Best Exercise Bikes of 2024, According to Editors and Trainers | GQ

Oct 17, 2024

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If you have more than a few cycling classes under your belt, you likely know the feeling when you're almost at one with the bike, crushing what feels like a masterfully choreographed dance routine. But if you aren't quite there yet—or if you'd just rather not step foot into a jarringly loud, neon-lit cycling studio—you might consider investing in an at-home exercise bike.

"Finding time to stay active can be challenging, and one of the key advantages of having an exercise bike at home is its accessibility," says Amanda Margusity, CPT, CFSC, a Mad Dogg spinning certified trainer. That means you can hop on the bike for a solid workout whenever it's convenient for you. And you can go at your own pace instead of trying to match the instructor's freak, ahem, coordination capabilities—and 6 a.m. enthusiasm level.

If you're ready to put the pedal to the metal in the comfort of your own home, these are the best exercise bikes for riding off into the sunset, all thoroughly tested and reviewed.

We chose the NordicTrack S22i as the best exercise bike overall because it offers one of the smoothest spins, thanks to an inertia-enhanced flywheel that’s ultra-sturdy and quiet. The bike’s 22-inch HD touchscreen features a wide range of interactive programming that kept us entertained and turned every workout into a joyride.

Whether you want to put in a quick couple miles before work or conquer the Alps and Pyrenees from your living room, here are the best exercise bikes for the job.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes

To put together this list of best exercise bikes, we spent weeks testing more than 50 top bikes and evaluating them for footprint and portability, durability, customizations, adjustability and ergonomics, programming, and more. Learn more about our fitness testing methodology.

NordicTrack

NordicTrack

If you're after a high-tech exercise bike with all the bells and whistles, go with the NordicTrack S22i. The incline and decline adjust automatically to mimic real-life rides, and the fully rotating touchscreen display makes it immersive.

Product Features

The NordicTrack S22i stands out with its 22-inch HD touchscreen display, automatic incline and decline settings, and 24 levels of digital resistance—plus enough bells and whistles that we deemed it one of the most immersive bikes we've ever tested.

The built-in iFit interactive programming is the perfect complement to this sleek-looking bike, offering smart features like virtual trainers that adjust the bike's resistance and incline for you so that you don't have to fumble with gears during a ride. The inertia-enhanced flywheel makes for a super smooth ride, and the three-pound dumbbells (included with the bike) and swivel screen allow you to hop off and hit the mat for a strength-training session.

These perks come with a price, though. To take advantage of everything the NordicTrack S22i has to offer, you'll need an iFit membership, which will run you about $396 per year in addition to the cost of the bike.

Peloton

Peloton

The Peloton bike is for cyclists who want the boutique class experience without setting foot outside their apartment. This iconic cardio machine excels with its sleek design, large touchscreen display, and access to thousands of workouts and classes led by the brand’s iconic trainers.

Product Features

If you're one of the few who didn't succumb to hitting purchase on a Peloton bike back in 2020, now's your chance. In our tests, this smart bike proved that it's still worth the hype, mostly thanks to the sharp 21.5-inch HD touchscreen that streams superior trainer-led classes. Not to mention, the leaderboard feature that tracks your performance against others in real time—a major perk for exercisers who thrive from competition.

The Peloton bike also comes with smart features that make your solo ride feel a little less lonely. "Peloton has developed a fantastic community-oriented platform, which is my favorite aspect," Margusity says. The leaderboard and integrated chats connect riders globally, "enabling connections that extend beyond cycling," Margusity says.

While you'll need to shell out $44 a month for the Peloton app, you'll also have access to off-the-bike classes and workouts that you can use at the gym, in a hotel room, or literally anywhere else you can fit some exercise in. Also worth noting: The Peloton bike comes with 100 levels of resistance, so you can switch from endurance training to a spicy leg day in just a few seconds. Perks aside, this pretty bike isn't so easy on the wallet. Not only is the up-front price tag relatively high but you'll also need to subscribe to the app and purchase Delta-compatible cycling shoes or cages for your go-to gym shoes to ride it.

Titan Fitness

Titan Fitness

The Titan Fitness Fan Bike is a solid choice for budget-conscious cyclists and CrossFitters looking for a reliable cardio machine. It's a no-frills bike that won't break the bank.

Product Features

The Titan Fitness Fan Bike, which will run you less than $700, boasts an impressive range of features typically seen in pricier models. Our testers noted that the Titan is made of heavy-duty steel and feels sturdy, so we had no concerns about the frame’s overall durability over time. It also has attached tires, so you can easily move it outdoors when the weather permits, and it comes with accessories such as a phone and water bottle holder and fan guard for no additional cost. Like most air bikes, it delivers a killer low-impact cardio workout and allows you to control the resistance based on your own effort level.

The biggest miss with this bike, though, is the subpar LCD display. We found the buttons to be too small to comfortably use and the controls weren't intuitive. It's also worth noting that its chain-drive system, while familiar and cheaper to produce, requires more maintenance (like lubing or greasing) than a belt-drive system found in smoother, quieter bikes.

Echelon

Echelon Fitness

The Echelon Fitness Connect EX-5 comes with 32 levels of resistance and an adjustable tablet holder for interactive workouts you can easily access on the Echelon app. It's a sleek, comfy ride for folks seeking a smart bike without the higher-end price tag.

Product Features

For a smart bike with interactive programming that’s a few hundred bucks less than the Peloton, try the Echelon Fitness EX-5. The low-profile model is part of Echelon's "Smart Connect" line and offers 32 levels of magnetic resistance and toe cages for a challenging yet smooth ride. While it doesn't come with a snazzy touchscreen like other high-end home bikes, it has an adjustable tablet holder so you can use your own iPad to access programming through the Echelon app (which is similar to the Peloton app at a slightly lower price) for on-demand workouts on and off the bike.

Not to mention, our testers find this bike to be a joy to ride—the seat feels cushioned, and you don't have to fumble to get your feet in the toe cages. "Moving the seat and adjusting to different angles was relatively seamless," says one of our testers, a football coach and personal trainer. Our testers also liked the bike’s compact build, which makes it easy to slot into small living spaces between rides.

Yosuda

Yosuda

The Yosuda Bikes Indoor Cycling Bike gets the job done when you want solid cardio for under $300—just don't expect any frills. While this budget machine won't break the bank, it's missing some nice-to-have features, like Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen display.

Product Features

Yosuda brings the cycling class experience straight to your home without putting a dent in your savings account. This sub-$300 ride features an adjustable seat and handlebars, and it even accommodates taller riders up to 6'3". It's got your standard manual micro-adjustment knob that provides a wide range of resistance levels—and it’s whisper-quiet, so you can hop on in the wee hours of the morning without waking your partner.

While this budget bike gets an A on the value front, it's worth noting the downsides that come with a basic ride like this one. Yosuda offers a full year of free replacement parts, which you might end up taking advantage of: When testing, we found that the padded seat, while comfortable initially, tends to lose some of its cushiony over time.

CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

The CAROL Bike Bike's AI-powered REHIT workouts offer intense, under 10-minute workouts designed to get you shredded faster. This bike is a great cardio option for those who dread long runs.

Product Features

If you're buying an exercise bike in hopes of supercharging your fitness, the Carol bike's signature AI-powered workout claims to get you there. The proprietary Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT) workouts have you sprint in 20-second intervals for a Tabata-like workout that torches calories in under 10 minutes. The cherry on top: The resistance is AI-powered, so it learns your fitness style and adapts to challenge you as you progress—plus, it records your stats from previous rides. These quick—yet intense—workouts are ideal for anyone looking to burn fat, boost endurance, or just get an effective exercise session in when short on time.

When testing the Carol bike, we found it to be even more durable than the Peloton, thanks to its sturdy metal frame that also makes for a quiet, wobble-free ride. "The machine is ridiculously quiet, even at high speeds and high resistance," says one of our testers, who's owned a handful of exercise bikes and tested dozens. "It almost made me feel like I wasn’t riding very hard because of how quiet it was." We also love that the Carol bike doesn't require SPD clips or bike cleats, so no need to invest in a shoe you'd never wear outside your living room cycling sessions.

Concept2

Concept2

The Concept2 US BikeErg is built to last thousands of miles. Its lightweight frame is easy to move around, though (as with most bikes) the seat could use more cushion.

Product Features

Portability often comes at a price, usually skimping on quality. Not so with the Concept2 Us BikeErg—what it lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in functionality and durability. The lightweight frame is surprisingly stable; and while the bike's got a little bit of weight to it, it's easy to move and wheel around, our tester notes.

The Concept2 US BikeErg uses a unique, amplified flywheel and damper system that generates customizable wind resistance, taking you from lazy rides to sweaty uphill battles with a single adjustment. Meanwhile, the best-in-class PM5 performance monitor tracks and displays all the metrics you need.

You can change out the seats, handlebars, and pedals with standard bike versions for a truly bespoke ride. Our tester especially loved that the handlebars have multiple hand placements as well as a back-and-forth adjustment to help gauge where your body is set. However, it's worth noting that we found the seat could use more cushion, and the seat's lack of forward-and-back adjustment was a downside.

ProForm

ProForm

The ProForm US Studio Bike Pro 14 comes free when you purchase a three-year subscription to iFit. It's a solid ride for casual indoor bikers, but more advanced exercisers will want a sturdier machine.

Product Features

The Proform Studio Bike Pro 14 is for recreational cyclists who just want a pretty screen to distract them from the fact that they're doing cardio. If you fall into this camp, you'll appreciate the bike's on-demand workouts and virtually free price tag. Here's the main selling point of this bike: Through ProForm’s Pro program, the bike itself comes free when you pay a (required) three-year subscription to iFIT digital workouts. At $39 a month, you get a family membership to iFIT, which features an impressive range of trainer-led workouts and programs.

While it's not the highest-quality bike we've tested, it delivers a decent experience for casual riders. The 22 levels of resistance and automatic remote trainer control allow for varied workouts, and the silent magnetic resistance (SMR) makes it a quiet option for home use.

The one glaring downside: The steel frame feels sturdy at first, but the handlebars and screen wobble during more intense rides (our testers found that leveling the adjustable feet helped steady things a bit). Still, we wouldn't recommend this pick for hardcore cyclists looking for a sturdy home bike.

Assault Fitness

Assault Fitness

The Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic isn’t about luxury features—it’s all about making you sweat. While it lacks the interactivity that comes with many premium models, the unlimited air resistance and moving arms mean the harder you pedal, the more challenging the ride gets—so your only competition is you.

Product Features

Unlike traditional exercise bikes, the AssaultBike employs a fan-powered flywheel and moving arms for a full-body workout that engages nearly every muscle—especially your heart. Seriously, the AssaultBike guarantees a killer cardio workout every time because the faster you pedal, the harder it gets thanks to the unlimited air resistance. Our tester especially appreciated that it provided a stable ride with minimal shaking, even at high speeds.

In terms of features, the AssaultBike Classic keeps it simple—so much so that our tester dubbed it an "old-school air bike with a new paint job." There’s no phone or water bottle holder, and it’s not exactly quiet due to the fan. However, the basic LCD screen does show you essential metrics like calories burned, distance, and time, and it can connect to heart rate monitors for more in-depth fitness tracking. While it lacks the techy frills of higher-end models, it offers a handful of programmed workouts to keep things interesting, though we think it’s probably best suited for CrossFitters and functional fitness aficionados who prefer manual mode.

NordicTrack

NordicTrack

The NordicTrack R35 combines comfort and tech: You'll enjoy a sizable touchscreen, automatic resistance, and a seat that doesn't hurt to sit on. It's great for beginners and people with injuries or mobility issues, but at just under 200 pounds, this ride isn't easy to maneuver around the house.

Product Features

Leave it to NordicTrack to enter the home bike game with a recumbent option that's as functional as it is aesthetic. The NordicTrack R35 features a futuristic design with its 14-inch HD touchscreen, a high seat back, and an adjustable seat that gives you plenty of room to pedal. Our tester notes that the seat is very comfortable and cushioned, almost like sitting in an ergonomic office chair. It's powered by a 25-pound flywheel, which is lighter than industry standard but works well for a recumbent bike since you won't need to stand during climbs.

The AutoAdjust feature automatically tweaks the resistance during iFIT classes, so you won't have to fumble mid-pedal. "I followed a trainer on a trail [for my workout], and the hike auto-adjusted to the terrain, making it feel as close as possible to the real thing. I really enjoyed that," says one of our testers. Plus, it's got added perks, including Bluetooth audio, Google Maps, a workout fan, dual cup holders, and built-in speakers. But you'll want to dedicate a space for this cycling machine: It sits at a hefty 192 pounds, so despite the attached transport wheels, some might find it difficult to move this bike around.

Amazon

The bare-bones Marcy Foldable Bike is perfect for apartment dwellers or exercisers looking to maximize space in their home gym. It's easily transportable and lightweight, sitting at under 40 pounds.

Product Features

While Marcy may not boast the power or tech integration of a Peloton or NordicTrack, this foldable bike is a solid option for casual exercisers and beginners. It easily folds away when not in use, but the lightweight, foldable frame is surprisingly sturdy, thanks to its 14-gauge steel frame construction. The bike's 250-pound weight capacity and eight resistance levels provide enough for a solid, low-intensity workout without wobbling much or taking up significant space.

One of the standout features of the Marcy Foldable Bike is its portability. Coming in light at just 37 pounds, it's easy to wheel around. The adjustable seat and padded saddle are comfortable, especially given this budget bike's pricepoint. However, cyclists over 6 feet tall might find the maximum 30-inch seat height too low for their liking. Overall, we found that the Marcy bike's foldable design and simple features make it a practical choice for those who value convenience over complexity.

Rogue Fitness

Rogue Fitness

Air bikes are notoriously loud, but Rogue Fitness Echo stands out with its quiet belt-driven system and minimalist design. We were especially impressed by the comfortable, cushioned seat that won't leave you saddle-sore the next day.

Product Features

A no-frills air bike, the Rogue Fitness Echo guarantees to hike up your BPM to new levels. Like other air bikes, the resistance adjusts the harder you pedal. But the Rogue Echo truly sets itself apart from other air bikes with its belt-driven system (rather than the traditional chain drive), which is significantly less noisy. The whooshing sound from the steel fan blades increases the harder you pedal, but our tester notes it's more like an ambient sound that's actually quite relaxing.

The seat is unusually large, soft, and supportive—"I wish all exercise bikes had a seat like this," one of our testers professes. The construction looks solid and simple, yet up to date. The monitor on the Echo Bike tracks your usual metrics like calories, heart rate, and intervals, though it lacks some advanced performance features and a leaderboard. Accessories like a wind guard, bottle holder, and phone mount are available, but they're sold a la carte and will hike up your bike's price tag.

An exercise bike, like any other large piece of home gym equipment, is no pocket-change investment. To help you make an informed choice before you hit the buy button, we put more than 50 popular bikes through rigorous testing. Our team of hardcore cyclists and beginners alike tested each bike over the course of several weeks, evaluating how they handle everything from easy rides to HIIT-style sessions.

We took into account footprint and portability to assess how the bikes fit into different home setups, as well as how easy (or frustrating) it was to deal with the delivery and setup process. We also graded the bikes' durability, customizations, adjustability, and overall ergonomics—because comfort is key when it comes to sticking to your cycling routine. Bikes with engaging programming won extra points, and we also kept the overall value in mind. Here’s more about our fitness testing process.

"Cycling is an excellent, low-impact way to increase your fitness by using speed and resistance training to strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and rehabilitate from injuries," says Erica Marsh, NASM-CPT, CES, Bay Club Group Exercise Instructor. Having a bike at home makes it much easier to ride more frequently because you're not dependent on good weather—plus, they're great for folks who don't have much time to dedicate to fitness, people who work remotely, or those who manage a busy household, Margusity says. Home exercise bikes are also a smart investment as they're fairly space-efficient, taking up a smaller footprint than a treadmill or elliptical.

Whether you opt for a supportive recumbent bike or CrossFit-approved air bike, you’ll want something that guarantees a good sweat. Here’s what to think about while you mull it over.

Quality

Start by assessing the bike’s construction and build. A bike that's built to last for years to come will likely be made out of steel. Also be sure to check the spec sheet for the user weight capacity, which should clue you into the machine's quality. Industry standard is around 300 pounds, so if your bike falls short of that, it's safe to assume it might not go the distance or be as durable.

Adjustability

Check whether the bike can be adjusted to fit your body—you should be able to safely (and comfortably) reach the pedals and ride, Marsh says. An adjustable seat is key as it allows you to easily move the seat up and down, as well as forward and backward to ride comfortably without overextending. Customizable pedals are also a key component so you can safely secure your feet in the pedals using toe cages or a clip system that connects your cycle shoes to the pedals. Clip-in pedals are a game-changer because they help you pull up on the bike pedals instead of just pushing down, which gives you a more effective and efficient pedal stroke and engages more leg muscles, Marsh says.

Cost

The cost of indoor bikes varies widely based on features and programming. You can find a decent-quality bike without fancy programming or built-in technology for as little as $300. But if you're looking for an "experience" with robust programming, connectivity. and a built-in screen, you can expect to pay at least a grand.

Tech

The best at-home bikes come with so many tech features you didn't know you needed. Think: interactive leaderboards, community chat options, and compatibility with fitness wearables like Apple, Garmin, and Whoop; some even give you access to your favorite entertainment apps, such as Spotify or Netflix. "Some programs track results based on performance and have gamified experiences and challenges, leaderboards of scenic rides or live or recorded instructors teaching classes," Marsh says. These more interactive experiences are fun, engaging, and motivating, giving you a taste of the IRL cycling class experience.

Resistance

The type of resistance technology your bike uses determines how smooth and noisy it will be. Fan and friction-drive resistance are often noisier and sometimes don't provide the smoothest ride; while magnetic resistance is smoother, it can also require more maintenance. "If you're considering an indoor bike, ride a few different types in person before you make a big purchase, as the feel of the resistance and the overall fit is very personal," Marsh recommends.

You’ll want to find a bike that fits your body—and the type of indoor workouts you plan to do. Here’s a brief guide to the different options.

Air bike

Air bikes are often referred to as assault bikes, air dyne, or dual-action bikes. They sit more upright than a spin or cycling bike and their moving arms and belt-driven resistance makes them great for short, intense bouts of cardio.

Upright exercise bike

Upright bikes, as their name suggests, have you sit more upright without hinging from the hips to reach the handlebars, Marsh says. The seat sits directly above the pedals, just like on a real bicycle.

Indoor cycling bike

This is the standard studio class-type bike that's used in most cycling classes. They lean you forward (similar to a real road bike), have an adjustable seat and handlebars, and the flywheel usually sits at the front.

Recumbent bike

The ergonomics of a recumbent bike are much different than other bikes, as the pedals are in front of the seat rather than below it, so you're sitting in a supported recline position while pedaling. Think of it as a chair, with pedals positioned out in front of you. "This offloads the lower back and sit bones and provides more comfort for some users, which is why it's often used in rehab," Marsh says. While upright bikes work more of the quads and glutes, recumbents help work more of the hamstrings and core, Marsh says.

There’s a reason something easy is said to be “like riding a bike.” Pedaling is so intuitive, it’s hard to go wrong. But if you want your indoor bike ride to also deliver a killer workout, there are a few extra things to know—mostly in terms of what not to do. Here are the easiest blunders.

Not setting up your bike properly

Take the time to learn how to properly adjust your bike, Margusity recommends. That means actually reading through the manual or maybe even YouTubing some how-to videos. "Understanding how to correctly set up your bike can help you prevent injuries, ensure a comfortable ride, and enhance the effectiveness of your workouts," Margusity says. If you’re not confident going the DIY route, contact a service like Fitness Machine Technicians to help with installation.

Going too hard, too quickly

Margusity says that she sees many indoor riders try to reach their fitness goals too quickly, causing them to jump into intense workouts right away instead of easing into a routine gradually. "Fitness is a long-term journey that requires consistency," she says. "If you're so sore from overexertion that you can't make it to your next workout, maintaining progress becomes impossible." Instead of cranking up the resistance and committing to hour-long rides, start with shorter, low-intensity sessions and gradually increase the duration and resistance over time.

Overdoing the resistance

If your goal is to get stronger, you'll want to throw some climbs into the mix. But cranking the resistance up for too long can turn a low-impact exercise into a major joint stressor. Maintaining a high resistance can add stress on your knees in particular, which can lead to injury.

Which exercise bike is best for home?

We chose the NordicTrack S22i as the best home exercise bike because it’s compact enough to fit in small living spaces and delivers an ultra-smooth ride, while also making your workout more entertaining with scores of immersive streaming options.

What is the best exercise bike for beginners?

A recumbent bike, like the NordicTrack Commercial R35, is best for beginners because it has you sit back in a recline position (rather than perched upright). This position offers more support and requires less self-stabilizing.

Is an exercise bike good for weight loss?

Yes, cycling at home is a great low-impact cardio workout that burns calories and improves your cardiovascular fitness. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, and an exercise bike can help you burn more calories in the comfort of your own home.

How much does an exercise bike cost?

A no-frills bike can go for around $300, whereas more advanced bikes with tech features will run you over $1,000—with some going for close to $3,000. That doesn't include app and program subscription costs.

Amanda Margusity, CPT, CFSC is a New York City-based spinning instructor and fitness coach.

Erica Marsh is a NASM-certified personal trainer and Bay Club Group Exercise Instructor.

Resources

Knoyes Knee Institute (2018). Cycling and Its Impact on Your Knees. https://noyeskneeinstitute.com/cycling-impact-knees

Mangione, KK, et al. (1999) The effects of high-intensity and low-intensity cycle ergometry in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10219009/