Indoor cycling bikes have become very popular in recent years because unlike an upright bike, you can use them in both a seated and a standing position, which makes them suitable for indoor road training and for spinning workouts, for example. In addition, they can also be used by men and women who simply want to burn lots of calories because they generally offer a more intense workout than an upright stationary bike.
These machines are commonly referred to as spin bikes or spinning bikes, but these terms should only be used to refer to bikes specifically made by Mad Dogg Athletics because they are both trademarked terms. The correct term for these bikes is indoor cycling bikes, and it is this term that I shall use to describe them in the rest of this article.
So which ones are considered to be the best indoor cycling bikes right now in 2024? Well full reviews of all the top models are now available on this site, but here is a guide to some of the best ones that you can buy in each of the three main price categories:
Top-Of-The-Range Indoor Cycling Bikes
Peloton Bike+
The Peloton may not necessarily be the best all-round exercise bike on the market because there are a few others that are just as strong and sturdy, and provide an equally good ride with a wide range of resistance settings.
However as an overall package the Peloton bike is hard to beat because if you pay for the additional monthly membership, you will instantly gain access to thousands of on-demand classes that are suitable for people of all fitness levels, with additional live classes being made available every day.
The most recent iteration of the Peloton bike – the Peloton Bike Plus – is arguably the best Peloton bike on the market because it comes with a 24-inch fully rotatable HD touchscreen with front and rear-facing speakers, and has an automatic resistance control system that will automatically adjust the resistance to the recommended setting on any cues from the instructors.
This means that you can concentrate on your riding and don’t need to touch the resistance knob at all during your class, and with regards to the rotating screen, you can now turn it all the way round and follow along to any yoga and other floor exercises a lot easier.
Overall, the Peloton Bike+ is a very strong and heavy machine that can accommodate users up to 297 lbs without any problems, and with the multiple adjustments that can be made to the seat and the handlebars, it can be used by anyone between 4’11 and 6’5.
So if you have no budgetary constraints and are prepared to pay a monthly membership to gain access to some of the best indoor cycling classes (and the best instructors), the Peloton Bike+ should be right at the top of your list.
Click here to buy the Peloton Bike+
Also available:
→ Peloton Original – this slightly earlier version has a 22-inch screen that only tilts upwards and downwards, as opposed to a fully rotational 24-inch screen, and it also doesn’t have automatic resistance control, but considering it is significantly cheaper than the new Peloton Bike+ model, it does still represent excellent value for money in comparison (read review)
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
If you are looking to buy a commercial-grade exercise bike and have no budgetary constraints, then the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle is another one that is seriously worth considering.
This particular bike is commonly used in many gyms and in many group cycling classes because it is strong enough to withstand regular use, and delivers an exceptionally smooth workout with a seamless transition when you adjust the resistance level. It is also extremely quiet in operation, as you may well have discovered yourself if you have ever used it in your local gym.
This bike is suitable for people of all fitness levels because there are 24 magnetic resistance levels, and because there are fore/aft and up/down adjustments on both the seat and the handlebars, it is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes (up to a maximum of 350 lbs) and is easy enough to find a comfortable and realistic riding position.
With regards to extras, there is a backlit Bluetooth computer display that can connect to apps on your smartphone or tablet device, and will display key data, such as time, distance, RPM, watts and pulse.
It also includes a water bottle holder, a tablet holder for your smartphone or tablet and some good quality pedals, and as part of a special promotion, you will also get a special bundle that includes a free floor mat and stretch pads.
There are no subscription services included with this bike, but it is the solid construction and the overall feel of the workout that really sets this one apart from the rest.
→ Click here to buy the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
→ Click here to read a full review
BodyCraft SPT-MAG Indoor Cycle
Another top-of-the-range exercise bike that is also very highly rated by group cycling instructors and students is the BodyCraft SPT-MAG Indoor Cycle.
BodyCraft may not necessarily be a household name, but they do produce some outstanding training bikes, and this is arguably one of their most popular models.
This machine has a heavy duty rust-resistant steel frame that can accommodate users to 350 pounds, and has multiple adjustments on both the seat and the handlebars to ensure that people of all heights can use this bike. It also has a number of grip positions on the handlebars so that you can adopt a wide range of riding positions.
However once again it is the quality of the workout that separates this machine from many of the cheaper models that are available because the flywheel and the belt drive are made from high quality components, and deliver the smoothest workout possible.
The magnetic eddy current resistance can be adjusted using the resistance knob and will respond instantly to every little adjustment, and you can therefore make your workouts as easy or as demanding as you like.
This SPT-MAG cycle requires no maintenance at all and is virtually silent in operation, so this really is a great machine for your home or gym.
→ Click here to buy the BodyCraft SPT-MAG Indoor Cycle
→ Click here to read a full review
Also available:
→ BodyCraft SPR – this more expensive model is very similar to the SPT-MAG model except that it comes with its own console display and has fixed resistance levels (16 in total) instead of continuous resistance (read review).
Mid-Range Indoor Cycling Bikes
Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike
If you cannot justify paying nearly $1500 – $2000 for a top-end machine, but still want to buy a good quality exercise bike, then the Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike is a great alternative.
As many users have pointed out, this particular model is on a par with many of the bikes that you might find in your local gym because it has a heavy duty 48-pound flywheel that delivers a smooth, quiet and consistent workout, and has a very solid frame that can accommodate users up to 300 lbs, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
This particular model comes with a computer display that helps you track time, speed, distance, calories and RPM and is compatible with a wireless chest strap if you want to monitor your pulse. It also has fore/aft and up/down adjustments on both the seat and the handlebars to help you find a comfortable and realistic riding position.
So if you are looking for an exercise bike that is built to last and delivers a smooth, comfortable and realistic riding experience, this model from Sole Fitness is well worth considering.
→ Click here to buy the Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike
→ Click here to read a full review
Also available:
→ Sole Fitness SB900 Exercise Bike – this one uses a slightly different magnetic resistance system which is said to be slightly quieter, and also gives you the option of using toe clips or clipless SPD pedals because it includes both.
Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
Another mid-range indoor cycle that represent excellent value for money is the Evolution Pro Indoor Cycling Bike.
This relatively new model from Sunny Health & Fitness has an exceptionally strong and stable frame that can support users up to 330 pounds, and as you can see from the photo, it has clearly been built to last.
Furthermore, the combination of the solid frame, the 44-pound chrome flywheel, the smooth and silent belt drive system and the consistent magnetic resistance system helps to provide a perfect workout experience.
Indeed you shouldn’t feel any discomfort at all when using this bike because it has a really narrow Q-factor, similar to a road bike, that is easy on your knees, and has a four-way adjustable seat and four-way adjustable handlebars (plus multiple hand grips) to help you find the most comfortable riding position.
So this is a great option if you don’t necessarily want to pay a lot more for a top-end commercial bike, but still want a strong and durable machine that is smooth and quiet in operation, and really comfortable to use.
→ Click here to buy the Evolution Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
→ Click here to read a full review
Diamondback Fitness 510IC Indoor Cycle
One bike that has been available for a good few years now, but still remains very popular, is the Diamondback Fitness 510IC Indoor Cycle.
This exercise bicycle has a super quiet belt drive system that guarantees a smooth workout, and has a fully adjustable seat and handlebars to help you find a comfortable riding position. What I particularly like about this one is that it comes with 16 levels of magnetic resistance, and unlike most indoor cycles of this type, comes with 14 workout programs.
The frame itself is very strong and stable, and as well as having a good quality backlit LCD display, it has a few useful features, such as a built-in pulse monitor on the handlebars and computer-controlled resistance.
The only drawback is that the flywheel is a little lighter than some of the other bikes in this price range at just 32 pounds, but most users haven’t reported any problems, and overall this is still a very strong machine that does deliver a really good workout.
→ Click here to buy the Diamondback Fitness 510IC Indoor Cycle
→ Click here to read a full review
Low-Cost Indoor Cycles
Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
If you are looking for a good quality machine but don’t necessarily have a large budget, you should seriously consider taking a look at some of Sunny Health & Fitness’ indoor cycling bikes because these all have a solid build construction and offer a really good workout.
The pick of the bunch is arguably the Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Bike because this is exceptionally strong with a weight capacity of 275 pounds, and comes with a heavy-duty 49-pound flywheel that provides extra stability and delivers a smooth and realistic ride similar to an outdoor bike.
Plus as the name suggests, it has a belt drive system instead of a chain drive, which means that it is a lot smoother and a lot quieter in operation, and doesn’t require any ongoing maintenance.
This machine has toe cages to keep your feet in place, multi-grip handlebars that can be adjusted upwards and downwards, and a four-way adjustable seat. Therefore it is very easy to find a comfortable riding position.
So when you consider that it has a good range of resistance and is stable enough to be used for high intensity workouts and indoor road training in both a seated and a standing position, this entry-level bike is just as good as some of the more expensive models in terms of strength and performance.
→ Click here to buy the Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Bike
→ Click here to read a full review
Also available:
→ Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike – this slightly cheaper model has a chain drive instead of a belt drive and has a slightly lighter flywheel, but it is still a very strong and sturdy bike that delivers a smooth workout (read review).
Fitleader FS1 Stationary Exercise Bike
Another relatively new model that has quickly established itself as one of the top indoor cycles for people on a budget is the Fitleader FS1 Exercise Bike.
This is quite a compact and lightweight training bike, but it is very strong and stable with a weight capacity of 293 pounds, and has an adjustable seat and handlebars that makes it suitable for anyone between 5’1 and 6’2.
Plus although it only has 8 magnetic resistance levels, it offers a serious workout for even the fittest of athletes because the higher resistance levels are said to be extremely challenging.
It is also worth mentioning that this entry-level bike comes with its own LCD display so that you can track your performance, and is one of the few that comes with a holder for your tablet, phone or iPad device should you wish to follow along to an indoor cycling workout on YouTube, for example.
→ Click here to buy the Fitleader FS1 Stationary Exercise Bike
→ Click here to read a full review
ProGear 100S Indoor Training Cycle
One final exercise bicycle that you might want to consider is the ProGear 100S Indoor Training Cycle because this is one of the most affordable models.
It is not generally a good idea to buy a cheap exercise bike because a lot of them are not exactly built to last, but the ProGear 100S is a really strong bike that has received a lot of positive reviews.
This particular machine can accommodate users up to 250 pounds, and has a cast iron 22-pound flywheel that delivers a smooth and consistent pedal motion.
It also has a quiet chain drive mechanism that simulates outdoor cycling, and is comfortable to use because it has a cushioned ergonomic seat that can be adjusted upwards, downwards, forwards and backwards and has toe cages to keep your feet securely in the pedals.
It should also be pointed out that this particular indoor cycle comes with built-in pulse sensors and a basic LCD computer display to track your performance, which are two features that a lot of indoor training bikes don’t have.
The only real drawback is that it is not suitable for really tall or really short people because the recommended height range is between 5’1 and 6’2, but otherwise this is a strong and sturdy machine that will give you a more intense workout than a standard upright bike.
→ Click here to buy the ProGear 100S Indoor Training Cycle
→ Click here to read a full review
Additional Product Reviews
The indoor cycling bikes listed above are the ones that we most recommend right now, but here are some of the other models that we have reviewed on this site (in order of price from high to low):
→ Schwinn AC Performance Plus – this top-end bike is a favorite with many gyms because it is really strong and offers a smooth, comfortable and quiet workout experience, and is available with either a chain drive or a belt drive (which is quieter and requires less maintenance).
→ Concept 2 BikeErg – this exercise bike uses the same air resistance technology as the Concept 2 rowers to deliver a responsive and intense workout that becomes harder the faster you pedal, and includes a damper to increase air flow and provide ‘geared’ workouts.
→ LifeCycle GX – this top-of-the-range indoor cycling bike is a favorite with gym owners and is commonly used in a lot of group cycling classes because of its strength and performance, and its stylish looks.
→ Asuna 7130 Lancer – this indoor cycling bike has a rear flywheel and a quiet belt drive system that is exceptionally smooth and consistent in operation and requires no ongoing maintenance.
→ Spinner Sprint – this model is manufactured by Madd Dogg Athletics, so it can legally be referred to as a spinning bike, and features a heavy-duty 43-pound flywheel, a smooth chain drive system and a commercial grade construction that makes it feel just like a conventional road bike.
→ Spinner S3 – this is a slightly more affordable spin bike from Madd Dogg Athletics that has a smaller 31-pound flywheel than the Spinner Sprint, but still delivers a smooth and comfortable workout, and is adjustable enough to be used by anyone between 4’10 and 6’7.
→ Schwinn IC3 – this new indoor cycling bike from Schwinn delivers a smooth, quiet and consistent workout thanks to its heavy duty flywheel and belt drive system, and is one of the few indoor cycles to come with its own LCD console and device holder.
→ Asuna 4100 – this commercial-grade machine benefits from having an exceptionally strong frame, a heavy duty 40-pound flywheel and a smooth chain drive transmission system.
→ IRONMAN 510 – this is a very strong well-made bicycle from Ironman Fitness that has a heavy-duty 44-pound flywheel, and comes with a basic LCD display and a free equipment mat.
→ Stamina CPS 9300 – this mid-range bike has a large 40-pound flywheel and a decent LCD display, and is powered by a smooth and quiet belt drive system as opposed to a chain drive mechanism, unlike some of the cheaper models.
→ Reebok 510 – this is a good quality mid-range model that has a large 48-pound flywheel and delivers a smooth and comfortable riding experience (DISCONTINUED).
→ Joroto X4S – this new 2023 model has a stronger steel frame than previous models, accommodating users up to 330 lbs, and has a new and improved display unit that can accurately display the current resistance level from 1-100%, and connect to external apps via Bluetooth.
→ Joroto X1S – this modern-looking indoor cycle has a strong frame, a heavy duty 35-pound flywheel and a smooth chain drive system, and comes with a leather padded seat for extra comfort, as well as a built-in display monitor and a convenient media tray for your phone or tablet.
→ Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II – this is one of the oldest models that we have reviewed on this site, but it is still a good quality entry-level machine because it is very well-made and is clearly built to last.
→ Exerpeutic LX905 – this is quite a new model that comes with its own computer display and pulse sensors, and has a 40-pound flywheel and a 3-piece crank system that provides a smooth and quiet workout experience.
→ Bladez Fitness Fusion GSII – this machine has a high-performance 40-pound flywheel and an exceptionally strong steel frame that can accommodate users up to 275 pounds, and is one of the few entry-level bikes to comes with its own LCD console.
→ Exerpeutic LX7 – this slightly older model is a very strong machine that can support users up to 300 pounds, and as well as including a basic LCD display, it also has a fully adjustable seat and handlebars so that anyone between 5’2 and 6’2 can find a really comfortable riding position.
→ Weslo Pro CTX – this is quite a basic low-cost bike, but it is still a well-made machine that delivers a decent workout (DISCONTINUED).
→ Sunny SF-B1001 – this is an entry-level model that has a 30-pound flywheel and a solid steel frame that can accommodate users up to 220 pounds.
→ XtremepowerUS Indoor Cycle – this is a strong and durable entry-level model that has a weight capacity of 440 pounds, and as well as having a fairly decent LCD display, it is also smooth and quiet in operation.
I have a Bladez Fitness Fusion GS at home and I actually tend to enjoy it more than the bikes at my office gym. Reasonably priced and simple to use, I recommend it for anyone looking for a decent home bike…
Yes this bike has been getting a lot of positive reviews. Thank you for your feedback Peter.
What about Real Ryder Bikes? Have you considered this brand? I am curious how it compares to the others. Price tag is fairly hefty at $2000+
Not yet, but the moving frame is an interesting concept because it engages more muscles and and makes your workouts more realistic. Whether I would actually want to buy one of these machines for my home and use it all the time, I’m not really sure. I would have to find an indoor cycling class and test it out several times before passing judgement.
Do most of these bikes have pedals that fit cycling shoes?
That’s a good question. You will generally find that the more expensive bikes will nearly always have clips for cycling shoes, but some of the cheaper bikes will only have basic foot pedals.