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Trying out a new cardio routine in the form of cycling is exciting. The aerobic exercise you get from cycling can strengthen your heart, increase your endurance, and lift your mood. (1)(2) As a beginner, it’s important to navigate your options with a keen eye on reliable and user-friendly features. While the best exercise bikes on the market...
The post The 8 Best Exercise Bikes for Beginners of 2024, Tried and Tested appeared first on BarBend.
Trying out a new cardio routine in the form of cycling is exciting. The aerobic exercise you get from cycling can strengthen your heart, increase your endurance, and lift your mood. (1)(2) As a beginner, it’s important to navigate your options with a keen eye on reliable and user-friendly features. While the best exercise bikes on the market can help start your journey, we’ve taken that a step further by finding the best exercise bikes for beginners with a focus on high user weight capacities, durability, and accessible programming options.
Upright, air, recumbent, and mini bikes can help manage weight, aid in recovery, prevent cardiovascular disease, and provide access to cycling routines from your home. (3) We’ve made sure to note which type of bike is best suited for you, whether you’re looking to improve your health, get more movement in your day, or burn some calories. Regardless of your goals or level of ability, we’ve got a choice on our list that’ll suit your needs. Here are our top picks.
The 8 Best Exercise Bikes for Beginners of 2024
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, 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 Exercise Bikes for Beginners
The makeup of the BarBend team includes former D1 athletes, certified personal trainers, and nutrition coaches. We’ve tried and tested over 30 exercise bikes to bring you the 8 best exercise bikes for beginners. To put ourselves in the consumer’s shoes, we’ve lugged each shipment into our homes, built each product out of the box, and put each bike through rigorous testing to see how it stands up compared to the competition.
To provide you with the information you’ll need to make an informed purchase, we’ve scored factors such as durability, adjustability, dynamic programming, footprint, and more on a scale 1 (yuck) to 5 (fantàstico!). Here are some of the areas we dialed in on when making our selections.
Intended Use
If you’re interested in an at-home cycling experience, you’ll first want to decide what kind of bike you’re interested in, whether it’s a traditional upright bike or a joint-friendly recumbent cycle. “Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Upright bikes are your typical stationary bikes, which are excellent for high-intensity exercise and tech-savvy cyclists who love to take fitness classes.”
Other options include air bikes, which are often used in CrossFit training and incorporate a pair of moving arms for a full-body workout. Mini bikes, meanwhile, have small footprints and are ideal for low-intensity pedaling in front of the TV or under your desk at work.
[Related: The 9 Best Air Bike Workouts for Every Experience Level]
We worked to include each type of bike on our list, as the intended uses of beginners can vary based on the type of workout and level of training intensity they’re looking for.
Durability
When you’re dropping that hard-earned cash money on an exercise bike, you don’t want it quickly puttering into extinction due to poor construction. When making our selections, we emphasized durability with bikes forged from steel and, with our budget options, alloy steel.
Strong materials tend to equal high user weight capacities, which ensures a bike can support a variety of body types. While the standard user weight limit on exercise bikes is 300 pounds, our list includes some options that support up to 350 pounds.
[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People]
Your Fitness Goals
Setting goals is the first step of any fitness journey. Gabby Sansosti NASM-CPT, former Tonal coach and fitness app entrepreneur, said, “Setting big goals is great, but it’s important to be present and proud of all the steps taken in the right direction.” While the benefits of cycling can increase heart health, make you feel good, and help to manage weight, we understand that no two people have the same goals when they invest in an indoor exercise bike.
We made sure to provide options that ran the gamut — from aiding in weight loss, supporting recovery, increasing endurance, and just getting a little more movement into your day. To help support this wide range of goals, we looked for bikes with built-in programming, whether that be via integrated apps or built-in programming that can help track of your progress.
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Beginners: 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 has the efficiency and tech capabilities to help newbies start a routine and make your home gym the talk of the town. Via the 22-inch HD touchscreen, you can access more than 17,000 beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes — from cardio to strength and beyond — with the user-friendly iFIT app. Better yet, it’s capable of 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, which should be plenty for a newcomer to find their groove and grow from there. Tech capabilities, dynamic programming, and customizations all scored a 5 out of 5.
Our BarBend tester riding the NordicTrack S22i.
Guidance is essential when starting a fitness routine, and iFIT, one of our favorite Peloton alternatives, has numerous beginner-friendly rides that can take you through scenic locations like Moab, Utah, and Japan. You can also take strength and mobility classes off the bike, as the touchscreen display swivels so you can get a better view.
We also love this bike’s incline and decline capabilities. “It’s something we don’t tend to see on exercise bikes,” noted Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member. Those features, along with the resistance, can be automatically adjusted during certain iFIT classes via the app’s SmartAdjust technology. Dynamic programming and tech capabilities scored a perfect 5 out of 5.
iFIT will, however, cost an additional $39 a month on top of the bike’s $1,999 price tag. “Without the subscription, you lose out on a lot. But users could still use the bike in manual mode,” noted Meier. In manual mode, users can ride at their own pace, keeping tabs on their progress with an oval racetrack graphic.
We love that the bike is forged from steel with an impressive 350-pound weight capacity, but that also makes it difficult to move around. At 205 pounds, it weighs nearly 70 pounds more than the Peloton Bike. “There are front transport wheels to help move this bike around, but the large 22-inch touchscreen can make doing so an even larger challenge,” mentioned Meier, who scored its footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Air Bike for Beginners: AssaultBike Classic
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
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.
Shop Assault
Specs
Pros
Cons
“Air bikes are unique in that they feature moving arms, so cycling becomes a full-body workout rather than a lower-body-focused one,” explains BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Air bikes are also relatively utilitarian, often lacking touchscreens and elaborate tech in favor of a user-powered experience that’s ideal for HIIT training. We like the AssaultBike Classic for beginners, as we found it easy to set up and like that it contains seven built-in programs to help you get into a routine.
Assault AirBike
We love a simple setup, and we know beginners will benefit from this as well. “After this air bike arrived, it was pretty easy putting it together. The flywheel and frame came ready to go, so all I had to do was put the handlebars, seat post, monitor, and pedals on,” noted our tester, who scored delivery and setup a 4 out of 5. What’s more, users won’t need to plug this bike in or fiddle with an app or touchscreen to take off on their ride.
Unlike standard exercise bikes, the AssaultBike Classic has elliptical-like arms that let you work your upper body during Tabata sessions or a quick HIIT workout. “It’s going to allow you to burn some extra calories,” notes Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester in his video review.
With a powder-coated steel frame and 20 sealed cartridge bearings, this bike was built to last so long as proper upkeep is maintained. This durability scored a 4 out of 5.
However, you won’t find much in the way of tech or conveniences. “There isn’t a water bottle holder or a speaker I can blast tunes from, but Assault Fitness makes sturdy bikes meant to simply get the job done,” mentioned our tester who rated its tech capabilities a 3 out of 5 and conveniences a 2 out of 5.
Users will want to be aware that this bike uses a chain-drive system, which is noisier and requires more upkeep than bikes with a belt-drive system. Assault Fitness recommends lubricating this chain every 3 months to keep things running smoothly.
Read our full Assault AirBike Classic Review.
Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Beginners: ProForm Studio Bike Pro
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a high-tech, high-quality indoor bike. It has a 22” HD touchscreen display that swivels 180 degrees to accommodate workouts both on and off the bike. It comes with a free year of iFit and features silent magnetic resistance making it a great option of in-home use.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
Investing in an exercise bike with a screen can help immerse you in virtual spin classes or zone out to all 524 seasons of “Survivor” during high-intensity or LISS cardio sessions. The $1,299 ProForm Studio Bike Pro comes fitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen that’s compatible with iFIT programming. It also has 22 levels of magnetic resistance that can accommodate novice riders and seasoned cyclists. Tech capabilities, conveniences, ergonomics, adjustability, and setup scored a 4 out of 5, and dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
“The 10-inch screen is small, especially compared to bikes I’ve tried with nearly double the screen size, but it’s right for the price and I love that it’s compatible with iFIT,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22.
As of this writing, the bike comes with a 3-year membership to iFIT, granting you access to over 17,000 classes suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced cardio seekers, not to mention outdoor scenic rides. It can also automatically adjust your resistance during select classes, allowing you to focus on your sweat. And since the screen tilts up and down and can swivel 180 degrees, you can get a comfortable view during off-bike strength and mobility classes. This dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]
After your three-year membership, you’ll have the option to keep using iFIT by paying the $39 monthly subscription. If you opt out of an iFIT subscription, you’ll still have access to a limited amount of iFIT workouts. Plus, you can use the bike in manual mode.
The 250-pound weight capacity is disappointing, and lower than the 300-pound capacity we’ve seen on comparable bikes. “A 250-pound weight capacity is low for a bike at this price,” said our tester. “I felt pretty steady in and out of the seat, but the handlebars did move from side to side when I pulled on them.” They scored durability a 2.75 out of 5.
[Related: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review: A Connected Bike at a Price We Like]
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Beginners: NordicTrack Commercial R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Shop NordicTrack
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 8 Best Exercise Bikes for Beginners of 2024, Tried and Tested appeared first on BarBend.
Trying out a new cardio routine in the form of cycling is exciting. The aerobic exercise you get from cycling can strengthen your heart, increase your endurance, and lift your mood. (1)(2) As a beginner, it’s important to navigate your options with a keen eye on reliable and user-friendly features. While the best exercise bikes on the market can help start your journey, we’ve taken that a step further by finding the best exercise bikes for beginners with a focus on high user weight capacities, durability, and accessible programming options.
Upright, air, recumbent, and mini bikes can help manage weight, aid in recovery, prevent cardiovascular disease, and provide access to cycling routines from your home. (3) We’ve made sure to note which type of bike is best suited for you, whether you’re looking to improve your health, get more movement in your day, or burn some calories. Regardless of your goals or level of ability, we’ve got a choice on our list that’ll suit your needs. Here are our top picks.
The 8 Best Exercise Bikes for Beginners of 2024
- Best Overall Exercise Bike for Beginners: NordicTrack S22i
- Best Air Bike for Beginners: AssaultBike Classic
- Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Beginners: ProForm Studio Bike Pro
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Beginners: NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Interactive Exercise Bike for Beginners: BowFlex VeloCore
- Best Folding Exercise Bike for Beginners: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- Best Exercise Bike off Amazon for Beginners: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
- Best Under Desk Exercise Bike for Beginners: DeskCycle2
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, 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 Exercise Bikes for Beginners
The makeup of the BarBend team includes former D1 athletes, certified personal trainers, and nutrition coaches. We’ve tried and tested over 30 exercise bikes to bring you the 8 best exercise bikes for beginners. To put ourselves in the consumer’s shoes, we’ve lugged each shipment into our homes, built each product out of the box, and put each bike through rigorous testing to see how it stands up compared to the competition.
To provide you with the information you’ll need to make an informed purchase, we’ve scored factors such as durability, adjustability, dynamic programming, footprint, and more on a scale 1 (yuck) to 5 (fantàstico!). Here are some of the areas we dialed in on when making our selections.
Intended Use
If you’re interested in an at-home cycling experience, you’ll first want to decide what kind of bike you’re interested in, whether it’s a traditional upright bike or a joint-friendly recumbent cycle. “Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Upright bikes are your typical stationary bikes, which are excellent for high-intensity exercise and tech-savvy cyclists who love to take fitness classes.”
Other options include air bikes, which are often used in CrossFit training and incorporate a pair of moving arms for a full-body workout. Mini bikes, meanwhile, have small footprints and are ideal for low-intensity pedaling in front of the TV or under your desk at work.
[Related: The 9 Best Air Bike Workouts for Every Experience Level]
We worked to include each type of bike on our list, as the intended uses of beginners can vary based on the type of workout and level of training intensity they’re looking for.
Durability
When you’re dropping that hard-earned cash money on an exercise bike, you don’t want it quickly puttering into extinction due to poor construction. When making our selections, we emphasized durability with bikes forged from steel and, with our budget options, alloy steel.
Strong materials tend to equal high user weight capacities, which ensures a bike can support a variety of body types. While the standard user weight limit on exercise bikes is 300 pounds, our list includes some options that support up to 350 pounds.
[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People]
Your Fitness Goals
Setting goals is the first step of any fitness journey. Gabby Sansosti NASM-CPT, former Tonal coach and fitness app entrepreneur, said, “Setting big goals is great, but it’s important to be present and proud of all the steps taken in the right direction.” While the benefits of cycling can increase heart health, make you feel good, and help to manage weight, we understand that no two people have the same goals when they invest in an indoor exercise bike.
We made sure to provide options that ran the gamut — from aiding in weight loss, supporting recovery, increasing endurance, and just getting a little more movement into your day. To help support this wide range of goals, we looked for bikes with built-in programming, whether that be via integrated apps or built-in programming that can help track of your progress.
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Beginners: 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
- Weight: 205lbs
- Resistance: 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Pros
- Beginners can ease into a routine with 24 levels of resistance and access to trainer-led iFIT classes.
- The 22-inch HD touchscreen swivels so you can take strength and mobility classes off the bike.
- It has incline and decline capabilities — a rarity on exercise bikes — to support hill training.
- It comes with a pair of 3-pound dumbbells.
Cons
- iFIT, which we feel maximizes this smart bike’s potential, costs an additional $39 per month on top of the nearly $2,000 price tag.
- At 205 pounds — and with a heavy 22-inch screen — this bike can be cumbersome to move around.
The NordicTrack S22i has the efficiency and tech capabilities to help newbies start a routine and make your home gym the talk of the town. Via the 22-inch HD touchscreen, you can access more than 17,000 beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes — from cardio to strength and beyond — with the user-friendly iFIT app. Better yet, it’s capable of 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, which should be plenty for a newcomer to find their groove and grow from there. Tech capabilities, dynamic programming, and customizations all scored a 5 out of 5.
Guidance is essential when starting a fitness routine, and iFIT, one of our favorite Peloton alternatives, has numerous beginner-friendly rides that can take you through scenic locations like Moab, Utah, and Japan. You can also take strength and mobility classes off the bike, as the touchscreen display swivels so you can get a better view.
We also love this bike’s incline and decline capabilities. “It’s something we don’t tend to see on exercise bikes,” noted Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member. Those features, along with the resistance, can be automatically adjusted during certain iFIT classes via the app’s SmartAdjust technology. Dynamic programming and tech capabilities scored a perfect 5 out of 5.
iFIT will, however, cost an additional $39 a month on top of the bike’s $1,999 price tag. “Without the subscription, you lose out on a lot. But users could still use the bike in manual mode,” noted Meier. In manual mode, users can ride at their own pace, keeping tabs on their progress with an oval racetrack graphic.
We love that the bike is forged from steel with an impressive 350-pound weight capacity, but that also makes it difficult to move around. At 205 pounds, it weighs nearly 70 pounds more than the Peloton Bike. “There are front transport wheels to help move this bike around, but the large 22-inch touchscreen can make doing so an even larger challenge,” mentioned Meier, who scored its footprint and portability a 3.5 out of 5.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Air Bike for Beginners: AssaultBike Classic
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
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.
Shop Assault
Specs
- Price: $699
- Dimensions: 50’’ H x 50.95’’ L x 23.34’’ W
- Weight: 95.6lbs
- Resistance: Air
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- Beginners will like this air bike’s easy setup and seven built-in programs.
- Like most air bikes, it includes movable arms so riders can get a full-body workout in while they cycle.
- The powder-coated steel frame and 20 sealed cartridge bearings make for a bike that’s built to last (with proper upkeep).
Cons
- This bike uses a chain-drive system, which can be noisier and require more upkeep than bikes with belt-drive systems.
- The tech on this bike is limited. There aren’t any speakers to stream your music from or Bluetooth connectivity to pair with fitness apps.
“Air bikes are unique in that they feature moving arms, so cycling becomes a full-body workout rather than a lower-body-focused one,” explains BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Air bikes are also relatively utilitarian, often lacking touchscreens and elaborate tech in favor of a user-powered experience that’s ideal for HIIT training. We like the AssaultBike Classic for beginners, as we found it easy to set up and like that it contains seven built-in programs to help you get into a routine.
We love a simple setup, and we know beginners will benefit from this as well. “After this air bike arrived, it was pretty easy putting it together. The flywheel and frame came ready to go, so all I had to do was put the handlebars, seat post, monitor, and pedals on,” noted our tester, who scored delivery and setup a 4 out of 5. What’s more, users won’t need to plug this bike in or fiddle with an app or touchscreen to take off on their ride.
Unlike standard exercise bikes, the AssaultBike Classic has elliptical-like arms that let you work your upper body during Tabata sessions or a quick HIIT workout. “It’s going to allow you to burn some extra calories,” notes Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester in his video review.
With a powder-coated steel frame and 20 sealed cartridge bearings, this bike was built to last so long as proper upkeep is maintained. This durability scored a 4 out of 5.
However, you won’t find much in the way of tech or conveniences. “There isn’t a water bottle holder or a speaker I can blast tunes from, but Assault Fitness makes sturdy bikes meant to simply get the job done,” mentioned our tester who rated its tech capabilities a 3 out of 5 and conveniences a 2 out of 5.
Users will want to be aware that this bike uses a chain-drive system, which is noisier and requires more upkeep than bikes with a belt-drive system. Assault Fitness recommends lubricating this chain every 3 months to keep things running smoothly.
Read our full Assault AirBike Classic Review.
Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Beginners: ProForm Studio Bike Pro
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a high-tech, high-quality indoor bike. It has a 22” HD touchscreen display that swivels 180 degrees to accommodate workouts both on and off the bike. It comes with a free year of iFit and features silent magnetic resistance making it a great option of in-home use.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $1,404
- Dimensions: 52” H x 56.5” L x 21.9” W
- Weight: 140lbs
- Resistance: 22 levels of magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Pros
- The 10-inch HD touchscreen can swivel 180 degrees, allowing users to take iFIT classes both on and off the bikes.
- As of this writing, your purchase includes a 3-year iFIT subscription, giving you access to over 17,000 cycling, running, and strength training classes.
- 22 levels of magnetic resistance can provide a wide range of training capabilities for beginners and more experienced riders.
Cons
- The 250-pound user weight capacity is lower than the 300-pound average we see on more premium bikes.
- The handlebars can move from side to side if you yank on them while riding, per our tester.
Investing in an exercise bike with a screen can help immerse you in virtual spin classes or zone out to all 524 seasons of “Survivor” during high-intensity or LISS cardio sessions. The $1,299 ProForm Studio Bike Pro comes fitted with a 10-inch HD touchscreen that’s compatible with iFIT programming. It also has 22 levels of magnetic resistance that can accommodate novice riders and seasoned cyclists. Tech capabilities, conveniences, ergonomics, adjustability, and setup scored a 4 out of 5, and dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
“The 10-inch screen is small, especially compared to bikes I’ve tried with nearly double the screen size, but it’s right for the price and I love that it’s compatible with iFIT,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.
As of this writing, the bike comes with a 3-year membership to iFIT, granting you access to over 17,000 classes suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced cardio seekers, not to mention outdoor scenic rides. It can also automatically adjust your resistance during select classes, allowing you to focus on your sweat. And since the screen tilts up and down and can swivel 180 degrees, you can get a comfortable view during off-bike strength and mobility classes. This dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]
After your three-year membership, you’ll have the option to keep using iFIT by paying the $39 monthly subscription. If you opt out of an iFIT subscription, you’ll still have access to a limited amount of iFIT workouts. Plus, you can use the bike in manual mode.
The 250-pound weight capacity is disappointing, and lower than the 300-pound capacity we’ve seen on comparable bikes. “A 250-pound weight capacity is low for a bike at this price,” said our tester. “I felt pretty steady in and out of the seat, but the handlebars did move from side to side when I pulled on them.” They scored durability a 2.75 out of 5.
[Related: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review: A Connected Bike at a Price We Like]
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Beginners: NordicTrack Commercial R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike
This recumbent bike features a 25-pound flywheel and 26 levels of magnetic resistance. With your purchase, you'll receive a 30-day trial to iFit, granting you access to over 16,000 workout classes ranging from cardio to strength training.
Shop NordicTrack
...
Click here to view the article.
