Of all the cardio machines available, exercise bikes provide the highest calorie burn while taking up the least space. Some bikes offer a full-body workout, others are low-impact, and many can even bring extra enjoyment to your training sessions.
Despite their effectiveness, the price range for exercise bikes is wide, similar to rowing machines—starting as low as $300 and going well over $2,500. Now, picture the nightmare of spending thousands on a shiny new bike, only to discover it’s not a good fit for your workout style!
Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
Pros
Excellent classes and courses with iFit
Smooth resistance with impressive incline/decline
Multiple convenient accessories
One-year iFit membership included
Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
Slightly cumbersome to move
Limited workouts without an iFit subscription
Higher-priced exercise bike
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike stands out as the best overall exercise bike for its perfect blend of advanced technology, high-quality build, and exceptional workout experience. We had three testers thoroughly review the bike, and it consistently came out on top in crucial areas like performance, comfort, and versatility.
Immersive iFIT Experience
One of the most significant advantages of the S22i is its integration with iFIT, which offers a wide range of live and on-demand classes. Whether you’re into scenic outdoor rides or intense studio spin classes, it has something for every fitness level. Our testers loved the variety and flexibility of iFIT’s programming, making every workout feel fresh and engaging. With the one-year iFIT membership included, you can explore a plethora of workouts, from scenic global rides to HIIT cycling classes led by professional coaches.
The standout feature of the S22i is its massive 22-inch HD touchscreen. It is crisp and vibrant and adds to the immersive feel of each workout, making you feel like you’re riding through picturesque landscapes or an intense studio class. The screen’s swivel function allows you to do off-bike iFIT workouts—whether it’s yoga, strength training, or stretching—without moving the bike or struggling to see the screen. This versatility enhances the overall experience, turning your home gym into a full-fledged fitness studio.
Incline and Decline Functionality
What really sets the S22i apart from other exercise bikes is its incline and decline feature. The bike can incline up to 20% and decline to -10%, adding a new dimension to indoor cycling workouts. It replicates the feel of riding on varying terrain, making it perfect for those who love outdoor cycling but want the convenience of staying indoors. This incline/decline feature not only adds variety but also increases the intensity of your workout, allowing you to challenge different muscle groups and burn more calories. Plus, the bike’s incline and resistance can be auto-adjusted by your iFIT coaches during live classes, meaning you can focus purely on your ride without worrying about manual adjustments.
Our testers noted that the digital adjustment of resistance and incline adds a higher-end, seamless feel compared to traditional push-button controls. The smooth movement feels incredibly responsive, enhancing the immersive workout experience.
Convenient Accessories and Design Features
NordicTrack ensures the S22i has features that improve your workout comfort and convenience. The dual water bottle holders and built-in fan are excellent touches for long, sweaty rides. Staying hydrated and cool is accessible without having to interrupt your workout flow. Our testers also appreciated the media shelf for smartphones, allowing them to manage music or notifications during their session easily.
Moreover, the S22i includes two complimentary three-pound dumbbells, conveniently stored in an easy-access tray. This is particularly handy for those who like to incorporate upper-body exercises into their cycling routines, adding an extra element of strength training to the workout.
Mobility Challenges
One area where the S22i fell short was in mobility. At 205 pounds, the bike is heavier than many of its competitors, and while it has front wheels for more effortless movement, there’s no handle at the back. This makes it a bit awkward to lift and reposition, especially if you need to move the bike frequently. Testers also mentioned the large screen could knock into things if you’re not careful when adjusting its position. If you plan to move your motorcycle often, having a second person to help might be necessary due to its weight and bulk.
Another drawback is that the full range of features on the S22i largely depends on an iFit membership. While the bike does offer some basic functionality in manual mode, without an active iFit subscription, you lose access to the live and on-demand workouts, which are crucial to making the most of the bike. While a few free workouts are available without a subscription, they are limited. For those looking to use the bike to its full potential, maintaining the iFIT membership will be an ongoing cost to consider.
Is It Worth the Price?
At a retail price of $1,999, the S22i does come at a higher price point, putting it in the same range as the Peloton Bike+. However, the advanced features like the incline/decline function, high-quality touchscreen, and included iFit membership make it well worth the cost. You’re not just paying for a bike—you’re investing in a comprehensive workout experience that can replicate the intensity and variety of outdoor rides or studio classes in the comfort of your home.
If you’re serious about cycling, whether for fitness or fun, the S22i provides an unmatched level of performance and versatility. From its smooth resistance to its premium build and advanced features, the NordicTrack S22i is easily among the best exercise bikes today. Factoring in its overall build, programming, and ease of use, we rate the S22i a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for its immersive iFIT integration, incline/decline capability, and thoughtful design.
Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X
Pros
Rugged, durable design
Excellent console with easy-to-use features
Impressive frame and parts warranty
Delivers an extreme calorie burn
Cons
Repairs can be challenging
Large and cumbersome to move
Fan-based design can be noisy
The Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X is an absolute beast of an air bike, built to withstand even the most intense workouts. Our product tester praised its belt drive, which provides a smoother experience than the chain drives on the more affordable Assault Bike Classic and the previous Assault Bike Pro. The belt-driven mechanism makes the ride more fluid and offers lower maintenance over time.
At first glance, the bike’s 125-pound weight stands out, and this heaviness translates to stability during high-intensity intervals. Even when pushing and pedaling at maximum effort, the AssaultBike Pro X feels rock solid, thanks to its nearly full-metal construction. With most parts made of metal, this bike is rugged and designed to handle years of hard use by heavier and stronger athletes.
Advanced Console Features
One of the Pro X highlights is the “Elite” monitor, which Assault Fitness includes on all their air bikes. After testing over ten different air bikes, our product tester ranked this monitor as their favorite. The physical buttons are easy to press, color-coded for convenience, and make navigating the console during intense HIIT workouts much more accessible. The high-contrast LCD screen displays all essential metrics, including heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, and RPM, ensuring you have all the information you need to track progress and performance. The included interval programming and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with apps or heart rate monitors are additional features that enhance the overall workout experience.
Durable Design with Excellent Warranty
Assault Fitness’s impressive warranty backs up the durability of the Pro X. The frame comes with a seven-year warranty, while moving parts are covered for three years. Many fitness equipment companies limit their warranties to only non-wear-and-tear parts, but Assault Fitness stands out by covering “moving” parts for the first three years. This coverage is precious for a machine designed to handle daily brutal workouts. Knowing that such a comprehensive warranty backs the bike provides significant peace of mind, especially when considering long-term use.
Challenges with Repairs and Mobility
However, as rugged and durable as the Pro X is, any repairs that might arise can be a bit tricky. Like most air bikes, repairs often require particular parts and are best performed by certified technicians. If something breaks, you may need to rely on how-to videos or spend hours troubleshooting the issue. This isn’t a drawback exclusive to Assault Fitness, as most air bikes require similar repair processes.
Another drawback is the bike’s size and weight. At 125 pounds with a footprint of 52 inches by 24.5 inches, it’s large and can be cumbersome to move around. The rear stabilizer helps with mobility—lifting it to engage the front wheels makes it easier to roll—but its overall bulk makes it less maneuverable compared to lighter options like the Concept2 BikeErg. Moving the Pro X could be challenging for some users, especially those with smaller home gyms.
Noise Levels and Fan Design
Fan-based air bikes, like the AssaultBike Pro X, are known for being noisy due to the fan system that powers the resistance. The faster you pedal, the louder it gets, which could be an issue if you’re working out in a shared space or need to keep noise to a minimum. The Pro X’s fan system is designed differently than other air bikes, such as the Rogue Echo Bike. The Pro X’s fan blades are attached to a smaller hub, displacing less air and making it quieter than larger fan systems. Some testers were surprised by how calm the Pro X was compared, though it’s still louder than non-fan-based bikes.
Calorie Burn and Performance
Pro X’s ability to deliver an extreme calorie burn makes it stand out. Air bikes are known for their brutal full-body workouts, and the Pro X is no exception. Whether you’re doing steady-state cardio or high-intensity intervals, the Pro X engages your upper and lower body, making it one of the most effective machines for burning calories and building endurance. The smooth belt drive and sturdy frame ensure every workout feels consistent and robust, even when pushing yourself to the limit.
Final Verdict
Overall, we rank AssaultBike Pro X 4.4 out of 5 stars for its rugged design, excellent console capabilities, and solid warranty, making it a top choice for anyone looking to take their cardio and conditioning to the next level.
Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s
Pros
Stunning 24-inch HD touchscreen
Extensive class selection with Echelon Premier membership
More affordable Fit Pass available
Designed and engineered in the USA
Sleek, modern design
Cons
Subscription quality lacks refinement
High price for bike specs
Disappointing one-year warranty
The Echelon EX-8s stands out for its impressive 24-inch curved touchscreen and extensive library of classes, making it the best exercise bike for those who thrive on interactive, class-based workouts. The oversized 24-inch curved screen feels massive and immersive, elevating your workout experience, especially with its high-definition display and LED lights that sync with your workout metrics. The setup makes you feel like you’re riding in a live studio class, which many users find motivating. Dual-facing speakers further enhance the experience, delivering excellent sound quality. Additionally, the screen can rotate 180 degrees, making it convenient for off-bike workouts with the Echelon Premier program.
Echelon Premier Membership and Class Variety
Subscribing to the Echelon Premier Membership unlocks many workouts, including daily live classes and access to over 15,000 on-demand sessions. At $39.99 monthly, Premier members get exclusive access to a broader range of courses, multiple levels of difficulty, and the ability to create up to five user profiles. The membership also includes access to a global leaderboard to compete with others, track friends’ activities, and see worldwide stats. It integrates smoothly with fitness platforms like Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, FitBit, and Spotify, adding more value to the membership by syncing your workout data.
Alternatively, Echelon offers a more budget-friendly “Fit Pass” for $11.99 per month, which provides access to 60+ instructors, 40+ live classes daily, and various fitness challenges. This plan is ideal if you prefer working out without equipment and includes classes for cardio, core, meditation, barre, and even a “travel the world” fitness series.
Class Quality and User Experience
While the class selection is vast, our product tester noted that the quality could be improved for the price. While the classes aren’t wrong, they aren’t entirely on par with Peloton’s polished live and on-demand courses. This is a bit of a drawback, especially given the monthly cost of $39.99 (or $29.16 if you commit to a two-year plan). Echelon is still working to match the production values seen in competitors’ classes, though the experience is still motivating and varied enough for most users.
Pricing and Value
The Echelon EX-8s are listed at $3,079.50 but are often available for sale at $1,699.99, which is far more reasonable. However, even the sale price raises questions about the bike’s specs relative to its cost. Given that the Peloton Bike+ is more affordable and has a better warranty, some users may find better value in a competitor’s product. Our product tester noted that the EX-8s offer great class variety, but it might fall short for those primarily concerned with bike specs or warranty coverage.
Warranty Concerns
One of the biggest letdowns with the Echelon EX-8s is the short one-year warranty. Given the bike’s original price tag, a one-year warranty seems insufficient, especially when competitors offer more extended coverage. Echelon’s 30-day return policy and financing options are typical, but the limited warranty is a significant downside to such a premium-priced product.
Interestingly, active Echelon Premier members can enjoy extended warranty coverage for up to five years, but this requires maintaining membership for 60 months, adding around $1,700 in subscription fees. While this option may appeal to some users, the ongoing cost is steep, especially when added to the bike’s price.
Final Verdict
All things considered, we give the Echelon EX-8s a 3.8 out of 5 stars for its impressive screen, extensive class options, and sleek design, but the bike’s pricing and subscription-based limitations prevent it from reaching a higher rating.
Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike
Pros
Mobility-friendly access
Sturdy and stable design
Simple and intuitive controls
Lighter flywheel is gentle on joints
Smooth magnetic resistance
Cons
Requires some assembly
123-pound weight may be difficult to move
Touchscreen console requires basic tech skills
The Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike is an excellent option for seniors due to its user-friendly design that caters to those with mobility issues or joint concerns. Its low, step-through frame allows easy access to the seated position, making it ideal for individuals with limited leg strength or flexibility. The front handlebars add support when sitting down or standing up, making it accessible for seniors needing extra assistance getting in and out of the seat.
Mobility-Friendly and Joint-Friendly Design
The bike’s large 66-inch by 25.2-inch footprint and lower seat position provide extra stability, giving users confidence that the machine won’t wobble or tip. Despite the larger footprint, the recumbent position ensures the user remains seated comfortably and securely throughout the workout. The 15.4-pound flywheel is designed to be lighter, making it easier to pedal and reduce the strain on joints, which is crucial for seniors.
Although the flywheel is light, there are still 100 levels of magnetic resistance, allowing for a smooth but adjustable workout intensity. Whether you’re looking for a gentle exercise session or something more challenging, the Horizon 5.0R offers a range of options that won’t compromise joint health.
Safety and Comfort Features
Safety features like pedal clips ensure that your feet remain secure throughout the ride, reducing the likelihood of slipping out of the pedals, especially given the reclined foot position on recumbent bikes. The extra-large, adjustable seat includes a comfortable backrest and handlebars along the sides, providing additional support and peace of mind, especially for seniors who may worry about maintaining balance. The likelihood of slipping out of the seat is near zero, but having handlebars for extra support can increase confidence.
The bike also offers a variety of conveniences, including a built-in fan to keep you cool and a water bottle holder to ensure you stay hydrated. The screen and control buttons are easily reachable, and their large, straightforward design makes them simple to see and use without straining.
Assembly and Mobility Challenges
One downside of the Horizon 5.0R is that it requires some assembly, which could be problematic for seniors. Although there is an assembly video to guide you through the process, Horizon recommends two people lift the main frame out of the box, as it’s pretty heavy.
For an additional fee, Horizon offers in-room delivery ($199), where the box is brought in, but you handle the assembly. If you prefer a hassle-free setup, their white-glove delivery service ($239) includes delivery, complete assembly, and packaging removal. This option is ideal if you want to avoid dealing with any of the heavy lifting or assembly steps.
The 123-pound weight of the bike may also pose a challenge if you need to move it. While the machine has a carrying handle and wheels to assist with relocation, it’s still quite large and heavy, making it difficult to move independently. Some of the bike’s weight rests on the wheels during transport, but help from a second person may be needed for more effortless mobility.
Technology Requirements
The Horizon 5.0R features a touchscreen console that requires basic tech skills, such as those needed to operate a smartphone or tablet. While this may be no issue for seniors comfortable with technology, those more accustomed to analog buttons might find the touchscreen confusing. This could be a drawback if you or a loved one isn’t tech-savvy.
Final Verdict
The Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike is a strong contender for seniors seeking a low-impact, mobility-friendly exercise option. Its sturdy and stable design, simple controls, and joint-friendly flywheel make it an ideal choice for gentle but effective workouts. While the assembly process and bike weight could present challenges for some, the features and comfort it offers make it worth considering.
We give the Horizon 5.0R a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its accessibility, user-friendly design, and intuitive controls.
Best Spin Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc
Pros
Spin-studio-quality bike
Highly adjustable to fit various riders
The console connects to a variety of fitness apps
Multiple convenient add-on features
Cons
Awkwardly placed water bottle holder
Adjustment levers are difficult to operate
No built-in programming
The Diamondback Fitness 1260sc is a spin-studio-quality bike that stands out for its smooth ride and premium features. The 31-pound rear-mounted flywheel provides a soft, road-like cycling experience, further enhanced by the belt-driven system, making it quieter and more seamless than chain-driven bikes. Our product tester initially wasn’t sod on the magnetic resistance lever, but the premium clicking sound and smooth operation quickly won her over. These features give the 1260sc the feel of a commercial gym bike, ideal for home riders looking for that studio-quality experience.
Highly Adjustable for Comfort
The Diamondback 1260sc shines in its adjustability, making it an excellent option for riders of various sizes. The handlebars are two-way adjustable (up/down, forward/back), allowing for customizable hand positions, whether you’re riding seated or standing. The handlebars also offer plenty of grip options, ensuring comfort during longer sessions. Additionally, the seat is two-way adjustable, making it easy for riders of different heights to find the perfect fit. Our product tester, who is five feet, four inches tall, had a comfortable fit with room to spare.
For added safety and cycling efficiency, the pedals are two-sided: one side features toe clips, while the other is a standard flat pedal, allowing you to use whichever style you’re most comfortable with. This versatility ensures that beginner and experienced riders enjoy a safe and efficient workout.
Connectivity and App Integration
The Diamondback 1260sc is designed with the latest connectivity features, making it easy to track your performance metrics across various apps and devices. It connects via ANT+ and Bluetooth FTMS (Fitness Machine Service protocol), meaning you can pair it with popular fitness apps like Zwift, Rouvy, Myzone, and SPIVI, as well as Garmin and Wahoo products. Our tester enjoyed the wide variety of apps available, allowing her to track essential metrics such as watts, time, distance, RPM, and heart rate. This flexibility ensures you can integrate the 1260sc into your existing fitness ecosystem, enhancing your training experience.
Convenience and Usability Issues
However, the bike does have a few usability drawbacks. One of the more noticeable issues is the placement of the water bottle holder, which is awkwardly in front of the post. This requires riders to lean forward and reach around the front post to grab their water bottle, disrupting the flow of the workout. The adjustment levers, though functional, also require considerable force to open, which can be frustrating when making quick adjustments. Once opened, the bike adjusts smoothly, but the initial effort to pry the levers open is a minor inconvenience.
Simple Console with No Programming
The console on the Diamondback 1260sc is primary and lacks the interactive features you’d find on bikes like the Peloton+. There are no built-in workout programs, meaning you’ll need to manually control your workout or connect to a fitness app for more interactive experiences. For users who prefer guided classes or need structure, you’ll have to rely on external apps, find free online courses, or subscribe to services like iFIT. While this setup may appeal to riders who enjoy flexibility and use their preferred apps, those seeking an all-in-one solution might find the lack of onboard programming a disadvantage.
Final Verdict
The Diamondback 1260sc delivers a high-quality, studio-like cycling experience with excellent adjustability and a wide range of app connectivity. Its smooth belt-driven flywheel and premium build quality make it a top choice for serious riders looking for a home spin bike that mimics the feel of riding outdoors. However, the awkward water bottle placement, stiff adjustment levers, and lack of built-in programming might be drawbacks for some users.
Overall, we give the Diamondback 1260sc a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars for its high-quality construction, adjustability, and robust connectivity, while noting a few usability challenges that could impact the overall experience.
What Are the Benefits of Exercise Bikes?
Low-Impact Training
Exercise bikes provide an ideal form of low-impact training, meaning they place minimal stress on your joints, bones, and muscles. Unlike high-impact activities like running, which can lead to wear and tear on the knees, ankles, and hips, cycling allows you to get a great cardiovascular workout without excessive strain. This makes exercise bikes particularly beneficial for people with joint issues, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries.
For seniors, individuals with mobility limitations, or those who are overweight, cycling offers a safe and comfortable way to stay active. The smooth pedaling motion is gentle on the body but still provides an effective calorie burn, helping improve fitness while lowering the risk of injury. Additionally, the controlled environment of an indoor bike removes concerns about falls or outdoor terrain hazards, further enhancing safety.
Improved Cardiovascular Conditioning
Cycling regularly on an exercise bike significantly improves cardiovascular health. By increasing your heart rate during exercise, you strengthen your heart muscle, improving its ability to pump blood more efficiently. Over time, this helps lower your resting heart rate and improve overall circulation, ensuring more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your muscles and organs.
Enhanced cardiovascular conditioning leads to long-term benefits such as reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can play a significant role in lowering the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, aerobic exercise like cycling helps improve lung capacity, enabling you to breathe more easily during physical activity and daily tasks.
Exercise bikes allow you to adjust the intensity of your workouts, making it easier to increase your stamina and endurance gradually. Whether doing moderate-intensity sessions to improve heart health or more vigorous intervals to boost athletic performance, regular cycling sessions help your cardiovascular system adapt to handle higher demands, enhancing fitness and longevity.
Muscle Toning and Strength Building
In addition to cardiovascular benefits, cycling on an exercise bike engages several major muscle groups. As you pedal, you work your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. Over time, regular cycling helps tone and strengthen these muscles, leading to improved lower-body definition and endurance.
Increasing the bike’s resistance can also build muscle strength in your legs, hips, and core. This resistance simulates riding uphill, making your muscles work harder to pedal, which helps in building strength. Moreover, stationary bikes with movable handlebars engage your upper body, including the arms, shoulders, and back, providing a more comprehensive, full-body workout.
Convenient and Accessible
Exercise bikes offer convenience and accessibility, making them an excellent choice for home workouts. Whether you’re fitting in a quick session before work or a longer ride in the evening, exercise bikes allow you to train on your schedule without needing to visit the gym. Many bikes are compact and easy to store, making them suitable for home gyms or small spaces.
They are also accessible to people of all fitness levels. Beginners can start with lower resistance and gradually build up, while more advanced users can adjust the settings to increase intensity. With options ranging from upright bikes, which mimic traditional cycling, to recumbent bikes that offer additional back support, there is an exercise bike for every need and preference.
Mental Health and Stress Relief
Exercise bikes not only benefit your physical health but also your mental well-being. Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise like cycling has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. The release of endorphins during exercise helps improve mood and promote a sense of well-being, often referred to as the “runner’s high.”
Additionally, cycling on a stationary bike offers a time for mindfulness or mental escape. Whether you’re watching your favorite show, listening to music, or simply focusing on the rhythm of your pedaling, it can be a great way to unwind after a stressful day.
By incorporating an exercise bike into your routine, you not only boost your cardiovascular health but also enjoy a wide range of physical, mental, and lifestyle benefits that contribute to overall well-being.
