10 Best Exercise Bikes in 2022 (Personal Trainer-Reviewed)
Exercise bikes can provide a great cardio workout with a machine that's easy to use by anyone. Some exercise bikes suit high-intensity workouts while others are good for beginners. Other machines help to support your lower back, knees, and joints. There are so many on the market, too!
To help make your decision easier, we've created this list of 10 of the best exercise bikes on the market. Our top choice, the Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike by Sunny Health & Fitness, is a great option to consider due to its comfort and adjustability. There are also nine other options for you to choose from, and our buying guide provides you some information that we think is important for you to know when choosing an exercise bike online!
Quick List - Top Exercise Bikes
Sunny Health & Fitness
A Heavy Flywheel for Intense Workouts
I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Director of Aquatics. I've worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor since 2009, and personal and group fitness training since 2012. Over the years I've taught and worked in a variety of formats on both land and water. I believe that knowledge in fitness is key to growing stronger, working toward your goals, and preventing injury along the way.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Why Should I Get an Exercise Bike?
Do you even need an exercise bike? According to certified personal trainer Esther Leonardo, it's worth the investment. She says, "Exercise bikes are great when you're looking for a cardio workout with some lower body resistance and without the impact that you get from something like running.
They are also great to add to workout circuits for a cardio burst. Stationary bikes are a good start for anyone looking to do at-home considering how easy it is to find routines or classes online and through apps."
How to Choose Exercise Bikes
Since exercise bikes are a long-term investment, you should carefully check all the equipment features in order to make sure that you get what you pay for! Here are six important points to consider.
Choose Between Types of Exercise Bikes
Different types of exercise bikes suit different goals, fitness levels, and health concerns. To choose one that perfectly fits you, it's important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Upright Bikes Offer a Familiar Riding Position
If you’re a beginner, you should start with an upright because it has a conventional riding position with the pedals positioned under the body, which makes it easy to ride.
Upright is great for cardio workouts, and if you sit in the right form, it'll engage a lot of your core muscles, too! They usually offer pre-programmed workouts that suit someone who wants to add challenge and variety but doesn't want to regulate their own workouts.
Upright bikes are one of the more popular options that you'll find. They're used by people of all different levels but are a great choice for cyclists looking to train indoors.
Upright bikes offer the most versatility in body positioning and intensity between hand positioning as well as sitting versus standing as you ride. These types of bikes also tend to be easier to store and move. I'm personally a fan of bikes with a magnetic flywheel for a silent, durable bike versus something with a fan that's noisy and bulky.
Recumbent Bikes Support Your Back and Joints
Recumbent bikes have a reclined body position and back support, so it’s gentle on your back, spine, hips, and joints. They suit low-impact workouts and work great on the muscle groups at the back of your legs.
Recumbent is considered to be the safest type of exercise bike. It comes with a wider seat than uprights and pedals are positioned in front of the body, so it can improve your bike riding comfort and reduce the risk of injuries.
Recumbent bikes are great for those who struggle with sitting upright with good posture, or those who have back and joint problems. Most of them have great display systems or ways to track your resistance and workout.
However, if you are looking for a sturdy machine rather than a foldable one, these machines tend to be very bulky and cannot be moved once you place them.
Indoor Cycling is Good for High-Intensity Workouts
Indoor cycling, also know by its trademarked name spinning, uses a style of bike that gives the feeling you’re cycling outdoors. They're designed to both sit and stand and offer more resistance levels than the other types, so they suit climbing or high-intensity workouts.
It offers many levels of resistance and is set manually similar to a road bike. In your search, you may want to consider magnetic resistance bikes. Although they are expensive, they are durable and provide a smooth and quiet operation.
I'm always on the lookout for a good cycling class because the workout that it provides can be very rewarding. In just 45 minutes, you can burn as many as 350 calories or more.
The more that you change body position, speed, and resistance the more you'll burn. Because it feels so similar to an actual bike, you can create rides that feel just like flat roads, uphill climbs, or rolling hills.
Consider Additional Features
An exercise bike should have a monitoring feature that includes at least five basic stats: time, distance, calories, speed, and resistance. Some exercise bikes offer a desktop tray or standing desk, which allows you to work and exercise at the same time.
Other options that you may consider are pre-programmed workouts, backlight display, a bottle holder, device holder, built-in speakers, a heart rate sensor, resistance levels, a built-in fan, or transport wheels.
When looking for a bike, you may want to look for one with a display with a few different measurements. Your watts will tell you how much power you are using, your RPM (rotations per minute) will tell you your speed, and then, of course, you'll want to know your time and mileage.
Some bikes may have heart rate monitors built into the bike or connect to a monitor you can wear so you can get an accurate calorie count. More expensive bikes will have advanced displays with video and streaming options so that you can do classes from home.
Pay Attention to the Weight and Height Limits
Not all exercise bikes offer the same weight capacity. On average, the weight limits range between 250 and 350 pounds. But few models offer up to 500 pounds, too! It’s important to make sure that you choose one that can support your weight to prevent the risk of injuries.
For the minimum and maximum height limit, it usually ranges between 4 foot 8 inches to 6 foot 3 inches on average. But of course, some models offer wider ranges. Height limits are not a big issue compared with weight capacity since the saddle can be adjustable, which covers the height of a majority of people.
Recumbent bikes are able to hold the most weight. One option to consider if height and weight make you hesitate is an under-desk bike. It makes it possible to sit in a chair that you already know is comfortable for you. However, these won't provide the same range and work as a traditional bike, and you'll want to make sure that you still maintain good posture when using them.
Look for a Comfortable Saddle
Saddles are important because they can make you feel uncomfortable and cause pain in your lower back and buttocks if you choose the wrong one. As a result, it can ruin your workout performance.
Adjustability is a Must
The most important thing to look for in a saddle is adjustability, especially if multiple people will be using it. An adjustable saddle is important because it helps to reduce the risk of injury as well as helping you burn more calories if you sit in the correct form.
For example, if you plan to buy an upright bike, make sure the seat height can be around the same height as your hip. You can check this information from the dimensions of the machine.
Because everyone is a different height, finding a bike that can adjust to your body is always something to look for. Adjustable features you will want to check for in your bike are saddle height and proximity to the handlebars, and your handlebar height and proximity to the saddle.
Being able to adjust your saddle and handlebars up and down as well as forward and back makes it easier to share a bike between people of very different heights or for a single individual to tailor it to the most comfortable position for their body.
Wide Saddles are More Comfortable
When it comes to upright and recumbent exercise bikes, choose one with a wide and comfortable saddle. However, some indoor cycling bikes have long and narrow saddles, so we recommend sitting on the widest part of the saddle and riding out of the saddle more often.
In general, recumbent exercise bikes offer the widest saddles among all types of exercise bikes, but it doesn't mean they are the best type of exercise bike. It just means that wide cushioned saddles can support your bottom more than narrow ones.
Measure your own sit bone (not your hips) before buying an exercise bike. If you have a narrow sit bone (around 100 millimeters), you should consider one with a 130-millimeter saddle width.
In case your sit bone is around 100 to 130 millimeters, we suggest you look for a 143-millimeter saddle width. But if your sit bone width is over 130 millimeters, a 155-millimeter saddle width is perfect for your size.
The wider the saddle, the more support it will provide, and the less sore you'll be. Recumbent bikes will often have a wide saddle, but most upright bikes will not.
You can combat this with different cushions or shorts, or even sit as far back on the bike as possible. Another option is looking to invest in a replacement seat. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for compatibility before going with this option.
Avoid Hard Plastics
Besides the size of the saddle, we suggest you avoid hard plastic material. Instead, choose vinyl, fabric, rubber, or leather, which have a softer texture and can provide better support. It will come in handy especially during long or high-intensity workouts!
Hard plastic seats are super uncomfortable to ride on and can leave you sore for a couple of days. The cheaper the bike, the harder the material tends to be. It's pricier to invest in a bike with a softer seat, but it can be worth it.
If budget is really a deal-breaker you can compensate for this with cushions that will fit over the top of your saddle or bike shorts with padding sewn in.
Check the Warranty and Money Back Guarantee
An exercise bike is a long-term investment, so a warranty is important. An ideal exercise bike should come with a warranty of one year for labor, three years on parts, and a lifetime warranty for the frame. However, only a few brands offer that and they tend to be more expensive than average.
Exercise bikes that don't come with a warranty or offer a short warranty like three months can be assumed to be poorly-built and we suggest you avoid them. A good quality exercise bike usually offers a 30-day money-back guarantee regardless of the reason.
Exercise equipment and machines can be pricey. One of the most frequent things I run into with exercise bikes is something loose, squeaky, or making clinking sounds when it shouldn't be.
Often, these are fixes that come after a lot of wear and tear and years of use, but it never hurts to make sure that things are covered for a certain of amount of time. Purchasing an indoor bike is an investment, and you'll want to make sure that you can always look for some assistance on the off chance that something goes wrong.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
The average size of an exercise bike is 35 to 48 inches in length and 18 to 26 in width. The height is variable depending on the type of exercise bike. Uprights have a higher handlebar, so they usually require more space.
But if you have limited space, you may want to consider a folding bike that doesn't take up much space.
10 Best Exercise Bikes Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike｜SF-B1805 | | A Heavy Flywheel for Intense Workouts | |
2 | BulbHead Slim Cycle Stationary Bike | | Get a Full-Body Workout with a Lightweight Machine | |
3 | Pooboo Indoor Exercise Bike｜X6 | | A Great Design That Suits a Range of Workouts | |
4 | XTerra Fitness Folding Exercise Bike｜FB150 | | A Compact Folding Bike Perfect for Limited Spaces | |
5 | Schwinn Recumbent Bike｜230 | | A 10-Year Warranty and Lots of Extra Features | |
6 | Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike｜SF-B0418 | | Best Portable Under-Desk Exercise Bike | |
7 | Assault Fitness AirBike Classic | | Push Yourself to the Limit with a Fan Bike! | |
8 | Nordictrack Commercial Studio Cycle｜S22i | | Enjoy Live Interactive Training on a Large Touchscreen Monitor | |
9 | Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike｜4100 | | A Durable Steel Frame for Big and Tall Riders | |
10 | Exerpeutic Folding Recumbent Bike｜400XL/300SR | | A Semi-Recumbent Desk Bike for Gentle Exercise While You Work |
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike ｜ SF-B1805
A Heavy Flywheel for Intense Workouts
This indoor cycling bike comes with magnetic resistance and 44-pound flywheel, which means it gives a smooth and silent motion but requires more of your energy. A heavy flywheel suits hill climb training and high-intensity workouts.
It offers multi-hand grips with four different ways to adjust the seat and handlebars to suit your body size. Proper workout posture can improve your workout performance and prevent injuries!
A few reviewers claim that it arrived with broken parts and it has a poorly-made handlebar and seat. However, most reviewers support the claims that it's quiet, sturdy, and smooth. It's easy to set up and perfect for a spinning workout. The seat is comfortable and fits people 5-feet tall. Most people say it's a great long-term investment!
Get a Full-Body Workout with a Lightweight Machine
A 2-in-1 bike is perfect for someone who gets bored and is looking for a versatile type of exercise. The adjustable seat can be set as a recumbent bike for a low-intensity workout or upright bike for higher intensity. It comes with built-in arm resistance bands so you can also focus on upper body workouts, too!
Some reviewers claim that this machine is not durable and doesn't suit taller people. But others claim that it's a perfect machine for beginners, seniors, those doing physical therapy, and people with joint problems. It's light and small, so it's easy to move around and store.
A Great Design That Suits a Range of Workouts
This is a great machine for many riders because it comes with a medium-sized flywheel that makes it not too difficult for beginners but not too easy for high-intensity workouts. It comes in a unique design with quick and easy assembly.
The resistance levels are easy to adjust by just twisting the knob to increase or decrease the intensity. In case of emergency, you can easily push the same knob and the brake system will quickly activate. Moreover, it offers free replacement parts within one year after purchase.
This bike has become a favorite for many reasons. First, most people like the outstanding design and color. It's easy to set up and doesn't require much time. The LCD display is easy to read and the device holder can keep you entertained throughout workouts. It's a compact bike, but it gives a very effective result!
A Compact Folding Bike Perfect for Limited Spaces
If you have limited space and are looking for a compact bike, you may want to consider this machine. Although it comes with a lightweight and foldable design, it's built with a thick and solid steel frame.
It's a simple upright bike that offers basic options including an LCD display that allows you to track your workout results, including calories, time, distance, speed, and heart rate.
Some reviewers claim that the parts are easily broken and it makes loud noises! It's also too small for taller people. However, others confirm that it's sturdy although it's lightweight. The saddle is comfortable and gives good support. It's highly recommended, especially for someone who lives in an apartment.
A 10-Year Warranty and Lots of Extra Features
This is one of the best recumbent bikes equipped with many features, including your fitness result, an adjustable three-speed fan, 20 levels of resistance, 22 preset workout programs, and a 10-year warranty!
It comes with a large backrest and saddle cushion to support your lower back and bottom. It's also equipped with a seat rail slider system that allows you to adjust the sitting position to fit your height.
Although it's easy to put together, some reviewers say it's not durable, and even though the warranty covered their parts, they found themselves stuck with the repair work.
But other reviewers claim that it's gentle on knees and joints and suits low impact cardio workouts. A variety of pre-programmed workouts make it very convenient for most people. It also comes with a large device holder that can hold a laptop, so most people are happy that they can work and exercise at the same time.
Sunny Health & FitnessMagnetic Mini Exercise Bike ｜ SF-B0418
Best Portable Under-Desk Exercise Bike
A high-quality under-desk bike is perfect for people with busy lifestyles who have no time to exercise. It's portable and convenient to carry around; thus, it's great to use not just at home but also at the office!
It's designed to work both your arms and legs, and the pedals come with safety straps that you can adjust. Although it's a mini bike, it offers eight levels of resistance to help you burn more calories!
Some reviewers claim that the pedals are not well-built and the machine breaks easily. But most people are happy with their purchase and like the fact that it is small and very quiet, which makes it perfect exercise equipment for the office.
Although the resistance levels are not very high, it doesn't create pressure on your knees and joints and can be used by anyone.
Push Yourself to the Limit with a Fan Bike!
This machine suits someone who likes cross-fit workouts or wants to take their training to the next level! It's equipped with seven intense pre-programmed workouts like Tabata and interval training. The resistance levels are unlimited, which means the intensity levels are based on the speed of the pedals and the handles.
Reviewers claim that it's a quality machine and made with heavy and sturdy steel. It's a perfect machine for insane cardio and total body workout. Some people say it's better than a stationary bike in terms of both quality and fitness results!
Enjoy Live Interactive Training on a Large Touchscreen Monitor
If you like modern technology, this exercise bike is for you. It offers iFit technology that allows you to have live interaction with trainers, personalize your own workouts, and give a virtual experience that allows you to cycle anywhere in the world!
It also comes with a 22-inch HD touch screen with 360-degree rotation, four user profiles, Google maps, speakers, and 24 resistance levels. On top of that, you'll also get a free pair of three-pound dumbbells!
However, many people are disappointed with the iFit membership because they have to pay extra for that after one year. It's not easy to assemble and takes some time to set up.
But some people say it's the best high-end bike that is also a good substitute for a treadmill. Besides running smoothly and quietly, it provides many levels of resistance, which is a great way to burn extra calories. They also like the virtual experience that makes them feel like they're riding on a real road.
Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike ｜ 4100
A Durable Steel Frame for Big and Tall Riders
Unlike most exercise bikes that have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, this bike offers a weight limit of up to 400 pounds! It also comes with a large saddle and pedals to support your ride and prevent injuries.
Some reviewers claim that it came with defective parts and has poor customer service. It's a simple exercise bike that comes with basic options, so it doesn't suit intermediate-advanced levels. However, if you're heavy or tall and looking for a folding bike, this is an extremely durable option.
A Semi-Recumbent Desk Bike for Gentle Exercise While You Work
This desk bike suits someone who likes to multitask. The semi-recumbent design makes it easy to get on and off. Fitness tracking is easy to read on a large LCD display. Moreover, it has a foldable design and comes with a heart rate sensor and adjustable pedal strap to hold your feet in place.
Some reviewers claim that it doesn't have good customer service and warranty support. Also, the machine is quite noisy and doesn't last long.
On the other hand, others claim that it's durable. Some people have been using it for a couple of years and have no issue. It's a great multitasking bike and a good choice for someone who wants gentle exercise.
More Expert Tips for Choosing an Exercise Bike
Esther says, "Online purchasing is popular nowadays, but I recommend knowing what your indoor bike feels like before purchasing it. Some provide smoother rides than others or are easier to adjust. You may want a comfier seat, or you may find that you're willing to compromise on that for a different price point.
Some bikes are thinner and feel less stable than one with a thicker frame. You may also find that you want one with a built-in display system to make sure that you are getting the most out of your workout, or that you barely check it at all.
The point is, you'll never know which one is best for you unless you try different styles out first. If you aren't able to, try to find something comparable to one that you know you do like."
Want to Get in Shape While Avoiding the Gym?
Besides exercise bikes, there are lots of other ways to get in shape from the comfort of your home. We think you might want to check these out, too!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Certified Personal Trainer Esther Leonardo
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Exercise Bikes
No. 1: Sunny Health & Fitness ｜Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike｜SF-B1805
No. 2: BulbHead｜Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
No. 3: Pooboo｜Indoor Exercise Bike｜X6
No. 4: XTerra Fitness｜Folding Exercise Bike｜FB150
No. 5: Schwinn｜Recumbent Bike｜230
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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