The Best Exercise Bikes
Everybody wants to get fit and stay fit. But for some of us, trekking to the gym every day simply is not an option. Fortunately, there are tons of fantastic ways to workout from the comfort and privacy of your own home. If you're looking to get your cardio on and blood pumping so you can get in shape and burn a ton of calories, we suggest a quality exercise bike. But they're not all created equal. Some cost a ton but aren't that much better and others are cheap but lack stability or a smooth ride. Do you need bike clips or spinning shoes? We'll tell you everything you need to know to make your decision. These lean machines we reviewed below are the perfect way to get your sweat on smoothly with a quality machine. Read on to discover our favorite picks.
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
The easy rider
This bike from Yosuda has everything we look for and more. For starters, the adjustable seat is supremely comfortable and doesn’t chafe your inner thighs. The handlebar is also adjustable, so you can customize the heights to fit your body and posture. Better yet, the LCD screen displays accurate cycling information, such as your speed, distance, time, and even an estimate of your calories burned. Ideal for weight loss goals, physical therapy, and improving cardiovascular health, this option from Yosuda is a must-have.
Pros:
- Assembly is straightforward and easy
- Considering the high-quality components, this buy is a bargain
- Includes a tablet stand for watching videos and monitoring your cycling using exercise apps
- The wheels make it easy to move around
Cons:
- You can adjust the resistance, but there aren’t any metrics to measure the amount
Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse
Upright and straightforward
Exerpeutic exercise bikes have long been regarded as the best in simplicity and effectiveness. A popular choice among beginners, this upright bike continues the Exerpeutic legacy. Straightforward and easy to operate, it’s a fantastic workout machine that gets the heart pumping. Ideal for strengthening the core and improving posture, the upright design engages the entire body. A great remedy for slouching and sluggishness, the Exerpeutic Exercise Bike is an affordable way to get those muscles moving.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Folds to half-size for easy storage
- Trusted company
Cons
- Handlebars prevent standing up
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike, Silver
Lose weight, save money
For those strapped for cash, you may look at the prices of some of these exercise bikes in dismay. Fortunately, there are some gems out there that are both affordable and effective. This pick in particular offers the most bang for your buck, with a super low price tag and a surprisingly advanced design. The entire bike folds up into a skinny space-saving unit with a square base of just 18.1 inches. And when it’s time to get moving, the handlebars measure your heart rate and the LCD window displays speed, time, and calories burned. Best of all, the eight levels of resistance cover the full spectrum of intensity, so you won’t have to upgrade to a new machine as your fitness improves.
Pros:
- Compact
- Super inexpensive
- Excellent construction quality
Cons:
- Too short for tall folks over 6ft
- The seat is a bit hard but most are on these types of bikes
Lanos Folding Exercise Bike
Get lean with limited space
Lanos sets the gold standard for folding, compact exercise bikes. Seriously, other manufacturers better take notes. For one, the Lanos exercise bike offers both recumbent and upright cycling so you don’t have to buy two bikes to fit both those needs. It also features one of the most compact folding designs we’ve come across so you can tuck it under a bed or fit it in a hall closet. Perfect for those living in tight quarters, the whole thing collapses into a skinny, space-saving unit. And don’t worry about hurting your back setting it up. The assembly is easy and the design is lightweight. Thanks to the quality steel construction, it’s a stable ride that’s balanced and sturdy. Best of all, this beauty comes at an unbeatable price, saving money and space.
Pros:
- Space-saving, foldable
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Fair price
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- The screen isn’t backlit
BulbHead Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
Forget the gym fees
Indeed, you should never skip leg day. But you should also never neglect the rest of your muscle groups. This inexpensive upright bike from Bulbhead has built-in resistance bands that help you tone up those arms while you cycle. Of course, you don’t have to do both exercises at the same time. But if you want a fantastic stationary bike and an upper body workout machine all-in-one, this pick is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Offers adjustable resistance levels
- Lightweight, so it’s easy to move it around when space is limited
- Adjustable to accommodate different body shapes
- Simple assembly
Cons:
- The bars on either side of the seat are kind of narrow, though they can be removed if you desire
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight capacity for an exercise bike?
Exercise bikes are an excellent way to lose weight, so they’re a popular choice for those suffering from weight problems. The absolute minimum weight capacity these bikes have is 300 pounds, but many options can handle 400+ pounds. Since each bike is different, we suggest checking with the product listing or the manufacturer’s website for the specific weight capacity of your bike-of-choice.
Do I have to assemble the exercise bike myself?
All of the options on our list involve some assembly. Although many offer professional assembly (for a steep extra cost), they are usually easy to assemble on your own. Some options, such as the Schwinn Recumbent Bike, may take about an hour to assemble completely. Others, such as the Marcy Recumbent Bike, involve only a couple of minutes of work.
What is the difference between a recumbent and a standup bike?
Standup bikes are more like real bicycles, with the peddles positioned nearly below your body. These exercise bikes are great for a total body workout, and help to strengthen the core, back, and legs. Alternatively, recumbent bikes position the user horizontally, with the pedals placed in front of them. These bikes don’t require the user to engage their core quite as much and instead engage the leg muscles. Either option is an excellent choice for cardiovascular health.
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