Do you like to ride your bicycle… indoors? Using an exercise bike is an effective and efficient way to burn calories and body fat while strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles while going easy on your joints. These are the best exercise bikes to suit every need and budget.
If you’ve ever been to a spin class, you’ll know that there’s nothing quite like it. Don’t get me wrong, they’re an exhausting workout, but at the same time the endorphin rush you get from spending an hour of your day with inspirational tidbits being shouted at you by an over-enthusiastic trainer is a uniquely thrilling experience.
That said, spin classes don’t come cheap, usually around the $15 to $25 mark, and that cost adds up pretty quickly. So while you might’ve previously considered the expense of investing in an at-home exercise bike to be a bit excessive, it turns out that they could save you a whole lot of money in the long run. Add to that benefit the other advantages of not having to worry about which sweaty strangers have been using the bike you choose at the gym, as well as the convenience of not having to leave your own home to get a full-body workout, and exercise bikes are suddenly looking pretty damn appealing.
Host of Body+Soul‘s Healthy-ish podcast Felicity Harley, who holds a degree in Public Health and has completed many a workout on an exercise bike says that having your own bike at home is well worth it.
“Do you have a gym membership and are embarrassed to admit you hardly ever use it? Do you struggle to fit exercise into your maxxed-out daily schedule? Perhaps you’re a new parent or work from home? Or, a gym or quality spin studio isn’t close-by? Well, having an exercise bike at home is the perfect solution to all of the above. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to get and stay fit with access to some of the world’s leading spin instructors (why travel to NYC when you can have them in your living room?!)”
If you’re interested in buying an exercise bike but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you. Check out this guide to some of the best at-home exercise bikes money can buy – with prices starting as low as $89.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best upright exercise bikes
GX4.5 NT20 Pro Exercise Bike, now $899 (was $999) at Rebel Sport
Why we love it: Includes all the basics the best exercise bike needs, without the $1000+ price tag.
Worth noting: Handles are not adjustable.
Type of exercise bike: Upright bike | Weight capacity: 125kg
What you need to know:
This great buy from NordicTrack is a fantastic option because it aims to replicate a real-life ride, with a smooth riding motion and up to 25 levels of digital resistance. It has a large, comfortable cushioned seat and wide pedals, and a five-inch LCD screen to keep you on track with calories, speed and distance. It’s also smart-phone compatible with built-in speakers to keep you pumped through your workout, and has wheels for easy transportation.
Horizon Comfort 3 Programmable Bike, $1119 at Johnson Fitness and Wellness
Why we love it: A great bike that’s also comfortable, with a clever step-through design.
Worth noting: No dedicated fitness app, but compatible with popular fitness apps.
Type of exercise bike: Upright bike | Weight capacity: 130kg
What you need to know:
This bike might be one of the pricier options, but it’s designed with ergonomics in mind so that even at top speed, you’re as comfortable as possible. The cycling grips reduce wrist and hand strain, the step-through design makes it easy to mount and dismount, and there’s even a nifty integrated hook to keep your gym towel close at hand for when you work up a sweat. There’s also a wireless receiver to provide heart rate monitoring, and which can also display clear feedback to let you know if your exertion level is in your target zone. There are 10 programs including intervals, weight loss, rolling hills and more, and also a tablet stand for if you want to follow online workout programs (or watch Netflix!).
Best budget exercise bikes
Everfit Flywheel Fitness Exercise Bike, now $230.95 (was $252.95) at Myer
Why we love it: A budget exercise bike to create your own gym at home, with all the basics like non-slip pads your cycling shoes won’t slip out of.
Worth noting: Spin bikes commonly have minimal bells and whistles in the tech space.
Type of exercise bike: Spin bike | Weight capacity: 100kg
What you need to know:
The Everfit Flywheel Fitness bike is a spin-style bike designed for durability, with a high quality steel frame and 6kg flywheel that gives you a smoother ride. The handlebar and saddle positions are adjustable so you can customise everything to suit your needs, and the multi-functional LCD display allows you to monitor your time, speed, distance and calories burned with ease. If you’re wanting something no-frills, at a low price so you can just get your heart rate up, and get your muscles working at home, this could be the best exercise bike for you.
Everfit Exercise X-Bike, $200.95 (RRP$221.95) at Myer
Why we love it: One of the best exercise bikes for minimal space and storage, and a great cardio machine with low impact.
Worth noting: Minimal workout metrics on display on this indoor cycling bike.
Type of exercise bike: Cross trainer | Weight capacity: 100kg
What you need to know:
Another one of the more affordable side of exercise bikes, this Everfit bike from Myer is great if you have limited space at home. Built so that you can simply fold it up vertically to the width of just 36-cm, this exercise bike is an easy one to store against the wall or even in a large cupboard if you have the space. Either way, you don’t need to have your exercise bike as the new centerpiece of your lounge room if you don’t want to. (Though we understand if you do want to show off your highly brag-worthy fitness lifestyle to guests.) Plus, magnetic resistance also makes for a quiet ride if you’re wanting to start the morning with a full body workout without waking the whole house.
Best recumbent exercise bike
Everfit Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike, $348.95 (was $370.95) at Myer
Why we love it: One of the best exercise bikes for getting your body moving while bingeing Netflix.
Worth noting: This type of stationary bike is quite low impact.
Type of exercise bike: Recumbent exercise bike | Weight capacity: 120kg
What you need to know:
With an industrial-strength rust-resistant steel frame that will last you for years to come, this inexpensive recumbent bike will help you stay fit at home with a decent price tag. With a smooth magnetic flywheel, adjustable seat, eight levels of resistance and an LCD monitor, it should keep you interested in using it. You can easily adjust the seat and handlebars for comfort, and there are built-in wheels to allow you to easily transport the bike wherever it needs to go. If you want to move your body but need something low impact for your joints, this could be the best exercise bike for you.
Best under desk exercise bike
DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike, $329 at Amazon
Why we love it: A great piece of gym equipment to get you moving even while at work.
Worth noting: Not the best exercise bike for doing whole workout classes.
Type of exercise bike: Under desk elliptical
What you need to know:
Love the sound of owning an exercise bike but unsure if you can set aside the space for keeping one? An under desk bike like this one is a space-saving alternative that you’ll love. Use it while working from home, watching TV, or any time you feel the need to get moving. It has ultra-smooth magnetic resistance and pedal motion which won’t be a super noisy interruption, and there’s eight different resistance levels to help you push it to the next level.
A reviewer said that it’s, “Whisper quiet, super smooth. I did 5kms while watching TV the first time I used it and I hardly noticed. I have had a cheaper no name brand one before and it was awful and unpleasant to use and I gave it away. Not this one, I’ll be using it everyday!”
Best premium exercise bikes
Assault Fitness AirBike, $1,094 (RRP$1,495) at Gym and Fitness
Why we love it: Moving handlebars gives you a full body workout on this exercise bike.
Worth noting: Not the best exercise bike for you if you like to set your resistance and keep it there.
Type of exercise bike: Air bike | Weight capacity: 136kg
What you need to know:
If you’re looking to seriously invest in your own wellbeing with a well-equipped home setup, the Air Bike is what you need. Designed with input from fitness engineers, trainers, physical therapists and more, it’s one of the best fan bikes you can buy. The console offers you seven programs to work through depending on what you’re up for, from hard-hitting Tabata interval training to a customised workout based on calories, distance, time or heart rate. Made with a heavy duty steel frame, you can get a workout on your arms as well as your legs by moving the handles as you pedal, unlike a road bike or many other exercise bikes. And similar to air resistance rowing machines, air bikes ramp up the intensity automatically as you push, pull and pedal with greater speed and force to drive yourself to the next level.
If you’re unsure about the price, 96 per cent of the 246 reviewers rated it five stars, with one commenting “Easy to put together, well made, really good quality And I’m using the interval program features on the display unit which are great. Was able to create my own program and save it as well. The air from the fan helps keep me cool. Love it”.
Echelon Fitness Exercise Bike, $3672.67 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: High quality bike with app compatibility for live classes.
Worth noting: Requires your own tablet to display workout classes etc.
Type of exercise bike: Spin bike
What you need to know:
One of the more well known indoor cycling bikes, the Echelon exercise bike is certainly premium in terms of price, but based on reviews, it offers premium performance too. The fitness bike features an adjustable seat and handlebars for shorter or taller riders, as well as a knob to adjust the resistance, depending on whether you are doing high intensity interval training or want a smoother ride for a cool down. The exercise bike has a device holder, which, with an Echelon Premier Membership, you can access live and on demand fitness classes. This holder can also swivel, so it can be of use even if you’re doing a strength workout off the bike. Plus, Echelon offers a Premier Membership for 30 days free of charge upon purchase, so you can try it out for yourself.
One reviewer writes, “The bike functions well. Connected to both my iPad and Galaxy tab without issues. The on screen leaderboards and data output are really neat. The bike has quite a bit of adjustment for riders of many heights. I’m 6’ and fit comfortably. I find the seat stiff, but not uncomfortable.”
Peloton Bike, $2145 at Peloton
Why we love it: The Peloton bike is one of the best smart exercise bikes on the market.
Worth noting: Most smart bikes require separate app subscription, as is the case here.
Type of exercise bike: Upright bike | Weight capacity: 135kg
What you need to know:
Arguably one of the most luxury exercise bikes, the Peloton bike has made a name for itself as a high-end fitness indoor cycle bike bound to whip you into shape. While we all know it takes some (or a lot of) effort on our part to burn those calories even with the best exercise bike, the Peloton bike does come with some snazzy bells and whistles. A 21.5″ HD touchscreen gives you access to live or on demand classes on or off the smart bike, from spin classes to pilates. Here, you can also track your workout progress, enjoy scenic classes and even stream entertainment. Although, similar to some other smart exercise bikes, to access such features on the Peloton bike, you will need to be forking out $59 per month for a Peloton membership.
Healthy-ish podcast host Felicity Harley recently purchased a Peloton indoor exercise bike, and says she can highly recommend it.
“We had an Echelon just before COVID hit and it was a staple for fitness in lockdown. We’ve now passed that onto my 76-year-old dad who uses it a couple of times a week, a quick self-guided ride for maintaining fitness. Our household upgraded to a Peloton bike, which is fantastic. My husband is on it three very early mornings a week. I particularly like the diversity of class types, trainers, music, workout lengths and other extras like yoga classes – it’s strong reputation as the best exercise bike is well-deserved. The offering motivates me to jump on…”
What type of exercise bike should I buy?
Looking to choose the best exercise bike? Let’s break it down by type.
Upright bikes: Classic and comfortable, a traditional exercise bike is great for cardio and lower body strength. Some models have programs and no impact on joints.
Recumbent exercise bikes: Need back support? Look no further. Recumbent bikes allow you to decline in comfort, target different muscles, and track your progress on LCD displays. This could be the best exercise bike for you if you need something low impact.
Dual-action bikes: Get a full-body workout without impacting your joints. Like a seated cross trainer, they offer adjustable resistance levels.
Spin bikes: For a challenging, road bike-like experience. No fancy displays, just a tough workout that’s popular among those seeking intensity. If all you’re looking for is a no-frills, intense cardio workout at home, this could be the best exercise bike for you.
Is 30 minutes a day on an exercise bike enough?
According to Felicity Harley, “studies repeatedly prove that regular cardio aka aerobic exercise is one of the most important factors for good physical and mental health.”
“Its plethora of benefits include increased cardiovascular health, weight loss, better sleep and a decreased likelihood of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity. In fact, a recent study in Vascular Medicine cited cardio as being the best medicine for overall health – aim for 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per week of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio, or a combination of both. Any regular exerciser will vouch for better mental health, too, thanks to the triggering of the feel-good neurotransmitters, endorphins.”
Can you lose belly fat by riding a stationary bike?
“It’s all good and well to jump on your bike,” explains Felicity, “but you’ll need to clean-up your diet too if your goal is weight loss.”
“A study in the journal Medicina (Kaunas) looking into the health benefits of indoor cycling concluded that working out regularly on an exercise bike coupled with a healthy, nutritious diet can lead to weight loss and reduced blood pressure.”
How do I choose an exercise bike for my home?
Usage
Felicity says that an indoor cycling bike “can either be a serious investment or an added at-home extra, and basically, the more extras the more you’ll pay. Firstly, get clear about your fitness goals – what exactly are you using it for? To lose weight, get fit or complement other exercise (i.e perhaps you already do pilates and need to do some cardio, too)? How often are you really likely to use it? Do you want an upright bike or a recumbent bike (that’s the more laid-back style and kinder on joints)? Do you want it to provide you with workout metrics or will your smart watch do that? Then, jot down the frills that you want and can (more on that later). “
Cost
“Like most fitness equipment,” explains Felicity, “you pay for what you get.”
“The Rolls Royce of indoor bikes is, of course, the Peloton bike, but cheaper options can be just as sufficient for maintaining fitness. Do some maths, estimate how often you’re likely to use it over the next two or three years and determine your cost-per-usage, but be honest. My bet is you’ll likely use it less than you plan. This can help when deciding between different price points and what you want versus what you’ll really use. Don’t forget, the likes of Peloton and NordicTrack require ongoing payment of memberships to their classes, which should be factored into the costs. If you opt for a non-screen variety, you can still download various indoor cycling apps with classes, again at a cost, or access free classes on YouTube. Of course, a ride to music or while watching your favourite Netflix show is refreshingly free.”
Offerings and added extras
Felicity notes that most indoor cycling bikes “have many bells and whistles, which can enhance your workouts.”
“The most important thing is seat adjustability – sit at the wrong height and you can increase your chances of injury and post-workout pain. Some bikes have LCD screens creating that at-home gym experience, others don’t. Some have a USB charger and bluetooth connectivity. Ones have resistance knobs, others don’t. On some, you can move both the seat forward and back, and the handlebars. There’s also things like lush cushioned seats, adjustable fans, clip-in pedals with cycling shoes and a drink holder. Make a list of your must-haves, followed by nice-to-haves and use it to steer your purchase accordingly.”
Space and location
“It’s an obvious one, but important to consider – where do you want your bike in the house? Some are specifically designed to be space efficient. You don’t want it located anywhere near other furniture, such as a rug or couch as they can get covered in sweat (I have experienced this first-hand). Exercise bikes need to be sitting on a stable floor, not carpet. With on-demand bikes, you’ll need it close to a powerpoint, too. Will it be positioned so you’re inspired by the outlook, a backyard view as opposed to a wall in your spare bedroom? “
What to look for when buying an exercise bike
Felicity says that she has sat on many stationary bikes in various gyms over the years and there is one thing that can be a deal breaker for her when it comes to choosing the best exercise bike.
“For me, the seat has to be (somewhat) comfortable.
“My workouts are always shortened if the seat feels like sitting on a weirdly-shaped rock. Also, don’t forget to factor in the delivery costs if buying online!”
How we chose these products
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by reading studies, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
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