The best exercise bikes are the cornerstone of every home gym. They are more compact and joint-friendly than treadmills, and they take up far less space than some of the best rowing machines. They are also extremely versatile. Exercise bikes range from classic upright bikes — like our favorite Peloton bike, for example — to compact spin bikes, foldable machines and mammoth pieces of kit like the Wahoo KICKR bike. We know that buying an exercise bike is not an easy task at the best of times, never mind in the run-up to Black Friday when so many models get heavily discounted. However, it is worth the effort.
Indoor cycling is a great way to boost your stamina and burn calories without putting excessive strain on your joints. To a certain extent, training on an exercise bike can also help improve cycling performance and core stability. “You will notice increased leg strength, too,” Sam Birch, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist at Pure Sports Medicine, told Live Science. You can read more indoor cycling by scrolling down to the Exercise bikes FAQs section.
We are big fans of exercise bikes here at Live Science. Our expert reviewers use them regularly to keep fit no matter the weather, and they have tried and tested dozens of models over the years. You can trust us when we say that we know a great exercise bike when we see it (or ride it, for that matter). We have rounded up our favorite models to help you pick the right exercise bike for your needs and preferences.
Each of these exercise bikes was reviewed according to the same rigorous protocol. We looked at their design, fit, features and value for money, and put these machines through their paces to fully assess their performance. You can read more about how we test the best exercise bikes down below.
The quick list
See the quick list below for a brief summary of our favorite exercise bikes, or scroll further down for more detailed reviews of each machine.
Best overall
Stylish, durable and brimming with features, the flagship Peloton machine is the best exercise bike for most people and a real treat for fans of on-demand fitness classes.
Best on a budget
This exercise bike offers impressive performance for less than $400. It is sturdy, easy to use, and it can hold up to 300 pounds — all while delivering a smooth, comfortable ride.
Best Peloton alternative
This Echelon model combines a sleek, sturdy design with fun and engaging fitness classes, making it a great alternative to the much pricier Peloton bike.
Best budget spin bike
This compact spin-style Sunny Health and Fitness Bike delivers a great indoor cycling experience without draining your wallet or making excessive noise.
Best for realistic rides
Weighing almost 93 lbs, the Wahoo KICKR bike V2 is a beast of a machine, but its highly customizable features, top-notch connectivity and realistic ride experience are hard to match.
Best for resistance
The height-inclusive Schwinn IC4 offers a whopping 100 levels of magnetic resistance, making this exercise bike a great option for seasoned cycling enthusiasts.
The best exercise bikes we recommend in 2024: Tried and tested by our experts with hands-on, real-world experience
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best exercise bike overall
✅ You are looking for a durable bike: It holds steady, even during sweaty spin classes.
✅ You enjoy exercising with others: The Peloton App is packed with live and on-demand fitness classes.
✅ You want a hassle-free setup: The Peloton bike comes fully put together, except for the screen.
❌ You are on a budget: This bike tends to cost more than $1400.
❌ You are short on space: This is a sizeable machine, and it can't be folded.
🔎 Peloton bike: With its sleek design, crisp display and engaging fitness classes on demand, the Peloton bike is a real pleasure to ride — but it is on the expensive side. ★★★★½
Stylish and feature-rich, the Peloton Bike is a bestseller for good reason. It’s not cheap, but what you get for your dollar is an extremely well-made machine with endless features to keep you motivated and on track with your health and fitness goals. During our Peloton Bike review, it thoroughly impressed us with its robust design, ease of use, and top-quality fitness classes, which is why we placed this stylish bike in the top spot.
The bike comes in Peloton’s signature black and red colors, and has a small footprint making it a good choice for people short on space. It’s also ergonomic so it feels comfortable and smooth to ride. Just bear in mind that the pedals require specific Look Delta cleat-compatible shoes, which is an extra cost on top of the bike.
The original Peloton Bike has a crisp touchscreen with all of its features hidden within the monitor — this is deliberate so that the bike itself isn’t cluttered by lots of buttons. With daily live workouts and on-demand classes via the Peloton app, one of the big draws of this bike is that you will never get bored as there is so much virtual content. A subscription is, however, needed to access the app. If you branch out and buy another Peloton product like the Peloton Tread, you can use your existing app subscription to access running content too. Another big pull is the bike is quiet and intuitive to use.
Overall, the Peloton Bike offers one of the most satisfying riding experiences out there.
- Read our full Peloton Bike review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | Measured as a percentage of the maximum resistance |
| Extra features | Bottle holder, weights holder |
| Additional costs | Peloton app membership: Basic - $12.99/month / Extended - $24/month |
Best budget exercise bike
✅ You want to get the most for your money: It is budget-friendly, but sturdy and stable.
✅ You want a comfortable ride: We liked its wide seat and a quiet yet powerful flywheel.
✅ You do not want a complex setup: A how-to video will help you get it up and running in less than an hour.
❌ You enjoy fitness classes: No touchscreen or workout apps.
❌ You want detailed workout tracking: Its display shows only calories, distance, time and speed.
❌ You are short on space: The bike is quite compact, but it can't be folded.
🔎 Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike: This budget-friendly machine impresses with its quality design, ease of assembly and smooth riding experience, but it does lack the premium frills. ★★★★
The Yosuda indoor cycling bike is a great value exercise bike for people on a budget who want a spinning style workout. It is well-made and sturdy, with a simple design that makes it intuitive to use, and has a friction resistance on the flywheel that is fairly quiet and smooth. It’s this slightly lower tech system that also makes the bike more affordable ― one of the key reasons why we gave it a strong 4-star rating in our Yosuda Indoor Stationary Bike review.
There is no touchscreen or monitor and the computer display is very basic, but it shows all the core metrics you need, including time, speed, distance and calories. The Yosuda exercise bike doesn’t have any programmed classes either, but you can get around this by simply watching a free Youtube workout on your phone or tablet, or using another app like iFit or Peloton to access live or on-demand online classes.
One big perk is the way the handlebars angle in — this really helps when leaning forward in racing style rides, as it’s a more comfortable and natural position for the shoulders and arms.
Moreover, the bike has dual pedals — cage and clip in — so you don’t have to buy expensive cycling shoes to use the machine unless you want to.
Lastly, the Yosuda bike has a whopping 300lbs capacity, making it one of the sturdiest cardio machines in its affordable price range.
- Read our full Yosuda Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | Knob-adjustable |
| Extra features | Bottle holder, toe cage, phone holder |
| Additional costs | None |
Best Peloton alternative
✅ You want good value for money: Functionality of the Peloton bike, but without the hefty price.
✅ You want an easy way to monitor your progress: This bike provides detailed workout data.
✅ You thrive with a supportive community: It allows you to connect with other Echelon riders.
❌ You want something easy to use: The display can be tricky to navigate.
❌ You want a space-saving design: The bike is heavy, takes up much room, and can't be folded.
🔎 Echelon EX5-S: This well-made machine offers a fun-filled riding experience at a reasonable price, making it a great alternative to the Peloton bike. ★★★★
The Echelon EX5-S is a great budget alternative to the Peloton bike, offering top-quality fitness content and a supportive community of riders. During our Echelon Connect EX5s review, we found it to be sturdy, good-looking, and packed with challenging cardio workouts suitable for beginners to advanced exercisers.
We liked that instructors were enthusiastic and motivating, whilst also giving you opportunities to work at your own pace. We also liked that the Echelon bike offers a convenient way to monitor your progress ― you can see a detailed breakdown of real time data on the screen during classes, and you will also receive an email report after completing each session.
However, finding an appropriate class can be a challenging task. The screen is not very intuitive to navigate, and the class descriptions could benefit from more clarity.
Also, some instructors were quite difficult to understand, and it does take a trial and error approach to find an instructor that appeals to you the most.
The Echelon EX5-S is relatively expensive, but the monthly membership is quite reasonably priced, and its on demand library is packed to the brim with tutorial videos. We need to point out, however, that there are only a small handful of sessions that last longer than 45 minutes.
- Read our full Echelon connect EX5s review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | 32 levels |
| Extra features | Headphone jack, clip in cleat option |
| Additional costs | Echelon app membership: Limited fitpass - $11.99/month / Full - $34.99/month |
Best budget spin bike
✅ You are on a budget: This bike offers a great spin-style experience without breaking the bank.
✅ You want a smooth ride: Its hefty flywheel boasts great resistance and makes little noise.
✅ You don't want additional costs: No cycling shoes or app memberships required.
❌ You enjoy immersive rides and engaging fitness classes: No touchscreen or device holder.
❌ You want detailed workout tracking: No cadence or resistance checker.
❌ You want something portable: It is heavier than it looks.
🔎 Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002: It is sturdy, well-designed, whisper-quiet at use and smooth to ride. However, the SF-B1002 may not have enough features to satisfy experienced cyclists. ★★★½
If you’re after a basic indoor cycling experience without breaking the bank, then the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike is a solid option. It’s pretty compact, and has the look and feel of a gym-style spin bike with a good resistance range on the flywheel. During our Sunny Health and Fitness Bike SF-B1002 review, we were impressed by its great performance. The resistance goes up to 100, which is more than enough for a challenging workout, and it moves smoothly between gears with minimal noise.
You’ll need to pay for a subscription to access the virtual content on the Sunny Health & Fitness app, but you can use the bike without it. It’s also budget-friendly, so if you’re not sure how much you’re going to use it, this might be a good option for you.
We love how quiet it is, which is a bonus for anyone living in shared accommodation or an apartment. A drawback is the seat can be a little uncomfortable, but after a few weeks of ‘breaking it in’, it’s easier to ride on.
There’s also no way of tracking cadence (the speed you’re pedaling) so it’s hard to monitor intensity, but if you want to test-run an indoor bike without spending too much, then the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike is a no-frills choice.
- Read our full Sunny Health and Fitness Bike SF-B1002 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | Dial-adjustable |
| Extra features | Bottle holder |
| Additional costs | None |
Best exercise bike for cycling purists
✅ You want a realistic ride experience: It boasts 22 gears and auto-resistance that automatically adjusts to simulate different terrains.
✅ You like intense workouts: The Wattbike Atom is built like a tank — you can put it through its paces and it will not break.
✅ You want an easy setup: The bike comes in one piece, just plug it in and you are good to go.
❌ You are a cycling novice: You may be put off by the data-heavy, performance-oriented nature of the bike.
❌ You want on-demand fitness classes: It has no built-in monitor.
🔎 Wattbike Atom: Made with seasoned cyclists in mind, this beastly machine offers intense rides and in-depth metrics. However, beginners may find it less accessible. ★★★
This is a competitively priced and high-quality machine for anyone looking for an all-rounder exercise bike. It’s well made, with a ton of features that will appeal to both data-hungry athletes and people new to indoor cycling. Make no mistake, this is a big machine, and you’ll need a lot of space to house it. Whilst it’s 11kg lighter than its predecessor the Wattbike Pro, at 44kg it’s still a bit of a beast so you’ll need to find a good location for it before setting it up.
The Wattbike offers a smooth and realistic ride, thanks to its new electromagnetic resistance and impressive range through 22 gears. It has auto-resistance that automatically adjusts to simulate different terrains and inclines, making for a more intense workout. As well as the Wattbike Hub app, it syncs nicely with other fitness apps including Zwift. On the whole, this exercise machine provides good value for cycling purists, which is why we gave it a strong 3-star rating in our Wattbike Atom review.
On the other hand, it does not have a built-in monitor and lacks a USB port to charge your smartphone or tablet, which is a bit frustrating considering this is likely to be your main way of following online workouts. It is also not compatible with Apple Watch or Fitbit, which is a shame for the high price, but overall this is a well-made and feature-rich exercise bike that delivers on design and functionality.
- Read our full Wattbike Atom review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | 22 gears |
| Extra features | Bottle holder, device holder |
| Additional costs | Wattbike Hub membership: $7.99/month |
Best exercise bike for realistic rides
✅ You want to recreate your outdoor bike: It allows you to fully customize its fit and gearing.
✅ You want to boost your cycling performance: The Wahoo apps are packed with workouts, tips and progress-tracking tools.
✅ You do not want anything loud: The KICKR bike is ultra-quiet even at high speeds.
❌ You are on a budget: It is one of the most expensive exercise bikes on the market.
❌ You weigh more than 250lbs (113kg): This bike has limited weight capacity.
❌ You want a basic exercise bike: The KICKR bike may be an overkill.
🔎 Wahoo KICKR bike: Made with seasoned cyclists in mind, this beastly machine offers intense rides and in-depth metrics. However, beginners may find it less accessible. ★★★★
The Wahoo KICKR bike (version 2) is a great option for those passionate about cycling in the great outdoors. This beastly machine features a highly customized fit, shifting and gearing, allowing you to fully recreate your outdoor bike in the comfort of your home. It is also compatible with a wide range of cycling workout apps, making it a useful tool for improving exercise performance and tracking progress.
During our Wahoo KICKR bike V2 review, we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. This exercise bike is sturdy, stable and whisper-quiet, and unlike most models on the market, it features a wide range of incline changes and a set of brakes. We liked the ultra-realistic ride feel of the KICKR bike — it even makes the characteristic 'clunk' noise in-between gear changes. We also did not experience any issues with connectivity to third-party devices, such as laptops and mobile phones.
However, the flagship Wahoo machine is not equipped with any touchscreens, smartphone holders, or other frills typical of more premium indoor bikes. Instead, it features a small LED screen located right beneath the handlebar, and it only displays basic metrics — the gear you are in, your incline, and whether your bike is connected to another device. If you are looking for more in-depth stats, you will have to rely on the connected apps.
Moreover, the KICKR bike is a heavy piece of machinery that requires some serious floor space, and some people may find its seat slightly uncomfortable. Not to mention, it boasts a whopping price tag of $3,999.99, making it one of the most expensive bikes on the market.
- Read our full Wahoo KICKR Bike V2 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | Customizable |
| Extra features | Bottle holder |
| Additional costs | Wahoo SYSTM app membership - $14.99/month |
Best exercise bike for resistance
✅ You are tall: This bike can be adjusted to suit a wide range of heights.
✅ You are looking for a well-made bike: It strikes a great balance between size, durability and resistance.
✅ You don't want anything loud: The Schwinn bike is quiet even at high speeds.
❌ You enjoy engaging fitness classes: The JRNY app falls behind its competitors.
❌ You require a long power cable: You have to position the bike close to the socket.
❌ You want detailed workout tracking: This bike offers only basic metrics.
🔎 Schwinn IC4 exercise bike: This reasonably priced bike offers user-friendly design and excellent performance, but its fitness classes could be more robust. ★★★★
The Schwinn IC4 exercise bike is extremely popular and frequently sold out on online retailers. It offers compatibility with the best cycling apps, such as Zwift and Peloton, without the high equipment costs associated with these brands.
During our Schwinn IC4 review, we were particularly impressed by its crisp display screen. The mounted monitor allows you to track time, distance, calories, RPMs & heart rate, although some users have reported that these stats can be inaccurate.
Moreover, you can easily clip in your water bottle and a tablet for a comfortable ride, and the race-style seat is height adjustable. The dual link SPD foot pedals also come standard with toe cages or clips for whichever cycling shoes you want to use. In that regard, the Schwinn IC4 is very user-friendly and accessible.
It tends to deliver on performance, too. The 100 levels of magnetic resistance make it easy to knock the resistance up and give yourself a challenging workout, before turning it back down for a cooldown. It does need to be plugged in, which can be a little restrictive as you’ll need to have the space to connect it.
On the downside, the bike can be noisy, and it is equipped with a heart monitor that requires syncing with the app every time you use it.
- Read our full Schwinn IC4 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resistance range | 100 levels |
| Extra features | Device holder, dual pedals, 2 x bottle holder, weights holder |
| Additional costs | JNRY app membership - $19.99/month |
Best exercise bikes: Comparison
| Product | Set up and usability | Design and display | Features | Performance | Value for money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peloton bike | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★½ | ★★ |
| YOSUDA bike | ★★★★ | ★★★½ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★½ |
| Echelon Connect EX5-S | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Bike | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Wattbike Atom | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Wahoo KICKR bike V2 | ★★★★ | ★★★½ | ★★★★½ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Schwinn IC4 | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
Our expert consultants
Sam Birch is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Pure Sports Medicine. He has a keen interest in post-surgical rehabilitation, cycling injuries and sports rehabilitation. We spoke to Sam about the potential benefits of indoor cycling and the pros and cons of different types of exercise bikes.
Pav Bryan is an ultra-endurance cyclist and master cycling coach at Humango. He holds the world record for the fastest equivalent ascent of the highest peak on each continent — 43,556m of climbing in 6 days and 7 hours. Pav advised Live Science on how to choose the best exercise bike.
Alex Dowsett is a British six-time National Time Trial Champion and Giro d’Italia Stage Winner, as well as a a cycling coach at Thighs Club. A time trial specialist, he broke the Hour Record Holder in 2015 with a distance of 52.937 kilometers (32.894 miles). Alex told Live Science what to look for in an exercise bike.
Best exercise bikes for home use: Frequently Asked Questions
Exercise bike vs. treadmill ― which is better?
Exercise bike vs treadmill ― which is better? Both allow you to focus on aerobic exercise (like jogging or gentle cycling, using oxygen) and anaerobic exercise (like sprinting or high-intensity spin, without using oxygen). Both also come packed with benefits like improved cardio fitness, stronger muscles, and healthier bones though they target your muscles differently.
The downside for keen runners is the impact on joints, even if you run on shock-absorbing tread belts. Learning how to run properly and how running shoes should fit are two ways to tackle it, but exercise bikes mitigate the risks of joint injuries.
Recumbent bikes vs. upright bikes ― which is better?
Recumbent bikes vs upright bikes ― which is better? Recumbent bikes sit close to the floor in a reclined position and house front pedals, whereas upright bikes look like spin bikes. These models are an ergonomic solution because the front pedal position helps to redistribute your weight which places less pressure on your knees and tailbone, and they also have a backrest. However, this positioning could result in a lack of core, glute, and upper body engagement.
Birch says that the type of exercise bike you choose is up to you. “Personally, I find upright bikes better replicate an actual cycling position,” he tells us. “There’s also better leg muscle recruitment which allows maximal power output when pedaling.”
Are recumbent exercise bikes effective?
Recumbent exercise bikes are effective ― to a certain degree. The reduced drag is said to produce faster speeds which technically makes them more aerodynamic. However, a study published in Frontiers in Sport and Active Living found power output higher in upright bikes, and Birch agrees.
Exercise bike vs. rowing machine ― which is better?
Which machine wins between rowing vs cycling? Well, neither is as high-impact as running, and both work the aerobic and anaerobic systems (if you decide to include HIIT), meaning cardio gains and improvements in power, strength, and endurance.
However, rowing targets roughly 86% of muscles in the body, offering a more full-body workout than cycling. It depends somewhat on how you train, though. For example, Harvard Medical School estimated calorie burn for a 155lb person after 30 minutes of moderate cycling and rowing to be the same, but rowing took victory during high-intensity training.
Exercise bike vs. elliptical ― which is better?
Exercise bike vs elliptical. Both are low-impact, but ellipticals (also called cross trainers) engage the upper and lower body together for a full-body workout. Using an elliptical feels more like running though, so while it could be a safe alternative for runners, it’s unlikely that cyclists would favor them.
According to one study published in the National Institutes of Health, ellipticals encouraged greater engagement in the quadriceps and quadriceps-hamstrings coactivation than walking and stationary cycling. Exercise bikes are handier for saving space (especially folding designs), particularly if you live in a city apartment, but considering Harvard Medical School reckons a 155lb person could ramp up around 324 calories in 30 minutes – it could be worth making room.
More info
Is an exercise bike as good as cycling?
Birch tells us that exercise bikes offer consistent resistance over a set period, whereas outdoor cycling could mean contending with stop signals, traffic, or cruisey downhill routes.
However, while this is beneficial for specific training methods or monitoring your power output during HIIT bike workouts, it can feel boring. Birch says that getting fresh air and cycling with friends might be a more pleasurable experience.
Regardless, both methods can improve your cardio and get those glutes firing up, and most of the intensity of outdoor training can be matched on more advanced indoor spin bikes.
The Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation studied a spinning group and a standard cycling group to see what (if any) differences there are. Somewhat surprisingly, the spinning group results were greater for improved body composition and fitness, although both groups saw positive changes across all health parameters.
Although variables like weight, distance, and intensity will affect your results, spin classes might encourage the adherence and motivation lacking for some solo cyclists. Instructors may also have you pushing harder on those pedals when your head is telling you a firm ‘no.’
That isn’t to say outdoor cycling doesn’t offer its own set of unique perks. A study into the effects of outdoor cycling on people suffering from mental illness found that factors like community and fresh air could empower people and promote long-term physical activity – as published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
What is the most comfortable exercise bike?
Birch recommends the Wattbike because of its realistic bike geometry, saying it’s easy to adjust and replicates a regular bike setup without the cramped feeling of upright bikes (like Peloton and Echelon). “Their lack of adjustability makes people feel they're stretching for the handlebars,” he says. And there isn’t much you can do to combat this.
Personally, we loved the affordable Yosuda Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike, which has the comfiest seat we’ve tested – something you’ll come to cherish if you’re buying your first bike, trust us. We found the Peloton bike too solid and kept adjusting mid-workout to find a comfier position (we didn’t find one).
If you’re recovering from injury, new to exercise or have long-term lower back or knee issues, a recumbent bike could provide far more support, although you’d need the space to house it.
Keen to follow Birch and try the Wattbike? Our Wattbike Atom review can advise you on what to expect. All in all, it depends on your preferences, fitness goals, and home living situation.
Is an exercise bike good for losing weight?
If you’re questioning – Are exercise bikes good for weight loss? We asked Birch his thoughts.
He tells us that exercise (in general) contributes toward weight loss, but a weight loss journey consists of a whole lot more, including your diet. And poor diet can’t be out-cycled.
Instead, Birch advises a calorie deficit alongside your training if you’re aiming to lose weight.
Cycling does burn calories, but this shouldn’t pull focus from its ability to boost your cardio fitness and overall health. That said, exercise bikes still make it into our best exercise machines to lose weight guide.
Wondering how to ramp up calorie burn? A study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism measured excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in 12 men engaging in interval training and continuous cycling. EPOC refers to the increase in oxygen consumption after high-intensity exercise, resulting in a temporary rise in metabolism and calorie burn as we return to homeostasis – ‘normal.’
Results were similar when the total workload was similar, but the heart rate was higher during interval training. While pedaling against resistance, muscles are forced to work harder, increasing heart rate, respiration, and calorie burn.
Meanwhile, a study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation studied 24 female middle school students for 16 weeks cycling for one hour a day, three times a week, and compared spinning groups with regular cycling. Results showed improvements for both, with significant changes in the spinning group – especially in body fat percentage and body mass.
Controlling speed and resistance can help you tap into aerobic, anaerobic, and strength training systems. Of course, a myriad of factors like diet, hormones, and lifestyle play a part, too.
So, do exercise bikes burn belly fat? While aerobic training can optimize fat burn (read the best time to workout to find out why), unfortunately, you can’t ‘spot reduce’ fat.
What are the benefits of riding a stationary bike every day?
Cycling is a brilliant way for those recovering from lower-limb injuries to still achieve a cardio workout, without the impact. That is because it is considered more of a lower body workout, but your upper body provides stabilization, and you can still improve your cardio and ramp up calorie burn, Birch said.
The Journal of the American Heart Association found cycling to lower the risk of chronic cardiovascular disease and Spine Health encourages cycling as a gentle way to achieve high-intensity exercise. We’ve already mentioned most of the benefits, but discovering how to get the most out of your exercise bike can help you hit your goals more efficiently.
Your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core benefit most from cycling (alongside your heart and lungs), but physiotherapist Birch says consistency is the key. He recommends daily cycling if you want to improve because this progressively loads and trains those muscle groups. “You will notice increased leg strength and improved cardio fitness, too,” he says.
However, Birch recommends adding variation to keep it interesting. After all, variety is the spice of life.
Although you might be concerned about which muscles are used in cycling, a well-crafted program includes weight training and increasing your daily movement (NEAT).
Which is better: Peloton vs Echelon?
We recommend checking out our Peloton vs Echelon guide for the full lowdown as comparisons continue to rage.
In short, they’re very similar bike models. In our opinion, it comes down to cost (just). And If you’re on a budget, you may prefer to look elsewhere.
Both models look very similar and pack live and on-demand workouts into a comprehensive library, so you’re unlikely to get bored either way. Echelon has dual pedals, but both work primarily with Delta cleats – although there are ways around this, like changing out your pedals.
Peloton bikes are treated almost like a fashion label, with all their bikes, shoes, and accessories matching their iconic black and red aesthetic. Echelon offers more models, but Peloton are considered ‘hard to match’ for variety and the overall immersive spin experience.
If you’re more of a numbers person, Peloton offers 100 levels of resistance compared to Echelon’s 32, and the instructor can control the Peloton bike + without you lifting a finger. Both have the usual mod cons like Bluetooth, compatible apps, and heart rate monitor compatibility, but Peloton + supports Apple GymKit. If you plan to purchase a heart rate monitor, it’s worth exploring your cardio heart rate zones first.
How to choose the best exercise bike for you
Many of the best exercise bikes boast clever designs and useful features, but if they do not cater to your needs and abilities, they will not serve their purpose. Before spending your hard-earned money on a large one-off purchase or committing to a lengthy payment plan, examine all the key aspects to ensure your exercise bike is right for you. Most importantly, think of your reasons 'why'.
Consider how you intend to use your bike and what kind of workout experience you are looking for. A bigger budget generally equals a feature-rich exercise bike, but if you are new to fitness this may not be a priority for you. "If you just want to ride while watching something on a tablet, then most exercise bikes will do the trick. But if you are serious about your workouts, consider one of the subscription models (like the Peloton bike, for example), because they offer live and recorded spin-style classes and immersive worlds where you can ride around, virtually or with other people," Bryan said.
Similarly, ask yourself what would you rather focus on: general fitness or cycling performance? "If the latter, the geometry of your exercise bike should mirror your outside bicycle as much as possible. While it is certainly possible to train for a race on a typical indoor bike, training on a machine that has a similar setup will allow you to generate more power on a race day," Bryan said. The Wahoo KICKR bike is a good example here. "While it is not the exact bike you will race on, it can be adjusted to mirror that position," he said.
The size of your exercise bike is another important factor. Consider the floor space required to house your machine, especially if you live in a small apartment. If you are particularly tall or short, or live in a shared accommodation, check if you can easily adjust the seat and handlebar height. Bikes with more adjustability tend to be particularly useful for those with existing injuries or chronic pain, Bryan said. Also, take note of the maximum user weight, as cheaper exercise bikes tend to have a lower weight limit.
Moreover, consider the compatibility of your exercise bike. "Check if it can be integrated with online platforms like Zwift or Peloton," Dowsett said. This will allow you to share your workout data with others, for example. Speaking of cycling stats, check the reviews to see whether your exercise bike gives reliable and consistent data. "There is nothing worse than a power meter that reads differently on different days as it will become super tough to track your progress," Dowsett said.
Finally consider the pedal type – toe cage ones work with normal sneakers, whereas clip in ones require special cycling shoes. Many exercise bikes have dual pedals, which are interchangeable.
So are you ready to take the next step towards achieving your fitness goals? Once you’ve chosen your perfect machine, make sure you read our handy guide on how to get the most out of your exercise bike.
How we tested these exercise bikes
How we test the best exercise bikes
Our reviewers. We live and breathe fitness. Many of us have spent years training hard and excelling in our preferred sports activities, and some of us even competed in international sports events. We love trying and testing new exercise bikes, simply because we often use them ourselves. We are always on the lookout for the next big thing, whether that is a space-savvy model for a beginner or a high-tech machine for a professional cyclist.
Our testing protocol. All exercise bikes we test are subjected to the same review process. This is to ensure that we can give an accurate and helpful review, regardless of the type of exercise you will be putting your new bike through. If it falls short anywhere over our testing period, we will note this so you can make an informed choice.
First, we look into their setup and usability. Are they easy to assemble on your own? How heavy are they? What is the maximum user weight? Does it come with app memberships? We try to gauge who this model is best suited for, and whether it requires any additional investments.
Then, we assess the bike's design. We check if it is comfortable to ride and stable during workouts, and whether it can be adjusted to suit tall/short users or those with mobility issues. Plus points are given for good portability and reasonable footprint.
Next, we take a look at the bike's features. Does it come with an interactive screen? If so, does it offer good quality on-demand workout classes and other perks? Does it come with a bottle holder and phone mount? We want to know exactly what to expect from your new exercise bike.
Finally, the performance. We put the testing units through their paces, working through the gears to make sure they can deliver a range of workouts, from lung-busting HIIT sessions to leisurely rides. We typically spend several weeks with the exercise bike to make sure we get a good picture of what it is capable of.
Results of our test are used to reach a final score out of five and inform a detailed verdict designed to summarize each exercise bike’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you pick the best product for you.
