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Let’s be honest, cycling in the cold winter is not the most pleasant experience. The windchill drops by a few tens of degrees from the speed you gain while biking.
What should you look for in an indoor cycling bike? Nowadays, you can find an indoor cycling bike of all sorts – from the basic exercise bike to indoor cycles with virtual live classes and gamified cycling experiences. Two things to consider are your budget and the experience. The design and display options are unique from one bike to another.
Keep on reading for a breakdown of six of the best indoor cycling bikes and why they’re the best choice for the budget.
Best Indoor Cycling Bikes Under $1000
1. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Most Affordable BELT Drive Indoor Cycling Bike | $
The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike offers all the fundamental features for smooth cycling at home. The customization supports optimal comfort at an affordable price point. Many YOSUDA users enjoy propping a tablet in front to follow along with spin classes online (Youtube).
| 1. Type: | Spin bike |
| 2. Design: | The sturdy steel frame supports the quiet belt drive. |
| 3. Seat: | 4-ways padded seat |
| 4. Pedals: | Adjustable cage pedals |
| 5. Handlebars: | 2-ways adjustable non-slip handlebar |
| 6. Holders: | Water Bottle, Tablet |
| 7. Resistance: | Magnetic belt drive |
| 8. Flywheel System: | 35 pounds |
| 9. Weight Capacity: | 270 pounds |
| 10. Display: | LCD monitor tracks: – Time – Speed – Distance – Calories – Odometer |
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Possible Drawbacks: The seat cushion could create the sensation of sinking, increased resistance could develop loud noises
- Alternative Options: Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike ($)
Get your indoor cycling bike on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D528W98?tag=homestrengt0c-20
2. Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike
Most Affordable CHAIN Drive Indoor Cycling Bike | $
The Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike is excellent for the intended purpose of biking at home without preset workouts and high-tech entertainment. It’s an affordable alternative to Peloton for those who want to train on their terms or follow along to spin classes online (YouTube).
| 1. Type: | Spin bike |
| 2. Design: | The steel bike frame has a durable wool felt pad that provides a smooth and even resistance. |
| 3. Seat: | Race-style seat, Fore/Aft & Height Adjustable |
| 4. Pedals: | Toe clip (can be used with cycling shoes) and adjustable foot strap |
| 5. Handlebars: | Adjustable |
| 6. Holders: | Water Bottle |
| 7. Resistance: | Mechanical chain drive |
| 8. Flywheel System: | 31 pounds |
| 9. Weight Capacity: | 250 pounds |
| 10. Display: | LCD screen displays: – Time – Distance – Speed – Calories – RPM |
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Possible Drawbacks: Uncomfortable seating, noise from mechanical resistance system, mechanical resistance has lower longevity than magnetic resistance, no heart rate monitor
- Alternative Options: Comparison to Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike ($$) & Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike ($$) here
Get your indoor cycling bike on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVZM2OQ?tag=homestrengt0c-20
Best Indoor Cycling Bikes Under $2000
3. Echelon EX3 Smart Connect Bike
Most Affordable Exercise Bike With Classes | $$
The Echelon EX3 Smart Connect offers all the bells and whistles of a smart bike at a price you can afford.
| 1. Type: | Smart bike |
| 2. Design: | The heavy-duty frame and heavy flywheel support regular high-intensity spinning. |
| 3. Seat: | Competition seat with 6” lever-style adjustment |
| 4. Pedals: | SPD compatible with fully adjustable toe cages |
| 5. Handlebars: | Adjustable |
| 6. Holders: | An adjustable console that holds your smart device and flips 180° |
| 7. Resistance: | Magnetic belt drive |
| 8. Flywheel System: | 33 pounds |
| 9. Weight Capacity: | 300 pounds |
| 10. Display: | – Live and on-demand classes (20-75 minutes long) – HIIT – Climbing – Endurance – Scenic rides with the latest music |
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Possible Drawbacks: Connection issues with the app
- Alternative Options: Comparison to Connect EX-1 LE ($), Connect EX-5 ($$), Connect EX-5s ($$) here
Get your smart bike on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PM89GG8?tag=homestrengt0c-20
4. Garmin TacX Neo 2T Smart Trainer
Best Smart Trainer | $$
Remove the rear wheel on your bike and attach the Garmin TacX Neo 2T Smart Trainer for a realistic and accurate indoor training experience to keep you engaged.
| 1. Type: | Smart indoor bike trainers |
| 2. Design: | The new motor design improves ride feel during climb and responsiveness to simulate outdoor riding indoors. |
| 3. Seat: | Seat on your own bike |
| 4. Pedals: | Pedals on your own bike |
| 5. Handlebars: | Handlebars on your own bike |
| 6. Holders: | Holders on your own bike |
| 7. Resistance: | Resistance on your own bike |
| 8. Flywheel System: | 13.2 pounds for the precise inertia |
| 9. Weight Capacity: | 275 pounds (without the bike) |
| 10. Display: | Compatible with popular apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad to experience realistic experiences of zipping through routes around the world on the tablet, television, or computer screen in front of you via Bluetooth (and ANT+ FE-C is the technology that allows one device to control another fitness device) |
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Possible Drawbacks: Need to already have or buy a bike to attach smart trainer
- Alternative Options: Elite Suito ($), Wahoo KICKR CORE Smart Trainer ($$)
Get your smart bike on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6QTHM9?tag=homestrengt0c-20
Best Premium Indoor Cycling Bikes
5. Peloton Bike
Best Smart Bike For Live Classes | $$$
It’s hard not to be impressed by Peloton Bike‘s premium design, large touchscreen, and studio-like streaming classes.
| 1. Type: | Smart bike |
| 2. Design: | The bike has a sleek design that fits in small spaces. |
| 3. Seat: | The height of the seat is adjustable. Option to switch the seat out for a standard cycling seat or seat covers to improve comfort. |
| 4. Pedals: | The Look Delta clip-in pedals are usable with a variety of cycling shoes |
| 5. Handlebars: | Fore/Aft & Height Adjustable |
| 6. Holders: | Water Bottle |
| 7. Resistance: | Magnetic belt drive |
| 8. Flywheel System: | 38 pounds |
| 9. Weight Capacity: | 297 pounds |
| 10. Display: | 22″ HD Touchscreen |
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Possible Drawbacks: Unexpected breakage of clip-in pedals
- Alternative Options: Comparison to Peloton Bike+ ($$$) here
6. Wahoo KICKR Bike
Premium Smart Bike | $$$
The Wahoo KICKR Bike is the most premium smart bike currently available to replicate the feel of a traditional road bike with an extra dimension of tilt to experience climbing and descending hills.
| 1. Type: | Smart bike |
| 2. Design: | The sturdy steel and aluminum frame supports a fully customizable bike for optimal comfort and performance |
| 3. Seat: | The height of the seat is adjustable. Install your saddle for a tailored feel |
| 4. Pedals: | Attach your pedals to the correct crank length |
| 5. Handlebars: | Adjustable stem, handlebar, and bar tape |
| 6. Holders: | Single water bottle cage |
| 7. Resistance: | Electromagnetic |
| 8. Flywheel System: | 13 pounds plus enhanced motor |
| 9. Weight Capacity: | 250 pounds |
| 10. Display: | Compatible with popular apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad to experience realistic experiences of zipping through routes around the world on the tablet, television, or computer screen in front of you via Bluetooth (and ANT+ FE-C, the technology that allows one device to control another fitness device) |
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Possible Drawbacks: Expensive, limited availability
- Alternative Options: Tacx NEO Smart Bike ($$$)
Related Questions
What’s the difference between the various types of resistance in an indoor cycling bike?
- Flywheel-based systems resistance: The flywheel connects to the cycling pedals through a belt or chain.
- Direct contact resistance: These bikes are purely mechanical, and they use a felt or leather pad.
- Magnetic resistance: Magnetic bikes have no direct contact or friction, so it’s silent, and parts don’t wear.
- Fan-based resistance: This type of exercise bike has a large resistance fan.
What are some good indoor cycling workouts?
- Endurance: 2,000 meters, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters
- Interval Sprints: 500 meters, 5-minute rest, repeat as many times as you want
- Pyramid Sprints: 1-minute row, 1-minute rest, 2-minute row, 2-minute rest, so on, and reverse
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