After researching the best exercise bikes on the market, we purchased all of the best models available. We then spent many months riding and evaluating each model to examine their strengths, weaknesses, and comparative differences in performance. After thoroughly testing each bike, our testers rated them on predetermined performance metrics, including exercise quality, companion app/connectivity, comfort, user interface, features, setup/assembly, and portability.
Exercise Quality
Over several months of testing, we assessed the exercise quality of each model in this test, regularly jumping from one to another for direct comparisons. We measured the number of resistance settings and assessed the full range of resistance offered to determine suitability for varying fitness levels. We considered and ranked the quality of the resistance, determining which bikes felt most fluid and natural. We assessed each bike's stability using riders of different sizes and weights. We utilized every available feature, including adjustable incline/decline, the ability to lean, automatic resistance, accessories, and electronics. For app-connected bikes, we ranked the quality of app integration and how it affected our workout. We performed a range of workouts on each model, from easy recovery spins to high-intensity interval training, used the associated apps, and evaluated all of the features to determine the quality of the workout each bike delivers.
=Companion App and Connectivity=
Most modern exercise bikes are affiliated with specific companion apps like Peloton, Echelon, iFit, JRNY, and OpenFit, to name a few. Most of these bikes can be used independently without an app membership, but many often rely heavily on the app to provide a quality exercise experience. Some models, like the Echelon EX-8S, are virtually useless without an internet connection and subscription. We tested each bike with its associated app to examine its differences and get a feel for the various platforms. We bought memberships, familiarized ourselves with the UI and UX, played around with the features, and did hundreds of different classes and rides. We took note of the ease of use, number and variety of classes offered, types and styles of rides, quality of instructors, and integration with third-party apps or streaming services, when applicable. While we didn't consider the price in our rankings, we did note the cost of each membership, which most people should consider when choosing the right exercise bike.
Connected exercise bikes rely on WiFi and Bluetooth to take advantage of their companion apps, so their connectivity is very important to their performance. Bikes with integrated touchscreens are becoming the norm, while others rely on tablets or similar devices to serve as the display. To test connectivity, we connected to several different WiFi networks with varying strengths and assessed start-up times and latency. We also paired with various Bluetooth accessories like tablets, headphones, earbuds, and heart rate monitors to get a feel for each model's ability to connect to various devices.
Comfort
While comfort is subjective, we did our best to analyze this metric by having several testers try each model. We used their feedback and impressions of touchpoints like the seat, handlebar, and grip surfaces when assessing comfort, and we also considered each bike's range of fit adjustments. The quality and range of these adjustments determine a bike's user height range and the ability to fit comfortably and properly for on-the-bike performance. These fit adjustments include vertical and horizontal adjustments to the seat and handlebars. Q-factor, the horizontal distance between the cranks where the pedals attach, may not matter much to some riders, but it is another comfort component. Most exercise bikes have Q-factors ranging from 150mm to 203mm, with traditional road bikes coming in around 150mm. We measured each bike's Q-factor to see how they compared to a road bike and the other bikes we tested.
User Interface
How users interact with an exercise bike varies somewhat among the tested models. Most modern, high-end models typically involve a touchscreen, while the budget models we tested generally rely on an LCD console or rudimentary display. For the touchscreen-equipped models, we considered the screen's resolution and touch sensitivity, along with other features like speakers, controls, and the ability to tilt or rotate the screen for viewing. During our test rides, we had the opportunity to change settings, choose workouts, pair and un-pair with Bluetooth accessories like headphones, all while scrutinizing the ease of use of each system. Most of the bikes tested use a similar type of knob that is twisted to adjust resistance; we familiarized ourselves with the resistance on each model while following along with various classes; some require a quick twist, while others need several revolutions of the knob. For those models that do not feature integrated screens, we assessed the console and resistance controls, and when possible, we paired them with other devices like tablets to use various workout apps.
Features
All the bikes we tested have various features to enhance the user experience. In this metric, we consider not just the number of features but the quality and usefulness of those features and their impact on the workout. Some models barely cover the necessities, while others come loaded with all the bells and whistles. Examples include but are not limited to, heart rate monitors, dual-sided pedals, bottle holders, device shelves, dumbbells, speakers, fans, light-up LED mood ring wheels, adjustable incline/decline, lean, or compatibility with third-party apps or streaming services.
Setup/Portability
Most of the models we tested arrived at our testing facility in their original packaging (a couple of models included the assembly, and the delivery crew assembled those). Like any regular consumer, we unboxed and assembled each model while following the included instructions and using the tools/hardware supplied. We measured assembly time and the relative difficulty of completing the process. This metric also takes into account the weight and size of each bike and how much space it will take up in your workout space. We measured each model to compare its dimensions to the manufacturer's claims. While the size differences between bikes are fairly small, it may be important based on your available space. We also considered how easy it is to move each model. Several of the bikes we tested weigh over 100 pounds and require a couple of people to get them up or down a flight of stairs, but most feature integrated transport wheels for rolling them around on firm, flat surfaces.
Conclusion
GearLab carefully tests every product we review. We spent months testing and comparing these exercise bikes. We hope our testing and in-depth reviews help you select the ideal home exercise bike.