Finding the right Home Exercise Bike can revolutionize your fitness routine, offering convenience and effective workouts without stepping out of your house. With numerous options available, it’s crucial to understand what features and functionalities best suit your needs. This review examines several popular home exercise bikes, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision for your home gym.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out with its unique lean mode, mimicking the feel of outdoor cycling. Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen versions, this home exercise bike provides a sturdy and well-constructed platform for various workouts. The lean feature, while potentially engaging, requires practice and might not feel entirely natural initially. The VeloCore offers fully adjustable seat and handlebars, dual-sided pedals compatible with SPD cleats and toe cages, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance. While the resistance adjustment is generally precise, screen shaking at higher cadences, especially when standing, can be a drawback.
Workout content is delivered through the Jrny app ($20 per month after the first year), offering on-demand, instructor-led classes both on and off the bike. However, the content may lack the dynamism and intensity range found in platforms like Peloton. Despite this, the VeloCore is compatible with other apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices, although syncing the cadence monitor with Peloton was not successful in tests. For entertainment, streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ are accessible directly on the console.
The Diamondback 510ic, although tested in 2022, faced significant reliability issues during testing, with initial models arriving with motor and sensor malfunctions. This highlights potential quality control concerns.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 offers a more budget-friendly approach by utilizing your own tablet for its smart features. Connecting via the Echelon Fit app ($39 per month), this home exercise bike features dual-sided pedals and a display similar to Peloton, including a leaderboard for competitive workouts. However, the resistance knob was noted as unpredictable, making it difficult to gauge the actual resistance level. Furthermore, resistance adjustability is limited when not connected to the app and engaged in a class, reducing its versatility for independent workouts. While offering a comparable number of live classes to Peloton and a substantial on-demand library, the app organization and instructor quality can be inconsistent.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, an upgraded version, includes a built-in screen. Despite smooth rides, the resistance inconsistency persisted, and handlebars exhibited wobbling. The pedal placement was also criticized for feeling too forward, impacting rider positioning. The crowded home screen and less-than-ideal water bottle holders further detract from the overall user experience.
The Keiser M3i distinguishes itself with a sleek design, V-shaped handlebars, and broad compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. Its seamless connectivity to the Keiser M Series app and integration with platforms like Strava enhance tracking and data sharing. The lever-based 24 resistance levels offer smooth adjustments, and the bike accommodates a wide range of user heights and weights. While enjoyable for general use and Peloton classes, its features might be particularly beneficial for serious cyclists with structured training regimes.
The Myx II Plus is presented as a comprehensive home gym package, including a Star Trac bike, a 21.5-inch tablet, and various workout accessories. A subscription to BODi ($39 per month) provides access to live and on-demand classes. The Myx II Plus includes a heart-rate monitor to personalize workouts based on effort levels. While the included equipment and heart rate monitoring are advantageous, acclimating to heart rate-based training may require time and familiarity.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike boasts a 22-inch tablet and iFit integration ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual). Automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit rides are notable features. However, screen shaking, unsteady handlebars, and pedal durability issues were reported. Its large and bulky design also makes it less portable compared to other models. Handlebar height adjustment was also found to be cumbersome due to the screen’s size and weight.
The Sole SB900 offered a less compelling experience compared to top picks. Resistance felt undefined, requiring extensive knob turning for noticeable changes. The separate safety break lever, cheap-feeling device and bottle holders, and uncomfortable handlebars were also points of criticism. The LCD console’s off-bike USB charging requirement adds inconvenience.
For those prioritizing rhythm-based workouts, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike and its Equinox+ app subscription ($40/month) may appeal. Focusing on riding to music, SoulCycle classes emphasize rhythm over metrics. The bike itself is well-built and comfortable, with a clear touchscreen and responsive magnetic resistance. However, the beat-match metric and SoulCycle’s distinct style may not suit users seeking traditional progress tracking.
Lastly, the Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was deemed disappointing due to its cheap construction, unresponsive resistance, loud flywheel, and dim LCD screen, making it an unfavorable option for a home exercise bike.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal home exercise bike depends heavily on individual preferences, fitness goals, and budget. Features like lean mode (Bowflex VeloCore), app integration (Echelon, Keiser, Myx, NordicTrack, SoulCycle), and included accessories (Myx II Plus) cater to different needs. However, factors such as resistance consistency, build quality, comfort, and reliability, as highlighted in these reviews, should be carefully considered to ensure a satisfying and effective home workout experience. Prioritizing these aspects will lead you to the best home exercise bike for your personal fitness journey.
