:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lindsey-lanquist-headshot-84f2d005959747d68a186d9dec4aec5e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-8c13b32507674083ade8019565ea9e96.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jen-polzak-0c2ff49735874e69a9acf0b2c25440f8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-stationary-bikes-5077417-7e363fb0d1f14396b06b34d2369df87e.jpg)
Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Whether you're commuting to work, hitting the trails, or taking a group class, cycling is a truly amazing workout. Beyond heart-pumping cardio, it builds strength and can even tone your muscles. But if the weather isn't welcoming, you're too busy to get to a studio, or you just prefer sweating in the comfort of your own home, a stationary bike will definitely suffice.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is the ProForm Carbon CX, a versatile stationary bike with quiet magnetic resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and two included dumbbells. For something more budget-friendly, consider the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike, which includes many of the same features as the spendier options and features an ergonomic design that prevents you from wobbling, even when pedaling fast.
Why jump on the indoor cycling craze? According to physical therapist Lisa Mitro, PT, your joints can also reap some benefits of indoor cycling. "Unlike running, which places two to three times your body weight through your joints, stationary bikes are a non-weight-bearing alternative to cardiovascular exercise to build endurance," she tells Byrdie.
We conducted hours of research on the best indoor bikes, evaluating each model on the weight capacity, assembly requirements, dimensions, and portability. We also took into account price and extra features. After considering dozens of models, and with expert recommendations from a physical therapist, we landed on the following options.
Ahead, find the best stationary bikes to help you stay active from the comfort of your own home.
Best Overall
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign15-21baea066cdd4258b38dbea58b5879b6.jpg)
Best Buy
Reasonably priced
Bluetooth connectivity
Hand weights included
Assembly required
Our number one pick is the ProForm Carbon CX. This Bluetooth-enabled exercise bike works with an iFIT membership to offer streaming workouts and personal training sessions for every skill level. The built-in LCD display shows you several real-time stats, including your heart rate, calorie burn, speed, time, and mileage.
This stationary bike boasts 16 levels of magnetic resistance, which you can easily adjust without interrupting your session. Not only that, but it comes with two three-pound dumbbells you can reach for during one of the many on-demand full-body workouts. The smooth, frictionless design is virtually silent, so you can hop on day or night without disturbing your family or roommates.
Price at time of publish: $456
Dimensions: 53 x 51 x 22 inches | Product Weight: 122 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Budget
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike SF-B1423/C
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SunnyHealthFitnessIndoorCyclingExerciseBikeSF-B1423C-1ab9105300e147da98a737c55bcf15a4.jpg)
Amazon
Affordable
High-inertia flywheel
Quiet operation
Low weight capacity
On a budget? The SF-B1423 from Sunny Health & Fitness is a solid choice. Though this stationary bike doesn't have many bells and whistles, it's an impressive product considering the affordable price.
The ergonomic seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, and the flywheel drive system offers high-inertia resistance. This means it won't shake or wobble when you peddle super fast, and it doesn't make a ton of noise either. You can also track various stats on the small LCD screen, including your calorie burn, time, speed, and distance.
Price at time of publish: $299
Dimensions: 54 x 44 x 19 inches | Product Weight: 63 pounds | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Resistance: Flywheel friction
Best Splurge
Peloton Bike+
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign20-1e3ae0aeafac41d49dca041a2661b849.jpg)
Peloton
Extra-large touchscreen
Wide range of classes
Arrives fully assembled
Expensive
If you want the best of the best and are willing to pay top dollar, Peloton is where it's at. Unlike many others, this fancy bike arrives fully assembled and boasts a footprint smaller than your average yoga mat.
It's got an extra-large rotating touchscreen you can use to stream not only cycling classes but also Pilates, yoga, barre, and strength-training sessions with an All-Access Membership. The price is steep, but you can opt for a payment plan—just bear in mind it would be in addition to the monthly membership fee.
Price at time of publish: $1,445
Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 23 inches | Product Weight: 140 pounds | Weight Capacity: 297 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Mid-Range
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/YOSUDAIndoorCyclingBike-53dd33f2717e42f2950464d10ef59264.jpg)
Amazon
Reasonably priced
Tablet holder
Small footprint
Assembly required
For something with a mid-range price tag, consider the Yosuda YB001. This indoor bike has a small LCD monitor that tracks your stats, plus a tablet mount so you can stream workouts from your personal device.
Other notable features include an adjustable ergonomic seat, tiltable non-slip handlebars, and a broad range of magnetic resistance intensities to accommodate all fitness levels. Measuring just 45 x 40 x 22 inches, this is also a great option for small spaces.
Price at time of publish: $280
Dimensions: 45 x 40 x 22 inches | Product Weight: 84 pounds | Weight Capacity: 270 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Features
Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SchwinnIC4IndoorCyclingBike-a90debd7366b43e1a571eadf98b860f9.jpg)
Schwinn
Hand weights included
PT-recommended
Generous warranty
Expensive
"I personally use the Schwinn IC4 and love it," says Dr. Mitro. "It calculates my cadence and distance and is very simple to use. I can hook it up to my phone for workouts, making it a fun way to exercise."
This stationary bike has a large backlit screen, a media rack with a USB charging port, a water bottle holder, and a cradle for the included set of 3-pound dumbbells. It also has a higher-than-average weight capacity and comes with a generous warranty (10 years on the frame, three years for parts). Although this option is on the pricier side, its generous warranty helps justify the spend.
Price at time of publish: $1,199
Dimensions: 52 x 49 x 21 inches | Product Weight: 106 pounds | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Resistance: Flywheel
Best with Streaming
Bowflex C7 Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign16-d2f6699e994c4d38ae7e98cc80127e1f.jpg)
Bowflex
Smart recommendations
Guided coaching
Hand weights included
Pricey
The Bowflex C7 has a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity. With a JRNY membership, you can access tons of on-demand and live-streaming workouts, plus guided coaching sessions.
You'll get smart recommendations and real-time virtual coaching that adapts as you improve your stamina. If you prefer to zone out while cycling, you can also watch third-party TV apps on the screen, like Netflix and Disney+. This is a more expensive option, but considering the technology, we think it’s worth it, especially since you can tune into popular live-streaming workouts.
Price at time of publish: $1,499
Dimensions: 52 x 51 x 21 inches | Product Weight: 118 pounds | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best with Tablet Mount
PYHIGH Stationary Exercise Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign17-d0d80d1875674735bfcd79d4b75092f6.jpg)
Walmart
Reasonably priced
Small footprint
Quiet operation
Assembly required
Minimal features
If you're looking for a more basic model, you can use while streaming workouts from your own device, Pyhigh is a great choice. This reasonably priced indoor bike has a small monitor that tracks your time, distance, speed, and calorie burn, plus a handy tablet mount between the handlebars.
Weighing under 80 pounds and measuring just 46 x 40 x 22 inches, it's lighter and smaller than average. Despite its compact size, the flywheel-friction resistance system prevents it from wobbling and making lots of noise during high-intensity cycling sessions.
Price at time of publish: $250
Dimensions: 46 x 40 x 22 inches | Product Weight: 79 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Resistance: Flywheel friction
Best Foldable
MaxKare Folding Upright Exercise Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign18-ed5a034b7ee24754bb495b1073df8c16.jpg)
Walmart
Compact and portable
Quiet operation
Attached resistance band
Assembly required
Want something you can fold up and stash away when it's not in use? MaxKare is your best bet. This upright exercise bike measures 45 x 38 x 17 inches and weighs just over 40 pounds.
In addition to being compact, lightweight, and foldable, the attached wheels allow for super easy maneuvering around your home. The magnetic system makes for near-silent operation, and the attached resistance bands offer a full-body workout.
Price at time of publish: $300
Dimensions: 45 x 38 x 17 inches | Product Weight: 41 pounds | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best for Advanced Cyclists
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nordictrack-67020acafdce44388cd52d94079eb72c.jpg)
NordicTrack
22-inch touchscreen
Hybrid pedals
Hand weights included
Expensive
Somewhat large footprint
More advanced cyclists should consider the NordicTrack S22i. It has an almost unheard-of 22-inch touchscreen that syncs with the iFIT app to offer high-intensity studio workouts and guided training sessions led by elite coaches.
The automatic trainer control feature adjusts the incline, decline, and resistance level to mimic the natural terrains of your simulated workouts. This stationary bike also has a built-in water bottle holder and hybrid toe-clip pedals to accommodate both regular athletic shoes and cycling cleats.
Price at time of publish: $1,500
Dimensions: 63 x 60 x 22 inches | Product Weight: 200 pounds | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Studio-Quality
Equinox + SoulCycle At-Home Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bike_Full_Main_1-31fe278ae3f44d61b048017e6b8434c3.jpg)
Equinox+
Industry-leading instructors
Full-body workouts
21.5-inch touchscreen
Expensive
Cycling cleats required
For a studio-quality experience right at home, go with SoulCycle. When you sign up for an Equinox+ membership, you can stream on-demand cycling workouts and take live rides led by some of the industry's best, most experienced instructors.
You'll need special cycling cleats (Delta or SPDs are recommended) and may want to get a pair of light dumbbells to participate in the full-body sweat sessions SoulCycle is known for. This stationary bike is undoubtedly expensive, but the unlimited class access, 21.5-inch touchscreen, and other high-end features might make it worth a splurge.
Price at time of publish: $2,500
Dimensions: 62 x 54 x 22 inches | Product Weight: 142 pounds | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
Best for Small Spaces
Echelon EX3 Connect Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-09-10at10.24.25AM-853e4c4095654c36896fe2794996a24b.png)
Dick's
Small footprint
Attached wheels
Tablet mount
Assembly required
No display screen
If you have limited square footage for your at-home workout area, the Echelon EX3 is an excellent choice. Measuring 49 x 44 x 20 inches, this compact bike has a small footprint, plus two wheels that make it easy to move around as needed.
Though it doesn't have a display screen, there's a tablet mount between the handlebars. You can connect to the app with an Echelon Premier Membership, then access live sessions and hundreds of pre-programmed workouts. The app will also track various stats, like your speed, heart rate, and calorie burn.
Price at time of publish: $1,000
Dimensions: 49 x 44 x 20 inches | Product Weight: 120 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Upright
Nautilus Upright Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NautilusUprightBikeExploreTheStationarybicycle-1d62cdaf6ec047248b68d38e01c52aba.jpg)
Amazon
Reasonably priced
Beginner-friendly
Bluetooth connectivity
Some assembly required
The Nautilus U616 is great for beginners but also plenty challenging for more advanced riders. This upright exercise bike has 29 pre-programmed workouts and shows your stats on a built-in display screen.
You can also connect to various cycling apps via Bluetooth, like Explore the World. Other noteworthy features include 25 levels of intensity, an adjustable padded seat, and a high-inertia drive system that promises smooth, wobble-free workouts.
Price at time of publish: $300
Dimensions: 58 x 42 x 22 inches | Product Weight: 69 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Recumbent
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SunnyHealthRecumbentBike-bcf2621c4052400e99c7646f0e59be9e.jpg)
Amazon
Affordable
Small footprint
Large seat and backrest
Assembly required
Minimal features
Sunny Health & Fitness makes a great recumbent bike. The SF-RB4616 allows you to sit closer to the floor in a reclined position, which can be easier on your back, hips, and butt.² We also like that it has a large seat and a cushioned backrest.
Though it doesn't have a color touchscreen, the digital display shows your time, speed, distance, and calorie burn. Considering its laid-back design, this stationary bike has a surprisingly small footprint. Weighing less than 60 pounds with attached wheels, it's also easy to move around.
Price at time of publish: $249
Dimensions: 46 x 38 x 25 inches | Product Weight: 59 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic
Best Under-Desk
Marcy NS-909 Cardio MIni-Cycle Exercise Bike
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitleddesign19-2fb960a2ce3643c2ad9d89809f7d441c.jpg)
Marcy
Affordable
Portable
Versatile
Minimal features
Want to burn calories while you work? Check out the Marcy NS-909. This ultra-compact exercise bike is designed to be used while sitting in a chair, so you can place it under your desk and pedal away while answering emails and attending zoom meetings.
It measures 19 x 17 x 15 inches and weighs just 12 pounds, making it the most portable option on this list. While you might not get the full-body burn you would with full-sized bikes, you can place it on a table and pedal with your arms to tone your upper body.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 15 inches | Product Weight: 12 pounds | Weight Capacity: N/A | Resistance: Manual knob
Final Verdict
Overall, we like the ProForm Carbon CX, a versatile stationary bike with quiet magnetic resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and two included dumbbells. For something more budget-friendly, go with the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike, which includes many of the same features as the spendier options.
Meet the Expert
Lisa Mitro, PT, DPT, FMSC, is a physical therapist specializing in injury recovery. Her programs help athletes regain full mobility and prevent ongoing pain.
What to Look For in a Stationary Bike
Comfort
You're probably going to be clocking many miles on your stationary bike, so you want to make sure the handlebars and saddle are at the perfect height for you. With a proper fit, your ride will be so much more comfortable and efficient. And aside from that, many stationary bikes have seats and handlebars cushioned with foam to keep those cycling aches and pains away.
Customization
A stationary bike is a pretty large purchase, both physically and financially. So you want to make sure you get the most out of it, with a number of workouts to keep your muscles challenged. Many of the bikes on this list have dozens of workout programs and resistance levels to stave off boredom and keep you out of a workout rut. Some also offer additional customization options for inclines and declines.
Extras
Other secondary features that you might want to consider include a large display screen that shows your speed, time, and other metrics and special features like a built-in fan to keep you cool. Some stationary bikes include built-in bars to work out your upper body at the same time, since cycling is all about your lower body. Others come with additional exercise equipment like resistance bands and kettlebells.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in fitness, recreation, and optimizing life at home. She interviewed a physical therapist for this story, who offered product recommendations and insight into the benefits of indoor cycling. As a freelance contributor at Byrdie, she covers workout equipment, athletic apparel, and lifestyle products. You can find more of her bylines on People, The Spruce, and MyDomaine.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-12-best-home-ellipticals-5088182-primary-b5e2c2e973e043438fc78de65fd1d7e5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-best-rowing-machines-5205902-primary-v1-850afeb10c51435db0ea45c254b0be72.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-vertical-climbers-5205613-primary-bcf83192d4b84769ab3fe88b22f10f7e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-ab-machines-5192053-Byrdie-Recirc-DD-233c0bd7ee504c3686ec3012423fcf40.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheBestOnlineCyclingClassestoKickYourWorkoutintoHighGear-2cce3ffbd92343d59dc0f16eef43eff2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-12-best-shower-mirrors-4846274-primary-93c37df7def5497f8f393aa38b026f73.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-exercise-trampolines-5189843-recirc-77db3060d6a14262bc35cd97d5b2473e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-11-best-punching-bags-5189954-recirc-ca3cfa208d3c48ca82379d3c32eb9ac8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-foam-rollers-5089689-Byrdie-Recirc-DD-f71a109a4e224b5e85fd1aeca8cc8eee.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Primary-Image-At-home-gym-subscription-348d152875ea4c52bbcc76afa2bcaa1f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Stocksy_comp_watermarked_4245318-65948dda647f4689bffd07e8543083b0.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheBestOnlineWorkoutSubscriptionstoKeepYouEnergized-63df047de41a40c5905530eccdfca29c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-bathroom-scales-5207827-Byrdie-Recirc-DD-5a9bb44b34db4597aaafcf85fac3cdf8.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-best-treadmills-5077337-recirc-v1-6a199b0d08da4f35bca547e82412a2ef.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Lighted-Makeup-Mirrors-Test-bb4fd2461cc24382864fd4d9d8476b1a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-best-bikes-5190030-recirc-v1-d85c9e51e2644b1ca05315afe8de8488.jpg)