Finding the right Home Stationary Bike can revolutionize your fitness routine, offering a convenient and effective way to workout without leaving your house. With numerous options available, from budget-friendly models to high-end interactive bikes, understanding the features and differences is crucial. This guide examines some of the top home stationary bikes on the market, helping you make an informed decision to meet your specific fitness goals and home workout needs.
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out as a robust and well-constructed home stationary bike, providing a diverse range of workout experiences through its one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout-streaming app (also used by Schwinn). Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen sizes, the VeloCore introduces a unique feature: the ability to lean from side to side, mimicking the motion of a traditional bicycle. While this lean mode offers a novel twist to indoor cycling and can add excitement to workouts, it may require some practice to master, and ultimately might not feel as intuitive as leaning on a road bike.
The adjustability of the VeloCore’s seat and handlebars ensures a comfortable fit for various users. Its dual-sided pedals are compatible with both cycling shoes (SPD cleats) and regular sneakers using toe cages. Featuring 100 levels of magnetic resistance, the bike allows for precise adjustments to match your workout intensity. However, users should note that the screen may exhibit some shaking at higher pedaling cadences, particularly when standing. While the VeloCore offers an enjoyable riding experience, the workout content within the Jrny app ($20 per month after the initial free year) might not be as comprehensive or dynamic as platforms like Peloton. Jrny provides on-demand, instructor-led video workouts, both on and off the bike, which are informative but may lack the high-energy and varied intensity levels found in competing services. For users preferring other platforms, the VeloCore is compatible with apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices, though syncing the bike’s cadence monitor with Peloton may not be seamless. Furthermore, the VeloCore supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ (subscriptions required), allowing you to enjoy entertainment while cycling.
In 2022, tests were conducted on the Diamondback 510ic (currently unavailable), revealing initial quality control issues. The first unit received had a broken motor, and a subsequent replacement bike presented a malfunctioning revolutions-per-minute sensor, requiring a replacement part. These issues highlight potential concerns regarding the reliability of the Diamondback 510ic as a home stationary bike option.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 operates in conjunction with your own tablet, which serves as the display and connects to the Echelon Fit app ($39 per month) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This setup can be more cost-effective initially, but the ongoing subscription fee should be considered. The EX-5 includes dual-sided pedals and a display layout similar to the Peloton Bike, complete with a leaderboard for competitive workouts. However, testing revealed inconsistencies in the resistance knob, making it difficult to accurately gauge the resistance level. A significant limitation is that resistance adjustment is disabled when the bike is not connected to the app and engaged in a class, restricting its functionality for casual riding. Echelon’s live class schedule rivals Peloton’s, and its on-demand library boasts over 3,000 workouts. Despite enthusiastic instructors and a wide range of classes, the app’s organization is less user-friendly than Peloton’s, and the quality of rides and instructors can vary.
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s, an upgraded version of the EX-5, incorporates a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workout content. While the EX-5s offers a smooth ride, resistance inconsistencies persisted in testing, making it challenging to determine if adjustments were accurately reflected in the workout intensity. Handlebar instability and an awkward pedal placement, making riders feel too forward, were also noted. The Echelon home screen was described as cluttered and overwhelming, and the water-bottle holders were considered subpar. Overall, the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s did not meet expectations for a premium home stationary bike experience.
The Keiser M3i is recognized for its sleek design, V-shaped handlebars, and compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. Connecting seamlessly with the Keiser M Series app, it tracks ride metrics and syncs with apps like Strava. The bike’s 24 resistance levels are easily adjusted via a lever, and it accommodates a wide range of user heights (4 feet 10 inches to 7 feet) and weights (up to 350 pounds). The Keiser M3i provides a pleasant workout experience, including compatibility with Peloton classes. However, its features and performance may be particularly suited to serious road cyclists with specific training objectives rather than casual home users seeking broader fitness engagement.
An enhanced version of the original Myx Plus, the Myx II Plus offers a comprehensive home gym package. Subscribing to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39 per month) grants access to live and on-demand group fitness classes. The Myx II Plus includes a Star Trac bike equipped with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed, alongside a 21.5-inch tablet with improved audio and an 8-megapixel front camera. The package also features a generous exercise mat, bike mat, resistance band, dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a foam roller. (The Myx II is available without the extra equipment). A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is included to personalize workouts based on effort levels, although adapting to heart rate-based training may require time. The reliance on heart-rate monitoring as a core workout element means losing or forgetting to charge the monitor can significantly impact the Myx workout experience.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike features a 22-inch tablet displaying studio and scenic rides from iFit, NordicTrack’s workout-streaming platform ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual plan). This feature-rich home stationary bike automatically adjusts resistance, incline, and decline during iFit workouts. However, the screen exhibited noticeable shaking during testing, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unstable. Durability concerns were raised when a pedal detached mid-ride on the initial test unit, and while a replacement bike resolved this issue, similar complaints were found online. The NordicTrack S22i is a bulky and heavy home stationary bike, making it difficult to move, and handlebar height adjustments were cumbersome due to the screen’s size and weight.
While the Sole SB900 was not disliked, it also failed to impress. Compared to top-rated models, the resistance felt indistinct, requiring excessive knob turning for noticeable changes. The separate placement of the safety break lever from the resistance knob was deemed unnecessary. The device and water-bottle holders felt cheaply made, and the thin, inward-angled handlebars were uncomfortable. The LCD console requires external USB charging. Overall, the Sole SB900 was considered adequate but uninspiring as a home stationary bike.
For users who enjoy indoor-cycling classes with a dance-party atmosphere, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is a potential option. SoulCycle classes prioritize rhythm-based riding over metric tracking, requiring a $40/month subscription to the Equinox+ app. Off-bike workouts from Equinox+ are not accessible on the bike’s screen and must be viewed separately. The SoulCycle bike is well-built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen (non-rotating, and sometimes unresponsive). Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars enhance user fit. The magnetic resistance is responsive and smooth. However, the SoulCycle experience is niche, focusing on “beat match” percentage over traditional progress metrics, which may not appeal to all home stationary bike users.
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was disappointing due to its cheap construction and unpleasant user experience. Testers cited unresponsive resistance, a loud flywheel, and a dim, barely readable LCD screen. The Yosuda Pro is not recommended as a reliable home stationary bike.
Conclusion
Choosing the best home stationary bike involves considering your budget, fitness goals, and desired features. While models like the Bowflex VeloCore and Keiser M3i offer advanced features and solid performance, others like the Echelon and NordicTrack bikes present a mix of pros and cons. Budget-conscious options like the Sole SB900 and Yosuda Pro may fall short in terms of performance and overall experience. Ultimately, researching and comparing different home stationary bike models based on your individual needs is essential to finding the perfect fit for your home workouts.
