 40W x 20Depth cm 124L x 54W x 122H cm
           
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My Top Pick (for a home exercise bike in 2022):

NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle

Key features

  • 27” Rotating & Tilting Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included
  • AutoAdjust™ Technology
  • HD Graphics with Processor Cooling
  • Dual 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • Quiet Drive Incline Tech
  • Android 9 OS
  • Bluetooth Headphone & Heart Rate Connectivity
  • Google Maps™ Workout Technology
  • 2-Sided SPD Pedals
  • 30W Premium Audio
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
Pros
  • Superior technology for enhanced workout, fitness tracking and entertainment systems.
  • Versatile components for variation and user consideration
  • Stable riding experience through the inertia-enhanced flywheel
  • Deluxe monitor can be used for workouts off of the machine
  • iFit membership trial to get a glimpse at the iFit enhanced workout options
Cons
  • No heart rate monitor included in original price
  • Expensive bike despite incredible monitor

Overview

I can’t stress enough how game-changing a single monitor can be. Yes, with spin bikes, we want to look for things like indoor bike suitability, road bike feel, adjustable riding position, and so on, but you can’t underestimate technology. The right monitor can be an absolute game changer. You don’t need to have a premium exercise bike to have on-demand classes, guided tracks, training regimes or an incredible list of data tracking. And that’s exactly what the NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio delivers, just look at the spec list – this is a tech-riddled bike and is the perfect example of how things are moving forward in the world of gym equipment.

But we can’t ignore the basics here. A bike isn’t a bike because of its screen.

The S27i has a host of brilliant onboard engineering features. With brilliantly designed ergonomics, durability features, adjustability features, and brilliant internal specs this bike doesn’t need a screen to be what it is. The ergonomic padded saddle is comfy but feels professional at the same time. The inertia-weighted flywheel makes for a smooth yet weighted ride, and the AutoBreeze fan keeps me cool when I’m reviewing these bikes…

Definitely give this one some thought, it’s at the top of this list for a reason.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle 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

  • Racing handlebars
  • Improved comfort curve seat
  • Interchangeable seat
  • Wide ride pedals
  • Pedal size – 6.56 x 5.5″
  • Pedal straps
  • Integrated accessories holder
  • Arctic silver – colour
  • Max user weight – 400 lb (182 kg)
  • Resistance levels – 26*
  • Single-stage drive with self-tensioning idlers for minimal mechanical drag and low maintenance
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

All in all, the word integrity is right. This machine is strong, stable, robust and varied. If you’re looking to add to a home gym or health club alike, then please consider this machine. Serious cyclists are always wanting the bare basics to be ride – and strong, stable, and robust are a few of the words they’re looking for. So, where does ‘varied’ come into play?

From an engineering perspective, well, it’s Life Fitness. Extensive research goes into these machines, and internet connectivity and the ability for streaming video aside, this fine-tuned bike is built to last. With a comfortable ride, easy adjustment option, wide pedals, limited maintenance and ergonomic racing handlebars, varied is an understatement.

Aesthetically, I love the look. It’s modest, simple and dexterous in its ability to fit into different environments. The bike also crowns the console, which also looks great, giving the high-definition screen an almost centre-piece-like feel.

Overall verdict? Buy this bike if you want something simple, well-built and easy to use. Its quality in technology (data tracking and telemetry) just makes it even better.

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
  • Crank Length 165mm (6.5″)
  • Console 9″ LCD Display
  • Cooling fan
  • Integrated Bluetooth Speakers
  • MP3/Apple connectivity
  • USB Charging
  • Max User Weight 21.5 Stone (136 kg)
  • Size L x 123cm W x 58cm H x 152cm (48.4″ x 22.8″ x 59.8″)
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

Sometimes stationary bikes can look like they give you a full-on full-body workout. While it’s not necessarily why we’re here, it’s certainly not a bad thing. In fact, the best exercise bikes are the ones that give you the best fundamentals and the ability to use it how you want to.

Introducing the Sole B94 Upright Exercise Bike (£999)

It’s hard to keep the conversation light with heavy-duty machines like this. With a 9Kg flywheel, reasonable user weight and a hard-hitting look, it’s safe to say this is a big machine for serious riders. But don’t let that put you off. Your workout routines will only benefit from the option to workout harder, and through being able to use smart devices whilst working out, and use the USB charging convenient tablet devices, then you still have the option of a comfortable but challenging workout.

I do want to stress that Sole Fitness themselves have declared that comfort is a massive part of their design. While this machine is heavy in nature, all high-quality cardiovascular equipment has to have an element of comfort, and the B94 ticks all of those boxes.

In comparison to the others on this list? It’s a heavy hitter, but it’ll keep you comfy and working out for as long as you can take all the same. A great bike from a great company for any and all riders.

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

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.

With five options for the wood finish, there’s no surprise you see this machine in titles like ‘today’s best deals.’ It’s eye-grabbing and would certainly make an interesting addition to most interior spaces. But indoor cycling is about option and comfort too, and I haven’t included this bike on this list just because it looks different. 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.

For the ultimate home cycling experience, for a unique and memorable ride, bikes like this are exactly what you want – they’re the first thing you’d see in a bike shop and the last thing you’d see when you leave. But what you might not notice are things like the steel frame, fold-over handlebars for a space-saving design plus, an optional seat with a backrest and the… oh yes, the no console.

I don’t believe the no console is an issue per se, but it would have been nice to see it. Either way, if you want to lose weight, stay in shape, push yourself to the limits and work out in any you want to… then you still can.

A natural entry in this list, you could say.

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

Key Features

  • Self-powered power source
  • Max user weight – 135 kg
  • Dimensions – ‎132 x 51 x 128 cm; 70 Kilograms
  • Clip in pedals
  • Large 25 kg perimeter weighted max traction flywheel
  • Advanced cycling computer
  • Horizontally and vertically adjusted handlebars
  • Dual water bottle holders
  • 3 years in home repair warranty, 1-year commercial use
  • Wireless heart rate measurement
Pros
  • Superior quality build
  • Fully commercial specs for high-quality purchase
  • Advanced computer for data tracking enhancements
  • Outstanding warranty
Cons
  • Clunkier look than most exercise bikes
  • Far from a road bike feel

Overview

This heavy-duty machine is a behemoth for its price. It has so many features that a premium listing would and costs half as much. Just because it’s at the bottom, don’t let that trick you into thinking it isn’t worth it. If there’s one word that crops up here, it’s durable. Look at it. The steel frame is a rock solid solution to making bikes last and while it looks a little tricky to move, moving on it is just easy as riding a real bike.

A spinning bike can be a little frustrating to use, but the JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike is as straightforward as they come. With an easy-to-use wireless heart monitor, superbly designed pedals and an excellent top-down brake mechanism, it’s hard to resist this one, peloton bike or not.

Indoor cycling couldn’t be easier with this entry. It’s ergonomic comfy, built to last and looks nice enough to blend into most environments. But the word of the day here is affordable. Some of us are here because we want to lose weight or stay in shape, and if that’s the only criteria, then make the choice to add this bike to your home now.

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


Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ve read through a list of some top bikes, and this might be the most varied list I’ve ever written. From streamlined natural-looking bikes to more clunky industrial-looking beasts, if you can’t find the bike you want or at least a direction to find more through, then I’d be surprised.

Upright exercise bikes, like the Life Fitness Integrity Series Standard, give you a serious ride with a relaxed positioning, and I dare say the Life Fitness model is the best recumbent exercise bike going. But maybe you’re looking for a cheaper and more to-the-point riding experience. In which case, JTX Cyclo Studio Commercial Indoor Training Bike will save you from calorie hoarding and save your wallet too. The choice is yours.

Otherwise, if you want the most elite bike going, then look for things like ‘the best smart exercise bike’ or ‘best premium exercise bike’. If you’re after something for a health club or spin classes, it might best serve you to look for ‘the best tech bikes of 2022’ or ‘best affordable bikes for gyms.’ The keys in the wording and keywords are important here.

From a domyos basic exercise bike to a premium recumbent bike, I’m hoping you’ve moved one step closer to purchasing the machine that will change your fitness lifestyle, keep you fit, healthy and motivated, and strike a balance between what you want and what you can economically justify. Just follow the appropriate affiliate link (which opens in new tab) and discover what more could be waiting.


FAQ’S

How do you yourself know what the best exercise bikes are?

I’ve been testing gym gear professionally for a long time now. I’ve been using equipment for even longer. With a host of knowledge and a genuine interest in gym equipment, I’ve come to love this side of the business. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative machinery and always want to share my knowledge with you – it makes me feel good, and if I can spread what I know myself is always a good move (fitness lifestyle…) then that’s always a plus.


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