Finding the right Exercise Bike can transform your home workout routine, offering a convenient and effective way to stay fit. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting your fitness journey, an exercise bike provides a low-impact cardio workout that’s easy on the joints and great for all fitness levels. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into some of the top exercise bikes on the market, analyzing their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out as a robust and well-constructed exercise bike, enhanced by its integration with Jrny, Bowflex’s and Schwinn’s workout-streaming application, for a year (available on both iOS, Android). Offered in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen sizes, the VeloCore introduces a unique leaning feature, mimicking the side-to-side motion of outdoor cycling. While this lean mode promises to add excitement to your workouts, mastering it requires practice using the provided instructional videos, and it might not feel as intuitive as maneuvering a traditional bicycle.
Image alt text: Bowflex VeloCore exercise bike in lean mode, demonstrating its unique side-to-side tilting feature for an engaging indoor cycling experience.
The VeloCore excels in adjustability, featuring a fully customizable seat and handlebars. Its dual-sided pedals are compatible with SPD cleats for cycling shoes or toe cages for regular sneakers. The magnetic resistance system offers an impressive 100 levels, providing precise control over workout intensity. However, the screen can exhibit some shakiness at higher pedaling speeds, particularly when standing. Although the overall experience is positive, the workout content within the Jrny app ($20 monthly after the initial free year) may not be as dynamic as competing platforms like Peloton. While informative and offering both on- and off-bike workouts, Jrny sometimes lacks the high-energy and diverse intensity ranges found elsewhere. The VeloCore does support connectivity with other apps like Peloton and Zwift through external devices, but syncing its cadence monitor with the Peloton app proved unsuccessful in our testing. For entertainment, the VeloCore supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ (subscriptions required), allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows while you cycle.
In 2022, we also evaluated the Diamondback 510ic exercise bike (currently out of stock). Our experience with the Diamondback 510ic was unfortunately plagued with issues. The first unit arrived with a defective motor, and the replacement bike presented a malfunctioning RPM sensor, which was eventually replaced.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 offers a different approach, utilizing your own tablet (mounted on a holder) to connect to the Echelon Fit app ($39 monthly fee for iOS, Android) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It features dual-sided pedals and a display similar to the Peloton Bike, including a leaderboard for competitive workouts. However, the resistance knob on the EX-5 felt less predictable than the Peloton Bike’s, making it difficult to accurately gauge the resistance level. Furthermore, resistance adjustment is disabled when the bike is not connected to the app and engaged in a class, significantly limiting its standalone functionality. While the EX-5 boasts a comparable number of daily live classes to Peloton and a vast on-demand library of over 3,000 workouts, the Echelon app’s organization is less intuitive, and the quality of instructors and workouts can be inconsistent.
Image alt text: Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 exercise bike displaying a workout class on a mounted tablet, highlighting its app-based fitness experience.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, an upgraded model, incorporates a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workout content. During testing, the EX-5s provided a smooth ride, but the resistance control remained inconsistent, requiring excessive knob adjustments with uncertain responsiveness. Handlebar wobble was also noted. One tester found the pedal positioning too forward, creating a feeling of being too close to the handlebars and screen in certain riding positions. The Echelon home screen was described as cluttered, and the water bottle holders were considered subpar. Overall, the EX-5s did not meet our expectations for an upgraded model.
The Keiser M3i is recognized for its elegant design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and seamless connectivity with various cycling and workout applications. In our evaluations, the M3i effortlessly connected to the Keiser M Series app (iOS, Android), which tracks ride data and synchronizes with platforms like Strava. Its 24 resistance levels are smoothly adjusted via a lever, and it accommodates a wide range of user heights (4’10” to 7’0″) and a high maximum weight capacity (350 pounds). We enjoyed using the M3i, including integration with Peloton classes. However, the Keiser M3i might be best suited for serious cyclists with demanding training regimens.
Image alt text: Keiser M3i exercise bike showcasing its modern V-shaped handlebar design and compact profile, ideal for serious cyclists and home gyms.
The Myx II Plus is an enhanced version of the earlier Myx Plus model. A subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39 per month) grants access to live and on-demand group fitness classes. Previously, the Myx Plus offered its own branded workouts and instructors, but our current testing did not include BODi integration. The Myx II Plus is presented as a complete home gym package, featuring a Star Trac bike with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed, and a 21.5-inch tablet with improved audio and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Included accessories are a large exercise mat, a bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and a foam roller. The Myx II, a more basic version without the extra equipment, is also available. We appreciated the included equipment and the convenience of having it readily available. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is bundled with the Myx II Plus, encouraging users to track their heart rate during workouts for personalized intensity guidance. While heart rate monitoring is beneficial for tailoring workouts to individual fitness levels, acclimating to heart rate-based training may take time, and losing or forgetting to charge the monitor can hinder the Myx workout experience.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike features a 22-inch tablet displaying studio and scenic workouts via iFit, NordicTrack’s subscription-based platform ($39/month for family, $15/month for individual plans). This exercise bike is packed with features, including automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit sessions. However, the screen exhibited significant shaking during workouts, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unstable. A pedal malfunction occurred on the first test unit, and while the replacement was stable, similar pedal issues have been reported by Amazon customers. The S22i is large and bulky, making it the most challenging model to move. Adjusting handlebar height was also difficult due to the screen’s size and weight.
We found the Sole SB900 exercise bike to be adequate but not exceptional. Compared to our top picks, the resistance felt vague, requiring considerable knob turning to notice changes. The safety brake lever is separate from the resistance knob, an unconventional design choice. The device and water bottle holders felt flimsy. The handlebars, thin and angled inward, were not particularly comfortable or supportive. The LCD console requires separate charging via USB. One tester summarized it as “fine,” but not inspiring for studio use.
If you favor indoor cycling classes with a dance party vibe, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike might appeal to you. SoulCycle classes prioritize rhythm-based riding over metric tracking, requiring a $40/month subscription to the Equinox+ app, which includes various fitness options. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen, requiring a separate device. The SoulCycle bike is solidly built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen (non-rotating and sometimes unresponsive). Dual-sided pedals accommodate SPD or Delta cleats, and adjustable handlebars help optimize fit. The magnetic resistance was smooth and responsive. However, the SoulCycle experience is niche, focusing on “beat match” percentage rather than traditional progress metrics, which may not satisfy all users.
Image alt text: SoulCycle At-Home Bike in a studio setting, emphasizing its immersive, music-driven workout experience and community focus.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was disappointing due to its cheap construction. Testers disliked the workout experience, describing it as feeling like a “tin can.” The resistance was unresponsive, the flywheel noisy, and the LCD screen barely readable.
Conclusion
Choosing the best exercise bike depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Factors to consider include workout experience, app integration, build quality, features, and comfort. While models like the Bowflex VeloCore offer innovative features and solid construction, others like the Echelon and NordicTrack bikes presented inconsistencies in performance. For serious cyclists, the Keiser M3i stands out, while rhythm-focused riders might gravitate towards the SoulCycle At-Home Bike. Ultimately, research and careful consideration are key to finding the perfect exercise bike to meet your fitness goals.
