Cycling is one of the best low-impact forms of exercise. You can get your high-intensity and low-intensity cardio in and a resistance workout if you go uphills. But it is not always possible to cycle outdoors. Weather, terrain, and time can prevent you from going out and getting a workout.
That’s why indoor cycles are a fantastic investment. You can get your workout in at your convenience, regardless of weather or time. Want to work out as you binge Yellowstone? You can do that. Need an early morning serotonin boost? Your indoor bike has got you covered.
We tested and reviewed 30 indoor bikes to find the best ones for you to choose from. With the input of a Certified Personal Trainer and fitness equipment supply and maintenance technician, we found eight that met and surpassed our requirements. Here are the best indoor cycles for your home gym.
Quick Look
Bowflex C6 Bike – Best Overall
The C6 has a sleek and versatile design, perfect for home gyms. It can fit in most apartments, although it is a bit big for tiny studios.
Equipped with a 40-pound flywheel and 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels, you can be sure to get an intense workout daily.
Additionally, the dual-sided pedals allow for clipping in or using toe cages for your comfort as you ride. The multi-grip handlebars offer a comfortable grip and come with a pair of 3-lb (1.5kg) dumbbells for added upper-body resistance.
The C6 has a backlit LCD screen that allows you to track your time, calorie expenditure, distance, heart rate, speed, resistance level, and cadence.
You can also secure your tablet to the bike mount and use whatever workout platform you like. The flexibility to use the bike without a subscription or workout plan makes it perfect for those looking for regular exercise without tracking.
Pros
- Dual-sided pedals
- Sleek design
- No subscriptions required
- Affordable
Cons
- Cannot adjust the table-mount angle
- Not as sturdy as our other options
Features
Digital Monitor: Yes, LCD
Max Weight Capacity: 330lbs (150kgs)
Resistance: Yes, 100 micro-adjustable levels
Product Weight: 106 lbs
Dimensions: 48.7 x 21.2 x 51.8 in
Assembly: Requires self-assembly
NordicTrack S15i Commercial Studio Cycle – Runner Up
If you want a sturdy indoor cycling experience that mimics outdoor cycling, consider investing in the NordicTrack S15i. It is built to last with a stable, commercial-grade steel frame, allowing you to have an intense ride without worry.
The S15i has a 14-inch HD touchscreen display that you can use for virtual cycling. It showcases beautiful routes across the world, offering an immersive indoor riding experience. You can also easily track your calorie expenditure, speed, and distance.
Your comfort is assured when using the NordicTrack S15i, as it features an ergonomic saddle and adjustable handlebars. The flywheel is inertia-enabled and uses silent magnetic resistance for the quietest at-home ride. It’s ideal for those living in strict apartment complexes or with other people. The pedals on the S15i are compatible with road bike pedals, helping immerse you in your virtual cycling experience.
NordicTrack offers tons of high-energy studio classes with certified trainers on their iFIT platform. You can work out your full body with just the S15i due to their many cross-training workout programs, including yoga and weightlifting. The bike itself offers 22 digital resistance levels and an auto-adjust feature for a true road-ride feel.
Pros
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
- Offers an immersive road-ride experience
- Ultra-quiet
Cons
- Expensive
- You need iFIT membership to truly enjoy the bike
- Doesn’t have pre-programmed workouts
Features
Digital Monitor: HD monitor
Max Weight Capacity: 350 lbs (159 kgs)
Resistance: Yes, 22 digital adjustable levels and a manual tension knob
Product Weight: 202 lbs
Dimensions: 55.75 x 22 x 61 in
Assembly: Yes, professional assembly is available
Peloton Bike+ – Best Luxury Option
By now you know that Peloton has become a craze. And for good reason! Their high-end indoor bike comes with magnificent features and subscription-based workout programs. The trainers are fun, and the bike is built to last. Now all this comes at a steep price, but if you have the money, we believe it is a worthwhile investment for your health and fitness.
The Peleteton is built with a welded steel frame for ultimate durability and stability. The belt is smooth and nearly silent. It is a compact and adjustable bike, and you can fit it in many tight spaces. Additionally, the bike offers manual and digital auto-resistance.
With the four inbuilt speakers and a rotating 23.8-inch touchscreen display, you can immerse yourself in your cycling class. The Peloton starter package does come with a pair of cycling shoes, weights, and a workout mat. The screen also displays details about your workout, including heart rate, and you can sync your apple watch to your bike.
However, to truly make your purchase worth it, you would need to purchase the Peloton All-Access membership every month.
Pros
- Sleek and compact design
- Sturdy, durable build
- Comes with workout programs integration
Cons
- Requires monthly subscription
- Expensive
Features
Digital Monitor: HD monitor
Max Weight Capacity: 297 lbs (135kgs)
Resistance: Yes, 100 digital auto-follow levels and manual tension knob
Product Weight: 135 lbs
Dimensions: 59 x 22 x 59 in
Assembly: Yes, professional assembly is available
DMASUN Indoor Cycling Bike – Best Budget Option
If you want an affordable indoor bike with many features, DMASUN is a high-quality option to consider. While there are cheaper indoor bikes available, they do not offer the same range of features that DMASUN does. It is a stable and safe bike made of alloy steel to ensure a smooth ride.
The bike has a wool-felt resistance system that offers 100 levels of quiet micro-resistance. The small display shows you your time, speed, distance, and calories, allowing you to adjust your intensity as you see fit. There is also a hand-held pulse that monitors your real-time heartbeat.
The DMASUN indoor bike has a tablet holder and water bottle cage. The cage pedals are non-slip, and you can adjust the seat four ways. The handlebar is also adjustable two-way, and you can get any part replacement within the first 12 months of purchase for free.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy build
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Tracking is a bit inaccurate
- You may need to replace some parts over time
Features
Digital Monitor: Yes
Max Weight Capacity: 297 lbs (135kgs)
Resistance: Yes, 100 micro-adjustable levels with manual knob
Product Weight: 135 lbs
Dimensions: 59 x 22 x 59 in
Assembly: Yes, professional assembly is available
YOSUDA PRO Magnetic Exercise Bike – Best for Beginners
You may want to consider the Yosuda Pro if you are just getting started with your home gym or have never used an indoor bike before. It has good features and covers all the basics you need in an indoor bike.
The magnetic drive system ensures a seamless and noise-free ride. You can bike while others work comfortably. The handlebar and seat are adjustable in four ways, allowing you to personalize your bike to suit your needs. The 40-pound flywheel and 100 micro-adjustable resistance settings ensure you can make the ride as difficult as you want.
The Yosuda pro has a rock-solid commercial steel frame, ensuring a stable and sturdy ride on any surface. It also comes with an LCD screen that shows you your speed, distance, and calories. You can also attach a tablet to the screen holder. The holder does not block the screen, and you can look at both throughout your ride.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy and simple build
- Has a screen and tablet holder
Cons
- Not very durable
- The tension knob can be hard to use
Features
Digital Monitor: LCD monitor
Max Weight Capacity: 350 lbs (159 kgs)
Resistance: Yes, manual knob with 100 micro-adjustable levels
Product Weight: 40 lbs
Dimensions: 42 x 22 x 41 in
Assembly: Requires self-assembly
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 – Best For Music Lovers
For those that enjoy music and want to get lost on a ride with the perfect playlist, Echelon has got you covered. Their EX-5 comes with over 25 million songs from various artists and genres like EDM, metal, dance, K-Pop, Hip-Hop, and more. You can bike away with your perfect playlist without worrying about headphones or curating a playlist yourself.
The music is not EX-5’s only selling point. You can enjoy 30 days free of Echelon Premier membership which comes with over 3000 live and on-demand workout classes. The classes are led by top instructors and aren’t purely cycling classes. You can get yoga, pilates, HIIT, kickboxing, and more, and have an amazing playlist to accompany your workout.
The EX-5 is equipped with ergonomic aero handlebars and dual-sided SPD-compatible pedals for riding comfort. It has a rotating display console you can use to set up your tablet or mobile for off-bike workouts. The seat is large and adjustable, and the bike has 32 resistance levels.
Pros
- Has a powder-coat frame, making it scratch-resistant
- 180-degree rotating display console
- Workout programs integration
Cons
- On the pricier end
- Doesn’t come with a screen
Features
Digital Monitor: No
Max Weight Capacity: 300lbs (136 kgs)
Resistance: Yes, 32 levels with magnetic resistance
Product Weight: 106 lbs
Dimensions: 58 x 20 x 55 in
Assembly: Yes, professional assembly is available
XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike – Best Simple Design
For those looking for a compact, simple, and affordable indoor cycling option, Xterra has got you covered. Their folding indoor bike has a solid x-frame design and is foldable, allowing you to store it away after every use.
The Xterra folding bike also has a large seat and multi-position handlebars. It offers a comfortable ride but not for long hours. It also has a tiny LCD window that displays your time, speed, calories, pulse, and distance.
You can adjust the resistance up to eight levels using the manual dial. This bike allows you to get in a good workout and is an ideal option for those looking to occasionally cycle. It is not a long-term investment but helps you get some cardio in for a few years.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and foldable
- Battery-powered
Cons
- Not sturdy
- Doesn’t offer much resistance
Features
Digital Monitor: Yes
Max Weight Capacity: 225lbs (102kgs)
Resistance: Yes, eight levels with manual dial
Product Weight: 32 lbs
Dimensions: 32 x 18 x 43 in
Assembly: Yes, folding and unfolding
BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand – Best Outdoor Bike Converter
If you want an affordable indoor cycling option, consider this outdoor bike converter from BalanceFrom. For those who already have an outdoor bike or are considering purchasing one, the converter is your best option. It has an A-frame stand that sits under the back wheel of the bike. The riser sits under the front wheel to allow for peddling.
This stand allows for the swift conversion of an outdoor bike to an indoor one. When you wake up and notice that it’s too cold or slippery to cycle outside, you can quickly use your converter. It is compact and can be left set up on a mat. However, you can also fold it up and store it away until you need it next.
The BalanceFrom Trainer Stand comes with a built-in tension knob for adjusting resistance to ensure you get a good workout in. You can use the stand for road and mountain bikes as long as they have 26- or 28-inch wheels.
Pros
- Affordable
- Works on any surface
- Easy and fast to install
Cons
- Is noisy with rough tires
- The tension knob needs some fine-tuning
Features
Digital Monitor: No
Max Weight Capacity: 330lbs (150kgs)
Resistance: Yes, eight levels using a manual tension knob
Product Weight: 106 lbs
Dimensions: N/A
Assembly: Yes, self-assembly
What To Consider When Buying Indoor Cycles
Choosing an indoor cycle for your home gym is a big deal. Unless you have a lot of disposable income, you’re usually stuck with your choice until you can save enough for the next one.
Here are some things to consider before picking one of our indoor cycle recommendations.
Budget
The first thing you should consider is how much you are willing to spend on an indoor bike. There are many options fitting a wide range of budgets available.
Take some time to check your finances and give yourself a range to work with. Also, consider whether you’re willing to pay for monthly subscription add-ons.
Comfort
Your comfort should be at the forefront of your mind when looking for an indoor cycle. The handlebars and seat are the first parts to check for comfort.
A seat that is too hard will injure your tailbone. Similarly, handles that are not adjustable may be uncomfortable. Look for adjustable, ergonomic ones with gel or foam. This consideration is especially critical for those planning to use their bike daily or for hours at a time.
Ease of Use
Spending an eternity looking for instructions or adjusting the bike before you use it is a waste of time and resources. Ideally, you want a bike that is easy to adjust to your liking without multiple complicated steps.
You also want to consider how you like to work out. If you’re following a workout on a fitness app, a larger display monitor or a tablet holder makes the bike easier to use. Adjusting resistance, handlebars, and the seat should also be simple.
Range of Features
Depending on your preferences, you may want more or fewer features. Some people just want to get on the bike for 30 minutes and then get off. But if you get into different workouts or use videos, you may want to look for more features. A bottle or weights holder, heart rate monitor, speakers, or the ability to sync onto other apps or devices are some features to look out for.
Resistance
You need resistance to get a good workout in unless you want to be chained to your indoor cycle for hours. Digital resistance control is easier to use, especially during an intense workout. Auto-adjustable resistance offers a more realistic road-ride simulation experience. Manual resistance control can be hard to work around, depending on where the knob is.
Dimensions
Think about the space you have for your home gym before you purchase an indoor cycle. Some indoor bikes are foldable and can easily fit in small spaces, even with bigger dimensions.
Ideally, you want to find an indoor cycle that fits perfectly into the workout space you have. Bonus points if it has transport wheels, especially if you don’t have a set place you want it to go.
Indoor cycles are usually not large machines, and most can comfortably fit in small, one-bedroom apartments. If you have a studio, you may want to check that you have cleared enough space for your bike or get a foldable one.
How We Picked Indoor Cycles
When we were looking for the best indoor bike options to recommend, we had a lot of things we considered, including the following.
Price
We were not looking for one specific price. Nonetheless, we wanted to recommend indoor bikes fitting different budget ranges. We wanted everyone to be able to find an indoor bike that fits their budget with good features.
Features
Having an indoor bike that just allows you to cycle is great, but that defeats the purpose of being able to get in a regular workout. We looked at many options and selected those that had a broader range of features in each price range.
Ease of Use
Having to Google every time you want to use your indoor cycle is not ideal. We looked for indoor bikes that had an easy learning curve. After the first few weeks with any of our recommended bikes, you’ll understand how to set them up and use them.
Size
The whole point of a home gym is that it’s compact and doesn’t take up too much space. While some may have a large garage or room to fit a fully-equipped gym, others have a small space in a room. We wanted each option to be as compact as possible. We also looked for moveable and foldable bikes.
Resistance
We want you to be able to get a good workout in. Resistance allows you to have a simulated outdoor experience using your indoor cycle. The more resistance levels available on a bike, the better the workout you can get with it. However, we did not discount bikes with fewer resistance levels if they met the other criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about picking the best indoor cycle? Here are a few common questions.
How do I set up my indoor cycle?
Every indoor bike you purchase will come with a user manual that offers step-by-step instructions. You can also search for setup guides or pay for professional assembly.
How much does an indoor cycle cost?
An indoor cycle can cost anywhere from $200 to $2200. On average, indoor bikes cost around $700. You can get cheaper if you sacrifice durability and features. The more features you want, the more expensive the indoor bike will be.
Is indoor cycling good for fitness?
Indoor cycling is a great workout. It can help improve heart health, build muscular and cardiovascular endurance, shed fat, and boost your mood. The most worked muscle group is the legs and abs, especially with the right resistance.
Is an indoor cycle better than a treadmill?
It depends on your goal. Indoor cycles are great resistance and cardio exercise machines. Cycling is a low-impact exercise, and you can make it low or high-intensity by adjusting resistance and speed.
For those who suffer from joint or back issues or have recently suffered an injury, an indoor cycle may be the better option. If you want to run, treadmills are better as they allow both walking and running.
How long should you indoor cycle a day?
It is recommended that you get 150 minutes of moderate cardio exercise weekly for good heart health. This recommendation can translate to 20 to 30 minutes of cycling per day or four sessions of 45 minutes per week.
Final Thoughts
So whether you’re a cycling fanatic or just looking to add cardio to your strength training routine, these are the best indoor cycles. These machines are available at different price points and with various features, but they are all high-quality options that can take your health and fitness to the next level.
