Recent studies1 suggest that treadmills can provide the most calorie-burning opportunities and highest level of energy expenditure, but cardio can be a benefit in any form. An exercise bike is one of the best cardio machines you can buy, thanks to its lower impact on the joints and smaller footprint.
In determining our top picks for the best exercise bikes, each stationary bike was examined and rated by our expert team. We consulted with personal trainers and spoke with Dr. Chris Mohr, who holds a PhD in exercise physiology. To ensure accuracy, we also had this article reviewed by Amy West, MD—a dual board-certified physician in both Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.
Using our exercise bike testing methodology, we rated these bikes on a 1-to-5 scale in categories such as the following:
- Durability: To get a 3 out of 5 or higher, an exercise bike must have a weight capacity of 250 pounds and show little unnecessary movement during use.
- Footprint and portability: We gave bikes a 3 out of 5 or higher if they had a small footprint, come with transport wheels, and were easy enough for one or two people to move on their own.
- Customizations: For an exercise bike to get a 3 out of 5, it must have at least 12 levels of resistance.
- Programming: Bikes that earned at least a 3 out of 5 offer built-in workout programs or dynamic programming through services like iFIT.
We’re confident you can find a high-quality vessel for your at-home cycling workouts with our help; we helped over 1,400 people find their ideal exercise bike in 2024 alone. Whether aiming for a budget-friendly option or a tech-heavy bike ride, here are our favorite exercise bikes available today.
The 11 Best Exercise Bikes of 2025
- Best Overall Exercise Bike – NordicTrack X24 Bike
- Best Magnetic Exercise Bike – Bowflex VeloCore
- Best Exercise Bike for HIIT – Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike
- Best Smart Exercise Bike – Echelon Connect EX-5
- Best Exercise Bike Without a Subscription – Concept2 BikeErg
- Best Air Bike – Rogue Echo Bike
- Best Exercise Bike for Streaming – Peloton Cross Training Bike
- Best Peloton Bike Alternative – Aviron Fit Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike – Sole LCR Exercise Bike
- Best Folding Exercise Bike – Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike
- Best Budget Exercise Bike – Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002
Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Exercise Bike Deals (2025)
- Aviron Fit Bike – Up to 34% off + free $200 gift
- Bowflex VeloCore – $600 off
- NordicTrack X24 Bike – Save $500 on Cyber Monday
- Echelon Connect EX-5 – Save $450
Latest Updates
In November 2025, we reviewed our list of the best exercise bikes and made a few changes based on our latest testing. The NordicTrack X24 still earns our top recommendation, but we swapped out picks that didn’t hold up in value, durability, and dynamic programming. New additions—like the Bowflex VeloCore and Aviron Fit Bike—stood out for their high scores in these categories.
Best Exercise Bikes Video Review
Best Overall Exercise Bike: NordicTrack X24 Bike
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
The X24 Bike is NordicTrack’s latest exercise bike offering an impressive incline range between -10% and 20% alongside iFIT compatibility for engaging on-demand workout programming. This all-new stationary bike also comes with two 3-pound dumbbells, which are ideal for taking part in iFIT’s library of non-cycling modules as well.
Best Magnetic Exercise Bike: Bowflex VeloCore
Updated by: Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1
We were very impressed with the Bowflex VeloCore. It’s a durable, innovative exercise bike that will appeal to a lot of people. We would consider adding it to your fitness equipment repertoire.
What our tester says:
“Nothing feels cheap on this bike. It all feels intentional and quality-made.”
Best Exercise Bike for HIIT: Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
The Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike may be an early entry into the cardio world for the company, but it’s a strong one. It’s ultra-stable, has an excellent warranty, and offers plenty of adjustability to accommodate different user heights.
What our tester says:
“I’ll just come out and say this is the air bike I’ll be keeping in my garage gym from now on.”
Best Smart Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect EX-5
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
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.”
Best Exercise Bike Without a Subscription: Concept2 BikeErg
Updated by: Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1
After using the Concept 2 BikeErg over the course of two years in a variety of workouts from sprints to long-distance bikes, we highly recommend it to anyone wanting an air bike. Although we like air bikes with arms, we actually prefer the BikeErg and have found it to be great for general fitness as well as simply blowing up the quads. The BikeErg is a Concept 2 product; we think that speaks for itself.
What our tester says:
“Even though there are some things it lacks, like a water bottle holder and dynamic programming, it feels really solid and sturdy and if it can hold up well in a warehouse where it gets abused a lot, I’m sure it would do just fine in a home gym setting.”
Best Air Bike: Rogue Echo Bike
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
We’ve tested just about every air bike on the market, and the Echo combines many of our favorite features into one. The belt drive is much more durable and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. The size and weight make it extremely stable, and the price is much less than we’d expect for such a quality piece of equipment.
What our tester says:
“Call it beginner’s luck, but Rogue Fitness did a great job with their first-ever conditioning machine. This is a piece of equipment that will give people of all fitness levels a hardcore full-body workout, look great in their home gym, and last for many years.”
Best Exercise Bike for Streaming: Peloton Cross Training Bike
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
One of the more expensive options for virtual biking, the Peloton Bike is designed to be an all-in-one fitness solution on a high-quality cardio machine. You’re paying not only for the bike, but the unique training experience it makes accessible from the comfort of your home.
What our tester says:
“Sure, this bike may need regular maintenance and other bikes may be built better, but the streaming experience is unbeatable. I’ve had to reach out to Peloton support twice in two years, and they’ve been vey responsive and fast to ship replacement parts. I’m happy with my purchase.”
Best Peloton Bike Alternative: Aviron Fit Bike
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
If you’re looking for an exercise bike that offers more than instructor-led studio classes, the Aviron Fit Bike might be your answer. It’s a stationary bike that rides like a real bicycle because the pedals and flywheel function independently from one another, making it possible to make micro adjustments to speed and coast without losing flywheel momentum. Plus, Aviron’s programming is known for its interactive and competitive games that keep home exercisers more engaged than traditional classes.
What our tester says:
“The programming is an absolute treat with this bike. If you’re a fan of gamified fitness, where your programming is closer to a trip to the arcade than a trip to the gym, this is the bike for you.”
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sole LCR Exercise Bike
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
The Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is a durable and high-value recumbent bike that our testers liked for its challenging resistance, comfortable seat and backrest, and great warranty.
Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
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.”
Best Budget Exercise Bike: Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002
Updated by: Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
This is a a budget-friendly exercise bike that provides a good amount of bang for not too much buck.
Other Exercise Bikes We Researched
If you think these are the only exercise bikes we researched or tested, you must be new around here. Here are the other bikes that didn’t quite make the final cut.
- Schwinn Airdyne AD7: This is another air bike that costs more than the Rogue Echo Bike, and while it comes with a more advanced display, we don’t think that’s worth the extra price. Read our full Schwinn AD7 review for more information.
- Xterra Fitness FB150 Folding Bike: This folding exercise bike costs around $100, but our testers were simply underwhelmed and found that even getting it out of the box was a challenge.
- Schwinn IC4: We like this bike as a Peloton alternative but prefer the Echelon Connect EX-5. Read our full Schwinn IC4 review for more details.
- Schwinn 290: This recumbent bike is another solid option, though it’s not sold many places consistently anymore.
- YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike: Another budget-friendly exercise bike, the YOSUDA bike can be excellent for beginner athletes or those watching their fitness investments. That said, the price does relate to the build quality—many components are constructed from flimsy plastic.
- Titan Fan Bike: This beefy Titan Fitness Fan Bike can support athletes up to 330 pounds and features rugged front transport wheels for easier transport. However, we’ve found similar air bikes at a lower price point.
- CAROL Bike: The CAROL Bike comes pre-assembled and is compatible with the brand’s digital library of on-demand workouts. We left it off this round-up, though, since the available programs aren’t refreshed or updated as frequently as other services.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Exercise Bikes
It’s important to me to give our Garage Gym Reviews family all the information they need to make a great buying decision. We carefully selected the exercise bikes we wanted to test and examined each profile with objective trials to determine factors like noise levels, felt weight, and even the seat size. From there, we used the bikes for multiple workouts.

While testing, we made sure to consider the following factors:
Durability
Weight capacity is an important factor in determining the durability of a bike and how accessible it is for athletes of different body types. We prefer cardio equipment to have a user weight capacity of at least 300 pounds, which would lead to us rating the bike a 3 out of 5 in this category. We also asked ourselves questions in testing like:
- How much does the bike weigh assembled?
- Is the bike sturdy?
- What materials are the bikes made of?
- How do those materials generally hold up over time?
- Do the handlebars or screen wiggle when in use?
We gave extra points to the bikes that were lightweight yet stable during use and consisted mostly of high-quality materials like steel and aluminum.
Assembly and Ease of Setup
We personally assembled the bikes tested to provide our readers with hands-on insight regarding the setup process. To get at least a 3 out of 5 in this category, an exercise bike must have easy-to-follow assembly instructions, and two people should be able to assemble it within about an hour and a half.
For particularly challenging setups, we also investigated whether the brand offered professional assembly services for an extra charge. If they did, we gave them extra points.
Financing, Warranty, and Returns
What is the warranty? How does this warranty compare to other bikes in the same price range? A brand received at least a 3 out of 5 here if they offered at least a 10-year warranty on the frame and a 1-year warranty on parts.
We also analyze the company’s return policies and financing options. Many brands only accept returns for unused products. They also make the customer pay for return shipping and, sometimes, a restocking fee. If a brand accepts returns even for used products and doesn’t make the customer to for return shipping and/or a restocking fee, they get a 5 out of 5.
Most companies offer financing, but the terms and eligibility requirements vary. Industry standard is 0% financing for 30+ months and would warrant a 3 out of 5.
Customizations
We score bikes on their resistance, both in the type used and the range offered. Some cheaper bikes may only offer a few manual resistance settings, which doesn’t give the user many options in terms of workout intensity.
For a bike to earn a 3 out of 5 for customizations, it must have at least 12 levels of resistance. Higher-end bikes allow for hundreds of resistance levels that can be adjusted with the push of a button or twist of a dial, which makes it easier for people with dexterity issues to adjust. These bikes get higher scores in this category.
Price and Value
We don’t score exercise bikes solely based on price. We also look at the overall value, since a bike that costs $500 may feel stable during use and have a decent number of tech capabilities, while a bike that costs $2,500 may shake during use and not have a lot of advanced features.
The bikes that earned at least a 3 out of 5 for price and value are competitively priced with other bikes that offer a similar number of features, and the cost makes sense for that specific bike.
Tech Capabilities and Dynamic Programming
Exercise bikes that earned at least a 3 out of 5 in this category have a console that shows, at minimum, time, distance, resistance level, and calories burned. We gave bonus points to the bikes that have Bluetooth connectivity, the ability to connect to a heart rate monitor, a touchscreen console, compatibility with workout apps, and more.
However, not all bikes offer these tech features. For those, we evaluated whether or not they still come with tablet holders so you can follow along with classes on your iPad or other small device.

Footprint and Portability
As home gym owners, we know how valuable space is. Therefore, we rated bikes on their size and portability. To earn at least a 3 out of 5, an exercise bike should be lightweight enough that one or two people can move it on their own, and it should be compact enough to fit into a cramped space.
An exercise bike earned bonus points if it is foldable, battery-operated, and/or has transport wheels.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
A good bike is one that can fit your body, meaning you can adjust it for your size, but it also feels comfortable enough to use. When determining if an exercise bike should get at least a 3 out of 5, we evaluated:
- How comfortable the seat is
- Whether or not the seat is replaceable
- Whether you can adjust the seat both vertically and horizontally to find your ideal bike seat height
- Whether or not the handlebars are adjustable

Conveniences
We also looked at bikes to assess how brands have tried to accommodate the user. Exercise bikes that have at least one water bottle holder, a media shelf to place a device you can view classes or entertainment on, and a safety stop button earned at least a 3 out of 5. It must also be quiet in use to avoid disrupting other people in the home.
The exercise bikes that earned higher scores offer additional conveniences like a dumbbell holder and a cooling fan.
RELATED: Best Treadmills for a Home Gym
Which Type of Exercise Bike Is Right for You?
There are several types and styles of stationary bikes, each serving a different purpose:
Air Bike
An air bike, which is truly a pain machine, uses air for resistance. The pedals—and in many cases, movable arms—turn the fan, giving you a full-body workout. The levels of resistance on an air bike do not adjust; essentially, the faster you go, the harder it is.
Most air bikes are lightweight and easy to move. They are often in the most affordable price range compared to other at-home exercise bikes, as air bikes have very simple monitors and usually only a few preset workouts, if any.

Studio Cycle Bike
A studio cycle bike is exactly as the name suggests: It’s a bike you would find in a typical studio cycle class. It looks similar to a road bike when it comes to the pedal, seat, and handlebar positioning. The wheel is often a weighted flywheel, which creates stability across the machine.
RELATED: Spin Bike vs. Exercise Bike
Resistance may either be friction-based, like a brake, or magnetic, which is lower maintenance. Your body position using an exercise cycle bike is usually either leaning forward or out of the saddle, leaning further over the handles (as though you are climbing a hill).
Recumbent Exercise Bike
Recumbent exercise bikes are known for their large, comfortable seats that have backs to them. The pedals are located out in front of your body, and there are often handles on either side of the seat for you to hold. These can be great for very low-impact exercise, either for older adults or people recovering from an injury.
RELATED: Best Exercise Bike for Seniors

Upright Exercise Bike
The upright exercise bike is a fairly rare breed and not one you see often. The pedals are located almost directly under the seat, and the handles are closer to your body. This puts you in a completely upright position on the bike. For many people, this can create fewer strains on the back than, say, a studio cycle bike. One benefit to upright exercise bikes is that they often have a very small footprint, as they tend to be taller as opposed to longer or wider.
Benefits of Exercise Bikes
“Cycling can offer similar cardiovascular benefits to running and walking,” states Dr. Raj Dasgupta, M.D., FACP, FCCP, FAASM. When practiced regularly, exercise bikes and other types of cardio are excellent for lowering your chance of developing major illnesses and enhancing your level of cardiovascular fitness. However, the benefits of indoor cycling go well beyond just improving body composition, according to competitive triathlete Amanda Capritto.
Using an exercise bike on a regular basis can improve your general health and fitness in many ways. Exercise on a stationary bike might also assist you with reducing body fat, building lower body strength, promoting weight loss, and burning calories, strengthening your core. It also has mental health benefits.
Here are just a few more reasons why an exercise bike might be the right purchase for you.

It Can Improve Cardiovascular Conditioning
Consistent pedaling, especially when you’re riding with the resistance all the way up, can be a great way to improve your stamina and cardiovascular conditioning. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, per week, according to the American Heart Association4. Reaching this number may be easier on an exercise bike than other cardio machines.
“They help build cardiovascular endurance, support fat loss, and improve lower body strength,” says Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Bikes are also convenient if you want consistent training indoors regardless of the weather.”
It Can Be Done By Most People
Unless you have a special cycling bike, you don’t need special equipment, and most bikes can be adjusted for people of varying fitness levels. “Indoor exercise bikes grant a range of fitness enthusiasts the chance to exercise, even when the weather is unsafe or there are other reasons to avoid going outdoors for cardio,” Amanda says.
Dr. Mohr echoes that sentiment, noting that cycling is a valuable activity for people of all skill levels.
“Beginners can go slow and steady, while those who are advanced can push intensity with intervals or resistance. As long as you’re consistent and vary your workouts, cycling holds up as a strong option,” he explains.
It’s Low-Impact Training
An exercise bike puts much less strain on your knees, feet, and hips when compared to running. This makes it a great pick for anyone who’s trying not to aggravate an underlying injury or strain, senior citizens, or those recovering from injury. “Exercise bikes are a great option for people who need to keep undue pressure and shock off of their joints,” says Amanda.
It’s Great for Mental Health
You probably know that movement is a great stress-reliever. There is sufficient anecdotal evidence to support this, as you can simply go for a walk and start to feel better. Additionally, recent studies3 show that exercising multiple times a week can reduce depression and anxiety.
It’s Good for Lower-Body Muscles
Here’s the thing: An exercise bike won’t train your lower-body muscles quite as well as a deadlift or back squat. However, regular biking can help develop and strengthen certain muscles in your legs and lower body.
“Exercise bikes mainly target the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves,” explains Dr. Mohr. “Plus, your core muscles kick in to stabilize the trunk, especially if you’re riding upright without leaning too heavily on the handlebars.”
Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Exercise Bikes
The best exercise bike is completely subjective because what works for you might not work for someone else. I’ve developed a guide on how to choose an exercise bike based on one’s living space, budget, and fitness goals. Here are our suggestions for items to consider when looking for an indoor exercise bike:
Build and Quality
An exercise bike with a heavy frame that’s made of high-quality steel will last much longer and be more stable than a bike made of more lightweight material. The trade-off, though, is that the bike with high-quality construction will be much more expensive.
Adjustability
Regardless of which type of resistance system your bike uses, you’ll want to make sure it offers a good number of adjustments. By this, we mean making it easier or more difficult to pedal. More affordable bikes will have less adjustability than more expensive options.
Ride Experience
This not only refers to how stable the bike is and how the resistance feels, but also encompasses things like interactive workout programming and whether or not the bike has any comfort amenities, like a padded saddle or built-in cooling fan.
Value
Simply put, make sure the bike gives you enough bang for your buck. You also might want to look at whether it’s worth spending a little more than you originally budgeted to get a bike with useful features, such as multiple workout profiles or a water bottle holder (some bikes don’t have one, believe it or not).

Pedals
A bike isn’t much of a bike without the pedals—and exercise bike pedals have some important differences across models. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common types of pedals you’ll see on our list:
- Flat Pedals: Many models feature flat pedals like the kind you’d find on your childhood bicycle. They’re easy to use and are comfortable for most foot sizes.
- Foot Straps: These look like standard-issue pedals, except there’s a strap that you can tighten around your foot to help them stay in place during a workout. These can be very useful for higher-intensity training.
- Toe Cages: Living up to their name, toe cages basically act like a little plastic basket to lock your feet into to avoid slips or disconnect mid-ride. Some bikes come with these as the default pedal, while others sell them as an upgrade. Either way, they work great if you’re the type of cyclist to almost-quite-literally pedal yourself out of your shoes during a workout.
- Clip-In Pedals: These require special cycling shoes with a cleat that clips into the specific pedal. You’ll need to make sure the shoes/cleats correspond with the right pedal type, which will likely either be Look Delta or SPD. Peloton is one of the more notable examples of a brand using a clip-in pedal system.
Many companies offer hybrid pedals, as well, with toe cages on one side and a flat surface on the other. You can also check if the company allows you to switch pedals to whichever type you desire.
Screens and Console
With the ability to stream a workout class directly to your bike, you’ll want to make sure you know all about the screen situation before you make a purchase. For anyone looking to take virtual classes regularly, you’ll want a screen that’s sized to your preference. Look for a high-quality LED screen (preferably a touchscreen) and a console that shows a range of workout metrics. If you need to use your own device as a screen, make sure your phone or tablet is compatible with the bike.
That said, if you’re looking for a low-tech workout, you might want to avoid paying a premium for fancy screens and features that you’re not going to use. Luckily, there are still plenty of bikes for people who just want to pedal the time away with minimal tech.
Footprint
The average size of the bikes we tested is 55 inches long by 22.3 inches wide by 52.5 inches tall, with an overall weight of roughly 129 pounds. Look for bikes within these general parameters, and don’t forget about potentially having to move it up stairs or through tight hallways and doorways in your living space. In short: measure, measure, measure!
Tech/Connectivity Options
Not all the best exercise bikes with screens come equipped with Netflix—some just allow you to access workout programming. Of course, this comes down to personal preference.
Subscriptions
One price-related wrinkle to consider before purchasing an exercise bike is whether you’ll need a monthly app subscription to take advantage of all the virtual classes and features on offer. While plenty of models come with preset workout routines that don’t require a subscription, others rely on platforms like iFIT or the Aviron app if you want to stream a class or enjoy other training programming.
Some bikes will offer a free trial to these apps for a certain period of time, but after that, you’re looking at $20 to $45 per month for the service. While value is in the eye of the beholder, make sure you’re aware of any potential subscription costs before you take the plunge.
Warranties
Keep in mind that some exercise bikes have separate warranties for the frame and things like technology or the pedals.
Resistance Type & Calibrations
Determining the right type of resistance you want in an exercise bike is essential before making a purchase. (Don’t worry, we break down all three of these resistance types below.) The differences in the bike’s weight, noise levels, and price can vary considerably based on the resistance, and these factors will help you make the right decision.
Along with these resistance types, you’ll want to consider how easy it is to calibrate your exercise bike. This is important, partly because a properly calibrated bike will have consistent resistance levels and will more accurately measure your workout metrics. It’s a non-negotiable aspect of exercise bike maintenance, but it can also be overwhelming for newcomers. If you’re stuck, many brands have calibration information on their official websites or YouTube channels for easy reference.
RELATED: Types of Exercise Bikes
What Type of Exercise Bike Resistance Is Best?
Resistance is what makes biking harder, similar to how you would feel ascending a hill if you were cycling on the road. The type of resistance a bike uses actually does matter, if you care about some of the particulars:
Magnetic Resistance
Magnetic resistance is found on bikes that use flywheels, which are heavy, metal wheels that provide the bike greater stability the heavier they are. The advantages of magnetic resistance are that it is often quiet, which is great if you exercise around people, and it is much lower maintenance than other forms of resistance. One downside is that magnetic resistance is often more expensive.
Fan-Based Resistance
Air bikes have a fan that generates resistance. The faster you pedal, the more the fan turns, and the harder it gets. Be aware that fan bikes are anything but silent. You will hear that whirring sound as the fan moves faster. However, fan bikes are lower maintenance than friction-based resistance bikes, and at least you get a cool breeze as you exercise.
Friction Resistance
The friction-based resistance model tends to be the most affordable because it is the easiest to build. Pads on either side of the flywheel tighten to make the wheel harder to turn. You do get what you pay for, so be aware that the pads wear down and will need to be replaced if you bike frequently.
The Best Exercise Bikes at a Glance
| Model | Resistance Type | Screen | Subscription? | Max Weight | Price |
| NordicTrack X24 Bike | Magnetic | 24” Touchscreen | iFIT ($39/month) | 350 lbs | $2,799 |
| Bowflex VeloCore | Magnetic | Touchscreen | JRNY App ($11.99/month) | 325 lbs | $2,199 |
| Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike | Air | High-contrast LCD Screen | N/A | 350 lbs | $995 |
| Echelon Connect EX-5 | Magnetic | N/A | Echelon Fit App Premier ($39.99/month) | 300 lbs | $1,249.99 |
| Concept2 BikeErg | Air | PM5 Performance Monitor | N/A | 300 lbs | $1,110 |
| Rogue Echo Bike | Air | LCD Screen | N/A | 330 lbs | $895 |
| Peloton Cross Training Bike | Magnetic | HD Touchscreen | Peloton App+ ($28.99/month) | 297 lbs | $1,695 |
| Aviron Fit Bike | Magnetic | 22” HD Touchscreen | Aviron Membership ($34/month) | 350 lbs | $2,699 |
| Sole LCR Exercise Bike | Magnetic | 10.1″ Touchscreen | Sole+ App (free) | 350 lbs | $1,999.99 |
| Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike | Magnetic | LCD | N/A | 250 lbs | $170.99 |
| Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002 | Magnetic | N/A | N/A | 275 lbs | $399 |
FAQs About the Best Exercise Bikes
What is the best exercise bike for home use?
We should point out that the best exercise bike for you will depend on factors such as your budget, your space requirements, and whether or not you’d like a bike with built-in workout programming. That said, some of our favorite exercise bikes are the NordicTrack X24 Bike, the Peloton Bike, and the Aviron Fit Bike. The Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002 is a good option if you’re on a budget and don’t need a bike with fancy tech, as well.
Can you lose belly fat riding an exercise bike?
Riding an exercise bike can help you burn more calories, which can help with overall fat loss. However, you can’t target fat loss from a specific area of your body. Following a proper diet and being in a calorie deficit are also important for fat loss.
Is 30 minutes of riding a stationary bike the same as 30 minutes of walking?
Riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes will likely burn more calories than 30 minutes of walking, but it depends on how much effort you put in. A leisurely ride on the bike may not burn as many calories or increase your heart rate as much as a brisk walk, especially if you walk on an incline or wear a weight vest during your walk.
What is the difference between an air bike and a stationary bike?
An air bike uses a fan to generate resistance, and how hard your workout feels depends on how fast you pedal. Air bikes also have arms, similar to an elliptical machine, that allow you to work your upper body as well. A stationary bike doesn’t have moving arms and uses a weighted flywheel for resistance. The resistance is often controlled by a knob or digital controls on the handlebars.
References
- Prieto-González, P., & Yagin, F. H. (2024). Energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and heart rate while exercising on seven different indoor cardio machines at maximum and self-selected submaximal intensity. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38390229/
- Moghaddam, M., Cervantes, M., Cheshier, B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2023). Sprint interval training on Stationary Air Bike elicits cardiorespiratory adaptations while being time-efficient. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(9), 1795–1801. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37616537/
- Sharma, A. (2006). Exercise for mental health. The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders, 8(2). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1470658/
- American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. www.heart.org. (2024, January 19). https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
































