At-home workout equipment is typically not cheap, so we’ve found the best exercise bikes to fit many different budgets, which means there are a wide variety of features, add-ons, and accessories to consider. Some bikes come equipped with dumbbells, exercise mats, water bottle holders, and mounts, and ports for your tablet or phone. Many have companion apps with access to live or on-demand classes, and a few even have the ability to connect with additional fitness and health apps via Bluetooth. Here are the best indoor exercise bikes to help you achieve all the benefits of cycling without having to leave your home. Another consideration, according to NASM-CPT, cycling instructor, and certified group fitness instructor Susane Pata, is the space you will dedicate to your bike. “It doesn’t even have to be an expensive renovation of space—just a mental acknowledgment that this sacred space is where the work and fitness gains happen,” she explains. “If you have a space dedicated to this mentality where there is a certain activity that is going to happen, you are less likely to skimp out and more likely to be consistent with workouts that really count.” Of course, the bike itself is also a standout. The swiveling 22-inch HD touchscreen rotates 180 degrees, so it can also be used for non-cycling classes within the Echelon app. Similar to Peloton, the bike streams real-time classes with leaderboards (though you can always opt out) and calculates your performance with an output number, which is calculated by a combo of your speed and resistance. Simply adjust the handles and saddle to suit your dimensions, slip or clip your feet into the pedals (you don’t need spin shoes to use this bike, though we recommend them), and get ready to work. You’ll find the flywheel design not only makes an impossibly smooth ride, but the experience is also comfortable between the extra-large seat, water bottle holders, and power ports for your phone or tablet. Other tech perks include an auto-adjusting resistance and incline, which only requires a touch of a button to change the difficulty of your ride. Or you can skip the button altogether with a live or on-demand class in the iFit membership app, as the curated courses automatically adjust the resistance and incline to match the selected course. Even the screen is top-notch, rotating 360 degrees and boasting the brand’s most advanced sound system to blast the jams (or your instructor’s encouraging words). And small details are no exception either, with an AutoBreeze fan to keep you cool and an included set of 3-pound dumbbells stored right by the handlebars. As expected, the S22i Studio Bike has over 42,000 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating. Track your progress with the backlit LCD metric console that displays your time, calories, distance, RPM/cadence, heart rate, speed, and resistance level throughout your ride. The bike has dual water bottle holders and a convenient device holder to keep your phone or tablet secure while you ride. It comes with two 3-pound dumbbells, with the option to add on additional weights and accessories, including a padded bike seat (which reviewers say is a must). With nearly 3,000 reviews on the Bowflex website, the C6 has a 4.7 out of 5.0 rating, and 97% of respondents said they would recommend this bike. While we recommend this bike for advanced riders, due to the price point, it’s also a great choice for those trying to increase their cardio fitness, thanks to the Coach By Color® feature. It automatically sets customized training zones for you in each ride based on your heart rate and previously input weight, gender, and level of fitness. (Settings are still adjustable on the fly if a ride is feeling too easy or too difficult.). Shipped directly to you with optional assembly service for an added charge, the bike’s handlebars and saddle can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally if needed. The flywheel design also has a 1:11 gear ratio—i.e., you won’t feel the bike move between gears—which gives a smoother, faster ride. “These beautifully crafted and sturdy bikes have changed the game of indoor cycling. They feel like one of the smoothest rides I have ever experienced,” says Pata. The current model, the Peloton Bike+, offers auto-resistance adjustment and a rotating touchscreen (so you can easily transition from cycling to floor exercises). The screen displays real-time metrics—cadence, resistance, output, heart rate, etc.—throughout your ride, as well as the legendary leaderboard, which connects you to other riders around the world. The only downside? To maximize the full benefits of your Peloton, you’ll need to pay for the Peloton All-Access membership. The $39 fee adds up, but it also gives you access to thousands of classes including non-cycling optional like stretching, strength training, cycling, running, yoga, and more. Of course, for less money you get fewer tech capabilities and won’t see all the bells and whistles of other bikes, such as access to classes or Bluetooth connectivity capabilities. Although there’s no screen or app to stream classes on, there is a mount for your tablet or phone, as well as an LCD monitor to measure your time, speed, distance, and calories. The bike has a resistance knob with an emergency brake lever and traditional cage petals. Setup is easy, but even the best reviews comment on the fact that it is not the sturdiest option and that there can be a slight wobble to the handlebars. The front-mounted wheels make this bike incredibly easy to move within your space, and the bike itself utilizes the brand’s patented SMR™ (Silent Magnetic Resistance), providing a quieter riding experience your neighbors will thank you for. Another awesome feature: the SmartBeat™ Forearm Heart Rate Monitor, which helps you accurately track your heart rate and stats. The bike tracks all your metrics in real time, including your speed, cadence, distance, and heart rate. The latter is done via an included Polar monitor, which ensures you get one of the most accurate reads of any pick on the list. It also holds up to 350 pounds—one of the most inclusive—and comes with a stabilizer mat and EVA foam roller. The pedals are also wider than average (18 mm vs. 14.3 mm) for an easier clip-on or slip-in experience. No more struggling! Use the 21.5-inch touchscreen to follow on-demand cycling in the BODi app (monthly subscription required) or swivel it 360 degrees for other workouts, such as barre, yoga, or strength training, for a holistic workout program. A STRYDE app subscription provides access to tons of rides and classes, including a selection of free classes to skip an extra subscription charge. Each membership supports up to four profiles and provides access to the leaderboard and workout history. With nearly 500 reviews, the STRYDE has 4.7/5 stars overall. One reviewer says, “I’ve tested other bikes and feel the construction of the Stryde bike is superior. It’s extremely quiet and very comfortable.”
