9 Best Exercise Bikes for At-Home Workouts in 2024 | SELF

Nov 01, 2024

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Exercise bikes have earned their spot in fitness studios, gyms, and even the corner of your friend’s garage for good reason: They offer a low-impact way to boost your cardio fitness, build muscle, and break a sweat without ever having to leave the house. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (or two hours and 30 minutes), and having a home exercise bike is a great tool to help you stay on track if you have a busy schedule—you can hop on for a quick spin, in any weather, whenever you happen to have a few minutes.

To help you find a bike that’ll your fitness goals and your space, we asked certified trainers and physical therapists for their tips for evaluating qualities like durability, comfort, and portabliity. Then, SELF’s reviewers put models from top brands like Peloton, NordicTrack, Bowflex, and more through a series of tests to see which ones make good on their promises.

NordicTrack

Why we picked it: The NordicTrack R35 Recumbent is durable, comfortable, and loaded with high-tech features (check, check, and check!). In a recumbent bike like this one, the seat looks like a chair (complete with backrest), and our tester says this design made it easier for her to do longer workouts. “The seat on this bike feels great,” she says. “It’s sturdy, large, and has plenty of cushion. The seat also has ridges so that your bottom doesn’t slide around."”

Our fave features: The bike’s auto-shift feature during trainer-led iFit workouts takes the hassle out of resistance changes, so all you have to do is ride. "This bike responds quickly to adjustments!” one tester raves. “It’s very quiet while adjusting as well and the bike doesn’t make any movements.” You can also manually change resistance using the easy-to-navigate touchscreen or buttons on the right handlebar. Our testers also gave the R35 high marks for its sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and classes (which cost $39 per month).

Who it's for: “Recumbent bikes are good for people of all ages for cardiovascular health,” Jordan Clayborne, DPT, CSMT, CSCS, a physical therapist and owner of Royal Personal Training in Beverly Hills, California, tells SELF. But the reclined seat and ergonomic design is especially helpful for older people and those with past knee or hip injuries, he adds. Nicole Norwoods, a NASM-certified personal trainer at the same gym, adds that the machine is a lot easier on your joints than traditional exercise bikes. “It’s great for strengthening your lower body muscles, and improving balance,” she adds.

Just so you know: One tester found it difficult to move the 192-pound piece of equipment without help. “It has wheels on the front, but it would take two people to move it to its desired location,” she says. So when you’re deciding whether to place the bike in your bedroom alcove or the garage, make sure you're sold on the placement—or at least be ready to call in a friend for assistance.

Product specs

Weight: 192 lbs | Dimensions: 68.22”L x 23.69”W x 53.42”H | Resistance: 26 levels | Weight capacity: 350 lbs | Display: 14-inch HD Smart touchscreen | App subscription: 30-day free iFit subscription, then $39/month ($396/year) | Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts and 1-year labor

ProForm

Why we picked it: The ProForm Studio 14 Pro Bike features intuitive high-tech features and a library of iFit workouts that take the guesswork out of your workout. You don’t even need to touch the resistance knob if you don’t want to: During cycling classes, the bike auto-adjusts levels as you ride, letting you stay fully immersed in your workout. Plus: The machine’s iFit Pro membership grants you access to not just studio rides, but also full-body strength training, yoga, HIIT classes and more.

Who it's for: Testers say this is a great entry-level bike for folks who know they want to follow along with original classes and programming. “Easy access to a variety of trainer-led workouts can be more motivating and fun for beginners,” Pearl Fu, a Los Angeles-based indoor cycling instructor at Equinox and Heimat, tells SELF. “It makes you feel like you’re working out together versus getting started alone.”

Just so you know: While a three-year iFit Pro membership is required with your purchase, there’s a silver lining: The monthly fee of $39 for those 36 months or one-time price of $1,404 actually includes the bike itself. Or, you can mentally frame the purchase as being a bike for $1,404 that includes a three-year membership. Either way, once those three years are up, the membership auto-renews with a fee you’ll have to pay if you want to keep accessing the library of trainer-led classes. Otherwise, you’ll be free to use your bike the old-fashioned way.

Product specs

Weight: 116 lbs | Dimensions: 55”L x 23”W x 57”H | Resistance: 22 levels | Weight capacity: 250 lbs | Display: 14” tilt and pivot touchscreen | App subscription: iFit Pro 3-year Membership required (included with purchase) | Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor

Peloton

Peloton

Amazon

Why we picked it: Consider this the newer, shinier version of the cult-beloved Peloton Bike. While the SELF-Certified Bike+ is double the price of the OG model, the new edition comes with two major upgrades: a larger rotating touchscreen with 360-degree movement (the former only has tilting capabilities) and an auto-resistance option during trainer-led workouts so you never have to turn the knob (though manual mode is still available). But with the Peloton, what you’re really paying for is world-class live and on-demand classes.

“Not only are the instructors amazing, but I love that they have clear bike setup directions, rides for all levels, and always stress the importance of warming up and cooling down,” says Jenna Stern, an ACE-certified trainer and fitness instructor in Philadelphia. Emily Collins, a Los Angeles–based indoor cycling instructor at Verve Studios, notes that Peloton instructors can use licensed music in their rides, “so the playlists are upbeat and familiar.” You also get real-time and post-workout metrics, and a community leaderboard of your virtual classmates to see where you stand.

Our fave features: Our testers love the Bike+’s Apple Watch integration. Right at the start of each class, a notification pops up asking if you’d like to sync your watch. This handy feature lets you seamlessly track your heart rate, distance, and more directly on your wrist, making it easier than ever to monitor your progress while you ride. If studio-based classes aren’t for you, other programs, like scenic trail rides, are available to keep workouts interesting.

Product specs

Weight: 140 lbs | Dimensions: 59”L x 22”W x 59”H | Resistance: Magnetic with digital adjustment | Weight capacity: 297 lbs | Display: 23.8” rotating HD touchscreen | App subscription: Peloton All-Access Membership required ($44/month) | Warranty: 5 years frame, 1 year components and touchscreen, 1 year labor)

Bowflex

Why we picked it: If you’re looking for a bike that simulates outdoor cycling, this is it. The Bowflex VeloCore’s unique leaning mode is a full-body experience, letting you move side to side as you tackle virtual trails. One of our testers—an avid Peloton user—says this feature makes the ride “more exciting” than cycling on a Peloton and breaks up the monotony of a traditional spin bike. “I have used a Peloton for over three years now and absolutely love it, but the Velacore offers a different feature than any other bike I’ve ever used before with the lean,” she says. (It doesn’t hurt that this bike is quite a bit cheaper than Peloton’s premium bike, too.)

Plus, with its immersive 16- or 22-inch touchscreen, JRNY app programming (a fitness program that tailors daily workout recs to your goals and prefs), and 100 (!!) magnetic resistance levels, “it’s a quality bike for the price,” Jason Schneider, Crunch Fitness regional manager and master instructor at Schwinn Indoor Cycling, tells SELF.

Our fave features: The VeloCore also comes with a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate armband, clips for cycling shoes (there are also toe cages, if that’s more your speed), a pair of 3-pound dumbbells, and a two-month free trial of JRNY for new members (from $20 per month or $149 per year, thereafter). Whether you’re in the mood for a full-body burn, a trainer-led ride, or real-time coaching to hit specific goals, it’s got you covered with plenty of options.

Just so you know: Our testers say the bike seat is much smaller compared to other machines. To avoid discomfort or soreness, you may want to consider adding cushioning or replacing the seat entirely (an extra $40).

Product specs

Weight: 155 lbs (with 16” monitor), 158.3 lbs (with 22” monitor) | Dimensions: 59.8”L x 24.1” W x 55.3”H | Resistance: 100 magnetic levels | Weight capacity: 325 lbs | Display: 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen | App subscription: First 2 months free, then $20/month or $149/year | Warranty: 2-year frame and mechanical parts, 1-year electronics & HD touchscreen, 1-year labor

Echelon Fitness

Why we picked it: There’s a lot to like about the Echelon Connect EX-5, starting with the arms-free design. “A bike without moving arms, is ideal for cyclists who want to dial in on lower body conditioning and endurance,” Alexander Hayes, a Fort Worth, Texas-based spin instructor at Cyclebar Waterside, tells SELF. “It’s perfect for riders who want to simulate road cycling indoors or focus on specific cycling metrics like cadence and resistance without the additional upper body movement,” he says. The EX-5 also has a relatively small footprint and barely makes a sound, thanks to its magnetic resistance. “The bike was as quiet as a mouse,” one tester says.

Just so you know: This Echelon doesn’t have an attached screen, but if you’re fine with popping your smartphone or tablet into the holder dock to stream workouts, it’s a solid choice. When you pair it with the Echelon Fit App, workouts are able to auto adjust to your preferred resistance settings.

Other winning options: If the relatively lower price point is what caught your eye, you may consider an even more budget-friendly option such as the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike.

Product specs

Weight: 129 lbs | Dimensions: 58”L x 20”W x 55”H | Resistance: 32 levels | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Display: N/A, holds smart devices from 5.5” to 12.5” | App subscription: Optional Echelon app membership (from $12/month) | Warranty: 1-year equipment (5 years for Echelon Premier Members)

Yosuda

Why we picked it: You don’t have to go broke to find a decent bike—the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike costs less than $400. “This was a pretty good bike that was surprisingly easy to put together,” says Hayes. While some reviewers ding the bike on durability, there are some undeniable highlights: It’s super compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around; and you can track basic metrics (including workout time, distance, and speed) with the LCD monitor.

Who it's for: If you’re a serious cyclist, you might prefer a sturdier bike with features like smart capabilities or streaming classes to keep workouts fresh. But if you’re dipping your toe into indoor cycling, or are looking for a budget option that handles the basics well, this will get the job done.

Just so you know: The bike doesn’t come with an attached screen or other bells and whistles, but you can set your device on the holder and cycle to whatever fitness app you like—be it Peloton, iFit, or otherwise.

Product specs

Weight: 68 lbs | Dimensions:45.3”L x 21.9”W x 49.2”H | Resistance: Brake knob resistance | Weight capacity: 270 lbs | Display: LCD monitor | App subscription: N/A | Warranty: 3-year frame, 1-year bike parts

Assault Fitness

Why we picked it: Because it’s an air bike, the resistance on the AssaultBike Pro X is fully self-powered: The harder you pedal and push the handles, the more resistance the fan generates. As your speed increases, so does the air drag, building up the workout intensity.

Right out of the box, the AssaultBike Pro X impressed our tester with its sleek design: “The overall look of this model is very unique and will look nice in any gym or home gym,” she says, adding that beyond aesthetics, she’s into its overall compact construction, sturdiness, how smoothly it rides, the seat-adjustment capabilities, and the seat padding. Plus, our tester says the bike delivers a killer full-body workout that scales to different fitness levels.

Who it's for: “This bike is for those who seriously want to enhance their athletic performance,” says Fu of the cardio machine. Schneider adds that the air-fan bike is really designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), not traditional cycling workouts. So if you want a studio cycling class experience (à la SoulCycle or Peloton), this isn’t the right bike for you.

Our fave features: Bike seats often get a bad rap (for good reason, honestly), but this one is surprisingly cushiony. “I was comfortable throughout my entire 30 minutes on the bike. I like how the seat is lifted from the rest of the bike,” one tester says, adding that the seat felt shock-absorbing.

Just so you know: According to Schneider, air bikes are great for a sweat-inducing HIIT workout, but you’ll want something with more responsive resistance options for cycling classes.

Product specs

Weight: 124 lbs | Dimensions: 50.95”L x 23.34”W x 50”H | Resistance: Self-controlled | Weight capacity: 330 lbs | Display: LCD screen | App subscription: Assault Fitness App, free download | Warranty: 3-year non-wear parts, 7-year frame

Concept2

Why we picked it: The Concept2 Bike Erg, as one tester puts it, is “small in stature, but packs a punch.” Because this bike is just 58 pounds with compact dimensions, you might doubt its ability to handle intense workouts. But the sturdy air bike holds up (our testers used it for two years without issues!). This bike may not come with a fancy touchscreen, but the built-in performance monitor lets you easily track key metrics like time, distance, and pace to keep tabs on your progress.

Who it's for: This bike’s smooth, self-powered air resistance system caters to various fitness levels because you can decide how fast and hard you want to work out.

Just so you know: The bike’s monitor is Bluetooth-enabled to connect to your smartphone or tablet. All you have to do is download the free ErgData app.

Product specs

Weight: 68 lbs | Dimensions:: 42”L x 24”W | Resistance: Self-controlled | Weight capacity: 350 lbs | Display:: LED monitor | App subscription: Free ErG data app | Warranty: 2-year moving parts and monitor, 5-year frame

Titan

Why we picked it: This heavy-duty machine will hold a place of pride in your garage—just make sure you have the room for it. The air bike, which generates more resistance the harder you pedal, is the most budget-friendly option of its kind on our list. While testers say the mounted LCD console isn’t the best (it has annoyingly small buttons), you can still access heart rate tracking and set goals for distance, time, or calories. Overall, testers gave it high marks for its durability and construction, noting that it delivers great value for the price.

Our fave features: This bike comes with a convenient phone holder and a water bottle cage, so you can easily stay connected and hydrated while you ride. Its wheels make it super easy to roll your bike outside for a change of scenery (or just back into its storage place until your next workout).

Just so you know: “This is an air-fan bike that is made for HIIT workouts, not cycle classes,” Schneider tells SELF. Built for quick bursts of intense effort rather than a steady, controlled pace, the bike is ideal for those who want to maximize their workout in a short amount of time. If you’re after a more traditional, steady ride, you might want to consider another option.

Product specs

Weight: 111 lbs | Dimensions: 50.25”L x 20.375”W x 50”H | Resistance: Self-controlled | Weight capacity: 330 lbs | Screen: N/A | App subscription: N/A | Warranty: 1-year

The beauty of an exercise bike is its versatility. “From a physical therapist’s standpoint, exercise bikes are a great tool for joint-friendly, sustained aerobic exercise and for maintaining and improving hip, ankle, and especially knee range of motion,” says Dr. Clayborne, adding that bikes can help strengthen leg muscles. Plus, research finds that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure and a stronger immune system, Norwoods says.

The guided programming and other features that many bikes offer makes it easier to work toward your health goals, track your progress, and stay motivated along the way. “Bikes that accurately measure power, RPM [revolutions per minute], distance, and duration will advance your workouts into true training sessions,” Schneider says. “Bluetooth connectivity also opens a world of apps and classes for coaching, competitions, and connected metrics.” This is especially important if you enjoy riding alongside leaderboards, avatars, and instructors, he says—features that won’t come with a standard outdoor cycling workout.

Exercise bikes also offer a convenience that’s hard to beat. You can cycle year-round without worrying about the outdoor elements, and the machine typically takes up less space than other pieces of home gym equipment like treadmills.

With so many exercise bikes available, finding the right one can feel daunting. We consulted cycling pros to help you zero in on the key factors that matter most to help ensure you’ll actually enjoy hopping on your bike. After all, “if you don’t like it, you won’t use it,” Schneider says.

Generally, there are five different types of exercise bikes: upright, recumbent, spin, air, or folding-style. (If you’re wondering what those all mean, don’t worry—we break it down in the section below.) “Each bike provides a very different exercise experience,” says Schneider. Recumbent bikes, for example, work the lower body in a low-impact way, thanks to its reclined seat, backrest, and forward-positioned pedals, while air bikes deliver a more intense, full-body workout that generates more resistance the harder you pedal.

Think about your fitness goals, must-have features, and preferred workouts to hone in on the type of bike that’s work for you. “Check out reviews, comparison shop, read the details, and consider test-driving your bike in person—at a shop, a showroom, or a friend’s place—before purchasing,” Schneider suggests. You could also think about the bikes you’ve liked at different studios and gyms, and jot down some pros and cons of each, Natalie Qayed, a NASM-certified personal trainer and master instructor at Cycle Haus Nashville, tells SELF.

“If you’re someone like me who lives in an upstairs dwelling, then size, weight, and ease of moving the bike is important,” Fu tells SELF. “Some bikes have large monitors that can make the bike [heavy and] difficult to move.” And if you’re tight on space, be sure to check the bike's dimensions before you buy to make sure it’ll fit in your room. Schneider says to account for any moving parts and appendages, such as handlebars, and ensure there’s enough clearance between you and your ceiling (especially if you’re using dumbbells or standing while cycling).

There’s nothing worse than splurging on a quality exercise bike, only to realize the seat feels like a wooden plank or the handlebars are stuck in an awkward position. So make sure to consider the bike’s design. Some models offer adjustable handlebars and seats, allowing you to customize the fit for your body and encourage proper form. This feature is particularly beneficial if multiple people will be using the bike.

When shopping for an exercise bike, noise level is an important factor to consider, especially if you live in an apartment or share walls with neighbors. According to Schneider, bikes with chains tend to be significantly noisier than ones that use belts to spin the wheels. Bikes with magnetic resistance mechanisms are also quieter to use.

When choosing a bike, consider features like the type and size of screen (say, an HD touchscreen versus an LED panel), tilt or pivot options that allow you to use the display for off-bike cross-training workouts, and auto-adjusting resistance capabilities during trainer-led classes. Some questions to ask yourself: Do you prefer a bike with built-in programming, or are you fine with streaming workouts through your own device? Do you want to track your metrics, such as heart rate or calories burned, in real time or post workout? These preferences can help narrow down your options.

Think about the little things that can make your workouts more enjoyable and efficient, like consoles, tablet holders, and water bottle cages. You might also want to look for features like dumbbells or weight bars (and spots to stow them on the bike) if you plan to incorporate strength training into your cycling practice.

You can definitely find a less expensive, no-frills bike that’ll help you get your workouts in, but a bike with a sturdy design or high-end add-ons will likely cost more. “You get what you pay for,” Qayed says. She cautions to be wary of cheaper bikes that appear to have tons of features and tech. “As with most fitness machines, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Looking for a road-style bike, a low-impact recumbent bike, or an air bike for those HIIT workouts you’ve been wanting to try? If you’re a newbie and that all sounds like gibberish to you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. To help paint a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the different types of exercise bikes.

Indoor cycling bikes (aka spin bikes)

Want that studio-class intensity? “Spin bikes are my go-to for an immersive group fitness experience,” says Hayes. “They're built for both speed work and choreography.” The handles are out in front, causing you to lean forward as you pedal, similar to the position you’d have on a road bike. Fu says you can usually adjust the bike’s height, seat, and handlebars to fit your frame. And “most spin bikes offer a wide range of resistance to make the ride as easy or difficult as the rider wants,” she says.

Upright bikes

“Upright bikes are similar to spin bikes, but are higher from the ground and have wider seat cushioning,” says Fu, noting that they are generally larger and mostly at gyms. The bike is designed in such a way that you essentially sit upright (hence the name) with the pedals directly under you. The handlebars are generally closer to your frame, which keeps you vertical, as opposed to leaning forward. The closer handle position also makes it more compact than other bike options.

Recumbent bikes

With a reclined seat and backrest, recumbent bikes let you pedal in a supportive position that’s easy on your joints and lower back. The seat itself is also lower to the ground, which makes it easier to get in and out of, says Fu. As Dr. Clayborne mentioned above, these bikes are ideal for anyone with past knee or hip injuries, or for older adults looking for a low-impact option.

Air bikes (aka fan bikes)

“Air bikes are the powerhouses of the bunch,” says Hayes. Designed with moving arms and a large fan that creates resistance as you pedal, the bike provides an intense full-body workout. The harder and faster you go, the more challenging the ride will be. “They're brutal, but effective for conditioning work,” he says.

Folding bikes

If you’re short on space, these bikes are designed to fold up for easy storage when not in use. While they might not have all the high-tech features of larger bikes, they still offer “a high quality workout without sacrificing living space,” says Hayes.

To give you top-notch recommendations, our team of testers put each bike through a series of rigorous tests to see how well they perform and hold up over time. Below are a few categories we focus on, but for the extensive list, check out our full fitness methodology.

Durability

When you’re investing in a piece of fitness equipment, you want it to last. Our testers ride these bikes at all different levels, making sure they can handle daily use, different body types, and even some environmental extremes (heat, dust, humidity). Does it wobble or feel solid under pressure? We’ve got the answers to keep your rides steady and worry-free.

ACE Factor

This stands for adjustability, customizability and ergonomics—all factors that we consider to make sure the bike fits you, not the other way around. We check things like whether the bike adjusts to accommodate different heights, if the seat is comfortable for long rides, and whether the controls are easy to reach and tweak.

Footprint

If you’re tight on space, you’ll want to know how much room the bike takes up and how easy it is to move around. We look at dimensions, foldability, and whether it’s portable enough to shift across different floors.

High-tech features

Fancy features hold a lot of weight, but only if they’re easy to use. We test the bike’s tech—like Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, and integrated apps—to see if they enhance your workout or just add frustration. Our goal? To help you focus on your ride, not on troubleshooting your tech.

The answer really depends on your individual needs, such as whether you’re after a low-impact ride (like the NordicTrack R35 Recumbent) or top-tier programming with expert instructors (looking at you, Peloton Bike+) Your height, weight, age, health, and even any past injuries all come into play when choosing a bike, as do your fitness goals (like building muscle, increasing endurance, or just staying active).

“Most heart health guidelines suggest 30 minutes, five times per week to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, but it also depends on your goals and the style of training,” Dr. Clayborne tells SELF. For example, if you’re hoping to build stamina, you may want to increase your workout time or resistance. Or, if you have health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, you should consult your physician or physical therapist before beginning cycling, he says. “It’s important to gradually work up to 30 minutes if you’re starting from scratch,” he advises.

Take into account your overall health, what features matter to you the most, and what you’re trying to achieve to help inform what’s right for you. Are you looking for your bike to help with cardio fitness, strength, or recovery? Different bikes suit different needs.

Exercise bikes can range widely in price, depending on features like tech, build quality, and resistance options. In this roundup alone, you’ll see bikes priced anywhere from $300 to $2,000. The good news? There’s plenty of options that offer great value at a lower price point.

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