An indoor cycle bike is the ultimate piece of fitness equipment for your home gym. Indoor cycling allows you to do a high-intensity cardiovascular workout without leaving your home or joining an indoor cycling class.
With an indoor cycle bike, you get the closest experience to pedaling a road bike indoors. The best spin bikes have several resistance levels, digital displays. They can even connect you to live workouts or on-demand training programs.
Buying the best indoor cycle bike to reach your fitness goals can be challenging. Indoor cycles come with a range of features and price tags to match.
The most basic indoor cycle bikes for home gyms cost between $300 and $600 and will provide a good cycling workout. The most expensive indoor cycle is typically a Peloton bike which can cost over $2,000. These top-brand indoor exercise bikes have digital screens and give you the experience of pedaling a top-of-the-range outdoor bike. Between the cheapest and costliest spin bikes, there is a range of indoor exercise bikes with varying options.
This article is a comprehensive review of the top eight indoor cycling bikes for sale online. You will find some cost-friendly indoor cycling bikes if you’re on a tight budget. Additionally, you will find the best high-range with the quality of a Peloton bike but a fraction of the cost.
What Is An Indoor Cycling Bike?
An indoor cycling bike is a stationary indoor exercise bike that is like a traditional road bike. The pedals are attached to a flywheel, similar to a typical bicycle. The heavy flywheel provides resistance and mimics the feel of cycling outdoors. They are the most intense way to work out in a home gym environment.
Review Of The Best 7 Indoor Cycling Bikes
If you are looking for the best indoor bike for a workout, please read on to find the top eight indoor cycling bikes for sale. The unbiased reviews, along with the pros and cons of each model, will help you make the best choice.
1. YOSUDA Indoor Stationary Cycling Spin Bike Stationary
The YOSUDA stationary bike is an affordable indoor stationary bike for taking classes at home. One of the outstanding features of the static exercise bike is its price tag — just over $200. However, there is no compromise on quality thanks to the drive belt, heavy flywheel (35 lbs.), and sturdy frame. Another excellent feature of this bike is the LCD monitor. This displays speed, calories burned, distance, and time.
Although the YOSUDA doesn’t have a fancy touch screen, there is a tablet mount. So you can use your iPad or another tablet to connect to fitness apps for health monitoring. Other handy features are a bottle holder, emergency stop, and transportation wheels.
Pros:
- Heavy flywheel and quiet, smooth belt transfer
- Adjustable padded seat and handlebars
- Cage pedals
- Transportation wheels
- Excellent value for money
- Digital monitor for basic stats
Cons:
- Lacks built-in workout programs
- Not ideal for tall people.
2. Sunny Health And Fitness SF-B1877 Indoor Exercise Stationary Bike
The Sunny Health and Fitness indoor cycling exercise bike is a high-quality spin bike for a reasonable price. This popular stationary bike has everything you would expect from a top-brand model. The padded seat adjusts four ways and the padded handlebar two ways. This allows you to find the perfect position to prevent straining knees.
Other excellent features of the Sunny Health and Fitness spin bike are magnetic resistance, LCD monitor, bottle holder, and device holder. Additionally, pulse sensors allow you to monitor cardiac health. The design quality and ride are good enough to rival top-range Peloton exercise bikes.
Pros:
- Performance display for speed, distance, calories, RPM, and pulse
- Device holder and water bottle holder
- Smooth and quiet belt drive
- Zero friction from the flywheel for a quiet ride
- Sturdy design that’s ideal for tall or heavy individuals
Cons:
- The LCD is too simple and lacks a backlight
- Requires some maintenance to keep the flywheel smooth
3. NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle
The NordicTrack S22i is one of the best alternatives to a Peloton exercise bike. This smart indoor exercise machine has a rotating HD 22” touchscreen allowing you to connect to live classes. In addition, the iFit plus gives you unlimited bike workouts to help you reach your fitness goals. Outstanding features of this highly-rated static spin bike are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, dumbbells for cross-training, and 24 resistance levels.
Some additional features you will like are the 12-month free iFit membership, personal training, and the ability to save up to five individual profiles.
Pros:
- Combination of incline and resistance to burn more calories
- Automated incline and decline that adjusts while pedaling
- High-quality 22” touchscreen
- Free iFit membership for one year worth $400
- Built-in fans to keep you cool
- Monitor fitness progress
- Smooth flywheel weighing 32 lbs.
- Adjustable handlebars
Cons:
- The seat is relatively uncomfortable
- Speakers are on the back of the screen
- Expensive
4. Pooboo D525 Indoor Cycling Bike
If you’re looking for a professional-grade indoor bike for a low price, then this Pooboo indoor cycle is ideal. For just over $200, you get everything you need for exercise workouts. The bike has a 35-pound flywheel, multi functional LCD monitor, fully adjustable seat, and adjustable handlebar height.
As a budget indoor cycling bike, it is hard to fault the Pooboo D525 design and quality. The drive belt is maintenance-free, and the handy LCD screen gives you essential readouts such as calorie burn, speed, distance, and time.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty flywheel
- Silent belt drive
- Tablet holder for your devices
- Four-way adjustable seat
- Handy press-down emergency stop
Cons:
- Friction resistance isn’t as good as magnetic
- The LCD screen is unimpressive
- No option for clip-in pedals
5. Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
Schwinn is a brand leader in indoor cycling equipment, and the IC3 bike doesn’t disappoint. The 40-pound flywheel delivers one of the smoothest and quietest rides possible. For serious bike enthusiasts, the dual-function pedals allow for SPD clips, or you can use the toe cage. In addition, the LCD console displays RPM, calories, distance, and time.
Other compelling reasons to consider this streamlined indoor cycle trainer are the multi-grip handlebars, wireless pulse receiver, device holder, and water bottle holder. This static bicycle contains many features missing from similar indoor cycling bikes in the price range.
Pros:
- 40-pound flywheel
- Dual SPD pedals
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Relatively compact compared to other indoor cycle bikes
- High-quality frame construction
Cons:
- The LCD console is too basic for the price range
- No Bluetooth
6. Echelon EX-3 Smart Connect Fitness Indoor Bike
The Echelon EX-3 is one of the best indoor cycling bikes in its price range. This affordable static exercise bike has magnetic resistance, a heavy flywheel, and sturdy steel construction. Connectivity to the Echelon Fit App gives you access to hundreds of workout programs, including HIIT, scenic rides, endurance, and individual training programs. In addition, the fully adjustable seat and handlebars, as well as clip pedals, help to ensure the ultimate experience.
Additional features of the Echelon Smart Connect EX3 indoor cycle bike is the 32 resistance levels, dumbbell holders, ergonomic handlebars, and a device holder.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- SDP-compatible pedals
- 32 resistance levels
- Echelon Fit App membership with access to bike workout programs, yoga, strength pilates, and boxing
- Comfortable seat
- Multi-positional handlebars
Cons:
- Need to use your own table to use the Echelon Fit app
- No connectivity to other fitness apps
7. ProForm Studio Bike Pro
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro is a top-of-the-range indoor cycle bike to rival any Peloton bike but for half the cost. The fantastic feature of the ProForm bike is the 10” smart HD touchscreen that connects to the iFit training app. This fitness app gives your access to a personal trainer and personalized classes. You can also cycle along scenic routes or use a variety of HIIT workout programs.
Outstanding features of the ProForm indoor cycling bike are the 22 resistance levels, fully adjustable seat and bars, and Bluetooth connection to a heart rate monitor.
Pros:
- Touchscreen that swivels so you can use it for other workouts
- Set of dumbbells included
- Quiet ride due to the drive belt and SMR resistance
- Digital preset programs to control resistance
- Resistance automatically adjusts when using the iFit app
- Free one-year iFit membership
Cons:
- Handlebars are not padded
- Weight capacity is lower than similar models in the price range — only 250 lbs.
Best Features To Consider When Looking To Buy An Indoor Cycling Bike
Before deciding on the best indoor bike to buy for your home workout area, it’s vital to ensure that the indoor exercise bike matches your fitness goals. There are also factors like size, resistance levels, technology, and costs to consider.
Here are some of the standard features of an indoor cycling bike to check out before buying one online:
- Resistance—Indoor cycling bikes either have magnetic resistance or friction resistance. The most expensive, like the Peloton use magnets to create resistance. These stationary bikes generally require less maintenance and are quieter. However, they have a high price tag. Friction uses a brake pad-type system for creating resistance but requires more maintenance.
- Flywheel weight—An important consideration is the flywheel weight. Typically, the heavier the flywheel, the better experience. A flywheel weighing at least 31 lbs. will stimulate cycling on a real road bike.
- Gadgets—The best and most expensive spin bikes have a computer display that tracks your progress. In addition, some models allow you to connect to online fitness apps through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Finally, to save money, you can look for a spin bike that has a tablet holder so you can connect to virtual workout programs.
- Reviews—Always check out online indoor cycle bike reviews before buying one. You can often get an overall idea of how good the bike is for the money. You can also find out how practical the exercise bike is for attaining and maintaining good fitness levels.
Indoor Cycle Bikes FAQs
What Is The best Bike For Training?
If you are serious about maintaining excellent fitness levels, then an indoor cycle is the best option. Not only does an indoor cycle deliver an intense workout, but you can also pedal in a standing position. This means that you can work more muscles and burn more calories.
Is Buying An Indoor Cycle Worth It?
Buying an indoor cycle for your home gym is worth the money if you enjoy classes at the gym. Additionally, indoor bikes let you increase the intensity of your workouts to make them more effective. For example, an indoor bike is better than an upright exercise bike for high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
However, suppose you are a beginner or don’t want to work out like a professional athlete. In that case, an upright exercise bike is a better option. They are cheaper, and the best models come with preprogrammed exercise workout plans.
What Makes An Indoor Bike Different?
The difference between a indoor cycle and a traditional exercise bike is how the pedals are connected to the flywheel. An indoor bike emulates all the features of a road bike. Typically, the pedals are connected by a belt or chain to the flywheel, and the rider sits in a crouched position, leaning forward.
How Can I Make My Indoor Bike More Comfortable?
The most common complaint about exercising on an indoor cycle is that it’s uncomfortable. Compared to other exercise bikes, an indoor bike seat isn’t as comfortable as an upright bike or recumbent exercise bike.
To make it more comfortable to do a workout, adjust the padded seat to the correct height and ensure the seat height is comfortable for your legs. Your leg should be straight on the pedal nearest to the floor. Then, adjust the handlebars to feel comfortable. Ensure that the length from the seat to handlebars is the length of your elbow to the middle finger.
In some cases, it’s worthwhile looking for an indoor bike seat replacement to enjoy a more comfortable workout.
Is Indoor Cycling Bad For The Knees?
Generally, indoor cycling is a low-impact workout that places less stress on your knees. However, from all the types of exercise bikes, it seems that working out on an indoor cycle can cause knee pain. Researchers from Harvard Medical School advise adjusting the handlebar and seat height to ensure you don’t put too much stress on knee joints.
What’s The Difference Between An Indoor Bike And An Upright Exercise Bike?
The main difference between an upright exercise bike and an Indoor bike is the sitting position. On an indoor cycle, the rider leans forward or stands up with pedaling like on an actual bike. On an upright bike, the user sits in an almost vertical position.
Conclusion
Exercising with an indoor bike in a home gym is an excellent way to lose belly fat, lose weight, and improve your cardio health. The best indoor cycle for your needs doesn’t have to be the most expensive. Some excellent budget stationary bikes or mid-range indoor bikes can help you attain the fitness levels you require.