The 10 Best Exercise Bikes
Updated by · How we research
Which exercise bike fits you? We compared 10 spin, upright, recumbent, folding, air and under-desk models on fit, resistance and fees, led by the Schwinn IC4. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
The class-based bikes here need a monthly membership, and that fee adds up to a large sum over a few years, so count it in the price. An exercise bike gives you low-impact cardio at home in any weather. Spin bikes suit hard, studio-style rides, upright bikes suit steady sessions, and recumbent bikes with backrests suit riders who want support.
Editor's Notes
October 18, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Admin:
No membership and support for nearly any app put the Schwinn IC4 first. Half the old picks can't be bought new anymore: the Schwinn 270, Assault AirBike Elite, Stamina Elite and Exerpeutic Pulse are gone, so they're out. The Schwinn 290 takes over from the 270 as the recumbent choice, and the Marcy Air-1 fills the air bike role. The Joroto X2 listing now leads to a different model, and we couldn't find independent evidence that set the Sunny Health Pro or FitDesk 3.0 apart, so they made room for others.
The Keiser M3i, Xterra FB150 and Yosuda stay, the Yosuda now as its magnetic 002C version. Peloton moved from a side note into the main list as the Peloton Cross Training Bike+, next to the NordicTrack X24. Both are built for classes, but add up the monthly fee before you commit.
December 11, 2020:
A common issue with the Schwinn 170: after using it for a certain period of time, users often find that they are unable to adjust the resistance level, which in some ways defeats the purpose of the bike. We removed this item. We also eliminated the Sole Fitness SB700 and Merax Trainer due to quality and durability issues.
Among the remaining items: the FitDesk 3.0 is not a great choice for those who are relatively short; as a general rule, if you’re 5 foot 2 or smaller, you should probably consider another option. We also note that the Stamina Elite has a weight capacity of 250 pounds — for those who weigh less than that, it’s a reliable recumbent model.
We added three new items, beginning with the Yosuda L-001A, which is quite durable and sturdy, yet easy to move around the house if need be. It comes with an extra brake pad in case the original wears out. We included the Xterra Fitness FB150, one of the more portable options you’ll find, as a high-quality folding model for those with limited space. The Joroto X2, on the other hand, offers a heavy-duty frame (with a 280-pound weight capacity), tons of adjustability, and one year of free replacement parts.
May 24, 2019:
Staying in shape is a challenge for most people, and the last thing anyone needs is one more excuse to skip a workout. Having an exercise bike in your home makes it easier to just hop on and go for a quick ride, without the hassle of driving to the gym. It will also save you that monthly membership fee. Because many people may exercise when other people are home, we wanted to include a model that allows them to workout at full intensity, without making enough noise to wake the dead, which is what the Keiser M3i offers. It is nearly silent no matter how hard or fast you pedal. Ellipticals took the world by storm when they first appeared on the market because of their ability to provide a low-impact, total-body workout. Well, if you are more comfortable on a bike, don't worry. You don't have to forego that experience. The Assault AirBike Elite and Stamina Elite both provide upper body engagement. Of course, even with an exercise bike in the home, not everybody has a hour to spare for cycling, which is why we included the FitDesk 3.0. As the name implies, it has a large desk-like surface to support a laptop or other materials, allowing you to get your work and exercise done at the same time. Along with the FitDesk 3.0, the Exerpeutic Pulse is a smart choice for anybody without much extra space in their home, since they are both very compact models. When it comes to a budget-friendly option, you can't do much better than the Merax Trainer for features, sturdiness, and overall riding experience. To ensure those that find sitting upright for long periods of time too uncomfortable can still get in an effective workout, we found two top-quality recumbent models, the Stamina Elite and Schwinn 270.
Special Honors
Wahoo KICKR Bike Wahoo's KICKR Bike is a smart bike for road cyclists who train indoors. It can be set to match the fit of an outdoor bike, shifts virtual gears, and tilts up and down to follow hills in apps such as Zwift. OutdoorGearLab scored the KICKR Bike Pro among the best bikes it bought. It costs far more than most home bikes and is sold mainly through Wahoo and bike shops. wahoofitness.com
Concept2 BikeErg The BikeErg comes from the maker of the rowing machines found in many gyms. It uses an air flywheel with an adjustable damper and the same PM5 monitor as Concept2's rowers, and it's a common sight in CrossFit-style gyms. It's sold mainly direct from Concept2. concept2.com
Spin, Upright, Recumbent, Air Or Under-Desk
Fan or air bikes use a fan for resistance and add moving handles, so they work arms and legs and suit short, hard efforts, but they get loud.
There are five main kinds, and the right one depends on how hard you want to work and what your body likes (OutdoorGearLab).
Spin bikes, also called indoor cycles, have a heavy flywheel, a forward-leaning position and often clip-in pedals. They suit hard interval rides and app classes. Upright bikes sit you taller with a wider seat and a console of built-in programs, and they take less room. Recumbent bikes put you in a chair-like seat with a backrest, so they're often chosen by older riders and anyone who wants support for the lower back. Cycling of any kind is low impact, which is why stationary bikes are common in rehab settings (Wikipedia).
Fan or air bikes use a fan for resistance and add moving handles, so they work arms and legs and suit short, hard efforts, but they get loud. Under-desk pedalers are for light movement while sitting, not for workouts.
Resistance matters as much as type. Magnetic brakes are smooth, quiet and don't wear. Felt friction pads are cheaper but wear and can feel less even. Air resistance needs no adjusting but is the noisiest.
Fit, Weight Limits And Space
Check fit before features. Every bike lists a maximum rider weight, and on this page they run from 225 to 350 pounds. That rating covers the frame, the seat post and the brake, so stay under it. Height ranges matter too: budget spin bikes often have short seatposts, and OutdoorGearLab found its budget pick tight for riders over about 6 feet (OutdoorGearLab). Short riders should look for a published minimum height of 4 feet 10 inches or lower.
Then measure your space. Recumbent bikes are the longest, often more than 5 feet. Screen bikes are tall and very heavy: OutdoorGearLab weighed the NordicTrack X24 at about 205 pounds (OutdoorGearLab), so they rarely move once built. Folding bikes and under-desk pedalers are the only types that store away easily.
Put the bike on a level floor, with a mat if you're above someone else. Leave room to step on and off safely, and don't stand on the pedals of an upright bike that isn't designed for it.
Memberships, Recalls And Care
Decide early whether you want classes, because they change the real cost. Screen bikes such as the Peloton and NordicTrack need a monthly membership for their built-in classes, and OutdoorGearLab's buying advice flags these fees as an ongoing cost (OutdoorGearLab). Over a few years the fees can cost more than a whole budget bike. Bikes with Bluetooth but no screen, like the Schwinn IC4, work with apps on your own tablet, and they also work with no app at all.
Check recalls, especially on a used bike. Peloton recalled about 2.2 million original Bikes in 2023 because the seat post could break (CPSC), and about 833,000 original Bike+ units (model PL02) in late 2025 for the same problem (CPSC). Peloton offers a free repair seat post for both.
Care is simple. Check that the seat post, handlebar and pedal fittings are tight before you ride, wipe sweat off the frame, and keep children and pets away from spinning flywheels and fans. Friction pads and pedal bearings wear over time and are the usual parts to replace.
How we researched this
We compared 25 exercise bikes, read makers' specifications and OutdoorGearLab's independent tests of 13 bikes it bought, and checked every brand against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database. Owner forums and some publications were out of reach for this update, so three picks rest on makers' specs alone, and their write-ups say so.
Sources (11)
- OutdoorGearLab: The 13 Best Exercise Bikes
- OutdoorGearLab: Schwinn IC4 review
- OutdoorGearLab: Yosuda indoor cycling bike review
- OutdoorGearLab: Schwinn 130 review
- OutdoorGearLab: Schwinn 290 review
- OutdoorGearLab: Peloton Bike+ review
- OutdoorGearLab: NordicTrack X24 review
- CPSC: Peloton recalls original Bike+ (PL02)
- CPSC: Peloton recalls two million Bikes (PL01)
- CDC: Physical activity guidelines for adults
- Wikipedia: Stationary bicycle
Frequently asked questions
How much does a good exercise bike cost?
Folding bikes and under-desk pedalers cost the least, followed by basic spin bikes. Upright, recumbent and app-ready spin bikes sit in the middle. Screen bikes with built-in classes and gym-grade bikes cost several times as much, and screen classes add a monthly fee. Each pick above shows its current price.
Do exercise bikes have weight limits?
Yes. The bikes on this page are rated for 225 to 350 pounds. The Xterra FB150 is the lowest at 225 pounds, and the NordicTrack X24 and Keiser M3i are the highest at 350. The limit covers the frame, seat post and brake, so stay under it.
Do I need a subscription?
Only for classes on a built-in screen. The Peloton Cross Training Bike+ needs Peloton's All-Access membership for them, and the NordicTrack X24 needs iFIT for its screen workouts. The Schwinn IC4, Schwinn 130, Schwinn 290 and the other screenless bikes here work with no membership.
Is a recumbent or upright bike better for seniors?
Many older riders find a recumbent more comfortable: the backrest supports the lower back, and a low step-through frame is easier to mount. An upright bike takes less floor space and feels more like riding outdoors. If you have a joint or heart condition, ask your doctor first.
Which exercise bikes are quietest?
Bikes with a magnetic brake and a belt drive are the quietest, since nothing rubs. Felt friction pads make a little more noise and wear over time. Fan bikes are the loudest, and they get louder the harder you pedal.
How much should I ride?
The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening work on two days. A bike covers the aerobic part, not the strength part.
