Finding the Best Exercise Bike for your home gym can revolutionize your fitness routine. An exercise bike, also known as a stationary bike or indoor cycling bike, offers a fantastic low-impact cardio workout, suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes. This guide delves into some of the top exercise bikes available, examining their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Bowflex VeloCore: Leaning into Innovation
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out with its unique lean mode, simulating the experience of riding a real bicycle. Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen sizes, this sturdy and well-made bike includes a year-long membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout streaming service.
Key Features:
- Lean Mode: Engage your core and add a new dimension to your workouts with the side-to-side leaning feature. While it takes practice and might not feel entirely like outdoor biking, it offers a fun twist.
- Adjustability: The VeloCore boasts fully adjustable seats and handlebars, accommodating various body types and preferences for comfortable exercise bike workouts.
- Pedal Versatility: Dual-sided pedals support both cycling shoes with SPD cleats and regular sneakers with toe cages, making it a versatile stationary bike.
- Resistance Levels: With 100 levels of magnetic resistance, users can precisely adjust workout intensity for effective indoor cycling.
- JRNY App Integration: Access on-demand and instructor-led workouts via the JRNY app. While the content is informative, some users may find it lacks the high energy of platforms like Peloton.
- Entertainment Options: Stream services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ directly on the screen, making your exercise bike workouts more enjoyable.
Considerations:
- Screen Shake: The screen may wobble at higher pedaling speeds, especially when standing.
- JRNY App Content: While adequate, the workout content in the JRNY app may not be as dynamic or diverse as other fitness platforms.
- Peloton App Sync: Cadence monitor syncing with the Peloton app was not successful in tests.
Despite these points, the Bowflex VeloCore remains a compelling option for those seeking an innovative and feature-rich exercise bike for home use, especially if the leaning feature and entertainment streaming are high priorities.
Diamondback 510ic: A Test of Endurance (and Patience)
The Diamondback 510ic, although tested in 2022, faced significant challenges during the review process. Initial issues with a broken motor and subsequent problems with a malfunctioning RPM sensor on a replacement unit raise concerns about reliability.
Key Features (Based on Intended Design):
- Likely to offer standard features expected in a mid-range indoor cycling bike, such as adjustable resistance and basic performance metrics.
Considerations:
- Reliability Concerns: Reported motor and sensor issues suggest potential quality control problems.
- Availability: Currently listed as unavailable, making it difficult to purchase.
Due to the reported malfunctions and current unavailability, the Diamondback 510ic is not recommended as a best exercise bike choice at this time. Reliability is paramount for home fitness equipment, and these issues are significant drawbacks.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5: App-Dependent Riding
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 relies on your own tablet and the Echelon Fit app ($39/month subscription) for operation. It offers dual-sided pedals and a leaderboard display similar to Peloton, aiming to provide a connected fitness experience.
Key Features:
- App-Based Platform: Integrates with the Echelon Fit app for classes and workout tracking, requiring a separate subscription.
- Dual-Sided Pedals: Compatible with both SPD and Delta cleats, enhancing versatility.
- Leaderboard Display: Motivates competitive users with a leaderboard feature, common in studio cycling classes.
- Extensive Workout Library: Offers a large library of on-demand and live classes, comparable in quantity to Peloton.
Considerations:
- Unpredictable Resistance: Testers found the resistance knob inconsistent and unsure if the displayed number accurately reflected the actual resistance level.
- App Dependency: Resistance is not adjustable, and riding potential is significantly limited if not connected to the Echelon Fit app and a class.
- App Organization and Content Quality: The app organization is less streamlined than Peloton’s, and workout quality can be inconsistent despite enthusiastic instructors.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 presents a more budget-conscious entry into app-based exercise bikes. However, the resistance issues and app dependency are crucial factors to consider, especially when compared to more polished platforms.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s: Screen Integration, Inconsistent Performance
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s is an upgraded version with a built-in screen for Echelon’s workouts. While it provides a smoother ride, inconsistencies in resistance and handlebar wobble were noted during testing.
Key Features:
- Integrated Screen: Features a built-in screen for displaying Echelon’s workout content, removing the need for a separate tablet.
- Echelon App Integration: Accesses the same Echelon Fit app and workout library as the EX-5 model.
Considerations:
- Inconsistent Resistance: Similar to the EX-5, testers experienced inconsistent resistance response, making it difficult to gauge workout intensity.
- Handlebar Wiggle: Handlebar instability raises concerns about build quality and long-term durability.
- Pedal Positioning: Some users found the forward pedal placement awkward, impacting comfort, especially in certain riding positions.
- Crowded Home Screen: The Echelon app home screen was described as busy and less user-friendly.
- Water Bottle Holders: Water bottle holder quality was considered subpar.
The Echelon EX-5s with its built-in screen aims to improve user experience but still suffers from resistance issues and build quality concerns. For a similar price point, alternatives might offer a more refined and reliable workout experience.
Keiser M3i: Premium Design, Serious Training Focus
The Keiser M3i is praised for its beautiful design, V-shaped handlebars, and broad compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. It’s designed for serious cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Sleek Design: Features a visually appealing design with V-shaped handlebars and clean lines, making it an attractive addition to a home gym.
- App Connectivity: Easily connects with the Keiser M Series app for ride tracking and seamlessly syncs with other popular apps like Strava and Peloton.
- Smooth Resistance Adjustment: Offers 24 levels of resistance adjustable via a smooth lever mechanism.
- Wide User Range: Accommodates a broad height range (4’10” to 7’0″) and a high maximum weight capacity (350 lbs), making it suitable for diverse users.
- Peloton App Compatibility: Testers enjoyed using the M3i with Peloton classes, highlighting its versatility.
Considerations:
- Serious Cyclist Focus: The Keiser M3i may be best suited for dedicated road cyclists or individuals with ambitious training goals, potentially less appealing to casual users seeking simpler exercise bike workouts.
The Keiser M3i stands out as a premium, well-designed exercise bike, particularly appealing to serious cyclists and those who value app connectivity and smooth performance. It’s a top contender for best exercise bike if performance and design are priorities.
Myx II Plus: All-in-One Home Gym Kit
The Myx II Plus is a comprehensive home gym package, including a Star Trac bike, a 21.5-inch tablet, and a range of exercise equipment. It utilizes the BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive) platform for workouts.
Key Features:
- Complete Home Gym Kit: Includes a bike, exercise mat, bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and foam roller, providing a full workout solution.
- BODi Integration: Subscribes to BODi ($39/month) for live and on-demand classes, offering a variety of workout styles.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Includes a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor, encouraging users to train based on personalized heart rate zones.
- Equipment Convenience: Provides the convenience of having a full set of workout equipment included with the bike.
Considerations:
- BODi Subscription Required: Full workout experience relies on a BODi subscription, adding to the overall cost.
- Heart Rate Monitor Dependence: The Myx workout ethos heavily relies on heart rate monitoring, which may require adjustment for users unfamiliar with heart rate training.
- Space Requirements: The included exercise mat and equipment may require significant space, potentially overwhelming smaller home workout areas.
The Myx II Plus offers exceptional value for those seeking a complete home gym solution centered around an exercise bike. The inclusion of extra equipment and heart rate-based training makes it a unique offering, but the subscription cost and space needs are important considerations.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Packed, But Unsteady
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with features, including a 22-inch tablet and iFit workout platform integration. It offers automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit rides.
Key Features:
- Large Interactive Screen: Features a 22-inch tablet for immersive iFit workout experiences.
- iFit Integration: Utilizes the iFit platform ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual) for studio and scenic rides, offering automated adjustments.
- Automatic Resistance and Incline/Decline: Bike automatically adjusts resistance and incline/decline to match iFit workout programs.
Considerations:
- Screen and Bike Instability: Screen shake and unsteady handlebars were noted during testing, even at moderate intensities.
- Pedal Issues: Reports of pedals falling off (experienced in testing and reported by other users) raise significant safety and durability concerns.
- Bulky and Difficult to Move: The bike is large, heavy, and challenging to move, limiting placement flexibility.
- Handlebar Height Adjustment: Adjusting handlebar height is difficult due to the screen’s weight and size.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike offers a feature-rich experience with iFit integration and automated adjustments. However, concerns about stability, pedal reliability, and bulkiness detract from its overall appeal as a top exercise bike choice.
Sole SB900: Undefined Resistance, Basic Features
The Sole SB900 is described as adequate but uninspiring. Testers found the resistance undefined and requiring significant knob turning for noticeable changes.
Key Features:
- Basic LCD Console: Provides essential workout metrics, although it requires charging via USB cable.
- Safety Break Lever: Features a separate safety break lever, distinct from the resistance knob.
Considerations:
- Undefined Resistance: Testers found it difficult to gauge resistance levels and required excessive knob turning to feel changes.
- Uncomfortable Handlebars: Thin, inward-angled handlebars were not considered comfortable or helpful.
- Cheap Feel: Device and water bottle holders were described as feeling cheap, impacting the overall impression of quality.
- Unexciting Experience: Overall, the bike failed to impress testers, lacking the refinement and engaging experience of top-rated models.
The Sole SB900 is a functional exercise bike, but its undefined resistance, basic features, and unexciting experience make it a less compelling option compared to other bikes in the market. It may serve a basic need but doesn’t stand out as a best exercise bike.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Rhythm and Beat-Based Riding
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike caters to users who enjoy dance party-style indoor cycling classes focused on riding to the beat of music. It requires a $40/month Equinox+ app subscription for classes.
Key Features:
- Beat-Based Workouts: SoulCycle classes prioritize rhythm and riding to the music beat, offering a unique workout style.
- Equinox+ App Integration: Requires an Equinox+ subscription for access to SoulCycle classes and other fitness content.
- Solid Build and Comfort: Bike is well-built and comfortable, providing a quality riding experience.
- Responsive Magnetic Resistance: Offers smooth and responsive magnetic resistance adjustments.
- Adjustable Handlebars: Handlebars adjust fore and aft for customized fit.
Considerations:
- Subscription Cost: Requires a $40/month Equinox+ subscription, adding significantly to the ongoing cost.
- Metric Focus: Primary metric is “beat match” percentage, which may not satisfy users who prefer traditional progress tracking metrics like power or cadence.
- Screen Unresponsiveness: Touchscreen was occasionally unresponsive in tests.
- Off-Bike Workouts Separate: Off-bike workouts within the Equinox+ app are not accessible on the bike screen and require a separate device.
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike is ideal for those drawn to the SoulCycle workout style and beat-based classes. However, the high subscription cost and unique metric focus may not appeal to all users seeking a best exercise bike for home use.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Budget Bike, Compromised Quality
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 is a budget-friendly option but disappointed testers with its cheap feel and poor performance.
Key Features:
- Budget-Friendly Price: Offers a lower price point compared to many other exercise bikes.
Considerations:
- Cheap Feel and Build Quality: Described as feeling cheap and “tin can”-like, raising concerns about durability.
- Poor Resistance Response: Resistance adjustments were not responsive or effective.
- Loud Flywheel: Flywheel operation was noisy.
- Dim LCD Screen: LCD screen was difficult to read due to its dimness.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010, while budget-friendly, suffers from significant quality and performance issues. It is not recommended as a best exercise bike due to its compromised user experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Exercise Bike for Your Needs
Selecting the best exercise bike depends heavily on individual needs, preferences, and budget. From the innovative Bowflex VeloCore to the premium Keiser M3i and the comprehensive Myx II Plus, each bike offers a unique set of features and experiences. Consider your workout style, desired features, budget, and space constraints to determine which exercise bike will best help you achieve your fitness goals at home. Prioritize features that align with your training preferences and ensure the bike offers a comfortable, reliable, and engaging workout experience for long-term fitness success.
