Indoor cycling bike models vary not just in price but in construction quality, product weight and extra features. Indoor cycle bikes are set up more like a road bike than traditional stationary bikes, and they aim to replicate the feeling of riding outdoors. They also can come with hefty price tags, but this isn't always the case.
$999 and Up
A Serious Training Bike
While expensive, the CycleOps 300 Pro Indoor Cycle has many features riders may want. This includes a Joule 2.0 cycling computer and a PowerTap power meter in the rear flywheel, which gives accurate digital feedback about your effort during a workout.
At more than $2,000, this bike won't be for everyone, but if you are serious about training indoors, reviewers on Amazon say this is a better option than using a rear wheel trainer or rollers with your regular road bike. With a highly adjustable frame, the bike can fit riders of many heights. Do note that the bike does not come with pedals.
Indoor Training With Gears
If you're looking for a high-end bike, the Keiser M3 Plus could be it. At about $1,800, it is akin to the quality you'll find in a gym bike - fully adjustable and sturdy. The review on Reviews.com says it is whisper quiet and has a great console to track calories, heart rate, time, distance, rpm and power output in watts.
Reviewers on Amazon say they like the gear shift mechanism as opposed to the turn nob to adjust tension on other models. The bike's pedals and seat can be swapped out to suit your tastes, but overall, if you are willing to spend the money, this bike is a great option for serious cyclists.
Mid-Range Prices
A Quiet Ride
At about $650, this Bladez Fitness Master GS Indoor Cycle Trainer prides itself on being a quiet machine so you can watch TV without turning the volume way up to drown out the sound of the bike. With a 40-pound flywheel, the bike is sturdy and is intended for a high-intensity workout and can carry a rider weighing up to 300 pounds. An LCD display provides a readout for total workout time, distance traveled, speed, total calorie expenditure and RPM.
Reviewers on Amazon like the bike's sturdiness, its high adjustability and easy assembly. Some reviewers did report the seat was not terribly comfortable.
Sturdy Craftsmanship
The LifeSpan Fitness S2 spin bike packs a punch at just under $500. The 40-pound flywheel makes this bike a sturdy home bike, with perhaps the only downfall (like many indoor cycling bikes less than $1,000) being the pedals. Most advanced bike riders change out the pedals for more professional pedals that are compatible with their cycling shoes. If this is the only adjustment you make to this bike, the price/quality tradeoff is excellent.
Reviewers on IndoorCyclingReviews.com say this is a sturdy bike that provides a great indoor workout.
Made for a Tough Workout
For around $450, the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II is a sturdy machine weighing more than 100 pounds. It is designed for an energetic workout and has an emergency stop brake system. Reviewers on Amazon say the bike has a smooth ride, but the bike seat is a little flimsy. Many reviewers replaced the seat with their own bike seat.
Its adjustable seat and handlebars will allow the bike to fit a wide range of people and those who weigh up to 250 pounds, however some shorter people found it difficult to adjust the bike enough to fit them very comfortably.
Inexpensive Options
Workout Feedback on Display
Built to replicate the feeling of riding outside, the Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike has its strong brand name associated with quality and customer service backing the product. At about $300, this bike has adjustable pedals, handlebars and seat. The flywheel is a little lighter weight at 31 pounds, but reviewers on Amazon.com say the bike is still solid and performs well.
A special feature of this bike is the BioConnect Feedback, which displays time, distance, RPM, speed and calorie readouts. The bike weighs about 80 pounds and can hold cyclists weighing up to 250 pounds.
Folding Space-Saving Model
If space is a concern, the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike with Pulse is a good option for less than $150. Reviewers on Amazon say the bike is well made, quiet and easy to assemble. The bike comes with an electronic heart rate monitor, an LCD screen giving speed, distance, calorie expenditure and elapsed time. Resistance is controlled by a magnetic tension band, and there are eight levels of tension. With lots of room to adjust and a wide cushioned seat, the bike fits people between 5-foot-3 and 6-foot-3 and up to 300 pounds.
The company is well known in the home fitness industry and has many models from which to choose. The reviewer on IndoorTrainingBikes.com says this model is a great buy.
Quality Bike for Beginners
ProForm has been a well-regarded exercise equipment company for quite some time. Its 290 SPX bike, at about $250, offers value for its price, design, quality and comfort. It has a heavy flywheel to help replicate the feel of a riding outdoors and is a great bike for beginners.
Reviewers on Amazon who reviewed the bike say, while sturdy, it has movement in the handlebars, which can be annoying during an intense workout. Also, this bike has no display, but can take a rider of up to 250 pounds.
A Low-Tech Option
The Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike is available for around $250. With a 40-pound flywheel, the bike is sturdy and performs more like a regular road bike outdoors and Amazon reviewers say that helps give you a good workout. The bike can hold up to a 275-pound person.
The review on Top Fitness Magazine gives this bike good marks for the price. It is a good, low-tech option for those who just want to get a good workout without the bells and whistles you might find in more expensive models.
Shop Around, Choose Wisely
Fitness is an important part of life, and an indoor cycling bike is a great option to stay fit. With a bevy of quality choices for indoor cycling bikes and a fountain of reviews from previous buyers, you'll be sure to find one that fits your budget and will provide you with a good workout in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
