Choosing the right Workout Bike can revolutionize your home fitness routine. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting your fitness journey, a workout bike offers a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and burn calories effectively from the comfort of your home. This guide dives into a detailed review of several top workout bikes, helping you make an informed decision for your health and fitness goals.
Bowflex VeloCore: Leaning into Innovation
The Bowflex VeloCore stands out in the crowded market of workout bikes with its unique leaning feature. This sturdy and well-constructed bike comes in two models, with a 16-inch screen ($1,800) and a 22-inch screen ($2,200), both offering access to a wide range of workouts via a one-year membership to Jrny, Bowflex’s workout-streaming app.
The leaning mode is the VeloCore’s signature feature, allowing riders to tilt from side to side, mimicking the feel of outdoor cycling. While it adds an element of novelty and can engage different muscle groups, mastering the leaning technique takes practice, and it might not feel as natural as turning on a traditional bike.
The VeloCore excels in adjustability, with fully adjustable seat and handlebars, catering to a wide range of body types. It also features dual-sided pedals compatible with SPD cleats for cycling shoes or toe cages for regular sneakers. With 100 levels of magnetic resistance, users can precisely adjust workout intensity. However, some screen shaking at higher cadences, especially when standing, was noted during testing.
The Jrny app provides on-demand, instructor-led workouts, both on and off the bike. While informative, the content may lack the high-energy and diverse intensity levels found in platforms like Peloton. The VeloCore does offer connectivity to other apps like Peloton and Zwift via external devices, though syncing the VeloCore’s cadence monitor with the Peloton app wasn’t successful in tests. For entertainment, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ are available directly on the bike’s screen with subscriptions.
Diamondback 510ic: A Rocky Start
In 2022, the Diamondback 510ic was tested, but encountered significant issues. The first unit arrived with a broken motor, and the replacement bike suffered from a malfunctioning revolutions-per-minute sensor, requiring a replacement part. These initial quality control issues raise concerns about the reliability of the Diamondback 510ic as a consistent workout bike option.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5: Tablet-Based Training
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 utilizes your own tablet (mounted on a holder) to connect to the Echelon Fit app ($39/month). This setup provides access to workouts via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Like the VeloCore, it features dual-sided pedals and a display that resembles the Peloton Bike, including a leaderboard for competitive riders.
However, the resistance knob on the EX-5 was found to be less predictable than Peloton’s, making it difficult to accurately gauge the resistance level. Furthermore, resistance adjustment is disabled when not connected to the app and engaged in a class, significantly limiting its standalone usability as a workout bike.
Echelon’s app offers a comparable number of daily live classes to Peloton, along with a large library of on-demand workouts. However, the app’s organization is less intuitive, and the quality of instructors and workouts can vary.
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s: Integrated Screen, Inconsistent Resistance
The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s is an upgraded version with a built-in screen for Echelon’s workouts. While the bike provides a smooth ride, the resistance remained inconsistent in tests. Testers reported feeling uncertain about the bike’s response to resistance adjustments. Handlebar wiggle was also noted as a concern. Additionally, the pedal placement felt too forward for some testers, creating an awkward riding position in certain stances. The busy home screen and basic water bottle holders were also points of criticism. Overall, the EX-5s didn’t quite meet expectations for a premium workout bike.
Keiser M3i: Sleek Design, Serious Training
The Keiser M3i stands out with its beautiful design, V-shaped handlebars, and compatibility with various cycling and workout apps. It seamlessly connects to the Keiser M Series app, which tracks ride data and syncs with apps like Strava.
The M3i features 24 smooth resistance levels adjusted via a lever and accommodates a wide range of user heights (4’10” to 7′) and weights (up to 350 pounds). The bike provided an enjoyable workout experience, including compatibility with Peloton classes. However, its features and capabilities might be best suited for serious cyclists with dedicated training goals rather than casual users seeking general fitness.
Myx II Plus: A Complete Home Gym Package
The Myx II Plus is an upgraded version of the Myx Plus, offering a comprehensive home gym experience. It requires a subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi, $39/month) for access to live and on-demand classes. The Myx II Plus includes a Star Trac bike equipped with sensors for cadence, distance, and speed, along with a 21.5-inch tablet.
Beyond the bike, the Myx II Plus comes with a range of equipment, including exercise and bike mats, resistance bands, dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a foam roller. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is also included to personalize workouts based on effort levels. While the included equipment adds value and convenience, acclimating to heart-rate based training may take time, and losing or forgetting to charge the monitor can impact the workout experience. The Myx II (without the extra equipment) is also available for those seeking just a workout bike.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: Feature-Rich, But Shaky
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike boasts a 22-inch tablet displaying studio and scenic rides via iFit, NordicTrack’s workout-streaming platform ($39/month family plan, $15/month individual). It’s packed with features, including automatic resistance, incline, and decline adjustments during iFit rides.
However, the screen exhibited noticeable shaking during workouts, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unstable. Durability concerns were raised when a pedal fell off the first test unit. While a replacement was sent, similar pedal issues have been reported by other users. The bike’s large size and weight also make it less mobile, and handlebar height adjustment was difficult due to the screen’s bulk.
Sole SB900: Undefined Resistance, Basic Features
The Sole SB900 offered a decent riding experience but didn’t particularly impress testers. The resistance felt undefined, requiring significant knob turning for noticeable changes. The safety break lever is separate from the resistance knob, an unconventional placement. The device and water bottle holders felt low quality, and the handlebars were described as thin and uncomfortable. The LCD console also requires separate USB charging. Overall, the SB900 was deemed adequate but unexciting as a workout bike option.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike: Music and Rhythm Focused
For those who prefer dance-party style indoor cycling classes focused on rhythm and music rather than metrics, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is a potential fit. It requires a $40/month subscription to the Equinox+ app for SoulCycle classes and other fitness options. Off-bike workouts are not accessible on the bike’s screen and require a separate device.
Solidly built and comfortable, the SoulCycle bike features a clear 21.5-inch touchscreen, though it can be somewhat unresponsive and non-rotating. Dual-sided pedals and adjustable handlebars enhance fit customization. The magnetic resistance is responsive and smooth. However, the SoulCycle experience is very specific, prioritizing “beat match” percentage over traditional progress tracking, which may not appeal to all users seeking a workout bike focused on performance metrics.
Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010: Budget Option, Compromised Quality
The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 proved disappointing due to its cheap feel. Testers described it as a “tin can” and didn’t enjoy using it. The resistance response was poor, the flywheel noisy, and the LCD screen was too dim to read easily. The Yosuda Pro represents a budget-friendly workout bike option but sacrifices quality and performance in key areas.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Workout Bike for You
Selecting the ideal workout bike depends on individual fitness needs, preferences, and budget. The Bowflex VeloCore offers innovative leaning technology, while the Keiser M3i provides a premium, sleek design for serious cyclists. For those seeking a complete home gym package, the Myx II Plus is an attractive option. Consider factors like workout content, resistance adjustability, build quality, and app integration when making your choice. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each model to find the workout bike that best aligns with your fitness journey and helps you achieve your goals.
