Finding the best stationary bike for your home gym can be a game-changer for your fitness routine. With numerous options available, it’s essential to understand which models offer the best features, workout experience, and value. This guide dives into detailed reviews of several top stationary bikes, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision and choose the best stationary bike to meet your needs.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out as a robust and well-constructed bike, offering a unique leaning feature not found in other models we tested. This bike comes with a one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s and Schwinn’s workout-streaming app, accessible on both iOS and Android. Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen sizes, the VeloCore’s lean mode is designed to mimic the feel of riding a traditional bicycle, adding an element of fun and engagement to your indoor cycling workouts. While it takes practice to master the leaning motion, and it may not feel entirely like outdoor biking, it offers a novel way to spice up your stationary bike routine.
The VeloCore is highly adjustable, featuring customizable seat and handlebars to accommodate various body types. It includes dual-sided pedals, compatible with SPD cleats for cycling shoes or toe cages for regular sneakers, providing flexibility for different riders. The bike offers an impressive 100 levels of magnetic resistance, allowing for precise adjustments to match your workout intensity. However, some screen shaking was observed at higher pedaling speeds, especially when standing.
While the VeloCore provides a solid riding experience, its workout content through the Jrny app may not be as comprehensive as other platforms. The Jrny app, costing $20 per month after the initial free year, offers on-demand, instructor-led workouts both on and off the bike. While these classes are informative and adequate, they may lack the high energy and diverse intensity levels found in platforms like Peloton. Despite this, the VeloCore is compatible with other apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices, though syncing the VeloCore’s cadence monitor with the Peloton app was not successful in our tests. For entertainment, the VeloCore supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ (subscriptions required), letting you enjoy your favorite shows while exercising.
In our 2022 testing, the Diamondback 510ic was assessed, but encountered significant issues. The initial unit arrived with a faulty motor, and a replacement bike also presented problems with a malfunctioning RPM sensor, requiring a replacement part. These issues impacted our ability to thoroughly evaluate the Diamondback 510ic.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 presents a different approach, operating through your own tablet which connects to the Echelon Fit app ($39 per month) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This setup is similar to the Peloton Bike in display and features, including dual-sided pedals and a leaderboard. However, the resistance knob on the EX-5 felt less predictable compared to the Peloton, making it difficult to gauge the actual resistance level. A significant drawback is that resistance adjustment is disabled if the bike is not connected to the app and engaged in a class, limiting its standalone functionality.
Echelon offers a comparable number of daily live classes to Peloton, along with a vast on-demand library of over 3,000 workouts. However, the Echelon app’s organization isn’t as user-friendly as Peloton’s, and the quality of rides and instructors can vary. While some instructors are enthusiastic and skilled, the overall workout experience may be inconsistent.
The upgraded Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s includes a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workouts. While the bike provided a smooth ride, the resistance again felt inconsistent, requiring significant knob adjustments without clear feedback. Handlebar wobble was also noted. The pedal positioning felt awkward to one tester, who felt too forward over the handlebars and screen in certain riding positions. The Echelon home screen was described as cluttered, and the water bottle holders were considered subpar. Overall, the EX-5s did not fully meet expectations in terms of refinement and user experience.
The Keiser M3i is a standout in design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and a sleek aesthetic. This bike excels in connectivity, easily pairing with the Keiser M Series app and other cycling and workout apps like Strava. The Keiser app tracks ride data and syncs with external platforms. The M3i offers 24 levels of resistance, adjusted smoothly via a lever, and accommodates a wide range of user heights (4’10” to 7′) and weights (up to 350 pounds). The riding experience on the M3i is enjoyable, particularly when used with apps like Peloton. However, its advanced features and performance may best suit serious cyclists with specific training goals.
The Myx II Plus is a comprehensive home gym package, evolving from the Myx Plus model. A subscription to BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive, $39 per month) provides access to live and on-demand classes. The Myx II Plus includes a Star Trac bike with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed, along with a 21.5-inch tablet with improved audio and an 8-megapixel front camera. The package also features a generous exercise mat, bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and foam roller. The Myx II (without the extra equipment) is also available. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is included and encouraged for use to personalize workouts based on effort levels. While effective for tailored workouts, acclimating to heart-rate based training may take time, and losing or forgetting the monitor impacts the Myx workout approach.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is feature-rich, including a 22-inch tablet for streaming studio and scenic rides from iFit, NordicTrack’s workout platform ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual). The bike automatically adjusts resistance, incline, and decline during iFit workouts. However, the screen exhibited noticeable shaking during rides, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unstable. A pedal fell off the first test unit, and while the replacement was secure, similar issues were reported by other users. The S22i is large and bulky, making it difficult to move. Handlebar height adjustment was also challenging due to the screen’s size and weight.
The Sole SB900, while not entirely disliked, didn’t stand out positively in our tests. Resistance felt undefined, requiring significant knob turning for noticeable changes. The safety break lever is separate from the resistance knob, unlike most bikes. The device and water bottle holders felt low quality. The handlebars were thin and angled inward, lacking comfort and functionality. The LCD console requires separate USB charging. Overall, the SB900 was deemed adequate but uninspiring, not ideal for a studio setting.
For those who enjoy indoor cycling classes with a dance party vibe, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike could be appealing. SoulCycle classes prioritize riding to the music beat over strict metric tracking, requiring a $40/month Equinox+ app subscription. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen and need a separate device. The bike is well-built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen (though sometimes unresponsive and non-rotating). Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars ensure a good fit. Magnetic resistance is responsive and smooth. However, the SoulCycle style is specific, focusing on “beat match” percentage, which may not satisfy users seeking traditional progress tracking metrics.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was disappointing, feeling cheap and unenjoyable to testers, with one describing it as a “tin can.” Resistance response was poor, the flywheel was noisy, and the LCD screen was very dim and hard to read. The Yosuda Pro is not recommended as one of the Best Stationary Bikes due to these significant drawbacks in quality and performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best stationary bike depends on individual needs and preferences. The Bowflex VeloCore offers a unique leaning feature and solid construction, while the Keiser M3i stands out for its design and connectivity, particularly for serious cyclists. The NordicTrack S22i is packed with features but has some stability and reliability concerns. Models like the Echelon bikes and SoulCycle At-Home Bike cater to specific workout ecosystems, each with their own pros and cons in terms of app content and bike performance. Ultimately, considering factors like workout preferences, budget, and desired features will guide you to the best stationary bike for achieving your fitness goals at home.
