Here you will find our expert's picks for the best exercise bikes on the market today. We have reviewed hundreds of different upright and recumbent stationary bikes from dozens of top companies, and have chosen the very best based on features, capabilities, comfort, workout effectiveness, value and various other important criteria.
(If you are interested in the Best Indoor Cycling Bikes just follow this link)
On the top you will find the best recumbents in three different price categories, followed by the best uprights. You'll definitely be able to find the perfect bike for your needs on this list.
BEST OVERALL BIKES
Here are our top overall stationary bikes for your home, including one recumbent, one upright and one indoor cycling bike. These are all high quality bikes that will give you the best workout experience, all at a competitive price.
BEST RECUMBENT Sole LCR |
BEST UPRIGHT NordicTrack VU29 |
BEST SPIN CYCLE Bowflex Velocore |
RECUMBENT EXERCISE BIKES
The following are our picks for the best overall recumbents on the market today. These are top of the line bikes from three of the most respected names in the industry...gym quality stationary bikes built to last.
Sole LCR |
NordicTrack R35 |
Diamondback 1260sR |
These are some great choices under $1000 with all of the features you need to get a great cardio workout in your home gym. Plenty of adjustability and comfort, and all receiving very high ratings.
NordicTrack Commercial VR 25 |
Sole R92 |
Diamondback 910Sr |
If you're looking for the best exercise bikes in the $400-$700 range, these are some solid recumbents that won't break the bank. You'll get a good workout and burn calories, helping you reach your fitness goals.
ProForm Pro C10R |
Nautilus R618 |
Schwinn 230 |
UPRIGHT EXERCISE BIKES
These are the very best upright stationary bikes you can find, the counterparts to the recumbents that made our list above. Rock solid construction, great feel and built in workouts for variety.
Sole LCB |
NordicTrack VU29 |
Diamondback 1260 Ub |
As with the recumbents in this category, all of these choices are under $1500, so you can get a great exercise bike without having to spend a lot of money.
NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 |
Diamondback 1260Ub |
Horizon 5.0U |
Here are the best low-cost options when it comes to uprights...all receiving very positive customer feedback for reliability and workout efficiency.
Sole B94 |
Nautilus U616 |
Schwinn 170 |
So there you have the best exercise bikes in three different categories. But which one should you buy?
Your best bet is to decide what your budget is and what kind of use the bike will get. But first, choose between an upright and a recumbent if you have not already done so.
An upright is more like riding a bike outside or in a spin class...a recumbent is more like sitting down. Both will give you a great workout...it is a personal preference.
Once you have made that decision, then look at the different categories above.
Best High-End Bikes
The overall winners above are a bit more expensive than the mid-price models, so take a look at those first to see if they are within your budget. These are all commercial-grade machines that are designed with the same components as those you would find at your gym.
Diamondback, Life Fitness and Sole offer some of the best uprights and recumbents you'll find on the market today.
Ideal For: Multiple users, heavy use, larger individuals, those looking for higher end bikes, serious users
Best Mid-Priced Bikes
These are more affordable than the overall best, yet still have plenty of great features and capabilities for you.
Diamondback, NordicTrack and ProForm have very nice offerings in this category, with nice uprights and recumbent exercise bikes.
Ideal For: Moderate use, those looking for a step-up from entry level, but not quite high-end
Best Budget-Priced Bikes
These are your entry level bikes...they won't give you all of the comforts and extras of the higher priced models, but are ample for burning calories and getting a good workout in.
Schwinn, NordicTrack, Sole and Nautilus all offer very affordable entry-level bikes with some good features.
Ideal For: Lighter use, those on a budget, elderly, rehab
Summary
If you can afford one of the Best Overall Bikes, definitely go for it because those are rock-solid machines that will last for years with very little maintenance required. You'll get the highest degree of adjustability, the finest components, better warranties, console choices and more workout diversity.
If not, the Mid Priced Bikes are all good choices. The construction will not be club-quality, but for the most part you don't need it unless the bike will see very heavy usage on a regular basis. If it's just you, or another family member, these uprights and recumbents are perfectly fine.
If you're on a budget, and just can't swing one of the best overall or mid-priced bikes, not to worry. These bikes are just find and have many positive reviews. Just don't expect the most amazing recumbent or upright you have every used before. These are basic machines. Also, opt for the extended warranty id it's available. It's usually not expensive and will give you a few extra years of coverage.
So there you have our suggestions as to which of the best exercise bikes you should buy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.
UPDATE: November Exercise Bike Sales are going on now!
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Find the right bike at the best price!
How to make the time spent exercising fun!
Rave or rant about the exercise bike you purchased online or used at the gym.