Buying your own indoor bike is a huge decision and requires you to ask a lot of questions, weighing many different bikes with many different features. How much technology do you want in your bike? Do you have enough space? How often will you use your machine? Do you need a quiet piece of equipment? How much money are you willing to spend? Though these questions still remain, we’ve narrowed it down to eight of the best picks on the market to make your decision just a little bit easier.
Best Exercise Bikes
Best Exercise Bike Overall: ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike for the Money: Finer Form Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: Assault AirBike
Best Exercise Bike for Apartments: Finer Form Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike for Interactive Classes: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Best Exercise Bike for Beginners: Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
Best Exercise Bike for Heavier Athletes: NordicTrack Commercial S15i
Best Exercise Bike with Weights: MYX Plus Exercise Bike and Weight Set
Best Exercise Bike Overall
Our top pick is versatile, accommodating both to those who like to stream classes, and those who prefer to ride without technology.
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
The ProForm Carbon CX is designed for the rider who wants it all but doesn’t want to pay a lot for it. This bike has a tablet holder that swivels 180 degrees, so you can take full advantage of the free year of iFit classes that comes with your purchase. It uses silent magnetic resistance, which makes it a great option for home gyms and tracks all your stats on its small display screen. What keeps the price low is its lack of technology, but if you have a tablet of your own, you won’t be missing out on any tech perks.
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
The ProForm Carbon CX is a sturdy steel 125-pound build with 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance. In addition to being one of the quietest options on the market, this bike also comes with a free year of iFit and a swiveling tablet holder, so you can stream classes on and off the bike.
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Who Should Buy The ProForm Carbon CX
Anyone who enjoys streaming fitness classes on and off the bike.
Athletes who don’t want to pay more money for a bike with advanced technology.
Riders who want a quiet exercise bike for their at-home workouts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The ProForm Carbon CX
Users who want a piece of equipment that comes with a heart rate monitor.
Customers who prefer to have the latest technology installed in their bike’s console.
Though you won’t find the most advanced tech in this pick, it’s a great price for a versatile bike that will allow for any type of workout — coached or not coached — and ride quietly for the entirety of your spin.
Read our full review of the ProForm Carbon CX
Best Exercise Bike for the Money
This pick keeps everything basic, housing only the features you absolutely need to get the job done.
Finer Form Exercise Bike
The Finer Form is simple, yet still complete. While you won’t have some of the more advanced features an extra $1,000 will get you, you’ll have everything you need to sweat and build up your spin muscles. It does feature a tablet holder, so if you want to replicate a touchscreen display and streaming options with your own device and third-party app, that’s totally possible. However, this bike’s small stat-tracking display, adjustable seat and handlebars, dual-sided pedals and durability will provide everything you need for a workout for just under $500.
Finer Form Exercise Bike
Finer Form Exercise Bike
The Finer Form exercise bike is a simple piece of equipment that provides a quality at-home workout at a low price point. It features stat-tracking, an adjustable seat and handlebars, a quiet drive and a tablet holder for fitness class streaming.
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Who Should Buy The Finer Form
Anyone who wants a versatile bike at a lower price point.
Users who want the option to stream classes from a third-party app.
Bikers who want to switch between both running shoes and clip-ins.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Finer Form
Customers looking for the latest in technology built into their console.
Athletes who want incorporated heart rate monitoring in their console.
Overall, the Finer Form provides all you need for a complete and personalized workout — stat-tracking, streaming options, and adjustability — and as long as you are okay without the added technology, the price point cannot be beat.
Read our full review of the Finer Form
Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss
This pick provides a unique cycling workout that works both your upper and lower body for a full-body burn.
Assault AirBike
The Assault AirBike is unique in that instead of classic handlebars, this bike features moving arms, so you can work both your upper and lower body simultaneously. Known as the “calorie bike,” the added movement torches extra calories and is great for interval training, cross-training and CrossFit. This bike does utilize fan resistance, so things can get a bit noisy and windy, but the resistance limits are endless — the harder you go, the more resistance you’ll feel.
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.
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Who Should Buy The Assault AirBike
Athletes who want a full-body burn from a single piece of equipment.
Anyone who wants infinite resistance levels on their bike.
Bikers who like following along with pre-programmed workouts — especially interval workouts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Assault AirBike
Customers who need a quiet piece of equipment for home use.
Bikers who need a machine that’s compatible with clip-in shoes.
Riders who prefer to have advanced technology incorporated into their machine.
Anyone who wants to stream fitness classes during their workout.
The Assault AirBike is definitely not your average indoor bike, but with its moving arms, you can expect an above average burn that will burn extra calories and build both your strength and endurance.
Read our full review of the Assault AirBike
Best Exercise Bike for Apartments
For a basic indoor bike that doesn’t steal too much of your floor space, look no further than the Finer Form.
Finer Form Exercise Bike
Since the Finer Form keeps its build and features simple, it also saves on space. It doesn’t have a large touchscreen display expanding its dimensions or moving arms that require a few feet of clearance on either side of the machine. However, it does have a tablet holder you can use to stream fitness classes from a third party app, as well as stat-tracking, a small display screen and dual-sided pedals, so you can cycle with both running shoes or clip-ins alike. Plus, this bike uses quiet magnetic resistance and goes for just under $500, so it won’t break the bank or stir up noise complaints from your neighbors.
Finer Form Exercise Bike
Finer Form Exercise Bike
The Finer Form exercise bike is a simple piece of equipment that provides a quality at-home workout at a low price point. It features stat-tracking, an adjustable seat and handlebars, a quiet drive and a tablet holder for fitness class streaming.
Shop Finer Form
Who Should Buy The Finer Form
Apartment dwellers looking to stay quiet and save on floor space.
Anyone who wants the option to stream fitness classes using their own device.
Users who don’t want to pay a higher price for added technology.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Finer Form
Customers looking for a machine with heart rate monitoring already incorporated in their bike.
Anyone who wants the latest technology in their bike’s console.
The Finer Form has all the stat-tracking and streaming options you need for a complete workout while still saving you floor space to finally upgrade to that sectional couch — or just add a new plant to your in-home garden.
Read our full review of the Finer Form
Best Exercise Bike for Interactive Classes
If you’re a studio-goer who loves a good inspirational quote from a fitness coach, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i allows you to bring that experience into your home.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Though the NordicTrack Commercial S22i will cost you a pretty penny, you’ll get all of the technology you need to bring the studio cycling experience home with you. Not only does this bike have a 22” HD touchscreen display that allows you to interact with coaches and other users throughout your streamed classes, but your purchase also comes with a free year of iFit, so you don’t even have to pay the membership fee for this experience for a whole 365 days. On top of this technology, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i also has 22 levels of resistance and incline and decline options that range from -10 to 20 percent, making it one of the more advanced and versatile options on the market.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display and a free year of iFit, and solid specs like 22 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
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Who Should Buy The NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Anyone who loves the studio experience, but would prefer to take that experience home with them to save money on expensive membership fees.
Users who like having a large display and advanced technology built into their bike.
Athletes who want lots of resistance levels, as well as incline and decline options.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Customers who don’t want the distraction of added technology on their bike.
Bikers who don’t want to dish out a lot of cash on a new piece of fitness equipment.
The NordicTrack S22i is in some heavy competition when it comes to class streaming and technology (we’re looking at you, Peloton and Soul Cycle), but it holds up and even costs less than its direct competitors. That’s not to say this is a cheap option, but if it’s the studio experience you want, this bike will be worth every penny.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Best Exercise Bike for Beginners
If you’re just testing the waters when it comes to cycling, this pick has all the basics, a couple upgrades, and definitely won’t break the bank.
Sole SB700
As a beginner, you likely don’t want to be dropping a ton of money on an indoor bike you may not end up liking. However, you’re still going to want a quality product that will aid in your training journey. The Sole SB700 is just that — it has stat tracking, a tablet holder, basic toe cages, and smaller dimensions, so it won’t consume your entire space. Additionally, the Kelvar braking system makes for a smooth ride, so you won’t have to worry about the wobbles and can focus on building your skill and technique. This bike goes for just under $700, which keeps your first bike purchase on the less expensive end of the market, leaving you room to grow into your new hobby.
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike
The Sole SB700 was built for riders who like to keep their workouts simple. It sports a 48-pound flywheel with adjustable resistance, adjustable handlebars and seat, and a tablet holder that allows for third-party fitness class streaming while you ride.
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Who Should Buy The Sole SB700
Users who want a tablet holder for the option to stream classes from a third-party app.
Anyone who wants to keep things basic and nix the advanced technology many more expensive options have.
Athletes who are looking for a quality bike at a lower price point.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Sole SB700
Customers who want advanced technology built into their bike’s console.
Riders who want a bike that’s compatible with clip-in shoes.
The Sole SB700 is a great place to start when it comes to cycling. You can track your stats, stream classes on your tablet to learn, and know that you won’t be dishing out too much money on a brand new form of exercise.
Read our full review of the Sole SB700
Best Exercise Bike for Heavier Athletes
For a sturdy steel bike that can accommodate heavier builds, look no further than the NordicTrack Commercial S15i.
NordicTrack Commercial S15i
This bike is 203 pounds itself and can hold users who weigh up to 350-pounds, which is above the 300-pound average you’ll find across the market. It’s made of commercial grade steel and offers a padded saddle for extra comfort for users of all sizes. In addition to its quality, durability, and stability, this bike also features a ton of technology, including a 14-inch, 360-degree rotating touchscreen display, a free year of iFit, and Bluetooth connectivity for the ultimate immersive experience both on and off the bike. It’s worth noting that you will pay for the high quality of this piece of equipment — the NordicTrack S15i goes for just under $1,600.
NordicTrack Commercial S15i Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial S15i Exercise Bike
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i is great for anyone who wants modernizations like an included fitness subscription, a large touchscreen display, and incline and decline options. Plus, the sturdy build and padded seat will hold up throughout years (possibly even decades) of usage.
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Who Should Buy The NordicTrack Commercial S15i
Users who require a more stable build that can handle weights up to 350 pounds.
Anyone who wants a bike made of a high quality, commercial grade steel that’s built to withstand lots of usage.
Riders who want the latest in technology built into their bike and aren’t afraid to pay extra for it.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The NordicTrack Commercial S15i
Athletes who prefer a machine that doesn’t have a lot of distracting technology.
Customers who want a bike at a low price point.
Not only is the NordicTrack Commercial S15i a high quality build that can accommodate heavier athletes, but it’s also one of the most technologically advanced options out there.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack S15i
Best Exercise Bike with Weights
This pick comes with both high-tech features and a complete weight set for cross-training.
MYX Plus Exercise Bike and Weight Set
If you’ve ever consistently gone to studio cycling classes, you know that hand weights are typically used in a portion of each class for some added strength work. However, most indoor bikes don’t come with a set of hand weights. The MYX bike not only comes with these hand weights, but it also comes with two heavier sets of weights, a kettlebell, a resistance band, and a foam roller. Its streamable classes incorporate the extra equipment into the workouts, so you can feel just like you’re in the studio. Along with the MYX library of spin and cross-training classes and the large touchscreen display, this bike also comes in at a lower price point — just $1,299 — than some of its streaming competitors.
MYX Exercise Bike
MYX Exercise Bike
The MYX bike is a strong competitor on the studio bike market, offering a great in-home studio experience for almost half the cost of some of its competitors. It has a 21.5” swiveling touchscreen display, incorporated heart rate monitoring, fitness class streaming and a 41-pound flywheel that’s both durable and powerful.
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Who Should Buy The MYX Plus
Bikers who are always reaching for hand weights during or after their spin class to add upper body strength work into their session.
Users who like to follow a coached virtual class when they ride.
Anyone who likes workouts that are centered around heart rate zone training.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The MYX Plus
Users who want a quieter machine — this bike’s friction resistance isn’t as quiet as magnetic resistance.
Riders who don’t need added features and hand weights to get a good sweat.
The MYX Plus is in direct competition with some of the biggest names on the market — Peloton, NordicTrack, SoulCycle, ProForm and more — and it stands its ground even at a lower price point thanks to its streaming options and additional weight set it brings to the playing field.
Read our full review of the MYX Plus
Before Buying Exercise Bikes Consider
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve worked through many indoor bikes throughout your training, there are multiple considerations you’ll want to make before you start browsing the web. Here are a few of the most important ones.
Durability
If you work out a lot, you want a bike that can work with you. In other words, if you’re going to be using your indoor bike every day as your main form of exercise, you’ll want a durable steel frame and a powerful 30+ pound flywheel that will be able to withstand your daily usage and live out its full lifespan (which tends to be anywhere between 10 and 20 years). Bikes like this are typically a little pricier, but if you consider the number of years they will last you and usage you’ll get out of them, they’re well worth the extra cash.
However, if your bike is going to be supplemental to other equipment you use more frequently — like weights or a treadmill — you don’t need to consider this factor as heavily. Though you should always make sure you’re getting your money’s worth in durability, you may be able to get away with a less costly bike — maybe even a used bike — if you aren’t going to be wearing it down as much as daily users.
All in all, you get what you pay for, so if you’re spending a lot, make sure you’re getting the powdered steel frame and heavy flywheel that are going to last you those 20 years. If you’re paying a little less, expect to take a few years off of that 20-year lifespan.
Technology
One of the main differences you’ll find between bike consoles is the presence (or absence) of technology. Many of the pricier options on the market will include larger display screens, interactive class-streaming options, speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, incorporated heart rate monitoring and other modernized technology. The less expensive options often won’t have most of these features, which is why the price sometimes drops by over $1,000 for these bikes.
If you’re hooked on streaming platforms like iFit or Peloton, you’re going to want to opt for a bike that either has those classes built into the console, or can at least accommodate a tablet to use for third-party app streaming throughout your workout. If you could care less about listening to a fitness instructor yell directions at you as you ride, you don’t need to dish out the extra cash for that added technology, and can land on a much cheaper option and ride coach-free.
Type of Bike
There are three types of bikes you’ll want to consider: upright, air or recumbent. An upright bike is likely what you first think of when you think of an indoor bike. It’s your classic spin bike that’s meant to feel and look closest to a road bike — there’s a saddle and a pair of handlebars, and you ride by either sitting upright in the saddle or pedaling from a standing position.
An air bike is similar to an upright bike in that you sit in an upright position while you ride, but instead of handlebars, this bike has two large moving arms that you use in addition to the regular pedals. Both the moving arms and the pedals power a large fan wheel on this bike giving users a full-body burn.
A recumbent bike provides a much less strenuous workout. It has a full seat that supports your back and is much more comfortable than an upright bike. While you still work your legs and glutes like you would on an upright or air bike, a recumbent bike is much easier on the joints.
Depending on what kind of workout you’re looking for and the kind of support you need in a bike, you’ll want to choose the type that best suits your personal workout style, in addition to considering the durability and incorporated technology.
How We Decide the Best
We, too, made multiple considerations before pulling together this best list. Here are a few of the things we weigh to ensure each pick on this list will get you the right bang for your buck.
Quality
All of the bikes on this list are built to last. You won’t find one pick on here that won’t live out its average 10- to 20- year lifespan if you treat it right. Of course, that means cleaning it properly, wiping away any stray sweat droplets, and using the front wheels with care.
If you treat these picks right though, they’ll treat you right back. These bikes have durable steel frames, heavy and high-quality flywheels, powerful resistance and interchangeable options for seats and pedals that may wear quicker than the frame. Rest assured that when you pick a bike off of this list, we’ve vetted it for quality and durability that will make any price tag worth your while.
Price Range
We want everyone, on every budget, to have an option on this list. We’ve included bikes from all price points, all of a high quality for their price tag. You’ll find both bikes with fewer features at a less expensive price, and more technologically advanced bikes at a higher price, so no matter your individual price range, we have a pick that will suit you.
Features
We understand that not everyone wants a bike with big HD displays and loud fitness instructors screaming instructions through your speakers. But we also understand that some people need the interactive touchscreens and the motivational quotes to stay inspired throughout their session.
We’ve included high-tech, mid-tech, and low-tech options within this list. Most high tech options will have the streaming platforms built into the console and larger display screens coupled with features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in fans and speakers. The mid-tech options will have some of these features, but they may just have a tablet holder for third-party app usage and a small display screen for stat-tracking. And the low-tech options will be as basic as they come, tracking only the necessary stats you need to follow along with your workout. No matter your preference, you’ll find a fully vetted pick here.
Final Word
Whether you’re looking for advanced technology or a simple bike that will track your stats while you zone out, whether your price range is high or low, whether you need a bike to supplement your strength training, or one that’s going to be your main source of exercise, buying a new piece of equipment is a big decision. Whichever direction you choose, you’ll want to make sure you’re milking every penny out of your purchase.
Before you start scrolling the web and scouring the fitness equipment market, lay out a list of must-haves for yourself. Keep that list with you throughout your search and weigh it against every option. Be patient, do your research, and use this list — we created it to be a tool for you, afterall.
FAQs
How long will an indoor bike last?
It depends on how often you use your bike, but the general lifespan is 10 to 20 years. If you use your bike every day as your main form of exercise, you can expect to trim a few years off of that range. And on the contrary, if your bike is only supplementing your other forms of exercise, you can expect to hit that 20-year mark.
What kind of resistance is the best?
There’s no resistance that’s better than the other, but there are some that will suit your particular situation better. For example, if you live in a big home and like to workout early in the morning, you’ll want a magnetic resistance bike that will stay fairly quiet. If you aren’t as conscious of the noise, friction or air resistance will be the same quality, just a little louder.
Is it worth it to buy a more expensive indoor bike?
If it’s technology you’re after, yes. The more expensive bikes are typically more expensive not for their quality, but for their advanced technology (like touchscreen displays and streaming options). If you’re a fitness class enthusiast or just want the latest tech in your console, it will be worth your while to dish out the extra cash. However, you can find a good build with high durability even at lower price points. If you’re not interested in added technology, there are plenty of more cost-effective bikes on the market that will give you the same quality workout as those at a higher price point.
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