The 9 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes For Home Use 2023 – Top Cycles Reviewed

Indoor cycling bikes, commonly known as indoor cycles, can make great additions to any home gym.

Not only can they provide very intense workouts, but they’re compact, easy to move, and they come in all price ranges.

In order to find the best indoor cycle for your needs though, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what makes these exercise bikes tick.

Knowing which features and specs to compare when looking at indoor cycles will make all the difference between you being happy with your new bike and your cycle getting lonely in the corner collecting dust.

Well, this comprehensive review will teach you everything you need to know before you buy anything.

I’ll also present my top bike picks for the year (based on the specs discussed in the buyer’s guide).

After reading this article, you’ll be well equipped to find the perfect indoor cycle for your home gym.

In case you’re in a hurry, I’m going to start with the top indoor cycles, but I encourage you to read the buyer’s guide at the end too – it’s important stuff people!

	Resistance	Frame	Warranty	Features	Price
#1 Keiser M3i	8 lb flywheel 24 magnetic levels	92 lb assembled weight 330 lb weight limit	10 year frame 3 year parts	LCD console Bluetooth Dual compatible pedals	$$$
#2 ICG Ride CX	7.6 lb flywheel 100 magnetic levels	112 lb assembled weight 330 lb weight limit	5 year frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	Color-coded coaching Bluetooth Dual-compatible pedals	$$$
#3 Peloton Bike	35 lb flywheel 100 magnetic levels	135 lb assembled weight 297 lb weight limit	5 year frame 1 year parts 1 year labor	22" HD touchscreen Bluetooth Delta-compatible pedals	$$
#4 NordicTrack Commercial S22i	32 lb flywheel 24 magnetic levels	203 lb in box weight 350 lb weight limit	10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor	22" HD touchscreen Power incline/decline iFit compatible	$$
#5 Sole SB900	35 lb flywheel 100 magnetic levels	123 lb assembled weight 300 lb weight limit	Lifetime frame 2 year parts 1 year labor	LCD console Fully adjustable seat/handles Dual compatible pedals	$$
#6 Schwinn IC4	40 lb flywheel 100 magnetic levels	106 lb assembled weight 330 lb weight limit	10 year frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	LCD console Bluetooth Included strap heart rate monitor	$
#7 Diamondback 510Ic	32 lb flywheel 16 magnetic levels	104 lb assembled weight 300 lb weight limit	5 year frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	LCD console 12 workout programs Fully adjustable seat	$
#8 Sole SB700	48 lb flywheel Friction pad	141 lb 300 lb weight limit	Lifetime frame 3 year parts 1 year labor	LCD console Fully adjustable seat/handles Toe cage pedals	$
#9 SHF Evolution Pro	44 lb flywheel Magnetic	136 lb assembled weight 330 lb weight limit	3 year frame 180 day parts	Fully adjustable seat/handles Toe cage pedals	$

The 9 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes For Home Use 2023

#1 Keiser M3i Indoor Bike

The Keiser M3i always finds itself at the top of “best of” lists because there’s really no room for subjectivity here- it’s simply one of the best indoor cycles on the market.

It’s also probably one of the best looking cycles you’re gonna come across – I mean seriously, it looks like a piece of art, gorgeous.

But looks aside, the specs are just as impressive.

The M3i was the first bike to utilize a rear-mounted, lightweight flywheel, although as you’ll notice, it’s a design plan that’s been copied over the years.

And when I say lightweight, I’m talking 8 lb light.

Keiser believes that if your magnetic resistance system and drive train are engineered adequately enough, you don’t need a huge flywheel to achieve a smooth feeling ride.

And users seem to agree because there aren’t any complaints about the feel of this bike.

Instead of using weight to increase the flywheel’s momentum, the M3i uses rotational speed. This bike is designed so that the flywheel spins faster than pretty much any other indoor cycle around.

The result is a smooth feel without the need for a massive flywheel.

With an automotive grade belt drive system and eddy current magnetic resistance, the M3i can provide as smooth and silent a ride as any.

The M3i also comes with a fully adjustable seat, fully adjustable handlebars, and a uniquely designed “V” shaped frame.

Again, this elegant design feature serves an important function- it allows this bike to accommodate users anywhere from 4’10” to 7′ tall.

And with a surprisingly high weight capacity of 350 lb, it guarantees almost anyone can comfortably ride this bike.

The bluetooth enabled monitored is actually pretty sophisticated for exercise bikes, but it looks like something from the stone ages when compared to the Peloton.

Of course you don’t have to worry about an ongoing monthly subscription with this bike either.

I’ve said in the past that I think Keiser could offer a better warranty on this bike, but the reality is, they still offer one of the better home warranties out there when it comes to indoor cycles.

With a 10 year frame and 3 year parts guarantee, Keiser’s warranty can hang with most (although some brands do still offer a lifetime frame warranty).

Regardless, f you’re looking for an elite indoor cycle that’s built to last a lifetime, Keiser’s M3i is a very smart choice. See full review.

#2 ICG Ride CX

Life Fitness is a very well-known provider of commercial grade fitness equipment.

Their products are found in popular gyms around the country, but they also have a comprehensive line of high-end home fitness equipment too.

And they made the brilliant move of acquiring ICG, a brand that has gained a lot of fame in Europe for their elite indoor cycles.

This means Life Fitness gets to use ICG bikes to fill their indoor cycling lineup – pretty freakin’ awesome.

Anyway, ICG offers a bunch of great commercial grade cycles at various price points, but it’s their newest addition, the Ride CX that really catches my attention.

The Ride CX might not be as sophisticated as some of ICG’s more expensive models, but with an asking price in the mid-$2k’s, it’s priced much better for home use.

And that’s not to say this cycle can’t hold its own.

Looking at this bike, the first thing that pops out to me is how sleek it looks.

It borrows the same rear-mounted flywheel design that Keiser made popular and like Keiser, it also utilizes a very lightweight flywheel.

More specifically, the Ride CX uses a 7.6 lb flywheel.

But with a 1:10 gear ratio, that flywheel gets spinning really fast during workouts and this is how it’s able to provide such a smooth pedaling motion.

ICG pairs this fast spinning flywheel with 100 levels of magnetic resistance, giving the rider complete control over the intensity of each workout.

This bike also features fully adjustable handlebars and seat, as well as dual-sided pedals that can be used with sneakers or cleats (SPD compatible).

I also like how robust this bike is – with an assembled weight of 112 lb (which is impressive considering how light the flywheel is) and a weight limit of 330 lb, you won’t have to worry about this cycle wobbling around during workouts.

And this bike is no slouch when it comes to the console either.

With bluetooth compatibility with fitness apps and a color coded coaching feature, the Ride CX has something to offer everyone.

Last, but not least, the Ride CX is backed by a pretty generous 5 year frame warranty (3 year parts).

Overall, the Ride CX is an advanced home indoor cycle with a lot to offer, especially for folks who like the idea of a light weight flywheel.

And with such a competitive asking price, I have a feeling this is going to become one popular bike. See full review.

#3 The Peloton Bike

Peloton has been around since 2012 and for awhile it kinda seemed like they’re taking over the world.

I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials on tv or online, I mean they’re pretty much everywhere.

It all revolves around the idea of bringing the experience of participating in a spin class to the comfort of your home.

It’s a brilliant idea and one Peloton has executed perfectly in my opinion.

Full disclosure: I own a Peloton and am happy to say I’ve been participating in 2-3 classes a week since my wife surprised me with one for my birthday over 4 years ago.

But besides the live and on-demand courses (which are amazing by the way), the bike itself can hold it’s own with any elite indoor cycle on the market.

With a sophisticated magnetic resistance system and low maintenance belt drive train, the Peloton bike offers a nearly silent ride.

Adjusting the resistance is achieved by easily turning the resistance dial, which is large and easily accessible during workouts.

I like that the resistance is measured in terms of percentage, ranging from 0 – 100 (the total resistance provided is a lot, I rarely get above 60 and that’s with me standing).

This bike uses LOOK Delta clip-in shoes, so cleats are necessary- there’s no shoe cage option for sneakers.

The seat is also, fully adjustable, making it easy to find a comfortable riding position.

The only downside (besides having to pay the monthly subscription of $39) is that the handlebars don’t have a fore/aft adjustment.

Otherwise, the Peloton Bike is a class act all around, although the star of the show is obviously the huge, 22″ flatscreen tv they use for a monitor, which is also touchscreen.

Tracking your stats and watching the workouts is a cinch with this beautiful screen.

The system is bluetooth and ANT+ compatible for chest strap heart rate monitors and wireless earbuds.

The warranty could be longer (5 year frame, 1 year parts) but given the quality of this cycle, it’s not a dealbreaker – plus I’ve had mine for years now and it hasn’t skipped a beat.

Overall, if you’re looking for a luxury indoor cycle that can turn your own home into a legit cycling studio, the Peloton is the way to go. See full review.

#4 NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

NordicTrack’s another brand that doesn’t really need an intro. They’ve been around forever and are easily one of the most popular fitness brands in the world.

And I don’t have any stats to back this up, but I bet their S22i is one of the most popular cycles around.

These days, there are a lot of streaming cycles on the market, all trying to capitalize on what Peloton started.

But a few years ago, this wasn’t the case.

If I remember correctly, I think the S22i was the first real competitor to Peloton – well, these days it still is.

Like the Peloton, this cycle is designed first and foremost for streaming – that’s what that huge, 22″ HD touchscreen console is for.

NordicTrack uses their streaming service, iFit, for all the instructor-led workouts. And iFit can be used with any NordicTrack product, so if you’re already a member, this bike could make sense.

The S22i has a lot else going for it too besides streaming though.

This cycle comes with a 32 lb flywheel, 24 levels of magnetic resistance, and a heavy-duty frame.

It also comes with a pair of included dumbbells, a built-in fan (something few indoor cycles have), and is bluetooth friendly.

This is all great and whatnot, but what really sets this bike apart is its ability to incline/decline to mimic the feel of riding up/down hill.

I haven’t seen any other bike offer this feature (I’m sure NordicTracks holds the patent).

To make things better, NordicTrack also offers a nice warranty on this cycle: 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor.

Overall, if you’re looking for a streaming bike packed full of cool features, NordicTrack’s Commercial S22i is a wonderful choice. See full review.

P.S.- now that the S27i is out, the price on the S22i is just getting better and better.

#5 Sole SB900 Exercise Bike

Even though Sole started out producing fitness equipment for hotel chains, they’ve rapidly made a name for themselves in the home fitness game.

You may know them for their popular treadmills, but their indoor cycles deserve just as much praise.

The SB900 is their mid-range indoor cycle and it has some pretty remarkable specs.

Starting from the beginning, this bike comes with a heavy, 35.27 lb flywheel (I know, that’s oddly specific, but whatever).

For the cyclists out there that love the feel of a heavy flywheel spinning, this bike is going to make you very happy.

To go along with this heavy flywheel, the SB900 utilizes a belt drive train and magnetic resistance system.

The result is a quiet, smooth ride that can compete with the top 3 bikes mentioned above.

And with 100 resistance levels to work with, you get a ton of control over your workouts, but you could also easily follow along with Peloton’s Digital App for a budget-friendlier Peloton hack.

This is probably a good time to mention that this bike only costs around $1k, making it quite a bit more affordable than the cycles mentioned above.

To round out this bike, Sole includes a fully adjustable seat and handlebars, making this bike completely customizable.

And with a lifetime frame and 2 year parts warranty, the SB900 is well covered in case something goes wrong.

The only department this bike is lacking in is the monitor -it does include one, but it’s just a small, LCD screen that shows the regular metrics.

Nothing too fancy.

Dollar for dollar though, I think the SB900 is one of the best buys out there.

It has all the specs to compete with the elite cycles and Sole offers a better warranty than most. All things considered, a great indoor cycling bike for the price. See full review.

 

#6 Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

Schwinn lands a bike on this list with their powerful and affordable IC4.

I mean come on – you didn’t think I was going to have a “best bike” list without at least 1 Schwinn on it did ya?

Starting from the top, this cycle has a 40 lb flywheel, which is very heavy for any grade of indoor cycle.

The extra weight helps the IC4 provide a smoother ride than you’d expect from such an affordable cycle too.

This bike pairs that massive flywheel with a magnetic resistance system and then gives you 100 levels to work with.

I love this because this is the same scale Peloton uses with their bike/workouts.

This means it’s really easy to follow along with Peloton workouts with the IC4… just sayin’.

Both the seat and handlebars on this cycle are fully adjustable and the pedals are dual compatible too.

And with a max weight capacity of 330 lb, this affordable bike is adjustable enough to fit just about anyone.

Additional features include a pair of 3 lb dumbbells, a strap heart rate monitor, bluetooth, and a built-in USB charging port.

And to make things even better, Schwinn backs the IC4 with a 10 year frame and 3 year parts warranty.

This bike normally goes for around $999, but I’ve seen it on sale for $799 before. Now that I think about it, maybe the IC4 should’ve been higher up the list? See full review.

#7 Diamondback 510Ic Exercise Bike

The Diamondback 510Ic has a special place in my heart because it was the first indoor cycle I purchased.

Although these days it doesn’t get that much attention (I mentioned I own a Peloton), it worked great before I started ignoring it.

I’ve gotta say, even when compared to the best, this bike still offers a really smooth ride.

Especially considering the fact that this bike only costs around $700 usually (probably quite a bit cheaper these days).

Anyway, let’s get down to the specifics.

The 510Ic comes with a 32 lb flywheel, so a little lighter than some of the other bikes on this list, but still plenty of weight to produce a smooth motion throughout the entire pedal stroke.

I doubt many of us could tell the difference between a 32 lb and 37 lb flywheel anyway (I’m sure I couldn’t).

This bike also uses a magnetic resistance system, which keeps your rides smooth and quiet.

I used to easily watch tv while I rode without any issues.

One of the biggest reasons I decided to buy this bike over some of the other comparable options was the fact that the 510Ic comes with preprogrammed workouts- 12 of them to be exact.

I also liked that the resistance was controlled through the monitor- 16 levels adjusted by touching a button up or down.

This bike has a fully adjustable seat and height adjustable handlebars as well.

The pedals are caged (so no cleats). The frame is really heavy-duty, doesn’t rock at all during use and it can hold folks up to 300 lb safely.

The warranty on this bike is also pretty solid- 5 years on the frame, 3 year parts, and 90 days on wear items.

The Diamondback 510Ic is priced similarly to the Sole SB700 and the 2 bikes have a lot in common.

If you’re looking for a solid mid-range cycle with magnetic resistance and included workout programs, the 510Ic is a smart buy. See full review.

 

 

#8 Sole SB700 Exercise Bike

I mentioned earlier that Sole offers 2 indoor cycles, well, here’s the other one.

I think it says something when all of a brand’s spin bikes make my “best of” list…it means Sole knows what they’re doing.

The SB700 is actually very comparable to the SB900. The biggest differences are found in the resistance system, the pedals, and the price.

This bike uses the same 48 lb flywheel the SB900 uses. Again that’s a massive flywheel for any exercise bike, but for one in this price range it’s almost unheard of.

I know Sunny Health & Fitness also likes to use really heavy flywheels, even on their budget bikes.

So, the first big difference is found in the resistance system. The SB900 uses a frictionless, magnetic resistance which is almost silent during use.

The SB700 uses a felt braking resistance system. This doesn’t cause much more noise, but it does make for a little extra maintenance.

Over time, that felt pad is going to break down and have to be replaced. With magnetic resistance systems, there is no friction (no touching parts), so maintenance is really minimal.

Magnetic resistance is superior to brake pad resistance in every way, but it increases the price of the bike.

The other big difference is found in the pedals. The pedals on the SB700 are caged only. This means they are only compatible with sneakers- no clipping in with cleats.

You could easily switch out the pedals if you wanted to, but if you didn’t already own some you would have to pay for the extra cost of the pedals.

Everything else is roughly the same as the upgraded SB900- this bike also comes with fully adjustable everything and a heavy-duty frame.

Last is the price- considering the brake pad resistance system and caged only pedals, Sole decided to price the SB700 abou $300 less than the SB900.

I think this is a pretty fair price for this bike, considering it comes with the same incredible warranty as the SB900 (lifetime frame). See full review.

#9 Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro Indoor Cycling Bike

Finishing up the list is the Evolution Pro by Sunny Health & Fitness (SHF).

I’m a fan of SHF because they’ve mastered the art of producing budget friendly equipment that looks good and actually works.

Their products are always highly rated by users and they often find themselves on “best of” lists such as this one.

The Evolution Pro is no different.

At 44 lb, this bike has one of the heaviest flywheels on this list.

Besides the Sole cycles listed above, I can’t think of any indoor cycle with a heavier flywheel off the top of my head, although I know there are a few out there with like 50 lb flywheels.

For the cyclists that love the feel of a heavy flywheel, the Evolution Pro is sure to satisfy.

This heavy wheel is combined with a magnetic resistance system and belt drive train to produce an exceptionally quiet ride.

This bike is more than capable of providing an intense workout for users of all fitness levels.

The Evolution Pro also comes with fully adjustable handlebars and a fully adjustable seat, giving you full customization of your fit.

One of this bike’s most impressive specs in my opinion, is the weight capacity of 330 lb.

This bike is designed to accommodate users of all sizes and the extra weight capacity ensures larger folks can ride safely too.

In other words, the frame is very robust for a bike in this price range.

The pedals on the Evolution Pro are standard caged style. They’re designed to be used with sneakers, but you could easily swap them out for SPD pedals if you want.

The biggest flaw on this bike is found in the warranty department. The Evolution Pro only has a 3 year warranty on the frame and a 6 month warranty on parts.

This isn’t awful, when compared to some of the warranties offered by the more expensive bikes, but it would be nice to see a little longer on the parts.

That said, SHF warranties tend to be on the short side. Oh well, nobody’s perfect.

Overall though, the Evolution Pro has all the specs to compete with the highest-end spin bikes on the market.

And at a price that is roughly $1500 less than the elite cycles, this bike offers one of the best “bang for your buck” ratios around. See full review.

 

Ok, that does it for the bikes, on to the buyer’s guide.

What’s An Indoor Cycle?

Ok, so “spin bike” and “indoor cycle” are two terms for the same product, although “indoor cycle” is actually the proper name for these types of exercise bikes.

Mad Dogg Athletics was the first brand to use the “spin” or “spinning” name for their bikes and they actually trademarked the phrase.

But these days the terms “spin bike” or “spinning bike” have become so generic that they’re often used interchangeably with indoor cycle (even though Madd Dogg is doing their best to ensure the term doesn’t become generic).

Semantics aside, an indoor cycle is a style of exercise bike designed to closely mimic the feel of riding a road bike.

They were created and designed by Johnny G. and John B. who eventually came together to create Mad Dogg- as well as the idea of exercise classes based solely on riding a spin bike.

Johnny G. was an elite cyclist who had an accident while riding at night. Instead of chancing fate again, he decided to come up with a way to ride a road bike indoors.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Key features commonly found on indoor cycles include:

• Heavy flywheels (usually, but not always)
• Standard road bike seats
• Multi-grip handlebars
• The availability of clipless pedals
• Drive trains and flywheels designed for high cadences

Indoor cycles are pretty minimalistic when compared to traditional upright bikes and recumbent bikes.

There’s usually less “stuff” you don’t need to operate the bike (like speakers and cooling fans), although this is changing with so many hi-tech, streaming bikes hitting the market.

P.S.- if you’re looking for a more affordable streaming bike, check out my guide on Peloton alternatives.

How To Choose An Indoor Cycle

If you’re new to indoor cycles, that’s ok.

This section will walk you through all the specs and features you should consider when comparing different options.

At first glance, a lot of bikes will appear very similar. In order to find the best buy, you have to take a close look at the fine details.

Flywheel

If you made it through the descriptions of each bike above, you have a good idea of how important the flywheel is to an indoor cycle.

It’s really the heart of the bike- it gives the bike it’s “feel” as well as provides the mechanism to create the resistance.

Flywheels come in all different sizes (all the same shape though, can’t say I’ve ever seen an oval or square one).

The weight of the flywheel is usually the first question people ask when researching a bike.

The traditional belief is that heavier flywheels provide smoother, more realistic rides. These heavier, “perimeter weighted” wheels build momentum as you pedal.

This momentum keeps the pedals moving smoothly throughout the entire 360° pedal motion.

Cheaper bikes with lighter flywheels can sometimes have “choppy” pedal motions because there isn’t enough momentum to keep pedals moving smoothly.

These days most quality cycles come with flywheels that are at least 30 lb. That seems to be the cutoff of what is considered a “heavy” flywheel.

Don’t ask me who made that rule.

But a lot of brands are including flywheels much heavier, as you may’ve noticed. It’s not uncommon to see 40-50 lb flywheels these days.

I italicized the word “most” above because there’s another school of though that is gaining some serious momentum.

The idea that you need a heavy flywheel to get a smooth ride is being challenged by some of the highest-end brands.

Names like Keiser and ICG are all producing indoor cycles that use flywheels under 10 lb.

The idea being that if you have a sophisticated magnetic resistance system and a properly designed gear system you don’t need all that extra weight to get that smooth feel.

And I can tell you from experience it’s true.

Although I’ve read interviews from elite cyclists who’ve trained with both and still prefer the feel of a heavy flywheel.

According to some, it provides an experience that more closely resembles riding outside.

Regardless of weight, the flywheel is usually found in the front of the bike.

But more and more models now are putting the flywheel in the rear of the cycle- this looks cool, but it also serves to protect the flywheel from sweat damage during use.

We can all thank Keiser for this innovation.

Belt vs Chain Drive

The type of drive train is another spec that you may want to consider. This one isn’t as crucial as flywheel weight, but it can make a difference in your ride experience.

First of all, the drive is what connects the pedals to the flywheel.

On a road bike, this is the chain (chain drive). Indoor cycles also use chains, but now we are also seeing belt drives.

Chain drives work great, but when compared to belts they have a few disadvantages.

First, the chain drives make a little more noise than the belts because you can hear the “clanking” noise the teeth make as the gear catches the chain links.

Belt drives, on the other hand, are basically silent.

Second, chain drives should be lubricated regularly to ensure smooth operation. Most quality belt drives require no maintenance (unless the unlikely should happen and the belt snapped).

Bikes with a belt drive are usually a little more expensive than their chain counterparts, but now even some of the more budget friendly models are starting to use belts.

If you’re looking for the quietest, smoothest ride possible, you should look for a bike with a belt drive.

If you are looking for a bike that works great, but is a little easier on the budget, a chain drive will do just fine.

Keep in mind, chain drives work just as well as belt drives. The noise and maintenance factors are the only difference.

Seat

The seats on indoor cycles are usually pretty uncomfortable- that’s just the way it goes. Most indoor cycles use standard road bike seats after all.

Because of their narrow shape, they tend to put more pressure on your bottom than the wider seats used on standard upright bikes.

This is a common truth with all indoor cycles.

The important thing to consider about a bike seat is whether or not it’s fully adjustable.

And fully adjustable means you can adjust the horizontal position of the seat (fore/aft) as well as the height.

Being able to adjust the fore/aft position gives you a much better chance of finding the right fit.

This is especially important on an indoor cycle because you are usually riding at higher speeds and intensities.

If you’re riding often with in improper fit, the chances of you getting injured are more likely.

It’s also not going to feel as comfortable, which could hinder your workouts as well- it’s difficult to go for a long ride when you aren’t comfortable.

Handlebars

The handlebars on an indoor cycle should be multi-grip. This gives you the ability to change the position of your hands throughout your ride.

This is important because you’ll need to change your grip depending on what type of workout you’re doing: your hand position changes depending on whether you’re standing or riding a “flat road”.

Multi-grip handlebars come in all different shapes and sizes.

A lot of handlebars are also fully adjustable (height and fore/aft adjustments possible), although not all are.

If you’re looking for the most customizable fit possible, look for a bike with a fully adjustable handlebar.

Surprisingly, neither of the indoor cycles I own have a fully adjustable handlebar and I’ve been just fine.

Frame

For me, the most important spec regarding the frame is the max weight capacity.

Pretty much all frames are made out of steel and aluminum, but the weight limit gives you an objective measure of how “tough” a bike is.

Higher is always better.

I think you should aim for a bike with at least a 300 lb weight capacity.

Even if you’re only 150 lb, a bike that can handle that much more weight is going to feel a lot more stable during use.

The bikes that can handle users in the 300-350 lb range are more robust and more sturdy-  they’re going to feel more like a commercial grade machine when you step up on them.

It’s also a good idea to check out the assembled weight of a bike before purchasing because this tells you exactly how “heavy duty” it is.

Again, heavier bikes are going to feel more stable.

The last thing you want is your bike swaying or wobbling during your workout.

I’ve read reviews where users complain about how heavy their spin bike is. Personally, I want my bike to be heavy.

Console

If you’re looking for an indoor cycle, the monitor may not be the first thing you consider.

After all, these bikes aren’t historically known for their hi-tech monitors (although of course that’s changing now).

But if you’re stuck between two different bikes, the console may be the tie breaker for ya.

Most indoor cycles come with very simple monitors that only consist of a small, LCD screen. Most only track the most basic of metrics, including: time, distance, cadence, speed, and calories.

More advanced monitors are compatible with wireless chest strap heart rate monitors- definitely something you should consider if you like to track your heart rate.

A lot of cycles don’t come with preprogrammed workouts, but some do of course. If you want a bike with workouts included, know that it’s possible to find them.

Some indoor cycles don’t come with a console at all – if you plan to watch tv or watch online workouts, you may not need a monitor.

You can also purchase bike computers separately to track cadence and other metrics.

Every year now, we’re seeing more and more streaming bikes that offer basically unlimited live and/or on-demand workouts (and I don’t think this trend is about to change any time soon).

These streaming bikes can come with hi-tech, touchscreen monitors as well as less sophisticated options.

Warranty

I’m a stickler for warranties regardless of what type of fitness equipment you’re looking for. I think warranty is one of the best indicators of product quality.

Nicer equipment should come with better warranties, although this isn’t always the case.

Indoor cycle warranties are usually broken down into a few different categories:

• Frame
• Parts (sometimes divided into mechanical, electronics, and wear parts)
• Labor

The frame warranty should always be the longest of the bunch. After all, if the bike frame breaks down before anything else you’ve got some serious issues going on.

Good frame warranties should be somewhere between 5-10 years. Great frame warranties are lifetime.

Good parts warranties are 3 years or longer.

Some companies may offer 3 years on the mechanical and electronic parts but only 1 year on the wear parts.

Labor is always the shortest of the bunch because it’s just isn’t cost efficient for companies to be paying third party contractors to re-build their products years after they were purchased.

Even the best warranties rarely have a labor warranty longer than a year or two.

Price (Of course)

I’m a realistic guy.

I know price is usually the first spec we look at when searching for a new anything. The truth is we can only purchase something that fits into our budget.

Luckily, indoor cycles come in a wide range of price points:

• $200 – $500: these are the budget bikes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a lot of great features. You can find heavy flywheels and fully adjustable seats and handlebars in this group. Most of these are using chain drives, but some near the $500 range will be using belts.
• $500 – $1000: these are the mid-range bikes and probably where you’re going to get the best bang for your buck. You get a great bike for this budget, including heavy flywheels, magnetic resistances, and belt drives. You can also find great warranties here.
• $1000-$3000: these are the high-end, luxury bikes. Not only should you be expecting pretty much fully-adjustable everything, but in this price range you should expect clipless pedal options and advanced monitors. This price range holds the nicest spin bikes on the market.

Benefits Of An Indoor Cycle

Now you know what to look for in a spin bike, but is a spin bike right for you to begin with? Maybe I should’ve started with this section.

Oh well.

Indoor cycles offer a great workout.

With their ability to produce heavy resistance and reach high cadences, they are great for interval training and HIIT workouts.

But they are also the least comfortable type of exercise bike. Stationary and recumbent bikes are a lot more comfortable to use.

The heavy flywheels take a little more energy to get started and standing up on them can add extra stress through your knees and hips.

If you have joint issues or are prone to overuse injuries, you may want to think twice before diving in with an indoor cycle purchase.

I would also think twice if you’re just looking for an exercise bike to use for casual workouts – thesebikes are designed for intense, calorie torching workouts.

You can obviously workout any way you like with your own bike, but if you aren’t interested in these types of workouts, it might make more sense to go with another type of exercise bike.

But if you are confident you can use one comfortably and are looking forward to some intense bike workouts, an indoor cycle will be perfect for you. The following examples are just some of the benefits you can enjoy:

• They take up very little floor space
• Perfect for burning calories and losing weight
• High resistance levels can built leg strength
• Perfect for improving cardiovascular endurance and health
• Quiet to use
• Wide range of workouts to follow or create your own
• Great for stress reduction

FAQ

Can you switch out the crank arms on an indoor cycle?

Yes you can, and I have.

It’s actually pretty easy on most indoor cycles. You will likely need a crank puller tool, but they are cheap and easy to find.

All you have to do is remove the plug and bolt holding the crank arm attached. Then you will use the crank puller to separate the crank arm from the bike.

There are some great videos on youtube that walk you through it and it only takes a few minutes.

How can I make the  seat more comfortable?

There’s really only 2 ways to improve the comfort of a spin bike seat: replace the seat or add a seat cushion.

Most indoor cycles use standard road bike seats, which means you can easily swap them out for an upgraded seat bought separately.

A cheaper option would be to try a gel seat cushion. I used this one on my Diamondback and it really helped a lot with the comfort.

If you’re new to cycling, do know that with time you will get more used to the feel of the bike and your bottom will get accustomed to riding, which will make it feel more comfortable.

Can the pedals be switched out?

Yup, they sure can.

Just like the seat, any quality spin bike will be using standard pedals that can easily be swapped out for another pair of your choosing.

This comes in especially handy if you find a great bike you love, but the pedals aren’t compatible with cleats.

Instead of starting your search all over, you could purchase your favorite bike and simply swap out the pedals.

Can indoor cycles be assembled by 1 person?

I guess this really depends on your size and level of handiness. But generally speaking- yes, most of these bikes are pretty easy to assemble with only 1 person.

The flywheel/drive train component all comes fully assembled. You basically have to attach the stabilizers, handlebars, seat, pedals, and console.

Depending on how advanced your console (monitor) is, you may have to snake a wire through the handlebars and make a few connections.

Most indoor cycles can be fully assembled within 30-60 minutes.

How heavy are indoor cycles?

This depends on the make and model, but generally speaking, most quality cycles weight between 90 – 140 lb.

Keep in mind the flywheel alone on some of these bikes weighs 40 or so pounds.

This makes them a little front heavy, so keep that in mind when moving them. They all come with transport wheels, which makes moving them a lot easier too.

You just have to tilt them forward on the wheels and wheel them to their next location.

How much floor space do indoor cycles take up?

This may vary a little depending on the bike, but most spin bikes only require a footprint of roughly 4′ (L) x 2′ (W).

This makes them amongst the smallest types of home fitness equipment and great for homes with limited space.

What type of maintenance is necessary on an indoor cycle?

All brands will have specific instructions for their bikes when it comes to maintenance.

Generally speaking, you should wipe any sweat off the bike after each use because it can be corrosive to the frame and parts.

You should also make sure all bolts are checked periodically to ensure nothing is coming loose, including the pedals (I had an issue with one of my pedals on the Diamondback that probably could’ve been avoided if I had checked them regularly).

If your bike has a chain drive, you should lubricate periodically to keep it running smoothly. Belt drives shouldn’t require any lubrication.

Otherwise, check the user manual for specifics.

What heights can a cycling bike comfortably accommodate?

This varies greatly on the make and model of the bike, but most indoor cycles can comfortably accommodate people anywhere from 5’2″ to 6’4″, but we’re all built differently.

Checking the inseam height availability of the seat can give you a good idea.

The Keiser M3i claims that because of its unique V-shaped frame, it can hold folks anywhere between 4’10” and 7′ tall- which is pretty remarkable.

Final Thoughts

Well, there ya have it.

I’ve said it before, but I might as well say it again – it’s not easy making these lists.

There are just so many great cycles out there, it really is difficult to narrow it down to the best options around.

Anyway, with the above list, I tried to keep both performance specs and price in mind when picking which cycles I wanted to include.

There are plenty of great bikes that didn’t make this list, but I think the above cycles represent the best options the home market has to offer.

I hope you found this guide helpful and at least a little entertaining and as always, if you have any questions or comments, leave ’em below and I’ll get back to you shortly.