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Best Exercise Bikes of 2024

Stationary exercise bikes allow you to engage in cardiovascular exercise without high joint impact and from your own home to boot. Kyle Krupa, doctor of physical therapy and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), says that compared to many other types of cardio machines, exercise bikes allow for minimal stress on the lower back, knees, hips, and ankles.

“Exercise bikes are also versatile in their ability to provide a strengthening workout against higher resistance or longer endurance workouts focused on cardiac output,” Krupa says. The ergonomics of the bike, such as seat and handlebar height, can even be altered to minimize stress on the joints, he explains.

Exercise bikes are fairly complicated machines – and countless options are available – so choosing one can feel utterly overwhelming. That’s where this guide to the best exercise bikes comes in. U.S. News 360 Reviews contributor Amanda Capritto is a professional fitness gear reviewer, certified personal trainer, and triathlete. Here, she shares her top picks for home exercise bikes.

Table of Contents

• Best Exercise Bikes
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Schwinn IC4  »

Excellent value for the money

Comes from reliable, long-standing brand in cycling industry

Dual-sided pedals

100 levels of resistance

Multiple handlebar and seat adjustments

Compatible with multiple cycling apps

No integrated high-definition (HD) display

Nonadjustable crank arm length

The Schwinn IC4 delivers exemplary value for a stationary bike, and it comes from one of the longest-standing, most reliable brands in cycling. For a list price of about $1,000 (with monthly financing available), this bike brings a stellar suite of features. It has 100 levels of resistance and is compatible with many popular cycling apps, including JRNY, Peloton, Tacx, Zwift, FulGaz, TrainerRoad, MyFitnessPal, Rouvy, and Sufferfest. The IC4 also syncs to Apple Health and Google Fit. Though you have plenty of options if you want to join a program, no subscription is required to use the bike. Instead, you can cycle without guidance or set your phone up in the media rack and stream workouts on YouTube.

In addition to the IC4’s tech versatility, the machine is highly adjustable. It features multipoint adjustments for the handlebars and seat and dual-sided pedals, allowing riders to choose if they use clip-in cycling shoes or regular sneakers.

Some say the Schwinn IC4’s seat is uncomfortable. It’s much like a road bike seat, so padded shorts may be ideal for longer rides. Or, for boosted comfort, you can purchase Schwinn’s compatible extra-wide seat.

Schwinn offers a generous warranty of 10 years on the frame, three years on mechanical parts, three years on electric parts, and one year on labor.

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary Bike  »

Costs less than $400

Free on-demand workouts available

Multigrip, nonslip handlebars

Adjustable seat

Transportation wheels for easy maneuverability

Lower weight capacity than other options

No clip-in pedal option

Sunny Health & Fitness is a reputable budget-friendly fitness equipment manufacturer, providing some of the best low-cost home gym equipment. The author of this piece, Amanda Capritto, has tested and reviewed several Sunny Health & Fitness products and maintains that the brand consistently offers superb value.

This Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary Bike (Model SF-B1002) is unique in that it features direct-contact resistance, much like the mechanism seen on indoor bike trainers that connect an outdoor bike’s wheel to a metal flywheel. (The flywheel is the disk connected to the pedals by a chain or belt.) In the case of this bike, the metal flywheel makes contact with a thick leather pad.

You control resistance by tuning the resistance knob on the bike frame. This mechanism offers microadjustments, which typically make the ride feel more akin to outdoor cycling than defined magnetic resistance levels do. It also means you can easily take your workout from a relaxed recovery ride to a Tour-de-France effort in seconds. The downside is that direct-contact resistance mechanisms are prone to break down over time because of friction. Thus, it’s likely that this bike will require more maintenance than a magnetic or air bike over its lifespan.

Considering the $400 price tag – and that high-quality exercise bikes tend to retail for $1,000 or more – expect to make some concessions with this model. For instance, this bike doesn’t have a fancy display or built-in workout programs, although you can stream cycling workouts from any app on your smart TV or computer and position the bike to face it. It comes with all the basics, though, including an adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars, transport wheels, and toe cages for the pedals.

BowFlex VeloCore  »

Mimics outdoor riding with side-to-side sway

Immersive touch screen

Built-in JRNY cycling programming

100 resistance levels

Multipoint handlebar and seat adjustments

Comes with Bluetooth heart rate monitor

3-pound dumbbell pair included

Short warranty

For cyclists serious about indoor riding and making the most of every session, the BowFlex VeloCore exercise bike is worthy of consideration. It’s one of the few stationary bikes that mimic outdoor riding with real-time lateral leaning – that is, the bike sways side to side in conjunction with the route you’re following via the JRNY app, a digital fitness platform that offers personalized classes.

Between the sway feature – which earned a 2021 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Award – the mammoth HD touch-screen display, and JRNY programming, cyclists will feel like they’re riding alongside coaches in the most scenic locations. JRNY features follow-along rides shot on location in places like Rome.

With a JRNY subscription (two-month free trial for buyers, then $19.99 per year), riders can stream from various entertainment platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. JRNY also has a unique music component with playlists designed to match your heart rate during a session. There are high-energy playlists for sprint workouts, mellow playlists for recovery rides, and upbeat sets for endurance rides. A JRNY membership also gives you access to studio-esque, trainer-led workouts and a virtual coach. If you need extra motivation, this type of session can help you put forth your best effort in the saddle.

One downside to the VeloCore is its warranty. For such an expensive and tech-heavy bike, its warranty isn’t as generous as you’d expect: two years on the frame, two years on parts, one year on the electronics, and one year on labor. However, this device’s perks outweigh this drawback for many shoppers.

The bike lends itself to progression with 100 magnetic resistance levels and, with a JRNY subscription, access to progressive workout plans and in-depth data tracking. Your purchase also comes with an armband heart rate monitor to support tracking.

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike  »

Upright frame saves space

Frame folds

Wheels away when not in use

Comfortable, padded seat

Lightweight and easy to move

Inexpensive

No built-in workouts

Lower weight capacity

Stationary exercise bikes aren’t exactly known for being small. It can be tough to find one with adequately small dimensions if you don’t have a lot of space to spare. This Upright Exercise Bike from Marcy, a well-known brand in the budget exercise equipment arena, is about as small as a bike can get while still providing an effective workout. It’s inexpensive, too, costing less than $200.

The author has tested the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike and notes that it’s ideal for people looking for light cardio. This bike is a good match for beginners, seniors, and individuals. It features eight resistance levels, but even the highest option won’t challenge very conditioned individuals.

However, if you don’t have a lot of space and aren’t concerned with intensity, the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike could be the perfect fit for your home. It’s comfortable with a wide cushioned seat and multigrip handlebars. (The handlebars are fixed but allow for various grip options.) The seat adjusts horizontally and vertically via a single mechanism because the seat post is angled as part of the upright frame.

The upright frame is what makes this bike so small-space-friendly, but it gets even better: The frame folds and, thanks to the front-mounted transport wheels, can be stowed away when not in use.

You won’t find built-in workout options on the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike, but you can stream workouts from an app or YouTube on your smart TV or computer and position the bike to watch them hands-free.

Surprisingly for the price, this bike comes with a two-year warranty from the date of delivery, which is on par with some exercise bikes that are pricier by hundreds of dollars.

YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike  »

Great starter bike

Relatively inexpensive

No subscriptions required

Heavy flywheel with magnetic resistance

Media holder allows for workout streaming from any platform

Adjustable handlebars and seat

No clip-in option for pedals

This YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike is a good midrange option for people who want to try cycling but aren’t sure if they’ll stick with it for the long haul. It’s also a good choice for individuals interested in simple cycling workouts with the intent of maintaining cardiovascular fitness. It’s certainly not for Ironman trainees or serious road cyclists, but it’s excellent for those who don’t want to invest four figures upfront.

With a reasonable price tag and a suite of essential features, it’s an ideal starter bike. It should last several years, if not more, with proper maintenance, and it’s not so expensive that an upgrade would be out of the question later down the line.

This bike has an adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars, flat pedals with toe cages (no clip-in option), and a dial for microadjustable resistance. The belt drive system is virtually silent during operation so you can use this bike in the early mornings or late evenings without disturbing your household.

While the bike has no built-in workout programming, it does feature a basic liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen that projects metrics like distance, time, pace, and calories. You can also place a tablet in the provided media rack to stream workouts from your preferred platform.

Rogue Echo Bike V3.0  »

Air flywheel provides unlimited resistance

Moving arms for full-body workout

Comfortable, cushioned seat

Impressively durable

Leveling feet and transport wheels

Compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+

Vertical and horizontal seat adjustment

No outlet/electricity required for use

No toe cages or clips

Clip-in pedals cost extra

The Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 is for those interested in high-intensity, full-body cardio exercise with low joint impact. This is an air bike, meaning it utilizes a large fan flywheel that provides unlimited resistance. The harder you pedal, the more air the fan intakes and the greater the resistance.

In addition to the unlimited resistance levels, the Echo Bike – like all air bikes – has moving arms, which takes cycling from a lower-body workout to a full-body workout. For comfort, the Echo Bike features a wide padded seat akin to a beach cruiser bike seat rather than the narrow, hard saddles on road bikes. Plus, cyclists can take advantage of the 11 vertical seat post adjustments and five horizontal seat adjustments.

The Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 has a few preprogrammed workout options, including intervals’ target time, distance, calories, and heart rate tracking, which requires a compatible heart rate monitor. That said, the console on the newest version as of March 2024 is equipped with Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, so riders can connect the console to their favorite cycling app if desired. (ANT+ is a technology that makes it possible for different wireless devices to “talk” to one another.)

This bike doesn’t come with many features you commonly see on stationary bikes, such as clip-in pedals or toe cages, water bottle cages, and media racks. These items are available as separately purchased accessories, though.

The author has used the Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 countless times for endurance and CrossFit workouts and can confirm the moving arms make it a totally different experience from standard cycling. Intervals on the Echo Bike are sure to get your heart rate up and make you break a sweat, although the bike can just as easily be used for steady-state, low-intensity cardio.

NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike  »

Features SmartAdjust incline and resistance changes

-10% to 20% decline/incline range

24 levels of resistance

Rotating 27-inch HD touch screen

Vertical handlebar adjustment

Gas-shock handlebar lift

Subscription required for full functionality

Those with a hefty budget and an affinity for versatility should consider the NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike. This high-tech, immersive indoor exercise bike comes with all the trimmings and then some. If you can swing the cost, you’ll get an enormous 27-inch touch screen with an HD display that pivots for use off of the bike. That’ll come in handy when you want to do a noncycling workout with your iFIT membership, which is required for the bike to operate to its fullest extent. Other than cycling, your options include strength, yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and bodyweight workouts.

This bike features hundreds of cycling workouts, from studio trainer-led sessions to scenic mountain biking and road biking workouts. When you stream an iFIT cycling workout, the S27i’s AutoAdjust feature will kick in, automatically changing your bike’s resistance and incline level to match the terrain on screen. With 24 resistance levels and a decline/incline range of –10% to 20%, the dramatic changes improve your climbing fitness and descending skills.

The S27i features vertical and horizontal seat adjustments and vertical handlebar adjustments with a gas-shock lift that makes it easy to change your handlebar setting at any time, even in the middle of a ride. Plus, you can choose whether to clip in with cycling shoes or wear regular sneakers and utilize the toe cages.

The primary downsides to this stationary bike include the price tag of nearly $2,500 and the fact that it’s large and heavy. (It may be difficult for one person to move this bike alone.) However, financing is available for those who qualify, and NordicTrack makes professional delivery and assembly available for an extra fee.

The Bottom Line

Choosing an at-home exercise bike can be overwhelming considering the number of choices available. Triathlete and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, the author of this guide, recommends the Schwinn IC4 as the best overall pick for its reliability, reasonable price, adjustability, and durable build. Ultimately, the best exercise bike for you depends on your needs, budget, and space.

Things To Consider When Buying Exercise Bikes

Frame Design: There are three primary types of indoor exercise bikes: upright, recumbent, spin, and air bikes.

• “ Upright bikes have a similar seat position and pedal alignment to a mountain bike, which is great for those who want a workout to mimic outdoor cycling,” says Krupa. “They are appropriate for any fitness level. As for physical concerns, the upright bike seat can be lowered to decrease low back flexion, but the trade-off is an increased knee and hip flexion angle.”
• “ Recumbent bikes feature an ergonomic design with a recessed seat and full backrest, allowing users to pedal with an upright torso angle,” Krupa continues. “This design reduces the strain on the back, hips, and knees [and] is beneficial for older adults or those at a beginner fitness level, providing a safe and effective way to improve cardiovascular health with less risk of injury. However, the seat could be slid forward to increase knee and hip flexion angles and mimic the demands of an upright bike.”

Spin bikes mimic the experience of riding a road bike outdoors, typically with your feet clipped into the pedals. This type of exercise bike typically has a heavier flywheel and provides a high-intensity workout that can be adjusted to various resistance levels, Krupa explains.

“Spin bikes are ideal for those looking for a challenging cardiovascular workout, including high-intensity interval training,” he says. “They are well-suited for individuals at an intermediate to advanced fitness level. As for physical concerns, the spin bike requires the highest degree of lumbar flexion and can cause added stress to those with pre-existing low back pain and stiffness.”

• Air bikes are another option. An air bike features moving arms, which turns cycling into a full-body workout. This type of bike is best used for CrossFitlike workouts or full-body endurance work.

Size and Weight Capacity: Measure your available space before purchasing an exercise bike. Air and recumbent bikes usually take up more space, while upright and spin bikes take up the least space, Krupa points out.

Also, consider how often and to what intensity you intend to use your exercise bike, he says; “It should be sturdy and well-balanced (not wobbling) during regular use. Do your research to make sure you are buying a bike that will last and provide a solid stimulus and training environment. A low-quality bike that wobbles, breaks, or is too loud can become a nuisance, turning you off from using it altogether.”

Resistance: The main types of resistance among exercise bikes include direct-contact, air, and magnetic resistance.

Direct-Contact Resistance

• Noise: Direct-contact resistance is generally noisy since it uses physical contact (usually brake pads) against the flywheel to create resistance. The friction can produce sound, especially as the brake pads wear over time.
• Smoothness: The ride can be smooth, but it might not be as consistent as magnetic resistance because the physical wear on the brake pads can affect the feel and performance of the resistance over time.
• Adjustability: It’s manually adjusted by turning a knob, which can be quick and intuitive. However, the range and precision of adjustability might not match that of magnetic resistance systems.

Air Resistance

• Noise: Air resistance is known to create more noise compared to other types because it uses a large fan to create resistance. The faster you pedal, the louder the noise is, as more air is pushed through the fan.
• Smoothness: These bikes provide a smooth ride because the resistance is progressive, meaning it increases as you pedal faster and closely mimics the feel of outdoor cycling.
• Adjustability: Resistance adjustments are usually minimal, if at all. Instead, it creates resistance through pedaling speed.

Magnetic Resistance

• Noise: Magnetic resistance is known for being exceptionally quiet because resistance is created with magnets and a flywheel. Therefore, there’s no direct contact (friction) that could potentially make noise.
• Smoothness: Magnetic resistance can be easily adjusted, often through digital controls, allowing for smooth, precise, and consistent resistance levels.
• Adjustability: It’s easy to precisely adjust resistance levels, making it suitable for users who want to track their progress accurately.

Display Screen: According to Krupa, “A clear display that shows workout metrics such as time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate can help track progress.” He continues, “Advanced models may offer integrated fitness programs, heart rate monitoring, and connectivity with different fitness apps.”

The type of screen you need depends on your preferences. If you want an immersive workout and in-depth tracking, expect to shell out more cash for a larger display with connected fitness options. However, a simple LCD screen that shows typical metrics will suffice for basic fitness tracking.

Pedal Design: Exercise bikes either come with flat pedals (usually with toe cages), clip-in pedals, or both. Dual-sided pedals are ideal if the bike will be used by multiple people who don’t all wear clip-in cycling shoes. With flat pedals, you can wear regular tennis shoes.

Comfort: “Your bike should provide a [strong enough] stimulus for you to see training results depending on your current fitness level,” Krupa says. “However, the ergonomic design of the bike should match any injury concern you may have so that you can continue to train safely.”

“Upright bikes offer a more traditional cycling experience; recumbent bikes provide extra support and comfort, especially for those with back issues; and spin [and air] bikes are ideal for high-intensity, calorie-burning workouts,” he says.

Features and Connectivity: If guided workouts and progressive fitness programming are important to you, look for an exercise bike with connected fitness options or, at the very least, a bike with a sturdy media rack where you can place a phone or tablet. High-end exercise bikes typically feature a large touch-screen display that can stream trainer-led workouts, but a subscription is usually required.

An alternative is buying a cheaper bike with a media rack and streaming workouts from YouTube or an app with a lower monthly fee. Some brands, like Horizon Fitness and Sunny Health & Fitness, offer on-demand workouts for free through their apps.

Bluetooth connectivity is essential if you’d like to monitor your heart rate and/or listen to audio through earbuds .

Warranty: At a minimum, look for a warranty that covers three years on the frame and one year on the mechanical and electrical parts. More expensive bikes should ideally come with longer warranty periods, covering up to 10 years on the frame. Note that budget-friendly equipment is usually not as well built and, thus, isn’t typically covered by a generous warranty.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes

A triathlete and a certified personal trainer, the author Amanda Capritto began with her personal experience with various exercise bikes and equipment brands. She also consulted with two fitness industry experts for additional insights: Kyle Krupa , physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist, and Pav Bryan , cycling coach with Humango. She considered customer reviews and compared product specifications, warranties, and company policies at varying prices. Other factors including frame build, adjustability, ergonomics, versatility, resistance, progression, workout programming, technology, size, weight, and portability came into play.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

The author of this piece, Amanda Capritto , is a certified personal trainer and a professional gear reviewer with years of fitness equipment experience. She’s also an avid cyclist and mountain biker. She has used several of the exercise bikes on this list and many more from various equipment brands, including NordicTrack, Schwinn, Bowflex, Sole, Echelon, Peloton, Horizon Fitness, and ProForm.

“Exercise bikes are an easy-to-use, fun, and low-impact form of exercise,” says Pav Bryan, cycling coach at Humango. He continues, “One of the biggest benefits of indoor cycling is that it translates well into outside fitness. It will be easy to notice an ability to ride longer outside after being consistent on the indoor bike.”

Additionally, Bryan says that cycling is a reliable option for maintaining cardio fitness when recovering from an injury or being otherwise prevented from higher-impact forms of cardio.

Cyclists have two options for footwear when riding an indoor exercise bike: clip-in pedals or regular tennis shoes. The type of shoe you wear depends on the type of pedal on the bike. Not all exercise bikes come equipped with clip-in pedals and rather have flat pedals with toe cages, in which case you would wear your regular sneakers. If the bike has clip-in pedals, you’ll need compatible cycling shoes. Many higher-end exercise bikes come with dual-sided pedals so you can choose whether or not you want to use dedicated cycling shoes.

Krupa, a physical therapist, says that individuals with certain injuries or musculoskeletal conditions may want to avoid clip-in pedals. “Clipping into the pedal means you are pulling up on the pedal, requiring a higher demand on the hip flexors,” he explains. “Therefore, it should be avoided if you are suffering from hip labrum or impingement issues, or psoas tendinopathy that worsens with repetitive demands of the spin bike.”

Ultimately, the best practices for using an exercise bike largely depend on the type of bike you get and its features, as different machines work differently and require different maintenance protocols. Cycling coach Bryan recommends that anyone interested in a home exercise bike first sets a budget and makes a list of important or nonnegotiable features.

“Test out different positions of bikes, like upright or recumbent [and] read reviews of people who are similar to you,” he says. “For those unsure what will be most suitable, the best advice is to take out a short-term gym membership and try out a variety of positions. Find what feels the most comfortable and use that as a baseline for deciding what to buy.”

Also, remember that some brands require a subscription to get the most out of the bike. Once you have your bike and, if required, a subscription, it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, use, and maintenance since otherwise, you might void the warranty.

As for best practices during use, the most important thing is to create a comfortable fit. If you feel pain on the bike in your hips, back, or bottom, something with the fit is wrong. It can take time to find the right fit, so have patience and consider hiring a professional bike fitter if you’re experiencing substantial pain.

About Our Team

Amanda Capritto

Contributor

Marlo Jappen Porto

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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From cruisers to commuters, the best bikes for every activity — starting at $198

Whether you're hoping to escape your traffic-filled commute or simply want to spend more time outside now that the weather is warming up , biking is a great way to do it.

During the pandemic, bike sales soared as people took up cycling as a way to avoid public transportation, get some exercise and spend time with family. And now, as gas prices hit record-high levels , the idea of being able to hop on a bike and cycle to your destination seems even more appealing.

But finding the right bike for your needs is a little more complicated than simply walking into your local shop and buying the first one that catches your eye. So, to help you make your purchase, we consulted with four biking experts to learn more about what to look for in a bike and how to choose the right one for different activities.

What to consider when buying a bike

When it comes to choosing your bike, one of the most important things to consider is what type of riding you'll be doing, said Neile Weissman, public relations director at the New York Cycle Club . If you're just taking your bike to the office and back, the features that you'll need will likely be different than those that you'd want if you're planning on taking it for 50-mile rides every weekend.

Storage is another aspect to consider, he added. If you live on the fifth floor of a walk-up apartment building, you won't want to have to lug a heavy bike up the stairs every day, so a lightweight option could be a good choice. Or, if you don't have room to keep your bike inside, you might want to stick to a simple model that doesn't come with a ton of additional, expensive features that potentially can get stolen off the bike.

Comfort is another key factor. "When you're shopping for a bike, the first and foremost thing is to find a bike that's going to be comfortable for you," said Alison Dewey, director of education at the League of American Bicyclists . "Because if you don't find a bike that's comfortable for you, you're not going to want to ride it." She suggests taking the model you're interested in for a test ride, if possible, before purchasing to get a feel for it.

Most of the experts we spoke to agreed that your local shop is one of the best places to make your bike purchase. There, you can get a feel for different bikes and speak with experts who can help you determine the best model for your needs. "We recommend our folks take the time to look for the bike that feels right for them," said Angela Azzolino, executive director of Get Women Cycling . "I would say shop around, don't be in a rush and reach out to the professionals in the space. Local bike shops are great, but they also can only sell what they have in stock, so you may want to shop around."

If you don't have a bike shop in your area, Azzolino said that there are also bike coalitions and organizations, like Get Women Cycling, that you can contact to get more information and guidance.

But in case you can't make it to the store or are hoping to buy something online, we asked the experts to guide us through some key qualities that you should look for in different types of bikes and the best options for every activity. But first, we're sharing some reviewer-loved bikes that you can grab for less than $500.

Best affordable bikes, according to reviewers

Best commuter bikes, according to experts, best fitness bikes, according to experts, best cruiser, according to an expert, sixthreezero around the block beach cruiser bike.

Around The Block Beach Cruiser Bike

This popular cruiser has more than 3,400 five-star ratings, and reviewers say that it's easy to assemble and a "great bike for riding around the neighborhood." It comes in 10 colors and multiple sizes and speed levels to match every rider's needs.

Huffy 26-Inch Panama Jack Cruiser Bike

26-Inch Panama Jack Women's Cruiser Bike

Meet the beach cruiser you've been dreaming of. This colorful single-speed bike features a coaster brake, so you just have to pedal backward to stop or slow down. It features the Huffy's upright Perfect Fit Frame, which the brand says makes it "the most comfortable bike you'll ever ride."

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 3-Speed Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle

Women's 3-Speed Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle

Another popular pick from Sixthreezero, this bike has an average 4.6-star rating from more than 3,200 reviews. With a step-through frame, three-speed hub and a comfortable upright design, it has practically everything that you could want from a cruiser. Plus, it comes in four super stylish colors.

Beaumont City Bike

Beaumont City Bike - Step Through 7 Speed

According to the brand, this bestselling commuter bike "mixes form and function." It has a step-through frame, rear rack, ErgoComfort saddle and Shimano Revoshift Shifters, which allow you to easily switch between the seven gears. Plus, it comes in six fun colors, including yellow Sunflower and light blue Cool Mint.

Schwinn Huron Adult Beach Cruiser

Cruise around town or along the beachfront in style with this bike from Schwinn. It has an average 4.3-star rating from more than 1,200 reviews, and one reviewer said that it's a "good quality bike for the money." The single-speed bike seems like it would be great for rides around town, but there are also three- and seven-speed options for those who live in hilly neighborhoods.

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike

Discover Hybrid Bike, 21-Speed, 28-inch Wheels

This hybrid bike has more than 1,000 five-star reviews from shoppers who say that it is "lightweight," "comfortable" and is a "great value." It comes in multiple sizes in both the Discovery and Discovery 2 models to suit a variety of heights, and you can add expert assembly at checkout. You can also contact your local bike shop to see if they can put it together for you there — some shops will offer that service for a price.

What to look for in a commuter bike

"A commuter [bike] most of the time is a little bit heartier of a bike," said Garret Seacat, a cycling coach and owner of Absolute Endurance in Manhattan, Kansas. "Usually with a commuter bike, you're often going to get something that is a steel frame and is somewhat overbuilt in a lot of areas, so maybe it has a little sturdier wheel, so it can account for you carrying bags on the bike."

Typically, you want to look for something with upright handlebars, multiple gears and a step-through frame, "that's important, particularly for women who might be traveling in dresses or skirts," Azzolino said. You also want to be aware of the environment that you'll be riding in, she added. Certain bikes have features, like disc brakes or sealed components, that make them more suitable for riding in the rain and rough conditions.

Azzolino said that you might also want to consider looking for something that has a built-in basket or rack or that features mounts that will allow you to add one. That way you can transport all your bags to the office, without having to worry about holding onto them as you ride.

Lekker Amsterdam 8 Speed

Amsterdam 8 Speed

Weissman said that this Lekker option falls into the European hybrid category, which includes bicycles that have key elements that are helpful for commuters — especially those who often ride in the rain. "[They] have a sealed hub, so if you ride in bad weather, all the components are sealed and they have disc brakes, which are very effective in wet weather."

This bike allows you to switch between eight speeds and, according to the brand, requires little maintenance. Another thing to keep in mind about this style of bike: "They're not light," Weissman said. "I wouldn't want to carry them up four flights of stairs."

Surly Steamroller Commuter Bike

Steamroller Single Speed Urban Bike

For a fully customized experience, look no further than the Surly Steamroller. You can buy the frameset on its own and then add additional features, like your preferred handlebars , breaks and wheels . Weissman also said that this single-speed, fixed-gear bike has clearance to allow for wide tires.

Trek Allant+ 7 E-bike

Allant+ 7 E-bike

Electric bikes make it easier to get where you're going quickly. And Seacat said they're a great option for commuters — though they can get pretty pricey. He likes this one from Trek. According to the brand, it has a powerful Bosch drive system that assists up to 25 miles per hour and a sleek controller that can monitor your speed, distance and battery power.

What to look for in a fitness bike

Within the fitness bike category, your needs may vary, depending on your location and how far you plan to ride. But generally, when looking for a bike to use for exercise, Azzolino recommends something with a drop handlebar, which will allow you to use different hand positions and switch the muscles that you're working, so you don't fatigue as quickly. Instead of a step-through frame, opt for a traditional top tube bike, which has a higher, flatter frame. "That [top tube] bike is going to be more responsive," she said.

Another thing to consider is the type of tire that the bike uses. Commuter bikes typically have wide tires, which make it easier to go over bumps and cracks in the ground; but with a fitness bike, Azzolino said you can opt for a thinner tire, which will give you less rolling resistance and allow you to go faster.

Trek FX 1 Hybrid Bike

FX 1 Hybrid Bike

Seacat said that the Trek FX 1 is his favorite fitness bike. "The reason I love that one is it comes with what they call IsoSpeed," he said. "And that's in the rear end of the bike where your seat post actually flexes a little bit, so it takes the edge off of all the little bumps." It also features a lightweight frame, 21 speeds and even has mounts, so you can customize it with a rack or lights.

Specialized Sirrus 1.0

Specialized's Sirrus 1.0 bike has many of the same features as the Trek FX 1 bike, Seacat said. But instead of having the comfort aspect on the back end of the bike, this one has shock absorption features in the front, which help to take the pressure off your hands when riding.

Specialized Diverge Base E5

Diverge Base E5

Weissman says this bike is useful for city, off-road and recreational riding, calling it a "one bike solution." It's expensive, so he said that it's not one that you'd want to leave locked up outside, but it has a range of features that will come in handy for longer rides, like drop handlebars, disc brakes and multiple gears.

Cruisers are a relatively affordable option for anyone who is simply looking for a quick way to get around the neighborhood. Dewey said that "they look very fashionable and fun," and are a good option if you're looking to ride just a few miles at a time. One thing to keep in mind: They have very wide handlebars and are pretty heavy, so they can be hard to transport, she said. Their weight can also make them harder to power up hills, so they may be better suited for flat areas.

"With a leisure bike, the first thing you want to look for is the height of your handlebars to the height of the seat," Seacat said. "So, you want your handlebars to be plenty well above that seat, because what that will indicate to you is that the bike is really sat up and very comfortable."

Electra Townie 7D Step-Through Bike

Whether you're heading out to run errands or biking around town with the kids, the Electra Townie is a great choice. "It's just an all-around fun bike to cruise around on," Seacat said. It features Flat Foot Technology, which the brand says puts you in a comfortable, upright position that allows you to easily put your feet down when you come to a stop.

For more stories like this, check out:

• From a smart toothbrush to the perfect tweezers, 10 investment items I swear by
• 13 durable (and top-rated) umbrellas that can handle all the elements
• This compact rowing machine fits in my NYC apartment — and it’s only $85

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Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY.

Best exercise bikes and smart indoor bikes for home workouts 2024

Looking to get a pedal fix indoors? Here's our pick of the best exercise bikes that are always ready to ride

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The Quick List

• 1. Best on a budget
• 2. Best value Peloton alternative
• 3. Best for motivation
• SMART BIKES
• 1. Best for a smooth ride
• 2. Best for a realistic ride
• 3. Best value

Specs table

How we test.

Best exercise bikes 2023: Jump Menu

The list in brief ↴

Spin bikes 1. Best on a budget 2. Best Peloton alternative 3. Best for motivation

Smart bikes 1. Smoothest ride 2. Most realistic ride 3. Best value

Advice Specs table Spin bike vs smart bike How we test

Ultimately the best exercise bikes will be ones that motivate you to ride regularly. An exercise bike can have all the functionality in the world, but if it leaves you uninspired to cycle at home, it’ll end up gathering dust in a corner, or become an overpriced clothes horse.

From beginner to professional virtual e-sports cyclist, there is an exercise bike out there for you. Even if you already own one of the best road bikes , an indoor bike has huge benefits for every cyclist.

Some of the best exercise bikes will connect to the best indoor training apps for cycling and allow you to record your riding allowing you to track your progress in a similar way that the best power meters would, although some will require you to just wear a smartwatch or heart rate monitor and only give you a calorie burn indication.

If there is no connectivity, this doesn't mean the exercise bike isn't still a great option, you just need to be on top of monitoring your progress in another way. In terms of motivation, thinking of the money savings with a cheaper exercise bike might just be all you need.

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Best on a budget

Both easy to set up and use, the Domyos exercise bike is ideally suited to those on a budget. It features a 12kg flywheel and plenty of adjustability to help dial in the fit.

Read more below

Best Peloton alternative

Keenly priced, the Echelon Connect bike boasts a silent magnetic flywheel and 32 resistance levels. Unlimited personal workouts for all levels are available via the dedicated app.

Best for motivation

Famed for its plethora of live classes, the Peloton bike is best suited to those who need help with structured workouts and training motivation. Requires a monthly subscription.

Smart bikes

Smoothest ride

The Tacx Neo Plus features revamped shifters for improved functionality and an accurate power meter while the heavy magnetic flywheel delivers the smoothest of rides.

Most realistic ride

If you want your indoor training to replicate riding outdoors, the Kickr is for you. Features integrated grade changes up to 20% and customizable gearing and simulated shifting.

Boasting 2,500w of power and improved accuracy, the Atom is both smooth and quiet to use. Structured workouts available via the dedicated hub make it ideal for tracking progress.

Best Spin Bikes: Our Picks

Best spin bike on a budget.

1. Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

For riders who are newcomers to riding at home, the Domyos Basic Exercise bike can be the perfect transition. While reviews on the Decathlon house brand website say that it's no studio bike, they all applauded its sturdiness and value for money.

Arguably with only household users, the basic spin bike doesn't need to be quite so robust, and therefore gets away with being slightly lighter and more transportable, allowing it to be wheeled out the way when not in use.

A 12kg flywheel uses a mechanically applied leather brake pad to create resistance for the user, in what the brand says is 'moderate-intensity use, while a chain drivetrain should recreate a smooth pedalling sensation, similar to that of a normal bike.

The saddle height and fore/aft can be adjusted along with the handlebar height, very similar to a regular gym spin bike, and in theory you could attach your own pedals.

There isn't an online community or platform to join, which does mean you'll have to be self motivated to record your rides or find on line classes to attend. This does have the perks of no monthly subscription and doesn't tie you into any long term commitment.

If you're a strong rider or looking to mimic road sprints then look elsewhere, but if you want the freedom and flexibility of keeping fit with a little homemade spin class at home when the time suits you it's perfect.

The best value Peloton alternative

2. Echelon Smart Connect EX3

Echelon says the sturdy and compact bike provides both comfort and functionality. Customisation is easy with adjustable oversized seat and handlebar console. A silent magnetic flywheel provides 32 levels of resistance and challenging workouts for all levels of rider.

A clear contender for the best Peloton alternatives , with unlimited personalised workouts and online community options. But unlike Peloton, all price plans allow you to join a variety of live and on-demand classes and special events led by Echelon's own trained instructors, the price just depends on your long term commitment. Access is provided through the Echelon Fit App using your mobile phone, tablet or smart TV.

The bike provides a more upright riding position than other smart exercise bikes, so longer torso riders might feel a bit squished up, while others may find the ride feel too distant from their real road bike.

Best motivational spin bike

3. Peloton Indoor Training Bike

Our expert review:

"Okay Peloton, let's do this!" You have almost certainly seen the adverts for this on TV, the brand has been popping up everywhere and even non-cyclists now know of the word, peloton. The American brand dominates the US market and has made inroads into the UK one too.

The basic set up (and membership) includes daily live streamed classes, as well as 24hr access to the virtual studio for an entire household. There's curated playlists for all genres, instructors and coaches, as well as leaderboards to keep you motivated. There's even additional extra options that include strength, stretch and yoga classes.

It's cheaper than the Wahoo option, but nearly double that of the Echelon option. It's also worth noting that you may be tempted by the all motivational Peloton system, but be aware of the on going monthly subscription which if you don't keep up, can make the bike feel like a rather expensive spin bike.

There's a lot more information below on whether or not Peloton is worth it and the Peloton alternatives. If it all sounds like a tempting offer for virtual cycling, but are still undecided, we've even got a helpful guide on Zwift vs Peloton: which is best for your at-home workouts? which might help you decide.

If you struggle to plan your own workouts and need motivational entertainment, the Peloton is a great option. There's even the option for individual profiles for household access, so perfect if you're looking for a shared home bike option.

Read more: Peloton indoor training bike review 

4. Schwinn IC8 Indoor Cycling Exercise bike

If you've ever undertaken a gym spin class, the chances are that you were riding a Schwinn.

The home or away bike requires very little in terms of technical know how in order to set up and ride, and even comes with secure clipless pedals (SPD) so is ridable straight out of the box.

This may be a few hundred more than the entry level Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100, but there won't be many people in the household who will overpower the Schwinn.

The sturdy indoor trainer uses a weighty flywheel and direct-contact resistance system, meaning you are in charge of your own training at all times.

The downside is that with this level of basic functions, you'll need to be pretty motivated to lead your own spin class at home, although the added tablet/ phone holder means you can join a virtual class, or watch a film/ read a book.

The lack of mains power means the bike's location can be really flexible, with mini roller wheels helping it to be transported. But the weight unit will limit its general living place, and I wouldn't be keen on rolling it or riding it without the use of heavy duty floor protection.

Read more: Schwinn IC8 Indoor Cycling Exercise bike full review

5. Concept 2 BikeErg

Concept2 is a big name in gym equipment with its rowing machines considered the gold standard and this accuracy is carried over into the Concept2 BikeErg exercise bike. Its PM5 power meter measures a host of metrics to give repeatable values from its fan-based resistance unit.

That means that there's no heavy flywheel or magnetic resistance unit, so the Concept2 BikeErg is lighter than many competitors and there's no need for a power supply. 

We found the set-up to be quick and there's a wide range of tool-free adjustment of all the contact points. Shorter or taller riders can buy a different length seatpost for even more inside leg length range. You can also swap out handlebars, saddle and pedals, although not the crank length.

On test, the belt drive and air resistance make for a really smooth, quiet ride. It's easy to do one of Conept2's sessions or to hook up to Zwift for more stimulation; a tablet mount is an extra worth buying.

On the downside, we didn't find power measurement all that accurate, although it was consistent, and you need to reach down to the flywheel to alter resistance rather than having a bar-mounted lever.

Read more: Concept 2 BikeErg review 

6. Horizon Fitness 7.0 IC Fitness Bike

Horizon Fitness offers indoor exercise kit that all costs under $1,000, with the 7.0 IC offer including a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Set-up isn't too laborious, although there's a limited range of adjustment and the saddle is rather hard.

The Horizon Fitness bike comes with pedals with SPD clips on one side and straps on the other and you get two water bottle holders. It doesn't take up too much space.

You get Bluetooth connectivity, so you can use a phone or tablet to join classes or rides online and your speed and other metrics will be sent to the app, although you're still going to need to adjust the resistance manually. With a total of 100 levels, there's plenty of fine-resolution and high-end resistance available and the transition between levels is smooth.

Read more: Horizon Fitness 7.0 IC Fitness Bike review

Best smart bikes

Once upon a time, indoor training used to be nothing more than a painful perspiration-filled monotony that put fitness well and truly in front of engagement. However, in today’s increasingly virtual world, the dark scene of a person training in a dingy garage is much more colourful. 

Zwift, RGT, and other platforms have all helped bring a level of gamification to training, and hardware manufacturers have been busy facilitating the new software, whether it's moving turbo trainers or full-blown smart bikes.

The latter is a category mostly aimed at indoor enthusiasts. Costing anywhere from $1,500 / £1,000 to more than $3,000 / £3,000, these pimped-out smart bikes offer all the functionality we are used to seeing from the best smart turbo trainers and controllers rolled into one. Coming in at such a premium cost, smart bikes really do need to offer the full package - quality, functionality and convenience.

Smart bikes are also designed from the ground up for indoor riding, which generally means a more stable platform that can be optimised better for the needs of your garage or living room, all the while keeping chain oil as far away from trouble as possible.

We've pitched three of the hottest smart bikes and pitched them head-to-head to see which is the best model on the market.

Best smart bike for a smooth ride

1. Tacx Neo Bike Plus

The Tacx Neo Bike Plus builds upon the already superb Tacx Neo 2T base hardware and improves on many of the issues that were there with the first Neo Bike. The shifters have been revamped with improved feel and functionality, the seatpost is slimmer to avoid thigh rub, and the cranks have been redesigned to offer more length options. 

Initial setup is surprisingly easy, with all tools supplied and simple instructions to follow. The bike is incredibly heavy, but wheels at the back help manoeuvre it around a room. The inclusion of inbuilt tablet holder, holding bay for phone and such, and inbuilt fans are appreciated. The inbuilt USB chargers are also fantastic for charging a tablet while Zwifting!

We found the Neo Bike Plus to have possibly the smoothest ride feel of any indoor trainer we have tested, thanks to the Neodymium magnets in the flywheel to create resistance. ERG mode is incredibly precise with no lag in application and the whole platform is incredibly stable for all sorts of efforts. 

Accuracy-wise, it tracks brilliantly with similarly accurate power meters across the board. The new updated shifters work fantastically and the customisable gears mean you can be prepared for any sort of ride and never worry about cross chaining or chain dropping.

Read more: Tacx Neo Bike Plus full review

Best smart bike for a realistic ride

2. Wahoo Kickr Bike

This is as close as you will get to merging the line between virtual riding and reality. The Wahoo Kickr Bike has an amazing set of strings to its bow. Features such as integrated grade changes, customizable gearing, and simulated shifting put it in the running as one of the best exercise bikes.

While riding, you can adjust the gradient all the way up to 20 per cent, or, if you wanted to feel like you were descending, -15 per cent too. This is to make the Kickr Bike feel as realistic as possible. You can also fit the bike to your exact specifications with help from the very detailed and informative Wahoo fitness app.

The Kickr Bike is can mimic any of the big brands: Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo. The virtual shifting technology recognises every detail to make sure that the smart shifting of the bike works with what you want, allowing you to even add your own handlebars, saddle and pedals.

There isn't a screen/ dedicated on-line trainer, but even that gives you the freedom to dictate your own virtual training package. The only real downside is that you'll need to configure some kind of screen stand.

Read more: Wahoo Kickr bike review

Best value smart bike

3. Wattbike Atom Next Generation

Wattbike is one of the leaders in exercise bikes, supplying federations and gyms, and the original smart bike system.

The consumer model, the Atom, has recently been updated with an improved, faster, electromagnetic resistance which Wattbike says also allows for an extra 500 watts at the top end (2,500w compared to 2,000w) and more accuracy.

In our review of the original Atom we commented that "pedalling fluidity is second to none." We also found it to be incredibly quiet, too, so a good option if you don't have a dedicated outbuilding to train in, or live in a flat and don't want to annoy the neighbours.

Connectivity comes via ANT+ or Bluetooth, and you can use set workouts via the Wattbike Hub, its own training and analysis platform, or you can hook it up to an indoor training app.

There is limited adjustability when compared to the other smart bikes, but it does have road bike-style geometry including a 160mm Q-Factor. As shipped, you'll find flat pedals with toe clips. Clipless pedals are an easy swap. All in, it weighs 97lbs/ 44kg making it one of the lightest smart bikes on the market. 

Read more: Wattbike Atom smart bike review

4. Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift

The Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift is the more wallet-friendly brother of the Wahoo Kickr Bike V2. The money-saving measures start with a stripping out of the gradient simulation tilting system seen on the Kickr Bike V2. The other big change is a revised drivetrain system which uses an electromagnetic brake alongside an aluminium flywheel, all hidden away in the rear of the bike. 

Beyond that, the Kickr Bike Shift uses a less expensive steel framework which, as a product that you don’t want to be moving around too much anyway, isn’t something you’ll often notice. What will make itself known however is the lack of castor wheels, so if you do need to  move it bike around, you will have to lift all 35.8 kg of it, which is rather awkward.

When it comes to riding, the Kickr Bike Shift experience left our reviewer slightly disappointed in a few areas: "Firstly, the touch points - the shifters are great in terms of functionality, providing 4 extra buttons that can be synced up to apps like Zwift to control the interface, however, the material quality left me wanting more. As a point of contact on the bike you will always use, I did find this a noticeable sticking point for the Kickr Bike Shift, especially when compared to the Tacx.

"The ride feel was much closer to the competition, giving a pretty realistic road feel. Although at higher flywheel speeds I noticed a distinct vibration to the Kickr Bike Shift. The noise too was more invasive than the Tacx, even though it was very similar in volume.

"Power numbers from the Kickr were impressive across the board, as it consistently tracked within 1-2 watts of our Garmin Rally RS20 pedals on longer efforts. Sprints were slightly more mixed, I found the Garmin pedals read higher, sometimes by 20 - 30 watts on a 5-second peak of around 900 watts, but the data was all consistent and I didn’t suffer any dropouts or lag when sprinting - music to the ears of e-racers.

"One thing I did notice when sprinting was the stability. Although the base was stable, the upper frame did have a fair amount of flex under higher loads which really has me in two minds. On the one hand, a bit of flex does allow you to move around slightly on the trainer, which can improve comfort, but for sprinting there was a little too much movement when compared to the Tacx. I also found that to properly tighten the handlebars and saddle setback, I sometimes left the lever sticking out, which may cause thigh pain depending on your bike fit."

5. Stages SB20 bike

Most of the bikes Stages ships out of the door are used in gyms - which means the brand is well accustomed to creating robust units that will withstand heavy abuse. This model is more for the enthusiast to use at home. 

Power readings come via Stages crank-based power meters, and you'll get accurate left/right measurement. 

Weighing over 62kg, you'd be hard pressed to get this to budge. It does come with wheels, so it is easy to move it around a room - but getting it in situ originally is quite a job. 

Price wise, it's on a par when compared to its peers, falling in line with Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer.

Adjustability is top notch, and you can purchase a second seatpost to save the hassle of swapping saddles between users. 

Read more: Stages SB20 full review

6. Technogym Ride smart bike

We found the Technogym Ride smart bike to be a really solid platform, and loved the simplicity of use - two taps on the screen and away you ride. 

The sheer amount of accessibility to on-line and pre-programmed riding options was super impressive. From riders loving their live data metrics to watching your favorite Netflix show, or heading into the virtual world of Rouvy for a group ride, or just selecting a famous col to head up, the list goes on. Zwift and other on line portals are also compatible, but need an extra HMTI cable from your own laptop to work. 

The entertainment factor and the ease of rider set up mean this is a great smart exercise bike for multiple users, and the monthly subscription allows up to five accounts to be registered. 

The ride feel is excellent and incredibly smooth, but the power and incline thresholds are lower than other smart bikes on the market. 

My household found that while the entertainment and ease of use was excellent, the closeness of the large 22" color screen was frustrating, especially if, like me, you are long sighted. Also the sheer size and weight of the bike required it to be located in the garage, meaning that it was harder to find riding time, as I couldn't leave a little one in the house on her own.  

Read more: Technogym Ride smart bike review

There's a lot to consider if you're looking for the best exercise bike to meet your needs. You'll want to make sure that you've got all the functionality that you want before making what can be a significant outlay on an exercise bike or smart bike for riding indoors.

Here's a cross-reference table for all the models listed above.

How much does the best exercise bike cost?How much does the best exercise bike cost?

The difference between the options is reflected in the price, with basic exercise bikes starting from as low as  $150/ £100, while the entry level to a smart bike is upwards of $1,895/  £1500 and travelling well in excess of $3,000/ £2,500, often requiring a monthly subscription to get the most benefit.

Indoor bikes which blend both exercise bikes and smart bikes together, 1n the form of an interactive wi-fi enabled spin bike, can be a good compromise, enabling you to join on line classes for more motivational cardio session at home. Although it's worth noting that although the initial outlay might be a lot less than a smart bike, a monthly subscription service can make it more expensive in the long run.

Which is the right one for you depends which functions and features are important to you.

An entry-level model will allow you to get a spin on and get fit. Spend more, and you'll enjoy ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can train using indoor training apps such as Zwift or The Sufferfest.

Will an exercise bikes help me get fit and loose weight?

There are loads of benefits of cycling in general, and riding indoors is just the same. From improving mental health and strengthening your immune system to promoting weight loss, we have a list of 15 benefits of cycling for starters, and it could easily be even more. 

The real benefit of using an exercise bike over an outdoor one, is that you have total control over the pace and duration of your riding. So your fitness or weight loss journey can be very specific in meeting your needs. 

If you are specifically investing in the best exercise bike to lose weight, our quick guide on how to lose weight cycling includes six essential tips to help you achieve your weight loss goals.   

What's the difference between an spin bike and a smart bike?

The main difference between the two is the functionality. The systems vary hugely in terms of performance, and the more you spend the more you’ll get.

Generally speaking, an exercise bike, or spin bike, will provide manually adjustable resistance, have some basic performance data, and a more upright sitting position.

A smart bike is more interactive, and along with automatically controlling resistance for you will also allow you to attend virtual rides, gather significant performance data and have a riding position which more closely mimics that of a road bike, with realistic road-like feel when pedalling.

In the middle is an ever growing market of a cross-over of both genres now, and a rising trend of air bikes too. All versions of exercise bikes are becoming increasingly interactive, giving the rider an excellent choice.

In terms of value, it generally is the more you spend the more you’ll get feature-wise.

And no matter what version you choose, unless you have a very understanding household or neighbours, it's probably best to invest in a pair of the best headphones for cycling at the same time that you make your indoor bike purchase. 

Hard to believe that exercise bikes have been around since the advent of the bike, and there were even exercise bikes on the Titanic!

Since the advent of spin classes in the mid-nineties, when the popularity of static riding grew rapidly, the domestic offering thankfully now expands much further than the first iteration of exercise bikes that eventually gathered dust in your parents' bedroom four decades ago.

In the main, a typical exercise bike will be for anyone looking for a get and keep fit option at home. The range available is huge and in general directly correlates with price. The more you spend, the better the ride feel and the more data will available to you.

A smart bike will be all about the technical attributes, will have pre-programmable sessions, the ability to see and record data, and often have wifi or bluetooth, making it compatible with a third party app on a computer.

Traditionally, more experienced cyclists who train indoors would attach their own bike to one of the best turbo trainers or ride on a set of the best bike rollers . Although most smart trainers no longer require you to use your top bike with one of the best power meters to measure your Wattage, there will always be some discrepancy from chain wear, or tyre pressures on rollers.   

These provide a more real life riding experience, and some will have a more realistic riding position, with dropped handlebars or time trial bars.

Brands such as the highly popular Peloton range straddle both exercise and smart bike spheres, providing an interactive whole body workout, which includes weights, but with the ability to see and store data and automatic resistance changes.

Whatever option you choose, it’s important to not get caught in a false economy trap of just buying the cheapest option.

The best exercise bikes and smart bikes will have weighted flywheels (if it’s not an air bike), a range of adjustable resistance and sturdy frames, an exercise bike is only as good as its basic structure, so needs to be robust enough to withstand regular riding.

What is Peloton and are there alternatives?

The Peloton indoor exercise bike and app have taken the fitness world by storm, but is it any good for training for proper cyclists?

We've got all the insider detail on the question of is the Peloton indoor exercise bike and app worth it on our dedicated page; but in summary: 

You'll need to purchase the bike and then subscribe to a membership monthly fee, a bit like a gym, but it does allow you to include multiple members. 

The subscription bit gives you access to instructor-led classes, which resemble 'spin classes' and a motivational virtual community, as well as off bike exercises such as Yoga, stretching and strength workouts . So it's a bit like a mini home gym structured around the bike.  

While Peloton might still have the market share, there are a lot more options out there if an interactive smart bike is your thing. We've picked out what we think are the best Peloton alternatives to help you find the right bike to achieve your fitness goals.  

Which is better: an exercise bike or a turbo trainer?

When it comes to performance training and riding indoors, turbo trainers have traditionally been the way to go. However with the advent of smart bikes and more coming on the market all the time, some riders have referred to them as game changers for full gas efforts and harnessing every inch of power due to their solidity, and then there's the reduction in maintenance and the bike always being ready to ride.

However, on the flip side, the compliance that is offered on your road bike attached to a turbo trainer does have its benefits on longer rides at home. The ability to stow a turbo neatly away, along with the obvious price differences will be more of a perk for some riders.

Read more on our Smart bike or top-end turbo: what's the ultimate set up for Zwift racing feature to see what two distinguished on-line racers think.

How does an exercise bike work?

Like any outdoor bike, an exercise bike works on the same concept of turning pedals, which are connected to a chain or belt, to create kinetic energy.

When riding a normal bike, your energy is required to turn the wheels (via pedals and gear) against resistance which comes in the form of different gradients, outside elements (such as wind) and yourself as the rider.

On an indoor bike resistance needs to be created in another way.

There are two main types of resistance found in an exercise bike or smart bike. A brake-based (direct-contact or electromagnetic) system or air, the third resistance option is water but other than aquabikes that are placed in the actual pool the offering is all but zero

Resistance Types

At the heart of most indoor bikes sits a weighted flywheel. Its job is to provide mass which requires energy to establish rotational inertia. In other words - a weighted metal disk which takes the place of a bike wheel and is connected to the pedals via either a chain or a belt.

The flywheel stores kinetic energy, so once you’ve got the wheel turning, it will continue to do so, creating a very similar experience to outdoor pedalling.

A good flywheel will typically take force to get it spinning, and force to make it stop, as kinetic energy is a function of mass and speed. The larger the diameter and heavier the flywheel the more energy is stored, and the flywheels that spin the fastest store much more energy than ones that spin faster (so keep spinning for longer on their own).

Put simply:

If you have two flywheels and spin them at 10 miles an hour they both store the same energy.

Double the weight of one but maintain both at 10 miles an hour, the heavier flywheel will store twice as much energy.

If you have two identical weighted flywheels, but spin one at 10 miles an hour and one at 20 miles an hour, you actually quadruple the energy it stores.

The trick is ensuring that whatever way the bike creates kinetic energy that there is a sweet spot between weight, size and resistance controls.

Without the ability to apply external slowing force, a flywheel would be more of a go and stop experience and have to be either extraordinarily large and heavy or be spun at an extraordinary speed to have a positive effect on your fitness.

By applying the principles of friction from either brake pads making direct contact or electromagnetic induction, using powerful magnets, the weight and size or speed of a flywheel can be significantly reduced to a more usable package.

Direct-Contact resistance systems

A brake pad is simply applied alongside and on top of the flywheel to create friction which the rider needs to overcome.

The more pressure applied to the pad, the harder it becomes to keep the flywheel moving. It’s that simple.

The downside is, you’ll still require a pretty heavy and large flywheel; think typical gym spin bike, and much like brakes on a bike or a car, over time you’ll find that the brakes will need replacing. Depending on the quality and size of the flywheel, you may eventually find that it needs to be replaced too at some point.

They are also entirely mechanical, so will be noisier than electro-magnetic resistant bikes. So if it’s going to be living in the middle of your lounge, you might need to give advance warning of your impending exercise routine to the rest of the household.

The upside is that this level of simplicity keeps the price down. There are lots of online classes, both paid and free, to sign up to keep you motivated and working hard. These bikes also rarely require electricity, so great for keeping in an outbuilding or, even outside with a protective cover on when not in use.

Electro-Magnetic resistance systems

Recently these have become the pièce de résistance of exercise bikes and smart bikes. By passing an electrical current through magnets you can make the magnets more or less attractive to each other. The resistance in an electromagnetic exercise or smart bike is controlled by the level of electric current passing through the magnets that flank either side of the flywheel. More current equals more magnetic force, increasing the resistance, making it harder for you to turn it.

The biggest benefit of the electromagnetic resistance system is that it can be controlled by the rider, by pushing a button, running pre-programmed software built into the bike or, with the correct connectivity, a remote third party, allowing for virtual riding on platforms such as Zwift or TrainerRoad.

Another benefit of the electromagnetic system is that because there is nothing in contact with the flywheel creating the resistance, you can significantly reduce its size and weight, making the whole package much smaller and lighter.

Other benefits include less wear and tear, as there are no brakes in contact with the flywheel and the working noise is also significantly reduced.

The downside as well as requiring a source of electricity, is the cost. The initial outlay will be a lot more expensive than a more basic mechanical direct contact resistance bike, and remote third party virtual reality apps will require a subscription of some kind.

Air resistance systems

Air bikes use a flywheel system based on air to create the resistance and are increasingly popular in gyms since the advent of Crossfit/ Functional fitness and their HIIT style exercises.

Fan like blades are driven by a simple cog and chain/ belt and require the rider’s energy, mostly by co-joined pedal arm levers to turn. The harder you ride, the more resistance the blades meet from air, making you expend more energy.

If you want to cover a set distance or calorie count quickly, you’ll have to push the blades through the air quickly - which requires more force to move air molecules quicker, think of putting your hand out of a moving car window and the force of the wind at low and high speeds.

90% of air bikes will have arms and legs and as the resistance comes from the spinning blade, there’s often no variability.

The upside is that along with getting a full body workout, there’s no need for electricity (other than a new battery once in a while for a head unit display) so it can be located anywhere, another ideal option for the shed or outside under a protective cover.

The downside is that out of all three options, this is by far the noisiest with the harder you work the louder the fan like sound, certainly not household friendly.

What are the pros and cons of foldable exercise bikes?

If space is at a premium at home, you might be tempted to opt for an exercise bike designed to fold up and roll away. These will always mean some big compromises in terms of performance, most notably rider position and limited tension settings.

In order to keep the overall footprint low, a typical foldaway exercise bike will use an ‘X’ frame, not unlike an ironing board. In order to keep this dual triangle relatively strong it will need to keep it as vertical as possible, meaning that you're likely to be sitting very upright.

There are some recumbent foldaway exercise bikes available, but the overall size, even when folded, and weight will be bigger.

The other obvious disadvantage of foldaway exercise bikes, is that in order to keep the machine as portable as possible, they will naturally have a lightweight build quality, which will limit tension settings. Plastic will take the place of metal, reducing durability, and the magnetic resistance function, that most operate with, will use a much smaller flywheel to reduce the unit weight as much as possible, significantly reducing its ability to apply resistance as it will be smaller and therefore limit the amount of energy required to turn them.

Clearly they have their place for people with limited space and looking for a low impact cardio workout at home, but if you’re in any way an experienced cyclist, or even an avid spin bike user at the gym you’re going to be left wanting.

Indoor training is a central part of their fitness regime for the majority of road cyclists, with indoor training apps like Zwift and Wahoo X making the experience much more interactive. 

Even without the ability to link up to an app - which isn't part of some of the more basic exercise bikes listed above - there's a lot you can get out of indoor cycling . Interval training is a lot easier without needing to worry about traffic or the weather, for example.

So here at Cycling Weekly, we're dedicated indoor trainers as well as outdoor riders. Our team has used a wide range of exercise bikes and smart trainers and knows what to look for to maximise your fitness gains from riding indoors. 

Our experience means that you'll have a consistent, in depth viewpoint, which is reflected in our product scoring.  You can find out more on our How We Test page.

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Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.

Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.

For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 

She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection. 

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The Best Trek Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The Wisconsin-headquartered company has local values and a global impact.

Trek’s founding story is out of a Hollywood director’s mind and a non-fiction writer’s wish list: In 1976, Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke drank beers at the Pine Knoll Supper Club in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and debated over the name of their would-be cycling company. They settled on Trek and soon went to work in a barn between Madison and Milwaukee, where a total of five employees built the brand’s first bikes out of steel. The company is still based near the barn that facilitated its first years—its modern headquarters are in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

Fat and grippy tires mated to a light aluminum frame

Émonda ALR 5 Disc

A smooth-riding frame paired with Shimano’s terrific 105 group

Sturdy steel in an approachable package

Madone SLR 9

Every feature imaginable and a slippery aero frame

Top Fuel 9.9 X01

A super-efficient bike that shreds down hills

“We’re a uniquely American success story from small-town USA,” said brand manager Eric Bjorling. “So many of the values that have led to Trek’s success—hard work, craftsmanship, responsibility, commitment to our customers—are Wisconsin values.”

Its values may be hyper-local and American, but it’s now a company at the center of a globalized cycling market that has made industry-leading technological advances.

A recent example of Trek’s “industry-leading technological advances” mentioned above is IsoSpeed, which is available at the front and rear on certain Trek models. The rear decoupler is at the junction of the seat and top tube, and the front decoupler is located at the top of the headset.

The front IsoSpeed decoupler allows the fork steerer tube to flex more than it would with a fixed upper headset cup, which helps damp some impacts. The rear IsoSpeed decoupler provides increased vertical seat tube deflection (compared to a traditional fixed seat tube design) for a smoother ride. The rear IsoSpeed system is adjustable on the latest Madone and Domane models, which lets the rider adjust the compliance level for terrain and or personal preference. You might not even need to adjust the rear slider to experience the road-smoothing effects of the two decouplers—our test team found that the all-over effect was fast and smooth performance equally suited to asphalt and cobbles.

Famed Classics specialist Fabian Cancellara, who retired from racing as a member of World Tour team Trek-Segafredo, worked with Trek engineers to develop the final version of IsoSpeed, which is especially useful on the cobbles and other rough surfaces that riders encounter on most Classics courses. Since the tech’s 2012 release on the Domane, Trek has claimed that IsoSpeed doesn’t sacrifice power transfer at the cost of more compliance.

Along with bolstering its ride-smoothing technologies, Trek has also begun implementing internal-storage compartments in the downtube of some of its road and mountain bikes. These handy “trap doors” debuted in the new Domane and Fuel EX, where an included organizer roll has pockets for a tube, CO2 cartridge, inflator head, and tire lever.

Trek has also started moving away from women’s specific bikes and adopting a “more bikes for everyone” ethos, where all bikes are offered in unisex sizing. The idea is that this will ensure that no matter your gender, you’ll have access to the full array of paint colors, build kits, and sizes.

And of course, Trek continues to roll out exciting new bikes. This year’s slate includes the third generation of the popular Domane roadster (now with even more ride-smoothing technology) and fully revamped versions of the Fuel EX and Top Fuel mountain bikes, which are both more capable than ever.

If you’re in the market for a road, mountain, or city bike (or any other style), Trek likely has something made for you.

How We Chose

Trek is among the most popular bike brands and has one of the most extensive bike lines in the world. Because it makes a lot of bikes—and a lot of bikes that our readers want to know about—our test team evaluates, rides, and reviews many Trek models throughout the year. This is not a complete overview of all of Trek’s models, but a focused list of the best. These are the Trek bikes that offer exceptional performance, value, technology, or features (or some combination of all four).

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} —BEST ALL-AROUND ROAD BIKE—

Domane slr 7, trek domane slr 7.

The third-generation of the Domane isn’t just the best Domane; it’s Trek’s best-ever road bike. And it’s one of the best road bikes on the market right now thanks to an equal blend of performance, comfort, practicality, and versatility. The Domane got more aerodynamic than the previous iteration (saving 12 watts at 40Kph), it takes at least a 38mm tire, and has hidden fender mounts and sleek internal storage. It also features compliance-enhancing decouplers front and rear that improve rider comfort and control without detracting from the bike’s pedaling efficiency or handling. The Domane’s steering is light and its handling precise, but with a mellower edge and more stability than a traditional road racing bike.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 23 IMAGES

―best new road bike―, émonda slr 9 etap, trek émonda slr 9 etap.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 35 IMAGES

―best women’s trail bike―, $1,259.99 trek roscoe 7.

There’s so much to love about this bike. The SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, with a 30t chainring and 10-50t cassette, gives a massive range of gears and plenty of low-range options for easing the pain of climbing steep hills. Its 27.5-inch wheels are maneuverable in tight, technical terrain, and the 2.8-inch tubeless-ready tires offer great traction and a plush ride. The RockShox Judy Silver fork has plenty of travel for getting rowdy (1oomm for size the extra-small frame size, 120mm for small through large) and can be locked out for more efficient off-trail riding. And speaking of rowdy, a 100mm dropper post is a very cool addition to a bike at this price.

—BEST FIRST “REAL” MOUNTAIN BIKE―

Trek marlin 7.

The Marlin 7, which also comes in a women’s version , is ideal for aspiring racers, everyday trail riders, and casual commuters alike. Riders who like to pedal fast will appreciate its steep, aggressive head and seat angles, and a high bottom bracket that offers decent pedal clearance on the trail. Its cables are internally routed, too, which isn’t common on bikes at this price. It has a 2x9-speed Shimano drivetrain, which strays from the single-chainring trend that’s popular on off-road bikes at the moment but also provides plenty of gearing options. And even though the RockShox XC30 100mm coil-spring fork is heavier than some comparable air-spring models, it does a surprisingly good job on super-rocky trails. Add to that the 2.2-inch-wide Bontrager tires on 29-inch Bontrager Connection rims, which never squirmed too much on sketchy terrain, and you have a bike that not only looks fast but offers the kind of sharp handling and precise steering you’d expect from higher-priced racing models.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 27 IMAGES

―BEST ELECTRIC ROAD BIKE―

Trek domane+ hp.

The Domane+ e-road bike is the electric version of, naturally, the popular Domane. It’s designed for riders who appreciate that bike’s reliable comfort and IsoSpeed technology but want the added fun and function of e-assist. It’s also the ideal companion for anyone coming back from injury, slower riders who want to mix it up with a speedy group, and couples with different fitness levels. A Bosch Performance Speed motor provides a very welcome 28 mph of pedal assist, and the 500Wh Powertube battery sleekly integrates into the down tube. You also get massive tire clearance, fender and rack compatibility, and Trek’s Blendr stem for cleanly mounting accessories such as lights and computers to your handlebar.

―BEST NEW XC BIKE―

Supercaliber 9.9, trek supercaliber 9.9 xx1 axs.

The new Supercaliber is the brand’s latest attempt to create the ultimate XC race bike by merging the best attributes of a hardtail (stiffness, low weight) and full-suspension (traction, comfort, control) frame into one. And based on our rides, it’s the closest yet to that best-of-both-worlds machine with 60mm of rear travel. Trek’s IsoStrut design places a Fox Float shock into a tube—both ends of that tube are bolted to the underside of the SuperCal’s top tube. At the top of the seat stays is a sleeve (Trek calls it a carriage) that slides over the bolted-in tube. Cutouts in the tube allow a cross bolt to pass through the sleeve, the tube, and the rear shock eyelet. Trek says this design eliminates rotation around the shock shaft and prevents side-loading the shaft so the bike has the stiffness and feel of a hardtail, but with real full suspension for better comfort and control. And based on back to back testing with a hardail, the Supercaliber is everything it was designed to be.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 48 IMAGES

―BEST VALUE HARDTAIL―

Procaliber 9.7, trek procaliber 9.7.

Trek did a masterful job with this bike, skimping in the right places to save money and splurging in the areas that count for performance. The carbon frame is extremely lightweight; our size XL test bike weighed in at only 21.6 pounds. The IsoSpeed decoupler at the junction of the seat tube and top tube offers so much vertical compliance you can actually see the seat tube moving if you bounce on the saddle. Tubeless-ready Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels also keep weight in check and roll very quickly when wrapped in (stock) 2.2-inch Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires. Be warned, though, these are race-day tires for dry conditions and not well suited to daily trail riding or muddy courses. SRAM’s GX Eagle drivetrain and alloy SRAM X1 Eagle crank keep cost in check and can stand up to plenty of hard riding and abuse. They do add significant weight, though, which makes this bike’s overall lightness all the more impressive. Our tester was surprised, however, to find a narrow 720mm handlebar. He said it felt strange at first but didn’t notice it anymore after a few minutes of riding.

―BEST ENTRY-LEVEL RACER―

Domane al 2, trek domane al 2 disc.

The good looks of the Domane AL 2 are the first indication that Trek didn’t mess around with this bike. Start digging deeper and you’ll find even more to like. The shaped aluminum frame is nicely made and has a vibration-damping carbon fork. The rims are tubeless-ready so you can upgrade to smoother-rolling tires filled with puncture sealant. And new for 2021, the Domane AL 2 is outfitted with disc brakes. That does come with a bump in price—the previous version with rim brakes was only $860. But if you ride in variable weather conditions, the more reliable performance from disc brakes may save your bacon. The shifters snick-snick the drivetrain through the gears lightly and crisply. There are other little surprising nuggets, like the pocket in the frame for a speed sensor and the included light and computer mount that cleanly integrates into the stem. Best of all, the bike is a joy to ride. Handling is stable, precise, and attentive to pedal strokes so you feel like you’re flying over the road, not pushing across it.

—BEST MARATHON BIKE—

Top fuel 9.9, trek top fuel 9.9 x01.

While the 2019 Top Fuel featured 100mm of travel in the front and back, the new top-of-the-line Top Fuel 9.9 has 120mm of front suspension and 115mm in the rear. Trek also did away with the floating mount that compressed the shock from both ends. Instead, the lower eyelet is fixed to the downtube, a change that reduces weight and improves stiffness. Tires are also beefed up. Instead of skinny race-oriented ones, this model comes with 29x2.40-inch Bontrager XR3 Team Issue rubber designed for a variety of riding conditions. Gnar capability is further enhanced thanks to a frame that’s slacker and longer. And it’s spec’d with a shorter stem and wider bars.

READ FULL REVIEW VIEW 47 IMAGES

—BEST ROAD RACE BIKE—

Madone slr 9 disc, trek madone slr 9.

It’s no longer debatable that “disc brakes aren’t aero enough to race on.” Tell that to the now numerous Tour de France stage winners who’ve won highly contested sprints on disc-brake-equipped bikes. And try telling that to Mads Pedersen , who rode to the World Championship title on this bike. The Madone SLR 9 Disc is the premier aerodynamic offering from Trek. The SLR 9 Disc’s frame is made from 700 Series OCLV carbon and features an adjustable IsoSpeed, which can be set to create more or less frame compliance. This technology gives the bike versatility to suit the rider and the route. Pro-level components include a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset (50/34 crankset, 11-28 cassette), flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Aeolus XXX 6 carbon wheels (tubeless-ready), and a Madone-specific seatpost, headset, and handlebar. Models range from $6,000 to $12,000.

—BEST FOR GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL—

The 1120 is a bikepacking beast, ready for your next days-long adventure as soon as you leave the shop. Complete with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, 1x11-speed Shimano SLX groupset, and bulbous Bontrager Chupacabra 29x3-inch tires, the bike’s components are capable of helping you ride through challenging terrain deep in the backcountry. What’s more, the 1120 comes stock with front and rear racks that will hold plenty of gear.

—BEST KID’S MOUNTAIN BIKE—

Trek roscoe 24.

The Roscoe 24 is a great bike for older children who want to take their riding skills off road. Designed to accommodate riders between 4-foot-2 and 5-foot-3, this bike comes with 24-inch wheels, 2.8-inch tires, a 1x8-speed Shimano groupset, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes, making it a well-equipped bike for younger riders as they learn how to navigate trails.

—BEST COLLEGE BIKE—

The 820 is Trek’s answer to people who just a want solid, reliable, and affordable bike to ride. With a steel frame, a fork with 75mm of travel, and 26 by 2-inch-wide tires, the 820 is labeled as an entry-level hardtail mountain bike. This steed would be great for college students looking for a reliable commuter and way to explore local trails or a family looking to buy a bike that can be used by several people for a variety of purposes. A 7-speed Shimano Tourney groupset, with a 42/34/24 crank and a 14-28 cassette, will enable almost any level of rider to get where they’re going.

—BEST FITNESS BIKE—

Trek fx 3 disc.

The name “ hybrid bike ” mean different things to different people. To some, it indicates a ride good as both a way to habitually exercise and explore. To others, it may only be a tool for good-weather fun. With an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and 32mm Bontrager H2 Hard-Case Lite tires, the Trek FX 3 Disc can be enjoyed by, and comfortable for, almost any sort of rider. The 9-speed Shimano Acera groupset features a 46/30 crank, 11-36 cassette, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

—BEST BUDGET ROAD RACER—

Emonda alr 5 disc, trek émonda alr 5.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the new Émonda ALR 5 Disc is full carbon. But it’s not. It’s an aluminum race bike with the same geometry as Trek’s carbon Émonda frames. The ALR 5 Disc comes stock with a full Shimano 105 drivetrain, a compact 50/34 crankset, an 11-28 cassette, and hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes.

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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• Health and fitness

The Best Exercise Bikes

By Ingrid Skjong

Ingrid Skjong is an editor covering appliances and vacuums. She has also tested fitness gear, including nearly 70 pairs of workout leggings.

Fitness trends come and go, but pedaling in place on an exercise bike is a classic, low-impact way to nurture cardiovascular fitness. Whether you prefer to tool along at a moderate pace a few times a week or tackle intense, studio-style workouts daily, the bike you choose can help set you up for success.

After riding 19 indoor-cycling bikes over the past four years, we’ve found four that will please a variety of riders. Our recommendations include a top-notch, top-dollar connected-cycling experience ; a less expensive magnetic-resistance bike for those who prioritize versatility (and wish to provide their own touchscreen); a model with friction resistance that’s made for streaming connected apps; and a sturdy budget option .

Choosing your ride

If your goal is to replicate a boutique-studio–style cycling class at home, choose a stationary bike that streams your preferred app.

If you want to track time, distance, speed, cadence (rpm), or heart rate, select a bike with a console that displays those metrics.

A large screen contributes to an immersive experience. But maybe you’d rather use your own tablet or TV.

You can spend $2,000 or more on a stationary bike. If you don’t care as much about features like connectivity and detailed performance metrics, you could spend $500 for a quality ride.

The research

Who this is for, versatile and reliable: schwinn ic4, bowflex c6, a+ equipment and content to match: peloton bike, well built, streaming ready: spinning aero connected spinner bike, budget price, solid ride: sunny health & fitness sf-b1805, how our picks compare, why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, how to adjust a bike for the proper fit, care and maintenance, other good indoor cycling bikes, the competition.

Anyone looking to improve or maintain their cardiovascular fitness could find value in an at-home exercise bike. The US Department of Health and Human Services encourages adults (PDF) to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. With the help of an exercise bike, you can get there, conveniently, without needing to leave home. Riding one could be your primary mode of aerobic exercise, a scalable cross-training option, or a form of low-impact rehabilitation of an injury. (Be sure to check with your health-care provider before starting a rehabilitation program.)

As we tested exercise bikes, we arrived at a key conclusion: When it comes to deciding which bike will best fit you and your lifestyle, know yourself. Here are a few questions to ponder:

• Will cycling at home please you, or is a studio environment ultimately more satisfying?
• If you’re taking a hiatus from a gym or studio setting to work out at home, how long do you envision your break to last?
• Are you willing to invest in cycling shoes, or do you prefer having the option to pedal in sneakers?
• Do you appreciate a large, built-in screen, or will your own tablet or TV suffice?
• When it comes to classes, do you prefer high production value or a more relaxed, local-gym feel?
• Do you want the ability to weave in other types of workouts along with cycling?
• How many members of your household will ride along with you?
• How often will you really ride your bike?

An increasing number of indoor-cycling bikes aim to deliver a connected-fitness experience to rival (or replicate) that of Peloton , the biggest name in the game.

A big draw with these bikes is the ability to ride along with an app, to approximate an in-person indoor-cycling class. But four of our five picks also allow you to ride unconnected, for basic cardio. We tested several bikes with no connectivity that provide a simpler way to ride. And we tested several bikes that eschew built-in tablets and onboard content for Bluetooth connectivity and responsive functionality, allowing riders to use their favorite indoor-cycling apps, including Zwift ( iOS , Android ), an interactive app that focuses on road-style cycling, and Studio Sweat ( iOS , Android ), which offers more traditional indoor-cycling classes. The Peloton app can also work with these bikes, but without the live leaderboard and full real-time stats that many Peloton fans love.

Mad Dogg Athletics trademarked the word “Spin” (along with “Spinning” and “Spinner”) in the early 1990s; the company is protective of its usage. We use the generic term “indoor cycling” frequently throughout this guide, even though many people who are into this type of workout use “Spin” or “Spinning” to describe it and call the equipment “Spin bikes.” (As part of our research, we interviewed John Baudhuin, CEO of Spinning and one of the initial creators of Spinning as it’s known today.)

Here our focus is on stationary indoor-cycling bikes. We have not yet tested upright exercise bikes , which position you in an upright riding position; recumbent exercise bikes , which position you in a reclined riding position; or fan bikes , which utilize user-generated air resistance.

Schwinn IC4

A versatile choice.

This comfortable bike displays metrics, allows for riding with or without a Bluetooth-connected app, and has a strong warranty, to boot.

Buying Options

Same bike, different brand

The Bowflex C6 is identical to the Schwinn IC4. We recommend comparing their prices before purchasing.

Best for: Those who want a bike that displays a range of real-time metrics—regardless of whether it’s connected to an indoor-cycling app—all in a low-key package.

The Schwinn IC4 has an LCD console that displays a full suite of metrics, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the bike to connect to eight different cycling apps and a heart-rate monitor. (The bike does not have a built-in touchscreen.) We like its adaptability, functionality, and smooth ride.

The Schwinn IC4 is the same bike as the Bowflex C6 . (Nautilus owns both Schwinn and Bowflex.) We confirmed with a spokesperson at Schwinn that the two bikes are identical, right down to their generous warranties (10 years for the frame, three years for the parts, one year for any repairs requiring a technician), optional extended protection plan (five-year parts and labor for $109), and optional in-home assembly ($169 for Bowflex, $149 for Schwinn). Although the two bikes are generally priced similarly, we recommend that you compare their prices before buying. Even though from this point our discussion focuses on the IC4, we’ve tested both bikes, and we recommend both.

You adjust the handlebars and seat via handles that tighten each screw and can be ratcheted out of harm’s way. The IC4’s handlebars adjust fore and aft as well as up and down, which can help you refine the fit and comfort (in comparison, the Peloton Bike’s handlebars adjust only up and down). A small, inward-facing, paddle-like extension at the tip of each handlebar provides a surprisingly satisfying surface to hold during out-of-the-saddle (standing) riding. The Schwinn IC4’s seat didn’t leave much of an impression in our tests—a good sign. During our testing, we rode the IC4 with cycling shoes compatible with its SPD clips; the bike has toe-cage pedals on the flip side for use with non-cycling shoes.

We found this model’s robust console useful during rides: Cadence (expressed as revolutions per minute) tracks on a graph at the top of the display, followed by time, calories burned, speed, distance, level (resistance, from 1 to 100), and heart rate. The IC4’s included heart-rate armband strap connected easily for us, as did our GPS running watch , which broadcast its readings on the bike’s display. A knob smoothly adjusts the heaviness of the resistance, though one tester thought that it caught a bit on occasion. Pressing down on the resistance knob brings the flywheel to a halt. Like many connected exercise bikes, this bike must be plugged into an outlet.

The IC4’s Bluetooth capabilities allow for connection to (and varying degrees of interaction with) cycling apps such as Peloton, Zwift, Rouvy, and Schwinn’s workout app Jrny ( iOS , Android ), as well as activity-tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health. In our tests, the bike easily connected to the Peloton app, showing real-time cadence, though it doesn’t indicate watts (a measure of power output). Since the IC4’s resistance range doesn’t match directly with Peloton’s, riders have come up with various conversions to help match the resistance numbers.

The IC4 comes with two 3-pound dumbbells (which hang on its front), for off-the-bike workouts or in-the-saddle arm work (the subject of some controversy within the indoor-cycling world). Its maximum weight capacity is 330 pounds—the highest maximum weight capacity among our picks—and it is recommended for people between 4-foot-6 and 6-foot-6. One 5-foot-9 tester, who is generally happy with the fit of the bike, wished that the seat moved forward more or that the handlebars shifted back farther to help her dial in a more comfortable fit. An owner of the IC4 for about a year and a half, she rides the bike a few times a week, enjoys her time on it, and said that it’s holding up well. The IC4 feels solid yet is the lightest of our picks—which might matter to you if you plan to move it around your home often. (The bike has two front-mounted transportation wheels to facilitate positioning.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

For greater specificity, we wish the cadence (rpm) showed as a standalone number instead of on a sliding graph at the top of the console. In addition, we found that it’s possible to hit a knee on a taller water bottle while pedaling—a combination of the slight angle of the water-bottle holders and personal fit. The seat and handlebar adjustments aren’t numbered, so your setting isn’t marked as obviously as on some other bikes. And the seat’s fore and aft seat adjustment uses tick marks, making it a bit easier to eyeball the distance but not as clear as a set of numbers.

We were able to connect the bike to Schwinn’s Jrny app, which offers a mix of video- and audio-prompted rides and workouts. The video rides are fine but lack the energy and wide range of intensity levels that other platforms offer. We thought the audio-only adaptive workouts were fun (they’re led by a virtual trainer and designed to automatically adjust as you get stronger). We weren’t able to connect the IC4 to certain rides that were actually meant for the Bowflex VeloCore Bike ; a spokesperson at Schwinn assured us that a fix was in the works. (A one-year subscription to Jrny is included in the price of the Schwinn IC4 and Bowflex C6 and is $20 per month thereafter. You are not required to use it.)

Peloton Bike

A top-notch indoor cycle.

Fans of cycling at a boutique studio will likely enjoy Peloton’s community emphasis and engaging instructors.

Best for: Those eager to get a full-immersion, potentially interactive studio-cycling experience at home with high-caliber content.

The Peloton Bike —which is often credited with kicking off the connected-fitness craze—is the only one of our picks that requires a subscription ($44 a month) to achieve the bike’s fullest functionality. Without it, you don’t have much workout content to work with. The Peloton Bike adjusts to fit riders who measure between 4-foot-11 and 6-foot-4 and who weigh up to 297 pounds. (Riders on the smaller side sometimes find perfecting the fit to be a challenge .) The ride is smooth; the electromagnetic resistance is responsive and satisfyingly sensitive. The saddle is comfortable, as far as indoor cycles go, and it adjusts both in height and depth. The handlebars are grippy even when sweaty, and they feel secure, with none of the wobbling produced by handlebars on lesser bikes. (For more, read our full review of the Peloton Bike .)

The pedal clips, which are Look Delta–compatible, hold the Peloton cycling shoes or other appropriate bike shoes securely. (You need to buy shoes separately.) Over the years, we’ve experienced easy clip-ins and clip-outs, and we’ve also had to work hard to release our shoes from the pedals. During our most recent testing of the Peloton Bike, we ran into an issue with the shoes not clipping into the pedals. A technician was able to quickly fix the problem with a set of new pedals (the company’s troubleshooting advice didn’t work in our case).

Like the Schwinn IC4/Bowflex C6, the Peloton Bike must be plugged into an outlet. The sweat-proof 21.5-inch touchscreen tablet streams Peloton’s branded classes—which are a majority of the draw here. Our other picks do not have integrated screens. (The Peloton Bike+, the Bike’s upgraded sibling , has a larger, 23.8-inch touchscreen that swivels 180 degrees. If you know that upgraded features will delight you, the Bike+ won’t disappoint. But its overall functionality and feel are very similar to that of the original Bike.) The screen is crisp and responsive, after an initial few seconds of buffering. During a ride, it displays all sorts of stats: ride time (elapsed and remaining), current speed, distance covered, cadence (in revolutions per minute), resistance intensity (the percentage of tension of the magnet controlling the flywheel), and calories burned (informed by your body size, effort level, and heart rate, if you’re wearing a heart-rate monitor). You’ll also see “output” or the wattage of energy you’re expending in the moment, on average, and in total—the last of which determines your place on the group-ride leaderboard.

That last element is what unleashes riders’ competitiveness, and it’s a big reason Peloton is so popular. Indoor-cycling class preferences run the gamut. While choosing a live class, you can see how many other people are “counted in” and even invite friends that you follow (you can do the same for on-demand and encore classes, too). At the start of the session, the leaderboard populates as riders log in, listing their chosen screen names, gender, age bracket by the decade, and location. In a prerecorded on-demand class, you instead see the names of everyone who has ever taken it. As you pedal, you can watch your rank change. (You can listen through the tablet’s built-in speakers or through headphones .)

The Peloton library consists of thousands of on-demand cycling classes in 13 class types, from low impact to intervals to climbs (a lot of standing up on the pedals), and from five minutes (warm-up, cooldown, and intro rides) to 90 minutes in length; many are 30 or 45 minutes. You can also choose your class based on instructor, music genre, or “sort” (new, trending, popular, and so on). The content includes more than 200 scenic rides, as well. A former Wirecutter colleague who owns the Peloton Bike appreciated the introductory program she took, which helped her get familiar with the Bike and the classes.

In late 2021 Peloton added a pause function , which allows you to pause on-demand rides if you have to step away (you will, however, lose your place on the leaderboard). In 2023, the company also added the ability to connect an Apple Watch or Wear OS watch to the Bike—a feature that many riders had been waiting for . Using the Peloton app on your connected watch, you can now sync to the Bike to automatically track heart rate and record workouts. ( Peloton explains the upgrades on its site .)

The Peloton Bike is expensive and requires a subscription ($44 a month) to function maximally. Without it, your options shrink to three 45-minute classes, plus a basic “ride” mode that allows you to pedal and adjust resistance.

After enjoying unheard-of popularity during the height of the pandemic, Peloton suffered a series of setbacks. In May 2023, Peloton and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of the Bike . Peloton received 35 reports of broken seat posts during use, a number of which led to falls and injury. (Owners of a recalled Peloton Bike purchased in the US can request a free seat post replacement .) And if you’re a current Bike owner looking to unload your acquisition, it might now be harder than ever to recoup what you originally paid for it .

The included limited warranty covers the tablet, mechanics, parts, and service from issues related to normal wear and tear for one year and the bike frame for five years. This isn’t the worst coverage we’ve seen, but it isn’t the best. (An additional 48 months of coverage costs $149.)

One former Peloton Bike owner told us that, at 5-foot-1, she struggled with fit even after moving the bike’s seat all the way forward. This is a fairly common complaint among shorter riders. You can find extenders , made by companies unaffiliated with Peloton, that are intended to rectify the issue (we have not tried them). And one DIY solution involves affixing a pool noodle to the handlebars .

Spinning Aero Connected Spinner Bike

Friction resistance, no outlet required.

An included cadence sensor sets this bike up for streamed workouts viewed on your own device. Its friction resistance, however, is a bit noisier than magnetic resistance.

Best for: Those who want a well-built bike that’s compatible with workouts streamed from a personal device and that doesn’t require a power source.

The Spinning Aero Connected Spinner Bike comes with a cadence sensor, which you attach to the pedal crank (we installed it easily). This sensor allows you to connect with a variety of apps via Bluetooth to view your real-time cadence. Unlike the Schwinn IC4 and Bowflex C6 , this bike has no console.

Spinning, the brand, made a name for itself by inventing, well, “spinning,” as the world knows it . The Aero Connected Spinner Bike is sturdy and well built, though we felt a bit of movement within the handlebar post. The bike has an open feel between the handlebars and the seat, which made our rides feel a tad more like being on a real bike. Adjusting the seat and handlebars took more effort than it did on some of the other bikes we tried, which is something to consider if you have more than one person in your household riding. The bike does not need to be plugged in.

One major difference between the Aero Connected Spinner Bike and our other picks is that instead of magnetic resistance, it relies on friction resistance: A pad made of a felt-like material comes in direct contact with the flywheel as you adjust the resistance. Magnetic resistance tends to be more precise and less likely to require any maintenance since there is no contact with the flywheel. Friction resistance is noisier than its magnetic counterpart (largely because the magnetic approach is all but silent): You hear a gentle whoosh as the pad bears down on the flywheel. Since friction resistance can be less precise, it can be harder to tell what level you're on. We found no issues with the responsiveness of the resistance on this bike, though one tester thought the ride felt “muddy” in comparison with rides on bikes using magnetic resistance. (John Baudhuin, CEO of Spinning, told us that the company sells more friction-resistance bikes commercially than it does magnetic-resistance models.)

The cadence sensor connects to apps like Spinning’s own Spinning Digital ($13 a month) and Peloton App+ ($24 a month), the latter of which we used for the majority of our rides. Along with the cadence sensor, Spinning provides a Bluetooth arm-band heart-rate monitor. The bike accommodates riders from 4-foot-11 to 6-foot-5 and has a maximum rider weight of 275 pounds. The handlebars are wide and low and have a subtle texture and a comfortable diameter and overall feel. We rode the bike with cycling shoes compatible with its SPD clips; the bike also has toe-cage pedals for use with non-cycling shoes.

The water-bottle holders were the nicest among those on bikes in our test pool, sturdily made and positioned conveniently within the handlebars. This bike’s elevated device holder also felt solid. The seat is a slim racing style, and although it didn’t differ drastically from most of the others we perched on, it wasn’t quite as comfortable initially (but we warmed to it).

In our tests, adjusting the seat and handlebars took more effort on the Aero Connected Spinner Bike than on some of the other bikes we tried, as the slide adjusters felt sticky. The basic warranty— one year, no labor —is on the chintzy side. You can bolster it for an extra charge, adding one year ($98), two years ($168), or three years ($227).

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805

A solid ride for a budget price.

This no-frills bike is surprisingly sturdy, especially when compared to other models under $600. If you don’t care about onboard metrics or lots of extras, it may appeal to you.

Best for: Those who want a sturdy, reasonably priced bike and aren’t concerned about tracking metrics or riding something with bells and whistles.

Even in a room of competitors that cost twice as much or more, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 stood out for its general soundness. “I was impressed with how sturdy this bike was,” noted one tester, who, like all the others, was unaware of each model’s price tag. “I always felt like I was on solid footing and riding a thick and sturdy piece of equipment.”

The SF-B1805 does not have a console. You could add a cadence sensor to the bike, effectively enabling it to connect to cycling apps. But if you’d prefer to pedal without metrics, this bike (which, unlike the Schwinn IC4 and the Peloton Bike, does not need to be plugged into an outlet) might work for you.

One tester, who thought the bike felt and fit fine, pointed out that it had a more “vertical” seated position than other bikes she tried. “It didn’t feel like it was trying to compete with Peloton or other studio bikes,” she noted. “I think it’s for a different consumer.” One difference is the SF-B1805’s generously padded seat, which may take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to cycling in a studio. (Most of the other seats we perched on had slimmer silhouettes and less cushioning.) We had to adjust the SF-B1805’s seat a few times with a wrench to level it off and tighten it sufficiently, but we did this with other bikes, as well.

The handlebars have four prongs (our other picks all have two), and they are the longest of those on the bikes we recommend: One tester remarked that they reminded him of “a giant elk,” and he wasn’t always sure where to put his hands. They also felt a bit sticky. The SF-B1805 does not come with an integrated tablet, so you need to use your own. A flat surface on top of the handlebars accommodates a device nicely, though another tester wished that its angle pointed her tablet at her more directly.

In our testing, the magnetic resistance adjusted smoothly and was fairly responsive. One tester thought there was “less of a distance between ‘easy’ and ‘hard,’” and she felt like she could put something on the wheel without turning the knob excessively to the right. We initially thought that the maximum resistance felt light, though after we became more familiar with the bike’s resistance range, it felt appropriate. Even though the bike does not provide metrics, there’s nothing keeping you from pedaling along to a video class. More-experienced riders can follow an instructor’s leg speed and adjust the resistance by feel.

The bike accommodates riders with inseams between 28 inches and 38 inches. (Inseam—a measure of inner-leg length, typically from crotch to ankle—is an unconventional way to present suggested height parameters.) The maximum rider weight is 300 pounds. The adjustment process isn’t as elegant as on some of our other picks; there are no holes in the handlebar or seat posts to definitely lock into a spot. That said, we didn’t experience any slipping or jostling loose. The pedals have toe cages only—if you want to use cycling shoes, you need to swap out the pedals for a set of your choosing.

The warranty is one of the weakest among our picks: three years for the structural frame, 180 days for the parts and components. During our tests, the sticker on the flywheel began to peel away after about a month of use (granted, this was during a period of high humidity). The water-bottle holder is located on the lower-right side of the bike, and it proved oddly tricky to reach in comparison with the more conveniently placed bottle holders of our other picks.

We consulted five experts to get a sense of what to keep in mind when contemplating—and riding—a stationary indoor-cycling bike:

• Jennifer Sage , founder of the Indoor Cycling Association , answered our questions about what to look for in a bike and how to properly and safely ride one.
• Jay Dicharry , physical therapist and author, and Jen Luebke , a professional cyclist and mountain-bike coach, illuminated the biomechanics behind riding an indoor-cycling bike (an understanding of which can help you maximize your time on your bike).
• John Baudhuin , CEO of Spinning, provided background on his company, which is notable for starting the modern indoor-cycling trend.
• David Steinberg , founder of Smooth Running Service Company, gave us some intel on repair issues that are common to exercise bikes.

We also pulled statistics from a 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry Association report on stationary cycling to see how many people are actively engaged in this type of exercise.

Over the past four years, we’ve tested 19 indoor-cycling bikes. They have ranged from barebones models to those promising a connected-fitness experience—whether that meant onboard, branded classes and workouts and a built-in tablet, or the ability to stream indoor-cycling apps via Bluetooth and your own device.

Along the way, 15 volunteer testers—from indoor-cycling beginners to aficionados who brought their own shoes—have taken some of the bikes for a spin.

In general, we rode each bike at least three times with a streamed class, assessing the fit, feel, and function of each machine, noting how all of that affected the overall experience.

During our selection process and testing, we focused on the following criteria:

Overall build

We took note of whether we felt any unsteadiness when seated or when we stood out of the saddle. We most often encountered wobbles in the handlebars, sometimes even after tightening them thoroughly. A bike should sit flush with the floor; most of the bike models we tested had leveling feet, which helped to provide an even base. We also used a bike mat under each one.

Drive type: Indoor-cycling bikes typically come with either a belt drive or a chain drive. We focused on models with belt drives; none of the bikes we tested had a chain, which tends to stretch a bit over time and can require some time to wear in. Chains are also louder. Belt-driven systems are quieter and typically don’t require adjustments or a wear-in period.

Pedals: Indoor-cycling bikes typically come with one of three pedal types: toe cages, which do not require cycling shoes; clip-in pedals, which do require cycling shoes (we encountered SPD clip-in pedals universally, except for on the Peloton Bike, which has Delta clip-ins); or dual-sided, which have clip-ins on one side and toe cages on the other. For the clip-ins, we noted how easy it was to clip in and out, and whether we felt secure when clipped in. (You can swap out pedals, but for simplicity’s sake, we worked with what we had.)

Fit and adjustability

We noted the breadth of adjustability for each bike, including the seat-post height and whether the seat and handlebars moved fore and aft. We noted the recommended height range and the maximum ride weight for each bike. We also assessed the ease of adjustability and noted whether a seat post, for instance, had easily identifiable markings to record our sizing.

Handlebars: We took into account the orientation of the handlebars, as well as their shape, configuration, and diameter. We also paid attention to how the handlebar surface felt (textured? smooth? tacky?) and whether any add-ons distracted us from our ride.

Seat comfort: We paid attention to seat style, which, depending on your history with a bike seat, can make or break a ride. We encountered both slim, racing-style seats and wider, more padded ones. If we didn’t notice the seat during a ride, we considered it a win. We also took into account the ease of adjustment. Depending on your seat, you might need to use a tool to tighten it, tip it, or straighten it to your liking. Seats can be swapped out. You can also purchase cushioned bike-seat covers to dial in comfort.

Ride experience

Much of how smoothly an indoor-cycling bike rides has to do with its flywheel—the main wheel that powers the bike. Flywheel positioning can be either in the front of the bike or in the back of the bike (we’ve ridden on both styles). All of our picks have front-positioned flywheels. We took into account the weight of the flywheel, knowing that a heavier wheel theoretically results in a better ride . The flywheels of our picks all fall between 30 pounds and 45 pounds (plenty of weight to generate a robust amount of centrifugal force). We also felt for a smooth pedal stroke.

Resistance: Indoor-cycling bikes typically come with either magnetic resistance (which uses a magnetic current to manipulate the level of resistance on the flywheel) or friction resistance (which uses a pad, usually made of leather or a felt-like material, to physically apply pressure to the flywheel). All of the bikes we tested but one had magnetic resistance. From a ride standpoint, we assessed the definitiveness of the resistance changes and whether those changes felt satisfying, muddy, or somewhere in between. We also wanted an appropriate range of resistances, allowing for everything from a light spin to a heavy mash.

Noise: Most of the bikes we tested rode smoothly with no excess racket. Knocks, clicks, and other annoying noises do happen and are common complaints within owner reviews. Magnetic resistance is nearly silent; friction resistance produces some sound as the pad comes in contact with the flywheel. For further sound dampening (and for the good of your floor), we recommend placing a mat underneath the bike.

Console or screen: Some of the bikes we tested had no console of any kind. (Many bikes used in studio cycling classes do not display metrics.) Others included a console—from simple LCD displays to more advanced digital displays—showing metrics such as time, distance, estimated calories burned, speed, cadence (expressed as revolutions per minute), and heart rate. Still others had a full-blown touchscreen relaying every detail of a ride. We assessed how easy these displays were to navigate and how useful the information was.

Connectivity

You do not need to connect your exercise bike to anything to enjoy a satisfying workout on it. Riding along to music, the TV, or total silence are all fine ways to go. But an increasing number of bikes offer connectivity to provide a somewhat interactive ride. Some of our picks have optional companion apps that you can subscribe to for a monthly fee. Some bikes let you connect to an app (Zwift, Peloton, and the like) via Bluetooth. Some of the bikes we tested include a cadence (rpm) sensor that can sync to an app via Bluetooth and provide real-time numbers. We used the Peloton app for many of our test rides, connected (or not!) to the bike we rode to varying degrees. Some bikes also connect to heart-rate monitors via Bluetooth (two of the bikes we tested in 2022 included a heart-rate monitor; we broadcast our heart rate to the bikes from a GPS running watch several times).

Accessories

We assessed the quality and placement of water-bottle holders and device holders, some of which were located in tough-to-reach places or felt cheaply made or extraneous.

Riding an indoor-cycling bike is not the same as pedaling a bike outside. “The biggest single problem affecting cyclists is not knowing how to actually sit on a bike,” said Jay Dicharry, noted physical therapist and professor at Oregon State University. “Most people sit on a bike saddle like they sit on a bar stool.”

Don’t. Sitting improperly on your bike not only puts your spine in an overly stressed position but also underworks your hips and overworks your knees. Sit on your bike in a hip hinge, which pushes the hips back and loads them properly during pedaling—resulting in a more efficient and powerful pedal stroke. ( This video illustrates the hip hinge as it pertains to a mountain bike; the same rules apply to other cycling scenarios.)

Finding your proper fit takes a few steps but is ultimately worth the effort. “A proper bike fit can make the difference between hating the experience and becoming a huge fan,” said Jennifer Sage, founder of the Indoor Cycling Association. Here’s how to find general starting points for your seat height and setback (how close your seat is to the handlebars). You can refine these numbers as you spend more time on your bike. Jen Luebke, a professional cyclist and mountain-bike coach, recommends writing down your measurements so that you always have them at the ready.

To find your seat height (based on the amount of bend in your knee when your foot is at the farthest point away from your hip):

• Adjust your bike seat to the middle position. Stand next to your bike and raise the seat until it’s level with the top of your hip bone.
• Sit on the seat with your sit bones on the widest part of the saddle and your feet in the pedals. Rotate the pedal crank until the crank arm is in line with the seat tube.
• On the side that your leg is extended, take your foot out of the pedal and rest the heel of your foot in the middle of the pedal. Relax your foot. Your leg should be straight and your hips should be level. If this isn’t the case, raise the seat a bit.
• Once your leg is straight and your hips are level, bring the ball of your foot to the middle of the pedal. In this position, your knee should be at a roughly 25-degree to 35-degree angle. Pedal a few strokes. If your hips rock from side to side, drop the seat a bit more until your hips are level. This is how high your seat should be.

To find your seat setback (based largely on total leg length and the ratio of upper-leg length to lower-leg length):

• With your feet in the pedals, rotate the pedal crank until it is horizontal and level with the floor.
• Use a plumb bob to determine your setback; we used a nut on a length of string. Press the top of the string to the bump located directly below your kneecap and above your shin (it’s called the tibial tubercle), and let gravity pull the plumb bob straight down. The weight should fall roughly over the middle of the pedal. If it falls in front of the pedal midline, move your seat back. If it falls too far back, move your seat forward.
• Adjust your seat until you reach the correct position.

Handlebar height and depth are more dependent on comfort and less about measurements.

You don’t need cycling shoes to ride many indoor-cycling bikes; four of our picks have toe cages that allow you to pedal in sneakers. But cycling-specific shoes, which are rigid and low on cushioning, can improve the efficiency and efficacy of your pedal stroke. If your bike has toe cages and you prefer them, consider wearing stiff-soled athletic shoes versus your bounciest trainer, since a stiffer sole will offer more support while you’re in the pedals.

Finally, to make sure you keep your indoor-cycling routine well rounded, consider weaving in other types of exercise, such as strength training or yoga. “Cycling is a great way to train your engine,” said Dicharry. “But to train your chassis? Not so much.”

Maintaining your exercise bike should be fairly simple. Sweat, which is highly corrosive, is no friend to any exercise bike and will rust it over time. Wiping down your bike regularly can help keep it rust-free longer. David Steinberg, founder of Smooth Running Service Company, told us he doesn’t see a lot of indoor-cycling bikes for repair services. (Treadmills, he pointed out, are much more common patients.)

If you want a fully connected experience for a lower up-front price than that of a Peloton Bike : The Echelon Connect Sport Indoor Cycling Bike —which relies on a Bluetooth connection, your own device, and a subscription to the Echelon Fit app ($12 to $40 a month)—might be a good choice. The Echelon app pairs directly to the bike via Bluetooth so you can see real-time cadence, resistance, and other metrics on your own device. Our testers appreciated the solid construction, smooth ride, and comfort of this bike, which is sold only through Walmart. The handlebars are compact and well designed, with convenient thumbprint-like divots at the top of each handle. Seat and handlebar adjustments are easy and well marked. A customer service representative told us the bike fits people from 4-foot-11 to 6-foot-4; its maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds. The bike uses magnetic resistance, and in our tests it provided a smooth ride. It has only toe-cage pedals. During our tests, the Echelon Fit app connected quickly to the bike. The app offers a boatload of different rides, but we found it to be less well organized than Peloton’s (its home screen felt cluttered), and its content wasn’t quite as polished. That said, we enjoyed our workouts and encountered some strong, informative instructors. We did notice that the bike’s resistance lagged at times, though it somewhat surprisingly delivered a better overall experience than its more expensive sibling, the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5S . The Echelon Connect Sport’s warranty could be better, as it covers only 12 months for parts and labor.

If you want a bike that doesn’t require a subscription to an app but still gives you some workout guidance: The Diamondback 1260sc may suit your needs. Compatible with a host of cycling and activity-tracking apps and devices, it is fully functional without any monthly subscription. Its 5-inch, backlit LCD screen shows output (watts), time, distance, calories, cadence (in revolutions per minute), load, and heart rate (when linked to a compatible monitor). Though it has no built-in programs, you can pedal manually or enter a wattage goal and have the bike cue you to play with resistance or cadence to hit your goal. A lever instead of a knob adjusts the 16 levels of resistance, which get heavy . Using the lever precisely takes some practice, though we eventually got a feel for its sensitivity. The 1260sc can accommodate SPD cleats or sneakers in toe cages. The bike powers itself as you pedal, so there is no need for an outlet. It also offers ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity with a bunch of cycling apps and the likes of Garmin. We used the Zwift ( iOS , Android ) and Peloton apps with the 1260sc to good effect. The bike fits people from 5-foot-2 to 6-foot-5; its maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds. Its near-silent flywheel is located at the back of the bike, a design intended to keep the flywheel out of sweat’s path and in presumably better shape over time. Diamondback’s warranty is five years for the frame and brakes, three years for the parts and electronics, and one year for labor.

The first test unit we received arrived with a malfunctioning sensor that rendered our wattage useless, even after we made numerous attempts to recalibrate the system. The company sent us a second bike, which operated glitch-free, and it assured us the issue was rare and most likely brought on by rough shipping. (We had a similar experience with a different Diamondback model .)

The Bowflex VeloCore is a sturdy, well-made bike that features a range of workout and class options via a one-year membership to Jrny ( iOS , Android ), Bowflex’s and Schwinn’s workout-streaming app. Available with two screen sizes, 16-inch ($1,800) and 22-inch ($2,200), the bike offers a feature not found on any others we’ve tested: the ability to lean from side to side, as you would on a regular bicycle. The lean mode has the potential to spice up rides, but we didn’t use it as often as we thought we might. Learning how to do it properly takes some practice (the bike offers instructional videos), and the motion ultimately feels less natural than easing into a turn on a real bike. The VeloCore’s seat and handlebars adjust fully. Dual-sided pedals allow you to either clip in with cycling shoes (SPD cleats) or use toe cages with your sneakers. The magnetic resistance spans 100 levels; we typically had no trouble dialing in the magnetic resistance precisely. However, the screen shook when we pedaled at higher cadences (particularly while we stood). Although we enjoyed our time on this model, the workout content wasn’t quite as strong as that of other platforms we tried. The Jrny app ($20 a month after the first free-with-purchase year) features on-demand, instructor-led video workouts, both on and off the bike; they are fine and informative, but they lack the energy and wide range of intensity levels offered by other platforms, like Peloton. This bike can connect to other apps, such as Peloton and Zwift, via your own separate device, but we weren’t able to sync the VeloCore’s cadence monitor to the Peloton app. If you’d rather pedal to your favorite show, the VeloCore allows for streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Disney+ (with subscriptions).

In 2022, we set out to test the Diamondback 510ic (currently unavailable). The first 510ic we received from Diamondback Fitness arrived with a broken motor. The company sent a second bike, which we also struggled with (a malfunctioning revolutions-per-minute sensor, for which we received a replacement).

The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5 operates through your own tablet (set in a tablet holder), which connects the bike to the $39-per-month Echelon Fit app ( iOS , Android ) over Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth. It has dual-sided pedals, and the display is very similar to the Peloton Bike’s, including a leaderboard. But in our tests, the resistance knob seemed unpredictable compared with that of the Peloton Bike, since we were often unsure whether the number we saw on the display matched the resistance we felt as we pedaled. On top of that, if the bike isn’t connected to the app and engaged in a class, the resistance isn’t adjustable, and you lose a lot of riding potential. The number of daily live classes is on a par with Peloton’s (and the on-demand library features more than 3,000 on-demand workouts both on and off the bike). But Echelon’s overall app organization isn’t as clean as Peloton’s, and—though the instructors are enthusiastic and some are very solid—the rides, workouts, and trainers can be hit or miss.

An upgraded version of the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5, the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s has a built-in screen that broadcasts Echelon’s branded rides and workouts. In our tests, the bike rode smoothly, but the resistance was inconsistent: We often felt like we were turning the resistance knob wildly and not entirely sure if the bike was responding. The handlebars wiggled. One tester remarked that because the pedals on the bike were so far forward, he felt like he was on top of the handlebars and screen when in the second and third positions. Echelon’s home screen is busy and crowded. The bike’s water-bottle holders could be nicer. All in all, we expected more.

The Keiser M3i is a beautifully designed bike with V-shaped handlebars, artful lines, and the ability to connect to a variety of cycling and workout apps. In our tests, the bike connected easily to its Keiser M Series app ( iOS , Android ), which keeps track of your rides and syncs to other apps like Strava. The bike’s 24 resistance levels adjust smoothly with a lever, and it accommodates one of the widest height ranges (4 feet 10 inches to 7 feet tall) and maximum weight capacities (350 pounds) we’ve seen. We enjoyed our time on the M3i, including our classes on the Peloton app. But the M3i may ultimately best serve a serious road cyclist with ambitious training goals.

The Myx II Plus is an upgraded version of the now-discontinued Myx Plus, which we originally tested in 2020 and liked. A subscription to Beachbody On Demand Interactive, or BODi ($39 per month), gives you access to live and on-demand group classes. When we first tried the Myx Plus, it offered its own Myx-branded workouts and coaches. We haven’t tried it with BODi rides and workouts. A complete home-gym kit, the Myx II Plus features a Star Trac bike with a sensor that measures cadence, distance, and speed, as well as a 21.5-inch tablet (slimmer than its predecessor) with an upgraded sound system and a front-facing, 8-megapixel camera. Its equipment extras include a 6-by-4-foot exercise mat (a generous size, though it could overwhelm a small space); a 47.5-by-24-inch bike mat; a resistance band, three sets of dumbbells, and a kettlebell (all by SPRI); and a foam roller. (The Myx II , which doesn’t come with the exercise equipment, is also available.) We enjoyed using the equipment and liked the convenience of having it. A Polar OH1 heart-rate monitor is also included, and you are encouraged to wear it (paired to the app) for every workout. It is a good way to scale a workout based on your personal effort and current fitness, but if you’re not already familiar with your heart rate during exercise and rest—or how you feel at specific effort levels—acclimating can take time. And if your heart-rate monitor isn’t charged or disappears, you’ve lost a large part of the Myx workout ethos.

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike has a 22-inch tablet that displays studio and scenic rides produced by iFit , NordicTrack’s subscription-based workout-streaming platform ($39 per month for a family plan, $15 per month for an individual plan). The bike crams in a lot of features, including the ability to automatically adjust resistance, incline, and decline during an iFit ride. However, the screen shook noticeably during rides of various intensities in our tests, and the screen mount and handlebars felt unsteady. The left pedal on the first loaner we tested fell off mid-ride shortly after the bike arrived. The company sent us another bike, and though the pedal stayed put on that one, we found several complaints on Amazon reporting the same (or a similar ) issue. The bike seemed large and bulky, and it was the most difficult model to move from place to place of all those we tested. We also found it hard to adjust the height of the handlebars due to the size and weight of the screen.

We didn’t entirely dislike riding the Sole SB900 , but it didn’t win us over, either. In comparison with the experience on our picks, the resistance seemed undefined, and we felt like we needed to turn the knob a lot to detect a change. The safety break is a lever located separately from the resistance knob (most bikes combine the two functions). It worked fine, but its placement seemed unnecessary. The device holder and water-bottle holders felt cheap. The handlebars, a bit thin and angled inward at the top, weren’t particularly comfortable or helpful. Also, the LCD console requires charging off the bike via a USB cable. “It was fine,” summarized one tester, “but I wouldn’t be excited to see it in a studio.”

If you prefer indoor-cycling classes that can double as dance parties, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike might be for you. Rather than monitoring metrics, SoulCycle classes focus on riding to the beat of the music. Riding requires a $40-a-month subscription to the Equinox+ app, which offers seven Equinox-affiliated fitness options (including Pure Yoga). The off-bike workouts aren’t accessible on the bike’s screen; you need to view them on a separate device. Solidly built and comfortable, the bike has a 21.5-inch touchscreen that is clear and bright, though we found it to be a bit unresponsive at times. (It does not rotate.) Dual-sided pedals accommodate either SPD or Delta cleats. The handlebars adjust fore and aft, which can help you dial in fit. The magnetic resistance was responsive and smooth in our tests. But the SoulCycle style is ultimately self-selecting—the most prominent metric is your “beat match,” or what percentage of the ride you stayed on rhythm, and it may not satisfy those wanting to track progress in a more traditional way.

The Yosuda Pro Indoor Cycling Bike L-010 disappointed us with its cheap feel, and our testers did not enjoy their time on it (one called it a “tin can”). The resistance didn’t respond well, the flywheel was loud, and the LCD screen was so dim that we could barely read it.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Jennifer Sage, founder of the Indoor Cycling Association , email interview , February 7, 2020

Jay Dicharry, physical therapist, professor at Oregon State University, CEO of Mobo , email interview , January 20, 2020

Jen Luebke, professional cyclist with Velocio Exploro and mountain-bike coach , email interview , January 20, 2020

John Baudhuin, CEO of Madd Dogg Athletics , phone interview , July 6, 2022

David Steinberg, founder of Smooth Running Service Company , phone interview , July 22, 2022

Meet your guide

Ingrid Skjong

Ingrid Skjong is a supervising editor on the appliance team, focusing on the likes of ranges, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers. She previously covered fitness for Wirecutter and has been an editor and writer at various lifestyle magazines. She is an avid runner and lives in New York City.

Further reading

Peloton Bike Review: What to Know Before You Buy

by Ingrid Skjong and Amy Roberts

The Peloton Bike and Bike+ offer live and on-demand at-home classes for a monthly membership fee. We review both.

The Best Exercise Ball

by Tracy Vence

After considering over 80 exercise balls and testing seven, we found TheraBand’s Pro Series has the sturdiest seat, optimal texture, and the tightest air seal.

The Best Hybrid Bike

by Christine Ryan

After riding more than a dozen hybrid bikes in hilly San Francisco, we’ve pegged the Marin Fairfax 1 as our favorite (and most affordable) bike for commuters.

Why People are Playing Beat Saber and Other Virtual Reality Games to Exercise

by Signe Brewster

Virtual reality is still niche, but a growing crop of VR games with a fitness element, like Beat Saber may inspire people to pick up a headset.

We've tested the best exercise bikes to help you boost your fitness at home

Improve your cardio fitness, boost your metabolism

Best overall

Best budget

Best recumbent

Best smart bike overall

Best budget smart bike

Best value smart bike

• How to choose
• How we test

Also tested

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best recumbent 5. Best smart bike overall 6. Best budget smart bike 7. Best value smart bike 8. How to choose 9. How we test 10. Also tested 11. FAQs

If you're looking for a way to boost your cardio fitness and build lower body strength, the best exercise bikes are a great option. You can choose between stationary (low-intensity) and spin (high-intensity) bikes, and standard or smart equipment. 

The Peloton Bike+ is one of the most well-known smart exercise bikes, with a built-in display to access the famed high-intensity classes with your Peloton membership. It's a spin bike, so the design encourages you to lean forward for intense exercise. 

Some non-smart exercise bikes also come with this position, including our choice as the best exercise bike for most people, the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Bike . Plus, it comes with a phone mount, so you can still use a workout app to take a class. 

But these aren't your only choices. We put the best exercise bikes to the test, taking them for a ride, joining virtual classes, and trying out any companion apps, so you can find the right bike for your cardio-focused home workouts. 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike has a friction-based resistance system, adjustable seat, and toe baskets to secure your feet. If you're after a bike for quick, effective rides without breaking the bank, this is it. 

Read more below

The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike isn't as adjustable as the Sunny Health & Fitness bike, but it has a display for workout stats, an optional phone mount, and an effective friction-based resistance system. 

The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is great for low-impact exercise that's kind on your joints. But that doesn't make it less effective, especially since it has more workout stats, 25 resistance levels, and a comfortable seat. 

The Peloton Bike+ is the best smart exercise bike you can buy. The large display lets you stream on-demand and live classes, and there are 100 auto-adjusting magnetic resistance levels, so you can just focus on your workout. 

The Echelon EX-3 Smart Connect Bike also has a near-silent magnetic resistance system with 32 levels, but you'll need to supply your own display to access Echelon's live and on-demand classes and workouts. 

The MYX II Exercise Bike has fewer classes but more personalized recommendations, like having an on-call personal trainer. It also relies on a subscription-based app, and has a friction-based resistance system. 

Best exercise bikes you can buy right now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best exercise bike overall

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike is an ideal option for most people, whether you're an experienced spinner or just getting into home cycling workouts. It's easy to set up, and uncomplicated to use; you sit on the bike and get pedaling.  

The machine's friction-based resistance is effective enough to give you a good workout, even up to more challenging levels where you'll feel it in your legs. However, it's not the best exercise bike if you want to do long classes. 

We found that the seat can get uncomfortable after a while, and that the handlebars are too far away if you're on the shorter side as the bike's adjustments don't quite go far enough to make it easy to keep good posture. 

But we did like the large toe baskets, which helped secure our feet in place, and However, if you like to keep an eye on your workout stats, then you'll need a machine with a display, like the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike. 

• Read our full Sunny Health & Fitness exercise bike review

Best budget exercise bike

2. Yosuda Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike

Despite it's budget-friendly price, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike comes with a display to help you keep tabs on your workout stats. It shows essential metrics like time, speed, distance, and calories. 

Of course, this doesn't come close to the amount of data you can track on a smart exercise bike like the Peloton Bike+, but it's a helpful way to track your progress for a fraction of the price. 

Like with the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike, there are no classes to join (unless you clip on the included smartphone mount and use a workout app or free YouTube session), but it's a durable beginner-friendly bike. 

When we first set up the bike, we were worried it would feel a bit unstable, but, fortunately, that wasn't the case. Instead, whether we went for speed or distance, the bike stayed firmly on the ground while in use. 

The friction system added enough resistance to make our workouts effective, but after a while, you'll want to upgrade to a machine that'll challenge your muscles a bit more. But for cardio-boosting workouts on a budget, it's a great choice. 

• Read our full Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike review

Best recumbent exercise bike

3. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

Recent updates.

BowFlex, Schwinn's parent company, recently filed for bankruptcy . BowFlex makes a variety of home fitness equipment under the BowFlex and Schwinn brands, and it's not clear what will happen to the company in the long run. However, the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike doesn't rely on any of BowFlex's services, like the JRNY workout app, so it's still okay to invest in the bike, although we can't say for sure whether any warranties or repairs will be honored in the future. 

Recumbent exercise bikes, like the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike, generally offer a lower-impact workout that's gentler on your joints than upright models (that's why they're generally regarded as the best exercise bike for seniors). 

But that doesn't mean that your exercise is less effective. Once you've got the bike adjusted to your preference, all you need to do is take a seat and get riding. Plus, you can set the friction-based resistance system to one of 25 levels. 

And it comes with a backlit display for tracking your workouts, and it's one of the few standard exercise bikes that has pre-set programs for you to follow and a Bluetooth connection to sync data to the Explore The World and MyFitnessPal apps. 

Of course, the recumbent position means that you can't stand up from the seat when you want to go harder, so it's less suited to high-intensity classes or workouts. However, we still found it an excellent way to exercise and work up a sweat.

• Read our full Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike review  

Best smart exercise bike overall

4. Peloton Bike+

The Peloton Bike+ is the upgraded version of the Peloton Bike , the connected exercise bike that popularized virtual spin classes. The Bike+ comes packed with Peloton tech, including a large touchscreen for you to interact with the Peloton app. 

While the premium bike plays a part, the experience relies heavily on the app's on-demand and live classes. It's an expensive option — the bike is $2,500 and you need to be a member for $44 a month — but it's popular for a reason. 

The Peloton instructors are famed for their high-energy classes, so if you're after a way to keep motivated to train regularly, the Bike+ is a good option. Aside from the software, the Bike+ actually feels like the kind of equipment you'd find in a studio. 

It also has an auto-resistance mode, where the magnetic resistance will automatically changed based on the instructor's recommendations, so you just have to keep pedaling rather than worry about fiddling with menus or buttons. 

The display is also where you'll find all of your workout stats, and you can view your training history to keep track of your progress. The Bike+ has a rotating display too, so you can swivel it and do mat-based workouts instead. 

It's a tech-heavy option, and an expensive one, but it's also one of the most versatile exercise bikes available right now. And Peloton has thought about the smaller details, like adding water bottle holders, USB-C charging ports, and Bluetooth.

• Read our full Peloton Bike+ review
• Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike+ — which should you buy?

Best budget smart exercise bike

5. Echelon EX-3 Smart Connect Bike

If you're looking for a way to add some spin classes to your routine without breaking the bank, the Echelon EX-3 is a great choice. Like the Peloton Bike+, the EX-3 has a magnetic resistance system with 32 levels to choose from. 

The magnetic resistance is quiet, too, so you won't disturb others in your home or nearby neighbors. However, it doesn't come with a display, so you'll need to use your phone or tablet to access the Echelon app for on-demand and live classes. 

And, like with Peloton, the app requires an monthly subscription, which will set you back $39.99 per month. But you'll also get access to off-equipment workouts, like running, yoga, stretch, and Pilates sessions, and up to five user profiles. 

Given Peloton's status as the best smart exercise bike manufacturer, it's hard not to compare the Echelon EX-3. We found that the seat wasn't as comfortable, the resistance mechanism wasn't as smooth, and the lack of display is a let down. 

But these are small complaints. And it's important to remember that the Echelon EX-3 costs just a fraction of the Peloton Bike+ for a similar experience. During testing, we liked the range of classes, and the option to just use the bike for our own workouts.

• Read our Echelon Ex-3 Smart Connect Bike review

Best value smart exercise bike

6. MYX II Exercise Bike

After spending time with the MYX II Exercise Bike, we can confidently say that it's one of the best Peloton alternatives out there, and it doesn't cost as much either. There are fewer classes, but more personalized recommendations, so it's more like having an on-demand personal trainer. 

Just like with the other smart exercise bikes on our list, you'll need to buy the machine and take out an app membership to get the full experience. The BODi Membership costs $35 per month, which is line with Peloton and Echelon.

You can stream on-demand and live classes to the large, swiveling display, so you can do spin classes, cycle sessions, and off-equipment workouts. The bike also has a dual-use pedal, so you can exercise in sneakers or clippable exercise bike shoes . 

We were impressed with how adjustable the MYX II was, allowing several people to find the perfect, comfortable set up for their ride. The MYX II has a friction-based resistance system, so it's not as quiet or as adjustable as magnetic systems, but it was still very effective. 

• Read our full MYX II Exercise Bike review

How to choose the best exercise bike for you

Choosing an exercise bike for your home can be a challenge. After all, you first need to decide whether you want a standard friction-based bike or a smart one, and factor in the increased cost of a smart bike and the ongoing subscription. 

However, once you've made a decision between the two styles, there are other practicalities, like the physical size of the bike, whether it can be easily stored away between sessions, and if the bike can be adjusted for your height and posture. 

It's also worth thinking about the exercise bike's resistance mechanism. This will effect how much you can customize the intensity, and you can select from magnetic resistance, flywheels, and belt-driven bikes. 

Magnetic resistance generally has the largest range, usually covering 100 different levels, and is the most quiet, but bikes with these systems are often towards the higher price bracket too.

How we test the best exercise bikes

To help you work out which is the best exercise bike for you, we put them to the sweat test! We installed each of the bikes in our homes for at least a month, and put them to the test over a number of different workouts.

Since we had the bikes to hand, we looked at how easy it was to use, move around the house, maintain, and, for the smart exercise bikes, the range of classes on offer.

Plus, we considered any extras like how many profiles you could set up, and useful accessories like phone mounts and water bottle holders. And on the smart machines, we looked at the ongoing subscription costs associated with the bike, and what you get for your money. 

We regularly review exercise bikes, but not all of them will make the main roundup. Some come close, though. So, if you're after more options, these are the bikes we've tested that didn't quite make the cut. 

BowFlex VeloCore Bike This premium machine is an excellent option for virtual spin classes, but as BowFlex recently filed for bankruptcy , it's not clear what the future holds for the JRNY workout app, which is an integral part of the experience on this bike. 

Read our full BowFlex VeloCore Bike review

Peloton Bike The entry-level model of Peloton's exercise bike has a smaller screen, fewer speakers, and lacks the the automatic resistance of the Bike+. But for $1,000 less, it's a more affordable way to access the brand's motivational classes. 

Read our full Peloton Bike review

Flexispot Cycle Desk Bike V9 Pro This exercise bike is not like the rest. It has a tray mounted where the handlebars usually sit so that you can work on a laptop, tablet, or pen and paper while you cycle. It's not intense exercise, but still a good way to keep active. 

Read our full Flexispot Cycle Desk Bike V9 Pro review

Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?

If your goal is to lose weight, then exercising at home can play an important role. However, it's worth keeping in mind that physical activity is only plays one part, as sleep, diet, and overall wellbeing also factor in. 

Investing in a machine like an exercise bike can be a great way to increase your activity levels throughout the day, particularly if you're tight on time. Standard bikes allow you to just jump on and work out, so are ideal for short sessions, like 30 minutes on an exercise bike , and extended periods. 

If you're more motivated by classes, then the best smart exercise bikes are also a good place to start. Once you're set up with access to on-demand workouts, these high-intensity classes can help you make exercise a regular part of your routine, which is a key part of losing weight using an exercise bike . 

Either way, cycling helps raise your heart rate, so you burn energy during your workout, and if you keep the intensity high to sustain your high heart rate, then it'll boost your metabolism (the amount of energy you burn throughout the day). 

If you're looking for an accessible entry point to exercise, then you may be comparing exercise bikes vs walking . Spin classes are more intense and will burn more energy, while walking is free and can be more easily built into your daily routine by walking to work or the store, so it'll come down to your preferences and goals.

Should you buy an exercise bike or turbo trainer?

If you're trying to decide between one of the best exercise bikes and best cycling indoor trainers , we're here to help. Here are a few things to consider: 

Smart bikes and exercise bikes are often a lot more expensive than turbo trainers and indoor cycling trainers. This is often because they have a lot more features, like screens, allowing you to take live and on-demand classes. 

Turbo trainers will often take up a lot less space in your home than exercise bikes, which can be pretty bulky. Most can be folded away and stored behind the couch or in a cupboard should you need them. 

Your preferred workouts

When trying to decide between a traditional exercise bike, as you might find in the gym, or an indoor trainer, it's a good idea to consider the type of workout you prefer. If you're all about live classes to keep you motivated, you might want to opt for an exercise bike. If you're serious about training and want a realistic cycling experience, a turbo trainer might be better for you.

Current equipment 

It sounds obvious, but if you're planning on buying a turbo trainer, you'll need to have your own bike. Most require you to remove the back wheel of your bike to use them, so if you don't own your own bike, you're better off looking at one of the best exercise bikes.

What's the difference between a spin and stationary bike?

Spin bikes are designed for high-intensity exercise and spin classes. The handlebars are placed at a distance to encourage you to learn forward or ride out of the seat. Plus, the resistance mechanism (often friction-based or magnetic) increases the intensity to increase the challenge. 

Because of this, most smart bikes (those that connect to the internet for on-demand and live classes) are spin bikes, as this type of exercise lends itself well to instructor-led environments, where increasing the intensity can require additional motivation or guidance. 

However, you can find some standard or non-smart exercise bikes designed for spin classes, like our top bike, the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike . It has a similar spacing with the handlebars to get you to lean forward, but you'll need your phone and a workout app to take classes. 

Stationary bikes encourage you to sit comfortably upright and are designed for more leisurely cardio exercise. These are ideal if you're looking to add some movement to your day, or keep your legs moving while working from home or catching up on your favorite TV shows and movies. 

This style of bike is usually cheaper and is more likely to have a friction-based resistance system than a magnetic one, and you can adjust the resistance to specific levels using the workout metrics display. 

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James is Tom's Guide's Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing.

His interest in fitness started after being diagnosed with a chronic illness, and he began focusing on strengthening his core, taking regular walks around the city, and practicing meditation to manage the symptoms. He also invested in fitness trackers, home workout equipment, and yoga mats to find accessible ways to train without the gym.

Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, James was the Fitness Editor at Fit&Well, where he covered beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.

He believes that exercise should be something you enjoy doing, so appreciates the challenge of finding ways to incorporate it into everyday life through short muscle-building sessions, regular meditation, and early morning walks.

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The 8 Best Hybrid Bikes of 2024, According to Experts

Tackle any urban terrain with the most versatile two-wheelers.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Best Hybrid Bike for Beginners

Specialized sirrus 2.0 hybrid bike.

Best Premium Hybrid Bike

Trek fx sport 6.

Best Hybrid Bike for Commuters

Priority bicycles continuum onyx.

Best Folding Hybrid Bike

Tern verge d9 folding bike.

Most Versatile Hybrid Bike

Giant bicycles toughroad slr 2.

Best Hybrid eBike

Ribble hybrid al e electric bike.

Best Step-Through Hybrid Bike

Co-op cycles cty 2.1 step-through bike.

Best Value Hybrid Bike

Schwinn gtx 2.0 comfort hybrid bike.

For most fitness riders, hybrid bikes—also called “fitness bikes”—are the solution. They’re designed to offer the lightweight design of many road-racing bikes, but with a more comfortable, confident upright riding stance. Most come with wider tires, too, which makes cruising rough, potholed city streets a whole lot more bearable. Plus, the best models are built with premium components like hydraulic disc brakes, battery-free lights, and low- to zero-maintenance drivetrains. These definitely aren’t the kid-friendly Huffy bikes you grew up with.

All of which is to say that bikes, even hybrid bikes , are deceptively complex. Whether you’re just getting started in your cycling journey or are looking to upgrade your current two-wheeler, there’s a perfect model out there for you. But where to start? We’ve done the legwork for you to research and personally test many of the top-rated bikes on the market. Here are our picks for the best hybrid bikes worth riding in 2023

Best Bikes for Men | Best Folding Electric Bikes | Best Electric Bikes | Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes | Best Cycling Shorts

Versatile, comfortable, and affordable—everything that makes Specialized’s wildly popular Sirrus 2.0 a solid buy for just about anyone. The lightweight design couples an aluminum alloy frame with a steel fork that altogether weighs roughly 27 pounds. Its ProMax F1 hydraulic disc brakes provide serious and reliable stopping power on any terrain. The result? The perfect balance of durability with easy, comfortable handling for riders of any skill level. That includes everyone from first-time adult riders to daily commuters.

It’s not the most budget-friendly bike in Specalized’s lineup, nor the most premium. At around $800 (closer to $600 on sale), it’s an incredibly affordable model for anyone looking to step up from an entry-level hybrid but who isn’t quite ready to drop $2,000 or more on a high-end two-wheeler. Of course, when you’re ready to upgrade your upgrade, Specialized’s lineup runs all the way up to the Sirrus 6.0.

What do buyers say? “This is the first Specialized bike. I've had many before but from the other brands. Very impressed. Light enough, smooth gears and stiff. Very well-made bicycle,” said one Specialized.com reviewer.

The all-new FX Sport 6 is the flagship in Trek’s FX lineup with a fitness-focused geometry that’s light, fast, and easy to ride. "Tipping the scales" at just over 20 pounds, the carbon frame is remarkably lightweight. It offers all the same features of a premium road bike—a 400 Series OCLV Carbon frame, carbon wheels, and a Shimano drivetrain—but with a flat handlebar design. It all combines in a hybrid bike that’s damn near-perfect for riders of all stripes, including commuters, newbies, and advanced fitness cyclists. Plus, the slick, blacked-out design looks pretty handsome too.

We’ve been fans of Trek for years and the FX Sport 6 is a standout among the company’s stellar lineup. It’s no surprise, given the nearly $3,000 price tag, which makes it the most expensive in this year’s round-up. But with solid buyer reviews and premium components throughout, we think it’s worth it. Plus, Trek’s 30-day unconditional guarantee means you can return it for any reason (even if it’s just because you changed your mind) for a full refund.

What do buyers say? “My previous Trek 2.6 was all the rage until I purchased this. The FX6 ia so much faster, better handling even with the fatter tires and lower pressure. They are great for the road,” said one TrekBikes.com reviewer.

If you’re looking for an upgrade to your entry-level two-wheeler but aren’t ready or willing to splash out on $3,000 high-end model, we like Priority’s Continuum Onyx. The brand is well-known for some of the best commuter bikes, and this hybrid model is no exception. It features premium components throughout, including a rust-free Gates Carbon belt drive, dynamo-powered (read battery-free) lights, and beefy 700x32mm WTB tires that are extremely flat-resistant. Enviolo CTV shifters guarantee smooth, responsive shifting and high-end Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver plenty of stopping power in tight city conditions.

At roughly $1,300, this certainly isn’t a cheap hybrid bike. But it’s built with premium parts from tip to tail, making that midrange price tag seem entirely reasonable. Everything that makes it a near-perfect commuter bike also ensures it’s a good fit for newbies and even more advanced riders.

What do buyers say? “It was very easy to assemble. I love the look and love the feel. Very quiet and solid,” said one PriorityBicycles.com reviewer.

Folding bikes used to be something of a novelty. They were rarely anything you’d actually want to ride (or be seen riding). Not so with Tern’s Verge D9. It’s our go-to pick for this year’s best folding hybrid bike. Proprietary T-Tuned geometry coupled with beefier 37mm tires makes this a more stable and comfortable model than most folders. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power on both wet and dry pavement. The saddle seat is also purpose-designed for shoulder-mounted carrying. Plus, we love that the entire bike folds or unfolds in just 10 seconds and is small enough to fit under a desk.

This is no doubt a specialty bike that’s designed with commuters and city dwellers in mind—hence the roughly $1,150 price tag. It’s at least 50% more than a comparably priced standard (non-folding) hybrid bike. But, if you’re looking for one of the most compact, street-friendly hybrid solutions on the market, you’ve found it. What’s more, Tern designed it with easy upgrading in mind.

What do buyers say? “Great choice. So versatile and easy to ride. Smooth ride for my 1.5 miles one way commute,” said one REI reviewer.

True to its name, Giant’s ToughRoad SLR 2 is a hybrid bike that’s built for less-than-ideal riding conditions. That includes smooth city streets, loose gravel bike paths, and everything in between. It’s made possible via a proprietary ALUXX SLR aluminum frame with a lightweight, durable carbon fork—both of which are ultra-durable yet absorb harsh front-end vibrations. Giant’s D-fuse seatpost and extra-grippy tires add an extra degree of comfort and confidence to your ride. Like other hybrid bikes in our roundup, this model features a standard flat-bar design with a more upright position that’s great for a wide variety of terrain and ride lengths.

Like most Giant two-wheelers, this hybrid bike is priced right at just over $1,000. That’s squarely at the midrange of our roundup, making it the perfect upgrade from most entry-level cycles. While it’s not a true mountain bike, it’s the closest hybrid model in our roundup that we’re comfortable taking on light off-road rides.

What do buyers say? “A higher ride position is enjoyable, shifting is smooth and quick, ride is very comfortable on rail bed trail locally,” said one Giant-Bicycles.com reviewer.

Of course, we can’t roundup the best hybrid bikes without throwing in a hybrid electric bike. Ribble’s Hybrid AL E Electric Bike is our favorite hybrid-style eBike of the year. The general framework is purpose-built with speed and efficiency in mind, making it one of the company’s best options for commuters and other city riders. But the geometry is incredibly versatile, allowing for complete customization of almost every component. If you want to add a rear storage rack, mudguards, and fatter tires, for example, all you have to do is ask. That also means you get the exact paint job you’re looking for, from blacked-out to cool blue to eye-popping red.

Under the “hood,” the Hybrid AL E is powered by a 250Wh battery which delivers roughly 60 miles on a single charge. It fast-charges in roughly three hours, too, so you can take it to work and top it up for your ride home. Ribble’s ebikemotion system weighs less than eight pounds and is so compact and perfectly built into the bike’s frame that it’s practically invisible. That only streamlines the look and the aerodynamics, but also makes it less of a target for thieves.

What do buyers say? “If you want to look stylish around town and arrive where you’re going sweat-free, it’s definitely one to consider,” said one RibbleCycles.co.uk reviewer.

For riders who like the convenience of a step-through model, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 is our favorite hybrid option. The low standover height allows for easy mounting and dismounting, while also ensuring it’s easy to stand with both feet square on the ground. The Shimano Altus 2x8 drivetrain serves up 16 available gear combinations. Coupled with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, it’s a satisfying ride around town, even over hilly, potholed terrain. The 40-mm-wide tires and shock-absorbing fork also ensure a smooth, bump-free ride.

What we especially love, though, is the price. At roughly $800, it’s on the low-end of our favorite midrange models. Given its excellent reviews and better-than-average components, we think it’s worth the premium for anyone looking to step up from a more entry-level hybrid. Because REI Co-op Cycles are only available to members, be sure to account for the (totally reasonable) $30 lifetime membership fee if you don’t already have one.

What do buyers say? “Great commuter & path bike! Perfect bike for riding around the neighborhood to stay in shape. It handles the gravel and overgrown paths with ease and is just as great on the road/sidewalk,” said one REI.com reviewer.

If $500+ is too rich for your wallet, there are other options. Schwinn’s lineup of entry-level hybrid adult bikes includes the Schwinn GTX Comfort. While it lacks the better components of our favorite premium models, this is a solid alternative for budget-conscious bicyclists. The design relies on an aluminum dual-sport frame and suspension fork that tackles city streets and light trails with aplomb. Like the best hybrid bikes of this year, it features a flat-bar design and a more upright riding position that combine for a comfortable, confident ride.

Schwinn is most synonymous with entry-level bikes that “hardcore” riders might scoff at. But, if you’re looking for a durable, reliable two-wheeler that’s ready to tackle most urban and suburban terrain, this is a solid option. We especially love that it’s available starting at less than $300 (depending on the exact model), which feels like a steal.

What do buyers say? “Great bike for the money. So far this bike has been great, and makes the daily commute to work a lot more fun,” said one Amazon reviewer.

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Like most fitness gear, bikes are entirely personal. The best bike for your neighbor might not be right for you. It’s all a matter of aesthetics, price, weight, gearing, features, and how and where you most often ride. But there are a few key things to consider when shopping for the best hybrid bike for you. Here’s the low-down:

Drop Bar or Flat Bar

Hybrid bikes are similar to traditional road bikes in that they typically boast a lightweight frame that rolls on fast 700c wheels. What sets them apart, however, is that hybrid bikes are almost always built with a flat handlebar, while road bikes use a drop bar. The former uses a wider design for a wider hand stance that makes riding easier to control with better break access and an upright seating position. The result is a more comfortable ride that’s perfect for casual (read non-racing) cyclists and commuters, too. Hybrid bikes can feature a drop bar, too, but they’re specifically designed for a flat handlebar.

It’s All in the Gearing

In general, hybrid/fitness bikes feature two chainrings up front and usually 9-11 cogs at the rear. The latter helps to better dial in your shifts for a smoother, more predictable ride on everything from bike paths to hilly city streets. Budget hybrids sometimes include three front chainrings. It’s a setup that trades performance for price, however.

Modern disc brakes seriously changed the game for cyclists. They’re more expensive than traditional rim-style brakes, but better in every way, offering more precise control in both dry and wet conditions. Beginners and cyclists who love long rides love them, too, because they require less hand strength to operate. More budget-friendly hybrid bikes may be built with cable-actuated disc brakes. These offer similar performance but aren’t as powerful and require a bit more maintenance.

Hybrid bikes, like many of the best bikes, vary widely in price. Decent budget models start around $400, while mid-range models run north of $1,000. For the best hybrid bikes, however, expect to pay as much as a used car (upwards of $4,000 or more). Just know that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent two-wheeler.

How We Selected the Best Hybrid Bikes of 2023

Over the past year, our fitness-loving writers and editors here at Men’s Health researched and personally tested dozens of top-selling bikes. We compared every spec and feature, from brake technology and frame style to overall aesthetic and price. For this roundup, we’ve also included a few hybrid bikes with overwhelmingly positive reviews on the retailer sites we trust most. The final list above represents our honest picks for the best hybrid bikes worth buying in 2023.

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The 7 Best Hybrid Bikes of 2024, According to Cycling Experts

If you already love cycling to a weekend farmers' market or cruising your local bike path, a hybrid bike may be the perfect way for you to take your workouts outdoors .

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As the name suggests, hybrids are all about versatility. For most everyday cyclists, they are the best wheels to buy.

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What Is a Hybrid Bike?

A hybrid bike, sometimes called a fitness bike, is a jack-of-all-trades set of wheels you can ride in all sorts of situations (unlike mountain , road and gravel bikes , which are meant for specific terrains and types of rides). These all-purpose bikes are great for commuting, running errands, cycling workouts , keeping up with your kids and other non-competitive uses.

Features you'll typically see on hybrid bikes include:

• Disc brakes, which are more reliable in wet weather and offer more control
• Flat handlebars and a more upright position, so you can sit with a straight back
• Tires in the range of 28 to 32 millimeters — wider than a road bike but narrower than a mountain bike

"It's a sidewalk bike that can be used for family, fun and fitness," Yvette Sanborn, a Trek ambassador and the owner of David's World Cycle in Florida, says. "Whether you want to roll around town or get in a quick workout, a fitness hybrid does the trick. To reduce your reliance on cars, put a storage basket or bag on the frame . If you want to go farther, faster, try an e-bike hybrid.

Fitness bikes are typically marketed as either unisex or for a specific gender. But the model's fit — determined largely by your height — is more important than its gender label.

Best Hybrid Bikes

• ‌ Best Electric: ‌ Trek Allant+ 7 ($3,499.99, Trek Bikes)
• ‌ Best for Off-Roading: ‌ Trek FX Sport Carbon 4 ($1,799.99, Trek Bikes)
• ‌ Best Value: ‌ Cannondale Quick 5 ($570, REI)
• ‌ Best for Easy Maintenance: ‌ Tommaso La Forma ($674.99, Amazon)
• ‌ Best for Limited Mobility: ‌ Fuji Absolute 1.9 ST ($699.99, Fuji Bikes)
• ‌ Best Cruiser: ‌ Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Dutch Willow 3 Speed ($749, Brooklyn Bicycle Co.)
• ‌ Best Basic Pick: ‌Schwinn GTX 3 ($449.99, men's and women's , Dick's Sporting Goods)

How We Chose

We chatted with cyclists and industry experts about their seven favorite hybrid bikes — and how to choose the best one for you, based on the following criteria:

• Versatility
• Bike frame and size

1. Trek Allant+ 7

Trek Allant+ 7

An e-bike can seriously change how you tackle your errands, commute and more. This hybrid e-bike from Trek is powerful and lightweight.

• ‌ Electric motor ‌
• ‌ Battery requires charging ‌
• ‌ Unisex ‌
• ‌ $$$ ‌

For task-focused rides, consider the Allant+ 7 from Trek. This unisex electric bike is both powerful and lightweight, so it makes a solid commuter. With a road-smoothing suspension fork, Bosch drive system and a comfy saddle with plenty of airflow, this pick can help you tackle everything on your to-do list.

"The Allant is a great way to go further, faster — never letting anyone see you sweat if you don't want," Sanborn says.

E-bikes are pricey, but often replace commutes done by cars. It's worth considering if you'll get gas-saving use out of an e-bike and figure that into the overall cost.

2. Trek FX Sport Carbon 4

Trek FX Sport 4

This hybrid fitness bike is fast, nimble and comfortable on both pavement and gravel.

• ‌ Versatile ‌
• ‌ Lightweight ‌
• ‌ $$ ‌

The best hybrid bikes come equipped with all the bells and whistles you need to get in a good workout while still being efficient. Enter the FX Sport 4, a unisex carbon-fiber Trek fitness bike that's great for group rides and solo workouts, says Garret Seacat, CSCS , a cyclist, coach and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Its IsoSpeed seat tube smooths out the bumps when riding on dirt and grass. It also has a simple shifting system to give you "the best of the mountain and road bike, all in one," he says.

3. Cannondale Quick 5

Cannondale Quick 5

Ready for a do-it-all bike? For the build of this bike and its components, you can't go wrong at this price.

• ‌ $ (on sale) ‌

This ride is one of the best deals on a hybrid bike. With its bump-absorbing SAVE micro-suspension, and a riding position that's upright for comfort, yet forward enough for some speed, it's designed for riding anywhere you feel like taking it.

"Right now as model years change out in the cycling world, you can find incredible deals on a variety of bikes," Seacat says. "One of the best for a hybrid has to be the Cannondale Quick 5. You are getting a ton of value for a bike with a 2x Shimano drivetrain, ergonomic grips and saddle and a frame that has reflective tape built in already."

4. Tommaso La Forma

Tommaso La Forma

This bike comes ready to ride with a superlight frame and Shimano components that are easy to maintain.

• ‌ Upright riding ‌

This speedy unisex fitness bike from Tommaso can tackle any terrain you want to ride, thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame, grippy tires, gel handlebars and a vibration-dampening design. You'll have no trouble at all transitioning from the road (or a paved path) to the trails, says certified personal trainer John Fawkes, CPT .

"Aluminum alloy makes up its über-light frame — the bike weighs 25 pounds," he says. "What's more, it's fast — and an excellent option for both urban areas and trails."

5. Fuji Absolute 1.9 ST

Fuji Absolute 1.9 ST

If getting on and off a typical bike is difficult, try a step-through model like this lightweight Fuji bike.

• ‌ Easy to mount and dismount ‌
• ‌ $ ‌

Never heard of step-through bikes before? Their design lets you more easily step over the frame to mount and dismount, while keeping you in the most upright riding position possible.

"This bike from Fuji is easy to ride up and down hills and puts less stress on the body," says Jessica Mazzucco, CPT , a certified fitness trainer based in New York City.

A unisex model, it's both speedy and durable and works on and off of pavement. It has a lightweight aluminum frame, stable design and handy rack mounts for anything you need to bring with you.

6. Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Dutch Willow 3 Speed

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Willow 3 Speed

This stylish cruiser comes with a basket on the back on one of the most comfortable saddles available on a hybrid bike.

• ‌ Vintage-style cruiser ‌

This bike features a step-through alloy frame, 3 speeds and a springy leather seat for commuting or cruising around town. Plus, its unique design puts riders in an upright, heads-up position that makes it easy to stop and start as you ride.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. is known for its customer service. "Its whole range of Dutch bikes are uprights and are super cool," KJ Kroetch, CPT, USAT-certified coach , says. Shipping and professional assembly are covered by the company, so you can feel comfortable you're getting a safe ride.

Want more stopping power? Upgrade to the Willow 7i Disc . "Disc brakes can give you more stopping power compared to rim brakes," Kroetch says.

7. Schwinn GTX 3

Schwinn GTX 3

With everything you need and nothing you don't, the GTX3 from Schwinn is one of our editor's "best bike ever."

• ‌ Smooth ride ‌
• ‌ Editor's pick ‌

This zippy bike from Schwinn is ideal for training rides, commuting and cruising.

"It's the best bike I've ever purchased," Bojana Galic , LIVESTRONG.com's Associate Fitness Editor, says. "It has an aluminum frame and thin tires that are so incredibly light. I can zip to beach volleyball and carry my bike in the sand, no problem." ( Read her entire review of the Schwinn GTX 3 here .)

The GTX 3 is built for comfort ‌ and ‌ performance and features easy-to-use breaks, an upright handlebar with an adjustable stem and 21-speed grip shifters.

What to Consider When Shopping for Your New Bike

The most important factor to consider when buying a bike is comfort. If you don't feel happy and relaxed, you just won't ride, plain and simple.

"Must-haves for a hybrid are definitely a comfortable saddle and handgrips," Sanborn says.

When buying online, make sure the company's return policy lets you get in some test rides.

Fit makes a big difference in keeping things comfy and reducing your risk of cycling injuries, Sanborn says. When you start shopping for bikes, you'll notice they typically come in standard sizes like extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large.

Your height is what determines your bike size. Check out the brand's size chart to find your best fit.

3. Extras and Add-Ons

The best hybrid bikes for the money are those that can help you save cash you'd typically spend on gas or public transit fares. So pay attention to user-friendly features.

Because you might be riding around town for pleasure or to run errands, look for fenders that will help keep you clean and dry, even during rainy weather. Also look for gear racks , which make it easy to attach bags and baskets, Sanborn says.

Comfort Bikes vs. Hybrid Bikes: Which Is Right for You?

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Best hybrid bikes - Fast bikes for leisure and commuting

The best hybrid bikes will get you around town fast and keep going into the countryside when it's time to relax

What to look for in a hybrid bike

The best hybrid bikes are designed for a relaxed, upright riding position, that still maintains handling and lets you ride fast.

Sometimes called fitness bikes, hybrid bikes make some of the best commuter bikes . Their upright position helps you to see and be seen as you ride and makes it easy to stop as well as mount and dismount. 

The flat bars, brakes and trigger gear shifters on a hybrid bike are easy to use, while most models will allow you to fit mudguards for protection in wet weather riding and a rack to help carry luggage.

Often there are multiple frame shape options, so you can find a bike to suit your riding style and preferences. 

That makes the best hybrid bikes super-versatile, but if you plan to use public transport, the best folding bikes may be easier to use. We've also covered the best women's hybrid bikes as well as the best hybrid bikes under £500 if you're looking for more choices.

Here's our pick of the best hybrid bikes, while towards the bottom of this page is our buyer's guide to what to look for in a hybrid bike.

Best hybrid bikes available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Cannondale Quick 4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

With a respectable lightweight aluminium frame, every decal and logo on the Cannondale Quick is reflective, so it lights up a Christmas tree to help you be seen in low-light conditions.

The frame itself has rack and fender mounts, and the rear end has flex tuned into the stays to keep you comfortable as you ride — Cannondale call this SAVE Micro-Suspension. Cannondale has specced a Shimano Altus / Acera 1x9-speed drivetrain, complete with a wide range 11-42T cassette and a 38T narrow-wide chainring on the Quick 4. Not only does this simplify shifting while still providing a wide gear range but it also helps make dropped chains a thing of the past. Other specs get a double chainring for a wider range of gears.

We rated the Quick's lively, comfortable ride and responsive handling, while the 35mm tyres provide some extra comfort on potholed roads and the hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence-inspiring stopping power.

Like the Cannondale Treadwell, which we've also reviewed, there's Cannondale's wheel-mounted sensor that lets you record ride data on the Cannondale app and you can mount your phone to the bars to use it as a cycling computer . 

There's a specific women's model as well as the unisex Quick, giving you lots of size range.

You can read more in our full review of the Cannondale Quick hybrid bike.

2. Cannondale Treadwell 3

Cannondale's Treadwell features a sloping top tube to create a low standover height and has what the brand classes as an 'easy geometry,' with either a kinked or dropped top tube making for quick on and off mounts and dismounts. 

With BMX-inspired flat bars and an aluminium frame, the bike features urban armour bumpers to protect the tubing from dings when you lean your bike against a pole or rack. As with the Quick, Cannondale also specs its speed and cadence sensor and an intellimount stem which will securely hold any SP connect compatible phone case, so you can track your rides through the Cannondale App. You're even reminded when the bike is due for a service. 

The Treadwell's big 47mm tyres and 13kg weight make it sluggish to get up to speed, but if you're after a bike for easy rides around town and short weekend excursions, it fits the bill without breaking the bank and its simple mechanical components should be low maintenance. 

You can read more in our full review of the Cannondale Treadwell 3 .

3. Trek FX 2 Disc (Equipped)

Coming out of the big red barn in Waterloo Wisconsin, the FX range makes up Trek's hybrid bikes. The FX 2 Disc is available in two options: Standard or Equipped, the latter of which comes equipped with a pannier rack, mudguards, lights and a kickstand as standard. The frame is made from Trek's Alpha Gold aluminium and features internal cable routing and mounts galore. 

The FX 2 Disc isn't a particularly flashy bike, nor is it particularly lightweight for its price point, but despite this, the ride is responsive and enjoyable, making us look for errands to run just so we could ride it again. 

Trek opted for hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes on the FX 2 Disc, so braking will always be confident, and with little to no maintenance required. For those seeking more of a fitness bike, the standard (non-equipped) FX 2 Disc is a good option, but it would possibly benefit from an upgrade from the Acera groupset. The next step up - the FX 3 Disc - comes with a 2x10 Shimano Deore, which is a big step up if you can stretch the budget. 

4. Cube Hyde Pro

Cube's Hyde Pro is built around a lightweight, robust aluminium frame and fork. Unlike our other recommendations, it sees a Gates Belt drive so no need to worry about regular maintenance. The belt drive does away with a regular chain and sprockets and uses a belt and toothed cogs for a quiet, low-maintenance transmission. Flat-mount Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes paired with 160mm rotors, mean the Hyde can stop on a dime and should stay that way with little additional attention. 

The Schwalbe Big Apple tyres are well armoured to prevent punctures - they are also tubeless. So, should you roll through a patch of broken glass, you won't be left stuck on the side of the road faffing with tyre levers. What's more, at 55mm wide, there's a huge amount of cushioning to keep you comfortable for your entire ride, so uneven roads and potholed surfaces needn't worry you.

5. Ribble Hybrid AL

Our favourite thing about Ribble Bikes is that its bike builder area of the website allows you to customise your ride to meet your exact specifications. Want 650b wheels and tyres instead of 700c? No problem. How about a parcel rack and mudguards? For sure. Do you think that the front derailleur should be put to bed once and for all? No worries, you can have a 1x drivetrain. 

The Hybrid all-rounder is designed for speed and efficiency but with the ability to customise the components, Ribble has used a versatile geometry that allows it to be adapted for your intended use. With rack and fender mounts, front and rear, the bike uses thru-axles and sees dropped seat stays for added levels of compliance. 

You don't have to customise it though, there are well-considered off-the-shelf packages available too. There's an electric version, the Ribble Hybrid AL e, that we rate among the best electric bikes for commuting .

6. Ridgeback Speed

Ridgeback's hybrid bikes are an excellent and popular gateway into urban cycling for many. They're practical and comfortable, often come with a full set of mudguards and a rear rack already fitted, and can be an excellent choice for someone who just wants to get going the moment it's built.

It features a 3x7 Shimano Tourney drivetrain, and Promax V-brakes which, while they're not disc brakes, are very easy to maintain at home, replacement pads are also cheap. It comes stock with cushy 42mm tyres that will soak up many of the bumps on the road and maintain grip when the weather takes a turn.

As a brand, Ridgeback offers a huge range of hybrid bikes, starting as low as £299 and increasing in price by £50 increments, with only one or two prominent changes to the build. This means that if the Speed isn't quite up to scratch for your needs, it's incredibly easy to find a Ridgeback hybrid bike that has what you need at a price point you're comfortable with.

7. Vitus Mach 3 VRS

Well specced for the price, the Vitus Mach 3 VRS is the mid-spec bike from a three-model line-up. It comes with 2x9-speed Shimano Sora shifting, although the combination of a 50/34T chainset and 11-28T cassette means that the available gear range is a bit less than many other hybrid bike options. This marks it out as a slightly more speed-orientated hybrid, and Sora is a road-gearing groupset. It's easily upgradable to a cassette with a 32-tooth largest sprocket though, if you do want more range for hillier rides.

The 38mm wide tyres are lightly treaded and give plenty of grip without sacrificing rolling speed, so the Mach 3 would serve for both faster city riding and a trip out onto tracks and trails. With rack and mudguard mounts, it's a bike that's easy to weatherproof too. 

At 10kg claimed weight for the size medium bike, the Vitus Mach 3 isn't too onerous to carry up stairs and over obstacles either, while the sloping geometry and one-piece bar and stem give the bike a modern, sporty look.

8. Marin Larkspur 2 2021

Whether you're looking for something that prioritises comfort and mobility, or you just want something a bit different, take a closer look at the Marin Larkspur. This unique-looking bike takes the step-through concept and turns it into some modernised goofy fun, adding in a dropper post for easy remounting in traffic, as well as chunky 650b x 2.35in tyres. 

The Larkspur is at home on paved roads and gravel paths alike, cushioning the blows from uneven surfaces and leaving you to float over potholes without care. The swooped handlebars put the rider in an upright position that makes it possible to see further ahead in traffic, the step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting a breeze, and extremely low gearing will make hill-climbing light work for most. It also makes the Larkspur a solid option for anyone with mobility or joint issues.

9. Tern Eclipse X22

Not everybody has room to store a stable of bikes, but that doesn't mean that two-wheeled transport is out of reach. Tern's Eclipse X22 finds the right balance between folding capability and riding efficiency. With 26in wheels and tyres, the bike is vastly more energy efficient over long distances than its smaller wheeled folding cousins but still compactly folds down to 38 x 90 x 81cm.

The geometry is also considerably more aggressive than many folders, and it boasts a 2x11 Ultegra drivetrain and Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes - quality components that help to justify the Tern's bigger price tag than the majority of hybrids here. 

10. Giant ToughRoad SLR 2

The ToughRoad, as the name suggests, is designed to keep you going regardless of whether you're riding on glass-smooth tarmac, rough gravel or bone-rattling cobblestones. Made from the brand's ALUXX SLR aluminium, the ToughRoad also has a carbon fork to reduce weight and absorb some of the vibrations coming through the front end. To keep your rear end sitting pretty, Giant has opted to use its D-fuse seatpost for improved compliance, 50mm Giant Sycamore tyres for grip, and plenty of damping too.

The flat-bar geometry keeps the rider in a comfortable position that finds the right balance between comfort and pedalling efficiency, and the frame sees heaps of mounts, as well as an integrated fender on the down tube. With a mix of Shimano Acera, Alivio and Altus components, the bike has a 9-speed, 11-36T cassette and 44/28T chainrings. 

11. Specialized Sirrus 2.0

Made from Specialized's A1 alloy, the Sirrus 2.0 features internal cable routing and plug-and-play fender and rack mounts front and rear. The dropped chainstays at the rear promote a bit of flex at the seat cluster to take the edge off of square hits which combined with the 32C tyres provide for a smooth rider — there is room for 42C rubber should you want a higher volume tyre.

Hydraulic disc brakes provide heaps of power and modulation regardless of the weather and should stay that way for years to come with maintenance. The 2x8 Shimano Acera/Tourney drivetrain with an 11-32 cassette and 46/30T chainrings allow for plenty of range to get you through that hilly commute, without sweating through your shirt. 

12. Orbea Vector 15

If you need a workhorse that can do pretty much everything you want, from commuting to work to carrying the shopping home, but you can't be bothered to figure out all the additional accessories you need to go with it, then you're in luck. The Orbea Vector 15 is ready to roll, complete with front and rear mudguards, a rear pannier rack and front and rear dynamo lights. All you need to do is don your helmet, grab your best bike lock and start riding to the office.

What's more, the Vector is built around Orbea's Body Sport Geometry, which prioritises comfort, placing the rider in a relaxed and more upright position so that you can see clearly in traffic and ride for as long as you need to without feeling discomfort.

Chances are, if you're on the lookout for a hybrid, you may be about to buy your first bike as an adult. If that's the case, there's a lot of choice out there and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. To make life easier for you, we've listed some of the key considerations for choosing the right hybrid bike for your needs.

What is a hybrid bike?

A hybrid bike, as per the definition of the word hybrid; is "a thing made by combining two different elements" and is a combination of road and mountain bikes. 

For example, flat handlebars are usually seen as a defining feature of a mountain bike or fitness bike. This is not only because the wider width makes for manageable steering and an upright riding position, but also because hybrids typically have a geometry with a longer reach than a traditional road bike.

The wheels are typically 700c in size - the same as road bikes - with slick or semi-slick tyres that are somewhere between the two when it comes to the width. The handlebars are more akin to a mountain bike style, being flat in shape, as opposed to the drop bar shape found on a road bike. The geometry sits in the middle of the two, putting you in a fast position, but still one that's upright enough to remain comfortable and safe in traffic. 

If you're more interested in riding off-road and gaining a bit of speed, check out our Gravel bike vs hybrid bike feature.

Are disc brakes worth it on a hybrid bike?

There is no question that disc brakes provide better performance than rim brakes. They offer superior power and modulation, and performance is much less affected by wet weather. Depending on the price, hybrid bikes will either come with hydraulic or cable-actuated discs. While they cost a bit more, hydraulic discs require less maintenance and less force at the lever to achieve more braking power, because more leverage can be engineered into the system. In general, try to look for hydraulic disc brakes if you are shopping for a new hybrid bike. 

What gearing do I need?

When we talk about gearing, what we're really referring to is the bike's drivetrain.

The main drivetrain choices for hybrid bikes are belt-driven drivetrains and or internally geared ones. 1x (one-by), 2x (two-by) or a triple chainset which uses regular chains and sprockets. Belt drive systems replace a metal chain for a belt and internally geared drivetrains package all of the gears inside the rear hub, meaning they require very little maintenance. And all the shifting is done with a single lever. The downside is they are anything but light and the total gear range is usually less broad than a derailleur-geared system. 

1x, 2x and triple systems are the traditional chain and derailleur-operated drivetrains, with the difference being the number of chainrings at the front. 

A 1x drivetrain can offer the same, or even a wider gear range than a 2x system, and will feature a clutched rear derailleur to handle chain slack and a narrow-wide chainring which will prevent your chain from falling off the chainring. Shifting is operated with a single lever. The downside is they are a bit more expensive, and sometimes the jumps between the gears can be pretty big.

A 2x drivetrain is usually more budget-friendly, and will generally offer the widest spread of gears, but with extra components comes extra maintenance, which can also complicate shifting for beginners. 

Some bikes even offer a 3x system, but these are few and far between nowadays as the need for the smallest inner chainring was replaced by larger cassettes (the sprocket at the back) offering the same low gears. 

What other features should I look for in a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are often used in all weather conditions and most frames will have mounting points for mudguards , even if the bike is not fitted with them.

A rear rack can be useful for carrying stuff. Again, look out for the mounting points at the rear, both on the dropouts where the wheel's hub fits into the frame and higher up on the seat stays.

Lights are also a useful addition for safety and essential if riding at night. Again, some hybrids will have these fitted, while you may need to budget for them as an extra if not.

Many hybrid bikes will come fitted with a bell, which can be useful when riding in town. This may be a basic number though. For something altogether more flashy, check out our guide to the best bike bells .

A kickstand is another option which may or may not be present, but can be useful, particularly for urban riders.

Do I need a suspension fork?

Lots of hybrid bikes come with suspension forks, but we believe that these should largely be avoided. Not only are they heavier and more expensive than a rigid fork, but those fitted to hybrid bikes are often very cheap and don't provide much in the way of efficient shock absorption. Low-end forks like this usually ride like a bouncy mess, and over time are likely to seize anyway. If you are worried about riding comfort, prioritise a bike with lots of tyre clearance, wide tyres and possibly 650b wheels, which allow even wider tyres. 

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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike

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Article updated on April 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM PDT

Best Exercise Bikes for 2024

Get that workout from the comfort of your home with one of these exercise bikes that'll get your blood pumping and your body moving.

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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Build quality and size

The design, weight and shape of the bike all play a role in your exercise bike's safety, ease of use and durability.

Workout quality

Software and features.

A good exercise bike should be compatible with some type of cycling app even if it doesn't come with its own display.

A gym routine may be the best way to meet your fitness goals, but not everybody has the time and motivation to keep it up. Having workout equipment at home can help, and an exercise bike can be a simple yet valuable addition to your home. An indoor exercise bike will help you get some movement from the comfort of your home and ditch those trips to the gym. There are many options on the market too, ranging from simple and affordable options to smart exercise bikes with screens that show you a spin-class-style workout, and competitive ranking.

Peloton is a household name today, but even before it shot to popularity, exercise bikes had been getting smarter, sleeker and more affordable. With so many options on the market today, picking the right one can be difficult. You'll need to buy the one that best fits your needs so it doesn't become an expensive clothes hanger. To help you pick the best exercise bike for you, we've put together this guide with the top options, as well as some buying advice.

What is the best exercise bike overall?

I have more than five years of experience testing indoor exercise bikes, and not just because I moved to a place where it gets too cold to enjoy my road bike all year long. Exercise bikes have many benefits, no matter what your skill level is as a cyclist. Right now the best overall exercise bike is the Bowflex Velocore series. It's easily one of the most versatile exercise bikes that doesn't take up a massive amount of space, the included display offers a massive amount of training and entertainment options, and it comes in a budget-friendly version with a smaller display.

Best exercise bikes of 2024

• Sturdy design without being loud
• Great display and speakers
• Versatile software package
• Not enough training courses for full-body workouts
• Screen doesn't turn left or right

Best exercise bike overall

Bowflex velocore.

Bowflex has worked hard to make its Velocore series something anyone can enjoy. The bike is surprisingly modular, and its magnetic resistance system allows you to get a whole-body workout without making excessive noise. The big front wheels make it easy to move around, and while you can use the big speakers on the front of the display, it also works great with headphones over Bluetooth. The truly unique part of this design is the ability to lean into your rides, thanks to a locked hinge offering a core workout while you ride.

What makes this exercise bike stand out is its extremely flexible software. If you want a growing set of classes to give you a clear set of instructions for working out, Bowflex has quite a bit to offer through its subscription service. If that's not your thing, there are loads of other options, including watching Netflix, Hulu or even Max while you ride. Very few other bikes do this unless you bring your own screen, and Bowflex does it with ease.

• Best-in-class build quality
• Immersive classes
• Killer display
• Very little to do if you don't want to take a class
• Expensive monthly subscription
• Limited full-body options

Best exercise bike for classes

Peloton bike.

If you've been looking to buy an exercise bike, you've heard of Peloton. It has a reputation for higher-than-average build quality, a large, crisp display and slick branding. Peloton bikes are frequently compared to Apple products when it comes to look and feel, and it's not hard to see why. The frame can be easily adjusted to suit a variety of body types, with a frame that's easier for many kinds of cyclists to use. 

The Peloton experience is most known for its classes. It offers a wide variety of highly interactive experiences that allow you to see your performance in real-time compared to others who have taken that same class, and each is recorded in actual Peloton studios with expert instructors. You can even take part in live classes, where you could get a shout-out from an instructor as though you were right there in the room. 

• Flexible display
• Huge collection of workout options
• Good third-party fitness tracker support
• Build quality could be better

Best exercise bike with full-body workout

Myx ii plus.

Myx bikes have always been aimed at hardcore fitness fans, but when it merged with the folks at BeachBody an already great experience expanded to way more people as it released the Myx II Plus. This is a great bike for a variety of different body types and offers the ability to adjust your screen in just about every direction. Unlike many of its competitors, Myx II Plus makes it very easy to share the bike with up to five other people without needing multiple subscriptions. Where most exercise bikes offer the ability to do a variety of workouts while on the bike, Myx II Plus offers a ton of things to do off the bike as well. The included software offers everything from yoga to kettlebell classes with everything in between, in addition to an array of spin class-style workouts and even live classes you can join throughout the week. It's one of the few exercise bikes in this price range to truly deliver a full-body workout solution.

• Simple, sturdy construction
• Works with almost every tablet and phone
• Bluetooth data could be more accurate
• Takes up more space than most

Best budget exercise bike

Don't let the Peloton folks hear this, but not everyone wants or needs a big screen on your bike with a class instructor shouting at you. For some folks, an inexpensive tablet sitting on a simpler bike playing this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds to help get you through an hour of exercise is enough. If that sounds good to you, the BowFlex C6 may be exactly what you're looking for. The frame adjusts for all sorts of body types and riding positions, so anyone from novice to century riders can climb on and get a decent workout with minimal effort.

With its simple display to show you distance traveled and heart rate if you connect the included armband monitor, you can get plenty of information from your workout on this comparatively simple yet effective exercise bike. A Bluetooth connection to the bike will allow you to use just about any cycling app, but performance-focused cyclists will find the speed and cadence data it pushes to apps like Zwift isn't as accurate as other bikes. 

• Automatic incline/decline resistance changes
• Best-in-class performance data
• Tons of frame and crank adjustment options
• Very expensive
• Max rider weight is much lower than most

Best exercise bike for hardcore cyclists

Wahoo kickr bike.

The Wahoo Kickr is the closest thing you'll get to an outdoor road bike, right down to the customizable gearing and simulated shifting. The aggressive seating position is designed to mimic a racing road bike and the resistance you feel when riding matches the software you're using. That means when your virtual ride in Zwift or other apps starts to go uphill, the bike adjusts your resistance automatically to give you the most realistic feeling possible as you ride. This is the only exercise bike capable of making you feel like you're riding where the virtual ride shows you on the screen, and it's incredible. 

If you're a serious cyclist looking to improve your performance when it gets cold and dark outside, and you're unwilling to sacrifice that real bike feeling to get it, the Wahoo Kickr bike is your best option. Like everything designed for hyper-accuracy in the cycling world, you'll pay for the experience. If you go this route and add in the real-feel wind fans and a big enough screen, you might forget for a moment that you're riding indoors.

• Setup is easier than most
• Supports most cycling apps
• Quieter than previous generations
• Takes up a lot of room

Best add-on for your outdoor bike

Saris h3 indoor trainer.

Instead of buying a separate exercise bike to ride when you can't ride outside, you can instead use a Direct Drive Trainer. If you're going to go this route, you want to make sure it's smart enough to intelligently adjust alongside your favorite workout apps.

Swap out your rear wheel for the Saris H3 and you now have a balanced surface with built-in cadence, speed and power sensors to give you the data you need to measure performance. These sensors communicate with everything from Zwift, BKool and TrainerRoad to the included one-month access to Rouvy to offer an interactive experience like mountain bike rides. Magnetic resistance changes based on what you see in your app of choice, and since you're using your real bike, your power and shifting will reflect that same real-world feel. 

Indoor trainers can also be used, but if you're looking for a combination of smart feedback, performance monitoring and price, this is the way to go.

Factors to consider when choosing an exercise bike

Included in this article are loads of different options to suit the needs of just about every kind of cyclist. It doesn't matter if you're in a small apartment, a hardcore cyclist who already has a great outdoor bike, or someone who needs that class environment to feel motivated. I've done a ton of testing to help you pick the right option for you, but getting there means understanding what you need. 

Not all exercise bikes are built the same, and I'm not just talking about the metals and plastics used in their construction. If a frame is too narrow and the weight is not evenly distributed, it may be prone to tipping. If an exercise bike uses friction to add resistance rather than a magnetic drive, it can in many places either be louder or wear out faster. No matter what the bike is made of, being able to move an exercise bike around easily is a big deal if you're limited on space in your home.

Cycling is way more than just moving your legs. Many exercise bikes include the ability to clip your shoes to the pedals, which allows you to train a totally different set of leg muscles. In addition, exercise bikes are frequently paired with weights or core leans to offer a full-body workout. Depending on what kind of workout you want to do, the accessories surrounding your exercise bike can make a huge difference. 

Not every bike comes with a screen, but every good bike should come with the ability to work with the many phone and tablet apps available for cyclists. Whether you're bringing your own screen and racing friends in Zwift or you're binging The Witcher to keep yourself on the bike longer on a large, mounted display, the quality of the experience makes a huge difference in your workout.

How we test exercise bikes

Like  so many other things at CNET , we test exercise bikes as thoroughly as possible through rigorous examination and comparison. Each exercise bike in our list has been through at least 100 miles of riding, using as many of the built-in features as possible. Every exercise bike is judged against the following metrics:

Exercise bike volume

Every workout makes some noise, but a quieter bike typically means greater build quality. At the same time, if an exercise bike has a built-in display with speakers it's important to know it's possible to clearly hear the class instructor or your favorite TV show over the sound of you working out.

Riding position flexibility

It's important to be able to set your exercise bike to the riding position that works best for you, and be able to ride in that position for extended periods of time. All of the bikes in this list are tested in cruiser, neutral and competition riding positions to ensure comfort for as many body types as possible. 

Software compatibility

Even if your bike doesn't have a display, it likely has a way to connect to your phone or tablet to access performance apps. That testing doesn't end at the ability to connect to a phone; the accuracy of the information sent from the bike to your phone makes a big difference -- especially if you're counting calories or you want to use a competitive racing app to ride with friends. Making sure the power you push into your exercise bike is accurately reflected in the information sent to apps makes a big difference. 

Exercise bike FAQs

Is an exercise bike good for losing weight.

Absolutely. Exercise bikes are a great way for almost every body type to lose weight, due in large part to the constant movement and low impact on joints. Even when an exercise bike is set to comparatively low levels of resistance, constantly moving your legs keeps your heart rate elevated. Moderate levels of riding for 30 minutes can burn more than 250 calories, and that increases dramatically as you become more comfortable with increasing resistance and riding for longer periods of time. 

Is an exercise bike better than a treadmill?

While it's possible to get a great workout from a treadmill, using an exercise bike dramatically reduces strain on knees and ankles which allows you to work out for longer without soreness. It is true that treadmill workouts on average burn more calories than the same amount of effort on an exercise bike, but it's possible to work out for longer on a bike, which can yield better long-term results. 

How much weight can an exercise bike hold?

Not all exercise bikes are created equally, but most can support riders up to 350 pounds. There are a couple of exercise bikes designed to support riders up to 400 pounds, but very few support more than that. On the other end of the spectrum, most exercise bikes aimed at performance-focused cyclists typically only support up to 250-pound riders. Be sure to confirm that the bike you are looking at can support your body type before buying. 

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Made By Cyclists

Best Bikes For Outdoor Exercise

December 27, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Cycling is one of the best cardio workouts around. Instead of spending hours sweating in a crowded gym, biking allows you to exercise outdoors and burn calories while strengthening your muscles.

Bikes come with all sorts of modifications. Some have skinny tires, some are thick, some are made for speed, others for comfort, and all you want to do is choose a bike to get some exercise outside. Selecting an inappropriate type of bicycle may be quite embarrassing when trying to look nonchalant and blend in.

The 8 Best Bikes For Outdoor Exercise:

• Cannondale Quick CX 3
• Hiland 700C Aluminum Hybrid Urban City Bike
• Tern Eclipse X22 The Blackbird
• Trek Marlin 7
• Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
• Specialized Sirrus X 4.0
• Trek FX Hybrid
• Schwinn Discover Hybrid

You've probably enviously watched cyclists whizz past on their bikes and been somewhat envious, but what do you do if you don't know what bike to choose? I have singled out some great options for anyone who isn't quite ready for the Tour de France and just wants to feel confident on their bike and get some exercise outdoors.

Bicycles are pretty specific for different terrain and riders, and there's a lot of bike jargon about that new bikers just don't understand. Once you've been cycling for a while, all the terms become standard, so let me cut through the language barrier and help you on your way to find the perfect bike that you can use to exercise outdoors. In a few months, you will also be speaking 'bike' like a pro.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Best 8 Bikes For Outdoor Exercise

Before I  kick off with the 8 bikes you should consider when selecting an outdoor exercise bike, let's go through some basics. With all the types of bikes out there, you need to be able to narrow the field to find the right bike for you.

It's not only about you burning calories and enjoying the great outdoors. The bike you select will be your connection between your body and the ground. It is, therefore, essential that you consider these three things when shopping for your bike:

• Where will you be riding? Think about whether the terrain is hilly, gravel, paved, or sandy.
• Work out your budget. Even though you will only be using your bike for outdoor exercise, you will find that models come in a range of prices and can include some high-performance features if you opt for them.
• Size matters . Make sure that your bike fits – the frame size must be based on your height .

Now that you know what to be aware of, let's get into our selection of the best bikes that you can choose for outdoor exercise.

1. Cannondale Quick CX 3

Link to product

Exercise riders should consider hybrid-style bikes first because they are the perfect combination of road and mountain bikes. They, therefore, offer exercise riders the ruggedness and performance of both styles, all rolled into one versatile bicycle.

The Cannondale Quick CX 3 is the ultimate reasonably-priced hybrid bike. Its sleek design can be adapted to add storage bags, water bottle, and fenders as you become more confident on your cycling journey.

• 40 mm Multisurface tires make it suitable for
• Tektro hydraulic disk brakes offer consistent braking performance
• microSHIFT technology means that the gears are easy to shift without interruption
• Alloy frame which combines strength and lightness
• No puncture protection, so you may need to carry a repair kit
• The wheels are relatively heavy
• The overall weight of the bike is just over 31lbs which is slightly heavier than ideal.
• The bike does not come with fenders attached.

Additional buyers Information

The Cannondale Quick 3 offers riders a comfortable upright position ride that allows for excellent control and view, regardless of whether you are riding in the city or off-road. The bike is available in men's and women's models; the only differences are the colors and the lower standover clearance on the women's model.

This bike is an excellent choice for those needing an outdoor exercise bike. The fitness feature of the Cannondale Quick CX 3 is enhanced by an integrated wheel sensor system that tracks your speed and amount of energy used on each trip and connects to a free Cannondale app that will let you take charge of your exercise program.

2. Hiland 700C Aluminum Hybrid Urban City Bike

Calling all city dwellers! If you will mostly be cycling on city streets and paved surfaces, the Hiland offers a comfortable, stable ride that is perfect for fitness riding or commuting. This neat-looking bike has featured highly in numerous reviews as excellent value for money and reliability rolled into one.

The Hiland is undeniably an entry-level bike priced under $450, so you won't have to break the bank if you just want to add cycling outdoors to your regular exercise routine. However, it comes from an established manufacturer with a solid reputation in the industry.

• It is one of the most inexpensive options that offer great value for money
• It has a super-light aluminum frame and disc brakes
• 40C Kendra tires make it a solid option for city riding
• Shimano Altus derailleurs offer 24 gears and a good range of speeds
• Some reviews have noted that parts like the pedals aren't the best quality
• The saddle may not be as comfortable as you'd like, but that is easy to customize
• This is an entry-level bike perfect for moderate exercise, but it may not be enough bike if you want to cycle more frequently or take it off-road
• Sizing can be tricky, so check carefully before placing an order.

Additional Buyers Information

Hiland offers a lifetime limited warranty on some parts of their bikes. A lifetime warranty covers the frame for the original owner, and most parts also have a one-year guarantee.

It comes in four colors, so if black and white are too dull to suit your style, you can choose silver or a super eye-catching mint green version. The bike is sleek and easy to accessorize with fenders, racks, or lights.

The mechanical disc brake design allows it to stop in a flash, and the all-weather braking makes it a safe option for exercise riders.

3. Tern Eclipse X22 – 'The Blackbird'

If you want something unique, elegant, modern, swift, and just plain awesome, look no further than the Tern Eclipse X22. You will look forward to exercising just so you can get onto this bike! Of course, magnificent things don't come cheap, but think of the Blackbird as an investment in yourself – it truly is a sexy design, and you will be the envy of your fellow cyclists.

Besides being an all-terrain hybrid bike, The Blackbird is made to be fast, so if you like an outdoor exercise workout with a little more intensity, this is the right choice for you. It is also an excellent option for those with limited storage space because a nifty feature is that the bike folds up compactly.

• Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
• Fold up easily for compact storage
• It's a fast and agile design perfect for city riding but also durable enough for rugged terrain.
• Extremely light – it weighs 24.9lbs
• Often out of stock at some suppliers
• They are pretty pricey, so if you only need the bike for exercise, there are more basic bikes available that will be suitable.
• You may not need the folding function.
• Ride quality may not be as smooth as a non-folding bike

It is quite difficult to find anything negative to say about this nifty bike from the Tern stable. One may expect a folding bike to be flimsy, but on the contrary, the Blackbird can handle riders over 6'5" and a maximum weight of 231 pounds.

Attention to detail on these bikes is evident throughout the design. The wheels are hand-built 26" wheels, fitted with high-performance Kojak tires with puncture protection.

The Blackbird can be fully adjusted to fit your riding preferences. The adjustable VRO handlebar stem allows you to fine-tune your position. Indoor exercising will become a thing of the past if you invest in one of these remarkable bikes!

4. Trek Marlin 7

Let's slow down a little after the Eclipse and get our wheels down securely on the ground. Trek Marlin 7 will let you commute, do your exercise riding, and go on biking adventures on backroads and hilly trails. It is really up for anything, and its rugged design will make you feel like you can conquer the world – or at least ride over anything that stands in your way.

If you like a comfy design in a bike, the fat tires on this bike will keep you comfortably cushioned

• Excellent all-rounder bike that will handle a variety of settings
• 10mm Coil spring-fork effectively protects the bike from shocks and vibrations so you can glide over rocky ground more comfortably
• Disc brakes that are effective in all weather conditions
• Internal cable routing, so the bike looks sleek without skipping any features you'd expect.
• It doesn't have tubeless-ready wheels
• It is a little heavier than some other bikes
• The paint is prone to scratching, so be careful not to park it against scratchy thickets.
• The mountain bike tires may feel a bit heavy-duty for city riding

Buys may get confused between the various Trek Marlin models. The Marlin 7 is on our list of excellent choices as a great exercise bike because it is designed to be an intermediate-level mountain bike and comes in at a really reasonable price. The Marlin Trek 6 is also a great bike, but it is more intended for beginner riders, and it won't be as suitable to progress to faster events and more challenging rides.

Trek bikes often stand out from the crowd because they are available in a bunch of colors and combinations. These bikes also have some handy features that you may find convenient, like a rear kickstand mount – no more learning precariously against walls.

5. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Link to Product

The Tommaso Imola Endurance Road Bike is an excellent option for exercise enthusiasts. The bike is solidly built and comes with plenty of benefits that you don't expect on a road bike model under $1000 – some reviewers feel that it outperforms more expensive tier bikes.

• 24-speed gearset and Shimano Claris R2000 shifters set you up for speed.
• 24 lb light aluminum frame
• Great price to value – also has a fully customizable frame so you can easily add rack mounts or fenders, etc.
• Excellent weight support – the front has 20 spokes while the rear has 24.
• It is more expensive than some other options
• The wheels are not as durable as the rest of the bike and may need to be replaced earlier than expected.
• Some reviewers have found the saddle uncomfortable
• The Tommaso Imola is only available online, so you can't test it before you buy

If you are one of those riders who can't decide what type of handlebars you prefer, the Tommaso Imola features ultra-compact handlebars so that you can utilize all bar positions. This will reduce hand pressure for those times you want to add a little speed and really get a great workout.

The Tommaso Imola Road bike is available in 6 frame sizes, suitable for riders starting at 4'9" right through to 6'5". This elegant bike comes in 3 colors, and even if you don't know much about bikes, you will appreciate the combinations that make it look more expensive than it is. The burnt orange option is particularly eye-catching if you want a bike that stands out.

Tommaso bikes come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork, and the brand has US-based customer service staff, so even though you need to buy online, you will be able to find support assistance if you need it.

6. Specialized Sirrus X 4.0

Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 is another hybrid bike that is perfect if you want to do some outdoor exercise, but you suspect that cycling might become your favorite activity. Choosing a bike that will grow with you is important as you embrace cycling as a regular activity. This bike is immensely versatile and is up to the challenge of allowing you to ride further and longer when you are ready.

This Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 has been described as a 'fun bike for exercising' that also offers speed and comfort. This bike is suitable for everything from smooth riding on tarmacs to trail rides and everything in between. The gravel tires and signature shock-absorbing system called Future Shock also provide excellent maneuverability.

• Excellent shock-proof riding experience
• The carbon fork makes the bike lightweight and durable
• Excellent speed and maneuverability
• 38mm pathfinder sport tires
• It may be pricey if you only need the bike for outdoor exercise
• It is not really suitable for long-distance riding
• There was some bad press around a recent recall of these bikes involving a loose crank arm – however, this has been remedied and is not an issue on new bikes
• If you are into speed over a longer distance, the flat handlebars may not be ideal

The zippy Specialized Sirrus X4 has plenty of gears (11-42t) which means you should be able to sail up hills comfortably. The hydraulic disc brakes will enable you to stop on a penny when you come down the other side.

The bike is ergonomically designed, so it is an incredibly comfortable ride. Everything, including handgrips, saddle, and pedals, has been made with the rider's comfort in mind. This is a significant plus factor for anyone who wants to ride for exercise.

Specialized offers an impressive warranty on their bikes. Owners must ensure that they register their products within 90 days to enjoy the generous lifetime warranty that applies to the bike's original owner.

7. Trek FX 1

Trek FX 1 is an excellent value-for-money hybrid exercise bike specifically designed with fitness in mind. Link it to an app on your smartphone, and you will not only be able to enjoy the comfort and fun of riding a really nice, versatile bike, but you will be able to track your progress. This handy feature always makes exercising a lot more rewarding.

The bike is fitted with Bontrager H2 tires which are great for road or track but aren't the best if you need mountain bike performance or will be doing a lot of downhill riding. This bike has linear-pull brakes on the front and rear rims. The brake pads will need to be replaced after a lot of riding, but it is a simple operation, and they are easy to install.

• The bike is fitted with a Shimano 7-speed shifter.
• It has rackmount holes on the frame, so it can quickly be kitted out with accessories.
• Suitable to carry weight up to 300 pounds – so you can also ride with a heavy pack
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• It may not be the best choice for long rides
• It doesn't handle well on rough terrain – it's perfect for city riding
• Some riders find the handlebar grips uncomfortable
• Pedals tend to wear out quite quickly

This is a perfect choice as a general fitness bike, especially if your regular route is on solid surfaces. All Trek bikes are backed by a lifetime warranty and supported by a network of partners, so you won't struggle to find help if you need it. However, for their price, these bikes are incredibly tough, so you shouldn’t need to call them too often.

Reviews on the Trek FX 1 support its popularity as this brand's leading model in hybrid fitness bikes. The affordability and outstanding features of the FX1 make it an excellent choice for anyone who just wants a bike to get fit and enjoy being outdoors without needing to be a bike expert.

8. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike

Schwinn is a well-known brand that has been producing quality bicycles since 1895 , so they know a few things about creating excellent bikes! The Discover Hybrid  Bike attempts to bridge the gap in making a versatile bike that can be used for outdoor exercise on city streets or a fun trail ride on weekends.

This bike looks a little less serious than some of the other bikes out there because it comes fitted with fenders and a rear carrier. These can be handy features if you plan to use your bike to commute or for quick outings to the shops, but it is still an excellent option for anyone who wants to use their bike for outdoor exercise.

• 21 Speed twist shifters ensure smooth gear changes and make it excellent for any terrain.
• Shock-absorbing suspension fork
• It comes standard with fenders and a carrier for a vintage flair
• You may need some help to assemble your bike when it arrives
• It may not look at serious as some other hybrid bikes
• Not the best choice if you regularly ride in rugged terrain
• You may prefer hydraulic disc brakes

The Schwinn Discover Hybrid comes in men's and women's models for extra comfort. Reviews on the product are predominantly excellent, and this classically styled bike has many delighted customers.

Although some cyclists may prefer disc brakes, the benefit of the linear brake setup is that it is much easier and less costly to replace, which means you will probably be able to do it yourself. All consumables for this bike are readily available.

The Schwinn Discover Hybrid is designed with comfort in mind. Some riders prefer sitting uprights, while those who prefer speed may like a lower handlebar. Schwinn Discover handlebars are adjustable by height and tilt, so the bike can be set up according to individual preferences. This bike will never compete in a serious triathlon, but for biking around for exercise, it is a solid choice.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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Review: Trek Fetch+ 2

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One of the things that can be intimidating about buying a cargo ebike is how unfamiliar they feel. Whether a bike is designed with weird geometry and wheel sizes or odd features for heavy hauling, every ride can feel unfamiliar.

For traditional cyclists who want to haul a grocery store trip’s worth of groceries home but don’t want to mess with technology they’re unfamiliar with, the Trek Fetch+ 2 is a decent option. It’s more expensive than some of our favorite alternatives, but it has an easy-to-ride step-through design, well-made components, and great plastic buckets (and other accessories) for storage.

There are bikes with more advanced features for the money, but even after I spent a summer riding the Fetch+ 2, it barely needed a tune-up. For a modern cargo ebike with a classic cargo bike maintenance schedule, it might be worth spending a bit more cash.

On the Road

The Fetch+ 2 is the smaller of Trek’s two latest cargo ebikes, which includes the box-fronted Fetch+ 4 ($8,500) , which is more oriented toward toting around dogs and children in between groceries and beer.

The Fetch+ 2 instead is a more traditional step-through cargo bike that employs a myriad of attachments, most notably two plastic panniers that hang off an extended rack on the rear. You can get a padded seat cover for the rear to let friends hold on and ride, or mount a couple kids’ seats behind you, but I’d still probably use this bike more for errands than transporting little ones.

As an objet d’art , the bike is simple and unassuming, which is ideal for a bike this expensive. The battery is integrated into the frame, but a sizable bulge means nobody will fail to notice it's an ebike. You can get it in three colors. I liked the black of our review unit, but the bright blue would probably be my choice if I was buying one.

While much of the bike will be familiar to anyone who has ever seen or contemplated a cargo bike, Trek really gets the geometry and style of this bike correct as far as making it very usable for many tasks. Even the dual-sided kickstand pops up and down with remarkable ease (shockingly rare on other large ebikes I've used). I particularly enjoyed using the rear panniers for hauling flats of berries and other easily squished items that tend to rattle around in softer panniers.

The panniers fit a ton of stuff; I was able to get four full-size grocery bags spread between the two black plastic totes. I like that they had little plugs in the bottom that you could feasibly use a plastic bag to cover and then fill them with ice and drinks.

I spent a couple months using the Fetch+ 2 as my primary bike, and came away much more impressed than anticipated, given the specs and the price.

On paper, this is an expensive ebike to have pretty standard mid-drive cargo bike specs. The 85 Nm Bosch motor and 500-wH battery are good for 20-plus miles a day loaded down in any city, but they’re not better than models like the larger Xtracycle Stoker, which has the same torque and a 630-wH battery for $4,999. The Trek also doesn’t have a carbon belt drive and variable transmission, which we consider the best (and easiest to maintain) shifting mechanism for cargo bikes.

The more traditional chain-and-gears drivetrain and no suspension make this a less comfortable and more difficult-to-maintain bike than favorites like the Tern GSD ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), which costs about the same. I have to say, I was expecting the difference in riding experience to be more severe. The fatter-than-usual 20 x 2.35-inch tires of the Trek absorbed potholes better than other suspensionless bikes. It also stopped just as well as its competitors, thanks to hydraulic disc brakes.

Mid-drive cargo bikes are much better than their rear-hub counterparts, especially when toting larger items or smaller humans, because they allow you to get more torque to the wheels, and provide a more traditional riding experience. I never found myself lacking for power, though I did crunch through the gears a bit when starting on a hill.

The Fetch+ 2 rides really well, with a solid frame and no creaks or sketchiness of any kind (as picked up from my local Trek dealer, another plus of ordering from the brand), and I really liked how bright the built-in lights were when riding home from soccer games and band practices at night. The fat wheels were easy to turn, giving this a turning radius similar to a non-extended ebike when I was making U-turns in the city. It also has a built-in phone mount with a wireless charger, which makes it really nice for using a map app to cruise to unfamiliar places.

It’s not a fun bike to ride in the traditional sense; it’s not the fastest or the most comfortable, but it is satisfyingly robust and confidence-inducing. In my months of riding, I never had a single issue with the bike. That’s unusual given the state of some of the roads I often took the Fetch+ 2 on the side of, and a testament to Trek's great build quality.

If I was a longtime Trek owner and interested in getting into cargo ebikes, I’d certainly give this line a look, with the understanding that I might find something I like better from Tern, Xtracycle, or another brand for the same price—or something from Rad Power Bikes or another more affordable direct-to-consumer manufacturer for less. It’s a well-made bike that does what it claims to do, but it’s on the spendy side.

It is a bit hard to come by, at least in bike shops around my hometown of Portland, Oregon. If you’re interested in this one for your treks around town, I’d make sure to call ahead for a test ride. If you want a familiar-feeling bike with all the frills of electrification, it’s worth a spin.

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The 12 Best Bikes for Women for Commuting, Beach Rides, and More

Schwinn's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike features a 21-speed drivetrain and rides comfortably

Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more.

Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching.

Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education.

Verywell Fit / Sabrina Jiang

Cycling can be an excellent form of exercise. Research has found that cycling while commuting to work reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. It's also a great way to increase your heart rate while getting plenty of fresh air.

If you're ready to get started—or enjoy having an indoor cycling bike and want to get a bicycle for the outdoors—there are plenty of bikes to choose from. Before purchasing a bike, it's important to choose one that's equipped to handle the type of cycling you'd like to do. Are you looking for a budget-friendly cruiser or a mountain bike that can handle more rugged terrain? Maybe you're searching for an e-bike to shorten your commute.

We researched dozens of bikes for women and evaluated them based on material, comfort, durability on different terrains, and price. A personal trainer from our Review Board reviewed this information to ensure its accuracy, how to choose the correct model and men's versus women's bikes.

Here are our top picks for casual cyclists looking for a smooth ride.

• How We Selected
• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Best overall, schwinn gtx 3 hybrid bike.

Dick Sportings Goods

21-speed drivetrain

Two frames for different heights

Works on rocks and pavement

Brakes may need frequent readjusting

Gears may not shift fluidly

Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike is our best overall choice because it boasts a lightweight aluminum frame and has a 21-speed drivetrain, to help you navigate obstacles on slick city streets, rugged paths, and everywhere in between.

Schwinn's Hybrid Bike comes with a 15-inch or 17-inch frame, which is suitable for riders between 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall. We also like the alloy V-brakes, which are good for crisp stops. And its all-terrain tires will keep your rides feeling smooth and comfortable—whether you’re cycling on- or off-road.

However, some riders have found that the gears don't shift as easily as with other bikes. Users also note that the brakes may need to be adjusted more frequently.

Key Specs: Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 4'11" to 5'10" | Weight: 42.05 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

Best Splurge

Rei co-op cycles cty 1.1 step-through bike.

Fluid gear shifts

24-speed drivetrain

Three frames for different heights

Handlebars may be too low for some

Versatile, comfortable, and durable, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike is loaded with features that give it a smooth, nimble ride. Although it's more expensive than many of our other top picks, we think its thoughtful design is more than worth the investment.

The Coop Cycles Bike's 24-speed drivetrain will give you the kind of fluid gear shifting you need to dodge obstacles and tackle different kinds of terrain flexibly. And its hydraulic disc brakes are designed to be reliable in any weather condition.

We love that this bike has a relaxed silhouette that will keep you upright as you ride, helping you cut down on hunching over your handlebars. It also features a shock-absorbing suspension fork to keep bumps to a minimum—even when encountering obstacles. However, some users have found that the low handlebars take a few rides to get used to. Key Specs: Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5' to 5'9" | Weight: 30.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Best Mountain Bike

Royce union rmt womens 21-speed all-terrain mountain bike.

Easy riding

Two frame sizes for different heights

Assembly may be complicated

Royce Union's All-Terrain Mountain Bike is easy to handle and control, making it our top pick for riders of all experience levels. The bike has a no-rust aluminum frame, which is durable enough to support you—but not so heavy that it’ll weigh you down.

With a pair of all-terrain tires, you can maintain momentum in a range of weather conditions. We like that they also offer less rolling resistance than most mountain bike tires, making Royce Union's All-Terrain Mountain Bike a versatile ride. 

The bike comes with a 15-inch or 17-inch frame for riders between 5 feet and 5 foot, 10 inches tall, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. But some users have found that it can be difficult to assemble—so you may want to grab a friend to help.

Key Specs: Style: Mountain | Height Capacity: 5'7" to 5'10" | Weight: 41.8 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Best Folding

Schwinn loop adult folding bike.

Creates smooth, rolling commutes

Comes with a carry bag

Front and rear linear pull brakes

Seat may be too firm for some

If you want a bike you can bring with you on the go, we recommend Schwinn's Loop Folding Bike. This durable steel bike is both reliable and versatile, and its seven-speed drivetrain will help you nimbly shift gears. Featuring smooth tires and linear-pull brakes, your ride will be smooth, comfortable, and easy to maneuver.

What sets this bike apart, though, is the fact that it folds up. When folded, the bike ends up being nearly half its original size. Instead of locking the bike on a bike rack, we love that you can use the included nylon carry bag to bring it with you for  on-the-go exercise  and transportation.

Note that some users have reported that the seat is very firm—so you may want to purchase  a more comfortable bike seat  of your own.

Key Specs: Style: Folding | Height Capacity: 4'6" to 6'2" | Weight: 37.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 230 pounds

Best for Commuters

Specialized roll 2.0 low entry.

Specialized

Good traction

Reflective accents

Comfortable, gel-padded seat

For a reliable commuting bike, Specialized's Roll 2.0 Low Entry is our top pick. It's just as functional as it is stylish, with a durable aluminum frame that can stand up to daily wear and tear. The tires are wide and can grip the road well, even in wet weather.

We also love that the tires have reflective accents, so it's easier for motorists to spot you when you're riding in low-light conditions. Plus, the ergonomic seat features gel padding for a comfortable ride.

While it's more expensive than other bikes on our list, we think the Roll 2.0's durability and commuter-friendly features make it worth the price.

Best Cruiser

Rei electra cruiser 1 step-thru.

Rides comfortably

Intuitive brake system

Available in four colors

Not suitable for long-distance rides

Not designed for varied terrain

If you’re looking for a comfortable, laid-back ride, we recommend Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Thru, which features a single-speed drivetrain. We love the intuitive brakes: Simply pedal backward, and your bike will come to a crisp, efficient stop.

The bike also has a low center of gravity that's designed to keep you stable on all your rides. And if you'd like to stay in a natural upright position as you ride, the bike’s step-through silhouette makes it easy.

However, this bike isn't ideal for long-distance rides over rougher terrain, since it's a cruiser.

Key Specs: Style: Cruiser | Height Capacity: 5'1" to 5'8" | Weight: 36 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Best Road Bike

Hiland road racing bike.

Lightweight aluminum frame

Seven-speed shifters for control

Designed with the city in mind, Hiland's Road Bike offers both speed and control in smooth conditions. The bike’s 22-inch wheels will give you a high-speed ride, while its 14-speed shifters will help you nimbly maintain control as you bike. With double-caliper brakes, we like that you can easily stop on slick surfaces—and the aluminum alloy frame is supportive and durable, but still lightweight enough to lift.

The Hiland Road Bike comes with a 21.6-inch frame or a 25.6-inch frame. The 21.6-inch frame makes the bike suitable for riders between 5 foot, 8 inches and 6 foot, 1 inch tall. And the 25.6-inch frame makes it suitable for riders between 6 foot, 1 inch and 6 foot, 4 inches tall.

Some users have found that assembling this bike can be tough, noting missing parts and no instructions. But we still think it's a good investment for beginner to intermediate cyclists.

Key Specs: Style: Road | Height Capacity (size 55 cm): 5'8" to 6' 1" | Weight: 33.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Best Hybrid

Schwinn discover hybrid bike.

Fender keeps dirt off rider

Changes gears fast

Rear carrier

Suspension and fork can be jerky

If you’re looking for a quality hybrid bike at a reasonable price point, Schwinn's Discover Hybrid Bike is a solid choice. The bike’s aluminum frame is lightweight but durable, so you can feel supported as you nimbly tackle bends and curves. The 21-speed drivetrain also allows for fast, easy gear changes.

Crafted with linear-pull brakes, you'll be able to make precise stops, rain or shine. The bike performs best on commutes and bike paths. But thanks to its shock-absorbing suspension fork, you can take it on rougher trails, too. We also like the fenders, which keep dirt and mud at bay, and the rear carrier to hold your bags and other gear.

As with other bikes on our list, this one has lower handlebars that some riders may find uncomfortable at first. Users have also found that the suspension and fork can feel jerky—but we think the bike's other features make up for any difficulties you might have riding on trails.

Key Specs: Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5'7" to 6'2" | Weight: 35.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

Best for Beginners

Public bikes c7.

Public Bikes

Available in eight colors

Public Bikes’ C7 boasts a classic step-through design, which means you can expect to sit upright when you cycle. This natural seating position should keep you comfortable on all your rides, allowing you to focus on more important things, like changing gears and exploring new terrain. 

It comes with a seven-speed drivetrain, which you can use to tackle hills and obstacles like a pro. And we like the limited gear range, which allows you to nimbly navigate routes without an overwhelming amount of options. Available in eight sleek colors and available in a small/medium frame or a medium/large frame, it shouldn’t be too tough to find an option that belongs in your collection.

While this bike is more expensive than others on our list, we think it's a worthy investment for beginners who plan on riding their bikes for years to come.

Key Specs: Style: Step-through | Height Capacity: 4' 10 inches to 5' 10 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Best Electric

Electra townie go 7d step-through electric bike.

Works as a cruiser or an e-bike

Electra’s Townie Go! 7D Step-Through Electric Bike is a great option for anyone who wants to pick up speed without sacrificing comfort or control. The step-through bike comes with a motor, which you can use to access speeds up to 40 miles per hour—meaning you can tackle both hills and long rides with ease. That balance is part of what makes the Townie Go! 7D such a great pick for first-time e-bike riders.

When you’re not in the mood for a motorized ride, you can use your Townie Go! 7D like a classic bike. The step-through boasts seven speeds, so you can nimbly and fluidly shift gears while you ride. And it also comes equipped with a set of thick balloon tires, which promise to keep your rides smooth and comfortable on a range of different terrain. 

Although it is a significant investment, we feel that the ease this bike will bring to your daily commute is worth it.

Style: E-bike | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 11 inches | Weight: 47 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed

Best Electric Runner-Up

Aventon pace 350 step-through ebike.

Reaches speeds of up to 20 mph

Available in two sizes

Bright, full-color display

Aventon's sleek, user-friendly Pace 350 Step-Through EBike is our other recommendation for an electric bike at a slightly lower price. It comes with some impressive features, including an LCD display that syncs with (and can charge) your smartphone and five levels of pedal assist. A headlight and tail lights offer safety during dusk or nighttime rides, while a throttle helps the bike reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

The bike comes in two sizes to accommodate riders between 5 foot, 1 inch, and 6 foot, 4 inches. Choose from two stylish colors: bright white or a subtle purple. The price point is higher than others on our list—but with a one-year warranty and 14-day returns, you can shop confidently.

Key Specs: Style: Electric | Height Capacity: 5'1" to 6'4" | Weight: 49 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Best for Casual Riding

Vilano step-through city bike.

Stops with linear pull brakes

Seven twist grip gears for controlled rides

Budget-friendly

Gears marked by dots rather than numbers

The Vilano Step-Through City Bike is an urban-style hybrid bike and our top pick for casual rides. The bike’s lightweight steel frame will help you nimbly navigate your neighborhood, while its strong tires will keep you in control as you gain speed. The bike’s seven-speed drivetrain allows you to flexibly shift gears as you maneuver different portions of your route, and its linear-pull brakes provide a smooth, efficient stop. 

The Vilano Step-Through City Bike comes in a single size, which is suitable for riders between 5 feet and 5 feet, 6 inches—though the seat is adjustable to accommodate a greater height range. But while we love the budget-friendly price, the gearshift may be difficult to read at times.

Key Specs: Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 5 feet, 6 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed

How We Selected the Best Bikes for Women

First, we asked Tyler Jones , store manager at Erik's Bike Shop in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, which qualities to look for when purchasing a bike. Then, we reviewed dozens of bikes from the most trusted and popular retailers. We evaluated each bike based on its riding style, gears, and durability. We also considered the weight of each bike, style, portability, and ease of assembly to compile our final list of recommendations.

What to Look for in Bikes for Women

Riding style.

There are several different kinds of bikes, and each kind is designed for a different style of riding. Road bikes are equipped to handle smoother surfaces, like sidewalks and city streets. Mountain bikes are equipped to handle more rugged terrain, like off-road trails. And hybrid bikes are designed to handle both. Consider the type of riding you intend to do, and shop for a bike that accommodates your riding style. 

You'll want to look for a bike that matches the type of riding you plan on doing most often. Are you riding for fitness or recreation? Will you be taking your bike on long morning commutes or simply riding it around the block? If you’re an avid cyclist, you may want a performance option that’s built to last, like  Royce Union's RMT All-Terrain Mountain Bike.  If you’re a first-time or recreational cyclist or enjoy an  indoor exercise bike  and want to give riding outside a try, you may prefer a budget-friendlier option that’s a little easier to use, like  Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Through Bike .

Women's bikes usually have one of two types of frames: a regular (also known as a step over) frame or a step-through frame. Visually, they look different—regular frames typically have an extra piece of horizontal metal between the seat and the handlebars that you have to step over in order to get on the bike. Step-through frames don't have this piece, which means they're easier to get on and off of. The type of frame doesn't affect the bike's performance.

One note: If you are thinking about attaching a child seat to your bike, you'll want to make sure the seat is compatible with your bike's frame. A rear frame-mounted seat will only work with a regular frame bike. Rear rack-mounted and front-mounted seats are compatible with both types of frames.

Bike gears are designed to help you comfortably navigate different kinds of terrain. If you intend to bike a lot, you may want a bike with plenty of gears you can nimbly shift between. If you prefer to go on shorter, more recreational rides, you may not need as many gears to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

“A good, high-quality bike is relative to the shopper's desired cycling discipline and what their expectation of performance is,” says Jones. Generally, you should expect to pay between $300-$600 for a recreational bike for adults. Some high-performance bikes, like  Aventon's Pace 350 Step-Through EBike , may start around $1,000. Less expensive bikes may not have as many useful features, and likely won't be as durable. More expensive options may have a more modern design and added features like easy-to-read displays.

The cheapest bike on our list,  Vilano's Step-Through City Bike , is often available for less than $200. And our top overall pick,  Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike,  was $550 when we last updated this list.

In general, you can use the bicycle manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine the right size bike for your height. For bikes that need very specific sizing, such as road bikes, the sizing process may be more involved, so you should work with a local bike shop for the best fit.

“We measure the rider's inseam, torso, arm lengths, overall height, and flexibility to determine exactly which size would be best for the rider,” says Jones.

The main difference between women’s and men’s bikes is the size and fit. Women, on average, are shorter than men and have proportionally shorter torsos and longer legs, so women’s bike models generally have shorter stack heights and shorter reach lengths.

Some women-specific commuter and cruiser bikes are built to accommodate wearing a skirt, so the top tube is much lower than the tubes on men’s versions. The right bike for you will be the one that fits you best, regardless of which gender it’s intended for. 

As a seasoned health and fitness writer,  Lindsey Lanquist  understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience,  Sarah Felbin  loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier. She's enjoyed cycling outdoors since she was little—her favorite bike to ride is a beach cruiser, like Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Thru bike.

Celis-Morales, C.A.  et al.   Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: Prospective cohort study.   BMJ  [Preprint]. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1456

Roser M, Appel C, Ritchie H. Human height . Our World Data .

The 4 best cheap recumbent bikes

S eeking an affordable yet effective fitness solution, our guide brings attention to the best budget-friendly, cheap recumbent bikes available on the market. These economical options cater to readers who may experience challenges or discomfort with traditional upright stationary bikes. Our buying guide simplifies the selection process by highlighting these cost-effective recumbent bikes, offering comfortable, ergonomic designs ideal for those on a budget or seeking a more relaxed workout experience.

For readers who might be looking for a more budget-friendly and comfortable workout solution, our guide introduces a selection of the best cheap recumbent bikes. Featuring top-rated models that offer both affordability and functionality, these bikes ensure a comfortable and effective workout experience. Whether due to cost constraints or a preference for a more relaxed workout posture, our guide assists in selecting a suitable recumbent bike, enabling users to maintain their fitness routine without the discomfort often associated with pricier or traditional upright bikes. Here are our top picks for cheap recumbent bikes to own in 2023.

Best overall cheap recumbent bike: XTERRA SB2.5 Recumbent Exercise Bike

The XTERRA SB2.5r stands out as the ultimate budget-friendly recumbent bike, offering quality and efficiency for anyone aiming to reach their fitness targets without breaking the bank. Its user-friendly walk-thru design simplifies getting on and off the bike.

Loaded with features to enhance workout quality, this bike boasts a smooth and quiet poly v-belt, a robust 22-pound heavy-duty flywheel system, and a sturdy three-piece pedal crank. Designed for comfort, it includes a molded seat bottom, spacious back pad, and oversized self-leveling pedals, ensuring unparalleled comfort compared to rival models.

The large 5″ x 2.5″ dual-color backlit LCD display presents workout metrics clearly. Featuring a range of program options — 12 preset programs, one body fat program, one watt program, four user programs, and one heart rate program — users have the technology necessary for engaging and effective workouts. Post-workout, its built-in transport wheels allow for convenient storage.

Top Reason to Buy: Offering 24 levels of smooth, electronically controlled magnetic resistance, users can challenge themselves without causing disruptions. The 22-pound heavy-duty flywheel system ensures seamless motion during workouts. Its low-impact recumbent sitting position, adjustable padded seat, and oversized foot pedals guarantee maximum comfort and convenience. Additionally, the bike’s accessible step-through frame design, rear levelers for stability, and an adjustable seat catering to most users (with a weight limit of 300 pounds) make it an accessible and ideal fitness solution for home use and our overall winner of one of the best cheap recumbent bikes on the market.

Best minimalist bike: Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709

The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a minimalist, budget-friendly workout bike designed for simplicity and accessibility. Its step-through design prioritizes mobility during exercises, making it effortless to mount and dismount. Constructed with heavy-duty 14-gauge steel tubing and a powder-coated finish, it’s particularly beneficial for users with knee or back concerns.

Featuring eight resistance levels via a magnetic mechanism, this stationary bike enables users to adjust the intensity, simulating different terrains to tailor workouts to individual fitness levels. The user-friendly LCD computer screen displays time, speed, distance, and calories burned in large, easily readable numbers. The ergonomically designed padded seat, with high-density foam and contoured foam-covered handles, offers comfort and optimal support for the back and arms, encouraging correct exercise posture. Moreover, the counterbalanced pedals, equipped with adjustable foot straps, ensure maximum foot support and control.

Top Reason to Buy: Its step-through design and sturdy construction cater to those seeking easy mobility and quick access, especially beneficial for individuals with knee or back concerns. The ergonomically designed padded seat, paired with contoured foam-covered handles, encourages comfortable and proper exercise posture, making it an excellent choice for users desiring a straightforward and accessible workout experience. The counterbalanced pedals with adjustable foot straps add to the user-friendly nature, ensuring maximum foot support and control, and enhancing the overall workout experience.

Best for app use: MERACH Recumbent Exercise Bike

The MERACH Recumbent Exercise Bike is your ideal choice when it comes to versatile training modes and live workout metrics through its proprietary app. This bike offers an array of training options, including free training, timed practices, or targeted exercises. With the app’s live metrics, you can effectively gauge your workout progress. The bike is equipped with an 8-level quiet and smooth magnetic resistance system, catering to various fitness needs. The resistance levels range from warm-up exercises (levels 1-3), body-building exercises equivalent to running (levels 4-6), to more intensive workouts akin to mountain climbing (levels 7-8).

The bike features a convenient bottle cage, ensuring you stay hydrated during workouts. With heart rate tracking through pulse sensors, you can adjust intensity, maintain a suitable pace, and enhance cardiorespiratory endurance. The LCD monitor displays essential workout metrics like distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate, offering a comprehensive overview of your achievements. It’s easy to assemble and move, with a comfortable adjustable padded seat and backrest that ensures a comfortable ride.

Top Reason to Buy: An affordable choice for fitness enthusiasts who value app usability. With the exclusive app offering varied training modes and live metrics, this bike brings an interactive workout experience. Its 8-level quiet magnetic resistance system caters to a wide spectrum of workout intensities, from warm-up exercises to more rigorous routines, ideal for diverse fitness goals. The bottle cage is a thoughtful addition, ensuring hydration remains a priority during your workout. Heart rate tracking capability empowers you to regulate workout intensity and boost cardiorespiratory endurance. The clear LCD monitor accurately tracks essential workout metrics, keeping a record of your achievements. Truly one of the best cheap recumbent bikes on the market today.

Best heavy-duty cheap recumbent bike: YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike

The YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike offers a workout experience emphasizing tranquility, comfort, stability, and versatility. Featuring patented magnetic resistance technology, this bike operates almost silently, minimizing noise to an ultra-low 15dB level, allowing a peaceful workout environment. The high-density padded backrest and seat cushion provide exceptional comfort during exercise. The steel construction ensures durability and stability, supporting up to 350 pounds of weight. Moreover, the seat is infinitely adjustable and suitable for riders between 4’9” and 6’2”, catering to a wide range of users.

With 16 levels of resistance, this bike is suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders, offering a vast range of workout intensities. It’s pre-assembled up to 80%, making assembly quick and easy in just 30 minutes. The bike is equipped with a monitor that displays workout metrics like time, speed, distance, calories, ODO, and pulse, easily tracked via the built-in pulse sensing handle. The bike’s app connectivity further elevates the experience, integrating with popular apps like Zwift, fitshow, and Kinomap, adding competition, online coaching, and enhanced data memory functions for a more immersive workout.

Top Reason to Buy: The YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike is an exceptional choice for heavy-duty use due to its focus on comfort, versatility, and heavy-duty capacity. The bike’s patented magnetic resistance system ensures an ultra-quiet workout experience, maintaining noise levels as low as 15dB, making it ideal for various home environments. Its sturdy steel construction allows for a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, guaranteeing stability and safety. The infinitely adjustable seat comfortably accommodates a wide range of user heights, suitable for anyone between 4’9” and 6’2”. With 16 levels of resistance, it caters to various fitness levels, providing a broad spectrum of workout intensities. Quick and easy assembly, along with the clear display monitor and app connectivity, makes it a versatile and convenient choice. The app compatibility allows for an immersive experience with features like partner competitions and online coaching, ensuring a more engaging workout session. Furthermore, YOSUDA’s exceptional 20-year track record in providing quality exercise bikes for home use, coupled with a lifetime service promise, adds a layer of reliability and trust, making it an appealing choice for heavy-duty use.

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