CommercialEquipmentParent Topic: Conditioning ExerciseProduct: Exercise BikesRoundups

The Best Exercise Bikes on Amazon in 2024

These days, buying anything you need can be as simple as going to Amazon. Though the site may be clutch for finding niche books or random handy household tools, it’s also a great place to scout out big purchases, like home gym equipment. Take exercise bikes, for example. The megaretailer offers over 1,000 different machines from bargain brands as well as prestige brands, like Peloton and NordicTrack, that you may already know and love. 

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If you’re shopping for an exercise bike on Amazon — whether it’s for convenience, Prime shipping, or the goldmine of customer reviews — there’s just one problem: There are a lot of options. To help sort through the noise, we’ve carefully combed through and selected the best exercise bikes on Amazon, including many we personally tested and reviewed. In our picks below, you’ll find everything from premium, studio-style bikes with high-tech streaming to budget bikes you can fold up and store away. No matter what your workout needs are, this list is about to make shopping for an exercise bike on Amazon much simpler.

The Best Exercise Bikes on Amazon

About our Expert

This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer, CrossFit Level 1 instructor, and BarBend editorial team member. She reviewed the research we cite and the exercise bikes we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Bikes on Amazon

When you’re looking for a restaurant rec, you probably consult your foodiest friend and for help choosing an outfit, your most stylish. Consider us your fitness-obsessed friends and the perfect people to ask about workout gear. We’ve been testing fitness equipment, including exercise bikes, for years, and many of us are even personal trainers ourselves. We’ve logged countless hours sweating on more than 20 bikes to suss out which are worth a purchase.

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Our expert testers evaluated them across 12 criteria including footprint and portability, durability, adjustability and ergonomics, tech capabilities, warranty, and even customer service, to arrive at the picks below. Here are a few factors we paid particular attention to when selecting these seven exercise bikes from Amazon.

Reputability and Durability

Amazon makes ordering easy, but it’s no secret that some of its products don’t live up to the promises (or pictures) that you see online. When considering exercise equipment, specifically, you may have concerns about its quality and durability. (After all, you’ll be riding with your full body weight on the machine in question.) We double-checked the listings to ensure they were legit. And while testing the bikes, we carefully judged their durability and stability to make sure they feel like they’ll last. 

Our BarBend tester riding the NordicTrack S22i.
Our BarBend tester riding the NordicTrack S22i.

One piece of this puzzle includes looking at the warranty, so that affected our decisions, too. The most durable bikes offer a 10-year warranty, but our certified personal trainer and expert reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends looking for “at least five years on the frame, two years on parts, and one year for labor.”

Price

Amazon prices run the gamut, and that’s true for the exercise bikes they sell, too. The bikes listed here range from $180 to $2,000+, so you can find one that works for your budget but still allows you to log some at-home cardio in peace — and maybe even with the speed of Prime shipping.

Features

Budget bikes aren’t going to have the same features as a piece of high-end workout equipment, but we still expect them to do their job. We scouted out the features on each bike, from water bottle and dumbbell holders to media shelves and fancy streaming displays. We’ll highlight the most important ones below, but beyond that, it’s up to you to decide which features matter for your individual workout needs.

Best Exercise Bike on Amazon Overall: NordicTrack S22i 

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.

Specs

  • Price: $1,999
  • Dimensions: 61″ L x 22″ W x 58″ H 
  • Weight: 205lbs (in box)
  • Resistance type: SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • Max User Capacity: 350lbs

Pros

  • The S22i can incline up to 20 percent and decline down to -10 percent, a unique feature for an exercise bike. 
  • This bike offers one of the best streaming experiences out there, with a 22-inch rotating touchscreen and iFIT integration.
  • During guided workouts, the bike automatically changes the incline/decline and adjusts between the 24 digital resistance levels.

Cons

  • You can tilt the bike onto small transport wheels to move it around, but it’s otherwise not that easy to store thanks to the large screen.
  • At nearly $2,000, this exercise bike is the most expensive on this list.
  • The built-in display can only be used for iFIT; you can’t stream other workouts or entertainment like Netflix. 

We’ve included the NordicTrack S22i in a lot of our best exercise bike lists and named it the overall best exercise bike on Amazon for a reason. The S22i offers a unique feature you won’t find on hardly any other models: You can ride on a decline (down to -10 percent) or an incline (up to 20 percent), which you may have seen on treadmills, but likely not a stationary bike.

BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod riding the NordicTrack S22i.
BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod riding the NordicTrack S22i.

Even cooler? The bike comes integrated with iFIT, a streaming service that allows you to take studio-style classes or scenic rides on the 22-inch HD touchscreen. When you’re doing either, the bike will automatically adjust the resistance, incline, and decline for you. Our testers were wowed, giving the S22i a 5 out of 5 score for dynamic programming, customizations, and tech capabilities. “​​iFit is amazing: You can do coach-led workouts, studio classes, and live classes, and more,” said our tester and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier. 

When you aren’t riding, the screen swivels so you can take classes off the bike, too — which is clutch, considering iFIT offers classes across 60+ modalities. The downside of iFIT is that it costs extra on top of the $2K you shell out for the bike. You get a 30-day free trial with purchase, but after that, it costs $39 a month or $180 a year. Without the membership, you can’t use the screen for other things like watching TV or YouTube. You can use the bike in manual mode, and there are a few classes you may be able to access for free.

This is one of the bigger bikes on this list, measuring a few inches taller and longer than a Peloton Bike, for example, so it’s not one to buy if you’re hoping to hide it away; our testers gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “There are front wheels that make it easier to move, but you have to be careful with the big screen, which can take over a small space. It’s also moderately heavy; some people will need a second person to help,” Meier said. The good news here is that it’s heavy because it’s sturdy, and you can ride hard and out of the saddle without a worry. As long as you’re OK with committing to iFIT, this could be a great Amazon exercise bike for you.

Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.

Best Air Bike on Amazon: Assault Fitness Air Bike

Assault Fitness Air Bike

Assault Fitness Air Bike

Assault Fitness Air Bike

The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.

Specs

  • Price: $749
  • Dimensions: 59.95″ L x 23.34″ W x 50″ H  
  • Weight: 110lbs
  • Resistance Type: Air
  • Max User Capacity: 300lbs

Pros

  • Research shows that air bikes like this build upper and lower body strength in addition to aerobic endurance. (1)
  • This is the most affordable Assault Fitness Air Bike, coming in at $200 less than the Pro X and half the price of the Elite model.
  • This bike is sturdy and stable, with a heavy-duty steel frame.

Cons

  • This bike has a chain drive system instead of a belt, the latter of which tends to be smoother.
  • You’ll need to do some maintenance work to keep it running well.
  • The bike doesn’t come with a warranty when purchased from Amazon, but you can add a 2-year protection plan for $55.

Air bikes aren’t typical stationary bikes: Instead of a metal flywheel, they have a fan wheel. As you pedal, the wheel turns, creating resistance by pushing against the air — and the harder you pedal, the more resistance you face. As you pedal, you push and pull the handlebars, engaging your upper body, too. This makes riding an air bike a near-full-body workout, and is why it’s favored for HIIT training: You can push yourself into high exertion levels without sprinting or doing burpees.

The Assault AirBike Classic — the Elite is an upgrade from this model.
Jake using Assault AirBike.

This Assault Fitness model is as classic as air bikes get; it’s the one you’ve probably seen in gyms or CrossFit boxes. If you consider how much wear and tear those endure, then this should last exponentially longer in your home. “With proper maintenance, an assault bike should last years,” says our expert tester and personal trainer, giving it a 4 out of 5 for durability. Assault lists maintenance details on its website, including things like tightening bolts and lubricating the chain every few weeks or months. Worth noting: “Belt drives (found on the Rogue Echo Bike) are more durable and don’t require as much or as frequent maintenance as chain drives (found on Assault Bikes),” says Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer.

Unlike other bikes on this list, this one doesn’t have many fancy features. “Tech usually isn’t the name of the game with air bikes; however, it does have limited Bluetooth heart rate monitor connectivity,” says our expert tester, which is why she gave it 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities. The LCD screen shows performance stats (time, calories, distance, speed, watts, RPM), and offers a few simple guided workout programs. It has a ledge to hold your device, and there’s a water bottle holder under the console.

You get all this for $750. It’s the cheapest of Assault’s bike offerings, but it still costs more than budget air bikes on Amazon, which go for as little as $200. “If I were going to buy an air bike, it would be this one,” says our expert tester, who gave it 4.5 out of 5 for value. “It’s durable, will last a long time, and provides a smooth ride for a fan bike.” Just keep in mind, this isn’t for leisurely pedaling. If you like to do endurance rides or stream workout classes, this is not the exercise bike for you.

Read our full Assault Air Bike Review.

Best Exercise Bike with Screen on Amazon: Bowflex VeloCore

Bowflex Velocore

Bowflex Velocore

Bowflex Velocore

Bowflex features an innovative leaning mode and can support users up to 325 pounds. Plus, you’ll receive a two month free trial to JRNY with your purchase.

Specs

  • Price: $2,199 for 22” console, $1,799 for 16” console
  • Dimensions: 55.3” H x 59.8″ L x 24.1″ W  
  • Weight: 155-158lbs
  • Resistance type: Magnetic resistance
  • Max User Capacity: 325lbs

Pros

  • You can buy the bike with a 16” or 22” HD touchscreen, depending on your preferences and budget.
  • This bike leans from side to side, replicating the feel of riding a real road bike.
  • The VeloCore offers 100 levels of precise and quiet magnetic resistance — 76 more than the NordicTrack S22i.

Cons

  • After a 2-month free trial, you’ll need to subscribe to JRNY for $19.99/mo or $149/yr to stream workout content or entertainment on the bike’s screen.
  • Customers don’t love the JRNY workouts and programs as much as competitor classes from Peloton or iFIT.
  • Setup took our tester three hours, and Amazon doesn’t offer assistance with assembly.

If you’re looking for an exercise bike on Amazon with a screen, peep the Bowflex VeloCore. It comes in two HD touchscreen sizes — 16” and 22” — so you can choose how big you want to go. Both have built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity and can tilt forward/backward for viewing comfort while you ride.

You’ll really enjoy the screen when you take Explore the World classes via JRNY (the integrated streaming platform), which let you virtually ride around the globe. You can also take studio-style classes or non-cycling classes using the JRNY app on your own device. When you aren’t in the mood for a class, you can watch Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+ on the bike’s display. 

You cannot, however, stream workouts from other platforms such as Peloton or Zwift, and after a free trial, you’ll need to pay for a JRNY subscription ($19.99/mo or $149/yr) to use the display to watch anything at all. “That’s important to keep in mind because without paying for the subscription, you can’t use a lot of the cool features that the VeloCore offers,” our tester said. With all that in mind, she still gave the VeloCore a 5 out of 5 in tech capabilities.

This bike has another standout feature: It leans. The bike tilts from side to side while you ride, just like if you were careening around corners on a real bike. Customers say this adds a balance and core-strengthening challenge to their workouts and is just plain fun — though you can also ride in stationary mode if you don’t want to lean.

Otherwise, the VeloCore has everything else you’d expect in a premium exercise bike, including 100 levels of resistance and a 33-pound flywheel for a smooth ride. “It’s a quiet machine with silent magnetic resistance,” our tester said. The only thing missing, she noted, is automatic resistance adjustment when taking JRNY classes (a feature that is available on the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike+). Instead, you need to manually tap the resistance up or down. 

When you buy this bike on Amazon, you’ll still get Bowflex’s warranty — 10 years for the frame, three for parts, and one for labor — which is what you should expect for a bike around $2,000. Overall, our tester gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for value: “This is an expensive piece of home gym equipment, but it’s reasonable for all the features you get.”

Best Budget Exercise Bike on Amazon: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1002

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1002

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1002

This bike’s 49-pound flywheel is one of the largest we’ve seen on a consumer indoor cycle and will help you build momentum while keeping your ride smooth. The transport wheels are also large and durable, so you can move tip this bike and move it out of the way when your workout is over.

Specs

  • Price: $399
  • Dimensions: 54″ L x 19″ W x 44.8” H
  • Weight: 113lbs
  • Resistance Type: Friction
  • Max User Capacity: 275lbs

Pros

  • This is the cheapest stationary bike on this list (besides the folding and under-desk options), costing more than three times less than a Peloton Bike.
  • The 49-pound flywheel is one of the heaviest we’ve seen on an at-home exercise bike, which helps ensure a smooth ride.
  • Reviewers say this bike is super sturdy, even during high-intensity rides out of the saddle.

Cons

  • This bike uses friction resistance, which can be less precise and consistent than magnetic resistance while requiring a little more maintenance.
  • There’s no built-in technology or display. You’ll need to buy cadence and speed sensors separately to track your ride metrics.
  • To set your phone or tablet on the bike, you’ll need to buy a mount separately.

Shopping on a budget? Great news: You can get a pretty solid exercise bike for under $500, and Amazon is perhaps the best place to find one. Our pick for a budget bike on Amazon is the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike, which offers a cycling-style experience at a price tag that’s just a fraction of what you’d spend on, say, a Peloton Bike (which, for the record, is more than three times the price of this one).

This is a cycling-style bike that allows you to pedal while in the saddle or standing up. Amazon customers are super impressed with how sturdy the bike feels, even during vigorous rides, thanks to the alloy steel frame and floor stabilizers. (It earned a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating after 6,000+ reviews.) The 49-pound flywheel and belt-drive system help make this bike both smooth and quiet. “It makes almost no noise while you’re riding, [and] feels super stable as well,” one review wrote.

Our BarBend Tester is shown riding the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B1002 exercise bike.
Our BarBend Tester is shown riding the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B1002 exercise bike.

What makes this a budget bike, aside from the price? For one, it has friction-based resistance, which generally isn’t as smooth or precise as magnetic resistance. When you turn the resistance knob, it presses a little strip of leather against the flywheel to make pedaling harder. This means you need to judge the resistance level by feel (there aren’t numbers to guide you) and that it can be inconsistent from ride to ride. It also requires a bit of upkeep: You’ll need to lubricate the leather and replace the strip when it wears out from use.

This bike also offers zero tech — there isn’t even a display to show basic stats like time or distance. That said, you can cobble together a workaround if you’re willing to take a few extra steps: You can purchase a cadence or speed monitor separately to track your ride metrics (if you buy the bike on Sunny’s website instead of Amazon, they’ll throw one in for free) then connect the monitor to an app like Peloton or Zwift.

Many Amazon reviewers are happy with this budget bike’s customizable experience. Take it from one customer, who wrote: “Using a fitness app for spin classes and wahoo cadence counter makes this a value packed spin bike that I am sure will have me crushing indoor workouts for years to come!”

Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike on Amazon: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28″ and 33″, the recommended height of users ranges from 5’1 to 6’3″.

Specs

  • Price: $179.99
  • Dimensions: 34″ L x 19″ W x 44″ H unfolded; 18.5” L x 18.5” W x 51.5” H folded 
  • Weight: 37lbs
  • Resistance Type: Magnetic
  • Max User Capacity: 250lbs

Pros

  • This bike folds vertically to nearly half its length and weighs less than 40lbs, making it easy to move and store in a closet when not in use.
  • This is the cheapest bike on this list, and reviewers confirm that it’s a good buy for the price.
  • Reviewers say it’s a surprisingly smooth ride for being so small and budget-friendly.

Cons

  • This bike isn’t designed for vigorous riding or pedaling out of the saddle.
  • It caters to a limited group of riders with an inseam between 26” and 30” and under 250lbs — the lowest weight limit of all the bikes here.
  • Reviewers are split over whether or not the bike is noisy; some say it annoys them if they’re pedaling while trying to watch TV.

Folding exercise bikes might not be well-suited to advanced athletes. Still, they can be an excellent purchase for someone with the right needs — namely, anyone who wants to log low- to moderate-intensity workouts, stick within a budget, and store the bike out of sight when not in use. Not only does it fold up, but it remains standing on its own, so you don’t need to lean it against a wall wherever you store it.

Amazon customers happily report back about the purchase, earning the machine 4.4 out of 5 after more than 7,000 global ratings. “This is a fantastic, simple, brilliantly designed bike. Perfect for small spaces and folds to be up and out of the way,” writes one reviewer. “Who cares about a bunch of bells and whistles?? The most important aspect of cardio equipment is that it is comfortable, smooth and has the resistance you need. This bike is perfectly smooth, totally quiet, and comfortable.”

A Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is shown in a living room
The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike provides users a stable ride.

Other users attest that the bike feels relatively sturdy while pedaling and doesn’t vibrate the floor. It has a large, padded foam seat and digital display that shows speed, distance, time, and calories. If you want a water bottle or device holder, you’ll need to buy one separately that attaches to the frame. 

It doesn’t support standing rides or offer much resistance (just eight levels) and has a tendency to wobble if you pedal too hard, some reviewers note — so this may be better for leisurely pedaling, older adults, or recovering from injuries rather than athletes looking to cross-train. It even comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is pretty decent considering how adorable it is. If you’re looking for a bike with just the basics — and without sacrificing much space or cash — this under-$200 folding exercise bike on Amazon is a great deal.

Best Peloton Alternative Exercise Bike on Amazon: Schwinn IC4

Schwinn IC4

Schwinn IC4

Schwinn IC4

The Schwinn IC4 combines upper and lower body work with its included set of dumbbells and 100 levels of cycling resistance for a complete upper and lower body burn. Dial up your favorite streaming app and hop on, this bike is compatible with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.

Specs

  • Price: $1,199
  • Dimensions: 51.8″ H x 54.6″ L x 30.7″ W  
  • Weight: 112lbs
  • Resistance type: Magnetic resistance
  • Max User Capacity: 330lbs

Pros

  • The IC4 has 100 resistance levels, just like the Peloton Bike and Bike+, so you can easily match your ride to the cueing in a Peloton class.
  • Since there’s no built-in display, you can use this exercise bike with the Peloton app or any other workout platform of your choice.
  • It comes with extras like a Bluetooth armband heart rate monitor, two 3-pound dumbbells, USB charging port, and pedals that work with sneakers or clip-in shoes.

Cons

  • There’s a small LCD screen with stats, but no multimedia display, so if you want to stream classes, you’ll need to use your own tablet, phone, or TV.
  • The bike console can only share basic data with third-party apps — for example, the Peloton app can only pull in RPM.
  • Some riders report being unable to find a comfortable setup with the adjustable seat and handlebars.

We’re suckers for an engaging workout class, and Peloton has that formula down pat. But their Bike and Bike+ cost about $1,500 and $2,500, respectively — not exactly affordable for the average exerciser. They also lock you into their workout platform, which, while amazing, can be limiting. Or, perhaps, you just want to buy an exercise bike without buying yet another screen. If you want a home exercise bike that costs a bit less than Peloton’s bikes, is more customizable, doesn’t come with its own display, but still allows you to ride along with Peloton classes, we’ve got just the thing: the Schwinn IC4.

The bike has 100 microlevels of smooth magnetic resistance (which you can digitally adjust via buttons on the screen). This comes in handy for Peloton classes, since the Bike and Bike+ both have 100 resistance levels, too. (Having the same number of resistance levels means you can easily match the instructor’s cueing.) 

Our BarBend tester tilting and rolling the Schwinn IC4.
Our BarBend tester tilting and rolling the Schwinn IC4.

The IC4 doesn’t have a fancy display but does come with a full-color, backlit LCD console that shows basic ride metrics like time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, levels, and heart rate. It also has all the conveniences and customizations you need to get comfy — our tester scored it 5 out of 5 for both — like four-way adjustable seat and handlebars, two water bottle holders, dual-sided pedals, and dumbbell holders (plus, a set of 3lb dumbbells).

Our tester also gave it perfect marks (5 out of 5, that is) for durability. “This is very sturdy for being so small and lightweight, and it doesn’t shake at all while exercising,” she said. And even when you buy it on Amazon, you get the brand’s typical warranty, with 10 years for the frame, three for parts, and one for labor. 

Over 4,300 people have given it a 5-star rating on Amazon, and seem to agree that this bike is pretty great — especially for the price. It costs $1,199, but is often on sale for under $1K. “This bike is a phenomenal value,” our tester said. “It’s comes with a ton of tech features and conveniences. It’s a well-built bike that feels sturdy and durable, so you get a lot for what you pay for.” And, just saying: You’ll be paying $24/month for Peloton’s App+ subscription instead of $44/month, which the brand charges for anyone using their equipment, which means you just keep saving.

Read our full Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Review.

Best Under Desk Exercise Bike on Amazon: DeskCycle 2

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike

The DeskCycle Under Desk Bike was designed to help you stay active while firing off emails at work. The low-profile pedals are adjustable and compatible with desks as low as 27 inches. Its magnetic resistance, meanwhile, works to provide a whisper-quiet pedal that won’t distract coworkers.

Specs

  • Price: $199.99
  • Dimensions: 10.24″ L x 24.02″ W x 20.08″ H
  • Weight: 23lbs
  • Resistance Type: Magnetic

Pros

  • Slipping this mini exercise bike under your desk can turn hours of sedentary work time into an opportunity to get moving and build leg strength.
  • At just 23 pounds and the size of two shoe boxes, this bike is easily portable.
  • The bike has eight levels that provide up to 39 pounds of resistance — pretty impressive for a bike this small.

Cons

  • Customers say the ergonomics aren’t ideal, and the setup can feel awkward depending on the chair you’re using. 
  • The pedals are small and, as a result, some people with larger feet may find their heel hits the floor while pedaling.
  • For about the same price, you can get a proper exercise bike that includes a seat and handlebars.

If you’re looking to stay gently active while you’re working or studying, you’ve probably considered under-desk treadmills or mini exercise bikes. Allow us to recommend the DeskCycle 2, which Amazon reviewers love. After more than 13,000 reviews, it’s earned a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on the retailer’s site.

Customers report using it to rehab after surgery, pedal while working, or even move their legs while watching TV. They say the mini exercise bike is quiet, smooth, and easy to move around, and that the eight resistance levels are surprisingly challenging. The company offers a one-year warranty, and customers have good things to say about the bike’s durability. “I’ve had this bike for about 4 years and I still love it. I used to keep it at work but now have it in my home office and use it frequently,” one reviewer wrote. The bike also includes a small detachable LCD display, which records rotations per minute, distance, calories, and time.

If you’re an athlete or looking for a more intense workout, you can get a full-on exercise bike (with a seat and handlebars) for the same price or just a couple hundred dollars more. “It is a bit pricey compared to other options I’ve seen, but seems to have very good build quality to make up for it,” one reviewer says. Customers also note that the bike setup can feel awkward and non-ergonomic and that people with larger feet may not be able to fit them on the pedals properly. However, if you’re OK with spending $200 and want a mini exercise bike to help you keep your legs moving while sitting all day, this could be worth a try.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes

Buying an at-home exercise bike can be a simple and surefire way to get more exercise in, which has tons of physical and mental health benefits. “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, and muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. 

Jake testing a stationary bike.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity (or a combination of the two) spread throughout the week. (2) Placing an under-desk mini exercise bike under your workstation or putting a stationary bike within sight in your living room could make a difference in whether or not you hit those goals. Here are some of the specific benefits of using an exercise bike that just might convince you to make the investment.

Better Physical and Mental Health

Being active — by riding an exercise bike, for example — can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, and several types of cancer, according to the AHA. (2) Exercise is also linked to better sleep, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improved cognition, including memory, attention, and processing speed. (2)

More Consistent Workouts

For many people who want to work out regularly but can’t seem to make it happen, the biggest barrier is finding the time. When you have a surefire way to do cardio right in your house, you’re more likely to get it done — neither weather nor traffic nor forgetting a pair of sneakers can stop you. 

Exercise bikes, like treadmills, bring a form of outdoor exercise indoors for when the conditions aren’t right or you need more structure,” Capritto says. “From people who are looking to generally improve their health, individuals who require low-impact cardio exercise, and competitive athletes, indoor stationary bikes provide excellent workout opportunities.” One survey even found that home exercisers were 21 percent more likely than gym-goers to say they worked out at least once a week. (3

Low-Impact, Beginner-Friendly Cardio

If you’re a beginner to exercise, starting a weight-loss journey, dealing with an injury, or getting older, it’s likely that many types of cardio (i.e. running or jumping) don’t feel accessible to you. Indoor cycling is a great low-impact exercise option that allows you to get your blood pumping and build strength without putting tons of impact on your joints. Over time, research shows that indoor cycling can help build lower-body strength and cardio fitness while maintaining a low risk of injury. (4)

What to Consider Before Buying an Exercise Bike on Amazon 

An exercise bike is an exciting purchase, but you’ll want to make sure you know almost everything you can about the product and whether it fits your needs before taking the plunge. Take a few minutes to consider: What are you looking for in an exercise bike, and which features are non-negotiables? 

program workout on assault airbike monitor
Jake adjusting Assault Fitness AirBike.

Then, in addition to understanding a bike’s ride experience and features, you’ll also want to know: Does it have a warranty? What sort of customer service is available? What delivery and return options exist? Here are a few key characteristics to a closer look at when shopping for an exercise bike on Amazon, specifically. 

Seller Details 

Just because you buy something on Amazon doesn’t always mean it’s vetted or coming straight from the brand listed. Under the orange “Buy Now” button on the right-hand side of an Amazon page, you’ll want to take a look at the “Ships from” and “Sold by” details. If these say “Amazon” or the brand’s name or parent company, you’re in good hands. If it’s being sold or delivered by a third party, you may want to purchase elsewhere or do a bit more research to make sure you can trust them. 

Delivery and Support 

When you buy a product like an exercise bike on Amazon, you may have different warranty options, customer service, and return policies than if you bought directly from the brand itself. This is worth paying attention to, especially with a purchase this big. Check out the options for delivery and setup (including the cost) and eligibility for return, refund, or replacement. (These are usually found under a header that says “Delivery and Support” just under the price.) And remember: Just because it’s on Amazon, doesn’t necessarily mean you get Prime shipping.

Customer Reviews

Fake customer reviews do, unfortunately, exist. But there are also plenty of real ones on Amazon that can help you decide which bike is right for you. If you’re looking for specific info about a bike — such as whether it’s good for heavy people or those with bad knees — the review section on Amazon is a great place to search for answers. There may be other customers who can share personal experiences and are dealing with the same situation or concerns as you. (Just be on the lookout for anything that sounds robotic, overly positive, or too vague.)

How Much Do Exercise Bikes Cost?

You can get an exercise bike for as little as $100, or as much as $3,000. What should you be paying? It depends on the experience you want to have. We have Amazon exercise bike picks from $180 to $2,000, and their features and intended use vary as much as the prices. To clearly illustrate the difference in cost, we have a detailed breakdown below.

With heavy workout machinery, you get what you pay for. But you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg if you don’t want or need a fancy ride. On the lower end of the spectrum, you can get a home exercise bike that lets you pedal and increase the resistance, but that’s about it. If you get closer to $500 in budget, you’ll find bikes with more resistance options, digital displays, and a sturdier feel. When you go above $1,000, you can get a built-in screen to stream content and a bike that lets you ride at higher intensities and while standing. And once you get near $2,000, you’re looking at a really high-tech bike with detailed metrics, automatic resistance or incline/decline adjustments, and an HD display — but also, most likely, a mandatory monthly subscription fee, too. 

Our tester riding the Schwinn IC4.
Our tester riding the Schwinn IC4.

“Peloton-esque bikes have become ultra-popular among people who love the fitness studio vibes that come from interactive workout sessions, both live and pre-recorded. If this is something you’re interested in, be prepared to shell out a significant amount of cash and also pay for a monthly subscription,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. 

Types of Exercise Bikes 

Did you know there are different types of exercise bikes? If so, do you know which one you want?  This is one of the first things you can consider in order to narrow your shopping field. There are four main categories of exercise bikes: upright, cycling, recumbent, and air. Here, we break down the details of each one.

Cycling

Cycling bikes are the ones you’ll likely see in a studio class or gym. (For reference, the NordicTrack S22i, Bowflex VeloCore, Schwinn IC4, and Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 listed here are all cycling bikes.) This type of exercise bike has a spinning metal flywheel, a thinner seat, and handlebars positioned so you need to lean forward to reach them. They typically allow you to ride in or out of the saddle, and mirror the experience of being on a road bike.

Upright

An upright bike is a stationary bike that allows you to sit relatively upright, with the handlebars within reach. (The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is the only upright bike on this list.) Upright bikes typically have bigger, cushier seats than cycling bikes and don’t allow you to pedal while standing.

Recumbent

A recumbent bike offers the gentlest ride, since it usually has a backrest in addition to a larger seat, allowing you to sit back while you pedal. The seat is typically situated behind the pedals rather than over the top. (There aren’t any recumbent bikes on this list, but the DeskCycle 2 can replicate the feel of a recumbent bike, depending on where you place it in relation to your chair.) Seniors and individuals with limited mobility may struggle to get on and off of an exercise bike, in which case a recumbent bike is recommended,” adds Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer.

Air

Air bikes (aka fan bikes) are a unique type of stationary bike: They’re motorless and instead of handlebars, they often have two large moving arms that you push and pull in addition to pedaling with your feet. “Air bikes are powered by the user, with a fan flywheel that creates resistance,” Capritto says. (The Assault Fitness Air Bike is the only air bike listed here.) “[They also] differ from recumbent and upright bikes in that they engage the upper body, thus providing a full-body workout,” Capritto adds. 

Final Word 

Amazon is a wondrous place that makes buying anything a cinch, but it’s kind of like the Wild West of shopping; you need to do your due diligence before hitting “Check Out.” This is especially true when it’s a substantial investment, like an exercise bike. To help narrow down the field into actually-worth-it options, we’ve selected these nine picks that should fit every home gym budget and need. 

To choose between them, you’ll just need to weigh your priorities. Are you looking to stream a certain workout platform, train for an event, or pedal while watching movies? Do you want to be able to stand up out of the saddle or pedal under your desk? Is it important that you can store the bike out of sight when not in use? And finally, how much are you willing to pay to reap the benefits of indoor cycling? No matter which you choose, one thing’s for sure: an exercise bike from Amazon could be the key to changing your at-home fitness routine for good.

FAQs

What is the best exercise bike on Amazon?

There’s no one best exercise bike for everyone; the best pick for you will depend on your fitness level, budget, and goals. However, our top pick for the best exercise bike on Amazon — the NordicTrack S22i — is a solid all-around choice. The S22i comes from a reputable brand with a long history in the fitness space and has a sturdy frame, long warranty, standout incline/decline feature, and iFIT streaming integration. That said, it costs nearly $2K. If you’re looking for something more affordable or easier to store, the two budget picks listed here or the under-desk exercise bike may be a better fit.

How much should an exercise bike on Amazon cost?

You can find exercise bikes on Amazon from under $100 to multiple thousands. In general, spending more money will get you a higher-quality bike with a sturdier frame, more features, and fancier tech. At a minimum, you’ll need to spend about $100 to get an exercise bike that’s suitable for low-intensity seated pedaling, at least $300 for a bike that can handle harder rides, and about $1,000+ for a bike with a built-in screen to stream content. Depending on what type of experience you’re looking for, you’ll need to spend accordingly.

Which brand on Amazon is best for exercise bikes?

There are a few standout brands in the exercise bike arena, including Peloton, NordicTrack, Assault, Bowflex, and Schwinn. It’s impossible to pick just one brand as the best, since they each offer different products with distinct draws. For example, Peloton’s workout platform is known for its larger-than-life instructors, while Schwinn’s bikes tend to be classic and no-frills. In general, when you’re shopping on Amazon, sticking with a brand you know is a good choice.

References

  1. Walter AA, Smith AE, Kendall KL, Stout JR, Cramer JT. Six weeks of high-intensity interval training with and without beta-alanine supplementation for improving cardiovascular fitness in women. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1199-207. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d82f8b. PMID: 20386120.
  2. American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. American Heart Association. (2024, Jan 19). https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults 
  3. Goodwin, Emily. More Americans Work Out at Home Than in Gyms, Citing Convenience. Civic Science. (2023, June 21). https://civicscience.com/more-americans-work-out-at-home-than-in-gyms-citing-convenience/ 
  4. Ozaki H, Loenneke JP, Thiebaud RS, Abe T. Cycle training induces muscle hypertrophy and strength gain: strategies and mechanisms. Acta Physiol Hung. 2015 Mar;102(1):1-22. doi: 10.1556/APhysiol.102.2015.1.1. PMID: 25804386.

The post The Best Exercise Bikes on Amazon in 2024 appeared first on BarBend.

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