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The phrase “best exercise bikes” probably makes you think of Peloton, NordicTrack, Schwinn, Echelon, or brands with bikes well above $1,000. But what if you’re just looking for a straightforward bike, or don’t have money for a big-name brand?

Our group of certified personal trainers, competitive triathletes, and home gym equipment experts have tested dozens of the best budget exercise bikes that are low on cost but high on value. Whether you’re looking for a foldable exercise that can fit behind a sofa and still hold up to daily use, or you’re in the market for a CrossFit-style exercise bike, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve researched and tested bikes based on a multi-point scoring system, rating each one from 1 to 5 based on factors such as:

  • Value: Is it a good price?
  • Durability: Will it last you a while?
  • Dynamic programming: Does it have pre-programmed workouts or connect to a fitness app such as Peloton or Zwift?
  • Footprint and portability: How much space does it take up, and is it easy to move around?

8 Best Budget Exercise Bikes

Best Budget Air Bike: Assault AirBike

Good for: Anyone who needs an air bike but doesn’t have a large budget

Best Air Bike
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
4.2
AssaultBike Classic
Air Bike
LCD Display
Durable
5-year frame, 2-year parts warranty
Adjustable Seat Height
30-day return policy
Portability
Lightweight with built-in transport wheels.
Resistance
Air resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 4.5 out of 5 for value.
Intense Exercisers
This bike is durable enough to withstand years of regular use.
Home Gym Owners
It’s not the most compact bike, but it’ll fit well in most home gyms.
Full-Body Workouts
This stationary bike also involves the arms, it provides a great full-body workout.
Pros of the Assault AirBike
A staple in many CrossFit gyms
Made of mostly metal for great durability
Rubber grips on handles are very durable
Cons of the Assault AirBike
Chain-driven system that requires additional upkeep
Some rocking side to side
Screws may come loose often
Footprint
50.95” L x 23.34” W x 50” H
Max User Weight
300 lbs
Monitor
LCD screen
Adjustability
Adjustable seat

The Assault AirBike was once the standard air bike for CrossFit athletes. In our testing and reviews of the bike, we’ve found it to be durable and enjoyable (not in the traditional sense) to use.

What our tester says:

“If it can last many years being used by hundreds of people in a CrossFit box, it will last you a lifetime in your home gym.”

“Budget-friendly” is a relative term here, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive air bike, your best choice is the Assault AirBike. This used to be the official CrossFit Games air bike but was replaced by the more expensive Rogue Echo Bike.

Our previous pick for the best air bike for those on a budget was the Titan Fan Bike, but Assault Fitness recently dropped the price on this classic air bike, so we’re recommending this one now. As former GGR fitness writer and CrossFit enthusiast Amanda Capritto explains, the Assault AirBike is one of the most bomb-proof exercise bikes on the market.

assault bike classic in use

“If it can last many years being used by hundreds of people in a CrossFit box, it will last you a lifetime in your home gym,” Amanda notes, giving the durability a 5 out of 5. “Most CrossFit boxes with assault bikes don’t take care of them as they should, they endure extremely high volume use, and those last for what seems like forever.”

One thing we’ll point out is the chain-drive system is noisier than the belt drive you find on the Rogue Echo Bike, and it requires some regular cleaning. A chain drive is one way Assault Fitness is able to bring this bike’s cost down since belt drives are more expensive to produce.

It’s also not as adjustable as some other bikes, earning 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics.

“It’s adjustable enough to get comfortable for a long ride, but not as adjustable as some other stationary bikes out there,” explains Amanda. “The seat post adjusts up and down with six height options, and the seat moves forward and backward. It still might be a struggle for super short or super tall people.”

RELATED: Rogue Echo Bike vs. Assault AirBike

The bike is relatively lightweight at under 100 pounds, though it still feels sturdy even when you’re going super fast during your workout. It doesn’t come with a wind guard, but our testers liked the feeling of the wind whooshing back at them. If that’s a deal-breaker, then we recommend the Titan.

Read our full AssaultBike review for more thoughts.

Weight‎95 lbs
Footprint50.95” L x 23.34” W x 50” H
ResistanceAir
User weight capacity300 lbs
Screen/console LCD
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weightN/A

Best Compact Budget Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect EX-5

Good for: Those with limited space

Best Compact
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
3.8
Echelon Connect EX-5
Magnetic Resistance
No Monitor
32 Resistance Levels
Extended warranty starts at $109
Adjustable Seat and Handlebars
30-day return policy
Portability
Lightweight with built-in transport wheels.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 3.5 out of 5 for value.
Spin Enthusiasts
This bike is built like a studio bike, with adjustable seat and handlebars to customize your fit.
Home Gym Owners
It’s not the most compact bike, but it’ll fit well in most home gyms.
Streaming Services
There’s no built-in display, but the bike includes a device holder so you can use your own phone or tablet.
Pros of the Assault AirBike
32 levels of digital resistance
Available in three colors (black, red, and white)
Device holder turns 180 degrees
Cons of the Assault AirBike
No built-in monitor
Flywheel is only 28 pounds
12-month warranty only applies to parts and labor
Footprint
58” L x 20” W x 55” H
Max User Weight
300 lbs
Monitor
None
Adjustability
Adjustable seat and handlebars

This is a high-quality exercise bike with plenty of tech features, though it lacks a built-in monitor.

What our tester says:

“The grip is great with a nice textured finish, and the different positions you can place your hands provide for an enjoyable ride.”

Coming in at 20 inches in width and less than 5 feet long, the Echelon Connect EX-5 can fit in any studio apartment or crowded home gym while still providing many of the same benefits as larger cardio machines. This compact exercise bike has 32 levels of magnetic resistance, dual-sided pedals that can be used with shoes or cycling cleats, and a price tag that falls under $1,000.

Certified personal trainer and GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, says she doesn’t feel unstable while riding the EX-5. “The floor stabilizers are a key aspect when it comes to this bike’s smoothness,” she says in our Echelon EX-5 Bike review. That, combined with a 300-pound user weight capacity, earns it a 5 out of 5 on durability, meaning this cost-friendly bike will last many years.

An image of a woman riding the Echelon EX-5 bike

One downside is this bike doesn’t come with a touchscreen, but the media stand can support devices up to 12.5 inches. On the bright side, the stand swivels so you can follow any off-bike workouts. We bumped the tech capabilities score to a 3.5 out of 5.

The Echelon Fit premier membership, which is Echelon’s answer to the Peloton app, has more than 40 live classes a day. Lindsay rated the programming a 4 out of 5. “My instructor, Michael, was upbeat and engaging throughout,” she says.

Weight106 lbs
Footprint58” L x 20” W x 55” H
Resistance32 levels of magnetic resistance
User weight capacity300 lbs
Screen/console N/A
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weight28.66 lbs

Best Budget Cycling Bike: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Good for: Anyone looking for a studio cycling bike at a budget-friendly price 

Best Cycling Bike
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
3.5
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Magnetic Resistance
LCD Screen
Affordable
3-month frame warranty, 1-year parts warranty
Adjustable seat and handlebars
90-day return policy through Prime
Portability
Lightweight with built-in transport wheels.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 3.5 out of 5 for value.
Beginner Cyclists
This bike is very afforable, though not very durable. It’s a good starter bike to see if you enjoy cycling.
Budget Shoppers
This is one of the most affordable indoor exercise bikes, but you get what you pay for.
Home Gym Owners
This compact bike is small enough to fit in most home gyms.
Pros of the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Affordable at around $300
Bike is compact and easily portable
Comes with caged pedals for extra grip
Free replacement parts for a year
Cons of the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Doesn’t have built-in dynamic programming or any smart features
A lot of parts, from the device holder to the pedals, feel flimsy
Some reviewers claim the bike has fallen apart in a matter of weeks
Footprint
40.16” L x 21.65” W x 46.06” H
Max User Weight
270 lbs
Monitor
LCD
Adjustability
Adjustable seat and handlebars

This is a budget-friendly exercise bike that provides a good ride, but lacks long-term durability.

What our tester says:

“I liked riding the YOSUDA bike and could see how many people out there would enjoy it. But it’s certainly one of those pieces of fitness equipment where you get what you pay for.”

The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike has just about everything you need in an exercise bike: a heavy 35-pound flywheel (only 3 pounds less than the high-end Peloton bike), a belt drive for a smooth and quiet ride, micro-adjustments to customize the workout experience to your fitness goals, adjustable handlebars, and caged toe pedals. 

Yosuda bike in GGR warehouse

You’ll also get a bike that’s lightweight and compact and stays secure during the most intense rides (ours had minimal wobbling when we put it to the test). That’s a lot for a bike that sells for around $300, but that price point means it’s not what most would consider “high-quality.” 

For one, the YOSUDA bike is not made with the most durable materials and earns a 2.5 out of 5 for durability.

“Very quiet and heavy-duty, but I have concerns about its durability,” says our tester. “A couple of pieces are already breaking off and many reviews claim this is a common experience.”

Ours had a small tear in the seat cover after barely any use, and our LCD screen never felt secure no matter how hard we tried to tighten it. Other reviewers have complained about parts, such as the pedals falling off during use. 

You also won’t be getting any built-in dynamic programming, but that’s to be expected for a bike at this price tag. On the plus side, the adjustability earns 3.5 out of 5, and our tester noted that it’s easily adjustable to fit users of all heights.

If you’re simply looking to put some pedal to the metal and get your heart rate pumping while on a budget, then we still recommend this bike. The workout experience was smooth and quiet—surprisingly so for a bike that utilizes friction resistance. If taken care of, it should last you at least a few years.  

It’s also a great choice for beginners who want to get used to the feeling of a cycling bike before spending cycling bike money. 

For more, read our full YOSUDA bike review

Weight68 lbs
Footprint40″ L x 22″ W x 45″ H
ResistanceMicro-adjustable friction resistance
User weight capacity300 lbs
Screen/console LCD
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weight35 lbs

Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike

Good for: Anyone who needs a compact but functional stationary bike

Best Folding
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
4.3
Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike
Magnetic Resistance
LCD Screen
Affordable
2-year warranty
Adjustable seat
30-day return policy
Portability
Lightweight and foldable, but no transport wheels.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 4 out of 5 for value.
Beginner Cyclists
This bike is very afforable, and a good starter bike to see if you enjoy cycling.
Home Gym Owners
This compact bike is small enough to fit in most home gyms.
Budget Shoppers
This bike is very affordable, costing less than $200.
Pros of the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike
Sturdy, even when pedaling hard
Design is aesthetically pleasing
Comfortable padded seat
Made of 14-gauge steel
Cons of the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike
Heavier than most competitors
Shows only basic stats (time, distance, calories)
No heart rate monitoring
Footprint
34” L x 19” W x 44” H
Max User Weight
250 lbs
Monitor
LCD
Adjustability
Adjustable seat

This is a sturdy and affordable exercise bike that’s a great fit for home gyms of any sizes.

What our tester says:

“I was pleasantly surprised using the Marcy bike. It’s become the bike I use in warmups and cool-downs.”

While doing research for this piece, we found a lot of praise for the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike, and it didn’t take us long to find out why. This thing feels incredibly durable and smooth compared to most other folding exercise bikes, which can feel a little wobbly and insecure during heavy use. 

In fact, our tester gave this bike a strong 5 out of 5 for durability, and even said, “It’s become the bike I use in my warmups and cool-downs.”

Budget-friendly home gym equipment typically isn’t made from the most heavy-duty material since…well, those things cost money. Manufacturers use cheaper materials to offer you a cheaper product. 

Yet, even at just a little more than $150, the Marcy Bike’s steel frame felt wider and heavier than other bikes at a similar price point. And it still somehow only weighs 50 pounds, making it easy for healthy individuals to move whenever they need to do so. 

For footprint and portability, Marcy earns 4 out of 5. It’s lightweight, but we docked a point due to the fact that there are no transport wheels.

The Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike in a living room

If you’re someone who considers themselves a hardcore cyclist, you might want to look elsewhere, though. We tried the Marcy bike at its highest resistance and it simply couldn’t provide that much of a challenge to us. The good news is that it still felt sturdy no matter how hard we pedaled. 

And if you’re new to the world of indoor exercise bikes, you should know that a foldable option means you’ll most likely be giving up any and all tech features. You’ll get a basic LCD display that shows your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and total distance, as well as a water bottle holder, but that’s it. 

You can learn more about this bike by reading our full Marcy foldable exercise bike review.

Weight37 lbs
FootprintAssembled: 34” L x 19” W x 44” H
Folded: 18.5” L x 18.5” W x 51.5” H
Resistance8 levels of magnetic resistance
User weight capacity250 lbs
Screen/console LCD
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weightNot listed

Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB1117

Good for: People with bad knees or those who prefer recumbent-style bikes

Best Recumbent Bike
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
3.8
Sunny Health And Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike
Magnetic Resistance
LCD Screen
Recumbent Bike
1-year warranty
Adjustable seat
30-day return policy
Portability
Lightweight with transport wheels for portability.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 3.5 out of 5 for value.
Recumbent Bike Users
This is an affordable recumbent bike that works great in home gyms.
Home Gym Owners
This compact bike is small enough to fit in most home gyms.
Budget Shoppers
This bike is very affordable for a recumbent bike, costing less than $300
Pros of the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike
User weight capacity of 300 lbs
Adjustable seat
8 levels of resistance
Transport wheels
Cons of the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike
Second set of handlebars are short
Lacks a bottle holder
No device holder
Footprint
32″ L x 18.5″ W x 46″ H
Max User Weight
220 lbs
Monitor
LCD
Adjustability
Adjustable seat

For under $300, the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent option for beginners on a budget.

Recumbent bikes are often much bulkier and, therefore, more expensive than upright exercise bikes. That’s because the pedals need to be in front of the user to reduce the impact on their joints, and manufacturers usually do this by building a fixed piece of equipment that can’t be stowed away easily. 

A person is shown riding a Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike.

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB117, however, combines all the best parts of a recumbent bike and a folding bike into one compact and budget exercise bike. For less than $300, you’re getting something that offers eight levels of magnetic resistance and is lightweight and portable. 

RELATED: Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Reviews

Sunny Health & Fitness isn’t the first company to do this, and some foldable bikes even allow you to pick between upright and recumbent. But we’re big fans of the company’s quality, and find that they outperform bikes offered at similar or even lower prices. 

While this might sound nitpicky, we would like to see this bike offered in different colors. Right now it’s only available in pink, and while that’s not a problem for us, it’s a very polarizing color to some people. 

RELATED: Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees

Weight23 lbs
Footprint32″ L x 18.5″ W x 46″ H
Resistance8 levels of magnetic resistance
User weight capacity220 lbs
Screen/console LCD
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weightN/A

Best Budget Desk Bike: DeskCycle

Good for: Those who want to get a cardio workout while still getting their work done

Best Desk Bike
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
4.25
DeskCycle
Magnetic Resistance
LCD Screen
Recumbent Bike
1-year warranty
Adjustable pedal height
30-day return policy
Portability
No wheels, but small enough to carry around.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 3.5 out of 5 for value.
Office Workers
This is meant to be used under a desk while seated, perfect for anyone who works at a desk all day and wants to burn more calories.
Home Gym Owners
This compact bike is small enough to be used nearly anywhere.
Budget Shoppers
This is very affordable, costing less than $200.
Pros of the DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike
Magnetic resistance
Adjustable pedal height and straps
Range of resistance
Removable monitor
Cons of the DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike
Expensive
People with larger feet may find the pedals too small
Footprint
24” L x 10.2” W x 20” H
Max User Weight
350 lbs
Monitor
LCD
Adjustability
Adjustable pedal height

This is a a compact piece of exercise equipment that can easily fit under most desks for a quick workout.

Alright, so it’s not technically a bike, but it does have two pedals and adjustable resistance. But honestly, that’s not giving the DeskCycle enough credit. 

Not only is it lightweight and incredibly compact (it’s only 10 inches in height), the DeskCycle also uses magnetic resistance so you can pedal on a work call or while you watch TV and not hear a sound. It’s been used by teachers, office workers, and even some professional video game players to help increase the number of calories they burn throughout the day. 

The construction is very impressive, earning 5 out of 5 stars for both durability and stability.

An image of the DeskCycle 2 in use

Best of all, you can leave it under the desk when it’s not in use so it’s not taking up any space in your office or apartment. Now that’s what we call compact exercise equipment.

And while it looks easy, the lack of a proper bike seat or handlebars means you’ll have to do some extra work to keep yourself balanced. We’re not saying you’ll be going through the Tour de France, but you may have to focus a little as you pick up the resistance.  

One of the biggest drawbacks of the DeskCycle is the lack of adjustable height. If your chair, or whatever you’re sitting on, doesn’t allow your feet to comfortably reach the pedals, using this might be a little difficult. To that end, you should measure the space in which you’d use this to make sure you’re good to go. 

Another callout is that, despite its small size, Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, only gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

“It weighs 23 pounds, so it’s not super heavy. However, there is no handle or any easy way to pick it up and carry it around,” Nicole says. “It ends up being a bit awkward.”

Our DesckCycle review has more thoughts on this compact cardio machine.

Weight23 lbs
Footprint24” L x 10.2” W x 20” H
Resistance8 levels of magnetic resistance
User weight capacity350 lbs
Screen/console LCD
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weightNot listed

Best Budget Exercise Bike Under $500: Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic

Good for: Home gym owners who have a slightly larger budget, but still don’t want to spend a lot of money. 

Best Under $500
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
4
Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002
Magnetic Resistance
No Monitor
Affordable
1-year frame warranty
Adjustable Seat and Handlebars
30-day return policy
Portability
Lightweight with built-in transport wheels.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 4 out of 5 for value.
Spin Enthusiasts
This bike is built like a studio bike, with adjustable seat and handlebars to customize your fit.
Home Gym Owners
It’s not the most compact bike, but it’ll fit well in most home gyms.
Outdoor Cyclists
Our tester noted that this feels like a road bicycle.
Pros of the Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic Bike
Priced under $400
49-pound flywheel provides a smooth ride
Hundreds of micro levels of resistance adjusted manually
Four-way adjustable seat and two-way adjustable multi-grip handlebars
Conveniences like water bottle holder and transportation wheels
Cons of the Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic Bike
Leather pad resistance will eventually require maintenance
No monitor or display at all
No tech compatibility
No preset workouts
Footprint
22″D x 49″W x 50.5″H
Max User Weight
275 lbs
Monitor
None
Adjustability
Adjustable seat and handlebars

This is a a budget-friendly exercise bike that provides a good amount of bang for not too much buck.

For those who want a slightly nicer budget exercise bike, but still aren’t looking to break the bank, please allow us to introduce the Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic Classic bike, our pick for the best exercise bike under $500. The main reason this bike is more expensive than the others on this list is because it uses magnetic resistance. 

SunnyMagneticExerciseBike

That means you don’t have pads hitting the flywheel, which eliminates the whooshing sound you get on friction bikes, and you won’t have to fix those pads in the future when they inevitably wear down. 

Plus, our expert product testers found it surprisingly stable, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 for stability. “It’s super sturdy, even when you’re riding out of the saddle. And since it doesn’t have a large touchscreen, that makes it less shaky,” one tester noted.

If that wasn’t enough, the bike also comes with a four-way adjustable seat, dumbbell holders, a media stand, floor stabilizers, and a water bottle holder. Those are features we’ve seen omitted on exercise bikes twice (and sometimes thrice) the cost of this one, so you’re getting an incredible value. 

There are two versions of this bike: Classic and Pro. The Classic comes with a slightly lighter flywheel (30 pounds, compared to the Pro’s 40 pounds), meaning your rides won’t be quite as smooth. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem, especially since the bike has a wide range of micro-adjustable resistance levels that should challenge most home gym owners. 

There have been some reviews stating the bike has arrived chipped or damaged, which is probably because it’s made with a lot of plastic to bring the price down and the reason it only earns 3 out of 5 stars for durability. Try to notice any such damage as soon as possible, as the bike only comes with a 6-month warranty on parts. 

Weight88.2 lbs
Footprint‎22″D x 49″W x 50.5″H
ResistanceMicro-adjustable magnetic resistance
User weight capacity275 lbs
Screen/console LCD
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weight30 lbs

Best Budget Peloton Alternative: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14

Good for: Those who want a studio bike experience without the studio bike cost

Best Peloton Alternative
GGR Score
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
3.7
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14
Magnetic Resistance
14″ Touchscreen
iFit Programming
10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Adjustable Seat and Handlebars
30-day return policy
Portability
Includes transport wheels.
Resistance
22 levels of magnetic resistance.
Value
Our tester rated this 4 out of 5 for value.
Spin Enthusiasts
This bike is built like a studio bike, with adjustable seat and handlebars to customize your fit.
Home Gym Owners
It’s not the most compact bike, but it’ll fit well in most home gyms.
Streaming Classes
This bike includes a touchscreen that’s iFit compatible, allowing users to stream virtual workout classes.
Pros of the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14
14” smart HD touchscreen display
Commercial-grade steel construction
Instructor-controlled resistance
Cons of the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14
Uncomfortable seat
No incline or decline feature
No Bluetooth connectivity
Footprint
23” W x 55” D x 57” H
Max User Weight
250 lbs
Monitor
14″ HD Touchscreen
Adjustability
Adjustable seat and handlebars

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro is a solid entry-level option for customers looking for a bike with a screen. Users love iFIT’s programming but you may want to upgrade to a bike with incline feature to take full advantage of iFIT trainer led classes.

What our tester says:

“This is fine for an entry-level studio bike that comes with three years of iFIT. If that wasn’t part of this package, there are many other bikes that have better specs than this one.”

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro offers a Peloton-like experience without paying Peloton prices. Like the Peloton, it has a swiveling touchscreen so you can follow off-bike workouts. On top of that, we think the bike itself is better than Peloton’s—there are fewer maintenance issues, 22 levels of whisper-quiet magnetic resistance, and it comes with adjustable toe cages that don’t require special cycling cleats (unlike the Peloton).

One of the big differences is that ProForm uses iFIT programming, which may not be as popular as Peloton, but our testers have rated it a 4.5 out of 5. “I do think that iFIT has emerged as a true Peloton competitor,” says Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and GGR’s Senior Director of Content.

ProForm, along with NordicTrack, is owned by iFIT, which means you’re limited to their workouts, but there are thousands to choose from. The monthly subscription costs $39 for a family plan, compared to $44 per month for Peloton’s programming.

anthony using pro form studio pro bike
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, which is the same bike as the Pro 14 but with a bigger screen

Let’s talk about the bike itself. Certified personal trainer and GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis says it’s very quiet and likely won’t disturb any roommates while in use. However, she noted that it was a bit wobbly while in use. The weight limit is 250 pounds, which is under the industry standard of 300 pounds, so we’re rating the durability a 2.75 out of 5.

That said, certified personal trainer and GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, who weighs around 230 pounds, said it felt steady while he used it.

“It’s fine for an entry-level studio bike,” Nicole says, an assessment Anthony agrees with.

Read our ProForm Studio Bike Pro review for more thoughts on this cost-friendly bike.

Weight116 lbs (in box)
Footprint23” W x 55” D x 57” H
Resistance22 levels of magnetic resistance
User weight capacity250 lbs
Screen/console 14″ touchscreen
Max user height N/A
Flywheel weightNot listed

Other Budget Exercise Bikes We Researched

We’re constantly testing bikes to find the best affordable exercise bike, but not every bike we test is deserving of a place on our list. Here are a few that fell just short of the mark. 

Cyclace Exercise Bike: This Peloton-like bike is more than $300, and honestly doesn’t come with anything too much extra that warrants that cost over our top picks. Yes, you get a tablet holder but this bike uses friction resistance, which will wear down over time, and its flywheel is only 1 pound heavier than the YOSUDA bike, which is under $300. If it were of higher quality, we’d say go for it.  

AtivaFit Indoor Cycle: Our main issue with most of the AtivaFit cycles is that, while they seemed durable, there was a fair amount of wobble on them during use. Other, less expensive bikes held up better during heavy pedaling. 

Xterra Fitness FB150 Folding Bike: We haven’t tested out this bike just yet, but we’ll be sure to let you know our thoughts when we do! From some of the reviews, it appears to be a great space-saving and budget exercise bike for those who are not of advanced fitness levels. 

LEIKE X Bike Ultra-Quiet Folding Exercise Bike: This is a great choice, but it’s not the best value. If you’re just looking for a compact, foldable exercise bike that you can pedal on while watching TV or on a Zoom call, this will do just fine.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Budget Exercise Bikes

The GGR team has plenty of experience testing all sorts of equipment, including exercise bikes. With each product we test, we carefully use it for a variety of workouts, paying close attention to things like durability, stability, ergonomics, footprint and portability, and more.

After spending plenty of time with each bike, we used our equipment testing methodology to calculate a final score, which assigns a score of one to five for a variety of categories.

This helps us calculate a final product score for each exercise bike, which helps us narrow down our list.

From there, we carefully chose this list to account for a variety of preferences and needs, being sure to include studio bikes, recumbent bikes, under-desk bikes, and more.

Benefits of Budget Exercise Bikes 

Wondering why you should pick an exercise bike that’s under $500? Here are a few reasons. 

Save Money

This sounds obvious, but one of the biggest benefits is that you’re not spending as much money as you would on a Peloton, Echelon bike, or NordicTrack S22i. Once again, you’re sacrificing some quality by picking a cheaper bike, but unless you’re an avid cyclist you’ll probably get what you need from one of our picks. 

Compact

As a result of being less expensive, exercise bikes under $500 often take up less space than their more expensive counterparts (less material equals less manufacturing costs, and that means a more budget-friendly product for the consumer). 

Get Your Cardio In

Adults should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity cardio per week, according to the Centers For Disease Prevention And Control.1 These exercise bikes are an easy way to meet that goal and burn calories, which can support weight loss goals. 

What to Look for in a Budget Exercise Bike

If you’ve gotten this far and still aren’t sure which to choose, here are a few tips to help you pick the best budget indoor bike.

Price

Obviously, the first thing you’ll want to find out is how much money you have to spend on an exercise bike. As we’ve demonstrated, you can find plenty of the best cheap stationary bikes for under $500, some even lower than $300. 

We wouldn’t recommend spending any less than $150, as you’ll begin to sacrifice too much quality and durability at that point. 

Many of these are also available through Amazon Prime, meaning free shipping! 

RELATED: Black Friday Exercise Bike Deals

Construction and Durability

Manufacturers will bring down the cost of an exercise bike by using cheaper materials, such as plastic, rather than more durable and expensive options like steel. Do your best to find out what each budget exercise bike is made of, how durable that material is, if it reacts to any climate conditions, and how to take care of it. 

Also know no matter how much you maintain it, a budget exercise bike will begin to deteriorate at some point because the materials aren’t meant to last. It may take a few months or even a few years, but there will come a time when something will pop up unexpectedly. This also happens to the more expensive exercise bikes as well. 

The unassembled pieces of a folding exercise bike

Resistance

There are two types of resistance systems on budget exercise bikes: friction and magnetic. Friction is when pads come in contact with the flywheel to provide your desired resistance level. Because of this, it produces a whooshing sound with some bikes being louder than others. It also means the pads will wear down over time and will need to be replaced. 

Magnetic resistance is generated by a metal disk spinning through a magnetic field, and it’s much quieter than friction resistance. But it’s also much more expensive to build, and therefore makes the bikes more expensive. 

Drive System

The drive system is what helps propel your exercise bike’s flywheel, and it’s either going to be a belt or chain drive system. A belt system is typically lower maintenance, and provides a smoother ride. 

A chain drive system might be a better pick if you’re looking to simulate a road bike, but you’ll also have to clean and maintain the chain regularly to ensure it continues to perform. 

RELATED: How to choose an exercise bike

Adjustability

This goes for non-budget exercise bikes, but make sure you can fit in the bike. To find out if a bike can work for you, you’ll want to look for what’s known as an inseam. This is the length from your groin’s underside to the bottom of your ankle. If that length is in range with what’s listed on the bike, you’re most likely good to go. 

Tech Features

Most exercise bikes won’t come with a touchscreen, or even Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. You’re most likely going to get a basic LCD display on just about any budget exercise bike, and only a few will be able to connect to a fitness app (such as iFIT or Zwift) or heart rate monitor. 

Best Budget Exercise Bike: FAQs

Below we address some frequently asked questions when it comes to budget exercise bikes.

Are cheap exercise bikes effective? 

Yes, cheap exercise bikes can be effective for weight loss or cardio conditioning so long as they have enough resistance to challenge you. Budget bikes may also not come with touchscreens, though many have Bluetooth connectivity that can sync with a fitness app on your smartphone or tablet.

What is the Best Exercise Bike Under $500

If your budget is $500, here are our picks for the best stationary bikes under $500. 

Best Overall: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Best Recumbent: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Best Adjustable: JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike
Best Folding: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
Best Upright: Schwinn 130 Upright Bike

Can you lose weight just by riding a stationary bike?

Yes! Riding a stationary bike helps increase your heart rate, which increases your caloric burn. Harvard Medical School estimates that a 185-pound person burns about 300 calories in 30 minutes while riding a stationary bike at a moderate pace.

How much does a decent stationary bike cost?

Depending on your fitness goals, you can find a good stationary bike for around $300. Granted, it won’t have a lot of features or a high weight limit but it can help increase your caloric burn and take up minimal space in your home gym.

Is 30 minutes a day on an exercise bike enough?

Yes, 30 minutes on an exercise bike is sufficient, as the U.S. Federal Guidelines for Physical Activity says adults should get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Thirty minutes of physical activity across 5 days would equal 150 minutes.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines and Recommendation.

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