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We Found the Best Indoor Cycling Bikes After Riding for 120+ Hours on 32 Options

Our expert-approved picks are durable, versatile, and comfortable

A person rides the SOLE SB1200 Exercise Bike

Verywell Fit / Ryan Sisson

Presidents Day Deal

Find a deal on the Merach S26 Exercise Bike $200 with coupon (was $250) for Presidents Day. 

An indoor cycling bike, also known as a spin bike, is a dynamic fitness tool designed for intense cardio sessions right in your living room or home gym. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts of all levels, these bikes mimic the feel of outdoor cycling while offering customizable resistance and a variety of workout modes.

To find the best indoor cycling bikes, we first consulted cycling experts to learn more about what key features set quality options apart. Then, we spent over 120 hours testing 32 expert-approved indoor cycling bikes, completing a variety of workouts at least twice per week. We evaluated each option based on its stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and value to find the top options on the market. We also had a USA triathlon-certified coach from our Review Board review this article to ensure our recommendations meet high standards for performance, safety, and training effectiveness.

Pros
  • Packed with features and metrics

  • Fully adjustable seat

  • Dual-sided pedals accommodate various shoe types

Cons
  • Seat not as cushioned as other options

  • 22" option may wobble a little

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 147 pounds | Dimensions: 59.8 x 24.1 x 55.3 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best if you want a bike that simulates the feel of outdoor cycling, with added high-tech features and tracking metrics.

Why We Love It 

Bowflex’s Velocore Bike is packed with advanced features and tracking metrics, making it a standout choice if you’re looking for a comprehensive workout experience. During testing, we were impressed by its smooth magnetic resistance, which provided a quiet and consistent ride. Its fully adjustable seat and dual-sided pedals allow a customized experience, accommodating various user sizes and shoe types. We also tested the 22-inch option and were just as impressed. We especially liked its adjustability and wide range of available classes, although the app requires a paid subscription to access most of them.

What sets this bike apart is its unique leaning mode, which simulates the side-to-side movement of real outdoor cycling. We found this requires us to engage our core muscles, some of the main muscles trained during cycling, and get an even better workout. Plus, its large, high-definition touchscreen display offers various interactive workout programs, keeping us motivated and entertained. With its sturdy build and impressive array of features, this bike delivers exceptional value.

Potential Flaws

  • This bike’s seat lacks plush cushioning, but you can always purchase a padded bike seat to put on top if you prefer more cushioning.
  • When we tested the 22-inch version of this bike, we found it wobbled slightly, especially when standing, but it wasn't enough for us to feel unsafe or like we would topple over.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike is worth the price. It just has so much packed into it, and the craftsmanship is top-notch.” —Danielle Ransom, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Smooth, silent ride

  • Lightweight and easy to set up

  • Ergonomic handles with cushioned grips

Cons
  • Somewhat tricky to change resistance levels

  • Limited features compared to other options

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 63.5 pounds | Dimensions: 42.6 x 19.3 x 48.6 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who It’s For

Best for budget-conscious cyclers who want an entry-level indoor cycling bike for home workouts.

Why We Love It 

Merach’s S26 Exercise Bike stands out for its smooth, silent ride and budget-friendly price. Its overall lightweight design makes it easy to set up. And once assembled, its compact size fits really well, even in small apartment spaces. Despite being more compact than other options we tested, this bike remains remarkably sturdy.

During test rides, we particularly appreciated its ergonomic handles, which offer a cushioned, comfortable grip even during long sessions. Its magnetic resistance system provides a smooth experience at all intensities. Despite its budget-friendly price, this bike delivers dependable performance, and we think it’s an excellent entry-level option.

Potential Flaws

  • Changing resistance levels mid-workout is slightly tricky, but we still think it’s a solid budget buy for your home workout space.
  • This bike offers limited features compared to more advanced models, which is expected at this price point. However, we think it’s an excellent entry-level option.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike is an excellent value. Its price point is unmatched, and it’s a great product that provides the basic needs and functions of a bike in the comfort of your own home.” —Jessica Christopher, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Comes pre-assembled

  • Impressive live and on-demand classes

  • Intuitive and customizable experience

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Requires a membership purchase

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 142 pounds | Dimensions: 62.2 x 22.2 x 53.5 inches | Assembly: Not required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for those seeking a premium, studio-like cycling experience at home with advanced connectivity features.

Why We Love It 

During our four-week testing period, we were consistently impressed with nearly everything about this bike—especially its hundreds of studio-feel on-demand classes. SoulCycle’s At-Home Bike will transport you to the iconic studio from the comfort and convenience of your home. It comes fully assembled with intuitive instructional videos on adjusting the seat and handlebars to your optimal height.

When we hopped on, this bike remained stable even during intense, high-resistance climbs. We love that you can filter classes by length, instructor, music type, and level to find the perfect ride each time. Its crisp 21.5-inch touchscreen display tracks real-time stats like cadence, power, and distance. And we found that its resistance knob is conveniently located for easy adjustments mid-ride. We love streaming shows from Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Netflix when it's time to slow down.

Potential Flaws

  • This bike is pricier than other options, but we think it’s worth it if you want an in-studio experience at home.
  • A membership purchase is required to access the full range of features, which adds to the overall cost.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike’s display is impeccable! It's crystal clear and extremely easy to navigate. It has SO many functions: You can stream Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Netflix, do Free Rides, and the bike tracks SO many stats. And I love that it notes on a calendar the days I ride.” —Michelle Parente, CYT, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Packed with features, including a rotating touchscreen display

  • Arrives pre-assembled

  • Comes with dumbbells and a yoga mat

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Requires a membership

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 140 pounds | Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 22 inches | Assembly: Not required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 297 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best if you want a comprehensive at-home cycling experience with access to live and on-demand classes.

Why We Love It 

If you’re in the market for an indoor cycling bike, you’ve probably considered a Peloton model—but are they worth the cost? After testing, we think so, thanks to their reliable stability, innovative features, thousands of versatile workouts, and so much more. Peloton’s Bike + Essentials arrives fully assembled and comes with high-quality dumbbells and a yoga mat—so you’re ready to get a full body workout right away. 

Its large, rotating touchscreen display provides many helpful metrics in real time. And it integrates seamlessly with Peloton’s extensive library of live and on-demand classes. We also love that the membership unlocks access to personalized metrics tracking, allowing users to monitor their progress over time. Other standout features include accessible in-class metrics, auto-resistance, and connectivity with Apple Music and Spotify.

Potential Flaws

  •  Despite its higher price point, this bike offers exceptional value for those committed to regular cycling workouts at home.
  • A Peloton membership is necessary to access the full range of features and classes, adding to the overall cost.

Most Valuable Insight

“If you're going to spend money on one piece of workout equipment, this is it. It's versatile, fun to use, and as long as you remember to buy the heart rate monitor and a padded seat cover, you're in business.” —Donna Freydkin, Verywell Fit product tester

A person exercising on Peloton Bike + Essentials in a basement

Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin

Best for Beginners

Freebeat Fit Lit Bike

Freebeat Fit Lit Bike
PHOTO: Freebeat Fit
Pros
  • Sleek design available in four attractive colors

  • Rotating touchscreen display

  • Smart saddle detection to help improve form

Cons
  • Not compatible with clipless cycling shoes

  • Requires a membership

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 113.3 pounds | Dimensions: 49.3 x 58.8 x 22.6 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners who want an easy-to-use bike that they can grow into.

Why We Love It 

Freebeat’s Lit Bike offers a variety of spin classes, as well as other off-the-bike workouts, that you can filter by length (15 or 30 minutes) and level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). We like this option for beginners who want to get into cycling but also want room to progress. And if you’re really up for the challenge, you can participate in competitions on this bike’s platform to win rewards like Amazon and Spotify gift cards and more—a great incentive to push yourself. 

During testing, this bike proved easy to assemble and provided a stable, comfortable ride. It also includes unique features, like a touchscreen display that can rotate up to 180 degrees, a smart saddle that lifts and rises when seated or standing to help improve your form, and auto-resistance, which sets the resistance based on instructor cues. 

Potential Flaws

  • This bike's lack of compatibility with clipless cycling shoes may limit options for serious cyclists.
  • The membership costs an additional monthly fee, and it doesn’t feature any other connectivity or streaming services.

Most Valuable Insight

“There are options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders, and it's accurate for the experience level under which it's classified. Based on your selection, you'll be able to try many different workouts. There are spin classes available, but also classes that don’t require any cycling, where you can use weights and simply stand next to the screen and follow along.” —Jessica Mahgerefteh, Verywell Fit product tester

Freebeat Fit Lit Bike set up next to a tall window in an apartment

Verywell Fit / Jessica Mahgerefteh

Pros
  • Very stable and durable

  • Highly adjustable seat and handlebars

  • Smooth and quiet operation

Cons
  • Difficult to dial in desired workout intensity

  • Lacks pre-programmed workouts or advanced features

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 117 pounds | Dimensions: 44 x 21.5 x 53 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 297 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for riders looking for a basic, easy-to-use bike that’s adjustable for a wide range of users and doesn’t take up a lot of space.

Why We Love It

Sleek and compact, Bells of Steel’s Blitz Indoor Cycling Bike operates smoothly and quietly—making it a smart choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space. During testing, we found this bike to be extremely stable and sturdy. We like that it has built-in transport wheels, so it’s easy to move, if necessary.

Both its seat and handlebars are easy to adjust before or during a workout, and we appreciate that we can move the seat up, down, forward, and backward, as well as adjust its tilt. We like that we can find the optimal position that mimics riding a regular bike and helps minimize fatigue and discomfort during workouts. Plus, this bike comes equipped with a convenient bottle holder, toe straps, drip guards, and a non-slip media shelf.

Potential Flaws

  • During testing, we found it difficult and time-consuming to use the resistance knob to get our desired intensity level.
  • This bike lacks a touchscreen display and pre-programmed workouts, but we still think it’s a good value for the price.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike has an extremely durable feel, and the legs are wide enough to properly stabilize the weight of the bike and the rider. The adjustability features allow me to adjust it pretty close to what it feels like when I’m riding an outdoor bike, and I think it does a great job of offering a lot of different options.” —Matt Wood, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Very smooth, quiet ride

  • Realistic outdoor cycling simulation

  • Seat and handlebars have excellent adjustability

Cons
  • Seat isn’t overly comfortable for extended rides

  • Very basic monitor

Key Specs

Resistance: Air | Product Weight: 68 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 61 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for cyclists or fitness enthusiasts looking for a realistic outdoor biking experience and robust performance tracking.

Why We Love It

Concept2’s BikeErg is an air resistance bike that’s a great option for home use due to its quiet operation and sturdy but lightweight construction. During testing, we liked how the resistance varied based on how hard we pedaled, which very realistically simulated outdoor cycling. We appreciate that we can easily adjust the handlebars and the padded seat’s height, position, and angle for a comfortable, customized experience.

This bike feels extremely sturdy during rides, and we never notice any wobbling or shaking. Plus, its durable aluminum frame and built-in transport wheels make it easy to move out of the way, so it’s a good choice if you have limited floor space. We also like that this bike is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, so it can easily connect with apps for workouts and stat tracking.

Potential Flaws

  • During testing, we thought its seat could be more comfortable for extended rides.
  • This bike’s monitor is basic and doesn’t have a touchscreen or built-in workouts like you’d find with some other options.

Most Valuable Insight

“I would recommend this bike to others because I think the ride is really smooth and enjoyable. My favorite thing is how consistent the pedaling is. It isn't choppy at all, and I feel like this bike really does a good job of simulating the feeling of being on an actual bike outside.” —Grant Gordon, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Very smooth, quiet, and stable operation

  • Dual-sided pedals

  • Ergonomic handlebars with textured grips

Cons
  • Display lacks advanced features

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 142 pounds | Dimensions: 40 x 21 x 42 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners or casual riders who want a stable, comfortable ride for moderate to high-intensity workouts.

Why We Love It

SOLE’s SB1200 Exercise Bike is comfortable, quiet, and easy to adjust—making it a great option for multiple users. During testing, this bike’s plush seat and ergonomic design kept us comfy no matter how long we rode. Constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame, this bike is incredibly stable and doesn’t wobble or shake, even when sprinting or riding out of the saddle. It’s also extremely quiet, and we can use it without disturbing other household members.

We like that its seat adjusts vertically and horizontally, and the handlebars move up and down—so we can find the most comfortable riding position. Its handlebars are ergonomically designed and have a textured grip, helping to prevent discomfort and slipping during our intense workouts. We also appreciate its dual-sided pedals, which give us the option of using toe-clip or clipless pedals.

Potential Flaws

  • Its display lacks advanced features, offering only basic metrics and pre-built apps for streaming content.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike lives up to the hype regarding comfort and stability. I never once felt unstable or worried about the stability of this bike. It’s highly adjustable and is suitable for a wide range of users.” —Ryan Sisson, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Bike Owners

Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE

Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE
PHOTO: Zwift
Pros
  • Auto-adjusts to simulate outdoor cycling

  • Highly adjustable seat and handlebars

  • Seamless integration with Zwift platform

Cons
  • Not as stable as other options

  • Noisy when you stop pedaling

Key Specs

Resistance: Electromagnetic | Product Weight: 78 pounds | Dimensions: 53.5 x 23 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for cyclists who want a highly immersive, realistic cycling experience and like the flexibility of being able to mount their road bike on the trainer.

Why We Love It

Zwift’s Ride with Kickr Core features a modular design—a bike frame plus a smart trainer—so you can use it as an indoor bike or mount your road bike on it. Its seat and handlebars feature an ergonomic design and are highly adjustable, making this a great option for a wide variety of riders from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. During test rides with this bike frame and trainer, we stayed comfortable during long periods of biking.

What really makes this smart bike stand out is its seamless integration with the Zwift training platform. When paired with the Zwift app, it simulates outdoor cycling as it auto-adjusts for inclines and gradients of workouts. We love using the app to participate in virtual group rides and races, which allows us to interact with other riders across the globe.

Potential Flaws

  • During testing, we noticed that the bike was a bit unstable when getting on and off, and during intense workouts. However, we never felt unsafe.
  • While this bike’s operation is fairly smooth and quiet, it makes a loud clicking noise once we stop pedaling.

Most Valuable Insight

“I love this bike’s minimalist design, which gives a real-world ride feel while saving a ton of space in my living room. As a bonus, I love the Zwift platform and the concept of a virtual indoor cycling world. I’m excited I have an interesting way to maintain fitness during off-season right at home.” —Vimal Raj, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Strong, stable base, even during sprints

  • Whisper quiet

  • Dual-sided pedals

Cons
  • Seat isn’t as cushioned as other options

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 21.5 x 29.6 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for riders looking for a versatile, stable, and smooth cycling experience.

Why We Love It 

Stryde’s The Bike is a fully loaded machine, offering metric tracking during free rides, Netflix streaming, and compatibility with other fitness apps (like Peloton). Throughout our testing, we were impressed with its large, crisp display, which let us follow workout classes, watch shows, read emails, and more while pedaling. We also appreciate this bike’s dependable stability during seated sprints and standing climbs.

Its seat and handlebars are easy to adjust, even for those new to cycling. And the dual-sided pedals mean you don’t need to spend extra on specialty cycling shoes if you don’t already have them. With its impressive performance and versatility, this bike is a standout choice for anyone seeking a reliable, whisper-quiet indoor cycling bike.

Potential Flaws

  • Its seat lacks some cushioning, but you can always purchase a separate padded bike seat if you prefer a more plush feel.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike is versatile and can be used for beginners, those who want to ride and watch Netflix, those who want to ride 20 minutes every few days, or those who want a high-intensity 45-minute climb every morning.” —Connor McDaniel, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Versatile and easy-to-adjust resistance levels

  • Compact footprint

  • Easy to assemble

Cons
  • Not highly adjustable

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 87 pounds | Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 47 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for budget-conscious exercisers who want a versatile, compact bike for the whole family.

Why We Love It 

Horizon Fitness’ 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle Bike stands out for its exceptional value, offering various easy-to-adjust resistance levels that cater to different fitness levels. And its compact footprint fits easily in our small spaces. We think it’s particularly great for beginner cyclists or people who are more casual (yet still intentional) about their workouts since it's basic but exceptionally stable. When it arrived, we found it easy to assemble and we could start cycling right away.

During test rides, we noticed that the bike's sturdy build and smooth operation provide a reliable and enjoyable workout experience. An ergonomically placed phone holder let us follow online cycling classes, stream our favorite shows, and even read emails while pedaling. We also love that two bottle cages give easy access to hydration.

Potential Flaws

  • While it's not highly adjustable, this bike's design still comfortably accommodates a range of users. 

Most Valuable Insight

“It's a good bike for under $1,000. It does everything I need it to do and does it well.” —Jodi Espinosa, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Auto-adjustable resistance and incline

  • Whisper quiet, even during intense rides

  • Many class lengths and levels to choose from

Cons
  • Prone to wobbling

  • Requires membership purchase for full access

Key Specs

Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 194 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 61 x 58 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for cycling enthusiasts looking to replicate an outdoor bike experience indoors.

Why We Love It 

Unlike many other indoor cycling bikes on the market, NordicTrack’s S22i Bike allows you to adjust the resistance and the incline, providing a more realistic feel. This, along with the option to stream scenic workouts from the 22-inch touchscreen display, makes this pick ideal for enjoying an outdoor cycling experience from the comfort and convenience of your home. 

During testing, we loved using its crisp display to track metrics and follow workouts, which can be selected based on class length and level. And we appreciate that this bike features auto-adjusting resistance and incline controlled by the instructor during class—a feature you can always override if needed. A huge plus: This bike is whisper-quiet even during intense rides.

Potential Flaws

  • This bike wobbles slightly during intense climbs, but we never felt unsafe.
  • If you want full access to classes, you’ll need to purchase an iFit membership separately.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bike has an adjustable incline, which is insane—it makes workouts so much harder, and I didn't realize how non-challenging the Peloton was until I tried this feature.” —Donna Freydkin, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Compact build

  • Comfortable and cushioned seat

  • Highly intuitive controls

Cons
  • Not ideal for intense workouts

Key Specs

Resistance: Manual | Product Weight: 80 pounds | Dimensions: 47 x 32.3 x 56.8 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners, older adults, and cyclers who prefer an upright bike for added accessibility and comfort.

Why We Love It 

Upright bikes are similar to regular bikes, except the seats are wider, and the handlebars are closer to you, allowing you to sit with a more upright posture. Schwinn’s 190 Upright Bike is more compact (great if you’re in a smaller space) and more comfortable for those with back pain. We love its well-padded, fully adjustable seat and handlebars for even more comfort. 

When this bike first arrived at our homes, it was very easy to set up. We love that all of its controls are highly intuitive. Its manual resistance system allows easy adjustments, catering to different fitness levels and ride types. Additionally, with a JRNY membership, you gain access to dozens of workout programs you can follow on your device directly from the device holder.

Potential Flaws

  • Upright bikes aren’t ideal for intense workouts because of their lower resistance and seated posture, but we think this one is a great choice for older individuals, beginners, or those with back pain.

Most Valuable Insight

“Before this bike, I wasn't interested in riding our exercise bike because the seat was uncomfortable, and I didn't feel like I was getting a good workout. The most impressive thing that this bike has accomplished is that it makes me want to use it.” —Hildara Araya, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Smooth, stable ride

  • Wide range of resistance levels

  • Comfortable seat

Cons
  • No built-in screen

Key Specs

Resistance: Flywheel | Product Weight: 109 pounds | Dimensions: 44.8 x 21.3 x 54.4 inches | Assembly: Not required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It's For

Best for beginner to intermediate riders living in apartments or with other household members who want a super quiet indoor cycling bike.

Why We Love It

If you live in close quarters with others or have multiple family members in your house, you may want a very quiet exercise machine. We recommend Spinning's Aero Connected Spinner Bike because it offers smooth and quiet rides. We also appreciate its wide range of resistance to accommodate all fitness levels. This bike feels very stable and secure—no wobbling or shaking at all—and the transitions between speeds and resistance levels are seamless and quick. As beginner cyclists, we found this bike quite easy to use.

Its seat and handlebars adjust easily to fit riders of various heights, and the seat itself is comfortable enough that we don't need any additional cushioning. The Spinning app (you get a free 30-day trial with this bike) has challenging workouts and we like the engaging instructors who make the workouts fun. The bike’s cadence sensor and heart rate monitor connect via Bluetooth and display your metrics on the app. We also appreciate the two water bottle holders, which remind us to stay hydrated.

Potential Flaws

  • This bike is versatile and of good value, but we would appreciate a built-in screen instead of using our own devices for workout streaming and metrics.

Most Valuable Insight

"It fits all shapes and sizes and works well for riders of differing abilities. It has the feel of a real road bike but is still really smooth and quiet. You can wear regular sneakers or cycling shoes." —Stacey Wegner, Verywell Fit product tester

Indoor Cycling Bikes We Also Tested

We tested 32 indoor cycling bikes, but only 14 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. While these indoor cycling bikes had some noteworthy features, they ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks.

  • NordicTrack’s Commercial Studio Cycle S15i Bike features a robust build and a wide range of resistance levels, making it suitable for various workout intensities. Despite these strengths, its higher price point and occasional connectivity issues prevented it from making our list.
  • Horizon Fitness’ 5.0R Recumbent Bike offers a variety of workouts and has an informative display screen for metrics. However, its seat is uncomfortable, its stability is lackluster for long rides, and its adjustment options could be better.
  • Merach’s S09 Auto Resistance Bike impressed us with its quiet and compact performance, which makes it ideal for home settings. However, it lacks comfort and stability, two hugely important factors to consider when purchasing an exercise bike.
  • Horizon Fitness' 5.01C Indoor Cycling Bike is stable and offers smooth transitions. We liked the road bike feel and the ease of changing resistance levels. However, we found its seat uncomfortable and difficult to adjust. Its display was also difficult to navigate.
  • We liked the stability, quietness, and resistance range of Sunny Health & Fitness' SMART Magnetic Resistance Bike. But we found the handlebars uncomfortable and not ergonomic at all. We were also disappointed that its app wasn’t very interactive, and the performance metrics didn’t monitor certain key metrics.
A person secures the pedals of the Merach S26 Exercise Bike to their sneakers

Verywell Fit / Jessica Christopher

What We’ve Updated

  • Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best indoor cycling bikes, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested six new options, bringing our total to 32 tested bikes. We’ve evaluated each option for its stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and value. This continues to be a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each indoor cycling bike.
  • We’ve continued to long-term test 10 indoor cycling bikes and have included these new insights in this roundup. 
  • Based on our testing, we’ve added more superlatives, including Best for Small Spaces, Best With Air Resistance, Most Comfortable Ride, and Best for Bike Owners. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Indoor Cycling Bikes

  • Resistance: When shopping for an indoor cycling bike, consider the type of resistance system it uses—magnetic, air, or friction. Magnetic and air resistance is quieter, requires less maintenance, and offers smoother transitions between resistance levels. On the other hand, friction resistance is often more budget-friendly and provides a broader range of resistance. Consider your workout needs and preferences when deciding which system suits you.
  • Pedals: Some indoor cycling bikes feature toe-caged pedals that allow you to wear workout sneakers or cycling shoes and simply slip your feet into the pedals. Others have clip-in pedals that require clipless cleats or cycling shoes. This type of pedal helps some riders to feel more secure and connected with their bike. But if your indoor cycling bike doesn't have the pedals you're looking for, it's an easy and, in most cases, inexpensive fix. 
  • Workout Modes: Like treadmills, classic ellipticals, and other fitness machines, indoor bikes can boast a range of pre-set workout modes. If you prefer a choose-your-own-adventure workout where you control your settings, these modes may not matter much to you. But if you prefer a guided workout, pay attention to this feature.
  • Comfort: Comfort is critical, says certified cycling instructor Brooke Lutsch. If your bike is comfy, you’ll be more likely to use it regularly. To ensure comfort, look for a bike with cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and wide petals. Make sure these are adjustable, which can help you customize your fit.
  • High-Tech Features: Many indoor bikes have high-tech features like speakers, fans, and pivoting monitors. Displays that feature your speed, or revolutions per minute (RPM), and power output (wattage) are always helpful for gauging your workout, says cycling expert Tammeca Rochester. These nice-to-haves may not be necessary, but they can make a workout more fun. Consider seeking features that will motivate you to spend more time on your bike.

How We Tested the Indoor Cycling Bikes

To find the best indoor cycling bikes, we spent over 120 hours testing 32 top options at home, performing at least eight cycling workouts of various intensity levels on each bike. When testing indoor cycling bikes, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

  • Stability: We assess how stable each indoor bike feels during slow and intense rides. We also test the bike's ability to handle quick changes in intensity or speed, both in and out of the saddle. We take note of any instability or wobbling, examining if the bike’s base is wide and heavy enough to support vigorous exercise. We also check for adjustable leveling feet to stabilize the bike on uneven floors.
  • Performance: We evaluate the smoothness and quietness of the bike's operation during use. We also note adjustable resistance, seats, and handlebars. Some bikes simulate a real-world outdoor cycling experience, so we pay attention to the ride's feel during uphill climbs and high-intensity sprints. We take note of any additional features, like metric tracking, and how well they work. We prioritize bikes that perform well and accommodate various fitness levels and workout intensities. 
  • Adjustability: For bikes that offer adjustability, we evaluate these features and consider how easy they are to use. Is it simple to adjust the seat and handlebars to fit different body sizes? Can we adjust the resistance during our workout without stopping? We also identify any limitations to adjustability that could affect usability for some individuals.
  • Comfort: If you're uncomfortable on your bike, you won't want to use it. We consider how comfy the bike seat feels during short and long rides. We note whether an additional padded bike seat is needed to feel comfortable while riding. Are the handlebars ergonomically designed to prevent strain on the wrists and arms? Does the bike accommodate standard cycling shoes or only specific types?
  • Display: For bikes with display screens, we evaluate their clarity and readability and whether they show relevant data, such as speed, distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate. We check for connectivity features, like third-party app integration, and whether you need a membership to access the display's features. We also pay attention to the user-friendliness of the interface.
  • Value: To determine value, we don’t check each bike’s price until after evaluating it in all other key criteria. We consider whether we would pay this much for the bike or possibly even more. We prioritize bikes whose quality exceeds their value.
NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle in its opened box

Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some experts helped us better understand what key features to look for when shopping, while others helped inform our testing process. While we choose products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions.

  • Brooke Lutsch, certified cycling instructor at Cyclebar in Nashville, Tennessee
  • Tammeca Rochester, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle in New York, New York 
  • Karen Maxwell, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and director of education at CycleBar 
  • Gabryelle Pogantsch, founder of Sevven Cycle in Madison, Wisconsin 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my home exercise bike correctly? 

When setting up your indoor exercise bike, place it on a level surface to ensure stability. Adjust the seat height so there's a slight bend in your knee when the pedal is at its lowest point. Then, set the handlebars at a height that allows you to reach them easily with a relaxed grip. 

What should I wear while indoor cycling? 

Wear padded cycling shorts or workout leggings, a breathable performance shirt, moisture-wicking socks, and comfortable cycling shoes. 

The water bottles secured on the Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE

Verywell Fit / Vimal Raj

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and writer for Verywell Fit, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and equipment. Her decades of training athletes have helped her understand the value of using the best products for optimal performance and comfort.

Additional reporting contributed by Jarrod Nobbe, CSCS

Jarrod Nobbe, CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and Verywell Fit writer, brings years of expertise in testing fitness, cardio, and strength equipment. He has extensive cycling experience, both competitively and for personal training. His commitment to fitness and thorough understanding of cycling equipment ensure you get the best advice for your indoor cycling needs.

Christine Luff

By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT
Christine knows that the right fitness gear can improve your motivation and workouts. She uses her expertise and experience as a fitness writer and personal trainer to recommend products she can stand behind.