Best Exercise Bikes of 2026 – Tested by Cycling Experts

Why we love it: I found NordicTrack’s S24 Studio bike to be similar to the Peloton with a few differences. You can have an assembly included for this bike, which we found useful. One of NordicTrack’s unique qualities is its SmartAdjust feature, which allows the bike to adjust resistance based on your fitness level. I tested this by riding a scenic mountain and the bike automatically adjusted the incline based on altitude. This is the same feature on NordicTrack treadmills.

The best way to experience the NordicTrack S24 bike is to take cycling classes through its iFIT Train app ($15 per month or $144 per year). Like Peloton, you can also take fitness classes like yoga and strength training. This bike also comes with 3-pound dumbbells with an under-screen rack mount.

The base of the screen has a built-in fan, which is nice when you’ve been sweating during a session. This screen is larger than Peloton’s at 24 inches and swivels if you plan to do floor exercises. I could comfortably ride with standard sneakers in the pedal cages, but they are double sided for clip-on shoes.

Who is it best for: This bike is for you if you like the feel of the Peloton but are looking for an alternative with a more immersive experience. You can pay extra for the iFIT Pro subscription ($39 per month or $396 per year), which is better if multiple people plan to use the bike or if you want personalized workout creations. You can still access third-party apps like Garmin Connect, Google Fit, Netflix, Prime, Spotify, and Strava. It’s nice to have the option to listen to your music or stream your favorite shows.

One of the features I like that NordicTrack applies to its machines is individualized volume control, so you can turn down the instructor volume during a class or turn up the music volume or vice versa. Another advantage is that you can connect your Bluetooth headphones so that your workout does not disturb anyone in your house.

Who shouldn’t get it: This bike is one of the most expensive on the list and costs more than a Peloton. I wasn’t a fan of the knobs that control the resistance because they’re made of what feels like cheap plastic. In this case, I would have preferred a resistance button.

If that doesn’t fit your budget, there are cheaper exercise bike options. If you’re serious about having a Peloton alternative, keep in mind that you can’t access the Peloton app on this bike, even with access to the various third-party apps. On the other hand, if this bike fits your budget, you might want to buy the Peloton instead. Even with the classes, the iFIT instructors don’t match the energy of the Peloton instructors.

Why we love it: I’ve tested Aviron exercise equipment before when I tested rowing machines, so I had an idea of ​​what to expect with its exercise bike. The Aviron Fit Bike is designed as a play experience. It is a play bike that offers a variety of workouts for you to enjoy.

It has a large 22-inch rotating screen and you can live stream your favorite apps like Hulu, Max or Netflix and track your fitness data via Apple Health or Strava. There are classes, games, live group workouts, scenic rides, and friendly competitions with friends or other riders. Although the Aviron Fit Bike comes with pedal cages, it includes a clip-on option in case you prefer clip-on shoes. You can also listen to your own music via Apple Music or Spotify and control music volume, effects and voices during games.

You won’t get bored with this bike because you can do so much with it. Aviron is generous and offers a 10-year warranty on the bike frame and a 1-year limited warranty on equipment and accessories. If you want a lifetime warranty, you have the option of paying an extra $9 per month.

Who is it best for: If you love video games and that’s what motivates you to work out, then this exercise bike is perfect for you. You can interact with other cyclists, connect with friends who own the same bike, and stream your favorite shows or apps. Some games remind me of popular video games from the 90s, where you had to capture a certain number of objects to earn points while riding your bike.

Similar to other exercise bikes, you have an Aviron subscription that you can subscribe to annually ($24/month for 12 months) or monthly ($29/month). Initially, you get one month free so you can explore an unlimited number of profiles before making your membership decision. This subscription gives you additional access to guided beginner workouts, live competitions and unlimited profiles. I think these unique features make cycling attractive because you forget that you are training when your mind is focused on completing these challenges.

Who shouldn’t get it: If you are short like me – 1.50m – this may not be the most comfortable option for you. Even with the lowest seat setting, I seemed to have difficulty getting up on the bike compared to the others. I would recommend this bike to someone taller or with longer limbs. This is true because I found that the Aviron rower was also the most suitable for a taller person.

Personally, I prefer exercise bikes to use a button to control resistance, but this bike uses buttons located at the bottom of the screen. This makes me question the durability of this design and how it would be replaced if it were to break.

Why we love it: The Echelon EX-5S-22 is the best exercise bike for beginners because it is intuitive to use. Assembly is similar to BowFlex and can be done at home by following an instructional video. Or you can pay extra for in-home assembly (prices vary by location). It’s a slightly higher price than our budget pick, but it’s still a good option.

I have tested other Echelon exercise equipment before and appreciate the simplistic design from assembly to software. You don’t always have time to learn a new fitness equipment and want to try it immediately. At $1,000, it’s also a more affordable exercise bike than some others on this list.

You have access to the Echelon Fit app, which gives you access to live and on-demand classes. The 22-inch screen is large enough to have a clear view of the course instructor and all your stats during a ride. The pedals are also double-sided, so you can choose classic sneakers or clip-on shoes. Overall, it comes down to using one of the most popular exercise bikes. us expensive, less the cost.

Who is it best for: This bike is ideal for the rider who wants a bike that is easy to use and doesn’t require much of a learning curve. This is suitable for a beginner cyclist who doesn’t want a complicated machine but still likes access to indoor cycling classes.

An Echelon Premier membership is cheaper than Peloton’s All-Access membership, for example. You can choose from two membership options: Premier (create up to five profiles with unlimited classes for $40/month and cancel anytime; or pay annually at $33/month or $400 per year) and FitPass (one profile with limited classes, $12/month). You can also connect to third-party apps like Apple Health, Fitbit and Strava, and stream your music or audiobooks via Apple Music, Audible or Spotify,

Who shouldn’t get it: One of the issues I had when setting up this bike was connecting to Bluetooth. It took some troubleshooting to get it connected. If you really like cycling classes and have felt the pull of a Peloton instructor, you may find Echelon’s instructors less exciting and less motivating. The warranty for this bike is also only one year.

Why we love it: One of the first things I liked about the Speediance VeloNix bike was its futuristic and sleek look. This bike does not have a flywheel like other bikes because it uses a motor without a flywheel so it is very quiet. The VeloNix uses a 2,300W electric powertrain, which provides precise resistance as you ride. With AI, you can get all your data insights and track real-time speed, power, and cadence during a class or when you take a free ride.

This exercise bike has a large 21.5-inch rotating touchscreen and offers on-demand classes. Although there are no live races, you can compete against other riders in a live leaderboard. I also found the seat to be the most comfortable on this bike compared to the rest I tested. Another perk: You can connect to third-party apps like Disney, Hulu, Max, and Netflix, as well as Garmin, Spotify, and Strava.

Who is it best for: This bike is ideal for riders who use the latest AI technology and don’t like traditional exercise bikes. The lack of a flywheel might even make it safer if you have young children or pets. I would recommend paying extra for a subscription to access the additional workouts ($49/month) because you can tell you’ll go through the free workouts quickly. The resistance on this bike was also surprisingly harder than I expected as I gradually increased it. I felt like I had to try harder to pass than the other bikes. This might be something you’ll enjoy if you push yourself during a workout.

Who shouldn’t get it: One of the downsides of the VeloNix is ​​that you have to assemble it yourself as there is no option for home assembly. Some parts of the handles are plastic and one broke during transport. However, I was sent a replacement part. For a bike that costs $2,700, I would expect all parts to be made of a durable material that doesn’t break easily, so I question the production quality. I had to troubleshoot the software connection as I had issues with Bluetooth and language setup, but I finally figured it out.

VeloNix has only two membership tiers: a free Standard membership and a Pro membership, which costs $15 per month. The main difference is that Standard members get 20% off indoor classes, scenic rides, and track training, while Pro members get full access to all content, including full access to VeloNix’s track programs. The price isn’t the worst but the bike leaves you almost no choice but to upgrade it to be able to fully enjoy the workouts. The warranty could also be better and only lasts two years.

Why we love it: The CAROL bike has quickly become one of my favorite exercise bikes. You can assemble it yourself or pay an extra $300 to have it done by a professional. You can test it at home for 100 days before fully committing to it.

CAROL (an acronym for Cardiovascular Optimization Logic, the method used to optimize and personalize cardio workouts) uses AI-powered REHIT (low-effort HIIT) workouts that are intended to be short and effective. REHIT focuses on exercises with only 2 × 20 second sprints. According to CAROL, these exercises are science-backed and developed to give you a better workout in less time (as little as five minutes).

CAROL uses adaptive AI technology that pushes you to your maximum based on your fitness level. As a mom who loves working out but has limited time, I have enjoyed the feeling of getting an effective workout every time I use the CAROL bike. The different workout selections (REHIT, Fat Burn, Free and Custom and Fitness tests) were easy to follow and took the guesswork out of it with its built-in timer.

Although this bike doesn’t have a built-in touchscreen, you can connect it to your tablet and download the easy-to-navigate CAROL app. Another benefit: you can connect to the Peloton app, Netflix, YouTube, Zwift, and other third-party apps.

Who is it best for: This exercise bike is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have time to work out for an hour. You can easily get a good workout with the CAROL bike in just 5 minutes and it’s easy to follow. If you already have a Netflix, Peloton, YouTube, or Zwift subscription, you can connect it to this bike. If you like CAROL bike fitness programs, you can sign up ($20 per month). The warranty isn’t bad on this bike either and covers the frame for five years and the option to extend component coverage for an additional $150.

Who shouldn’t get it: If you think this bike is going to offer cycling classes in the traditional sense, you will be disappointed. The app only shows your power, cadence and heart rate. So it’s nothing exciting to look at when in use and doesn’t look like a fitness class. It’s also a steep price for an exercise bike that costs more than a Peloton and NordicTrack bike at $2,595 and lacks group fitness classes and its own screen.

Yes, exercise bikes are a great way for almost any body type to lose weight because it’s a low-impact movement, so it’s easier on the joints. It’s also a good way to increase your heart rate, and moderate levels can increase the number of calories you burn in as little as half an hour. You can also play with the resistance as you get more comfortable riding for longer periods of time.

This will depend on your abilities, fitness goals and preferences. If you’re recovering from an injury or need to avoid exercise that puts too much strain on your joints and knees, an exercise bike is a better choice. But if you are training for a marathon, a treadmill is the best choice because you need to train for long distance running. However, you can still use the bike for cross-training. If you prefer walking, jogging, or running recreationally, you may prefer a treadmill. But if you like low-impact cardio exercises, an exercise bike may be your preferred form of exercise. There is no right or wrong answer as it ultimately depends on which machine you will be using regularly.

This varies by bike, but on average it can support riders up to 350 pounds. You should also consider that exercise bikes aimed at performance-oriented cyclists typically only support riders weighing up to 250 pounds. Be sure to confirm that the bike you are considering can support your body type before purchasing it.

Yes, 30 minutes is more than enough to get a good workout on an exercise bike. This helps you maintain your cardiovascular health, but you may need to ride longer if your goal is to lose weight.

Indoor cycling is a full-body workout. It targets the core, upper body, back, glutes, quads, hamstrings and lower legs. Some bikes also include weights so you can target muscle groups in your arms more specifically.