Best Spin Bikes

With the events of recent years the need for good quality home cardio equipment has increased, and with more demand there has been a whole host of manufacturers stepping up their game to bring high quality home equipment at a reasonable price. But with so many home cardio options to choose from it is hard to know which is best.

Spin bikes have long been one of the go to cardio choices for many people and for home based workouts they would rank as one of our top choices for increasing your heart rate and getting a sweat on. Alongside rowing, they are one of the most efficient forms of exercise when it comes to calorie burn and they place very little strain on the joints. What’s more, spin bikes (or upright cycles as they are sometimes known) are one of the most accessible home cardio options – both in ease of use and affordability.

Like anything, there is a huge range of options to choose from and knowing which spin bike to choose that best suits your budget is a tough conundrum to crack. We aim to take the guesswork out of this particular equation with our full and in-depth ‘best spin bikes’ review.

So… let’s take a look at the best spin bikes that made our list.

Our Top 8 Spin Bikes

When choosing the top spin bikes to add to this list we wanted to include something to suit all budgets. For that reason, you will find a complete range of different levels of upright cycle on this page, however on the whole they are all suited to most levels of proficiency and fitness.

Those models that cost more generally come with more interactive features, automated programs, live coaching and better build quality – but all of the bikes on this list have been deemed decent and should provide years of challenge for their users.

510Ic Indoor Cycle Trainer

Riders who enjoy a challenge but are also looking for a nice piece of equipment will be impressed by the Diamondback Fitness 510lc. It has been designed with a heavy-duty frame that can handle up to 300 pounds. It also features a 32-pound flywheel that re-creates the experience of being on the open road. When it comes to technology, this machine does not disappoint. It features tech that’s reminiscent of some of the most high-end spinning bikes on the market today. This includes state of the art computers that relay your heart rate, cadence, elapsed time, workout speed, distance traveled, and more.

The 510lc is perfect for anyone who wants to be challenged in their workouts, as it comes with 14 routines already integrated within it. These can challenge riders with the simulation of different terrains, so boredom with the same program is never experienced. Where other machines are noisy, the 510lc is incredibly quiet thanks to the chain drive and heavy duty 32lb flywheel. Not many other bikes have the same electronics or programs that this does at this mid-range price point, making it an excellent choice for those who love to cycle.

There are 16 levels of magnetic resistance and the range of challenge provided means that both complete beginners and advanced athletes will find this bike suitable. The frame absolutely rock solid so you really push yourself on this model without fear of coming off or losing stability and the ride quality is also super smooth.

What’s even better is the fact that it was given the Best Buy Award 7 years in a row by Consumer Magazine, making it a reputable option and it is firmly one of our favorites. The display is pretty basic but provides all the key data you could ask for and Diamondback Fitness have instead focused their efforts and budget in to creating a really high quality spin bike rather than focusing on gimmicks or the display. If you can live with working out without the need for being plugged in to a personal trainer then the 510Ic is a top option.

NordicTrack S15i Commercial Bike

Next up we have one of the top end spin bikes which gives the likes of Peloton a run for their money but comes in at a much affordable price. NordicTrack features two spin bikes in their commercial range, the S15i and the more expensive S22i. There’s not much to split the two bikes so we have plumped for the cheaper option as the major difference between the two is that the for $400 less, you get a 14 inch screen instead of 22 inch screen. That’s quite a big difference just for a screen!

Don’t be fooled by the name, the S15i Commercial spin bike is not aimed at commercial gyms, but rather it promises a commercial quality experience in the comfort of your own home. If the lack of having a spin instructor shouting at you and playing loud music has put you off buying a spin bike for home use then the NordicTrack offerings look to put that right. Along with the bike, you get access to 12 months of iFit – which gives you access to live coaching, pre-recorded workouts and a load of progress tracking features and competitions to help keep you motivated. We are a big fan of i-Fit and you get a family membership worth $396 which means everyone in the home can benefit from it.

The S15i itself is a beast of a machine and even without the iFit software it makes for excellent value for money – even at its lofty price point. At around twice the price of the Diamondback Fitness model, the NordicTrack cycle is easy to dismiss as expensive – but we would argue you are getting a lot more than double your money’s worth with this.

First up, it’s worth noting that the 2021 model is all improved – so you are getting an improvement on what was already a top machine. There is a maximum user capacity of 350lbs and the bike itself measures up at 60″(l) x 22″(w) x 58″(h). The flywheel is heavy duty and inertia enhanced, meaning it will provide a true sense of riding whilst spinning in your living room. What really sets this bike apart from the competition though is the motorized incline and decline options. There are a few bikes out there that have incline options but not many at all (in fact none that we are aware of) that offer a decline setting. With the S15i you get a 20% incline and 10% decline with the digital magnetic resistance also helping to provide additional challenge.

Everything is tracked and synced in with iFit and the live trainers can control your inclines, declines and resistance levels so you can focus on putting the work in whilst the bike takes care of the rest. When you are following pre-set programs or pre-recorded sessions the bike is also controlled by the program – and this is a real joy to behold and makes such a difference to your workout.

The 2021 model features a faster processor and increased memory so there is a graphical improvement and the HD touch screen works just as well as the old model – with virtually no lag between a button press and the action being processed.

This bike is suitable for all levels of ability and it even comes with two light dumbbells should you wish to take on some additional upper body work too. The iFit also has lots of other workouts that can be undertaken without equipment so if you are away from your bike you can still work out with iFit.

The S15i is a serious investment but it is one that will last for years and years to come. It has some of the best connectivity and interactive features we have seen on any spin bike and the added ability to use bluetooth headphones takes this in to the big league. The 14 inch rotating HD screen is ideally located and it is impossible to not achieve the perfect viewing angle.

There is a 10 year frame warranty and two year parts warranty included and if your budget allows we would suggest this is one of the top options when it comes to spin bikes.

YOSUDA Indoor Stationary Bike

From one of our most expensive options to one of the cheapest, we now turn our attention to the YOSUDA spin bike which is priced at an entry level price point and means it is highly accessible in terms of budget. It’s not just those with a lower budget that this bike appeals to though, with a maximum user weigh of 270lbs this bike is also accessible to those who are looking to lose a few pounds.

The YOSUDA display is about as basic as they could get away with, featuring a green and black LCD that shows the baseline data that is needed – such as time, distance, speed and calories burned. There is a tablet/phone holder included with this spin bike though which does allow you to add more functionality or at least be entertained whilst using it. The reality is, this bike is not about the display and to keep the price low YOSUDA have focused all their attention on the main elements of the actual bike – such as ensuring it has a hefty but well balanced flywheel (this one measuring up at an impressive 35lbs) and comfortable parts such as the adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars – both of which are comfortable to the touch and adjustable enough to offer a good quality of ride for all but the tallest of users.

There is infinite adjustable resistance that is controlled using the knob which doubles up as a safety brake – and the level of challenge as you might imagine from something with infinite resistance really can get quite challenging.

This bike is going to require you to be incredibly self-motivated to use (especially when compared to something like the S15i) but for those who have the mental strength and who are just looking for a good quality bike to really work on their cardio game then the YOSUDA is a great investment.

Check Latest Price Of The YOSUDA Spin Bike

The MYX Indoor Bike

We move back towards some of the pricier options now with The MYX which is brought to us by MYX Fitness. Some big names have reviewed The MYX and some have even hailed it as the best alternative to Peloton there is. We would say it is between this and the NordicTrack model and with this model coming in a little cheaper than the aforementioned bike, this could be a great option for those who want to balance features with affordability.

The nuts and bolts of it are that this is a great bike. It is also one of the only bikes that we have reviewed that is suitable for taller than average users with a recommended height range of 4’11” – 6’8″ – pretty impressive stuff! It also carries a maximum user weight of 350lbs and as such it is a great option for beginners and advanced users. The dimensions of The MYX stand at 55″ (l) x 21″ (w) x 47″ (h) and it also includes handy transport wheels so it can be moved around from position to position fairly easily.

Unlike most spin bikes that have 3 way adjustments, The MYX has 4 levels of adjustment with the usual seat distance, seat height and handlebar height added to by handlebar distance with an additional slider – a nice touch that we like and that does make a difference.

It’s also fair to say that The MYX is a great looking bike. It is available in charcoal or white and we much prefer the former – but both are operationally identical. The 21.5 inch touch screen dominates the proceedings and it impossible to miss it. With quick access volume controls, a USB port, built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, this bike has all the connectivity you could wish for.

MYX Fitness run their own membership program which costs $29 per month so you should factor this in to your budget if you decide to buy it. For this, you get access to live world class coaches, pre-recorded content and tracking of your progress. The software works really well although there number of workouts is limited compared to the likes of iFit – but the library of workouts is growing all the time and it does include full body workouts too.

You get a Polar heart rate monitor included with this bike which is a nice touch and allows you to really focus on heart rate training to get the most out of each and every workout – especially for those looking to improve cardiovascular fitness and/or reduce body fat.

All in all this is a great bike with great software. The monthly price is a little higher than we would like considering the cost of the bike but it is worth it for the workouts alone – with the added tracking features an added bonus.

CAROL Bike

The CAROL Bike is another premium priced option that matches high end hardware with cutting edge software. Rather than providing access to live coaching and pre-recorded coaching sessions like the other high-end options listed on this page, it uses artificial intelligence and a scientifically backed approach to working out.

The CAROL bike is aimed at those who want to get maximum results from the minimum amount of time spent working out. The concept is similar to high intensity interval training but is instead REHIT (which stands for Reduced Exertion High Intensity Training) – sounds too good to be true? Well the principle behind it is sound enough in as much as it aims to deplete the glycogen stores with as little as two 10 second bursts of maximum exertion as part of a 10 minute workout.

Studies by the likes of the BBC and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) have confirmed the CAROL bike works to reproduce the REHIT effect that is so difficult to achieve outside of laboratory conditions.

Sold on the concept? If so, you will be glad to hear that the bike itself is incredible. It is almost wasted on something that you are not going to be sweating buckets for hours on end each week – but then, it should last for years upon years – if not decades!

This CAROL is a heavy piece of kit. It weighs 130lbs once assembled and measures up at 45.5″ (l) x 22″ (w) and has a 14kg flywheel. It does have transport wheels but it isn’t the easiest to move due to its weight – so you won’t want to be moving it far for each workout, especially as you will only be on it for 10 minutes.

Each user has their own login and everything is tracked and automatically controlled. The AI takes care of the resistance levels and tells you how hard to push with everything tracked in real time and fed back to you via the included tablet based display. CAROL have recently added the ability to use third party apps for live streaming and they promise live racing to soon be an option too. It seems the software is only going to get better and more functionality added.

Everything is adjustable and the seat and handles are incredibly comfortable. The pedals are dual sided so can be used with the toe cages or with SPD clips.

The only point against the CAROL is the upfront cost. It’s more than the NordicTrack models and a smidge under Peloton. However, where it does come up trumps is with the membership which is priced at just $12 per month – less than a third of the price of the competitor packages – and you get the first 3 months for free.

All in all, the CAROL is perhaps the most advanced bike of all those we tested – and if you can stomach the price tag and are looking for maximum results with minimum time and effort spent working out then this is the bike for you.

Stryde Spin Bike

Another Peloton alternative is the Stryde Bike. This is in the same price band as the NordicTrack S15i and stacks up really well against all its competitors. Featuring an impressive 21.5″ HD display and with built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a headphone port, this bike has some really good connectivity and it uses Stryde’s own membership and software. Membership is not compulsory but it does take the functionality to the elite levels and it is also $10 per month less than the iFit and Peloton memberships.

The bike features dual sided pedals like the CAROL bike so you can use it with your cycling shoes or standard sneakers and everything is fully adjustable for great comfort levels. This really is a beautifully designed bike that both looks and feels great to use.

There are no less than 100 levels of micro-resistance levels to choose from and although the overall range of challenge is similar to the other bikes listed, it is good to have that level of control over the difficulty level you want.

There are hundreds of options to choose from for your workouts and you can compete against others on leaderboards. You can choose from a range of different instructors and many have different styles of teaching from studio to on-the-road content. You can sync the bike up with other apps if you prefer but the Stryde app does give you a wide range of workouts (some of which are live) and you can have up to 4 profiles set up so multiple users can access the same bike in the same home.

The Stryde is a high quality bike that competes well with the likes of NordicTrack and The Myx Bike – and it blows Peloton out of the water.

Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle

With a price tag of over $1,000, a bike better be impressive, right? The developers at Keiser agree, which is why they spent over ten years researching and designing the Keiser M3i. While it is priced high, the features and qualities it encompasses have earned it the reputation as one of the highest quality indoor cycling bikes on the market today – and it still comes in less than many of those other bikes featured on this list. For those who purchase this, the first thing they notice is that the structure is very sturdy thanks to high quality materials and magnetic resistance technology. Both of these also contribute to a smooth ride as well as the eventual longevity of the bike.

Due to the 24 levels of magnetic resistance, those who own this bike can enjoy a lightweight workout as well as one that is far more physically challenging. This is excellent for anyone who is trying to lose weight or just get into better shape, as the resistance can be tailored to specific goals as they change over time. For those who aren’t familiar with magnetic resistance systems, they significantly extend the life of the bike because no parts touch one another. This means no wear and tear like traditional bikes would experience.

As for the rest of the features of the Keiser M3i, they include handlebar adjustments, a backlit computer display, a quiet drive belt, and sleek design. In fact, when one looks at the Keiser M3i, they might think that it doesn’t include anything special because the design is so stripped down. However, buyers can rest easy knowing they will get incredible technology with their purchase; it’s just in a sleek and modern design without all the bulk. Fortunately, this makes it look great in any home interior, so there’s no need to put it away for company.

As one of the most high-end indoor cycling bikes in existence today, the Keiser M3i is a great investment. From the incredibly quiet design to the variety of workout programs designed for all skill levels, it’s perfect for someone who wants to excel at indoor cycling. Thanks to the magnetic resistance, it can be purchased as a lifetime investment that will easily pay for itself for someone who uses it often.

SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike by Sunny Health and Fitness

For buyers who don’t have a huge budget but still want a well-made bike, the SF-B901 is a great option to consider. Although it’s not equipped with the luxuries and electronic features that more expensive bikes have, it is built to last. Aside from the solid construction, it features a 40lb flywheel that can help increase efficiency while working out. To make comfort possible, the seat is fully adjustable, as are the handlebars. Users can also adjust the level of resistance based on what they are most comfortable with. All of this is wrapped into a stylish design that won’t create an eye sore in a home’s interior.

Designed by Sunny Health and Fitness, the SF-B901 will not disappoint budget shoppers who want something simple yet durable. It even comes with a warranty and the great customer service that this company is known for. It’s perfect for those who just want to jump on their bike at home and get a workout in without all the bells and whistles. Due to the quality of this machine, it offers the most bang for your buck, so you don’t miss going to those cycling classes during the week.

Benefits Of Owning Your Own Spin Bike

By investing in an indoor exercise bike to use at home, a class is no longer necessary to get the burn that this exercise has to offer. While this can save time traveling, it can also mean working out more often and avoiding classes that charge a premium. With the bike planted in your home, you’ll never have an excuse for not jumping on and doing a 10, 20, or 30-minute session. This incredible convenience is made better by the fact that it’s so easy to buy a bike. There are many retailers who will send one straight to your door, most not even charging shipping to do so.

What are you looking forward to most about having an indoor cycling bike in your home? While being able to work towards improved health is important, you might also be excited about the added privacy you’ll have. After all, sometimes you’d just rather not drip puddles of sweat in front of 30 or 40 other people. What’s even better is the fact that when you’re at home, you can watch television, set up a movie, watch an exercise video through your computer, or even call a friend on the phone without worrying about distracting other people. With a bike in your home, it’s up to you when you cycle and for how long.

Something to Keep in Mind Before You Shop

Indoor cycling is commonly referred to as Spinning by almost everyone today (especially with the increase in popularity of this exercise). However, the words “Spin”, “Spinning”, and “Spinner” are actually copyrighted by Mad Dogg Athletics. They were clever enough to market these terms like mad, and as a result, most people say them more than they say “indoor cycling” (think of Band-Aids being the common term for bandages or Kleenex being the common term for a tissue).

While this is a fun fact to know, it’s also important in terms of shopping. The terms “Spinning bikes”, “Spin bikes”, and “Spinning”, can only be used by bikes that are licensed by Mad Dogg Athletics and Starr Trac (which is the distributor of the bikes). When looking at the bikes that are listed by price below, it’s important to keep this information in mind. The majority of bikes will simply be referred to as indoor cycling bikes if they are not related to Mad Dogg Athletics. However, if they are licensed by Mad Dogg Athletics, then the term Spin can certainly be used.

What’s Your Budget?

Due to the fact that indoor cycling has grown in popularity, more brands than ever have made bikes for consumers to buy and use at home. Fortunately, this means it’s much easier to find one that is rich in features while still being within your budget. However, with the prevalence of cycling bikes have come a rush of options, making it difficult to separate quality from gimmick. To make it easier to search between high quality options, use the list above. It features different cycling bikes with a range of prices so you can determine which fits your needs the best.

Buying a Spin Bike or Indoor Cycling Bike

Whether you purchase an official Spin bike or go for an indoor cycling bike, it’s important to read through the features you’ll get in the machine. The descriptions that accompany product pages are full of excellent information, from the size to the technology and all the features you need to know about. By doing this research, you’ll be sure to find a bike that’s high quality and offers comfort, resistance, and the technology that’s ideal for you. The information above has hopefully helped give you insight into what you can expect for different budgets. While these bikes are excellent choices, keep in mind there are many others that may be better suited for you.