For those looking to bring the intensity of a spin class into the comfort of their homes, finding the Best Home Exercise Bike is a crucial step. A quality exercise bike can offer a full-body workout, improve cardiovascular health, and provide a convenient fitness solution regardless of the weather outside. This guide delves into a range of popular home exercise bikes, analyzing their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
The market for home exercise bikes is filled with options, from basic models to high-tech bikes with interactive screens and streaming fitness classes. We’ve rigorously tested a selection of bikes to give you a clear picture of what’s available and which might be the best home exercise bike for your needs and fitness goals.
Bowflex VeloCore: A Unique Leaning Experience
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out with its unique leaning feature, designed to mimic the feel of riding a road bike. Available in 16-inch and 22-inch screen models, it comes with a one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout-streaming app.
Pros:
- Leaning Feature: This is the VeloCore’s signature element, allowing side-to-side movement for a more engaging workout. While it takes practice and might not perfectly replicate outdoor biking, it adds a dimension not found in other stationary bikes.
- Sturdy Build: The VeloCore feels well-made and robust, providing stability during intense workouts.
- Adjustability: Both the seat and handlebars are fully adjustable, accommodating a wide range of users.
- Dual-Sided Pedals: Offers flexibility with SPD clips for cycling shoes and toe cages for regular sneakers.
- Wide Resistance Range: 100 levels of magnetic resistance provide ample challenge for various fitness levels.
- Streaming Services: Integrated streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ allow for entertainment during workouts.
Cons:
- Screen Shake: The screen can wobble at higher pedaling cadences, especially when standing.
- Jrny App Content: While informative, the workout content on the Jrny app may lack the energy and variety compared to platforms like Peloton. A monthly subscription fee applies after the first year.
- Peloton App Sync Issues: Cadence monitor syncing with the Peloton app was not successful in tests.
Verdict: The Bowflex VeloCore is a solid bike with an innovative leaning feature. It’s a good option for those intrigued by the leaning motion and who appreciate a sturdy, feature-rich home exercise bike. However, consider the screen stability and workout content limitations.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5: BYO Tablet for Interactive Workouts
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 takes a different approach by utilizing your own tablet to connect to the Echelon Fit app. This design helps to keep the initial bike cost lower, but requires a subscription for full functionality.
Pros:
- Interactive Classes: Offers a large library of live and on-demand classes through the Echelon Fit app, comparable in quantity to Peloton.
- Dual-Sided Pedals and Leaderboard: Similar features to higher-end bikes, including dual-sided pedals and a leaderboard for competitive workouts.
Cons:
- Unpredictable Resistance: The resistance knob felt inconsistent in testing, making it difficult to accurately gauge the workout intensity.
- App Dependence: Resistance adjustment is limited if the bike isn’t connected to the Echelon app and engaged in a class, restricting its usability for casual riding.
- App Organization and Content Quality: The Echelon app’s organization isn’t as user-friendly as Peloton’s, and the quality of instructors and workouts can vary.
Verdict: The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 is a budget-conscious option for those already invested in the Echelon fitness ecosystem or willing to overlook some inconsistencies in resistance for the sake of class variety. However, for a smoother and more intuitive experience, other home exercise bike options might be preferable.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s: Integrated Screen, Similar Experience
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s is an upgraded version with a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workouts. While it addresses the tablet requirement of the EX-5, it shares some of its drawbacks.
Pros:
- Built-in Screen: Offers a more integrated experience compared to the EX-5 by including a dedicated screen for Echelon content.
- Smooth Ride: The bike itself provides a smooth cycling motion.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Resistance: Similar to the EX-5, the resistance felt unreliable, making it hard to control workout intensity.
- Handlebar Wiggle: Handlebar instability was noted during testing.
- Pedal Position: Some testers found the pedal placement too far forward, affecting comfort, particularly in certain riding positions.
- Crowded Home Screen: The Echelon app interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming.
Verdict: The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s with its integrated screen offers convenience, but the carry-over issues with resistance consistency and some ergonomic concerns make it a less compelling choice in the competitive home exercise bike market.
Keiser M3i: Sleek Design and App Connectivity
The Keiser M3i is known for its aesthetically pleasing design and broad compatibility with various cycling apps, catering to serious cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Beautiful Design: Features a visually appealing design with V-shaped handlebars and clean lines.
- App Connectivity: Connects seamlessly with the Keiser M Series app and syncs with other popular apps like Strava and Peloton.
- Smooth Resistance: 24 levels of resistance adjusted via a lever provide smooth and reliable transitions.
- Wide User Range: Accommodates a broad height range and high maximum weight capacity.
- Peloton App Compatibility: Works well with Peloton classes through app connectivity.
Cons:
- May Be Overkill for Casual Users: Its features and price point might be more suited for serious cyclists with specific training goals rather than casual home exercisers.
Verdict: The Keiser M3i is a premium home exercise bike that excels in design, connectivity, and smooth performance. It’s an excellent choice for dedicated cyclists and those who value app integration and a high-quality riding experience.
Myx II Plus: A Home Gym Kit with Heart Rate Focus
The Myx II Plus is more than just an exercise bike; it’s a complete home gym package. It comes with weights, mats, and a heart rate monitor, emphasizing personalized workouts.
Pros:
- Complete Home Gym Kit: Includes bike, weights, mats, resistance band, and foam roller, offering a comprehensive workout solution.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Includes a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor to personalize workouts based on effort levels.
- Equipment Convenience: Having all the equipment included is convenient for users starting a home gym.
Cons:
- BODi App Subscription: Requires a subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi) for classes.
- Heart Rate Monitor Dependence: Workouts are heavily reliant on heart rate monitoring, which may not appeal to everyone or can be disrupted if the monitor isn’t charged or available.
- Learning Curve: Acclimating to heart rate-based workouts can take time for those unfamiliar with heart rate training.
Verdict: The Myx II Plus is a compelling option for those seeking a complete home gym setup with a focus on heart rate-guided workouts. If you appreciate the included accessories and personalized training approach, it could be the best home exercise bike and workout package for you.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Packed with iFit Integration
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is loaded with features, including a large screen, automatic resistance and incline adjustments, and integration with the iFit workout platform.
Pros:
- Feature-Rich: Offers automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit workouts.
- Large Interactive Screen: Features a 22-inch screen for immersive iFit studio and scenic rides.
- iFit Integration: Provides access to a vast library of workouts and scenic rides through the iFit platform.
Cons:
- Screen Instability: The screen shook noticeably during workouts in tests.
- Build Quality Concerns: Reports of pedal issues and unsteady handlebars raise concerns about long-term durability.
- Bulkiness and Movement Difficulty: The bike is large and heavy, making it challenging to move.
- Handlebar Adjustment Issues: Adjusting handlebar height can be difficult due to the screen’s size and weight.
Verdict: The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with technology and features, particularly for iFit subscribers. However, potential buyers should weigh the features against concerns about screen stability, build quality, and bulkiness when considering this home exercise bike.
Sole SB900: A Basic but Undefined Experience
The Sole SB900 is a more basic model that didn’t particularly impress testers compared to other bikes in its category.
Pros:
- Functional: It works as an exercise bike.
Cons:
- Undefined Resistance: Resistance adjustments felt vague and required significant knob turning to notice changes.
- Unconventional Safety Break: Separate safety break lever placement is less convenient than integrated resistance/break knobs.
- Cheap Feel: Device and water bottle holders felt low quality.
- Uncomfortable Handlebars: Handlebar design was not comfortable or particularly functional.
- LCD Console Charging: Requires off-bike charging via USB for the LCD console.
Verdict: The Sole SB900 is a functional home exercise bike, but it lacks the refinement and user-friendly features found in many competitors. It’s a less exciting option and may not be the best choice for those seeking a motivating and enjoyable workout experience.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Music and Beat-Based Riding
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike is designed for fans of the SoulCycle studio experience, emphasizing music and rhythm-based workouts over metric tracking.
Pros:
- SoulCycle Experience at Home: Brings the popular SoulCycle class style into the home.
- Solid and Comfortable Build: The bike is well-built and comfortable for riding.
- Responsive Resistance: Magnetic resistance is smooth and responsive.
- Handlebar Adjustability: Handlebars adjust fore and aft for a customized fit.
Cons:
- Equinox+ Subscription: Requires a subscription to the Equinox+ app for classes.
- Beat-Match Focus: Metrics are less traditional, focusing on “beat match” percentage, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Off-Bike Workout Access: Off-bike workouts within the Equinox+ app are not accessible through the bike’s screen.
Verdict: If you are a dedicated SoulCycle enthusiast and love rhythm-based workouts, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike could be the best home exercise bike to bring that studio experience home. However, it’s a niche product and may not suit those seeking traditional performance metrics or a broader range of workout styles.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Budget Option with Compromises
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 is positioned as a budget-friendly option, but testers found significant drawbacks in its overall quality and performance.
Pros:
- Lower Price Point: Offers a more affordable entry into the home exercise bike market.
Cons:
- Cheap Feel: The bike felt cheaply made and lacked a quality feel.
- Poor Resistance Response: Resistance adjustments were not responsive.
- Loud Flywheel: The flywheel was noisy during operation.
- Dim LCD Screen: The LCD screen was difficult to read due to its dimness.
Verdict: The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 is a budget option, but the significant compromises in quality, resistance, and user experience make it a less recommendable home exercise bike. Investing in a slightly more expensive model will likely provide a far more satisfying and effective workout experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Home Exercise Bike for You
Selecting the best home exercise bike depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. From the innovative leaning feature of the Bowflex VeloCore to the studio-style experience of the SoulCycle bike and the comprehensive kit of the Myx II Plus, there’s a range of options to consider.
For those prioritizing a premium experience with app integration and a smooth ride, the Keiser M3i stands out. If a complete home gym package with heart rate-focused workouts is appealing, the Myx II Plus is worth considering. SoulCycle enthusiasts might find their ideal fit with the At-Home Bike, while budget-conscious buyers should carefully weigh the compromises of the Yosuda Pro L-010.
Ultimately, research, consider your workout style, and read detailed reviews to find the best home exercise bike that will help you achieve your fitness goals from the convenience of your home.
