The 10 Best Spin Bikes

Editor's Notes

March 01, 2021:

Connected bikes have exploded onto the market since we last updated this list, and as you can probably imagine, this led to a lot of changes being made to our recommendations. In fact, too many to list each one here, so we will just highlight a few of them.

Our two favorite options are the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle and Echelon EX-7s. Both of these feature large touchscreens that can be rotated away from the bike, which means they aren't relegated to use solely for cycling classes. Both of these have a different approach to flywheel placement though. On the former it is found in the traditional spot on the front, which most will find familiar, but on the latter it is placed on the back, which puts it out of the sweat zone and could potentially make it last longer with less maintenance. The downside is some may find it feels odd, so it could take some getting used to. The Keiser M3I also has a rear-mounted flywheel, as does the Pooboo A201.

We are big fans of the Snode 8731B too, as it proves you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a quality connected model, though it does require you to use a separate tablet to stream the instructor-led training videos. However, you should keep in mind that with any of the connected models, you will have to pay additional money for memberships to the various apps that offer live classes.

If you prefer to eschew modern technology because you find it distracting, then you are better off with the Sunny Health B1805 or Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna 715 Minotaur, both of which lack a display or any type of fitness monitor, so you can focus solely on the movements of your body. It should be mentioned that while it has a sturdy build that can support users over 300 pounds, the Minotaur does seem somewhat over priced for its lack of any electronics. This is most likely due to its small flywheel that requires a more complicated gear and pully design than many others to work smoothly.

February 14, 2019:

Convenience, adjustability, and tracking are all important considerations when riding one of these stationary bikes, so I tried to include as many options as I could that offer those values. Added the Keiser M3I for its V-shaped frame, which makes it easy to raise both the bike's handlebars and seat to accommodate some of the tallest riders. The Bodycraft SPX ensures an ultra-smooth ride, thanks to the friction-brake resistance system and automotive belt drive. I also felt that the L Now LD-577 was a worthy contender due to its large LCD and integrated pulse monitors for tracking a variety of fitness metrics simultaneously. Also included the Asuna Minotaur due to its foot cage SPD pedals and built-in wheels for easy transport. I felt the Sunny Health B1805 would be a great option for high-endurance workouts, thanks to its base stabilizer and floor levels that prevent wobbling during intense biking sessions. The Yosuda Indoor is a practical choice with an integrated odometer and noise reducing wool brake pad. Although it's quite expensive, the 16 available levels of endurance training and large variety of workout programs on the Diamondback Fitness 510LC make it a great choice for the die-hard fitness guru.