Finding the right Exercise Stationary Bike can transform your home workouts, offering a convenient and effective way to boost your cardiovascular health and fitness. With a plethora of options on the market, from basic models to high-tech bikes with streaming services, making an informed decision is crucial. This review delves into a range of exercise stationary bikes, analyzing their features, performance, and overall value to help you choose the perfect fit for your needs.
Bowflex VeloCore: Leaning into Innovation
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out with its unique lean mode, allowing riders to move from side to side, mimicking the experience of outdoor cycling. Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen versions, this exercise stationary bike includes a one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout-streaming app.
While the lean feature is innovative and adds a new dimension to indoor cycling, it requires practice and may not feel entirely natural. The VeloCore excels in adjustability with its seat and handlebars, accommodating various body types. Dual-sided pedals offer flexibility for both cycling shoes (SPD cleats) and regular sneakers. The 100 levels of magnetic resistance provide a broad spectrum of workout intensities, although screen stability can be an issue at higher cadences, especially when standing.
The Jrny app offers a range of on-demand, instructor-led workouts, but its content may lack the dynamism and intensity variety found in platforms like Peloton. However, the VeloCore’s open platform allows connection to apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices. For entertainment, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ are accessible directly on the bike’s screen.
Diamondback 510ic: A Rocky Road
The Diamondback 510ic (currently unavailable) faced significant quality control issues during testing. The initial unit arrived with a broken motor, and the replacement bike suffered from a malfunctioning RPM sensor, requiring a part replacement. These issues highlight potential reliability concerns for this exercise stationary bike.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5: Tablet-Based Training
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 utilizes a user-provided tablet to connect to the Echelon Fit app ($39/month). This exercise stationary bike features dual-sided pedals and a display reminiscent of the Peloton Bike, including a leaderboard for competitive workouts.
However, the resistance knob was found to be unpredictable, making it difficult to gauge the actual resistance level. Furthermore, resistance adjustment is disabled when not connected to the app and engaged in a class, limiting its usability for casual riding. While Echelon offers a comparable number of live classes and a large on-demand library, the app’s organization and the quality of instructors and workouts were considered inconsistent compared to Peloton.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s: Integrated Screen, Inconsistent Resistance
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, an upgraded version, includes a built-in screen for Echelon’s workout content. Despite smooth pedaling, the resistance remained inconsistent, requiring excessive knob adjustments without clear feedback. Handlebar instability and an awkward pedal position that felt too forward were also noted. The busy home screen and subpar water bottle holders further detracted from the overall experience of this exercise stationary bike.
Keiser M3i: Sleek Design, Serious Training
The Keiser M3i impresses with its elegant design, V-shaped handlebars, and compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. This exercise stationary bike seamlessly connects to the Keiser M Series app for ride tracking and synchronization with apps like Strava.
Its 24 resistance levels are easily adjustable via a lever, and it accommodates a wide range of user heights and weights. While enjoyable for general use and compatible with apps like Peloton, the Keiser M3i is particularly well-suited for serious cyclists with ambitious training goals due to its precise resistance and data tracking capabilities.
Myx II Plus: A Complete Home Gym Package
The Myx II Plus offers a comprehensive home gym experience, including a Star Trac bike, a 21.5-inch tablet with an upgraded sound system and camera, and a range of accessories like mats, resistance bands, dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a foam roller. A subscription to BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive, $39/month) provides access to live and on-demand classes.
The Myx II Plus encourages heart-rate-based training with an included Polar OH1 heart rate monitor. While effective for personalized workouts, acclimating to heart rate monitoring may require time for new users, and losing or forgetting to charge the monitor can significantly impact the workout experience. The Myx II is also available without the additional exercise equipment.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Rich but Unstable
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with features, including a 22-inch tablet displaying iFit workout content ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual plan), and automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit rides.
However, the screen exhibited noticeable shaking during workouts, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unsteady. Pedal durability issues were reported, with one test unit experiencing pedal detachment. Its large and bulky design also makes it difficult to move, and handlebar height adjustment is cumbersome due to the screen’s weight.
Sole SB900: Undefined Resistance, Basic Features
The Sole SB900 offered a less refined experience compared to top-rated exercise stationary bikes. The resistance felt undefined, requiring significant knob turning for noticeable changes. The separate safety break lever seemed redundant, and the device and water bottle holders felt cheap. Handlebar comfort was lacking, and the LCD console requires external USB charging. Overall, the Sole SB900 was deemed adequate but uninspiring.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Music-Driven, Rhythm-Based Rides
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike caters to users who prioritize music and rhythm in their indoor cycling experience. SoulCycle classes, accessed through a $40/month Equinox+ subscription, focus on riding to the beat rather than metric tracking.
This exercise stationary bike is solidly built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen and responsive magnetic resistance. While the SoulCycle experience is distinctive and engaging for rhythm-focused riders, its emphasis on “beat match” percentage may not appeal to those seeking traditional progress tracking metrics.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Budget Option Falls Short
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was a disappointment due to its cheap construction and poor performance. Testers described it as feeling like a “tin can,” with unresponsive resistance, a loud flywheel, and a dim, barely readable LCD screen. This exercise stationary bike is not recommended for a quality home workout experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Exercise Stationary Bike for You
Selecting the best exercise stationary bike depends on individual priorities and preferences. The Bowflex VeloCore offers an innovative lean feature and streaming options, while the Keiser M3i excels in design and performance for serious cyclists. The Myx II Plus provides a comprehensive home gym package, and the SoulCycle At-Home Bike delivers a unique, music-driven experience. However, bikes like the Diamondback 510ic, Echelon EX-5 series, NordicTrack S22i, Sole SB900, and Yosuda Pro L-010 presented various drawbacks in terms of quality, performance, or user experience. Carefully consider your workout style, desired features, and budget to make an informed decision and invest in an exercise stationary bike that will effectively support your fitness goals.
