Finding the Best Exercise Bike For Home can transform your fitness routine, offering convenience and effective workouts without stepping out your door. With numerous options available, selecting the ideal one requires careful consideration. This guide delves into some of the top-rated exercise bikes, analyzing their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision for your home gym.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out as a robust and well-constructed bike, enhanced by a one-year membership to Jrny (iOS, Android), Bowflex’s workout-streaming service (also used by Schwinn). It comes in two versions differentiated by screen size: 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200). A unique feature of the VeloCore is its lean mode, allowing side-to-side movement similar to outdoor biking. While this lean feature aims to add excitement to workouts, it may require a learning curve and might not feel as natural as real bike turns. The bike offers fully adjustable seat and handlebars for comfort, and dual-sided pedals compatible with both cycling shoes (SPD cleats) and sneakers using toe cages. Its magnetic resistance spans an impressive 100 levels, generally providing precise control. However, some screen shake at higher pedaling speeds, especially when standing, has been noted.
While the VeloCore offers enjoyable workouts, the Jrny app content ($20 monthly after the first year) might not match the depth and energy of platforms like Peloton. Jrny includes on-demand, instructor-led workouts, both on and off the bike, which are informative but may lack the dynamic intensity and variety found elsewhere. The VeloCore does offer connectivity to external apps like Peloton and Zwift via separate devices, though syncing its cadence monitor with Peloton app has proven challenging. For entertainment, it supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ (subscriptions required), allowing you to cycle while enjoying your favorite shows.
In 2022, testing of the Diamondback 510ic (currently unavailable) faced significant hurdles. The first unit arrived with a faulty motor, and a replacement bike also presented issues with a malfunctioning RPM sensor, requiring a part replacement. These initial experiences raise concerns about potential reliability and quality control.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 operates via a user-provided tablet, connecting to the Echelon Fit app ($39 per month) (iOS, Android) through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It features dual-sided pedals and a display similar to the Peloton Bike, complete with a leaderboard for competitive workouts. However, the resistance knob on the EX-5 was noted to be less predictable compared to the Peloton, making it difficult to accurately gauge the resistance level. A significant drawback is that resistance adjustment is disabled unless the bike is connected to the app and engaged in a class, limiting its functionality for casual rides.
Despite offering a comparable number of daily live classes and a vast on-demand library (over 3,000 workouts) like Peloton, Echelon’s app interface is less user-friendly. While some instructors are engaging and proficient, the overall quality of rides and training sessions can vary.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, an upgraded version, includes a built-in screen for Echelon’s workout content. While providing a smooth ride, this model also suffers from inconsistent resistance, making adjustments feel unreliable. Handlebar wobble was also reported, and the pedal positioning felt awkward to some users, creating a sense of being too far forward. The busy home screen and less-than-ideal water bottle holders further detract from the user experience, leading to overall disappointment considering the expected quality.
The Keiser M3i is praised for its elegant design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and a sleek aesthetic, along with broad compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. It readily connects to the Keiser M Series app (iOS, Android) for ride tracking and synchronization with apps like Strava. The bike’s 24 resistance levels are smoothly adjustable via a lever and it accommodates a wide range of user heights (4’10” to 7′) and weights (up to 350 pounds). The M3i offers an enjoyable workout experience, including compatibility with Peloton classes. However, its advanced features might be particularly beneficial for serious cyclists with specific training goals.
The Myx II Plus, an upgrade to the Myx Plus, provides a comprehensive home gym setup. It requires a subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39 per month) for access to live and on-demand classes. The Myx II Plus features a Star Trac bike with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed, along with a 21.5-inch tablet with enhanced audio and an 8-megapixel front camera. The package includes a generous exercise mat, bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and foam roller. A more basic Myx II version without the extra equipment is also available. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is included to optimize workouts based on personal effort, which may require some adjustment for users new to heart-rate training. Reliance on the heart rate monitor is central to the Myx workout philosophy, so its availability and charge are crucial.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike features a 22-inch tablet for iFit (iFit) workout streaming ($39/month family, $15/month individual). It offers automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit rides. However, screen shake during workouts and instability in the screen mount and handlebars were noted. Pedal durability issues were also reported, with one test bike experiencing pedal detachment. User reviews online echo concerns about similar pedal problems. The bike’s large size and weight make it less portable, and handlebar height adjustments are cumbersome due to the screen’s size and weight.
The Sole SB900 offered a decent ride but didn’t particularly impress. Its resistance felt less defined compared to top picks, requiring significant knob turns for noticeable changes. The separate safety break lever, unlike combined resistance/break systems, felt somewhat unnecessary. Subpar device and water bottle holders and uncomfortable, thin, inward-angled handlebars were also noted. The LCD console requires external USB charging. Overall, the SB900 was deemed adequate but unexceptional for home use.
For those who enjoy dance-party style indoor cycling, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is a potential fit. SoulCycle classes prioritize rhythm-based riding over metric tracking, requiring a $40/month Equinox+ app subscription for access. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen. The bike is well-built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen (non-rotating, sometimes unresponsive). Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars enhance fit customization. Magnetic resistance is responsive and smooth. However, the SoulCycle approach, focused on “beat match” percentage, may not appeal to users who prefer traditional progress tracking.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was considered disappointing due to its cheap feel and unenjoyable ride experience, described by one tester as a “tin can”. The resistance was unresponsive, the flywheel noisy, and the LCD screen excessively dim, making it hard to read.
Conclusion
Choosing the best exercise bike for your home depends largely on your personal preferences, fitness goals, and budget. Factors to consider include the type of workout experience desired (metric-focused, rhythm-based, or scenic), the importance of app integration and content, build quality and comfort, and desired features like resistance levels and adjustability. Reviewing these detailed assessments should help you navigate the options and select an exercise bike that best meets your needs for effective and enjoyable home workouts.
