Best stationary exercise bikes for home use. Do you want some exercise when the weather gets icy? How would you like to stream in live classes to get you in shape?
Whatever your motivation, a stationary exercise bike is an excellent way to get fit at home. There are interactive Pelotons as well as no-frills variety of exercise bikes.
Indoor cycling is great for any fitness level. It is a fantastic way to get a low-impact, high-intensity cardio workout. It is a non-weight-bearing exercise that is easy on the joints. I would make a great holiday or birthday gift.
Here are some exercise bikes at a variety of price points for you to explore.
Exercise Bike Specification Table
|
Exercise Bike |
Description |
| Original Peloton Bike – Indoor Stationary Exercise Bike with Immersive 22” HD Touchscreen |
Dimensions 59”L x 23”W x 53”H – Compact 4’x2’ footprint – Adjustable seat, handlebar, and screen to accommodate different heights. Manual resistance knob. |
| Schwinn Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike Series – Schwinn IC4 |
Dimensions 54.6”L x 30.7”W x 51.8”H – Includes 1-Year JRNY Membership which provides coaching and feedback throughout your workout. |
|
Dimensions 48”L x 23”W x 45”H – Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike with 44lb Heavy-duty Flywheel and Large Device Holder | |
|
Dimensions 32”D x 22”W x 48”H – Max Weight Capacity 300lbs – 16 magnetic resistance levels – 4 in 1 Foldable |
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Why You Should Get an Exercise Bike
Top Reasons to Get an Exercise Bike – It’s good for your health!
Exercise bikes are great for people who need to:
- Lose weight
- Build muscle
- Just stay fit
They’re also good for those who want to burn calories while watching TV or listening to music. You can burn more calories in less time while riding an exercise bike than on a treadmill or elliptical machine.
An Exercise Bike
- It’s easier on your joints than running or walking.
- Riding an exercise bike helps strengthen your core muscles, making them stronger and more stable.
- You’ll feel better. A recent study found that riding an exercise bike for 30 minutes three times a week can help reduce stress levels by as much as 50 percent. It’s also been shown to improve mood and decrease anxiety.
- You’ll have more energy. Riding an exercise bike helps you burn calories while improving cardiovascular fitness. This means you’ll have more energy throughout the day. In addition, riding an exercise bike has been proven to boost self-esteem and lower blood pressure.
- You’ll sleep better.
- Your heart rate goes up when you ride an exercise bike, so you’re burning fat faster.
In addition to all these reasons – Riding an exercise bike is just plain fun!
What to Look for When Buying an Exercise Bike
Are you wondering what the difference is between a spin, recumbent, or upright exercise bike? Or what “connected” means?
Resistance
One of the first things to think about when buying an exercise bike is how much resistance you need. You’ll want to choose something with adjustable levels so you can adjust the intensity as needed. If you’re just starting out, you might not need anything more than low resistance. As you become stronger, you’ll want to gradually add higher resistance until you reach your desired level.
Some exercise bikes have a large, weighted disc that weighs from 30 to 50 lbs. It is usually located at the front of the bike where the front tire would go. It is connected by a belt or chain to the pedals. There are other types of exercise bikes that have magnetic or fan-based resistance instead of the weighted flywheel.
Budget
A less durable bike may use a strap-based resistance that attaches to the flywheel. The more you tighten the strap, the more resistance it provides.
Better-quality
This type of exercise bike has wool or rubber pads placed on either side of the flywheel. As you tighten the tension knob, the pads tighten against the flywheel to increase the resistance. Using this type of exercise bike may produce more noise than some other types.
Best choice
An electromagnetic resistance bike would be the best choice. It has two magnets placed close to the flywheel. As you tighten the tension, it increases the resistance and gives you a smoother ride.
Seat
Another thing to look for is a comfortable seat. There are several kinds of seats, or saddles. They vary between long and narrow with little padding to a wider saddle with more padding. A recumbent bike is the most comfortable bike of all with a wide seat and a back to lean against.
Connectivity
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Capability – Internet connected devices so you can stream programs straight to your bike. Or a heart monitor or other device. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity can affect the price – making them more expensive.
Built-in screens to allow you to follow along with instructors. Many exercise bikes also have a spot to place your cell phone or tablet, to watch something as you ride.
Display
A screen on the bike displays a variety of things such as your pedal speed, estimated calorie burn, heart rate, and workout time. Some bikes do not have a display at all. You must decide if that is important to you.
Pedals and Shoe Compatibility.
This is another consideration. Some pedals are basic, while others have loops or cages to keep your feet in place, and others yet have a clip-in mechanism that fastens to a special cycling shoe.
Some bikes, like the Peloton bikes, can be used only with Delta cleats which have three holes in the bottom of the shoe, and they click into the bike pedal. Other SPD-compatible cleats have a two-hole design to click into the pedals. The video below explains the different types of cleats, and then you can decide which shoe and cleat you want to use on your Peloton bike.
A Good Warranty.
Other Related Posts on Exercise Bikes
The Best Stationary Exercise Bikes
Here are Reviews of the Best Stationary Exercise Bikes
1.The Original Peloton Exercise Bike
The compact Peloton Bike is a great exercise bike that makes a small footprint in your home. It is only 4’x2’. The handlebar, seat, and screen all adjust to accommodate the needs of users 4’11” to 6’5”. A Peloton membership is purchased separately. The pedals are Delta compatible, with a stereo speaker system, touchscreen, USB micro port, headphone jack, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in microphone, and 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
With the app, classes include, strength, yoga, meditation, boxing, and more. Over 50 instructors to motivate you as you track your progress, monitoring speed, resistance, heart rate, and more. The Peloton bike is compatible with the Apple watch.
Indoor or out, the Peloton app gives you access to thousands of classes with one tap of the finger.
Warranty
1-year manufacturer warranty
Specs
- Dimensions: 59”D x 23”W x 53”H
- Weight capacity: 297lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Flywheel: 22lbs (38lbs with magnetic resistance)
- Resistance Levels: 100
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- 22” Touchscreen
- Ride is quiet and smooth.
- Unlimited access to entire library of content available – with membership.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable saddle.
What Customers Say:
- You won’t regret this purchase.
- Get some padded bicycle shorts.
- I really enjoy having a coach to motivate me.
- I feel like the instructors are speaking right to me.
- They set up the bike and the wi-fi and explained how to use it.
- Product is high-quality, the delivery and set-up were exceptional.
- Apple Fitness app works better and is cheaper than Peloton subscription.
Peloton Bike Accessories
Peloton Cycling Shoes Delta-Compatible Bike Cleats – Peloton Cycling shoes for bike and Bike+.
Peloton Light Weights Set of two sweat-proof weights designed to fit in the back of the Peloton Bike and Bike+.
2.Schwinn Indoor Exercise Bike Series – Schwinn IC4
With the Schwinn Indoor Fitness Exercise Bike, you can access your workouts through a JRNY membership or use with popular third-party cycling apps like Peloton and Zwift via your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV, by way of a Bluetooth connection. Auto-adjust in real time to 50 or more global routes with the apps.
The backlit LCD console monitors heart rate, speed, time, distance, calories, and RPMs all in full color. It comes with a racer-style seat and foot pedals with SPD dual-clip on one side and toe cage on the other. The heavy-duty handlebars have 4-way adjustment. A pair of 3lb dumbbells are also included. The LCD console and magnetic resistance are powered by an electric cord.
Warranty
- 1-year electrical
- 90-days labor
- 10-years frame
- 3-years parts
Specs
- Dimensions: 54.6”L x 30.7”W x 51.8”H
- Weight capacity: 330lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Flywheel: 40lb
- Resistance Levels: 100
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- Compact size
- Quiet and smooth ride.
- Works with a variety of apps.
Cons:
- Directions are not great.
- LED screen is not very bright.
- Inconvenient placing of water bottle holders.
What Customers Say:
- I ride pretty hard in and out of the saddle and I find the bike to be sturdy and reliable. I have an equivalent of 800 miles on the bike.
- It is good to check and tighten moving parts periodically to prevent problems.
- It is a great bike for a fraction of the price.
- Magnetic resistance is constant and consistent.
- This bike is quiet. Feels like riding a real bike.
- The power attachment is on the floor and easy to trip over.
- Schwinn Exercise Spin Bike not quite studio grade, but it is the best Peloton alternative!
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805
Strengthen your legs with a heavy-duty 44-lb Flywheel on this exercise bike. You will enjoy a nearly silent, incredibly smooth, stable ride. The seat and handlebars are fully adjustable, and the pedals have toe cages with adjustable straps. The device holder will hold your phone or tablet securely as you workout.
Download and enjoy FREE on-demand exercise videos whether you purchase their equipment or not!
The frame supports up to 300lb weight capacity. Virtually no maintenance required to keep your exercise bike in tip-top shape. Check occasionally for any bolts that may have worked their way loose and tighten them.
Protect your carpet or flooring with a Sunny Health & Fitness Protector Mat, available in 4 sizes.
Warranty
- 3-year; 180-day Manufacturer warranty
Specs
- Dimensions: 23”D x 48”W x 45”H
- Weight capacity: 300lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Flywheel: 44lb
- Resistance Levels: 8 full turns from 0 to MAX resistance.
- Power Source: Non-electric
- Inseam: 28” to 38”
Pros:
- Smooth, Quiet Ride
- Easy assembly.
- No electricity necessary
Cons:
- Assembly takes 2 people
- It takes 8 full turns to go from 0 to MAX resistance.
- It does NOT have a monitor for tracking.
What Customers Say:
- Assembly was straightforward.
- Bike is solidly built without any bells and whistles.
- Great way to get your cardio. Overall, I am very happy with this bike.
- There are no electronics on this bike, no need to plug in and fewer things to malfunction!
- Get the Wahoo candence sensor, and replacement pedals to use with the Peloton app. It is lower cost than full Peloton setup.
- I recommend this bike for a quality mid range bike with no tech to break.
- Sometimes the seat works its way loose and gets tippy.
Sunny Accessories
Sunny Health & Fitness Protector Mat available in 4 sizes
4. BARWING 16-8-2-3 Stationary Spin Exercise Bike – 4 in 1 Foldable
This cute little magnetic exercise bike provides a great opportunity for exercise, without taking up much space in your home. It folds for easy storage and adjusts from upright to a recumbent bike, complete with a backrest to the seat. It has 16 magnetic resistance settings and a 300lb weight capacity.
You can get an upper-body workout with the attached resistance bands, and additional lower-body workout with the lower resistance bands. It is a perfect addition to a small home gym.
Some find mounting the bike a bit difficult. That can be resolved by lowering the bike seat to a recumbent position.
Most people are happy with their purchase of this popular folding exercise bike.
Warranty
- 1-year
Specs
- Dimensions: 32”D x 22”W x 48”H
- Weight capacity: 300lbs
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Resistance Levels: 16
- Power Source: Not Electric
Pros:
- Use in upright or recumbent positions.8 Height seat adjustments.
- Two seat angles.
- Heavy-duty steel frame.
Cons:
- LED is not accurate.
- A bit difficult to mount and dismount seat.
- Uncomfortable for shorter people.
What Customers Say:
- Assembly is seamless.
- More difficult to mount than shown in the video.
- Small, light, easy to use, easy to store. Compact size even in recumbent mode.
- Durability is unknown but the construction and design are great. So far, it is a good product for the money.
- Love the added resistance bands for upper body exercise.
- Noticeable wobble in the seat.
- Gel seat cover makes it more comfortable.
Bike Mat – Crostice – Peloton Compatible Exercise Bike Mat
Compatible with Peloton Bike or Bike+. Reduces noise and vibrations. Protects the bike from carpet dust getting into the mechanism, as well as it protects the floor from wear and tear and sweat.
Non-slip, waterproof, and sweatproof. 60″ x 30″ .
It comes in 4 sizes, check to see which size you prefer.
6 mm thick. 50% thicker than other mats on the market.
Wahoo Cadence Sensor
An easy way to wirelessly track and measure your progress. Speed sensor mounts to any bike wheel hub. Cadence sensor easily attaches to your shoe or the crank of the bike. RPM Speed & Cadence sensors connect to smartphone, tablets, and bike computers by Wahoo, Garmin, and more. Replaceable battery lasts 12 months. Bike and shoe mounts are included.
- Dimensions: 6.5”L x 4”W x 0.5”H
Best Stationary Exercise Bikes FAQ’s
What is the difference between stationary upright bikes and recumbent bikes?
A stationary upright bike is more like a regular road bike, while a recumbent exercise bike has a seat with a back that is in a more inclined position.
What is pedal cadence?
Pedal cadence is measured as pedal revolutions per minute. Cadence is subject to your overall speed and the overall effort you are putting into your workout. Measuring cadence with a sensor is important to those who take their cycling seriously as more than a hobby.
What type of cycling sensors are there?
Speed-only sensor, determined by the speed and distance traveled based on the wheel circumference of the bike.
Cadence-only sensor, which senses rotations per minute of the crank arm.
Speed/Cadence combo, is the most popular. It gives both types of data through a combination of sensors.
Conclusion – Best Stationary Exercise Bikes
What are the best stationary exercise bikes for home use?
It depends on what you want to get from the exercise bike. To many, the Peloton is the spin bike of choice. With membership you have access to its entire library. It is also the most expensive.
The Schwinn IC4 with the JRNY membership is a good lower cost exercise bike, that will give you years of good exercise.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805, is also a good affordable option.
If you want a foldable, budget bike that provides good exercise both lower and upper body exercise, the BARWING 16-8-2-3 Stationary Spin Exercise Bike, with resistance bands for both upper and lower resistance bands is a good all-in-one piece of equipment.
Let me know what bike you choose!
Disclaimer: If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. No content on this site should be substituted for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner. The information contained here is for informational purposes only. It is from my research and personal experience.
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