The Best Exercise Bikes
Biking is an extremely effective way to work out your lower body and get some cardio in. But it's not always easy or convenient to take your bike out on a long ride every day. That's where at-home exercise bikes come into play. These stationary bikes utilize magnetic or friction-based resistance, allowing you to achieve a high-intensity bike workout without ever having to leave your home. In recent years, the exercise bike market has exploded with options, each boasting a different set of features. We've rounded up a handful of the best ones to help you choose the best model for your needs.
What To Look For
As we sifted through the market to round up our favorite exercise bikes, we did our best to select products that wowed us in terms of portability, resistance levels, and affordability. No matter what type of bike you’re in the market for, your top contenders should excel on these three fronts. With that in mind, we’ve chosen Joroto’s X2 as our top pick. Despite boasting a litany of impressive features, such as its near-silent belt drive and emergency stop brake, the X2 is much more affordable than many of its big-name competitors. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more portable, it’s hard to go wrong with DeskCycle’s under-desk pedal exerciser. This highly compact alternative to full-size exercise bikes can go right under your work desk and allow you to get some legitimate cardio exercise in while completing work tasks. Read on to discover more about the rest of our favorite exercise bikes.
Joroto X2 Stationary Bike
Let's ride
Finding a high-quality exercise bike that won’t cost you an arm and a leg can feel like a tall order. Thankfully, Joroto’s X2 possesses many of the features commonly found in much costlier bikes. With supremely quiet magnetic resistance and an easily adjustable frame, the X2 is all about providing a smooth ride to people of all sizes. What’s more, the handlebars utilize non-slip material to help you keep a firm grip even when your hands are sweaty.
Pros:
- Includes a multi-use holder attached to the handlebars for phones and tablets
- Features emergency stop-brake functionality that can slow you down at high speeds without hurting yourself
- 300-pound weight limit
Cons:
- We wish the pedals were a bit more sturdily constructed
DeskCycle Under-Desk Pedal Exerciser
Work out while you work
Not everyone has the space to keep a large exercise bike in their home. If you’re one of those people, DeskCycle’s under-desk pedal exerciser should definitely pique your interest. You can store this compact exercise solution right underneath your work desk and get a first-rate leg workout while you work from home. Thanks to its eight resistance levels, you can gradually work your way up to higher difficulty settings as you acclimate yourself to the machine. We also appreciate this bike’s ultra-quiet magnetic resistance mechanism that allows you to pedal without any distracting sounds.
Pros:
- Compact alternative to large exercise bikes
- Features an LCD screen to monitor your distance and speed
- Highly affordable
Cons:
- If you’re tall, you might have issues with your knees hitting the underside of your desk as you pedal
Marcy Me-709 Recumbent
Low-impact design
Many folks find traditional upright exercise bikes unpleasant due to the strain they put on their upper bodies. Recumbent bikes, such as Marcy’s ME-709, can help eliminate strain by way of their horizontal construction. This impressive exercise bike features a comfortable saddle and backrest, along with two sets of handlebars. The saddle utilizes high-density foam that cushions your back and glutes as you pedal. Not to mention, the ME-709 features eight levels of whisper-quiet magnetic resistance.
Pros:
- Includes a detailed LCD screen that tracks time, speed, distance, and calorie burn
- Weighted pedals for maximum foot support
- Adjustable foot straps
Cons:
- While many find recumbent bikes more comfortable to ride, they do not work out your core muscles as effectively as upright bikes can
Xterra Folding Exercise Bike
Cycle on the cheap
Cost and space tend to be the most common deterrents that push people away from purchasing exercise bikes. Luckily, Xterra’s stationary bike has a satisfactory answer for both of these concerns. This convenient bike possesses a compact design that can fold up for storage in a closet or underneath your bed. And at a fraction of the price of many of its competitors, this offering from Xterra presents an enticing proposal for folks who have been previously hesitant to purchase an exercise bike.
Pros:
- LCD screen included
- Adjustable handlebars
- Eight resistance levels
Cons:
- Even at the highest settings, the resistance might not present a challenge to experienced indoor cyclists
Peloton Original Stationary Exercise Bike
Get moving
The Peloton has become so popular in recent years that the brand name itself has become synonymous with indoor exercise bikes as a whole. And all it takes is one quick glance at the impressive features the Peloton offers to understand why it has become so ubiquitous. This exceptional upright bike features countless video-based workout programs that you can pedal along to and compete with other Peloton users on the global leaderboard. With the bike’s whopping 100 resistance levels, you can slowly increase your difficulty settings and choose more strenuous programs to follow over time.
Pros:
- Sleek, compact design
- High-quality touchscreen display
- Built-in stereo system and headphone jack
Cons:
- Requires a monthly subscription to access the training programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscle groups do exercise bikes target?
Stationary exercise bikes primarily hit the same muscle groups that traditional outdoor bicycles do: thighs, calves, and glutes. Upright exercise bikes also work the core, including the various abdominal muscles.
Where should I keep my exercise bike?
Ultimately, the best place to store your bike is anywhere you have room for it. Many people store them in the most spacious areas of their homes, such as basements, game rooms, and even garages. If you live in a small home or an apartment, it can be advantageous to purchase a bike that can fold up for storage in a closet or under a bed.
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