Finding the right stationary bike for your home gym can be a game-changer for your fitness routine. Whether you’re looking to cycle through scenic landscapes, join high-energy studio classes, or simply get in a low-impact cardio workout, a good stationary bike provides convenience and effectiveness. We’ve put several popular models to the test, assessing everything from ride quality and features to workout content and value, to help you make the best choice for your home fitness needs. This guide dives into detailed reviews of various stationary bikes, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your workout space and fitness goals.
Bowflex VeloCore: Innovative Leaning Feature with Solid Performance
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out with its unique lean mode, designed to mimic the feel of outdoor cycling by allowing side-to-side movement. Available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen versions, this bike is well-constructed and comes with a one-year membership to the Jrny app, Bowflex’s workout streaming service.
The lean feature is certainly intriguing and adds a different dimension to indoor cycling. While it takes some getting used to and may not completely replicate the natural feel of turning on a road bike, it can add an element of fun and engagement to your workouts. The VeloCore offers fully adjustable seat and handlebars, accommodating a wide range of body types. It also features dual-sided pedals compatible with both SPD cleats and sneakers using toe cages, providing flexibility for different cycling preferences. With 100 levels of magnetic resistance, finding the right intensity is generally easy.
However, the VeloCore isn’t without its drawbacks. The screen can shake at higher pedaling cadences, especially when standing. Furthermore, while the Jrny app offers a variety of on-demand and instructor-led workouts, its content isn’t as dynamic or diverse as platforms like Peloton. After the first year, the Jrny subscription costs $20 per month. While the bike can connect to apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices, syncing the VeloCore’s cadence monitor with the Peloton app wasn’t possible in our testing. On the bright side, the VeloCore does support streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, allowing you to entertain yourself during longer sessions.
Diamondback 510ic: Durability Issues
In 2022, we attempted to test the Diamondback 510ic. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by significant quality control issues. The first bike arrived with a broken motor, and the replacement bike also presented problems with a malfunctioning RPM sensor, requiring a replacement part. These issues prevented us from fully evaluating the Diamondback 510ic, and it is currently listed as unavailable.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5: Affordable Option with Some Quirks
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 offers a more budget-friendly entry into connected fitness, utilizing your own tablet mounted in a holder to access the Echelon Fit app ($39 per month). It connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and features dual-sided pedals and a display similar to the Peloton Bike, complete with a leaderboard for competitive riders.
During testing, we found the resistance knob on the EX-5 to be less predictable compared to the Peloton Bike. It was often unclear if the displayed resistance level accurately reflected the actual effort required. A significant limitation is that resistance adjustment is locked unless the bike is connected to the Echelon app and actively engaged in a class, significantly reducing its usability for casual riding. Echelon offers a comparable number of live classes to Peloton, and their on-demand library is extensive. However, the app’s organization isn’t as user-friendly as Peloton’s, and the quality of instructors and workouts can be inconsistent.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s: Built-in Screen, Similar Inconsistencies
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s is an upgraded version of the EX-5 with a built-in screen for streaming Echelon’s workouts. While the bike itself provided a smooth ride, we encountered similar issues with inconsistent resistance. Testers reported feeling like they were making large adjustments to the resistance knob without predictable changes in effort. Handlebar wobble was also noted, and some testers found the pedal positioning to be uncomfortably forward, particularly when adopting more aggressive riding positions. The Echelon app interface was described as cluttered and less intuitive. Overall, the EX-5s didn’t quite meet our expectations given its features and price point.
Keiser M3i: Premium Design and Versatile Connectivity
The Keiser M3i impresses with its sleek design, V-shaped handlebars, and broad compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. It easily connects to the Keiser M Series app for ride tracking and integrates with platforms like Strava.
The M3i’s 24 resistance levels are adjusted smoothly via a lever, and it accommodates a wide range of user heights and weights. We enjoyed using the M3i, including taking Peloton classes on it. Its robust build and precise resistance make it a solid choice, particularly for serious cyclists focused on training. However, its advanced features and higher price point may be more than what casual users require.
Myx II Plus: Comprehensive Home Gym Kit with Heart Rate Focus
The Myx II Plus is a comprehensive home gym solution that includes a Star Trac bike, a 21.5-inch tablet, and a range of workout equipment like mats, dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a foam roller. It utilizes the BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive) platform for classes, requiring a $39 per month subscription.
The Myx II Plus emphasizes personalized workouts based on heart rate monitoring, including a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor. This approach can be effective for tailoring workouts to individual fitness levels, but it requires users to be comfortable with heart rate training. The included equipment adds significant value, making it a convenient all-in-one option for those looking to build a complete home gym setup. However, the reliance on heart rate monitoring as a central workout metric may not appeal to everyone. The Myx II, a less expensive version without the extra equipment, is also available.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Rich but Unstable
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with features, including a 22-inch tablet displaying iFit workouts ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual). It offers automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit rides, aiming to create a more immersive and challenging workout experience.
However, the S22i suffers from stability issues. The screen shook noticeably during rides, and the handlebars and screen mount felt unsteady. We also experienced a pedal falling off during testing of the first bike, and while a replacement bike addressed this, online reviews indicate similar pedal problems are not uncommon. The bike is also large and difficult to move, and handlebar height adjustments were cumbersome due to the screen’s size and weight. Despite its rich feature set, the S22i’s stability concerns and bulkiness are significant drawbacks.
Sole SB900: Basic and Undefined Resistance
The Sole SB900 is a more basic stationary bike that didn’t particularly impress us. The resistance felt undefined, requiring large knob turns to notice changes. The safety brake lever is separate from the resistance knob, an unusual and seemingly unnecessary design choice. The device and water bottle holders felt flimsy, and the handlebars were not particularly comfortable. The LCD console also requires separate USB charging. Testers found the SB900 to be adequate but unexciting, lacking the refinement and engaging features of our top picks.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Music-Driven Experience, Subscription Required
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike is designed for those who enjoy music-focused, dance-party style indoor cycling classes. It requires a $40 per month subscription to the Equinox+ app to access SoulCycle classes. The focus is less on performance metrics and more on riding to the beat of the music.
The bike is well-built and comfortable, featuring a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen and responsive magnetic resistance. Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars cater to different rider preferences. However, the SoulCycle experience is very specific, emphasizing “beat match” over traditional fitness metrics. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen, requiring a separate device. This bike is best suited for dedicated SoulCycle enthusiasts who value the unique, rhythm-based workout style.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Low Quality and Disappointing
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was the most disappointing model we tested. Testers described it as feeling cheap and flimsy. The resistance was unresponsive, the flywheel was noisy, and the LCD screen was dim and difficult to read. Overall, the Yosuda Pro L-010 failed to provide a satisfactory workout experience and is not recommended.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right stationary bike for your home depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Factors to consider include ride quality, features, workout content, stability, and ease of use. While some models offer innovative features and immersive workout experiences, others prioritize simplicity and affordability. Carefully evaluating these aspects based on your personal fitness goals will help you select a stationary bike that you’ll enjoy using and that will effectively contribute to your home workout routine.
