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Are you searching for the best new exercise bike that won't cost a fortune? After exhaustively researching all the top-rated models on the market, we purchased eleven for side-by-side testing. Our selection includes various reasonably priced home exercise bikes with upright, recumbent, semi-recumbent, airdyne, and under-desk models. We tested each model for several weeks during at-home workouts of varying lengths and intensities. During these workouts, we closely scrutinized each exercise bike's exercise quality, comfort, features, and user interface. No matter your fitness or health goals, we found great options to suit your needs and budget.
Weighted flywheel with adjustable magnetic resistance
Magnetic with Smart Motor Damping
Fan
Weighted flywheel with adjustable magnetic resistance
Magnetic
Resistance Adjustment type
Knob
Knob, automatic or manual
n/a
Knob
Buttons
Preprogrammed Workouts
No
Through Renpho AI Gym App (iOS and Android)
No
No
13, 1 HIIT Interval, Profile, Heart rate Control
User Profiles
No
No
No
No
No
Heart Rate Sensor
Yes
No
Compatible but not included
No
Yes
Digital Display
LCD (measure)
No (Device required)
LCD display: 2.5" W x 6" H
No (the Echelon app and a device are required)
LCD display: 5" W x 3" H
Display Information
distance, time, speed, calories, RPM, heart rate
n/a
time, speed, distance, calories, watts, pulse
n/a
Resistance level, course for the program, speed, distance, elapsed time, rpm, calories, and heart rate
Other Features
Bluetooth, works with Zwift and Peloton apps, USB charging port, device shelf, 2 water bottle holders, 3 lb weights, weight cradles, Bluetooth Heart rate armband, dual sided pedals with cleats
Transport wheels, Bluetooth, works with popular training apps, device holder, adjustable handlebar height, USB charging port
Pedals with safety straps, tran
Bluetooth, works with Echelon Fit app, 2 bottle cages, rack for handweights (weights not included), transport wheels, dual sided pedals, adjustable device holder,
Bluetooth, works with Zwift and Explore the World, bottle cage, pedals with adjustable straps, heart rate sensors, adjustable handlebars, transport wheels, device shelf
Warranty
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Labor: 1 year
1 year
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year
1 year limited parts and labor
Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year
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The Schwinn IC4, also known as the Bowflex C6, is a fantastic budget exercise bike that competes with the biggest home fitness names. It is a spin bike with a commercial gym or spin studio look and feel, with an exercise quality to match. This sturdy model has a 40-pound weighted flywheel and offers 100 micro-adjustable smooth, quiet magnetic resistance levels. The 100 resistance levels offer a massive range of difficulty suitable for all fitness levels and rider goals. This connected smart bike has a display for manual workouts, and it can also sync to your device through a Bluetooth connection to work with apps like Peloton, Zwift, JRNY, and Explore the World for at-home studio and virtual workouts. A monthly fee is required to use any of these apps, which will likely be worth it for users who want the in-home studio or virtual training experience. We found the IC4 quite comfortable, with ample fit adjustments and a performance-oriented race style seat. User-friendly features like bottle cages, hand weights, a USB charging port, a Bluetooth heart rate armband, and dual-function SPD/cage pedals enhance the user experience.
The IC4/Bowflex C6 are among the most expensive budget exercise bikes in this review, but they cost less than half the price of the high-end competition. However, if you seek a connected workout experience, consider the cost of a monthly or annual subscription to Peloton, Zwift, or Explore the World. It is also worth noting that the speed and distance readings on display are not accurate, and because it is a spin bike, it doesn't provide an accurate power output reading when using Zwift. It works; it's just far from perfect. It has a device holder, but you will need a tablet or smartphone to use as a display when using the apps or for viewing entertainment. The IC4 is an impressive bike and an excellent choice for the rider seeking the studio cycling experience. It's also the same bike as the Bowflex C6, so if you find one of them for less, buy it.
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is an affordable upright spin-style model. It features a belt-driven 35-pound weighted flywheel with an infinite resistance adjustment range. It looks and rides like a spin bike you might ride at the gym, offered at a reasonable price. The considerable resistance range suits riders of all fitness levels or workout intensities. It boasts a fairly high comfort level with a quality seat and a good seat and handlebar height adjustment range. The assembly process is straightforward, and the unit can easily move around on its transport wheels. The steel frame is sturdy, and this bike is stable, no matter how hard you mash the pedals. It also includes useful features like cage pedals, a device shelf, and a water bottle cage.
Although we found the Yosuda to be a decent spin bike, it falls a bit short compared to its competitors due to its relatively simple design. The display only shows one data field at a time, and no pre-programmed workouts or connectivity features are available. As a result, you have complete control over your training. Nonetheless, this is still a high-quality and affordable option for anyone seeking a spin bike that can get the job done. Only a bit more expensive and quite capable is the Pro-form Carbon CX, which gives you a great platform for enjoying iFit workouts.
The Schwinn AD6 is a budget exercise bike designed in the Airdyne style. Thanks to its fan-based resistance and cooling system, it can provide a full-body workout from a seated position. The AD6 can be used with arms, legs, or both, making it feel more like an exercise machine than a regular bike. Its full-body capabilities set it apart from other budget exercise bikes on the market. This model comes with a 20" fan, limiting the resistance it can provide, topping out at about 700 watts. Even our fittest testers struggled to maintain that effort for long, leading us to believe that this bike will provide adequate resistance for most users. The bike has no connected features and does not need to be plugged in or connected to the internet.
The AD6 isn't cheap, but we'd consider its upfront costs fairly low. The cost of ownership, however, is expected to be low as the bike does not require any memberships, internet, or external power. If you prefer connected fitness classes and the coaching that comes with them, this may not be the best option. Similarly, the air bike may not be ideal if you are looking for an exercise machine that can be used passively while reading or browsing the web. While Schwinn offers a reading stand that holds your reading material above the arm levers, we did not find the workout conducive to reading. The water bottle holder is located in front of the display screen, which is a convenient spot for a bottle, but retrieving it can be a bit challenging due to the movement of the arm levers. Overall, the AD6 is an impressive machine and an excellent choice for someone seeking an exercise experience that goes beyond stationary cycling.
For a simple and effective recumbent budget exercise bike offered at a very reasonable price, look no further than the Marcy ME-709. This affordable model boasts a high comfort level with an easy step-through design, a large padded seat and backrest, and a padded handlebar. It has eight magnetic resistance levels and is best suited for exercise in the light to moderate-intensity range. The display is nothing fancy, but it shows pertinent workout information with relatively intuitive controls. The ME-709 is adjustable for length to accommodate a broad user height range, plus it has transport wheels, a smaller footprint, and a lower weight than other recumbents we have tested.
The Marcy ME-709 has a limited resistance range; those with a high fitness level or seeking a more intense workout may want to look elsewhere. It is also a relatively basic, no-frills model that lacks the more expensive competition's bells and whistles. While it may not be feature-packed, it is easy to use and provides a consistent, quality workout. We feel this inexpensive model is perfect for anyone on a budget who doesn't require fancy features or super high resistance levels and prefers the recumbent style.
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright is an inexpensive semi-recumbent budget exercise bike with a convenient folding design. This bike provides a quality workout experience at nearly half the cost of the competition, with a simple and no-frills design that gets the job done. It has eight smooth and quiet magnetic resistance levels for workouts ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. The simple console has a liquid crystal display and a single button to control your workout information. The large padded seat is reasonably comfortable and has padded handles around the console with integrated heart rate sensors. The simple folding design significantly reduces its footprint when not in use, and can easily fit in a closet or a corner. It is also relatively lightweight and has integrated transport wheels, making it easy to move around.
The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic bike is advertised as an upright-style bike, but it feels more like a semi-recumbent bike due to its relaxed seated position. It's unsuitable for high-intensity workouts because its resistance range is limited, and you can't stand up while pedaling like on a true upright or spin bike. However, it's a convenient and reasonably priced option if you have limited storage space.
The Desk Cycle is all about convenience. This small pedal exerciser can be placed under your work desk, allowing sedentary office workers to burn calories while improving their fitness and overall well-being. But it's not limited to desk use; you can also use it anywhere you can sit and free your legs. Whether reading a book or watching TV, this exercise is a great way to multitask and improve time efficiency. It comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance, offering a decent range of difficulty that should be more than enough for users who seek the convenience of an exerciser like the DeskCycle. Testers were pleasantly surprised by the quality of exercise they got despite its diminutive size. The magnetic resistance is also very quiet and produces minimal noise distraction when used in the office or home. It is also the most portable and easy-to-store option we've ever used because it is small and impressively lightweight.
While we loved the under-desk style's convenience, its design's nature limits its exercise quality. We found it best suited for light to moderate-intensity exercise, and it simply can't provide a high-intensity workout. Also, some users may require an adjustable height desk or chair, so factor in the fit when using the DeskCycle under a desk. Beyond that, this option offers a convenient and discreet way to help improve your overall health and fitness at home or office.
The DeskCycle is a compact exerciser that is great for use under a desk or anywhere else for that matter.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
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We tested exercise quality by using each model for several workouts of varying intensities.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Why You Should Trust Us
Our budget exercise bike test was led by Jeremy Benson. Benson is the former Mountain Bike Review Editor at OutdoorGearLab and has decades of cycling experience. In addition to testing and reviewing mountain bikes, this Lake Tahoe resident races in the Pro class in endurance gravel and mountain bike races. During winter, Benson maintains his fitness while backcountry skiing and spending long hours spinning away the miles on indoor trainers and stationary bikes. He has ridden indoors for over two decades and has tried every type of trainer and exercise bike imaginable, from commercial spin and training bikes to at-home exercise models. In that time, he has developed a keen sense of the performance, qualities, and features that differentiate the styles and models on the market.
Also testing for this review is Joshua Hutchens. Hutchens is the Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor at GearLab and has worked with bicycles his entire life. Hutchens has found that taking a break from cardio isn't good for the head or legs, so he keeps fit on indoor trainers, exercise bikes, and treadmills when snow covers the trails. Joshua has worked extensively with bicycle fit and fitness and enjoys connected, on-location workouts like iFit. In addition to constantly testing new models, he routinely uses several different models of budget exercise bikes in his fitness quest.
After exhaustively researching the best and most highly regarded affordable exercise bikes, we purchased nine models for testing. Our diverse selection includes several different styles of bikes intended for home or office use. Since exercise is the point of an indoor bike, we wanted to get a feel for the quality of exercise each contender could provide. Once assembled, we moved the exercise bikes into our test space, and did multiple exercise sessions on each model. We completed similar high-intensity workouts and more casual light-moderate intensity spinning to get a complete picture of the range of each bike. These training sessions allowed us to examine the quality of each model's resistance. At the same time, the interval workout served as a baseline to determine the upper limit of each model's workout potential.
Our testing of exercise bikes is divided into five rating metrics:
Exercise Quality (30% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (20% weighting)
User Interface (20% weighting)
Features (20% weighting)
Setup and Portability (10% weighting)
Keeping these categories in mind while using and evaluating each bike allows us to deliver unbiased results to help you decide. Several hours spent testing each machine's exercise quality allowed us to thoroughly examine each model's user interface, comfort, and features. We timed the setup length for each bike, experimented with settings, downloaded compatible apps, and explored the full range of options on each machine. We weigh the exercise quality metric at 30% because we believe it is the most important aspect of an exercise bike. We consider other metrics, like comfort, user interface, features, and ease of setup/portability, less critical, and thus, they weigh less. The combined scores from all metrics helped us determine our top-rated models.
Our testing process began with assembling each exercise bike after removing it from its original packaging.
All of the bikes we tested can be moved relatively easily, but they all have different sizes that take up more or less space in your home.
We also took the time to use each of the models we test during workouts ranging from casual spinning to intense interval training.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested each exercise bike head to head over several weeks to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and performance differences. Based on the bikes' performance and functionality, we rated each model on our five predetermined metrics to determine the top performers.
Value
We don't let cost influence our testing or scoring, but we consider a product's price in relation to its performance. The best, top-quality exercise bikes can cost a fortune, but all the models we chose for this review qualify as affordable. Interestingly, we did notice significant performance differences when comparing the least and most expensive contenders we tested, with the more costly options typically providing a higher level of exercise quality, comfort, and features. A more expensive model, like the Schwinn IC4, is a good example. The IC4 provides a gym or spin studio-quality exercise experience, plus it has connected features to follow along to on-demand studio or virtual workouts on popular training apps. A less expensive model, like the Yosuda, has a similar exercise quality but without the connectivity many users enjoy. Likewise, the Exerpeutic Folding Upright provides a decent quality workout, despite a somewhat limited intensity range, in a convenient folding design at a fraction of the cost of the top-rated models we tested.
The most important performance attribute of an exercise bike is the quality of the workout it provides. The models we tested vary dramatically.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Exercise Quality
The whole point of having an exercise bike is to get exercise, so we feel that is the quality of the workout a bike provides. We weighted this metric as 30% of the overall score. We found that the exercise quality varied significantly between the different styles and models of bikes in this test. Some were designed with light to moderate-intensity exercise in mind, while others proved capable of a broader range of workouts, from easy to super high-intensity. The number of resistance levels, the range and quality of the resistance, and features like programmed workouts and heart rate sensors played a role in each model's exercise quality.
The Schwinn IC4 and the Echelon EX-3 were head and shoulders above the competition in this metric, with exercise quality as good as you'll find in a commercial gym or spin studio. Both bikes are sturdy, high-quality machines with weighted flywheels and smooth, super-quiet magnetic resistance. In addition to manual workouts, the Schwinn IC4 has 100 levels of resistance and can connect to your device to work with popular training apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Explore the World (subscriptions required). As a bonus, it has a set of hand weights hanging on the bike's frame. We loved the versatility of the Schwinn. The Echelon EX-3 has 32 levels of magnetic resistance and is also a connected bike. In contrast to the Schwinn IC4, the EX-3 only works with the Echelon app. The Echelon app is great, and you can participate in live-streaming classes or choose from thousands of on-demand workouts(subscription required). However, the EX-3's compatibility and functionality were somewhat limited compared to the Schwinn.
The Echelon EX-3 has connected features that allow you to have a studio workout experience from the comfort of your own home.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Schwinn 130 Upright is an upright model with a body position similar to riding a regular bike. With 16 magnetic resistance levels, it has a considerable intensity range suitable for all but the highest fitness levels and can provide a fairly strenuous workout. The recent updates to the 130 include Bluetooth connectivity and functionality with popular training apps like Zwift and Explore the World. Similarly, the Renpho AI Smart Bike is an upright model with 80 levels of magnetic resistance, enough to satisfy any fitness level and FTMS Bluetooth connectivity that works with the AI Gym App and several other popular training apps. The AI Gym App is free to use with the Renpho bike, and while it isn't the most exciting, it features several fitness tests, training programs, and videos; plus, the bike makes automatic resistance changes based on the program you're following. Using the bike with other apps is an appealing perk that may broaden its appeal to a wider range of users.
The models with 8 levels of resistance, like the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic, tend to have less resistance range and limited workout intensity.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The DeskCycle is a small and portable under-desk exerciser that can't compete with the exercise quality of the competition mentioned above. Still, it is a great way to burn calories, boost the heart rate, and treadmill when you might otherwise be sitting still. We found it easy to work up a sweat and feel the burn, but it was limited to easy to moderate-intensity workouts. The Exerpeutic Folding Upright and the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 are simple machines with limited features. Both models have eight levels of magnetic resistance and a somewhat limited resistance range that we found to provide light to medium difficulty levels. These bikes are not intended for hardcore training. Instead, they are well suited to riders interested in a less intense workout who don't require the bells and whistles of the more expensive competition.
Comfort is the most subjective metric. What works best for you will vary depending on your goals, needs, and preferences.
Credit: Heather Benson
Comfort
Comfort is the most subjective metric we analyzed, but we feel it is an essential aspect of a quality exercise bike and give it a 20% influence on the overall score of the bikes. The more comfortable your bike is, the more likely you will ride it. The more you ride, the more calories you burn, and the more your fitness improves. We spent hours using each bike during our test rides while scrutinizing each model's comfort. Things like the seat, backrest, and fit adjustments all affect how comfortable a bike is, especially for prolonged periods of exercise. Remember that many factors can be adjusted by placing a top-rated exercise mat underneath.
Most of the bikes we tested are comfortable, but the Schwinn AD6 was among the best models we tested. An upright model promotes an athletic and active body position that may not suit everyone's tastes, but we loved the engaged feeling. It has few adjustments, but it impressed everyone who spent time on it. Likewise, the Echelon EX-3 impressed us with its comfort. This bike has loads of seat and handlebar height adjustment and a slimmer, performance-oriented seat that mimics a road saddle. It also comes with dual-function pedals with cages on one side and SPDs on the other, so you can choose the style that suits you best. Similarly, the Schwinn IC4 offers vertical and horizontal adjustment in the seat and handlebar, allowing the rider to customize the fit to their preferences.
Recumbent style bikes generally have a relaxed seated position and are easy to get in and out of.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Recumbent models are inherently comfortable with their fully seated body position; some users may prefer it. The Marcy ME-709 scored well, with a large cushioned seat and backrest, adequate length adjustability, a padded handlebar, and pedal straps. The Exerpeutic Folding Upright has more of a semi-recumbent style than its name suggests. It earned one of the lowest scores of the group; however, it still offers a reasonable comfort level for such an affordable and no-frills model. It has a wide cushioned seat and loads of seat height adjustability, along with pedal straps and padded handles around the console.
The user interface consists of the display and controls and they vary wildly from super simple, like the one pictured here, to relatively advanced.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
User Interface
The user interface includes the display and controls, and their quality, size, and user-friendliness vary dramatically between the different models we tested. All the bikes we tested have a computer console with a digital display and buttons to control the functions, modes, and information displayed. This metric accounts for 20% of the overall score for each product.
The Schwinn IC4 is a smart bike with connected features. It has a digital display showing typical metrics like time, speed, distance, RPM, and heart rate. It also has a Bluetooth connection to sync with your device when used with apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Explore the World. The Renpho AI Smart Bike has a relatively basic resistance adjustment knob with a small circular screen that displays one metric at a time. When connected to the AI Gym App or another app via Bluetooth, your device serves as the display while you follow along. The Renpho bike also automatically changes resistance based on the program you follow with certain apps.
The Schwinn IC4 has a regular digital display, plus it syncs to your device to use popular training apps.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The three least expensive models we tested share a relatively similar user interface. The DeskCycle, Exerpeutic Folding Upright, and the Marcy Recumbent all have basic computers with small LCD screens that show data like time, speed, distance, calories, and odometer. They have simple but reasonably intuitive controls that allow users to choose the data on display, set workout goals, and reset workout values. These models also have eight magnetic resistance levels controlled by turning a resistance knob.
Testing isn't always serious, sometimes a lunch break airdyne spin is just what you need.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Features
The features found on an exercise bike can make it more or less engaging and useable during your workout, and we weigh this test category at 20% of the overall score. All of the exercise bikes in this test have at least a few basics, but we found a very direct correlation between a bike's price and its features. A simple, no-frills bike that gets the job done may be all that many users are after, while others may want all the bells and whistles available to enhance their exercise experience. We rated each model based on how many features it had and how beneficial those features were.
The Schwinn 130 Upright was among the highest scorers in this metric, and it comes equipped with transport wheels, a water bottle holder, an adjustable padded handlebar, contact heart rate sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a device shelf, and pedal straps. The Renpho AI Smart Bike doesn't have a water bottle holder; otherwise, it has nearly the same feature set as the Schwinn 130. Renpho ups the ante in the connectivity department with its FTMS Bluetooth and compatibility with more apps. Plus, it comes with the free AI Gym App, so you can use it without paying a subscription fee.
The dual function pedals on the Echelon EX-3 are a nice feature that allows you to use regular shoes and cages or cycling shoes with SPD cleats.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Echelon EX-3 also comes loaded with features. Its connectivity is one of its best attributes, and you can use it with the EchelonFit app for an at-home studio cycling experience. It also comes with bottle cages, a device holder, a rack for hand weights, and dual-function pedals. Likewise, the Schwinn IC4 is a connected bike that can be used with apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Explore the World for in-home studio or virtual training. The IC4 also comes with a digital display, hand weights with cradles, bottle holders, dual-function pedals, a device holder, a USB charging port, and a Bluetooth armband.
The Schwinn 130 Upright removed from the box before assembly.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Ease of Setup/Portability
After purchasing any of these exercise bikes, you will likely have to assemble them yourself, although some sellers offer professional assembly for an additional fee. The consumer can assemble all the bikes we tested without much difficulty. All parts, hardware, tools, and instructions are included with each model. However, the ease of setup and the time needed to complete the process varies depending on the number of steps and the bike's size, shape, and weight. Our lead tester assembled each bike on his own, though the assistance of another person may be beneficial for the heavier models during this process. Once we completed each bike's assembly, we measured and weighed them to determine how much space they occupied and compared them with the manufacturer's specifications. We also moved them from our garage to our workout space to gauge how easily they transport from one place to another.
The DeskCycle was the clear winner in this metric. This simple machine required minimal assembly and was ready to ride in approximately 15 minutes. Once assembled, it takes up less than a quarter of the space of the full-size competition and is easy to move around, thanks to its lightweight and portable size. The next highest-rated model in this metric was the Renpho AI. It took us much longer to assemble than the DeskCycle, but it required fewer steps and was more straightforward than the rest of the competition.
The Echelon EX-3 and the Schwinn IC4 were both a bit more time-consuming to assemble, plus they weigh a whopping 105 and 106 pounds, respectively. It's easy enough to move them around on their transport wheels, but lifting either of them up or down a flight of stairs is a task for two people.
Folding models like the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright are great when space is limited. This bike can easily be stored in a closet when not in use.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Marcy Recumbent ME-709 and the Schwinn 130 Upright took about a full hour to assemble. The Schwinn tips the scales at 61 pounds, yet it is easy to move around on most floor surfaces by rolling it on its wheels. It doesn't collapse or fold for storage. However, the upright model has a significantly smaller footprint than a recumbent. The Marcy ME-709 is lightweight for a recumbent at just 54.2 pounds, although it also has an inherently large footprint. That said, it is easier to move around and takes up less space than other recumbent models when its length adjustment is fully compressed.
Whatever your health and fitness goals, there's an affordable exercise bike for you.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Conclusion
An exercise bike can be a great way to improve or maintain your health and fitness in the privacy of your own home or office. Whether you're just starting an exercise program to burn some calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness, or you're looking to do some more intense training, there are many excellent affordable options on the market. To round out our training reviews and help you up your fitness, there are many additions you can make. From the best dumbbells and best exercise bands to top weight vests and our favorite yoga blocks, we have reviewed the equipment you need to achieve your fitness goals without having to ever step into a commercial gym. We hope this detailed comparative analysis helps you find the model that best suits your needs and budget.
