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We bought 16 of the best exercise bikes and spent months riding while analyzing exercise quality, comfort, classes, ease of setup, and portability. We bought companion app memberships, pedaled the classes and programs, and critically examined the quality of instruction. After our extensive testing, we can tell you these 2 bikes are the best, and there are 5 others we think are also worth considering.
The Bowflex Velocore 16 delivers a full-body workout and phenomenal ride quality with a lower-cost app than the competition. We love the “lean in” feature that allows you to lean into corners or rock the bike back and forth.
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is the best budget exercise bike. It is comfortable and does the job, with no app to add subscription costs.
Unique lean feature, loaded with features, capable of streaming entertainment and working with 3rd party apps, JRNY app costs less than the competition
Peloton app, swiveling touchscreen has excellent picture quality, sleek appearance, professional assembly included, optional auto-follow resistance, lots of features
Comes with weights and more, large swiveling touchscreen, massive user height range, assembly included, offered in 2 colors
Comfortable recumbent position, affordable, lightweight for a recumbent
Lightweight and portable, can be used anywhere including your desk, good for easy to moderate intensity exercise
Cons
Slightly larger footprint and heavier weight, JRNY app isn't quite as developed as some others, smaller screen (larger screen available at a higher price), screen has limited range of adjustability
Expensive, limited functionality without the app, Peloton App subscription cost
Friction resistance - doesn't have preset levels, monthly app subscription cost, limited cycling workouts compared to competition
Connectivity issues (eventually resolved), incline adjustability results in slightly reduced stability, ICON Fitness has a history of poor customer service, fan is somewhat noisy
More expensive, inaccurate speed and distance readings, doesn't work perfectly with Peloton or Zwift
Echelon app isn't quite on par with Peloton, monthly/yearly app subscription cost, touchscreen does not swivel
Large footprint, Limited adjustability, Wide Q-factor
Needs a phone or tablet to serve as a display, limited seat height adjustment
Not much adjustability, basic user interface
Less easy to move, not ideal for taller users
No handlebar height adjustment, more basic display than previous version
Echelon app isn't quite on par with Peloton, monthly/yearly app subscription cost, won't operate without login, screen wiggles
Basic display, no program workouts, no connectivity
Loud, gritty feeling, low-tech
Basic: limited features, large footprint, limited resistance range
Limited workout intensity, short crank arms
Bottom Line
The unique lean feature and compatibility with streaming entertainment and 3rd party apps set this model apart from the competition
It may be expensive, but it is undoubtedly the best for the at-home studio cycling experience
A moderately-priced Peloton alternative that comes with weights and more for setting up your home gym
This bike's auto-adjusting speed and incline work with the excellent iFit app to simulate real-world riding
A reasonably priced, high-quality spin bike with connected features
A quality bike and app make this model a close second to Peloton for at-home studio cycling workouts
A comfortable and simple recumbent option with enough technology to keep you spinning and entertained
An affordable FTMS Bluetooth-enabled upright exercise bike that comes with its own free app and works with popular training apps
A smooth, high-quality Airdyne exercise bike with a reasonable price tag that will give you a full-body cardio workout
A quality spin bike that doesn't assume you'll be using an app-assisted workout, the bike is sleek, adjustable, and useful for a wide variety of spin-style workouts
An upright exercise bike with connected features at a reasonable price
A studio style exercise machine with unnecessarily added expense and complication
A simple, effective, and affordable spin bike that lacks connected features
Capable of an intense full body workout, the Assaultbike is the Crossfit version of the refined Schwinn Airdyne
A simple, comfortable, and affordable option with a limited range of workout intensity
A convenient model for light to moderate intensity exercise that you can use anywhere
Transport wheels, dual sided pedals, bottle holders, Plus version comes with: bike mat, activity mat, foam roller, weight set, kettlebell, stretch band, heart rate armband
Transport wheels, 2 water bottle holders, 3 lb dumbells, adjustable fan, adjustable incline (works with AutoAdjust), Google Maps integration, two 2" speakers
Bluetooth, works with Zwift and Peloton apps, USB charging port, device shelf, 2 water bottle holders, 3 lb weights, weight cradles, Bluetooth Heart rate armband, dual sided pedals with cleats
Transport wheels, 2 bottle holders, dual-sided pedals, front and rear power ports, handweight cradles, USB port
Weighted edals with straps, transport wheels, water bottle holder, device shelf, USB-A charging
Transport wheels, Bluetooth, works with popular training apps, device holder, adjustable handlebar height, USB charging port
Pedals with safety straps, transport wheels, water bottle holder, device holder
Bluetooth, works with JRNY, Zwift, and Peloton, bottle cage, dual-sided pedals, adjustable handlebars, transport wheels, tablet shelf
Bluetooth, works with Zwift and Explore the World, bottle cage, pedals with adjustable straps, heart rate sensors, adjustable handlebars, transport wheels, device shelf
Transport wheels, 2 bottle holders, dual-sided pedals, handweight cradles, USB A+C ports
Bottle cage, device shelf, cage pedals, flywheel brake, transport wheels
Transport wheels, water bottle and cage
Recumbent handlebar, transport wheels, adjustable seat, digital display, pedals with straps
Pedals with straps, digital display
Warranty
Frame and Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Labor: 1 year
1-year limited warranty
Frame: 5 years, Parts and Eelectronics: 1 year, Labor: 1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Labor: 1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Labor: 1 year
1-year limited warranty
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year Labor: 90 days
1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year
1-year limited warranty
1 year parts replacement
Frame: 5 years, 2 years on non-wear parts
Frame: 2 years
1 year
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Console can stream entertainment and JRNY App (subscriptions required)
JRNY app is less expensive than the competition
Feature loaded
Works with 3rd party apps like Zwift and Peloton
REASONS TO AVOID
JRNY app has limited studio classes compared to some others
Slightly larger footprint than other models
The touchscreen has limited mobility
SPECIFICATIONS
Display
16" HD tilting touchscreen
Max. Weight Capacity
325 lbs
Resistance Settings
100 levels
Measured Dimensions
59.8" L x 25.5" W x 52.5" H
Style
Spin
The Bowflex VeloCore 16 is a standout bike using a unique lean feature that tilts into corners or rocks the bike back and forth in a climb or sprint. It gave a more well-rounded, full-body experience than the Peloton Bike+, and our
testers felt more engaged. Lock this feature for standard spinning, or go all in with the JRNY app's lean classes. Tester Jeremy Benson felt, “It works core muscles in a way that makes you feel like you've been on a real bike; using your upper body to counter your leg power is awesome.” The 16" touchscreen presents the JRNY app, which delivers a wide range of studio classes, virtual coach, and Explore the World scenic rides. The scenic rides aren't as high-quality iFit-linked bikes like the NordicTrack Commercial S22i, but they're a nice reprieve from studio classes. Stream entertainment from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max (subscriptions required). JRNY doesn't offer the sheer number of classes as Peloton or Echelon, but it has variety and non-bike workouts. The app costs about half as much as Peloton or Echelon. However, if top-tier studio classes are your priority, the Peloton app is hard to beat. You can stream Peloton or Zwift classes, but you'll need to watch them on a separate tablet or smart TV, as they won't display directly on the bike's screen. The bike will still transmit workout data to your device via Bluetooth.
We liked the VeloCore's 16-inch display, but the 22" model (+$400) is better and closer to the 23.8" screen on the Peloton Bike+. Unfortunately, the screen doesn't swivel like the NordicTrack Commercial S22i for off-the-bike viewing. Due to the bike's 25.5" width and lean feature, it has a wider footprint than other bikes we tested and needs additional space. At 158.3 pounds, the bike is quite heavy, but that mass gives it a solid and stable feel, even when leaning over several degrees; I don't plan on moving it much. Our team felt like they could ride the VeloCore longer than other spin bikes; the lean feature and ability to stream entertainment both contribute to that. If you'd rather get lean than lean to the side, check out the Peloton Bike+ that occupies 200+ fewer square inches. The Bowflex scored lower than other top-rated bikes in our setup metric as its assembly was more involved, but it still took our tester less than an hour to assemble it. The VeloCore also has a wider-than-normal Q-factor of 203mm, which may irritate the knees of dedicated road cyclists.
Long-Term thoughts: We've spent some serious training hours on the VeloCore and have an even deeper appreciation for the JRNY app; it's an engaging and entertaining way to exercise. According to tester Joshua Hutchens, “The bike itself has a phenomenal ride quality, and being able to lean into your turns or jump into a sprint mixes up the routine; I replaced the saddle with something more road-oriented but have only praise for the bike and JRNY app.”
Taking the VeloCore from unpacking to deep testing. Assembly was involved, but when it was all put together, the VeloCore impressed us. The lean at first seemed like a gimmick, but over time, we came to appreciate the variation.
Peloton has become almost synonymous with spin workouts and the Peloton Bike+ is their top offering. While structurally nearly identical to the original Bike, the Bike+ has a few useful updates; it now comes with a 23.8-inch swiveling HD touchscreen, better speakers, improved connectivity, and Auto-Follow automatic resistance changes. While our testers agreed these changes were positive, we're less excited about the price increase. For the lofty price tag, you get free delivery and professional assembly of this well-appointed spin bike. While the cost feels high, it's the same price as the poorly designed Echelon EX-8s that arrives unassembled. The Bike+ has a sleek and streamlined look, with 100 levels of nearly silent magnetic resistance, providing enough range for our test team. A moderate 170mm q-factor gives the Bike+ a genuine bike feel. The bright HD screen is 2.3" bigger than the standard Peloton bike and integrates seamlessly with the Peloton app, which is the highlight of either bike. “No one else is making an exercise bike that integrates this well with their fitness app,” says tester Joshua Hutchens. With live classes daily, thousands of on-demand studio classes of all types, lengths, and music genres, and some high-quality instruction, our testers were impressed with the variety. After using the app during testing, we learned firsthand why Peloton and its instructors have such a devoted following and a large user community. The new Auto-Follow resistance option changes your resistance based on the instructor's prompts, so you can pedal and not worry about making adjustments to the resistance knob. Since the screen swivels for viewing off the bike, you can use it for a broad range of non-cycling workouts near the bike, a feature we wished for on the Bowflex VeloCore 16.
The only real negative aspect of Peloton products is the high cost. The Peloton Bike+ is expensive, and the ongoing Peloton All-Access app membership adds substantial extra cost. While the bike is perfectly functional without the membership, it's far less engaging and entertaining. Most Peloton workouts are studio-style; if you're seeking more variety, the Bowflex VeloCore and NordicTrack S22i offer similar performance for about half the cost with a compelling diversity of classes. That said, if the at-home studio cycling experience is what you're after, it doesn't get any better than the Peloton Bike+; our testers all agreed that if they could have just one spin bike for the next several years, this is it.
Long-Term thoughts: After testing the Bike+, we knew we wanted to keep it for long-term testing and compare it to future exercise bikes. Tester Victoria McNamara tells us, “The Peloton workout is incredibly engaging and makes me want to spend more time spinning away the miles on this bike.” She rotates the screen to do Yoga, Core, and Meditation classes and adds, “The Bike+ is so much more than a bike, but the app still feels expensive.” Our test bike has held up quite well. We check its bolts monthly and wipe the sweat off, but that's about it. If you're shopping for a used Peloton bike, be aware that Peloton now charges a $95 “used equipment activation fee.”
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is an upright spin-style bike with a palatable price tag. The bike features a belt-driven 35-pound flywheel and an infinite resistance adjustment range. It has a compact design at 40.5 x 20.5", allowing it to fit in a smaller area than most spin bikes. This bike uses friction to create resistance, so it doesn't have the smooth, magnetic feel of bikes like the Renpho AI Smart Bike. Our testers noted that this bike feels smaller than others; while Yoduda doesn't specify a height range, our 6' tester used the highest setting on the seatpost. The bike scored well for comfort with a quality saddle and a fair range of handlebar height adjustment.
Since the Yosuda ships to your door, assembly is your responsibility, and the process is straightforward. You can easily move the bike around at 68.8 pounds, and it has transport wheels. Testers noted that the steel frame felt sturdy enough for pedal-mashing spin classes and out-of-the-saddle efforts. The Yosuda has useful features like cage pedals, a device shelf, and a water bottle cage. While the Yosuda is arguably long in the tooth, having been on the market unchanged for many years, it's stood the test of time and still gets our recommendation.
While the Yosuda proved to be a decent spin bike for the money, it falls short of newer and more expensive models in several ways. Its tiny 1.5" display only shows one data field at a time, and no pre-programmed workouts or connectivity features are available. As a result, you have complete control over your training but not much motivational entertainment. Nonetheless, this is still a reasonable-quality, affordable option for anyone seeking a bike to get their spin on. For a few extra dollars, the Schwinn IC4 gives you better exercise quality with its smooth magnetic resistance but occupies a bit more floor space. The Schwinn also provides a better user interface with access to more workout data on its LCD screen.
The Schwinn AD6 is known as an Airdyne-style bike, renowned for giving a full-body workout from a seated position. Centered over a cooling fan that provides resistance, you can ride the air bike with your arms, legs, or a combination. “It feels more like a cardio machine than an exercise bike and burns serious calories in 10 minutes,” winded tester Graham Faulknor remarked. This model's 20" fan may limit its resistance, but testers found it adequate for workouts of up to 700 watts. If you want to (or can) exert more power than that, the Assaultfitness Assaultbike Classic is the heavy-duty version of the Airdyne that can take up to 1500 watts of your input but feels gritty and rough around the edges. If you want extra resistance with a smooth feel, the Schwinn AD7 features a 30" fan and an even more refined feel. The amount of resistance from the fan blew away our fittest testers. This bike is self-contained with no need for an internet connection or electrical outlet; there are no extra costs.
If you're looking for an exercise machine to use while reading or browsing on a tablet, the Airdyne wouldn't be our top choice. While there is a device holder, reaching through the moving handles is tricky. Testers also noted that grabbing a water bottle holder is similarly not ideal. Tester Joshua Hutchens had this to say, “The AD6 is far more impressive than I imagined and a great way to get some cardio; it's comfortable and low impact.” This would be an ideal exercise machine for seniors or those wanting to minimize strain; it's incredibly easy to mount and dismount. The simple interface shows your elapsed time, speed, distance, watts, and burned calories, but it doesn't provide the interactivity we find on bikes with connectivity. Stepping up to a bike with a display and app, like the Echelon EX-5s, can provide motivation and entertainment while you ride, but you'll pay for it. When we consider the exercise quality, comfort, and price of the AD6, it's easy to see why we made it a Top Pick.
Long-Term thoughts: We held on to the AD6 after testing because we could get such an intense workout on this machine quickly. Living with this bike has been great; it's comfortable, easy to use, and helps us quickly burn calories. What we find really unique about this bike is how smoothly it operates; it makes exercise much more comfortable. While you can use this bike for an intense workout, it has become a favorite with our senior crowd. “Mixed with pickle-ball, this is all the exercise I need,” remarked one of our senior testers.
Less expensive than screen-equipped connected bikes
Lots of included features
Bluetooth to pair with your device for use with JRNY or third-party apps
Comes with 1-year JRNY membership
REASONS TO AVOID
No display included
Resistance levels and power readings don't integrate perfectly with Peloton or Zwift
SPECIFICATIONS
Display
LCD (measure)
Max. Weight Capacity
330 lbs
Resistance Settings
100 levels
Measured Dimensions
48.75" L x 21.25" W x 52" H
Style
Spin
The Schwinn IC4 offers a quality connected spin bike experience at a very reasonable price. The IC4 can be used without an internet connection, but its real value comes when used with your own tablet, as you can use this bike with JRNY or several third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift (subscriptions required). Using the Peloton app on their bike costs $44/ month, and using it on your own tablet costs only $24/ month. While the Peloton Bike+ is great, the IC4 costs $1500 less and provides arguably better exercise quality. Our testers loved how stable the Schwinn felt up to its 330-pound weight limit. While the bike doesn't wow with its appearance or tech, testers ranked it one of the most comfortable exercise bikes we've tested.
The IC4 has 100 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, ample adjustability, and a Q-factor of 190mm. The bike uses Bluetooth to connect to your device and an included heart rate armband. Schwinn includes a USB port and a device shelf to keep your device charged and in view while spinning out the miles. The JRNY app offers a variety of workouts, with studio classes, a virtual coach, Explore the World scenic rides, and the ability to stream entertainment from your favorite subscription services (like Netflix, Hulu, etc.). In addition to cycling workouts, JRNY has a full range of off-the-bike classes to help you achieve total body fitness. The IC4's color console provides a variety of metrics for your current workout, but the 4-inch LCD isn't much to look at. Like the Bowflex IC Bike Se, the IC4 includes 3-pound hand weights, dual-function hybrid pedals, and bottle holders. Keen-eyed readers will notice the similarity in model nomenclature; that's because Schwinn and Bowflex are essentially the same company. If you find the Bowflex C6 for a better price than the IC4, snap it up as it's the same bike.
When we tested the power on the IC4, the display showed a power reading 10% higher than our Garmin power meter pedals, meaning the power output reading was a bit high. While this isn't an issue for casual riders, using the bike for hardcore training could be problematic. We found the IC4 fairly easy to move around; it weighs 106 pounds, but transport wheels on the front make this task much easier. At just under 49 inches, you won't likely be hiding it in a closet, but it has a far less imposing presence than the Peloton or Echelon bikes. The IC4 excelled in our testing and pleased our testers enough to award it the Top Pick, but if you are on a tight budget and want good exercise quality with no frills, check out the Yosuda. It has a maximum rider weight of 270 pounds and is ranked high on our comfort scale. The IC4 is quite simple
The surprisingly capable, sturdy, and affordable IC4. We have tested this bike for over five years and are still impressed with its performance, durability, and value.
The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is a solid-feeling piece of exercise equipment that allows the user to sit back in a relaxed position while spinning away the calories. Our testers were impressed with the comfort and stability of this machine. The seat is large and padded with a ventilated backrest and 13.2" of adjustability on its inclined track. The bike has 25 levels of magnetic resistance, giving it a feeling of tension without friction. “Even during hard pushes, the drivetrain felt consistent and balanced,” remarked tester Rachael Lamore. What testers liked most about the 290 as opposed to the Marcy ME-709 was how comfortable and relaxed they felt while spinning.
The 290 is a big bike with a substantial footprint, occupying 1838 sq. inches, 400 sq. inches larger than the Marcy. The Schwinn is also fairly heavy at 108 pounds; fortunately, most of that weight is in the front of the machine, and transport wheels make moving it around possible.
This recumbent is capable of your hard efforts, but testers agreed it excels at passive exercise, letting you kick back and simultaneously elevate your heart rate. We nicknamed it active furniture for its inviting seat and cardio capabilities. The display is more engaging than most at this price point, but the ability to connect to fitness apps like JRNY scores this machine extra points and sets it apart from unconnected machines like the Marcy.
Testers liked the 290 for many reasons, but we also had some complaints. The frame's shape leaves a narrow space to pass your foot through, and while it was easy enough to sit down and swing a leg over, this machine may not be ideal for mobility-impaired users. The Q-factor, or width between pedals, of 222mm on this machine is very wide and may create knee or hip issues for some riders. Our testers appreciated that the seat could sit anywhere in its adjustment range, not just in indexed settings like the Marcy, but fore and aft are the only fit adjustments you can make to this machine. We would have appreciated the ability to rotate the handles or change the seat's tilt. Our gripes aside, we were thrilled with the exercise quality and feel like this machine will be a comfortable and useful piece of equipment for many.
The Marcy ME-709 is a simple and effective recumbent exercise bike. Testers found this affordable model to have above-average comfort with an easy step-through design, a large padded seat and backrest, and a padded handlebar. The seat features 8" of fore-aft adjustment to accommodate different inseam lengths but can also be useful for minimizing the bike's storage footprint. While the bike has transport wheels, our testers struggled to move them on most surfaces; luckily, the bike is only 54.2 pounds, and you can lift it without much effort.
There are eight magnetic resistance levels, only half as many as the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike bike. While the low resistance felt similar to our testers, our team all agreed that the Marcy isn't ideal for hard efforts. “This bike is great for passive exercise and in the light to moderate-intensity range, especially while reading or watching TV,” remarked tester Jeremy Benson. The rudimentary display shows pertinent workout information one field at a time rather than multiple data fields like the Schwinn 130 Upright bike.
We rated this model poorly for its features, but the basics remain. While it may not be feature-packed, testers loved its ease of use and remarked that its workout quality always feels consistent. This isn't the machine for serious fitness, but considering its comfort, size, and price, it's an excellent option for those wanting a gentle way to spin off some calories. We're currently testing the Schwinn 290 recumbent, which we've found quite comfortable and stable; check back soon for a full review.
The Marcy Recumbent is one of the most comfortable exercise bikes we tested.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Compare Products
We tested all of the bikes in this review for an extended period to learn their ins and outs and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
How We Test Exercise Bikes
After researching the best exercise bikes on the market, we purchased nine models to test and compare them. Our varied selection includes models ranging from budget-friendly spin bikes to the most advanced connected, screen-equipped bikes that money can buy. To start, we assembled each model ourselves (when applicable) before diving into our rigorous testing process. Over several months, we spent countless hours riding each model, often back to back for direct comparison. We explored the full range of exercise intensity, from easy spins to hard interval workouts, to get a feel for each bike's exercise quality. We bought companion app memberships, navigated screens, followed along with classes and workout programs, and analyzed the comfort and features of each model in the process. Learn more about how we tested exercise bikes here.
We use five performance metrics to score:
Exercise Quality: including companion apps (weighted 35% of the overall score)
Comfort: seat, grips and overall ergonomics (weighted 20%)
User Interface: screens, buttons, and apps (weighted 20%)
Features: additional accessories and unique abilities (weighted 15%)
Portability and Setup: both speed assembly and ease of moving around (weighted 10%)
We put the same passion into testing exercise bikes as we do for lots of other fitness gear. Our reviews can help you outfit your home gym with a set of top-ranked dumbbells, the exercise bands, or a top-rated yoga block. And, all our reviews involve the same approach where we buy all the top products ourselves, and conduct scientific expert testing to compare, rate, and review the products.
Why Trust GearLab
Over the past eight years, we have bought and tested over 60 exercise bikes. We use these predetermined metrics to focus on product performance differences while testing and evaluating them. Spending many hours riding each bike allows us to get a feel for the range of exercise intensity and the overall quality of the experience. This includes the range of resistance and a deep dive into the bikes' respective programs and companion apps to examine the variety, quality, and options offered and how the apps differ. These days, the apps often dictate the experience many exercise bikes offer and can be as important a consideration as the bike itself. We weigh exercise quality at 35% of the total score because exercise is the point of an exercise bike. The other metrics are still important but less critical to overall performance and are therefore weighted less. The combined scores across our rating metrics help us determine our award winners.
Our budget exercise bike test was led by Joshua Hutchens. Hutchens is the Senior Bike Review Editor at GearLab and has worked with bicycles his entire life. Hutchens has found that taking a break from cardio isn't good for the head or legs, so he keeps fit on exercise bikes, indoor trainers, and treadmills when snow covers the trails. Joshua has worked extensively with bicycle fit and fitness and enjoys connected, on-location workouts like iFit. In addition to constantly testing new models, he routinely uses several different models of budget exercise bikes in his fitness quest. In the “On” season, he can be found on the hundreds of miles of single-track surrounding Lake Tahoe or teaching mountain bike classes through the local community college.
Also testing for this review is Jeremy Benson. Benson has decades of cycling experience and has spent many years contributing to GearLab cycling reviews. In addition to testing and reviewing mountain bikes, this Lake Tahoe resident races in the Pro class in endurance gravel and mountain bike races. During winter, Benson maintains his fitness while backcountry skiing and spending long hours spinning away the miles on indoor trainers and stationary bikes. He has ridden indoors for over two decades and has tried every type of trainer and exercise bike imaginable, from commercial spin and training bikes to at-home exercise models. In that time, he developed a keen sense of performance, qualities, and features that differentiate the styles and models on the market.
When possible, we assembled each bike ourselves just as you would if you had one shipped to your home.
The bulk of our testing involved riding each bike as much as possible while analyzing comfort, exercise quality, features, the user interface, and companion apps.
We spent many hours riding these bikes, and even more time poring over the various companion apps.
Analysis and Test Results
Each model underwent the same rigorous testing process and evaluation. We identified several important metrics to each model's performance: exercise quality (including companion apps), comfort, user interface, features, and setup and portability. We took extensive notes during testing and scored each model on our predetermined metrics to identify our award winners and top recommendations.
What's the Best Value?
Many modern exercise bikes with fancy touchscreens, app integration, and cool features can cost a pretty penny, and that's before you even factor in the ongoing cost of companion app subscriptions. If you're willing and able to pay top dollar for the latest and greatest models, we doubt you'll be disappointed. Considering their price-to-performance ratio, a few tested models strike us as a particularly good value. The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is budget-priced but provides a great workout. The Schwinn AD6 is a reasonably priced model that won't ever cost you additional subscription fees. Our testers say, “It's not as entertaining as the more expensive competition,” but everyone agrees that it provides a solid workout, saving you money over the long haul. If you want to start small, check out DeskCycle Under desk Exerciser, which is simple, cheap, and easy to store.
It doesn't get much more simple or compact than this.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Here, we take a comparative look at the cost of the apps and the price of ownership. Several of these apps have tiers of pricing, and we recommend the tier that gives you full functionality of your equipment. Lower-cost memberships often do not connect to the bike or are not available on the bike's display, meaning you have to supply your own device and place it over the top of the screen. In those cases, the machine doesn't communicate with the app, so you're essentially just watching and following along without having the bike's data show up in the app or the incline or speed prompts being relayed to the bike.
Subscription Costs
model
App
Recommended Monthly Subscription
Minimum Monthly Subscription
Monthly Cost Over 5 Years (machine and recommended subscription)
Peloton Bike+
Peloton
$44
$20
$86
Echelon EX-5S
EchelonFit
$40
$12
$67
Bowflex VeloCore
JRNY
$20
$12
$57
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
iFit
$39
$15
$67
MYX II Plus
Openfit
$15
$15
$42
Echelon Connect EX-8s
EchelonFit
$40
$12
$82
BowFlex IC Bike SE
JRNY
$20
$12
$38
Exercise Quality
The entire point of an exercise bike is to get exercise, and all the models we tested can provide that workout. However, the quality of that workout varies somewhat among the models we tested, with some offering a commercial-level or professional studio-type experience. In contrast, others fall below the high bar set by the top-ranked models. With technological advancements, many high-end models now include screens, wireless connectivity, and apps that contribute to the overall exercise experience.
Among the higher-end models like the Peloton Bike+, Bowflex, Echelon Connect, NordicTrack, Schwinn IC4and MYX II Plus, the bikes themselves are structurally quite similar. All are well-built and sturdy machines that handle hard efforts and easy spins alike. These bikes offer a wide range of fit adjustments for comfort and performance. They connect to their respective companion apps for viewing classes and videos through their fancy touchscreens (except the IC4, which does not have an attached screen). While they have various resistance levels (Peloton, Schwinn, and Bowflex have 100, Echelon has 32, NordicTrack has 24, and the MYX's adjustable friction resistance doesn't have preset levels), they all offer a range of resistance from undetectable to almost impossible to start. These levels should be suitable for all fitness levels and workout intensities. Even the lower-end bikes with smaller price tags offer tremendous variability in resistance; it's their stability that sets them apart.
A unique adjustable incline, AutoAdjust resistance and incline, and integration with the iFit app provide an excellent immersive ride experience on the NordicTrack S22i.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The NordicTrack S22i has adjustable incline/decline, and the iFit app's trainer-led scenic rides and AutoAdjust resistance and incline help simulate the feel of real-world riding and provide a unique, immersive experience. Bowflex brings something unique with the lean feature on the VeloCore. The bike rides in a traditional stationary position or unlocks to enter lean mode, where the rider can tip the bike side to side while following along with the lean programs on the JRNY app. Leaning the bike provides a natural-ish riding sensation and a surprisingly effective workout for the core and other stabilization muscles.
Not only does the MYX II Plus provide a great cycling workout, but included extras and swiveling screen set you up for following along with the OpenFit off-bike workouts too.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Peloton Bike+ has an Auto-Follow feature, and the bike can make automatic resistance changes based on the class you're following. The large screen can be turned and tilted in any direction during the off-bike workouts. The MYX II Plus comes with a set of 6 hand weights, a kettlebell, mats, a resistance band, and a foam roller to outfit your exercise space with just about everything you need for the on and off-the-bike workouts on the OpenFit app. Like the Peloton, the MYX's screen also rotates and tilts for easy viewing.
The Renpho AI Smart Bike isn't physically as impressive as the high-end competition, but its FTMS Bluetooth connection and app compatibility allow you to choose the workout experience you want.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Renpho AI Smart Bike doesn't quite match the high-end feel of the higher-priced competition. Still, it offers a huge range of resistance, and its FTMS Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with various apps allow you to choose the workout experience you prefer. The Yosuda forgoes the fancy screens and connectivity of the top-ranked models, but there's no limit to how hard you can work on this bike.
Connected exercise bikes, particularly those with attached screens, rely quite heavily on their companion apps and those apps are a huge part of the overall exercise experience.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Companion App/Connectivity
As the market continues to mature, these once-simple machines have grown along with technology and become much more than just bikes. These days, many bikes come with large touchscreens that connect to companion apps where you can view live and on-demand classes and videos, and often, the apps themselves and the different experiences they provide may even be a more important element of the exercise quality than the bike itself for some users. Many bikes without dedicated screens use Bluetooth to connect to your device and apps. These apps usually cost $20-$40 a month.
The Peloton app is arguably the most important aspect of the Peloton Bike+. If you like the studio-style workouts they offer, it is the best out there.
Credit: Laura Casner
Screen-equipped exercise bikes rely on wifi to connect to their companion app and Bluetooth to connect to wireless accessories and other devices. All the bikes we tested with screens have their respective companion apps; Peloton works with Peloton All-Access, NordicTrack with iFit, MYX with OpenFit, Echelon with Echelon, and Bowflex with JRNY. Peloton is undoubtedly the elephant in the room, particularly in the context of live and on-demand studio cycling classes. It's not just the sheer number of classes; the excellent instructors, variety, user community, and production quality are second to none. After testing, it's easy to see why Peloton is so incredibly popular, even with its high monthly cost on top of the price of the Bike+. The Echelon app is similar to Peloton, with loads of live and on-demand studio classes, scenic rides, and off-the-bike workouts. It costs slightly less and provides a similar experience, but it hasn't inspired the cult-like following of its direct competitor. MYX's OpenFit app is also very studio-focused, and while it feels a bit sparse compared to Echelon or Peloton for cycling, there are tons of off-bike videos for total body fitness.
The JRNY app is great because it provides lots of options. Studio classes, Explore the World scenic rides, virtual coach programs, the ability to stream entertainment, plus the bike is compatible with Peloton and Zwift.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Bowflex VeloCore uses JRNY, a less expensive app that provides the user with many options. JRNY has the typical studio classes (though significantly fewer than Peloton, for example), Explore the World scenic rides, and many “virtual coach” programs. One unique aspect of the JRNY app is that you can select the music genre or scenic ride to go with the virtual coach workout, and you can even stream entertainment on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus (subscriptions required) through the screen. This bike also works with Peloton and Zwift through your device, providing flexibility that doesn't constrain you to one platform.
iFit is quite different from the competition. The trainer-led scenic rides are great for those who don't love the studio-style classes, although there are quite a few of those too.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The NordicTrack S22i integrates with the iFit app through its touchscreen. iFit is quite different from the more studio class-focused apps of the competition, though it does have quite a few of those, as it is focused more on trainer-led scenic rides. Thousands of these videos take place in beautiful places worldwide with engaging trainers who tell stories, provide prompts, and give training advice. The bike can also be controlled through its AutoAdjust feature, resulting in an immersive experience that almost feels like you're there on the ride. This is not the best choice for those seeking the Peloton experience, but that's also its appeal.
Renpho's free AI gym app is fairly basic, but it has a number of videos, fitness tests, and challenge courses. This bike also works with a variety of third-party apps.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Connected bikes without screens typically use Bluetooth to connect to a tablet or smartphone app. The Schwinn IC4 can connect to your device to work with the JRNY companion app and third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift (though not perfectly with Zwift). Similarly, the Renpho AI Bike uses Bluetooth to connect to a device to use the free AI Gym app, which works with various third-party apps. The Renpho has the FTMS Bluetooth protocol, which allows the bike to make resistance changes for you when used with certain apps. There are no classes or connectivity for the air bikes.
The MYX II Plus has the largest range of fit adjustments.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Comfort
Comfort is subjective, of course, so in addition to our tester's comfort level on each bike, we did our best to examine its fit range and comfort features along with touchpoints like the seat and handlebar. All the bikes we tested have fit adjustments to suit a range of rider heights. We measured the vertical and horizontal seat and handlebar adjustability range, as those numbers will determine a comfortable fit for riders of different shapes and sizes. During testing, we also considered the comfort of each bike's seat and handlebar on multiple rides of various lengths and intensities.
Adjusting the Peloton seat and resistance is fast and intuitive.
Credit: Chris McNamara
All the bikes we tested strive to provide a comfortable fit for a wide range of user heights, but none do it quite as well as the MYX II Plus. The MYX bike has a weight limit of 350 lbs and is the most adjustable bike we tested, with a massive recommended user height range of 4'11" to 6'8". There are 13 inches of vertical and 8 inches of fore/aft seat adjustability and 6 inches of vertical and 3 inches of fore/aft handlebar adjustment range. The seat and handlebar are a little lackluster, but we found them comfortable and appropriate for this spin-style bike.
The Echelon EX5-s is a comfortable bike with loads of adjustability and a large handlebar with lots of hand placement options.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Echelon EX-5s and the Schwinn IC4 also offer fit adjustments for the seat and handlebar vertically and horizontally. Neither bike provides as much adjustment range as the MYX, but both should be suitable for folks between roughly 4'11" and 6'4". Again, these bikes have slimmer, performance-oriented seats and large handlebars that offer multiple hand positions for various riding styles and comfort. The Bowflex VeloCore, NordicTrack S22i, and Peloton Bike+ will also work for riders of varying heights. These bikes all have seats that adjust vertically and fore/aft and handlebars that raise and lower a few inches. However, none of these bikes have horizontal handlebar adjustments, so you must compensate for reach length by shifting the seat on its horizontal adjustment. Regardless, we could always find a comfortable body position while testing.
While a bit more basic, the Yosuda still has a large range of fit adjustments and a fairly comfortable handlebar.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The less expensive models, like the Yosuda, Schwinn 130, and Renpho, all offer a sizeable seat adjustment range, but they have limited handlebar adjustments, larger seats, and more basic handlebars. Despite these differences, they provide a relatively comfortable riding experience.
Not only does it swivel and tilt, but the touchscreen on the Peloton Bike+ has the best resolution and color of all the models we tested.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
User Interface
The user interface refers to how a rider interacts with their exercise bike. Some models have simple dials or buttons to control resistance and digital displays to view metrics and information pertinent to your workout. In contrast, others feature fancy touchscreens to connect to companion apps and view workouts while you ride. Between the basic bikes and the premium models are bikes that connect via Bluetooth to your tablet or phone, which becomes your display, to use various training apps.
The Peloton Bike+ impressed us the most among the screen-equipped models we tested. The 23.8-inch HD touchscreen has excellent resolution, color, and touch sensitivity. Plus, it swivels and tilts, so you can optimize its position for viewing from any angle. The Bike+ has a knob to control the resistance manually, plus it has an optional Auto-Follow feature that changes resistance for you so you can focus even more on the workout.
The MYX II Plus has a great touchscreen that swivels and tilts.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Not far behind the Peloton, the MYX II Plus has a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen with vibrant color and great resolution, and it also swivels and tilts for optimal viewing both on and off the bike. The NordicTrack S22i has a 22-inch HD touchscreen with high resolution that integrates well with the iFit app. This screen also swivels, but its tilt range limits its position for off-bike floor workouts. Unlike the other high-end models, the S22i doesn't use a knob to control resistance; instead, there are buttons on the handlebar to adjust incline and resistance, or the bike will do it for you through its AutoAdjust feature.
While it doesn't swivel, the screen on the Echelon EX-5s can flip all the way over for viewing from the front of the bike.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Two screen-equipped models have quality touchscreens, though they can't rotate to optimize the viewing angle for workouts off the bike. The Echelon EX-5s has a knob to control resistance and a 22-inch screen that tilts and flips over. This allows you to view workouts from in front of the bike but not from the sides. Similarly, the Bowflex VeloCore has a slightly smaller 16-inch screen, although it has a more limited range of tilt adjustment that works only to find the perfect angle for viewing while you ride.
The Schwinn IC4 has a digital display, and when connected to a device there is a shelf to hold it in view.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Of the models without screens, the Schwinn IC4 has a resistance adjustment knob, a small digital display that shows many metrics while you ride, and a device holder if you choose to connect the bike to an app via Bluetooth. The Schwinn 130 Upright and the Renpho AI Smart Bike have buttons and a dial to control resistance, respectively, along with Bluetooth capabilities to pair with your device to be used as a display when using a compatible app.
The Bowflex VeloCore has lots of features like bottle holders, hand weights, and dual-function pedals, plus its lean feature is very unique.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Features
Most bikes include at least a few features intended to enhance the user experience, while others come loaded with all the bells and whistles you can think of. While a great workout is possible on a no-frills machine, many models now come with all the extras you could dream up. The best features are those that are useful and impactful for the rider or offer something unique to the overall experience.
It comes as no surprise that the screen-equipped high-end models score well in the features metric. Two models, however, stood out from the crowd with features that provide a unique workout experience. The Bowflex VeloCore is a commercial quality spin bike that sets itself apart with its lean feature. Riders can unlock the bike and lean it side to side while following along with the JRNY app's lean workouts, providing a more realistic ride feel and adding some core and stabilization muscle work to the workout. This bike also has the unique ability to stream entertainment through the JRNY app, works with third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift, and comes loaded with other features like hand weights, dual-function pedals, a heart rate armband, and more.
The NordicTrack S22i is the only bike we tested with adjustable incline. This feature simulates the feel of riding outdoors, especially when combined with AutoAdjust and the iFit app.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Like the VeloCore, the NordicTrack S22i offers something different with adjustable incline and decline. The large swiveling touchscreen integrates with the iFit app, and the AutoAdjust feature makes automatic resistance and incline changes based on the trainer-led scenic ride you're following for an immersive ride experience that is a real departure from the studio classes of the competition. This bike also has hand weights, an adjustable fan, bottle holders, and other useful features.
The MYX II Plus offers some extras with its included set of six dumbbells, a kettlebell, mats, a resistance band, and a foam roller. The bike is quite nice with a large swiveling touchscreen, and the weights and mats include everything you need to follow along with the OpenFit app's on- and off-the-bike workouts for total-body fitness.
The swiveling screen is a great feature of the Peloton Bike+ that makes it easy to follow along with the app's off-bike workouts from any angle.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Peloton Bike+ also scores well here for its best-in-test swiveling screen that can be positioned in any direction for viewing on and off-bike workouts, excellent speakers, and the new Auto-Follow feature that makes automatic resistance changes based on the class you're following. For the models without a screen, the Schwinn IC4 has a lot to offer with dual function pedals, hand weights, water bottle holders, and Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your device and connect with the JRNY app and various third-party apps.
Most bikes look like this when removed from their packaging. The NordicTrack S22i was one of the most time-consuming to assemble.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Setup and Portability
Most exercise bikes, except those that include professional assembly, are delivered in a large box and require some assembly to get them ready for use. We assembled each bike using the included instructions and tools to evaluate the ease of setup. We took note of the relative difficulty and time it took to complete the process. In terms of portability, we considered the weight of each model, how easy it is to move around, and measured the footprint and overall dimensions to see how much space they occupy. These bikes take up a fair amount of space, although the higher-end models with large touchscreens tend to be slightly larger overall.
Moving the Peloton around is awkward but not too heavy or difficult.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The clear winners regarding setup are the Peloton Bike+ and the MYX II Plus because they include delivery and professional assembly in the purchase price. You must clear a space, and the delivery team will assemble the bike. Both bikes have relatively average footprints compared to high-end models, but their large touchscreens make them somewhat tall and stand out in any room. At 140+ pounds each, these bikes are best left in a dedicated workout space, although they are fairly easy to move around on firm, flat surfaces thanks to their transport wheels.
The Yosuda required some assembly, but it was much quicker and easier than the screen-equipped models.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Renpho AI Smart Bike, Schwinn Upright 130, and Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike scored well in this metric for their quick and easy assembly process and smaller dimensions. Unlike the heavier, higher-end bikes with more complicated assemblies, these models required fewer steps and time to complete the setup. With the smallest footprints of all the bikes tested, they also take up much less space in your home.
The Schwinn AD6, Bowflex VeloCore, and Echelon EX-5s weren't particularly difficult to assemble, but their heavier weight and the number of steps involved make them more time-consuming. You'll want to set aside 1-2 hours and enlist another person's help for several steps, particularly when connecting the wires and attaching the consoles on the Bowflex and Echelon bikes. Because it lacks a large screen, the AD6 is lighter and has a smaller footprint, while the VeloCore and EX-5s are a fair amount larger and heavier but comparable to other similar bikes with screens.
While the assembly was a bit more involved, the instructions were clear and all of the tools were provided.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
How to Pick the Right Exercise Bike for You
Below are the key questions to ask before buying an exercise bike.
What Style: Spin, Upright, Recumbent, or Under Desk?
Spin Bikes: These are the most common type of exercise bike used for building fitness and getting intense workouts. They have a large flywheel with magnetic or friction resistance. Spin bikes are also the types that generally come with apps and classes. Generally, the highest-rated exercise bikes are spin bikes. Note that with spin bikes, your legs are always moving; there is no coasting. This makes the workout more intense than riding a road bike, where you often coast on flats and downhills.
Upright Bikes: These put you in a more upright position compared to a spin bike and are generally for more moderate workouts. Most upright bikes do not have built-in large screens for classes but instead have smaller LCD screens for basic built-in workouts. Some upright bikes offer a folding option for storage in a closet or corner of your room. Folding bikes are generally lighter but less stable, so you need to be more careful when getting on and off them, and standing up during a workout is not recommended.
Recumbent Bikes: These bikes put you in a leaned-back sitting position that is generally more comfortable and easier on your back. Recumbent bikes are used for lower-intensity workouts and rehabilitation.
Under-Desk: These are the smallest exercise bikes and can generally fit under a couch or in a tight space. Many people use them while sitting in an office chair or living room chair to get a light workout and blood flowing. They typically don't come with apps and are not ideal for intense workouts.
Fan Bikes: These bikes engage both your arms and legs while moving a fan. It's a very intense and specific workout popular with CrossFit and more intense exercise routines. They generally don't come with programs or online classes.
Do You Need Online Classes?
The type of online classes you want to take (or don't) is a major factor influencing not only the upfront cost of an exercise bike but also the monthly and total lifetime cost. The most expensive bikes often require subscriptions that can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 a month. Conversely, the least expensive bikes often don't require subscriptions or don't even offer them. Are the subscriptions worth it? That's an individual question. In general, subscription classes like Peloton can help motivate some people or entertain others; their cost however, isn't insignificant.
Are You Better Off With a Bike Trainer?
Bike trainers let you hook up your road bike after removing the rear wheel. This allows you to utilize the equipment you may already have without having to fit a new bike or purchase a large piece of equipment. Bike trainers generally occupy very little space and are more affordable, but some high-end options rival the price of high-end exercise bikes. The downside to bike trainers is that you'll need to supply your own road bike and it will endure some mechanical wear. Depending on how dedicated you make your road bike to the trainer, there may be setup time involved every time you want to do a workout. Check out our best bike trainer reviews to see why dedicated cyclists rely on these clever and compact machines.
Four spin bikes are ready for our side-by-side tests.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Conclusion
A quality exercise bike can be a great way to train fitness or meet new goals without ever leaving home. Are you starting your fitness journey or looking for more intense training? Either way, we have a recommendation for you. We've tested a variety of exercise equipment so you can build out your home gym. See our best portable home gym review for more advice on building out your home workout space.
