Best exercise bikes 2024, from beginner to expert
Get a cardio workout without ever having to leave the house thanks to our roundup of stellar exercise bikes.
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Unpredictable weather can prove a huge barrier to even the most determined of fitness lovers.
Enter the exercise bike – the portable fitness machine that allows you to reap all the benefits of a cycling workout from the comfort of your home.
It’s a great, underrated way to increase your cardiovascular fitness, and because you’re staying in a seated position, it relieves some of the pressure off your joints, it can be a great alternative for those who struggle with running.
"It is one of the most effective ways to burn calories, you can burn several hundred calories in just one workout if you want," says Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic, adding it's a great workout to "improve overall level of fitness".
"It is also a very low-impact form of exercise. Therefore if you have had an injury that has limited you from being able to workout and lose weight in the past, an exercise bike might be the answer you’ve been looking for to finally lose that weight."
Have a look below for our top picks including the best-selling bike that you can use at your desk while working.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICK OF THE BEST EXERCISE BIKES
Celsius BK1 Exercise Bike, $399 at rebel
Celsius BK1 Exercise Bike
What You Need To Know
At just under $400, this indoor cycling bike is very reasonably priced compared to other options we’ve found.
The upright exercise bike offers a smooth resistance system, so you won’t disturb others while you smash your fitness goals. It also provides the rider with eight levels of preset resistance, so it’s designed to work for all fitness levels.
This exercise bike scored a 4.5-star overall rating from over 200 reviewers with shoppers loving the the ease of use and durability of the bike.
"Simple and affordable, but still has features I wanted that even some of the expensive bikes were lacking. These include adjustable seat (forward and back as well as height) and adjustable handle bars," wrote one five-star review.
BEST RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKE
Red Star Fitness Lachesis Recumbent Exercise Bike
What You Should Know
Featuring eight levels of resistance, an easy-to-read LCD computer screen and a contoured, highly supportive backrest, this top-rated exercise bike is a great option for those after a recumbent bike. Recumbent exercise bikes are particularly good for those who are recovering from an injury or are generally less stable.
It also has rave reviews online with most customers saying it's "easy to assemble" and "easy to use".
"I bought this some months ago but illness prevented me from rating the bike earlier. It is now built, it's quite elegant and doesn't look as cumbersome as I expected in my living room where it will 'live'. It seems just what I need to help me recover some fitness," wrote one five-star review.
BEST UPRIGHT EXERCISE BIKE
Lifespan Fitness EXER-58 Exercise Bike, $343.63 (down from $459) at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
The brand itself is well-regarded in the fitness community, so you can be sure this purchase is a quality one.
The exercise bike offers eight levels of resistance, an LCD display to track your progress, fixed handlebars, foot straps on the pedals, as well as a smooth and silent belt transmission.
Most reviewers praise the bike’s sleekness, quietness and straightforward set-up, with one reviewer on Myer saying “it is near silent and feels very sturdy”.
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike, $1598.31 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Featuring micro-adjustable levels, this exercise bike is a great way to burn calories fast. It has over 3700 five-star ratings on Amazon with many saying it took only half an hour to put together.
"What I loved about this bike was the ride position was fantastic and really well thought out from an ergonomic standpoint, which just makes the ride so much more comfortable," wrote one five-star review.
Another said, "If you're looking for a cost-effective, very dependable bike, you should definitely consider purchasing one of these. Absolutely worth it!"
Assault Fitness AirBike, $999 (down from $1,495) at Gym and Fitness
What You Need To Know
If you’re one of those people who prefers their workouts to fall on the hardcore end of the spectrum, this is the bike for you. It’s racked up over 300 five-star reviews on the Gym and Fitness website.
The fan bike assures that you’re doing all the work. There are seven on-board programs but it also gives you the option to jump on and ride at your own pace.
"Love it. Easy set up, sturdy and exactly what I wanted. I went with this model as it’s the same as what’s at my gymIf you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate, worth every cent," wrote one five-star review.
BEST BUDGET EXERCISE BIKES UNDER $200
LSG ERG-200 Exercise Bike, $199 at Amazon Australia
LSG ERG-200 Exercise Bike
What You Need To Know
This one from Amazon will set you back just under $200 and still offers an easy-to-read LCD display that shows time, speed, calories, distance, pulse, RPM and odometer.
There's also a stand for your tablet, phone or book so if exercise isn't something you relish you can easily distract yourself.
“It’s really light to move around and takes up minimal space. So easy to use and the seat is very comfortable,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST BUDGET EXERCISE BIKE UNDER $500
Everfit Spin Exercise Bike, $233.95 (down from $252.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
The Everfit Spin Exercise Bike offers adjustable heights and angles, LCD display to track your performance, a three-position handlebar, a hand pulse sensor and a silent driving belt.
It’s safe to say you’re getting bang for your buck with this exercise bike, especially with the price tag sitting under $300.
One five-star review says it's a "great little starter" and writes that "The bike is only an entry-level bike which is more than adequate. Good value for money."
BEST FOLDING EXERCISE BIKE
Everfit Exercise Bike X-Bike, $209.95 (down from $236.95) at Myer
Everfit Exercise Bike X-Bike
What You Need To Know
Introducing the Everfit X-Bike, a foldable and compact exercise bike that promises to be super easy to set up. It’s racked up an average rating of 4.3 out of five on the Myer website, with one happy customer commenting they “love this exercise bike!”
“It was easy to assemble and folds up to store in a corner of any room so you don’t resent the space it takes up,” they added.
It also offers a silent magnetic system, so you can get your workout in at any time of the day without disrupting other members of your house.
BEST MINI EXERCISE BIKE
DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike, $299 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Perfect for those who require a gentle workout option, or want a fuss-free bike to use while they sit down and work, the DeskCycle 2 is loved by many.
We haven’t had the chance to put one of these to the test yet but with over 3000 five star reviews on Amazon, there are plenty of people who have.
The bike offers a smooth and quiet magnetic resistance, so you won’t disturb others while you’re getting in your exercise. Five-star reviewers have described it as being “the only bike I’ve ever been able to ride.”
Others definitely believe it is worth every penny with one saying it may be “a little expensive, but you pay for quality, it is worth it for this one.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN EXERCISE BIKE
When choosing exercise bikes to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Purpose: Ben says to ask yourself what am I buying the bike for? "Is it for rehab on an injury? Are you training for an event? What are you wanting to achieve? The answers to these type of questions will point you in the right direction," he says.
Features: Do you want a super high-end model with all the latest features or are you happy with simply getting on a bike and moving? We tried to ensure we included a range in this list.
Comfort: For many, comfort is one of the most important factors. We've all had that uncomfortable feeling of sitting on a bike for too long. We read reviews and descriptions to make sure the bikes on our list were fairly comfortable.
Price: Everyone has a different budget and different price points will inevitably allow for extra features. Plus, the more expensive the sturdier the bike is which therefore increases both the weight capacity and the weight of the actual bike. This is another consideration we took into account when making this list.
Size: It's hard to find the spare space for an exercise bike for many of us so we also included both folding and smaller options to cater for all shoppers.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best exercise bike for your needs and budget, we asked the Director of Flow Athletic, Ben Lucas, for his expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying an exercise bike. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best exercise bike from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS AN EXERCISE BIKE AN EFFECTIVE WORKOUT?
"It’s probably one of the most effective types of exercise one can do to improve their overall level of fitness," says Ben.
"It is also one of the safest exercises one can do as there is little to no joint impact or jarring.
"You also have full control of the intensity of your workout with being able to adjust the resistance level and speed of the bike.
"Plus, it’s a very convenient way to train as it requires very little space and can be used anywhere."
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN EXERCISE BIKE?
According to Ben, the biggest benefit is that it improves your cardiovascular health.
"It’s a great way to get your heart rate up quickly and maintain it at level that you want," he says.
Also, the fact that it is a very low-impact exercise is also one of its biggest benefits Ben says. "Unlike running, there is little to no impact so if you have had an injury in the past, it is one of the safest forms of recovery training."
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE YOUR EXERCISE BIKE?
The more the better, says Ben. But it really depends on what your fitness goals are. Generally, though, his recommendation would be two to four times a week for between 30 -50 minutes. This will cover most of your training goals and build up a good habit, he says.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR AN EXERCISE BIKE WORKOUT?
"The first would be making sure it is set up correctly," Ben says.
"Adjusting the height of the seat and handlebars depending on how tall you are is essential for a safe and comfortable workout.
"To find the right height, when seated on the bike with one of your legs on the pedal in the lowest position (6 o'clock), you should have a slight bend in the knee, around 25-35 degrees.
"The handlebars should roughly be in line with your seat. You should be able to reach them comfortably without any strain on your back.
"The other key tip I would recommend is to measure your heart rate. This will let you know what the appropriate resistance level you should be setting the bike at to make sure you’re getting the desired workout."
CAN YOU GET THE SAME BENEFITS FROM USING AN EXERCISE BIKE AT HOME AS A SPIN CYCLE CLASS?
According to Ben, yes, you can. He does note that one key factor when you're at home is that it is up to you to do the work.
"You don’t have a spin instructor to push you so be sure to pump up the music and set some clear goals/markers you want to hit with each workout," he says.
However, another option is the Peloton bike where you can sign up to a membership and do classes in the comfort of your own home. Smart exercise bikes are a great option if you want the benefit of a class but without the effort of going to a gym.
IS AN EXERCISE BIKE A SUITABLE WORKOUT FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO LOSE WEIGHT?
"It is one of the most effective ways to burn calories, you can burn several hundred calories in just one workout if you want," Ben says.
"You also have full control over the resistance and intensity of the training meaning you can choose how hard you want to train to lose weight or not.
"Again, it is also a very low-impact form of exercise. Therefore if you have had an injury that has limited you from being able to workout and lose weight in the past, an exercise bike might the answer you’ve been looking for to finally lose that weight."
IS IT WORTH GETTING AN EXERCISE BIKE?
An exercise bike is a great investment if you’re looking for an alternative for a treadmill. Riding a bike is an effective form of cardiovascular exercise that sees you lift your heart rate, increase muscle mass and up your fitness level.
Using an exercise bike over a treadmill is a particularly good option for those with joint problems as it’s a low-to-no impact workout option. Staying seated on the bike relieves some of the pressure off your joints, while still providing you with a quality aerobic workout.
Another indoor bike alternative is buying a stationary bike trainer where you simply pop the bike you already own into the equipment. Compared to other stationary bikes, this can be a lot more affordable.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EXERCISE BIKE AND A SPIN BIKE?
Generally speaking, an exercise bike is designed to be used from the seated position and is a perfect option for endurance sessions.
"Exercise bikes come in a variety of different designs depending on the manufacturer. This might include backrests, digital screens and lighter flywheels," says Ben.
On the other hand, a spin bike is what’s used in a spin class (as the name suggests) and is more suited to a customised workout.
This is where different speeds are incorporated as well as acceleration, coasting, standing up and then sitting back down. Increasingly, many at-home exercise bikes offer tailored workout and resistance options, making them a brilliant option for those who can’t afford a gym membership or prefer to work out at home.
"Spin bikes tend to mimic more of a ‘road bike’ look and feel," says Ben. "With narrower seats and more streamlined manufacturing."
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Ben Lucas
Ben Lucas is the Director of Flow Athletic, Australia’s leading boutique fitness and yoga studio. Post schooling he went on with his rugby league to play professionally for the Cronulla Sharks. In March 2013 Flow Athletic opened, bringing a unique mix of strength, fitness and yoga to the marketplace. Ben now spends the majority of his time on the growth of Flow. In 2015 Flow Athletic won the Telstra Start-Up of the year.
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