A good exercise bike at home makes it easy to get fit, burn calories, and perform a daily workout. Whether the weather is not suitable to go for training, or you are tired of returning to the gym, it’s easy to jump on the exercise bike at the comfort of your home.
Some people purchase exercise bikes to maintain a good physique; others use them to lose weight. On the other hand, a few people perform indoor cycling for building muscle tone or boosting endurance. An indoor exercise bike is one of the best home gym equipment for a heart-pumping cardio workout.
Whatever are your needs, exercise bikes come with smart features to connect you with your fitness goals.
Confused, which exercise bike is best for you? With hundreds of cycling bikes available in the market, finding the perfect indoor exercise bike; thus, we are here to help. Walk along with us to explore the top cycling bikes for 2022.
The Best Exercise Bikes To Buy In 2022
We conducted an in-depth analysis to rank the best cycling bikes for 2022. Here is our rankings list for exercise bikes:
- Peloton
- Schwinn Fitness IC4
- NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
- MYX Fitness II Plus
- Rogue Fitness Echo Bike
- JOROTO X2
- Echelon Ex-15
- Inspire Fitness IC1.5 Indoor Cycle
- RENPHO AI-Powered Bike
- Sunny 1805
- YOSUDA Bike
- PooBoo Indoor Cycling Bike
- Horizon Fitness
- Carol AI Bike
- Stryde
- Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
- Cyclace Stationary Exercise Bike
- ProForm Studio Bike Pro
Let’s get into the details of each at-home exercise bike!
Peloton Bike
Peloton has its name as one of the top-rated exercise bikes in the industry. Because of its trendy style, associated app, interactive feel, and live-streamed classes to follow on and off the bike – all come with the Peloton subscription.
Although the subscription is not necessary, it is one of the reasons why people get attracted to Peloton bike in contrast to the range of options available in the market.
This exercise bike is high-quality fitness equipment with accessible seat and handlebars adjustments, a large 22 inch HD touch screen, and resistance adjustments. It is a compact model – two feet wider and four feet long.
Schwinn Fitness IC4
Schwinn has won an excellent reputation in the exercise bikes industry. The company offers different models of exercise bikes – high-quality and premium models with smart features.
Schwinn Fitness IC4 is the latest version of IC2 and IC3 and the most expensive one, priced at $ 799. Its unique features include compatibility with third-party apps like Zwift and Peloton, one-year JRNY membership to provide coaching and feedback regarding daily workouts, magnetic resistance, and more than 50 virtual destinations.
Moreover, the full-color backlit LCD console monitors speed, time, heart rate, RPMs, distance, time, and calories to keep you on track.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
The best alternative to Peloton bike is NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle, with impressive features and free membership for a year. This bike comes with some attractive features, such as magnetic resistance that means you can ride quieter than other exercise bikes. Also, you get access to live and on-demand fitness classes. Its touchscreen is handy and rotates 360 degrees.
Unlike other best exercise bikes, with NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle, your instructor can adjust the bike’s resistance from a far distance.
MYX Fitness II Plus
MYX Fitness II Plus is an indoor workout bike that meets customers’ unique needs. It holds weight up to 350lbs, adjusts height in the range of 4’11”to 6’8”, features SPD clip-in shoe support, and has optimized Q-factor for the better distance between pedals. Unlike other bikes on our list, it also has a built-in camera and touchscreen to give an unbeatable experience.
The MYX Fitness II Plus exercise bike is one of the most preferred bikes in elite studios and commercial gyms due to its premium quality, durability, and reliability.
Rogue Fitness Echo Bike
The Rogue Fitness Echo Bike is constructed with heavy-duty steel and precision engineering to forge a stronger, sturdier fan bike. Its 127 LB unit offers a rock-solid foundation for maximum outputs along with easy portability around the gym with a pair of 1” polyurethane front wheels.
With high contrast LCD consoles, athletes track intervals, heart rate, calories burned, and distance, and the steel fan blade produces a smooth and steady ride.
JOROTO X2
JOROTO X2 features magnetic resistance and a belt-driven system to let you enjoy an unbeatable, smooth, and silent ride. At reasonable pricing, it offers a 10.2 inch iPad holder, 35 Lb chromed flywheel, and rock-solid build for around 300lb user maximum weight.
Furthermore, the package includes installation tools and a one-year free replacement offer for all parts.
Echelon Ex-15
Echelon Ex-15 is a modern fitness bike that features 32 levels of precise, silent resistance, making it easy to adjust workout intensity. The cycle further comes with adjustable toe cages on the pedals and extra-large cushioned seats to give a secure fit and comfortable ride.
Moreover, Echelon membership allows you to participate in 5 to 45-minute rides, climbing, HIIT rides, endurance training, and more. The Echelon Ex-15 fitness bike is a reasonably priced and best value option on our list.
Inspire Fitness IC1.5 Indoor Cycle
Inspire Fitness IC1.5 Indoor Cycle features adjustable long-lasting, and contact-free magnetic resistance for a smooth and quiet ride. With a 31Lb flywheel, two-way adjustable handlebars, and four-way adjustable seat, you can enjoy a comfortable ride with reduced chances of injury.
Furthermore, a built-in water bottle holder and tablet holder and Bluetooth connectivity are some of the unique features of Inspire Fitness IC1.5 Indoor Cycle.
RENPHO AI-Powered Bike
RENPHO AI-Powered Bike is the first AI smart exercise bike that offers a revolutionary workout experience. The AI Gym application offers a personalized experience to everyone, and you get access to more than 70 courses and fitness classes where you can participate with other users.
Moreover, the smart bike automatically modifies resistance based on your goals, power output, and rhythm.
Sunny 1805
Sunny 1805 is a magnetic-resistant exercise bike with multi handle grips and high interval training to give you an unbeatably smooth and quiet experience of a high-intensity cardio workout. With a simple twist, the users can increase and decrease the resistance to make their workout challenging and effective each day.
Its incredible 44 pounds flywheels offer improved physical fitness training and strength training. Meanwhile, the leather band resistance system gives the true feeling of real road, and adjustable seating with caged pedals enhances the ride experience.
YOSUDA Bike
YOSUDA Bike is a smooth stationary bike with a 35LB flywheel and heavy-duty steel frame for guaranteed stability while cycling. Along with this, the belt-driven system offers a quieter ride to avoid disturbance and an enhanced experience.
Whether you want to improve heart function, lung capacity, muscle tone, or decrease weight, the extensive range of resistance options give a comfortable riding experience as per your goals. Also, it’s entirely safe to ride YOSUDA Bike because of the adjustable cage pedals and resistance bar.
PooBoo Indoor Cycling Bike
The PooBoo Indoor Cycling Bike is a trendy exercise bike with unique color and design reasonably priced at $ 289 only.
It gained the title of Amazon bestseller for months due to its cost-effective price range. It offers all essential features for an at-home cardio workout. You get a solid build made of a heavy-duty steel frame, 35 pounds flywheel, adjustable design for a comfortable experience, transport wheels to move the exercise bike quickly, and adjustable resistance to fulfill your workout goals.
Also, this cycling bike features an LCD monitor and iPad mount to help you track distance, speed, time, heart rate, calories, and pulse.
Horizon Fitness
Horizon Fitness offers a wide range of fitness equipment to meet people’s unique needs and fitness goals. The company’s primary aim is to deliver high-performance and durable cycling bikes that completely suit individual goals.
The three bike categories include:
- Indoor Cycle including the GR3 Indoor Cycle and IC7.9 Indoor Cycle.
- Upright Exercise Bikes, including the Comfort U Upright and Bike.
- Recumbent Exercise Bikes including the Comfort R and Recumbent Bike.
Each Horizon Fitness cycling bike comes with a tablet holder and Bluetooth speakers to enhance the experience.
Carol AI Bike
The Carol AI Bike is an expensive fitness bike on our list; however, the company claims that this cycling bike aims to offer the benefits of 45 minutes of cardio training in a matter of 8 minutes 40 seconds only.
It seems unbelievable, but as per the claims, the UK-based company has manufactured this cycling bike with a REHIT workout philosophy. The bike is designed to offer innovative AI-powered workouts.
Thus, if you want to fulfill your workout goals quickly, then the Carol AI Exercise Bike and its popular sub-9 minute workout are the correct picks for you.
Stryde
Stryde is a high-performance exercise bike that offers cardio workouts and strength training so that you can get into the perfect physique and desired shape.
Its modern design and compact size give you the true feeling of real road, and with the Stryde digital app, you get access to numerous challenging workouts from the most popular fitness studios and instructors.
Like Peloton, the Stryde features high-quality bikes and popular workout programs that continue to gain traction in the cycling bike industry.
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle is the world’s first V shape exercise bike that mimics the road bike frame that means you can adjust the handlebars and seat as per your comfort. Many users love to ride road bikes but do not like exercise bikes; Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle is specially designed for them.
Moreover, unlike other bikes, the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle package comes with a media tray, gel seat cover, floor mat, M connect display, dumbbell holder, stretch pads, M series assembly, and maintenance kit along with the bike itself.
Cyclace Stationary Exercise Bike
The Cyclace Stationary Exercise Bike is a reasonably priced exercise bike that costs around $ 329 only. This cycling bike features a sturdier frame, a tablet holder, LCD monitor, non-slip handlebar, thickened steel, triangular frame, and a four-way adjustable seat despite the low price.
This bicycle offers a stable, safe and quiet cycling experience to reduce calories, burn fats, build core muscles, strengthen the heart, and other workout goals.
ProForm Studio Bike Pro
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro is a popular option among families because you can add up to five users in one subscription. It features 24 digital resistance levels, 250lb total weight capacity, 22″ HD touchscreen, 10-year frame warranty, and 3lb dumbbell set.
Moreover, you get a premium iFIT experience which means you can participate in global workouts and studio classes, attend live classes and events, get access to expert trainers, and a 30-day membership.
How We Ranked The Best At-Home Exercise Bikes Of 2022
After comparing hundreds of exercise bikes available in the market, we ranked the top cycling bikes. We looked for features, cost, style, and customer reviews to separate the best and worst exercise bikes for ranking.
Below are some ranking factors that we considered before making the list of top cycling bikes of 2022:
Quietness
Most users prefer to buy quieter exercise bikes to focus on workout classes, live events, favorite movies, or music. Also, more silent bikes make it easy for other people around you to focus on their daily life activities.
Sturdiness
Sturdiness is an important ranking factor; exercise bikes with a rock-solid foundation and muscular build last longer without the risk of smashing and causing injury to users.
Comfort
You have to practice cycling regularly; however, if your exercise bike is uncomfortable to ride, you won’t use it daily. Therefore we consider those bikes that offer maximum comfort and rideability.
Easy Adjustability
We prefer exercise bikes that are easily adjustable for different types of users; most cycling bikes on our list offer a range of height and weight adjustments. For example, the MYX Fitness II Plus exercise bike adjusts height in the field of 4’11”to 6’8” and holds weight up to 350lbs. On the other hand, a few bikes carry weight under 250lbs and are not suitable for short individuals.
Ease of Use
Some exercise bikes are easy to use for beginners as well as experts. They feature pedal cages and clips to avoid slipping injury. At the same time, other bikes come with awkward instructions and long startup times that require an expert instructor.
We rank cycling bikes that are simple to use and compact.
Smoothness
The smoothness of exercise bike affect your workout performance; for instance, some cycling bikes give a feel of a perfectly paced track while others make you feel like you are traveling via a rock-strewn road. We rank the indoor exercise bikes that are smooth to ride and not jerky.
Pricing & Value
Exercise bikes cost around $280 to $ 3500; however, whatever the price, we prefer the bikes that offer the best experience and a good value for the money spent. Whether you are paying a few dollars or hundred dollars, you must get unparalleled quality.
Manufacturer Reputation
A few companies have a long-standing record of producing premium quality exercise bikes, while other manufacturers are new startups and build low-quality cycling bikes. However, we prefer the manufacturers that create high-quality bikes at reasonable pricing.
Customer Testimonials
We compared customer reviews about different exercise bikes and ranked those with positive customer testimonials. We checked thousands of reviews to categorize indoor exercise bikes.
Warranty Period
We prefer the companies that offer warranties to their customers. A 2 to 3 years warranty shows that the manufacturer is confident about its cycling bike.
We consider the above valuable factors in ranking the best cycling bikes of 2022.
Benefits Of In-Door Exercise Bikes
The at-home exercise bikes offer a wide range of benefits. Some of these benefits are:
Boosts Cardio Fitness
Cycling is one of the powerful ways of cardiovascular workouts. It strengthens your heart, muscles, and lungs, improves blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, and boosts cardio fitness.
According to the American Heart Association, at least 150 minutes of cardio exercise per week is necessary for adults to boost heart performance. You can meet this goal with an exercise bike at home.
Help With Weight Loss
A study conducted in 2010 suggests that an indoor cycling routine for 12 weeks decreased body weight by 2.6% and fat mass by 4.3%. Many individuals kickstart their weight loss journey with exercise bike programs.
Offers A Low-Impact Workout
Indoor cycling is a good option for people with joint injuries and dysfunctions. Unlike jumping, running, jogging, and other high-impact exercises, a cycling bike is a low-impact workout that does not pressure the joints, thus strengthening bones and muscles.
Also, the stationary bike transfers equal stress to all lower-body parts preventing knee injuries.
Allows Interval Training
With an at-home exercise bike, you can adjust resistance levels and alternate between intense and low-intensity workouts. This interval training lets you burn more calories and recover quickly after exercise.
Safety
Unlike outdoor cycling that can cause hazards and is difficult to perform under hot and cold weather, an at-home exercise bike lets you follow your routine and perform a regular workout safely.
You don’t have to think about weather conditions, traffic congestion, or uneven road surfaces and work out safely from the comfort of your home.
Easy To Use
Whether you are a first-time user or experienced, the exercise bike is easy to use by everyone. It is perfect for those starting their weight loss journey and experienced trainers.
Affordable
Whether you’re spending $ 300 on an exercise bike or $ 3000 on a premium cycling bike, it is worth the purchase. It is a one-time cost as the exercise bikes are durable enough to last longer than road bikes.
Boost Breathing And Lung Capacity
Research shows that regular cycling can improve your lung capacity. During the workout, you increase muscle performance, which means your muscle requires less oxygen and produces less carbon dioxide. In short, it improves your body’s ability to utilize oxygen.
Types Of Exercise Bikes
Primarily there are three types of exercise bikes, including upright bike, recumbent bike, and dual-action bike.
Upright Bikes
The upright bike is the most popular type of cycling bike. Similar to the regular bicycle, its pedals are positioned under your body. You can use this bike in standing and sitting positions, and it is excellent for cardio workouts and for strengthening your leg and core muscles.
A single downside of an upright bike is that it puts pressure on your upper limbs during a workout and is uncomfortable to use for more extended periods.
Recumbent Bike
With a recumbent exercise bike, you sit in a relaxed reclined position on a larger seat, and the foot pedals are positioned in front of you. According to the research, recumbent bikes prevent back pain and put less pressure on your upper body, lower back, and joints.
It is a perfect option for older adults and those suffering from backache and joint problems.
Dual Action Bike
A dual-action bike is dissimilar to a regular road bicycle. Its handlebars move back and forth to target the upper body muscles. The dual-action cycle gives you a solid upper body workout, unlike other exercise bikes.
Safety Guidelines To Follow While Using Exercise Bikes
Although stationary bikes are safer to use than road bicycles, you may fall off the bike or injure yourself due to a lack of balance if you’re a beginner. Also, a few people develop fatigue due to repetitive motion in poor posture.
For staying safe, you must keep the following tips in your mind:
- Never exert yourself beyond your limits. We recommend starting with low-intensity training and shorter duration to high-intensity workout and longer time if you are new to exercise.
- Always follow the correct posture as incorrect positioning of your body may harm you, causing injuries. If you’re unaware of the proper posture, ask a certified trainer for help.
- Make sure to give yourself a break between workouts to recover.
- Monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and balance, and talk to the doctor when needed.
- Keep your elbows slightly bend and close to your body.
- Remember to keep your head aligned with your neck and spine while riding the exercise bike.
- Avoid leaning on the handlebars, which can put excess weight on your wrists and forearms.
- Adjust your seat to the most comfortable position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exercise Bikes
Q. What are exercise bikes?
A: Exercise bikes are stationary bikes that tone your lower body and help you meet your fitness goals.
Q. How long should I ride an exercise bike?
A: In fact, the duration depends on the workout intensity, fitness level, and preferences. However, most individuals spend around 15 to 60 minutes per session.
Q. What are the benefits of an at-home exercise bike?
A: The at-home exercise bike is a fully functional gym in the comfort of your home. It is easy to hop on the machine whenever you’re free, fulfilling the workout goals.
Q. Is exercise bike safe to ride?
A: Stationary bikes are safe to use than road bikes, and it has a lower risk of injuries; however, you can talk to your doctor or an expert trainer who is concerned about the safety of at-home bikes.
Q. What are the main types of tension systems on cycling bikes?
A: Stationary bikes have three main types of tension systems including:
- Open-air flywheel.
- Magnetic resistance.
- Mechanical resistance.
Q. Are chain drive or belt drive exercise bikes good to buy?
A: With chain drive exercise bikes, you can pedal forward and backward, and these exercise bikes last longer; however, these are noisier than regular ones. You will also need the replacement of belt drive bikes after a certain period.
Q. Should I choose an exercise bike with heavier flywheels?
A: Exercise bikes come with flywheels of 8lbs to 44lbs, and individual preferences vary. However, a heavier flywheel offers more velocity to keep the pedals moving, giving the feeling of a regular road bike.
Q. Does my exercise bike need regular maintenance?
A: Most at-home stationary bikes require only a little maintenance. You just need to oil up your chain drive bike or replace a belt drive that is cheap and easy. Except for this, you need to keep the exercise bike clean to avoid corrosion.
Q. What is the main difference between an upright and a spin exercise bike?
A: An upright bike is ideal for seated individuals as it features a broader and more comfortable seat than a spin bike. These bikes have fixed resistance levels, heart rate sensors, monitor displays, and personalized workout programs.
On the other hand, spin exercise bikes are more similar to road bikes. They are used while sitting and standing and offer multi-grip handlebars. A spin bike is suitable for HIIT workouts and indoor cycling training.
Q. Which is the best exercise bike for seniors?
A: Recumbent bikes offer better back support and are ideal for people with mobility issues, joint pain, and muscle dysfunction. Therefore most seniors prefer recumbent exercise bikes.
Q. How can I assemble my exercise bike?
A: Exercise bikes are easy to assemble; you can follow the instructions or call someone from the company. Most exercise bikes take 30 minutes to two hours to build.
Q. Does weight limit matter for stationary bikes?
A: All exercise bikes come with a maximum weight limit, and we recommend you follow this limit to avoid injury and bike damage.
Q. Which exercise bikes do gyms have?
A: Gyms use exercise bikes with the best durability and rock-solid foundation that require minimum maintenance, but these bikes are costly. Most gyms have Schwinn, Body Craft, Life Fitness, and Keiser exercise bikes.
Q. Which exercise bike is the best to buy?
A: Any exercise bike mentioned in our list of top cycling bikes of 2022 is the best to use, including Peloton, Schwinn, NordicTrack, and Rogue Fitness.
The Best Exercise Bikes To Buy In 2022 Final Thoughts
Riding an at-home stationary exercise bike is an excellent and effective way of burning calories and body fat along with strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. Compared to other types of cardio equipment, an exercise bicycle puts less stress on your joints, providing an excellent aerobic workout.
An exercise bike at home makes it more likely for you to perform cardio workouts regularly and keep you fit.
Out of hundreds of exercise bikes available in the market, we have prepared a list of top cycling bikes of 2022 based on various ranking factors.
Note that any guidelines or information mentioned in this article is not an alternative to medical advice from a certified physician. Ensure to consult a professional before making any purchase; if you are currently suffering from any disease or taking medications, always refer to your doctor before using any equipment.
