Finding the perfect home exercise bike can transform your fitness routine, offering convenience and effective workouts without leaving your house. With numerous models flooding the market, from budget-friendly options to high-end interactive bikes, choosing the right one can be daunting. This guide provides an expert overview of several popular Home Exercise Bikes, analyzing their features, performance, and value 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 its unique lean mode feature. This bike comes in two models differentiated by screen size—16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200)—and includes a one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout streaming service compatible with both iOS and Android. The VeloCore’s defining characteristic is its ability to tilt from side to side, mimicking the experience of outdoor cycling. While this lean feature is intriguing, it requires practice to master and may not feel entirely natural compared to riding a traditional bicycle. The bike offers fully adjustable seat and handlebars, catering to a wide range of body types. Its dual-sided pedals are compatible with SPD cleats for cycling shoes and toe cages for regular sneakers, providing versatility for different users. The magnetic resistance system offers 100 levels, allowing for precise adjustments during workouts. However, some screen wobble is noticeable at higher pedaling cadences, especially when standing.
While the VeloCore hardware is commendable, its workout content via the Jrny app might not be as compelling as other platforms. The Jrny app, priced at $20 per month after the initial year, provides on-demand, instructor-led workouts, both on and off the bike. These sessions are informative but may lack the dynamic energy and varied intensity found in platforms like Peloton. The VeloCore does offer connectivity with other apps like Peloton and Zwift through external devices, though syncing cadence directly to the Peloton app was not seamless in testing. For entertainment, the bike supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+, allowing users to enjoy their favorite shows while exercising, provided they have subscriptions.
During 2022 evaluations, the Diamondback 510ic (currently unavailable) presented significant challenges. The first unit received from Diamondback Fitness arrived with a defective motor. A replacement bike was sent, but it also suffered from issues, specifically a malfunctioning RPM sensor, which eventually required a replacement part. These initial quality control issues raise concerns about the reliability of the Diamondback 510ic for home use.
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 per month) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This app is available for both iOS and Android. The EX-5 features dual-sided pedals and a display similar to the Peloton Bike, complete with a leaderboard for competitive workouts. However, the resistance adjustment via a knob was found to be less predictable compared to the Peloton Bike. Testers reported uncertainty about the correlation between the displayed resistance level and the actual resistance felt while pedaling. A notable limitation is that resistance adjustment is disabled if the bike is not connected to the app and engaged in a class, significantly reducing its functionality for casual riding. Echelon’s live class schedule is comparable to Peloton, and its on-demand library boasts over 3,000 workouts, both on and off the bike. Despite a large content library and enthusiastic instructors, the Echelon app’s organization is less streamlined than Peloton’s, and the quality of rides and instructors can vary.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, an upgraded version, integrates a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workouts. While the bike provided a smooth riding experience, the resistance consistency remained problematic. Testers noted that adjusting the resistance knob often felt erratic, with uncertain feedback from the bike. Handlebar stability was also an issue, with noticeable wiggle. One tester pointed out that the forward positioning of the pedals made them feel too close to the handlebars and screen, particularly in more aggressive riding positions. The Echelon home screen was described as cluttered, and the quality of the water bottle holders was considered subpar. Overall, the EX-5s did not fully meet expectations given its upgraded status.
The Keiser M3i is recognized for its sleek design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and a modern aesthetic. It excels in connectivity, pairing easily with the Keiser M Series app (iOS and Android) to track ride metrics and sync with other fitness apps like Strava. The M3i offers 24 levels of resistance, adjustable via a smooth lever mechanism. It also accommodates a wide range of user heights (4’10” to 7’0″) and a high maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, making it suitable for diverse users. The riding experience on the M3i was generally positive, including use with the Peloton app. However, its advanced features and robust build may be particularly beneficial for serious cyclists with specific training goals, potentially making it more than what casual users might need in home exercise bikes.
The Myx II Plus is an enhanced version of the original Myx Plus. It requires a subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39 per month) for access to live and on-demand group fitness classes. Previously, Myx offered its own branded workouts. The Myx II Plus is marketed as a complete home gym package, featuring a Star Trac bike equipped with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed. It includes a 21.5-inch tablet with improved sound and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Additional equipment includes a large exercise mat, a bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and a foam roller. A more basic Myx II version is available without these extra accessories. Testers appreciated the included equipment and the convenience of a comprehensive home gym setup. A Polar OH1 heart rate monitor is included and recommended for use with every workout to personalize intensity based on individual fitness levels. While heart rate monitoring offers a tailored workout approach, it may require some adjustment for users not accustomed to training with heart rate data. Furthermore, reliance on the heart rate monitor means a lost or uncharged device can significantly impact the Myx workout experience.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with features, including a 22-inch tablet that streams studio and scenic rides from iFit, NordicTrack’s subscription platform ($39/month for family plan, $15/month individual). A standout feature is its automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit workouts. However, the S22i screen exhibited noticeable shaking during rides of varying intensities, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unstable. Durability concerns arose when the left pedal of an initial test bike detached mid-ride shortly after arrival. While a replacement bike addressed the pedal issue, online customer reviews indicate similar problems persist. The bike is described as 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.
The Sole SB900 offered a neutral experience, neither strongly disliked nor particularly impressive. Compared to top-rated models, the resistance felt less defined, requiring significant knob turning to perceive changes. The safety brake lever is separate from the resistance knob, an unconventional design choice. The device and water bottle holders were considered low quality. The handlebars, described as thin and angled inward, were not particularly comfortable or supportive. The LCD console requires separate charging via USB. Overall, the SB900 was deemed adequate but uninspiring, lacking the features and refinement of higher-rated home exercise bikes.
For users drawn to indoor cycling classes with a dance-party atmosphere, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike might be appealing. SoulCycle classes prioritize riding to the music’s beat over metric tracking. Access requires a $40-per-month subscription to the Equinox+ app, which includes several fitness options beyond SoulCycle. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen, requiring a separate device. The bike is well-built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen, though it was occasionally unresponsive and non-rotating. Dual-sided pedals accommodate both SPD and Delta cleats. Handlebar adjustability is a plus for dialing in a good fit. The magnetic resistance was responsive and smooth. However, the SoulCycle experience is niche; its primary metric, “beat match,” measuring rhythm adherence, may not satisfy users seeking traditional progress tracking.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was disappointing, described as feeling cheap and unenjoyable by testers. Resistance response was poor, the flywheel was noisy, and the LCD screen was too dim to read clearly. The Yosuda Pro is not recommended as a reliable option for home exercise bikes due to these significant performance and quality issues.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best home exercise bike depends on individual needs and preferences. The Bowflex VeloCore offers an innovative lean feature and solid build quality, though its workout content may not be as engaging as competitors. The Echelon Connect Bike series provides app-based workouts but suffers from resistance inconsistencies and app organization issues. The Keiser M3i is a well-designed, high-performance bike suitable for serious cyclists. The Myx II Plus offers a comprehensive home gym package with heart rate-based training. The NordicTrack S22i is feature-rich but has durability and stability concerns. The Sole SB900 is a basic, unremarkable option. The SoulCycle At-Home Bike caters to a specific style of rhythm-based classes. Finally, the Yosuda Pro is not recommended due to quality and performance shortcomings. Carefully consider your workout preferences, budget, and desired features when selecting a home exercise bike to ensure it aligns with your fitness goals.
