The 7 Best Exercise Bikes, According to Fitness Editors and Certified Trainers
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IN A WORLDwhere home workout trends change with the seasons, the exercise bike continues to stand the test of time. Its appeal lies in its ability to increase cardiovascular health through a low-impact approach, with limitless ability to take it up a notch. With a range of indoor exercise bike styles available, from air bikes to spin bikes and even recumbent bikes , it can be difficult to choose the right style for your fitness goals and preferences.
Recent innovations in "smart" bikes have expanded the indoor bike market even further, offering a wider selection than ever before. So we leveraged the extensive collective experience of MH fitness editors , anchored by months of hands-on testing from certified trainers, to distinguish which factors set the top options apart from the rest.
Best Exercise Bikes
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Best Overall: REP Fitness Strive Bike
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Best Value: Echelon Connect EX-5
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Best Interactive: NordicTrack Elite X24 Exercise Bike
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Best for Athletes: Rogue Echo Bike V3.0
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Best Bike for Classes: Peloton Cross Training Bike (and Bike+)
Each of the bikes in this guide can help users burn calories and improve overall fitness, but certain styles diverge in fundamental ways. Spin bikes, similar to what you might find at a SoulCycle class, engage your core and legs, while air bikes require you to use your upper body as well. Air bike enthusiasts appreciate their effectiveness for high-intensity interval training and circuit-style workouts due to their ability to require quick bursts of intense effort, while spin bikes cater to a broader range of intensities, longer cycling sessions, and supplementing outdoor cycling routines.
To help you select the ideal exercise bike for you and your home gym, we've curated a list of the top exercise bikes we've personally tested, fitting all budget levels. From the ultra-high-end Peloton Bike+ to the most budget-friendly options available on Amazon, we've got you covered. Continue scrolling to discover the seven best exercise bikes, according to fitness editors and certified trainers, but first, a few things to keep in mind.
How We Selected
Being the Fitness and Reviews Editor of Men's Health means I get my hands on every piece of new gym gear that releases, sometimes before it's available to the public. To build this guide of the best exercise bikes, I took stock of the best-selling bikes on the market and put them up against overlooked classics and newly released options. I used each of these bikes for months, during long rides, interval training, as a warm-up, or a workout finisher.
Over the years, Men's Health editors like fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. , as well as key fitness trainers from both MH advisory board and MH Strength in Diversity Initiative , have taken great care in researching and evaluating the wide pool of exercise bikes. Their insights were also integral in creating this list. Our team also enlisted the help of Maillard Howell of Dean CrossFit in Brooklyn to test and assess how well these bikes performed in a real-world scenario (read: a high-volume, high-traffic training facility).
Ultimately, we ended up with the below guide that represents our top picks for the best exercise bikes we recommend buying now.
REP Fitness Strive Air Bike
This new REP Fitness bike is one of the most impressive air bikes that our Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., has ever used. "The eight damper settings create a ton of options for my training," he says. "And they essentially let the Strive simulate just about any Airbike on the market."
This Variable Pitch Resistance, or VPR, system allows you to change the angle of the fan blades to give you that additional control over your workout. Most of us recognize the airbike for its impressive ability to make you suffer more the harder that you pedal it.
But with this new system, the Strive bike gives you the ability to use it for steady-state and recovery rides as well as those brutal finisher and max-effort sessions.
"At an 8, this feels like a serious strength-style quad-pump that's harder per pedal than a Rogue Echo or Scwhinn Airdyne," says Samuel. "That versatility, and the speed with which you can switch between settings, opens a new world of fanbike workouts."
The Strive is also as sturdy as they come among fanbikes. Underrated: The cupholder is everything you want on a bike, suitable for small plastic bottles and larger metal jugs alike (and great for your iPhone too).
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- Brings additional variability to give you more control of workouts
- Sturdy design that won't move when you train hard
- Display is well-placed and doesn't overly distract
- Sleek design feels at home in garage or living spaces
- More expensive than your average airbike
Echelon Connect EX-5
This bike is no slouch when it comes to its hardware. In fact, it offers many of the same features as bikes double its price. From adjustable handlebars to convenient dumbbell holders, 32 levels of resistance, toe-cage pedals, and a spacious touchscreen display, it boasts all the features you'd expect from a premium bike. And it's wrapped in a sleek, matte black finish that oozes style.
The assembly is fairly easy, taking about 45 minutes to set up. The bike arrives in a box about 85% built with just the feet, handles, and pedals needing to be mounted. The bike has a nice compact frame and takes up the least amount of space in the home. The brand found a way to cut down on the cost by removing the expensive touchscreen and giving you a platform to place your own mobile device or tablet and allowing you to follow any classes you want that way.
Whether we were sprinting or climbing out of the saddle during intense workouts, this bike offered unwavering stability. We never found ourselves wobbling or feeling uneasy on this machine. The elevated bullhorn handlebars aren't just about style; they provide an elbow rest that we found essential during grueling climbs. It's a thoughtful touch that we found enhances overall riding comfort. The competition-style seat on this bike strikes a balance between comfort and support that other bikes we've tested in this price range miss the mark on. It's designed for long sessions, providing that Goldilocks level of cushioning.
This bike offers an all-around fantastic workout experience, especially for the cost, and is a great pick no matter your goals.
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- Cuts down cost by utilizing your own tech
- Comfortable, yet supportive competition-style seat
- 32 levels of indexing resistance
- Compact design fits in small spaces
- Less content than Peloton and NordicTrack
NordicTrack Elite X24
The NordicTrack X24 earned its spot here because it doesn't just deliver cutting-edge training technology to the user, it also delivers the world for those more adventure-minded riders.
Do you want to feel like you are cycling through the Swiss Alps or along the beaches of Hawaii? That's what the NordicTrack offers, and not just by showing pretty landscapes on its 22-inch screen. Unlike the other bikes in this guide that simulate incline and decline by adjusting the magnetic resistance, the S22i is actually replicates climbs or descents for a more accurate feeling of winding up and down the hills of Switzerland.
The setup is easy enough to do solo, but it helps if you have a person around to help you for some of the more involved moments of assembly. The bike is sturdy and robust, but also heavy, weighing over 200 pounds. So be sure that you build it in close proximity to where you are going to want to ride it, because it's not very easy to move around.
Like most NordicTrack equipment, the X24 comes with a year-long iFit membership.
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- Pivoting 24-inch Interactive HD Touchscreen Display
- Rich library of on-demand studio classes
- Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance
- Sturdy design with a hefty, 350-pound rider weight limit
- Easy to store
- Live classes are not as premium as Peloton's
Rogue Echo Bike V3.0
Looking for a bike that can handle years of punishment? Well, if the end of the world comes knocking, the Rogue Echo Bike will likely still be pedaling away. This thing is solid as a rock, capable of handling whatever you throw its way. This bike is a strength builder and a monster maker, demanding legit power from the user to make it move.
The bike arrives at your door well-packaged and about 80% assembled. The screen, arms, pedals, and feet are all that you need to mount. The process can take about an hour to get your bike ready to ride.
Its belt drive system is consistent and essentially maintenance-free, meaning you can focus on your workout, not tinkering around with the machine. We've used this bike on and off for more than seven years, and have never experienced technical issues.
Beyond its durability, this bike rides like a dream. Pedaling is smooth and fluid in motion, and returns more resistance in response to the rider's effort.
We don't just recommend this bike; we swear by it. Years of firsthand testing have made it abundantly clear that if air bikes had Oscars, this one would be walking away with the golden statue, no doubt.
Another unique feature of the Rogue Echo Bike is its fan blades. Its fan blades are crafted from thin-gauge steel, cut them out, applied a powder coating, and welded them to a central hub within the fan cage. While this level of detail might seem unnecessary, it adds to the fan's long-term reliability and overall aesthetic.
Now, we won't sugarcoat it; this machine is heavy. But fear not, because it comes equipped with wheels at the front. So, even if you're not the Hulk, you can still shuffle it around to ensure it fits in your workout space.
The only other qualm we have with this bike is that it doesn't feature multi-grip handles like other air bike models do.
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- Large, whisper-quiet fan
- Smooth ride
- Extremely durable, overbuilt construction
- Low-maintenance belt drive system
- High contrast LCD console
- 1-inch polyurethane wheels make for easy moving
- Heavy weight can make it a pain to move
Peloton Cross Training Bike (and Bike+)
There's a reason that Peloton's bikes have remained popular through the highs and lows of at-home training. It combined a superbly designed, connected bike with a charismatic crew of trainers and ignited a fitness following.
The delivery is taken care of by Peloton, which unboxes and mounts the bike for you at your chosen location—an example of the high level of service that comes from the brand. The bike itself is fairly durable, and relatively simplistic outside of the 21.5-inch HD touchscreen. If you are interested in also utilizing the strength classes, consider Peloton's Cross Training Bike+ , which comes with a pair of dumbbells and additional amenities like built-in Sonos speakers.
The truth is, when you buy a Peloton you are buying more than a bike, you are buying a community. And you are getting a best-in-class library of instructor-led studio-style classes. From cycling to off-bike sessions like core workouts and hybrid strength classes, the variety of content is endless. The engaging live class offerings and fun gamification of your data makes the bike especially great for beginners or anyone who has difficulty maintaining a regimen.
On the downside, the initial investment can be a detractor, and the monthly subscription fee for access to Peloton's classes can also add up ($49.99/month for all-access). However, if you fully utilize the platform and its library of classes, it can be a worthwhile expense.
The only other issue that our team had was instead of a traditional foot cage, the Peloton requires Delta-compatible cleats (which you can buy here
) that clip into the pedals. Giving you another step, and another purchase, before you start your ride. This is to allow for the best experience with the programmed classes and resistance level changes, so it's an understandable ask. Peloton also offers a 30-day in-home trial with free delivery, setup, and, if needed, pickup and return for a small fee of $150. It's a commitment to customer satisfaction that helps protect your investment in this bike.
- 360-degree, 21.5-inch HD touchscreen monitor
- Premium, industry leading online classes
- Durable build
- Free delivery and setup
- 30-day in-home trial
- Compact footprint
- Need to buy one of the monthly subscriptions to get the full value of your investment
- Requires clip-in pedal shoes
Schwinn Recumbant Bike 290
What we like about the Schwinn Fitness 290 Recumbent Bike is its excellent value. Sure, it doesn't have an overly huge touchscreen display, but that means you aren't tricked into spending your money on a bunch of technology you don't need. Plus, you can place your phone, tablet, or other device on the media shelf so you can ride along to on-demand trainer-led classes with real-time coaching.
The seat's padding provides a lot of cushioning and ventilation, meaning you won't want to cut your workout short because you're uncomfortable. The weighted strapped pedals are also a win, because they feel secure on your feet so you can focus on your ride and not whether your going to lose traction.
The relatively lightweight build of this bike is also a positive, as anyone who has shopped for a recumbent bike understands. The majority of models are built like tanks, making them very hard to move around the house. The 290 also comes with rollers, making it even easier to transport.
How well this is built should be no surprise with how long Schwinn has been in the bike game. This model is extremely comfortable for most sizes, including taller individuals, which is a nice improvement from the previous 230 version.
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- Great variety of resistance levels
- Bluetooth compatible
- Extremely comfortable
- Weighted straps on pedals
- The display can be a little tough to read in dimly lit rooms
Merach Exercise Bike
We understand that some of the bikes in this guide might be a little expensive for beginners who aren't certain if they can stick with a new cardio routine or don't need something that can handle intense workouts.
Merach is a brand that we've tested decent products from, and other pieces of its equipment have made our guides in the past. This design won't take up much space, and it offers a good range of intensity through magnetic resistance.
Now, if you're looking for an exercise bike that is going to take a lot of punishment and will handle whatever you throw at it, you might want to consider one of the more serious models above. This ride is only about 62 pounds, which absolutely puts it on the lighter side and therefore prone to a little less stability if you're really jamming on it.
If you're looking for an easy-to-use bike from a trusted manufacturer, this is your best play for the money. And users on Amazon have commented on how quiet it is, with Merach putting it under 25db in use.
- Great value for the cost
- Comes with the ability to connect to the Merach app
- Quiet in use according to Amazon users
- Not as durable as other bikes on this list
What to Consider
Air Bike vs. Spin Bike
In general, both devices can work for both high-intensity interval training workouts and long cardio. But how you prioritize your training will determine which bike is best for you. If you plan to focus on HIIT-based workouts, or want to mix weight training and bodyweight in with your bike work, the air bike is your jam. It's easier to dismount the bike after a one-minute interval, then do a set of pushups, for example, making this ideal if you love CrossFit-style training.
If those steady-state workouts are your focus or you're using an indoor exercise bike to supplement outdoor riding, hop on a spin bike and get ready to pedal. And if you like doing cardio while watching TV, also opt for the spin bike; fan bikes are incredibly loud.
Resistance
Everyone has different fitness levels and goals, but not every bike can cater to these needs. Look for a bike with adjustable resistance levels, allowing you to customize the intensity of your workouts however you choose. This is especially important if you're planning to evolve the intensity of your workouts in the coming months and years.
Magnetic resistance is often the smoothest, most predictable option, which is what you can find in most spin bikes. This allows bike makers like Peloton to seamlessly integrate the resistance level with its online classes. While air bike options like Rogue and Assault use traditional methods of wheel fans and friction to challenge your endurance.
Display
The display should be easy to use and show all the essentials, including speed, distance, and time. Extra features like a heart rate monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports can be nice to have, so decide if any of those are dealbreakers for you. For the higher-end spin bikes, the screens are more like full-service entertainment centers that can be used to watch a class with your favorite trainer or take you through a great cycling route in the Alps.
Workout Memberships
Some exercise bikes include preset workout programs, while others may offer a membership-based training app. Consider if having built-in programs is important to you, and if it is, if you want to consider a membership that would allow for a greater library of programs. There is typically a cost involved, so if you plan on using those features, be sure to confirm whether or not they are included. In some cases, these bikes might work perfectly without those higher-level subscriptions.
Dimensions
Consider the dimensions of the bikes you're shopping for, especially if you have limited space. Some bikes come with compact designs and foldable options for easier storage. If you'll need to stow the bike away when not in use, look for a lightweight frame on wheels.
Warranty
Because exercise bikes are such a big investment, budget and warranty go hand-in-hand. Many of the bike models we recommend offer a solid warranty of between one and seven years on parts, plus at least a one-year warranty on labor. This is totally reasonable, especially if you're spending north of $1,500 on a new machine. You should expect that your bike's frame and resistance mechanism should both be warrantied for the life of the unit.
FAQs
Benefits of an Exercise Bike
A 2019 study showed that regular use of an exercise bike—alone or combined with strength training—can have a positive impact on aerobic capacity in as little as three months. Researchers also concluded that, like other forms of regular cardio, using an exercise bike can also contribute to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure—especially when combined with a heart-healthy diet.
Indoor cycling is also a low-impact form of cardio, resulting in less pressure on the joints than activities like running or jumping. Cycling is not a load-bearing exercise, says Kate Heelan , Ph.D., a professor of exercise science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This helps to minimize the risk of injury caused by malalignment, loss of balance, etc.
It's hard to beat the fresh air and sense of freedom an outdoor ride offers, but indoor cycling has a few unique benefits that can't be duplicated on the road. It starts with the fact you can hit hills or flat road when and how you want, just with the press of a button.
Because you'll never quite be 'coasting' or riding downhill on an exercise bike, indoor cycling workouts can allow you to get the benefit of several hours' worth of outdoor riding done in half the time.
Indoor Bike Compared to Outdoor Cycling
Cycling is an amazing way to get in shape and stay healthy, there's no doubt about it. But when it comes to choosing between indoor and outdoor cycling, what are the real differences?
"Broadly, both devices will burn calories and offer cardiovascular benefit," says MH fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. "But they're not the same experience."
For starters, there's the convenience factor. Indoor cycling is ideal for those who are short on time or live in regions where the terrain or weather may limit getting a ride outdoors. It can be much easier to hop on an indoor bike at home or at the gym and get a great workout without having to worry about traffic, the environment, or safety concerns.
Both modalities lead to cardiovascular benefits and, like any activity, they both burn calories. But outdoor cycling challenges other qualities, says Samuel. "You're actively moving through space when you cycle outdoors," says Samuel, "which challenges your muscles to decelerate, react, and constantly microcorrect in ways it won't on a stationary bike." The outdoor bike also offers a basic balance challenge that the indoor bike lacks.
Outdoors, the terrain and your pace set the challenge. Indoors, however, you can more easily customize your intensity, simply adjusting the resistance level on your bike. This (and the removal of the balance challenge) can make indoor cycling more beginner-friendly.
Many indoor bikes offer an interactive component now, like instructor-led classes and competitive leaderboards, which can be a great way to stay motivated and challenge yourself. These classes also provide a sense of community and support to stay motivated and hungry, even when you're working out alone.
How to Avoid Injury on an Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes are generally considered to be a low-impact form of exercise, and they're a joint-friendly way to burn calories. But it's still important to take precautions to avoid the potential of injury. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on an exercise bike:
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Adjust the bike to fit your body: Make sure the seat height, handlebar height, and distance between the seat and handlebars are adjusted to fit your body. This will help you maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury from malalignment. See more below for a step-by-step on how to adjust your bike.
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Warm up before your workout: Spend 5 to 10 minutes warming up before you start your workout. Skip static stretches in this warmup and focus on creating blood flow and raising your body temperature. You can do this off the bike with a few minutes of bodyweight moves (like lunges and air squats) or on the bike, with gentle pedaling.
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Take breaks and listen to your body: If you feel any pain or discomfort while using the exercise bike, take a break and assess the situation. If the pain persists, stop your workout and consult with a health care professional.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to help prevent dehydration.
The Strive is also as sturdy as they come among fanbikes. Underrated: The cupholder is everything you want on a bike, suitable for small plastic bottles and larger metal jugs alike (and great for your iPhone too).
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