For fitness enthusiasts looking to bring the studio experience home, a Home Gym Bike is an invaluable piece of equipment. Offering a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health and builds strength, these bikes are a popular choice for those wanting to exercise in the comfort of their own space. This guide delves into a detailed review of several top home gym bike models available on the market today, helping you make an informed decision for your fitness journey. We’ve assessed each bike based on features, performance, app integration, and overall value to help you find the perfect home gym bike to meet your needs.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out as a robust and well-constructed bike, enhanced by the inclusion of a one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout-streaming app (also used by Schwinn). It comes in two versions distinguished by screen size: 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200). A unique feature of the VeloCore, not seen in other models tested, is its lean mode. This allows riders to move from side to side, mimicking the feel of outdoor cycling. While this lean feature can add excitement to workouts, it may require some practice to master using instructional videos provided by Bowflex. The leaning motion, although innovative, might not feel as intuitive as maneuvering a traditional bicycle.
The VeloCore is designed for comfort and adaptability, featuring fully adjustable seat and handlebars. Its dual-sided pedals are compatible with both cycling shoes (SPD cleats) and regular sneakers using toe cages. The bike offers a wide range of magnetic resistance across 100 levels, generally allowing for precise adjustments. However, at higher cadences, particularly when standing, screen stability can be an issue with noticeable shaking. Despite the bike’s solid build, the workout content offered through the Jrny app might not be as comprehensive or dynamic as other platforms. The Jrny app, priced at $20 per month after the initial free year, provides on-demand, instructor-led workouts for both on and off the bike. While these sessions are informative, they might lack the high energy and diverse intensity levels found in competing services like Peloton. The VeloCore does offer connectivity to external apps like Peloton and Zwift via separate devices, but syncing the bike’s cadence monitor with the Peloton app was not possible during testing. For entertainment during workouts, the VeloCore supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ (subscriptions required).
In 2022, tests were also conducted on the Diamondback 510ic, but this model is currently unavailable. Initial experiences with the Diamondback 510ic were challenging; the first unit received had a defective motor. A second bike was sent, which also presented issues with a malfunctioning RPM sensor that required replacement.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 operates using your own tablet, which is mounted on a holder and connects to the Echelon Fit app ($39 monthly subscription) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This home gym bike includes dual-sided pedals and a display similar to the Peloton Bike, complete with a leaderboard feature. However, the resistance knob on the EX-5 was noted to be less predictable compared to the Peloton Bike. Testers often felt uncertain if the resistance level displayed accurately reflected the actual pedaling resistance. Furthermore, resistance adjustment is disabled when the bike is not connected to the app and engaged in a class, significantly limiting its standalone functionality.
Echelon’s live class schedule rivals Peloton’s in terms of daily offerings, and its on-demand library boasts over 3,000 workouts for both on and off the bike. Despite enthusiastic instructors and some high-quality sessions, the overall organization of the Echelon app is less user-friendly than Peloton’s. The quality of rides, workouts, and trainers can vary, making the experience somewhat inconsistent.
An upgraded version, the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, features an integrated screen for broadcasting Echelon’s workouts. While the EX-5s offers a smooth ride, it shares the resistance inconsistency of the EX-5. Testers reported that adjusting resistance felt erratic, with uncertainty about the bike’s responsiveness. Additionally, the handlebars showed some wobble. One tester found the pedal positioning too forward, creating a sensation of being too close to the handlebars and screen, especially in more aggressive riding positions. The Echelon home screen was described as cluttered and overwhelming, and the water bottle holders were considered subpar. Overall, the EX-5s did not meet the high expectations set for a premium home gym bike.
The Keiser M3i is praised for its elegant design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and a sleek aesthetic. It is compatible with various cycling and workout apps, connecting seamlessly to the Keiser M Series app, which tracks ride data and syncs with apps like Strava. The bike’s 24 resistance levels are smoothly adjustable via a lever. It accommodates a broad range of user heights (4’10” to 7′) and a high maximum weight capacity (350 pounds). The M3i provided an enjoyable workout experience, including use with the Peloton app. However, its features and performance might be particularly suited to serious road cyclists focused on intensive training.
The Myx II Plus is an enhanced version of the Myx Plus, originally tested and favored in 2020. It now operates with a subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39 per month), which provides access to live and on-demand group fitness classes. Initially, the Myx Plus offered its own branded workouts and coaches, but this has transitioned to the BODi platform. The Myx II Plus is presented as a complete home gym bike kit, featuring a Star Trac bike equipped with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed. It includes a 21.5-inch tablet with improved sound and an 8-megapixel front camera. The kit also contains a generous 6×4-foot exercise mat, a bike mat, resistance bands, dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a foam roller. A more basic Myx II version is available without the additional exercise equipment. Testers appreciated the included equipment and the convenience of a comprehensive package. A Polar OH1 heart rate monitor is also included to optimize workouts based on personal effort levels, though acclimating to heart rate-based training may take time for some users. Reliance on the heart rate monitor as a core component of the Myx workout ethos means its absence (due to charging or misplacement) can significantly affect the workout experience.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike features a 22-inch tablet displaying studio and scenic rides from iFit, NordicTrack’s workout-streaming service ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual). This home gym bike is packed with features, including automatic adjustment of resistance, incline, and decline during iFit sessions. However, the screen exhibited considerable shaking during workouts of varying intensities, and both the screen mount and handlebars felt unstable. A significant issue reported was the left pedal detaching mid-ride on the first test unit. While a replacement bike resolved the pedal issue, similar complaints have been noted on Amazon, raising concerns about durability. The S22i is large and bulky, making it the most difficult to move among the bikes tested. Adjusting handlebar height is also cumbersome due to the screen’s size and weight.
The Sole SB900 did not particularly impress testers. Compared to top-rated models, the resistance felt vague, requiring extensive knob turning to notice changes. The safety brake lever is separate from the resistance knob, unlike most bikes that combine these functions. While functional, its separate placement seemed unnecessary. The device and water bottle holders felt low quality, and the thin, inward-angled handlebars were neither comfortable nor supportive. The LCD console requires off-bike charging via USB. Overall, the Sole SB900 was deemed adequate but unexciting for a home gym bike, lacking the studio-quality feel of higher-rated models.
For users who prefer indoor cycling classes with a dance party vibe, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike could be appealing. SoulCycle classes prioritize rhythm-based riding to music over metric tracking, requiring a $40/month subscription to the Equinox+ app, which includes several Equinox-affiliated fitness options. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen and must be viewed on a separate device. The bike is solidly constructed and comfortable, featuring a bright 21.5-inch touchscreen, although it was occasionally unresponsive and non-rotating. Dual-sided pedals accommodate both SPD and Delta cleats, and adjustable handlebars help customize the fit. The magnetic resistance was responsive and smooth during tests. However, the SoulCycle approach is specific—the primary metric is the “beat match” percentage, tracking rhythm adherence, which may not satisfy users focused on traditional progress metrics.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was disappointing due to its cheap construction and unpleasant user experience. Testers described it as feeling like a “tin can.” The resistance response was poor, the flywheel was noisy, and the LCD screen was too dim to read easily. This model falls short in terms of quality and performance compared to other home gym bike options.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home gym bike depends largely on individual fitness goals, preferences, and budget. While models like the Bowflex VeloCore and Keiser M3i offer advanced features and robust performance, they come at a higher price point. The Echelon series provides app-integrated workouts, but with some inconsistencies in performance and user experience. For those prioritizing content and community, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike offers a unique, rhythm-focused approach. Ultimately, considering factors like build quality, resistance adjustability, app integration, and user comfort will guide you to the best home gym bike for your home workouts.
