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When you embark on a quest to find the best exercise bike, it’s easy to get distracted by bright, shiny objects — huge touchscreen! virtual rides! — while overlooking critical questions like, “How does this thing actually work?” The best magnetic exercise bikes provide a smooth, quiet ride and don’t require as much routine maintenance as those with...
The post The 8 Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes for 2024, Tested by Experts appeared first on BarBend.
When you embark on a quest to find the best exercise bike, it’s easy to get distracted by bright, shiny objects — huge touchscreen! virtual rides! — while overlooking critical questions like, “How does this thing actually work?” The best magnetic exercise bikes provide a smooth, quiet ride and don’t require as much routine maintenance as those with friction-based resistance systems.
Stationary bikes that utilize magnetic and friction resistance rely on a flywheel (a heavy disc) to regulate the level of resistance you feel when you turn the pedals. While a friction system uses a brake pad to slow down the flywheel, magnetic systems use — you guessed it — magnets to do the same thing, but without the metal-on-metal connection. Check out our top picks to see which one pulls you in — ya know, like a magnet.
The 8 Best Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes for 2024
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes
The BarBend team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and cyclists have years of experience assembling, moving, repairing, and — of course — riding all kinds of exercise bikes. We tested more than 20 exercise bikes from the top brands, putting their magnetic resistance systems to the test and rating each of them on a scale from 1 (boo!) to 5 (hooray!) across 12 categories, including adjustability, durability, and value. Here are a few of the key factors we considered that can help you know what to look for when buying an indoor cycle.
Resistance Type
Most upright and recumbent bikes use one of two types of resistance systems — magnetic or friction. A friction system works a lot like the brakes in your car. As the rider adjusts the resistance, a brake pad either applies more or less friction to the flywheel, requiring more or less force to turn the pedals during a ride.
BarBend reviews writer Matt Cummings on the ProForm Carbon CX.
A magnetic system instead uses large magnets on both sides of the flywheel to adjust the resistance felt by the rider. When you adjust the resistance level on a magnetic system, the magnets move closer or further away from the flywheel. As the magnets get closer to the flywheel, you’ll need to pedal harder to complete a cycle. In general, magnetic systems provide a smoother, quiet ride and the bikes overall tend to be more durable than those with friction systems. All the picks in our list utilize a magnetic resistance system.
Adjustability
Whether it’s the resistance, seat, or handlebars, we made sure to include options that are highly adjustable. Most of the picks that made the cut range from 16 to 32 resistance levels, with some high-end options surpassing that average and more low-impact models falling below it. While you’re riding, the last thing you want is to be fumbling around trying to change the resistance.
The resistance knob on the Stryde Bike.
Most bikes out there include the good ol’ fashioned rotating knob on the frame, but we also wanted to include more high-tech options that allow you to adjust resistance via Bluetooth controllers, digital controls, and quick-touch buttons in the grips.
Price
We also wanted to provide a wide price range — $190 to $3,079, to be precise — to accommodate as many budgets as possible. Investing in home gym essentials is a big expense for many people, so we sought to broaden the typical range of roughly $600 to $2,000 that we see across most exercise bikes. As the number of resistance levels increase, along with tech features like large touchscreens and fitness app compatibility, the price of the bike tends to increase, as well.
Best Overall Magnetic Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
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.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
The NordicTrack S22i was a no-brainer as our best overall magnetic exercise bike because it packs in everything you need. With 24 levels of adjustable resistance, incline and decline capabilities (a rarity on exercise bikes), and a 350-pound weight capacity (50 pounds more than average), this bike earned at least a 4.5 out of 5 in nine out of 12 categories. One of our three testers noted how the 32-pound flywheel aids in the resistance adjustment. “Whether I did it myself or let iFIT change it hands-free, the resistance adjusted so smoothly,” they said.
Our BarBend tester riding the NordicTrack S22i.
The onboard 22-inch HD touchscreen brings these workouts to life and, as BarBend’s expert product tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, pointed out, “The touchscreen monitors tilts, but also rotates 360 degrees so you can hop off and do some strength training or join a yoga class.” Along with breaking down the features that make this bike stand out, he also described his experience using the S22i in his video review below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4)
Any incline or decline capability on an exercise bike is a rare inclusion, which made the S22i’s -10-percent to 20-percent range that much more impressive to BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier. “Having decline and incline really made it feel like I was riding along those Hawaiian cliffs,” she said. Accessing the integrated iFIT programming requires a monthly subscription — $39.99 per month — but earned a rating of 5 out of 5 from Meier.
When she tried moving the NordicTrack S22i around her space, though, Meier discovered a downside of that large screen. “I had to be careful to let the screen knock into things when I moved it around,” she described. “There isn’t really a good place to grab, like a built-in handle, so some people would probably need a hand to relocate it.” At 205 pounds, it’s a full 70 pounds heavier than the other upright bikes on our list, which earned it a 3.5 out of 5 from Meier.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Compact Magnetic Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
The ProForm Carbon CX is a sturdy steel 125-pound build with 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance. In addition to being one of the quietest options on the market, this bike also comes with a free year of iFit and a swiveling tablet holder, so you can stream classes on and off the bike.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
Taking up just 7.98 square feet, the ProForm Carbon CX is the most compact bike we’ve tested that also features iFIT integration. At just $399, it’s also one of the most affordable bikes with iFIT by up to $450. That’s due in part to its lack of a built-in touchscreen, meaning you’ll have to sync your own mobile device via the bike’s Bluetooth connectivity to access the app’s vast library of cardio, strength, and mobility classes, as well as its SmartAdjust technology.
BarBend reviews writer Matt Cummings on the ProForm Carbon CX.
When I had the chance to saddle up on the Carbon CX, I scored seven out of 12 categories a 4 out of 5 or higher, including a 4.5 for its footprint and portability. At 125 pounds, I thought the transport wheels made it easy to move around, although I can see how on thick carpets you may meet stiffer resistance than on our gym flooring.
[Related: The 9 Best Portable Exercise Bikes]
Speaking of resistance, the magnetic system on the Carbon CX allows for 16 levels of resistance. You can adjust it via a knob beneath the handlebars, but I found myself preferring the plus and minus buttons on the console.
Taking into consideration the four-way adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars, I scored its adjustability 5 out of 5. Even at 6 foot 3 inches, our tallest tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — noted how it helped them find a comfortable fit.
BarBend reviews writer Matt Cummings adjusting the resistance knob on the ProForm Carbon CX.
“I usually max out the ranges on seats and handlebars, but adjusting everything to find my fit was no problem,” they explained. “It’s also pretty crazy for such an affordable bike to have the auto-adjusting resistance feature.”
While the three-pound dumbbells can provide a full-body workout, you won’t find many conveniences. The Carbon CX has no heart rate monitor, water bottle holder, or built-in speaker. After taking it for a spin, I didn’t find myself missing them, though, especially since the resistance was quiet enough for me to hear the audio from my iPad’s speakers.
Read our full ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike Review.
Best High-End Magnetic Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect EX-8s
Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike
Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike
The Echelon EX-8s can glam up your home gym with a dual-flywheel design outfitted with LEDs you can customize by color, tempo, and brightness. The 24-inch touchscreen is curved to offer a deeper sense of immersion during classes on the Echelon Fit app.
Shop Echelon
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Echelon Connect EX-8s delivers a luxury indoor cycling experience. What first caught our eyes on this high-end bike were the pulsating LEDs built into the dual-flywheel design. These customizable lights flash and change color to match your heart rate and other metrics, creating as close to a studio experience as you can get in your living room. Studio classes unfold on a huge 24-inch touchscreen, which has a curved design that studies have shown can produce a more immersive viewing experience. (1)(2)
Our BarBend tester riding the Echelon Connect EX-8s.
Five out of 12 categories earned a 4 out of 5 or higher from our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, including customizations and adjustability. When you need to switch between its 32 resistance levels, you can either jump to a specific level on the screen, turn the dial on the frame, or use the Bluetooth controls on the handlebar when you’re out of the saddle.
[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]
There are over 15,000 workouts available via the integrated Echelon Fit app — with a $39.99 per month subscription — but they felt the programming wasn’t quite ready to compete with Peloton. “I think the classes are good, and you can tell they’re still building it out, but it’s not on Peloton’s level yet,” they said, rating the app’s programming 4 out of 5.
One unique feature we haven’t seen elsewhere is its shock absorption system, which works to reduce the impact on your joints. If you can imagine how the shocks on even a beginner mountain bike can provide a bit of bounce to absorb impact, the frame of the EX-8s has a similar feel. We felt it most when rising out of the saddle for a sprint or hill climb, so anyone with joint issues or who is recovering from an injury may appreciate the extra support.
Our tester adjusting the seat height on the Echelon Connect EX-8s.
Those who like to party as they sweat may like the customizable flywheel LEDs, but our tester, despite rating this smart bike’s tech capabilities a 5 out of 5, wasn’t sure they justify the $3,079 price tag. “Obviously it’s pretty cool to have the lights synced up with your heart rate, but they’re ultimately unnecessary and you can find this bike’s fitness app integration and 32 levels of resistance for less,” they noted.
Read our full Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike Review.
Best Magnetic Exercise Bike with Large Display: Stryde Bike
Stryde Bike
Stryde Bike
The Stryde Bike's 21-inch HD touchscreen is “unlocked,” so you’re not tied to a particular subscription service. It has 100 levels of magnetic resistance and you can use the Stryde app for $29.99 per month, but it is not required to use the bike.
Shop Stryde
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 8 Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes for 2024, Tested by Experts appeared first on BarBend.
When you embark on a quest to find the best exercise bike, it’s easy to get distracted by bright, shiny objects — huge touchscreen! virtual rides! — while overlooking critical questions like, “How does this thing actually work?” The best magnetic exercise bikes provide a smooth, quiet ride and don’t require as much routine maintenance as those with friction-based resistance systems.
Stationary bikes that utilize magnetic and friction resistance rely on a flywheel (a heavy disc) to regulate the level of resistance you feel when you turn the pedals. While a friction system uses a brake pad to slow down the flywheel, magnetic systems use — you guessed it — magnets to do the same thing, but without the metal-on-metal connection. Check out our top picks to see which one pulls you in — ya know, like a magnet.
The 8 Best Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes for 2024
- Best Overall Magnetic Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i
- Best Compact Magnetic Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX
- Best High-End Magnetic Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect EX-8s
- Best Magnetic Exercise Bike with Large Display: Stryde Bike
- Best Rear-Wheel Magnetic Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle
- Best Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike: NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Folding Magnetic Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
- Best Budget Magnetic Exercise Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes
The BarBend team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and cyclists have years of experience assembling, moving, repairing, and — of course — riding all kinds of exercise bikes. We tested more than 20 exercise bikes from the top brands, putting their magnetic resistance systems to the test and rating each of them on a scale from 1 (boo!) to 5 (hooray!) across 12 categories, including adjustability, durability, and value. Here are a few of the key factors we considered that can help you know what to look for when buying an indoor cycle.
Resistance Type
Most upright and recumbent bikes use one of two types of resistance systems — magnetic or friction. A friction system works a lot like the brakes in your car. As the rider adjusts the resistance, a brake pad either applies more or less friction to the flywheel, requiring more or less force to turn the pedals during a ride.
A magnetic system instead uses large magnets on both sides of the flywheel to adjust the resistance felt by the rider. When you adjust the resistance level on a magnetic system, the magnets move closer or further away from the flywheel. As the magnets get closer to the flywheel, you’ll need to pedal harder to complete a cycle. In general, magnetic systems provide a smoother, quiet ride and the bikes overall tend to be more durable than those with friction systems. All the picks in our list utilize a magnetic resistance system.
Adjustability
Whether it’s the resistance, seat, or handlebars, we made sure to include options that are highly adjustable. Most of the picks that made the cut range from 16 to 32 resistance levels, with some high-end options surpassing that average and more low-impact models falling below it. While you’re riding, the last thing you want is to be fumbling around trying to change the resistance.
Most bikes out there include the good ol’ fashioned rotating knob on the frame, but we also wanted to include more high-tech options that allow you to adjust resistance via Bluetooth controllers, digital controls, and quick-touch buttons in the grips.
Price
We also wanted to provide a wide price range — $190 to $3,079, to be precise — to accommodate as many budgets as possible. Investing in home gym essentials is a big expense for many people, so we sought to broaden the typical range of roughly $600 to $2,000 that we see across most exercise bikes. As the number of resistance levels increase, along with tech features like large touchscreens and fitness app compatibility, the price of the bike tends to increase, as well.
Best Overall Magnetic Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
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.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Dimensions: 58? H x 61? L x 22? W
- Resistance: 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Display: 22” HD touchscreen
- Weight: 205lbs
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Pros
- Between the 24 levels of magnetic resistance, 350-pound weight capacity, and 22-inch HD touchscreen, the S22i is the total package.
- With iFIT onboard, you can take on over 17,000 live and on-demand classes, some of which can automatically adjust your resistance as you ride.
- Incline and decline capabilities are rare for any exercise bike, much less a -10- to 20-percent range.
Cons
- Access to iFIT’s library of on- and off-bike workouts requires a monthly subscription of $39.99 per month.
- The bulky 22-inch display and 205-pound overall weight can make it difficult to move it around your training space.
The NordicTrack S22i was a no-brainer as our best overall magnetic exercise bike because it packs in everything you need. With 24 levels of adjustable resistance, incline and decline capabilities (a rarity on exercise bikes), and a 350-pound weight capacity (50 pounds more than average), this bike earned at least a 4.5 out of 5 in nine out of 12 categories. One of our three testers noted how the 32-pound flywheel aids in the resistance adjustment. “Whether I did it myself or let iFIT change it hands-free, the resistance adjusted so smoothly,” they said.
The onboard 22-inch HD touchscreen brings these workouts to life and, as BarBend’s expert product tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, pointed out, “The touchscreen monitors tilts, but also rotates 360 degrees so you can hop off and do some strength training or join a yoga class.” Along with breaking down the features that make this bike stand out, he also described his experience using the S22i in his video review below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4)
Any incline or decline capability on an exercise bike is a rare inclusion, which made the S22i’s -10-percent to 20-percent range that much more impressive to BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier. “Having decline and incline really made it feel like I was riding along those Hawaiian cliffs,” she said. Accessing the integrated iFIT programming requires a monthly subscription — $39.99 per month — but earned a rating of 5 out of 5 from Meier.
When she tried moving the NordicTrack S22i around her space, though, Meier discovered a downside of that large screen. “I had to be careful to let the screen knock into things when I moved it around,” she described. “There isn’t really a good place to grab, like a built-in handle, so some people would probably need a hand to relocate it.” At 205 pounds, it’s a full 70 pounds heavier than the other upright bikes on our list, which earned it a 3.5 out of 5 from Meier.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Compact Magnetic Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
The ProForm Carbon CX is a sturdy steel 125-pound build with 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance. In addition to being one of the quietest options on the market, this bike also comes with a free year of iFit and a swiveling tablet holder, so you can stream classes on and off the bike.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $399
- Dimensions: 51? H x 52.5? L x 21.9? W
- Resistance: 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Display: 180-degree swiveling tablet holder
- Weight: 125lbs
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Pros
- With a footprint of 7.98 square feet, it’s the most compact bike featuring iFIT integration we have tested.
- During select iFIT classes, the 16 levels of magnetic resistance can be automatically adjusted during your ride.
- By using your own device in the swiveling tablet holder, you’ll save up to $450 compared to the average bike with iFIT compatibility.
Cons
- Since there is no integrated screen, you’ll need to use your own device to stream workouts or entertainment.
- This bike is short on conveniences like speakers, fans, or heart rate sensors.
Taking up just 7.98 square feet, the ProForm Carbon CX is the most compact bike we’ve tested that also features iFIT integration. At just $399, it’s also one of the most affordable bikes with iFIT by up to $450. That’s due in part to its lack of a built-in touchscreen, meaning you’ll have to sync your own mobile device via the bike’s Bluetooth connectivity to access the app’s vast library of cardio, strength, and mobility classes, as well as its SmartAdjust technology.
When I had the chance to saddle up on the Carbon CX, I scored seven out of 12 categories a 4 out of 5 or higher, including a 4.5 for its footprint and portability. At 125 pounds, I thought the transport wheels made it easy to move around, although I can see how on thick carpets you may meet stiffer resistance than on our gym flooring.
[Related: The 9 Best Portable Exercise Bikes]
Speaking of resistance, the magnetic system on the Carbon CX allows for 16 levels of resistance. You can adjust it via a knob beneath the handlebars, but I found myself preferring the plus and minus buttons on the console.
Taking into consideration the four-way adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars, I scored its adjustability 5 out of 5. Even at 6 foot 3 inches, our tallest tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — noted how it helped them find a comfortable fit.
“I usually max out the ranges on seats and handlebars, but adjusting everything to find my fit was no problem,” they explained. “It’s also pretty crazy for such an affordable bike to have the auto-adjusting resistance feature.”
While the three-pound dumbbells can provide a full-body workout, you won’t find many conveniences. The Carbon CX has no heart rate monitor, water bottle holder, or built-in speaker. After taking it for a spin, I didn’t find myself missing them, though, especially since the resistance was quiet enough for me to hear the audio from my iPad’s speakers.
Read our full ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike Review.
Best High-End Magnetic Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect EX-8s
Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike
Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike
The Echelon EX-8s can glam up your home gym with a dual-flywheel design outfitted with LEDs you can customize by color, tempo, and brightness. The 24-inch touchscreen is curved to offer a deeper sense of immersion during classes on the Echelon Fit app.
Shop Echelon
Specs
- Price: $3,079.99
- Dimensions: 65’’ H x 59’’ L x 23’’ W
- Resistance: 32 levels of magnetic resistance
- Display: 24” curved HD touchscreen
- Weight: 124lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- Between the curved 24-inch touchscreen, dual front-facing Bluetooth speakers, and customizable LED flywheel lights, the EX-8s is the epitome of high-end.
- Use the Bluetooth controller on the handlebars, digital settings on the screen, or good ol’ fashioned knob to adjust its 32 levels of magnetic resistance.
- With Echelon Fit built-in, you can stream over 15,000 live and on-demand rides, HIIT sessions, or yoga classes on or off the bike.
- Its shock absorption system can help reduce the impact on joints when you rise out of the saddle.
Cons
- Its $3,079 price tag makes it roughly $1,600 more than the Peloton Bike.
- Our tester noted the bulky screen can wobble a bit during intense rides or when you move it around.
- Some of its high-tech features, like the pulsating LED lights may be a bit extra for some.
The Echelon Connect EX-8s delivers a luxury indoor cycling experience. What first caught our eyes on this high-end bike were the pulsating LEDs built into the dual-flywheel design. These customizable lights flash and change color to match your heart rate and other metrics, creating as close to a studio experience as you can get in your living room. Studio classes unfold on a huge 24-inch touchscreen, which has a curved design that studies have shown can produce a more immersive viewing experience. (1)(2)
Five out of 12 categories earned a 4 out of 5 or higher from our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, including customizations and adjustability. When you need to switch between its 32 resistance levels, you can either jump to a specific level on the screen, turn the dial on the frame, or use the Bluetooth controls on the handlebar when you’re out of the saddle.
[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]
There are over 15,000 workouts available via the integrated Echelon Fit app — with a $39.99 per month subscription — but they felt the programming wasn’t quite ready to compete with Peloton. “I think the classes are good, and you can tell they’re still building it out, but it’s not on Peloton’s level yet,” they said, rating the app’s programming 4 out of 5.
One unique feature we haven’t seen elsewhere is its shock absorption system, which works to reduce the impact on your joints. If you can imagine how the shocks on even a beginner mountain bike can provide a bit of bounce to absorb impact, the frame of the EX-8s has a similar feel. We felt it most when rising out of the saddle for a sprint or hill climb, so anyone with joint issues or who is recovering from an injury may appreciate the extra support.
Those who like to party as they sweat may like the customizable flywheel LEDs, but our tester, despite rating this smart bike’s tech capabilities a 5 out of 5, wasn’t sure they justify the $3,079 price tag. “Obviously it’s pretty cool to have the lights synced up with your heart rate, but they’re ultimately unnecessary and you can find this bike’s fitness app integration and 32 levels of resistance for less,” they noted.
Read our full Echelon Connect EX-8s Exercise Bike Review.
Best Magnetic Exercise Bike with Large Display: Stryde Bike
Stryde Bike
Stryde Bike
The Stryde Bike's 21-inch HD touchscreen is “unlocked,” so you’re not tied to a particular subscription service. It has 100 levels of magnetic resistance and you can use the Stryde app for $29.99 per month, but it is not required to use the bike.
Shop Stryde
...
Click here to view the article.
