For those looking to bring the studio cycling experience into their homes, the market offers a plethora of workout bikes, each promising to be the best for your fitness journey. Navigating this crowded space can be challenging. This guide delves into a detailed review of several popular models, examining their features, performance, and overall value to help you discover the Best Workout Bikes for your individual needs and fitness goals.
In-Depth Reviews of Top Workout Bikes
We’ve rigorously tested a range of workout bikes, putting them through their paces to assess everything from build quality and comfort to workout program variety and app integration. Here’s a breakdown of our findings:
Bowflex VeloCore: The Innovative Leaning Bike
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out with its unique leaning feature, designed to mimic the feel of outdoor cycling. Available in 16-inch and 22-inch screen versions, this bike includes a year-long membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout streaming service.
Pros:
- Unique Lean Feature: Adds a new dimension to indoor cycling, engaging core muscles and making workouts more dynamic.
- Sturdy Build: The VeloCore feels robust and well-made, capable of withstanding intense workouts.
- Adjustable Fit: Both seat and handlebars are fully adjustable, accommodating a wide range of body types.
- Dual-Sided Pedals: Offers versatility with SPD clips for cycling shoes and toe cages for sneakers.
- Wide Resistance Range: 100 levels of magnetic resistance provide precise control over workout intensity.
- Streaming Options: Allows access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu for entertainment during workouts.
Cons:
- Lean Feature Learning Curve: Mastering the leaning motion takes practice, and it may not feel completely natural initially.
- Screen Shake at High Cadence: The screen can wobble when pedaling at high speeds, especially when standing.
- Jrny App Content: While informative, the Jrny app’s workout content may lack the energy and variety found in platforms like Peloton.
- Peloton App Sync Issues: Cadence monitor syncing with the Peloton app was not successful in testing.
The VeloCore is a solid option for those intrigued by the leaning feature and the Bowflex/Jrny ecosystem. However, users seeking top-tier workout content might find other platforms more compelling.
Diamondback 510ic: Reliability Concerns
In 2022 testing, the Diamondback 510ic presented some challenges. Initial units arrived with defects, raising concerns about quality control.
Pros:
- (Based on product description, as tested unit had issues): Likely offers standard features of an indoor cycling bike at a potentially mid-range price point.
Cons:
- Quality Control Issues: Experience with multiple malfunctioning units during testing is a significant concern.
- Availability: Currently listed as unavailable, further limiting its accessibility.
Due to the reported issues and current unavailability, the Diamondback 510ic is difficult to recommend at this time.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 & EX-5s: App-Dependent Experience
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 relies on your own tablet and the Echelon Fit app subscription for its functionality. The upgraded EX-5s includes a built-in screen.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 Pros:
- Lower Initial Cost (EX-5): Utilizing your own tablet can make the EX-5 more budget-friendly upfront.
- Dual-Sided Pedals: Offers options for cycling shoes or regular sneakers.
- Leaderboard Feature: Provides a competitive element similar to Peloton.
- Extensive Class Library: Echelon Fit app boasts a large library of on-demand and live classes.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 Cons:
- App Dependency: Resistance is not adjustable and riding potential is limited without app connectivity and subscription.
- Unpredictable Resistance (EX-5): Resistance knob feel may not consistently match the displayed level.
- App Organization: Echelon app interface is considered less user-friendly than Peloton’s.
- Inconsistent Class Quality: Workout and instructor quality can vary within the Echelon platform.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s Pros:
- Built-in Screen (EX-5s): Integrated screen simplifies the setup and provides a dedicated display for workouts.
- Smooth Ride (EX-5s): Offers a generally smooth cycling experience.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s Cons:
- Inconsistent Resistance (EX-5s): Resistance responsiveness and accuracy remain concerns.
- Handlebar Wiggle (EX-5s): Handlebars may exhibit unwanted movement.
- Pedal Position (EX-5s): Forward pedal placement may feel awkward for some users.
- Crowded Home Screen (EX-5s): App interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming.
- Water Bottle Holders: Water bottle holder quality could be improved.
Echelon bikes offer a wide range of classes and features, but the app dependency and reported inconsistencies in resistance are important factors to consider.
Keiser M3i: Premium Design and App Versatility
The Keiser M3i is praised for its sleek design, V-shaped handlebars, and broad compatibility with various cycling apps.
Pros:
- Beautiful Design: Visually appealing with artful lines and a premium aesthetic.
- App Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to the Keiser M Series app and other popular apps like Strava and Peloton.
- Smooth Resistance Adjustment: 24 resistance levels adjusted via a lever offer smooth transitions.
- Wide User Range: Accommodates a broad range of heights and weight capacities.
- Peloton App Compatibility: Works well with Peloton classes, expanding workout options.
Cons:
- Potentially Geared Towards Serious Cyclists: Features may be best suited for users with ambitious training goals and road cycling experience.
The Keiser M3i is a top-tier option for users who value design, versatility, and seamless app integration, especially those who are serious cyclists.
Myx II Plus: Complete Home Gym Package
The Myx II Plus goes beyond just a bike, offering a complete home gym setup with included accessories and a subscription to BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive).
Pros:
- Complete Home Gym Kit: Includes bike, exercise mat, bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and foam roller.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Comes with a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor for personalized workout guidance.
- Equipment Convenience: Provides all-in-one solution with bike and additional workout equipment.
- Upgraded Tablet and Sound: Features an improved tablet and sound system compared to previous models.
Cons:
- BODi Subscription Required: Full experience relies on the BODi subscription, adding to the overall cost.
- Heart Rate Monitor Dependency: Workouts are heavily focused on heart rate monitoring, which may not appeal to all users.
- Acclimation to Heart Rate Training: Users unfamiliar with heart rate training may need time to adjust.
- Equipment Footprint: Full kit, including mats, requires significant space.
The Myx II Plus is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive home fitness solution with a focus on heart rate-based training and the convenience of included equipment.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Rich but Unsteady
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with features, including incline/decline and automatic resistance adjustment, powered by the iFit subscription platform.
Pros:
- Feature-Rich: Includes automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments, enhancing workout immersion.
- iFit Platform: Offers a wide variety of studio and scenic rides through its subscription service.
- Large Screen: 22-inch tablet provides an immersive viewing experience for workouts.
Cons:
- Screen and Handlebar Instability: Screen shaking and unsteady handlebars reported during testing.
- Pedal Issues: Reports of pedals falling off, indicating potential durability concerns.
- Bulky and Difficult to Move: Large size and weight make it challenging to relocate.
- Handlebar Height Adjustment: Difficult to adjust handlebar height due to screen size and weight.
While feature-rich, the NordicTrack S22i’s reported instability and potential durability issues are significant drawbacks.
Sole SB900: Undefined Resistance and Basic Features
The Sole SB900 is a more basic option that didn’t particularly impress testers compared to other reviewed bikes.
Pros:
- Functional Safety Break: Includes a separate safety break lever.
Cons:
- Undefined Resistance: Resistance feel was vague and required excessive knob turning for noticeable changes.
- Awkward Safety Break Lever Placement: Separate safety break lever felt unnecessary and less convenient.
- Cheap Feeling Components: Device and water bottle holders felt low quality.
- Uncomfortable Handlebars: Handlebar design was not comfortable or supportive.
- LCD Console Charging: LCD console requires separate charging off the bike.
- Uninspiring Studio Experience: Overall experience was considered underwhelming and not studio-quality.
The Sole SB900 falls short in several key areas, offering a less refined and less engaging workout experience compared to top-rated models.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Music-Focused and Stylish
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike caters to users who prioritize music and rhythm-based workouts, requiring an Equinox+ app subscription.
Pros:
- Music-Focused Classes: SoulCycle classes emphasize riding to the beat and creating a dance party atmosphere.
- Solid Build and Comfortable: Well-constructed and offers a comfortable riding experience.
- Responsive Magnetic Resistance: Provides smooth and responsive resistance adjustments.
- Adjustable Handlebars: Handlebars adjust fore and aft for customized fit.
- Dual-Sided Pedals: Accommodates SPD and Delta cleats.
- Bright Touchscreen: Clear and bright touchscreen display.
Cons:
- Equinox+ Subscription Required: Full functionality depends on the Equinox+ subscription, limiting content access.
- Non-Rotating Screen: Screen does not rotate for off-bike workouts.
- Beat Match Metric Focus: Primary metric is “beat match,” which may not appeal to users focused on traditional progress tracking.
- Unresponsive Touchscreen (occasional): Touchscreen responsiveness could be inconsistent at times.
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike is a good choice for those drawn to the SoulCycle experience and music-driven workouts, but the subscription dependency and unique metric focus should be considered.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Budget Option Disappoints
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 represents a budget-friendly option that ultimately failed to impress testers.
Pros:
- Lower Price Point: Potentially more affordable than other reviewed models.
Cons:
- Cheap Feel: Overall build quality felt low and “tin can”-like.
- 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 dimness.
- Unpleasant User Experience: Testers generally did not enjoy riding this bike.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010’s budget price comes at the cost of performance and overall quality, making it a less desirable option.
Choosing the Best Workout Bike for You
Selecting the best workout bike ultimately depends on your individual priorities, budget, and fitness preferences. Consider these key factors when making your decision:
- Workout Content and Platform: Do you prefer instructor-led classes, scenic rides, or integration with specific fitness apps like Peloton or Zwift?
- Features: Are you looking for advanced features like leaning, incline/decline, or included accessories?
- Build Quality and Durability: A sturdy and well-built bike will provide a more stable and enjoyable workout experience and last longer.
- Comfort and Adjustability: Ensure the bike can be adjusted to fit your body comfortably for longer rides.
- Budget: Workout bikes range significantly in price, so determine your budget and find the best option within that range.
Conclusion: Finding Your Best Ride
Investing in one of the best workout bikes can transform your home fitness routine, offering convenient and effective cardio workouts. While each bike reviewed has its strengths and weaknesses, understanding your personal needs and preferences will guide you towards the perfect ride to help you achieve your fitness goals. Consider what features and workout experiences are most important to you, and use these reviews to inform your decision and find the best workout bike to bring the studio experience home.
