Finding the right piece of fitness equipment for your home gym can be a game-changer for your workout routine. Among the most popular and effective options is the Stationary Exercise Bike. Offering a low-impact cardio workout, stationary bikes are perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes. They are a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and build lower body strength, all from the comfort of your home. With a plethora of models available on the market, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end, selecting the best stationary exercise bike can feel overwhelming. This guide delves into some of the top stationary bikes available, helping you make an informed decision and pedal your way to better fitness.
Bowflex VeloCore: Leaning into Innovation
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out in the crowded stationary bike market with its unique lean feature. This bike, available in 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200) screen sizes, offers a dynamic riding experience by allowing users to lean from side to side, mimicking the feel of outdoor cycling. While it takes some getting used to and might not feel entirely natural initially, the lean mode adds an element of fun and engagement to indoor workouts.
Beyond its leaning capability, the VeloCore is a sturdy and well-built machine with fully adjustable seat and handlebars, accommodating a wide range of users. It features dual-sided pedals compatible with SPD cleats for cycling shoes and toe cages for regular sneakers, offering versatility for different preferences. The bike boasts 100 levels of magnetic resistance, providing precise control over workout intensity. However, some users might find the screen shaking at higher cadences, particularly during standing pedaling.
The VeloCore integrates with Jrny, Bowflex’s workout-streaming app, offering a year’s membership with purchase. Jrny provides on-demand, instructor-led video workouts both on and off the bike. While informative, some users may find the workout content less engaging compared to platforms like Peloton, lacking the same level of energy and intensity variation. Fortunately, the VeloCore offers connectivity to other apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices. It also supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows while working out, provided you have subscriptions.
Diamondback 510ic: A Rocky Road
The Diamondback 510ic faced significant challenges during testing. Initial experiences included receiving a unit with a broken motor, followed by a second bike with a malfunctioning revolutions-per-minute sensor. While a replacement sensor was provided, these initial hurdles raise concerns about the bike’s reliability and quality control. Currently, the Diamondback 510ic is listed as unavailable, suggesting potential production or quality issues that may need to be addressed before it becomes a viable option for consumers seeking a stationary exercise bike.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 & EX-5s: App-Dependent Experience
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 distinguishes itself by operating through your own tablet, which connects to the Echelon Fit app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This setup allows for a Peloton-like experience, including a leaderboard, but at a potentially lower upfront cost, excluding the tablet. The Echelon Fit app offers a vast library of live and on-demand classes, comparable in quantity to Peloton.
However, the EX-5’s resistance knob was found to be unpredictable in tests, making it difficult to ascertain the actual resistance level. A significant drawback is that resistance adjustability is lost if the bike is not connected to the app and engaged in a class, limiting its functionality for casual, app-free riding. While the app offers enthusiastic instructors and a wide range of workouts, the overall app organization and workout quality can be inconsistent.
The upgraded Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s features a built-in screen, addressing the tablet dependency of the EX-5. Despite smooth rides, the EX-5s also suffered from inconsistent resistance, requiring wild knob turns to feel changes. Handlebar wiggle and a perceived awkward riding position due to forward-placed pedals were also noted. The Echelon home screen was described as busy and crowded, and the water bottle holders were considered subpar, contributing to a less premium feel overall.
Keiser M3i: Premium Design and Connectivity
The Keiser M3i is lauded for its beautiful design, featuring V-shaped handlebars and sleek aesthetics. This stationary exercise bike prioritizes connectivity, easily pairing with the Keiser M Series app and other cycling and workout apps like Strava and Peloton. Its 24 resistance levels are smoothly adjusted via a lever, and it accommodates a broad height range and a high maximum weight capacity, making it accessible to many users.
Testers enjoyed using the M3i, including with Peloton classes, highlighting its versatility. However, its premium features and performance may be best suited for serious road cyclists with dedicated training goals, potentially making it an over-featured and pricier option for casual users simply seeking a basic stationary exercise bike for home workouts.
Myx II Plus: A Complete Home Gym Package
The Myx II Plus offers a comprehensive home gym solution, including a Star Trac bike and a range of accessories. A subscription to BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive) provides access to live and on-demand group classes. The Myx II Plus package includes a bike mat, exercise mat, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, and foam roller, offering a complete workout setup beyond just cycling.
The bike features a sensor to measure cadence, distance, and speed, and a tablet with an upgraded sound system and camera. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is included and encouraged for use to personalize workouts based on effort levels. While beneficial for tailored training, acclimating to heart-rate based workouts may take time, and losing or forgetting to charge the monitor can impact the Myx workout experience significantly. The Myx II is also available without the additional exercise equipment for those who prefer a more streamlined stationary exercise bike setup.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Rich but Flawed
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is packed with features, including a 22-inch tablet displaying iFit workout content, and automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during rides. iFit, NordicTrack’s workout-streaming platform, offers studio and scenic rides for a subscription fee.
However, the S22i suffers from notable screen shaking during rides, and unsteady screen mount and handlebars. Durability concerns were raised after a pedal fell off mid-ride on a test unit, with similar complaints reported by other users. The bike’s large and bulky design makes it difficult to move, and handlebar height adjustment was challenging due to the screen’s size and weight. While feature-rich, the S22i’s physical shortcomings and potential reliability issues detract from its overall appeal as a stationary exercise bike.
Sole SB900: Undefined Resistance and Disappointing Details
The Sole SB900 offered a ride that was described as “fine” but unexciting. Its resistance felt undefined, requiring significant knob turning to notice changes. The separate safety break lever, unlike combined resistance/break levers on most bikes, felt unnecessary. Cheap-feeling device and water bottle holders, and uncomfortable, thin, inward-angled handlebars further contributed to a less than premium experience. The LCD console requires separate USB charging, adding an inconvenient step. Overall, the SB900 lacks the polish and engaging experience found in top-tier stationary exercise bikes.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Rhythm and Community Focus
The SoulCycle At-Home Bike caters to those who enjoy indoor cycling classes with a dance party vibe, prioritizing rhythm over metrics. A subscription to the Equinox+ app is required for SoulCycle classes, which focus on riding to the beat of music. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen, requiring a separate device.
Solidly built and comfortable, the bike features a clear and bright 21.5-inch touchscreen, though responsiveness could be inconsistent. Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars offer customization. Magnetic resistance is responsive and smooth. However, the SoulCycle experience is style-specific, emphasizing “beat match” percentage over traditional progress tracking, which may not appeal to all users seeking a stationary exercise bike for structured fitness goals.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Budget Disappointment
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 was a significant disappointment, described as having a “cheap feel” and likened to a “tin can” by testers. Unresponsive resistance, a loud flywheel, and a dim, barely readable LCD screen contributed to a poor user experience. The Yosuda Pro falls short in terms of quality and performance, making it a less desirable option even within the budget stationary exercise bike category.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Stationary Exercise Bike
Selecting the best stationary exercise bike ultimately depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. The Bowflex VeloCore offers an innovative leaning feature and solid build quality, but its app content may not be for everyone, and the screen shake at high cadences is a minor drawback. The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 and EX-5s provide app-centric experiences with vast class libraries, but resistance inconsistencies and app dependency are considerations. The Keiser M3i stands out for its premium design and connectivity, appealing to serious cyclists. The Myx II Plus is a comprehensive home gym package, while the NordicTrack S22i is feature-rich but suffers from durability and stability issues. The Sole SB900 is underwhelming, and the Yosuda Pro is a budget option that compromises significantly on quality. For rhythm-focused classes, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is a strong contender. Carefully consider your workout style, desired features, and budget to choose the stationary exercise bike that will best support your fitness journey.
