Trainers Found 6 Exercise Bikes Under $500 Worth Buying

ProsHandles higher intenisty workoutsSame number of resistance levels as Peloton’s Bike+Slim and lightweight for small spacesConsDisplay is very basicResistance levels are not shown on the display screenOut of all the exercise bikes we evaluated, our experts agree the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike delivers a good indoor cycling experience at the shocking price tag of under $350. “You can do the most advanced and intense type of training on this bike,” Matheny says. Kaleigh Ray, a certified exercise physiologist, also calls this bike a “great option for new cyclists on a budget.”The flywheel delivers a smooth, quiet ride and has fine-tuned resistance levels of up to 100, which allows for a lot of variation in your workouts. Because of this, Beebe says the bike “would pair great with an online platform, like Peloton or Les Mills+ for a total body/cycling programming.”The downside is the LCD display doesn’t show the resistance levels, so you have to manually count when increasing or decreasing.It has a slim, lightweight, sturdy steel frame clocking in at 68 pounds for easy maneuvering around small spaces like apartments. Other features include an adjustable handlebar and padded seat, a tablet mount for streaming workouts, and a built-in water bottle holder. It can sustain riders of up to 270 pounds.Read More: Best Exercise BikesSize39.5 x 34 x 8 in.Resistance Levels100Maximum Weight270 lbsProsQuiet, smooth ride 100 resistance levels for precise adjustments Built-in wheels for movabilityConsSeat is on the harder side Monitor is basicThe Merach exercise bike is a studio-style bike with a design that mimics the Peloton Bike+, minus the display. This bike is whisper-quiet thanks to magnetic resistance, allowing you to fit in a workout without disturbing the neighbors or other members of your household.This bike has 100 resistance levels, allowing you to really fine-tune your workout. It also has impressive adjustability, from two-way adjustable handles to a four-way adjustable seat. The straps have adjustable toe cages, and there are also two water bottle holders and a tablet rack to keep you comfortable while you bike. There’s even a dumbbell holder in back for strength training while you ride.At a quick glance, this bike looks a little like the Peloton Bike+. But the display is basic, making this the budget version of that high-end machine. Ultimately, if you want a studio-style bike with a near-silent operation, this is a great budget choice.Read More: Best Foldable TreadmillsFeatures at a GlanceSize42.6 x 19 x 48.6 in.Resistance Levels100Maximum Weight300 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsEasy to move aroundVery durable, stable frame20 resistance levelsConsHandlebars aren’t adjustable Console is basicThe ProForm 225 CSX is one of the pricier budget bikes on our list, but it’s worth the added cost in my opinion. This is the “backup” bike in my home, but I enjoy using it so much that sometimes I’ll just hop on when I want to do a long ride.The Proform 225 CSX is portable thanks to wheels in front. You just tilt it forward and scoot your bike around to the spot of your choice. While you can’t toss it in a closet like the lightweight AtivaFit Foldable, it’s your best option for a movable exercise bike that’s this sturdy. I’ve had this bike in two different homes, and it was simple to wheel in and out the door for each move.It has 20 resistance levels, along with an 8-kg flywheel for a smooth ride. While you can’t fine-tune your workouts as much as you would with a studio bike like the Yosuda, there’s still a lot to choose from.The wide, padded seat is a dream to sit on, making this bike great for longer sessions. The frame is also surprisingly sturdy for a bike with this small footprint and price point.The max user weight capacity is slightly lower than some others in this guide at 286 pounds, but it’s still strong enough to support most riders. While the handlebars aren’t adjustable and the display looks like something out of the early ’00s, there’s a sturdy tablet holder and fan to keep you comfortable and entertained during workouts. Bluetooth compatibility means you can sync up to your favorite streaming service for high-quality sound, too.Features at a GlanceSize35 x 21 x 58 in.Resistance Levels20Maximum Weight286 lbsProsDesign is extremely compact for apartments Super lightweightGood for beginnersConsLimited resistance levelsNot great for experienced bikersMax recommended height is 5'8"Nearly every exercise bike is going to hog floor space in your home, but the Ativafit Folding Exercise Bike has a genius design that allows the bike to fold up into a compact package the size of a vacuum so you can stash it away in a closet, corner, and the tiniest of city apartments. It also has a small footprint when it’s unfolded and is the most lightweight option on this list at only 34 pounds. Plus, the frame is surprisingly sturdy since it can withstand up to 264.5 pounds.Sklar says this bike is “a good option for those with limited space who want the challenge and benefits of cycling.” The bike has seven adjustable seat height options, although the recommended max height is 5'8". Similar to our recumbent bike option, there are only eight resistance levels. “It’s suitable for beginners, but may not be ideal for more experienced cyclists,” Ray says. If you need a challenge, the Yosuda bike is the best option.Like all the bikes on this list, a device tray on the display can hold your phone or tablet, while the display itself gives data on your time, speed, calories, and pulse.Read More: Best Compact Home Fitness EquipmentSize34 x 10 x 15 in.Resistance Levels8Maximum Weight264.5 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWell-padded seat for supportDesign helps reduce back strainIdeal for seniorsConsLimited resistance levelsNot good for advanced ridersA recumbent bike, like this one from Sunny Health & Fitness, is ideal for people who can’t comfortably use an upright bike thanks to its wide, extra-supportive seat that helps reduce strain. For this reason, it’s “preferred by many older adults,” says Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS, an exercise physiologist.While our top choice has 100 resistance levels, this model only has eight. It limits intense workouts on the bike, which is something to keep in mind if you’re used to fast-paced cycling classes. Matheny says this is “best for beginners or older people who have never cycled or taken a spin class.”Users can adjust the intensity level by turning the dial, while the seat position is equally easy to tweak—just pull up the lever. At 59 pounds, this bike is surprisingly lightweight for a recumbent and can hold up to 300 pounds, which makes it technically sturdier than the Yosuda. But, it’s still bulkier and wider than other options on this list. If you have limited space or live in an apartment, this is probably not the best choice.The display is small and basic but shows time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse (if you grip the sensors on the handles). But there’s a spot to prop your phone if you want to stream workouts or your favorite shows. There’s also a water bottle holder positioned between your legs, although it requires you to lean over while pedaling to grab your drink.Size56.3 x 26.3 x 42.9 in.Resistance Levels8Maximum Weight300 lbsPros13 built-in workouts Smooth, quiet ride 16 resistance levelsConsVery basic display Pedals are on the smaller sideBuilt-in workouts aren’t a given with an under-$500 exercise bike, but the Schwinn Fitness 130 Upright has enough of these to give you options. Flip between 13 different exercise modes, including challenge programs, HIIT, and rolling hills. There’s also a manual option that allows you to flip between 16 resistance levels for when you want to customize your workout.At $450, this is the most expensive under-$500 bike in our guide, but it has a smooth, seamless ride to make it feel like a pricier piece of equipment. The console has Bluetooth compatibility to work with your favorite training app, and the adjustable padded seat is comfortable even on long rides. There’s also a water bottle holder that’s easy to reach while you ride.What’s the catch? The display is very basic. It will still give you metrics like calories burned and time, but it’s very, very simple. There is a small shelf to put your phone or table for something more entertaining to look at, though.Features at a GlanceSize41 x 21.4 x 56.6 in.Resistance Levels16Maximum Weight300 lbsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSturdy steel frame Magnetic resistance for a smooth, quiet rideAdjustable seat and handlebarsConsBasic display lacks the immersive experience of a built-in touchscreenThe Merach Heavy-Duty Exercise Bike stands out for its stable steel frame and 300-pound weight capacity, making it a solid choice for riders who prioritize support and durability. Despite its heavy-duty construction, it has a relatively compact footprint, so it won’t completely take over your home gym.Its 16 magnetic resistance levels provide enough variety for various levels of workouts and the magnetic system also helps keep workouts smooth and quiet. The adjustable seat and handlebars make it easier for different members of a household to find a comfortable riding position.The bike connects to Merach’s app for guided workouts and performance tracking, and its tablet holder lets you stream classes or entertainment from your own device.The trade-off is its basic onboard display, which can’t match the immersive experience of a bike with a large touchscreen. Still, it offers an appealing combination of stability, connectivity, and adjustability for the price.Size44.9 x 20.5 x 47.2 in.Resistance Levels16Maximum Weight300 lbsKorin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.Natascha is an editor and writer covering health, fitness, and the ways people move through the world. She’s been a NASM-certified personal trainer for more than a decade, with a background in functional strength training, corrective exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. She has additional CES, CNC, BCS, and SFC certifications. She is also a level-2 certified Spinning instructor. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, and other outlets, and her experience spans both editorial and hands-on work across the fitness industry. Whether she’s writing about training, health, or performance, she’s most interested in making complicated topics useful, approachable, and helpful.