Best Indoor Exercise Bikes

Best Indoor Exercise Bikes


Searching high and low for the best indoor cycling bike workouts and the best exercise bikes to achieve them.

Here we are; the cream of the crop awaits with a short and fruitful read. The world of gym equipment is dense, it takes more than a little know-how to get through it – you need the energy to weigh up the pros and cons and see what damage it’ll do to your wallet.

Funnily enough, that’s why I’m here.

If you’re after the best, then I presume you want to be the best. It’s logic. And it’s certainly the best possible outcome given a smart purchasing decision, oh and being human – nobody wants to be unhealthy and possess the feeling that they’re not reaching their potential.

To help reach that potential we’re going to looks at the best exercise bike, maybe a peloton bike, perhaps a recumbent bike or maybe just a good old run of the mill indoor stationary bike.

The right one for you is the right move for your future. And with aspects of indoor cycling like space, money, feature list totals and tech usage we have a host of different things to weigh up, so while I grab the scales you grab your attention.

Be on the lookout for prominent features like the degree of magnetic resistance, the type of magnetic resistance, whether it’s a smart exercise bike or not, on demand classes or built in screen programs… we’ll go through it together and you will find the best suited bike for you relative to this list.

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In A Rush?

  My Top Pick: Best Top End Home: Best Entry Level Home: Best Buy On A Budget: Best Looking:
Brand NordicTrack Life Fitness Sole Dripex Spirit
Model Commercial S27i Integrity Series Standard Upright Bike B94 Magnetic Resistance Indoor Exercise Bike Johnny G
Photo F3
Resistance 24 Levels (Silent Magnetic Resistance) 26 Levels 20 levels Magnetic Resistance 20 levels (Magnetic resistance)
Max. Weight 160 kg 182 kg 136 kg 135 kg 159 kg
Assembled Dimensions 145L x 71W x 165H cm 105L x 62W x 138H cm 123L x 58W x 152H cm 101.5L x 50.5W x 104.5H cm 125L x 51W x 109H cm
           
Check Prices

My Top Pick:

NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle

Key features

  • Crystal clear audio
  • Ifit workouts
  • Two sided SPD compatible pedals
  • On demand classes
  • Auto adjust resistance
  • Incline and decline range
  • 360 rotating HD touchscreen
  • Streamable content
  • 27″ touchscreen
Pros
  • Great on board engineering for bike orientation adjustability
  • Optional pedal attachments
  • Incredibly diverse training programmes with high quality guidance and videography
  • Auto adjust for ease and mid ride safety
  • Superior build quality with modern and sharp looks
Cons
  • Pedal clips are optional/additional
  • Cycling shoes not included

Overview

With many hailing this as the closest you’ll get to an outdoor riding experience, as much as I want to disagree out of spite, they’re right. This entry is simply fantastic. For the price tag? A premium build with superior engineering, pioneering mechanics and component designs and a sleek look that reminds you this thing’s a beast.

Perfect for health clubs or home gyms you won’t find this in the average persons set up. From the crystal clear audio technology to the almost absurdly adjustable HD touch screen, this thing is built for you, well the luxurious side of you anyway. If you want to lose weight, access spin classes, feel like you’re on a road bike (factors like flywheel weight and Q contribute to this) and generally excel in superior style then look no further, NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Cycle is the one for you.

The thing that stood out to be the most, or at least the words that spoke to me the most, weren’t luxurious, premium or sharp… they were cutting edge. This machine has auto level adjustments on just about everything. From incline, decline and resistance adjustments to manual adjustments of the rotating screen you can literally tailor this bike to all of your physical needs, and when you get off? You can carry on your iFit workout without even being on the bike (iFit have amazing options for off bike tips too)

As you can tell, this one excites me, but it’s not even the most premium on this list so keep reading for more.

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

The headline’s not a lie – this is the daddy of all exercise bikes. From premium features to jaw dropping engineering this machine has it all, and if you want the best of the best (hey we’ve all got it in us) then this may well be the right bike for you. 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.

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, this machine is an example of superior build qualities across the entire fitness world.

Home exercise bikes don’t always boast this level of connectivity and build quality. Most think about sensible qualities to balance price and quality, but this Life Fitness machine has simply gone all out – and I’m so glad they did.

Forget about relaxing recumbent exercise bikes, innovative energy saving air bikes and or a deliberately quiet ride, if you’re going all in with this machine you’re going all out too. The digital fitness world isn’t to be scoffed at here either. 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.

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
  • Tablet/Smartphone Holder
  • Multi-Position Hand Grips
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

Before saying anything else here, I want to state that Sole Fitness have declared comfort as being at the forefront of their design decision for many an entry. And I can see why. I’m a more serious rider myself but with the comfort features, adjustability and overall feel of this bike I can see beginners would love it, especially those seeking for a superior bike feel and the potential for endurance style exercise routines.

With qualities like full body workout potential (again through the comfort and endurance potential) and ergonomic feel you can be sure this bike will appeal to beginners and serious cyclists too. Home gym equipment can often be a little too broad, and while it accommodates for a lot this machine really hits home for beginners.

For those looking to combine light and heavy properties that result in ease of access and sturdiness while riding then the heavy-duty steel components are designed for you. 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.

This machine also let’s you track data, even with integrated devices, to get the most out of your analysis. And the best of thing of all is that it’s easy to read, easy manipulate and easy to grow from. If you’re the type to disregard data tracking analyses, then I’d encourage you to rethink – I could be working out hard… in all the wrong ways for my progression. In other words, you shouldn’t be doing 100 push-ups, you should be doing a few sets of chest presses; your time is invaluable, and data tracking will ensure that you use it wisely.

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


Best Buy On A Budget:

Dripex Magnetic Resistance Indoor Exercise Bike (2022 Upgraded Version)

Key Features

  • Heavy-Duty Flywheel
  • Adjustable Handlebar
  • Large Air Permeable Seat
  • Multi-Function LCD Monitor
  • Phone Holder
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • Transportation Wheels
  • Pulse Sensor
  • Emergency Brake
  • Maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • No maintenance required
  • Comes with a bottle and phone holder
  • Adjustable seat and handlebar make it suitable for various user heights
  • Built-in transportation wheels
Cons
  • No mention of a warranty in the user manual
  • LCD does not display multiple stats together

Overview

When trying to find the best bike on a budget a few words might come to mind: Quality, Durability, Balance, Longevity. But what features come to mind? What aspects should we be looking for in order to make sure we’re being sensible yet effective?

Adjustability is a key word for the Dripex Magnetic Resistance indoor exercise bike. This bike integrates a 20lb flywheel that creates a smooth resistance as per your requirements. The magnetic resistance adjustment system makes this exercise bike suitable for both beginners as well as elite trainers.

It also integrates a large breathable seat that ensures optimum comfort and reduces fatigue during a workout. Not just that, the soft seat is adjustable up to 11 levels and can be moved forward or backward easily.

An indoor bike like this mimics an outdoor bike in the way of feel and riding position. Upright bikes like this pride themselves on feel, and if you’re after a bike on a budget then all you really need are the fundamental tick boxes checked – and I can vouch for these being checked here.

One last box? The pedals (another testament to safety and real bike feel) anti-slip pedals and adjustable belts come in handy. The pedals help you acquire a firm foot-grip and maintain optimal balance while pedalling. The caged shape of the pedals enhances the safety level and provides you with an extremely comfortable cycling experience.

So with comfort, realism and safety being key, you’re getting quality, fitness potential and a box ticked next to your purchase ability too.

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


Best Looking:

Spirit Johnny G 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.
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

Aesthetics aren’t everything. Well, they are to some people, and they certainly should mean something to you.

While the engineering of this bike is impressive in itself just look at it. Internal generator smart power aside, Bluetooth connection and training sessions ignored – this bike elegant, and may just be the most luxurious looking bike I’ve seen in today’s market.

So what makes exercise bikes good for looks? Why is it important to highlight a good looking machine over it’s tech and build quality?

Well… provided the build quality is there (and I can assure you it is) having a good looking bike can do wonders for motivation.

Think about clothes, you house, cars… most of us like good looking things and the reason we do is because it helps encourage us, helps us remind ourselves of our values and gets us riding that machine every single time we think about it.

In summary, this entry is sharp yet curvaceous, it leaves the eyes lingering with the multi tone high grade materials and acts as a show piece in any home gym set up. You’re worth it too.

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


Conclusion

To conclude I think we’ve harvested some pretty top bikes here, they’re certainly my favourite. And with superior builds comes a difficult challenge too, which one do you go for?

We’ve deliberately and precisely picked bikes that reflect different aspects of the fitness industry, I couldn’t be happier with the list, I just hope it’s bought you one step closer to the buying decision that could change your life, literally.

From a stationary bike with great magnetic resistance to recumbent bikes or spin bikes, there’s always a chance to find the right one for you, all it takes is a little bit of reading.


FAQ’S

Are the best indoor exercise bikes easy to find?

It’s always a little hard to find the right ones, the internet is flooded with so many people claiming different things you really have to be careful what you’re reading, especially what you’re buying. If you’ve never heard of a domyos basic exercise bike, for example, don’t just click on the first review you read saying it’s good and cheap, be sure to research it to see exactly what you’re getting.

Find trusted sites, reviews and people, make sure you find out the cons too and really weigh up a bikes authenticity and quality.

If it’s too good to be true it probably is.

Oh and be careful if something suddenly opens in new tab pages on other sites… you never know if it’s a dodgy link.

Is a recumbent exercise bike worth it?

It depends, if you value a more relaxed approach to working out, or something a little more targeted on the legs then absolutely, read up about the benefits of this style of bike to really notice the difference.


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