The 6 Best Exercise Bikes Of 2024, Tested By Experts

Meet the experts

• Ashley Barnett, NASM, is a personal trainer and fitness instructor.
• Jadi Collado, CPT, is a bilingual personal trainer.
• Lauren Kanski, CPT, is a personal trainer, WH advisory board member, and founding coach of Body and Bell on the Ladder app.
• Amanda Katz, CPT, is an Equinox group fitness instructor.
• Kristina Earnest, CPT, is a trainer specializing in cycling and strength classes and the founder of Kristina Earnest On Demand.
  
• Helen Vanderburg is a Schwinn indoor cycling master trainer, fitness consultant, and owner of The ACADEMY.
• Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist with Practitionr.
• Matt Phillips, is a senior test editor at Bicycling.
• Ebenezer Samuel is the executive director of fitness business development at Men's Health.

What are the benefits of exercise bikes?

Simply put, the benefits of exercise bikes abound. "The indoor bike is recommended to anyone who enjoys outdoor biking and who wants to improve their cardiovascular health and overall aerobic fitness without pounding on the joints," Katz says. It also serves as a cross-training option for runners.

Barnett completely agrees, citing "SO many benefits to having an exercise bike at home!" The long list of specific benefits includes easy access to a quick cardio workout no matter the weather, you can increase the resistance to your liking (making the workout seem like a heavy hill or flat road), have complete control of riding in the saddle or out, exercise bikes are perfect for low impact training if you have any knee issues, is an awesome tool to cross-train with your running program, and lastly exercise bikes can easily help you mix up your cardio workouts more creatively than simply walking or running.

See below for more benefits:

Increases Cardiovascular Fitness

Yup, your endurance, stamina, speed, and power will become stronger from engaging in both aerobic and anaerobic exercise, Earnest says. "Your cardiovascular fitness is improved because your heart rate remains high during the entire workout," she adds.

Improves Strength

As you might have guessed, cycling can strengthen your core and lower body muscles, too! "Pedaling targets your lower body, but proper posture also engages your abdominals and upper body," Earnest says. "Whether you prefer [riding] faster at low intensity to promote muscle development or slower at higher-intensity to build strength, indoor cycling classes can help you achieve your fitness goals."

Low-Impact Workout

Cycling is still a low-impact workout, so it's gentle on your joints, Earnest says. "The smooth, circular motion of pedaling helps to strengthen your muscles without putting too much pressure on them," she says. So, cycling will protect your joints in the long run, which is great for those with concerns or pre-existing conditions.

Efficient

Yup, cycling indoors is straight-up efficient, making it perfect for those with busy lifestyles. "Investing in a bike makes it easier to find the time to fit cycling into your schedule, whether it be before or after work, or a lunch break," Earnest says. The set-up time is minimal too. Earnest, herself, loves to hop on the bike while her baby is down for a nap and her daughters are at school.

Weather-Friendly

Fact: It's a bummer to have weather affect a workout, whether it's raining right when you want to run, or snowing when you want to bike. "Investing in an indoor cycling bike helps you not depend on the weather, so you can continue training when you’re scheduled to do so," Earnest says.

Other things to consider when shopping for an exercise bike

Screens, WiFi, and Bluetooth

If you're starting your stationary bike journey with specific fitness goals in mind, it could be helpful to spring for something with a large, clear display that tracks all of the numbers you're looking for, according to Katz. Look for metrics like speed, distance, time, calories burned, heart rate, power (watts), cadence, and elevation. Some bikes only track some of this information, so it's best to consider which metrics matter most. Other considerations? Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. These features are what will allow you to use the bike's programming. So, consider whether or not you're okay with those potential limitations.

Resistance

A common form of exercise bike resistance is magnetic, but some bikes, like the Sunny Health and Fitness Bike and the Schwinn Airdyne Bike, also offer air or friction resistance. Magnetic resistance uses electricity and the flywheel to change the resistance level (more on that later!). It can be adjusted by twisting a knob or electronically through pre-set levels on a digital monitor. Because magnets create such strong force, you'll def be putting in a workout, so this type of resistance is great for those looking to build muscle.

On the other hand, friction resistance occurs when fabric pads exert pressure on the flywheel. Because they require a greater amount of resistance over time than a magnetic option, they're ideal for experienced bikers who want more of a challenge.

There are also air resistance machines, which are best for high-intensity interval training workouts, as the faster you pedal, the more resistance you'll feel. Plus, some have movable handles, so you'll get an arm workout, too. If you're already somewhat of a pro on exercise bikes, you'll also want to look for something that has a larger range of resistance, so you can continue to challenge yourself, says Vanderburg.

Collado agrees that adjustable resistance is essential. "It's the secret sauce that brings the outdoor cycling feel indoors, allowing you to tailor your workout intensity to mimic real-world terrains," she says. "Without it, capturing the essence of outdoor cycling would simply be unattainable."

Programming

This is another question Barnett suggests considering: "Do you want guidance on your bike (built-in programming, following an instructor, etc) or are you great solo?" Some bikes offer add-on classes, which can be great or meh, depending on how much training you're hoping to get out of them. If you're a serious cyclist, some bike-offered courses may seem a little slow for your pace, but beginners may love them. Otherwise, consider whether you enjoy your own training program or want a coach. Interactive experiences can really motivate a member, according to Earnest.

Gears

Katz suggests searching for a bike that can shift smoothly between plenty of different gears. This might be more important to you if you're a road cyclist, she explains, as certain gear shifts can feel pretty similar to the ones on outdoor bicycles.

Size and weight

Indoor bikes are big, so make sure to consider the measurements of the bikes you're looking at and map out the location in your home where you want to put it. "The last thing you want is something that is going to take up too much space," Earnest says.

You also might want one that's lighter in weight, so it can be moved around easily, Katz adds. Collado agrees that weight should be a factor when shopping for the perfect exercise bike. "It's crucial for ensuring stability during your rides, especially when you're pushing hard or standing up in the saddle," she says. "A solid, stable bike is a safe bike, so always prioritize one that stays grounded, regardless of your passionate riding."

Budget

Exercise bikes, especially the best exercise bikes, can be expensive. But they don't have to be, as there are plenty of good value models available for less than $1,000.

Other features

Lastly, you might want to consider any additional "bonus" features. Not having them might not be a deal-breaker. But, says Collado, a bike with designated spots for your water bottle and phone can add a touch of convenience to your workouts. It's the little things, after all, that make a big difference in your cycling experience. Remember, the right indoor cycling bike doesn't just enhance your workouts; it transforms them.

What’s the best type of exercise bike resistance?

Well, it depends on your workout goals, TBH. Read on to find out what the best pick for you might be.

Air Bike

An air bike is stationary and has arm handles and pedals attached to a big fan in the front, giving you wind resistance as you pedal. The pedaling also moves the bike's handles, so it engages multiple body parts, Earnest says. "This is great for a quick HIIT, as this piece of equipment is extra challenging," she adds. That also makes it a great tool as a warmup or finisher for a strength or HIIT workout, Katz says.

Studio Cycling Bike

A studio cycling bike has a slimmer seat and there are usually multi-grip handlebars so you can ride in different positions, Earnest says. There might also be dumbbell holders, which allow you to incorporate extra upper-body strength exercises. "Built for performance, this bike will provide a full-body workout experience," she says. "Not only will you need to engage your core, as well as your biceps, triceps, and shoulders to hold you upright on your bike, but you’ll also be able to complete standing climbs and jogs."

Recumbent Bike

A recumbent bike allows a rider to stay seated, making it more lower-body centric, Katz says. It's a great pick for ergonomic reasons because "the rider's body is distributed comfortably over a larger seat, supported by back and glutes making it easier on your hips and lower back," she says. This feature makes it great for riders at any fitness level, but especially those who might be coming back from an injury and have a limited range of motion.

Upright Exercise Bike

Last but not least is the upright exercise bike, which has a design similar to a studio cycling bike. However, their seats are wider, and the handlebars are closer to your body, so you ride in a more upright position. "This is a great 'space saver' option as it doesn’t take up as much room as the other exercise bikes," Earnest says. This bike also focuses on strengthening the lower body.

Who are exercise bikes for?

Exercise bikes are pretty much for everyone—it's a great form of fitness for a wide age group. "Compared to some other types of cardio equipment, a stationary bicycle puts less stress on your joints, but still provides an excellent aerobic workout," says Kopach.

Worried you're not familiar enough with exercise bikes to ride one? Turns out, they cater to all levels as well. "They're one of the most versatile pieces of equipment for cardio training, as they meet the need for a wide range of participants from beginner to advanced," says Vanderburg. Still, if you are new to cycling or unsure if an exercise bike is for you, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider or a licensed physical therapist, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are rehabbing from an injury.

How to adjust your exercise bike

The way the bike is structured plays a big role in how you feel during and after your workout.

"Seat height is a must-check; your knee should have just a slight bend when the pedal is at its lowest to prevent hip and knee issues," says Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Practitionr. "The handlebars should be at least seat-level or higher to avoid straining your back and neck."

She adds that these adjustments aren't just about the enjoyment of your workout. They also ensure that you'll be able to move safely and efficiently.

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