The 7 Best Exercise Bikes, According to Fitness Editors and Certified Trainers

ProsBrings additional variability to give you more control of workoutsSturdy design that won't move when you train hardDisplay is well-placed and doesn't overly distractSleek design feels at home in garage or living spacesConsMore expensive than your average airbikeThis new REP Fitness bike is one of the most impressive air bikes that our Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., has ever used. “The eight damper settings create a ton of options for my training,” he says. “And they essentially let the Strive simulate just about any Airbike on the market.”This Variable Pitch Resistance, or VPR, system allows you to change the angle of the fan blades to give you that additional control over your workout. Most of us recognize the airbike for its impressive ability to make you suffer more the harder that you pedal it.But with this new system, the Strive bike gives you the ability to use it for steady-state and recovery rides as well as those brutal finisher and max-effort sessions.“At an 8, this feels like a serious strength-style quad-pump that's harder per pedal than a Rogue Echo or Scwhinn Airdyne,” says Samuel. “That versatility, and the speed with which you can switch between settings, opens a new world of fanbike workouts.”The Strive is also as sturdy as they come among fanbikes. Underrated: The cupholder is everything you want on a bike, suitable for small plastic bottles and larger metal jugs alike (and great for your iPhone too).Read more: How Our Editorial Director Built a Gym for His Whole FamilyDimensions57.41 x 27.23 x 53.24 in.Resistance TypeAirResistance Levels8Weight Capacity350 lbsItem Weight146 lbsProsCuts down cost by utilizing your own techComfortable, yet supportive competition-style seat32 levels of indexing resistanceCompact design fits in small spacesConsLess content than Peloton and NordicTrackThis bike is no slouch when it comes to its hardware. In fact, it offers many of the same features as bikes double its price. From adjustable handlebars to convenient dumbbell holders, 32 levels of resistance, toe-cage pedals, and a spacious touchscreen display, it boasts all the features you'd expect from a premium bike. And it's wrapped in a sleek, matte black finish that oozes style.The assembly is fairly easy, taking about 45 minutes to set up. The bike arrives in a box about 85% built with just the feet, handles, and pedals needing to be mounted. The bike has a nice compact frame and takes up the least amount of space in the home. The brand found a way to cut down on the cost by removing the expensive touchscreen and giving you a platform to place your own mobile device or tablet and allowing you to follow any classes you want that way.Whether we were sprinting or climbing out of the saddle during intense workouts, this bike offered unwavering stability. We never found ourselves wobbling or feeling uneasy on this machine. The elevated bullhorn handlebars aren't just about style; they provide an elbow rest that we found essential during grueling climbs. It's a thoughtful touch that we found enhances overall riding comfort. The competition-style seat on this bike strikes a balance between comfort and support that other bikes we've tested in this price range miss the mark on. It's designed for long sessions, providing that Goldilocks level of cushioning.This bike offers an all-around fantastic workout experience, especially for the cost, and is a great pick no matter your goals.Read More: Best Workout Clothes, Tested by UsDimensions58 x 21.5 x 54 in.Resistance TypeMagneticResistance Levels32Weight Capacity325 lbsItem Weight112.43 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPivoting 24-inch Interactive HD Touchscreen DisplayRich library of on-demand studio classesWhisper-quiet magnetic resistanceSturdy design with a hefty, 350-pound rider weight limitEasy to storeConsLive classes are not as premium as Peloton'sThe NordicTrack X24 earned its spot here because it doesn't just deliver cutting-edge training technology to the user, it also delivers the world for those more adventure-minded riders.Do you want to feel like you are cycling through the Swiss Alps or along the beaches of Hawaii? That's what the NordicTrack offers, and not just by showing pretty landscapes on its 22-inch screen. Unlike the other bikes in this guide that simulate incline and decline by adjusting the magnetic resistance, the S22i is actually replicates climbs or descents for a more accurate feeling of winding up and down the hills of Switzerland.The setup is easy enough to do solo, but it helps if you have a person around to help you for some of the more involved moments of assembly. The bike is sturdy and robust, but also heavy, weighing over 200 pounds. So be sure that you build it in close proximity to where you are going to want to ride it, because it's not very easy to move around.Like most NordicTrack equipment, the X24 comes with a year-long iFit membership.Read More: Best Under Desk Bikes, Tested by UsFeatures at a GlanceDimensions (L x W x H)56.4 x 21.8 x 62.7 in.Resistance TypeMagneticResistance Levels24Weight Capacity350 lbsItem Weight205 lbs (in box)ProsLarge, whisper-quiet fanSmooth rideExtremely durable, overbuilt constructionLow-maintenance belt drive systemHigh contrast LCD console1-inch polyurethane wheels make for easy movingConsHeavy weight can make it a pain to moveLooking for a bike that can handle years of punishment? Well, if the end of the world comes knocking, the Rogue Echo Bike will likely still be pedaling away. This thing is solid as a rock, capable of handling whatever you throw its way. This bike is a strength builder and a monster maker, demanding legit power from the user to make it move.The bike arrives at your door well-packaged and about 80% assembled. The screen, arms, pedals, and feet are all that you need to mount. The process can take about an hour to get your bike ready to ride.Its belt drive system is consistent and essentially maintenance-free, meaning you can focus on your workout, not tinkering around with the machine. We've used this bike on and off for more than seven years, and have never experienced technical issues.Beyond its durability, this bike rides like a dream. Pedaling is smooth and fluid in motion, and returns more resistance in response to the rider's effort.We don't just recommend this bike; we swear by it. Years of firsthand testing have made it abundantly clear that if air bikes had Oscars, this one would be walking away with the golden statue, no doubt.Another unique feature of the Rogue Echo Bike is its fan blades. Its fan blades are crafted from thin-gauge steel, cut them out, applied a powder coating, and welded them to a central hub within the fan cage. While this level of detail might seem unnecessary, it adds to the fan's long-term reliability and overall aesthetic.Now, we won't sugarcoat it; this machine is heavy. But fear not, because it comes equipped with wheels at the front. So, even if you're not the Hulk, you can still shuffle it around to ensure it fits in your workout space.The only other qualm we have with this bike is that it doesn't feature multi-grip handles like other air bike models do.Read More: Best Rowing MachinesFeatures at a GlanceDimensions (L x W x H)58.875 x 29.875 x 52.75 in.Resistance TypeAirResistance LevelsInfiniteWeight Capacity350 lbsItem Weight123 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowPros360-degree, 21.5-inch HD touchscreen monitorPremium, industry leading online classesDurable buildFree delivery and setup30-day in-home trialCompact footprintConsNeed to buy one of the monthly subscriptions to get the full value of your investmentRequires clip-in pedal shoesThere's a reason that Peloton's bikes have remained popular through the highs and lows of at-home training. It combined a superbly designed, connected bike with a charismatic crew of trainers and ignited a fitness following.The delivery is taken care of by Peloton, which unboxes and mounts the bike for you at your chosen location—an example of the high level of service that comes from the brand. The bike itself is fairly durable, and relatively simplistic outside of the 21.5-inch HD touchscreen. If you are interested in also utilizing the strength classes, consider Peloton's Cross Training Bike+, which comes with a pair of dumbbells and additional amenities like built-in Sonos speakers.The truth is, when you buy a Peloton you are buying more than a bike, you are buying a community. And you are getting a best-in-class library of instructor-led studio-style classes. From cycling to off-bike sessions like core workouts and hybrid strength classes, the variety of content is endless. The engaging live class offerings and fun gamification of your data makes the bike especially great for beginners or anyone who has difficulty maintaining a regimen.On the downside, the initial investment can be a detractor, and the monthly subscription fee for access to Peloton's classes can also add up ($49.99/month for all-access). However, if you fully utilize the platform and its library of classes, it can be a worthwhile expense.The only other issue that our team had was instead of a traditional foot cage, the Peloton requires Delta-compatible cleats (which you can buy here) that clip into the pedals. Giving you another step, and another purchase, before you start your ride. This is to allow for the best experience with the programmed classes and resistance level changes, so it's an understandable ask. Peloton also offers a 30-day in-home trial with free delivery, setup, and, if needed, pickup and return for a small fee of $150. It's a commitment to customer satisfaction that helps protect your investment in this bike.Features at a GlanceDimensions (L x W x H)54 x 22 x 61 in.Resistance TypeMagneticResistance Levels100Weight Capacity297 lbsItem Weight129 lbsProsGreat variety of resistance levelsBluetooth compatibleExtremely comfortableWeighted straps on pedalsConsThe display can be a little tough to read in dimly lit roomsWhat we like about the Schwinn Fitness 290 Recumbent Bike is its excellent value. Sure, it doesn't have an overly huge touchscreen display, but that means you aren't tricked into spending your money on a bunch of technology you don't need. Plus, you can place your phone, tablet, or other device on the media shelf so you can ride along to on-demand trainer-led classes with real-time coaching.The seat's padding provides a lot of cushioning and ventilation, meaning you won't want to cut your workout short because you're uncomfortable. The weighted strapped pedals are also a win, because they feel secure on your feet so you can focus on your ride and not whether your going to lose traction.The relatively lightweight build of this bike is also a positive, as anyone who has shopped for a recumbent bike understands. The majority of models are built like tanks, making them very hard to move around the house. The 290 also comes with rollers, making it even easier to transport.How well this is built should be no surprise with how long Schwinn has been in the bike game. This model is extremely comfortable for most sizes, including taller individuals, which is a nice improvement from the previous 230 version.Read More: The Best Recumbent Bikes, Tested by UsFeatures at a GlanceDimensions (L x W x H)66.5 x 26.3 x 46.8 in.Resistance TypeMagneticResistance Levels25Weight Capacity330 lbsItem Weight107.6 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat value for the costComes with the ability to connect to the Merach appQuiet in use according to Amazon usersConsNot as durable as other bikes on this listWe understand that some of the bikes in this guide might be a little expensive for beginners who aren’t certain if they can stick with a new cardio routine or don’t need something that can handle intense workouts.Merach is a brand that we’ve tested decent products from, and other pieces of its equipment have made our guides in the past. This design won’t take up much space, and it offers a good range of intensity through magnetic resistance.Now, if you’re looking for an exercise bike that is going to take a lot of punishment and will handle whatever you throw at it, you might want to consider one of the more serious models above. This ride is only about 62 pounds, which absolutely puts it on the lighter side and therefore prone to a little less stability if you’re really jamming on it.If you’re looking for an easy-to-use bike from a trusted manufacturer, this is your best play for the money. And users on Amazon have commented on how quiet it is, with Merach putting it under 25db in use.Dimensions42.6 x 19.3 x 48.6 in.Resistance TypeMagneticResistance Levels8Weight Capacity300 lbsItem Weight62 lbsCharles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.