For those looking to bring the gym experience into their living room, finding the right Bike Home Exercise equipment is crucial. The market is flooded with options, each promising a unique path to fitness. We’ve rigorously tested a range of stationary bikes to help you navigate the choices and select the best bike home exercise solution for your individual needs and fitness goals. From immersive workout experiences to budget-friendly models, our comprehensive review will guide you through the top contenders in the bike home exercise arena.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out as a robust and well-constructed option, particularly appealing to those seeking interactive workout experiences. It comes with a year-long membership to Jrny, Bowflex and Schwinn’s streaming workout app, accessible on both iOS and Android. Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen sizes, the VeloCore boasts a unique lean mode, simulating the side-to-side motion of outdoor cycling. While this feature adds an element of novelty, mastering it requires practice and, in our experience, doesn’t fully replicate the natural feel of leaning into turns on a traditional bicycle. The VeloCore offers full adjustability in seat and handlebars, dual-sided pedals compatible with SPD cleats or toe cages, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance, allowing for precise workout customization. However, we observed screen shake at higher cadences, especially when standing. Despite the engaging hardware, the Jrny app’s workout content, while informative, lacks the high-energy and diverse intensity levels found in platforms like Peloton. The app costs $20 per month after the initial free year. The VeloCore does offer connectivity to other apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices, although we encountered syncing issues with the Peloton cadence monitor. For entertainment during workouts, the bike supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ (subscriptions required).
In 2022, our testing of the Diamondback 510ic (currently unavailable) was unfortunately marred by quality control issues. The first unit arrived with a faulty motor, and the replacement bike suffered from a malfunctioning RPM sensor, requiring a replacement part. This experience highlights potential reliability concerns with this model for bike home exercise enthusiasts.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 presents a different approach, utilizing your own tablet (mounted on a holder) to connect to the Echelon Fit app ($39 per month) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The app is available for both iOS and Android. Sharing features with the Peloton Bike, such as dual-sided pedals and a leaderboard display, the EX-5, however, exhibited unpredictable resistance adjustments in our tests. The resistance knob felt inconsistent, making it difficult to accurately gauge workout intensity. Notably, resistance adjustment is disabled when not connected to the app and engaged in a class, significantly limiting its standalone functionality as a bike home exercise tool. While offering a comparable number of daily live classes to Peloton and a substantial on-demand library, Echelon’s app interface is less intuitive, and the workout quality can be inconsistent, despite enthusiastic instructors.
An upgraded iteration, the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, integrates a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workouts. While the ride experience was smooth, the resistance inconsistencies persisted. Testers noted a lack of responsiveness in resistance adjustments, and handlebar wobble was observed. The pedal positioning also felt awkward to some users, impacting overall comfort during more intense bike home exercise sessions. The crowded home screen further detracts from the user experience. Considering these factors, our expectations for the EX-5s were not fully met.
The Keiser M3i distinguishes itself with an aesthetically pleasing design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. Seamlessly connecting to the Keiser M Series app (iOS and Android), the M3i tracks workout data and syncs with platforms like Strava. Its 24 resistance levels are easily adjustable via a lever, and it accommodates a wide range of user heights and weights. We enjoyed using the M3i, including Peloton app classes on it, and it may particularly appeal to serious cyclists with structured training plans. Its robust build and connectivity make it a strong contender for dedicated bike home exercise routines.
The Myx II Plus represents an upgrade to the Myx Plus, offering a comprehensive home gym package. A subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39 per month) unlocks live and on-demand group fitness classes. The Myx II Plus includes a Star Trac bike with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed, along with a 21.5-inch tablet, improved sound system, and camera. The package also contains a generous exercise mat, bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and foam roller. For those seeking a complete bike home exercise setup with additional fitness equipment, the Myx II Plus provides considerable value. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is included to personalize workouts based on effort levels, though familiarization with heart rate training may be necessary for some users. The Myx II (without the extra equipment) is also available.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is feature-rich, incorporating a 22-inch tablet for iFit workout streaming ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual plan). iFit offers studio and scenic rides, and the bike automatically adjusts resistance, incline, and decline during workouts. However, screen shake was noticeable during testing, and the overall build felt less stable. Pedal issues were reported during our tests and in online user reviews, raising concerns about durability for intense bike home exercise. Its large size and weight also make it less portable. Handlebar height adjustments were cumbersome due to the screen’s size and weight.
The Sole SB900 offered a satisfactory ride, but didn’t particularly impress. Resistance adjustments felt less defined compared to top-rated models, requiring significant knob turning to perceive changes. The separate safety break lever seemed redundant. The device and water bottle holders felt cheaply made, and the handlebars were not ergonomically designed. The LCD console requires separate USB charging. Overall, the SB900 is a decent option, but lacks the refinement and features of higher-performing bike home exercise equipment.
For those prioritizing rhythm-based indoor cycling classes, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike may be appealing. SoulCycle classes, accessed via a $40/month Equinox+ app subscription, emphasize riding to the beat of music over metric tracking. Off-bike workouts require a separate device. The bike itself is well-built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen (non-rotating) and responsive magnetic resistance. Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars enhance user fit. However, the SoulCycle experience is niche, focusing on “beat match” percentage rather than traditional progress metrics, which may not suit all bike home exercise enthusiasts.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was disappointing, exhibiting a cheap feel and subpar performance. Testers reported unresponsive resistance, a noisy flywheel, and a dim, difficult-to-read LCD screen. The Yosuda Pro is not recommended for serious bike home exercise routines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bike home exercise equipment is a personal decision dependent on individual fitness goals, budget, and desired workout experience. While each model reviewed offers unique features and functionalities, considering factors like resistance adjustability, build quality, workout content, and user interface is crucial. Our tests highlight the Bowflex VeloCore and Keiser M3i as strong contenders for immersive and performance-oriented bike home exercise, while also pointing out potential drawbacks and alternative options to consider based on specific needs. Ultimately, investing in a bike home exercise setup should enhance your fitness journey and provide a convenient and enjoyable way to stay active at home.
