The best spin bikes on the market give you a great workout in the comfort of your own home. Cycling is a very effective form of low-impact aerobic exercise. Whether you are looking at the best indoor spin bike to complement your current cycling training or looking to try out indoor cycling to see if it is right for you, this list of the best indoor bikes will help you find the right one for you.
Indoor cycling is becoming one of the most popular forms of indoor fitness training, thanks to spin bikes’ ease of use and effectiveness in reaching your health and fitness goals. Compared to cycling on the road, indoor cycling allows you to have a focused workout without the distractions of having to stop at a red light or worry about motorists. The best indoor spin bikes will have features that will help you achieve your fitness goals when combined with a structured training plan.
| Number | Name | Resistance | Drive | Bluetooth | Capacity | Flywheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Life Fitness IC7 Indoor Bike | Magnetic | Toothed Belt | Yes | 350 LBs | 15 LBs |
| 2 | Stages SC3 Home Cycling Bike | Magnetic | Toothed Belt | Yes | 350 LBs | 44 LBs |
| 3 | Spinner Chrono Power Spin Bike | Magnetic | Toothed Belt | Yes | 350 LBs | 43 LBs |
| 4 | Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle | Magnetic | Poly-V Belt | Yes | 300 LBs | 8 LBs |
| 5 | NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle | Magnetic | Poly-V Belt | Yes | 350 LBs | 32 LBs |
| 6 | Schwinn IC4 Cycling Indoor Bike | Magnetic | Poly-V Belt | Yes | 330 LBs | 40 LBs |
| 7 | Sunny Health Fitness 6100 Bike | Magnetic | Poly-V Belt | No | 350 LBs | 37 LBs |
| 8 | KOUZ LIVE Cycling Exercise Bike | Magnetic | Poly-V Belt | No | 330 LBs | 35 LBs |
| 9 | Dmasun Indoor Cycling Bike | Magnetic | Poly-V Belt | No | 300 Bs | 40 LBs |
With an iconic design and an impressive list of features, the Life Fitness IC7 Indoor cycle has been crafted as a statement piece in any home gym setup. This is a self-powered spin bike that converts your efforts pedaling into the electricity required to power the full-color TFT screen.
The frame design allows for several different micro-adjustments so that you can fine-tune this indoor bike perfectly to your body. This is important to get maximum comfort during longer spinning sessions and improve pedaling efficiency. This spin bike has magnetic resistance and belt transmission, giving a smooth and challenging workout.
You can choose to strap your feet in, or if you have men’s or womens SPD shoes, you can clip into the pedals. Having your feet connected to the pedals will help you to put even more power into the pedals. To track your improvements, the Life Fitness IC7 comes with direct watt tracking for maximum accuracy. The WattRate system is one of the market’s most accurate power meters that offers a narrow margin for error of just +/- 1%.
This is a high-quality spin bike that will allow you to push your body to the limits in the comfort of your own home. The 300-degree easy access dial enables you to choose from 100 different levels of resistance, more than enough to challenge your legs with a high cadence workout or simulate having to stand on the pedals and climb uphill.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an indoor spin bike like the ones you find at a gym or spin studio, this is the one for you. The high-quality finish, compact generator in the flywheel that powers the bike, and iconic design more than justify the high price tag. The market-leading power meter will allow you to maximize your workouts by using power zones training. Although this spin bike does not come with a built-in Heart Rate monitor, it does come with Bluetooth, so you can connect a HR monitor if you have one already. This is one of the most complete and durable spin bikes available, hence why it is a popular choice for gyms and fitness studios.
Pros
Cons
The Stages SC3 Indoor Bike features a carbon drivetrain that is very efficient and delivers a natural road feel while cycling. If you want to experience the same feel and resistance levels of cycling outdoors but in the comfort of your own home, the Stages SC3 Indoor Bike is a good investment.
This is a commercial quality spin bike found in many fitness studios thanks to its accurate metrics and simple to use design. Your stats are displayed on a simple EcoSRN display powered by you while you are cycling. The stages power meter gives you accurate watt measurements so that you can track your training progress.
It is also one of the few spin bikes on the market that comes with dropped handlebars, giving you the option to emulate a sprint situation as if you were on the road. You can also make several micro-adjustments to make sure the fit is perfect for your body. It may not come with a heart rate monitor, but the SC3 wirelessly connects to your own HR monitor via Bluetooth and ANT+.
The magnetic resistance combined with the two ways of changing the resistance is easy to use and very useful. It gives you the option to make minor adjustments or make a sudden increase (or decrease) in resistance, just like if you had reached the foot of a hill on the road. With the addition of the toe clip and SPD pedals, you can use this indoor bike to perfect your pedaling efficiency.
Conclusion
The Stages SC3 Indoor Bike may not be cheap, but it is the closest you will feel to cycling on your road bike without having to brave the weather. The dual resistance adjustments, dropped handlebars, accurate power meter, and carbon drivetrain justify the high price tag. This is a spin bike for serious road cyclists who want an indoor bike to maximize their winter training program and reach new fitness levels.
Pros
Cons
The Spinner Chrono Power has a sleek and straightforward design with a drivetrain that emulates the feel of riding a bicycle with a chain. The Spinner Chrono Power is a commercial indoor exercise bike that can help you achieve your training goals.
It has a fully adjustable design so that you can tailor the bike to fit your body perfectly. One of the best computer consoles with a self-generating and backlit color LCD screen. The dial easily adjusts the magnetic resistance near the bars. An excellent addition to the Spinner Chrono Power is the stabilizer feet. They minimize noise and eliminate shaking during intense efforts.
The toothed timing belt on the Spinner Chrono Power combines the feel of a chain with the efficiency and low maintenance of a belted drive trade. You get a direct watt reading with maximum accuracy, but you can also connect your own tech using the built-in Bluetooth or ANT+.
The Spinner Chrono Power is a commercial quality indoor bike that is also one of the quietest on the market thanks to its innovative chain like (Carbon Blue Belt) drive train.
Conclusion
With the ability to seamlessly pair this indoor spin bike with your favorite training app and its high-quality design, the Spinner Chrono Power is a tremendous all-around self-powered spin bike. The simple design still allows for several adjustments, and it gives you the option to clip in your women or mens spin shoes.
Pros
Cons
A simple and unique design sets the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle apart from its competition. This iconic indoor bike is made in the US, ensuring that every unit meets their highest quality standards.
Despite the straightforward design, the Keiser M3i feels stable to ride. It uses magnetic resistance, and belt transmission mounted at the rear and is surprisingly quiet for such an exposed unit. Rather than the more traditional twist gearing method, this spin bike comes with a lever in the middle of the bars to adjust the resistance. It is simple to use and provides more than enough resistance for the most challenging workouts.
The Keiser M3i prioritizes simplicity, so this spin bike is not packed full of features, but it does have everything you need. The small LCD monitor is powered by your pedaling and displays your power output and RPM (as well as the standard times and distance).
This spin bike’s beautiful design makes it an excellent fit for any minimalist indoor gym set up. Do not be fooled by the sleek design. This indoor cycling trainer can provide more than enough resistance to push your body to the limits. It is Bluetooth enabled, so you can sync up your workouts to Keiser’s very own Keiser M Series app for more in-depth analysis and ride stats.
Conclusion
This is a simple, minimalist indoor cycle trainer with enough features to help with your indoor training regime. The adjustable handlebars and seat post means that you can fit the bike to your body with ease despite the unique design. This is one of the only US-made spin bikes on the market and is another reason to buy this stylish spin bike.
Pros
Cons
The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is one of the most complete fitness solutions offered by an indoor bike. The 22” touchscreen combined with the 1- year iFit family subscription gives you a genuinely interactive and motivational workout solution. This spin bike comes with small weights, so you can get a full-body workout while cycling indoors.
The exclusive SMRTM Silent Magnetic Resistance from NordicTrack gives you a smooth and quiet workout while spinning. There are plenty of micro-adjustments to be made to ensure that this indoor bike is the perfect fit for you. This is a very sturdy and well made indoor bike that can cater for riders up to 350lb (the highest on the list).
The 22” touchscreen is what sets the NordicTrack S22i apart from the competition. It creates an immersive workout experience both on and off the bike. With 360 degrees rotation, you can use the screen to make the most of the wide range of full-body workouts on the iFit platform.
With 24 digital resistance levels and incline simulation technology, the NordicTrack S22i is both fun and challenging while riding. You may think that will all this tech packed in, that there is more to go wrong with this indoor bike. However, NordicTrack is so confident about the high-quality finish giving you a 10-year frame and 2-year parts warranty.
Conclusion
The NordicTrack S22i is a fitness studio that specializes as a high-quality spin bike. You get all the cycling training metrics you need, and the addition of the 22” touchscreen display acts as great motivation to push further and remain focused. Packed full of features, you could put this in a room and proudly boast about having a fitness studio in your own home.
Pros
Cons
Magnetic resistance & belt transmission, Bluetooth, weight holders, spd pedals, heavy flywheel (Schwinn IC4 model, not IC3 or IC2) The Schwinn IC4 is a simple, affordable, and effective indoor spin bike. Although this spin bike does not have the same in-depth display as some of the other top indoor cycling bikes, it does have Bluetooth connectivity and includes a cradle for your phone or tablet.
As you have come to expect from the best indoor spin bikes, the Schwinn IC4 comes with Magnetic resistance and belt transmission. The 40lb flywheel is heavier than on most spin bikes, resulting in a very sturdy and realistic feeling while you are spinning. It has all the adjustments you need to make the bike fit perfectly. It comes with a small LCD monitor, but this indoor spin bike has been designed to be paired with a tablet.
Once you download your favorite indoor cycling training app, you can seamlessly connect up the Schwinn IC4 and get the same immersive experience you get on much more expensive spin bikes. This bike also comes with small 3lb weights that hang under the bars and a heart rate monitor armband.
The heavy flywheel, combined with the choice of 100 resistance levels, combines to make this indoor spin bike a fantastic workout tool. The ride is smooth, pretty quiet and has a natural motion.
Conclusion
For the price, this is one of the best indoor spin bikes on the market currently. It may not have all the features of more expensive models, but with the addition of the weights, HR armband, and tablet holder, the Schwinn IC4 is a complete workout tool. By clipping into the. SPD pedals and loading up your favorite workout on your tablet, you can smash your cycling training goals with this simple but effective indoor bike trainer.
Pros
Cons
The ASUNA 6100 Sprinting Commercial Indoor Cycling Bike is an indoor spin bike, with the flywheel at the rear of the bike. It comes with a convenient tablet holder on the handlebars, which makes up for the lack of color screen display.
This indoor bike is comfortable and comes with an easily adjustable seat and handlebars. The handlebars come with drops on them, making this one of the best spin bikes to buy if you’re used to riding on the drops. The small LCD screen only provides you with minimal information. However, there is a built-in tablet holder on the bars. The ASUNA 6100 does not come with Bluetooth though, so you will not be able to sync this indoor bike trainer with your favorite cycling app.
You get an ANT+ Chest Strap to measure your heart rate and add another dimension to your indoor cycling training. The HR is displayed on the LCD screen along with distance, time, cadence, and calories. The pedals are SPD compatible for optimum pedaling efficiency.
The 37lb flywheel provides a smooth and consistent ride, even at high speeds. The magnetic resistance and belt transmission are reliable and relatively silent. The conveniently placed resistance dial allows you to tailor the tension to your needs.
Conclusion
Although this indoor trainer does not have all the connectivity or metrics of other top indoor cycling bikes, the ASUNA 6100 is a reliable and well made indoor spin bike that will help you build your fitness. The tablet holder can be used to watch your favorite shows while you spin away and build up a sweat.
Pros
Cons
The Kouz Live magnetic exercise bike is a sturdy and comfortable indoor spin bike. It is also very competitively priced but does not have all the same features or fitness metrics as the more expensive top indoor cycling bikes.
This exercise bike comes with a four-way adjustable handlebar and padded seat, so you can make sure the fit is perfect for you. The combination of a 35lb flywheel with magnetic resistance and a belt-drive system creates a smooth and nearly silent ride. The small LCD screen displays time, distance, calories burned, and speed.
The Kouz Live comes with handy water bottle holders on the handlebars. Even better, it can also double up as a tablet or phone holder. Although the bike does not have Bluetooth, you can still use the holder to watch your favorite show on your tablet while you workout.
Simply adjust the easy to reach resistance knob to increase or decrease the resistance on the flywheel, allowing you to tailor your workout each time. Due to the heavy flywheel and belt transmission, this is a very quiet and reliable indoor exercise bike.
Conclusion
The Kouz Live is a solidly built and affordable indoor exercise bike that can hold up to 330lbs. Although it does not have all the features of others on this list, this is straightforward and easy to set up exercise bike. The pedals come with toe clips to keep your feet secure and ensure that you use all your leg muscles during your workout. If you are not planning on using a fitness app, then you may not even notice the absence of Bluetooth.
Pros
Cons
The Dmasun Magnetic Exercise Bike is another affordable but well made indoor spin bike. Although the Dmasun bike may not have all the features of some of the other top indoor cycling bikes, it is a great option to keep you active and exercising in your own home.
The 40lb flywheel has magnetic resistance & belt transmission, allowing for a smooth and relatively silent ride, perfect for an indoor cycling trainer. The small LCD monitor shows you all the basics, including time, distance, calories burned, and HR. Although the handlebars are only vertically adjustable, the seat is four-way adjustable, so you can make the setup perfect for you. The sturdy frame can hold a maximum of 300lbs.
An excellent addition to this affordable bike is the pulse grips sensors on the ergonomic handlebars. You can place your hands on the grips to display your heart rate, a perfect way for you to vary your training by training using heart rate zones. The handlebars also have a handy phone/tablet holder.
The adjustable tension knob can be turned to increase or decrease the flywheel’s resistance, allowing you to maximize your time spent training. It also acts as an emergency brake system when pushed down, a useful safety feature if you ever need to stop the flywheel suddenly.
Conclusion
For the price, the Dmasun magnetic exercise bike is an absolute bargain. It may not have all the features of other more expensive models. However, the addition of the HR monitor on the handlebars will undoubtedly help you. Unfortunately, there are no SPD pedals, but the toe clips attached to the pedals are secure and can help improve pedaling efficiency. If you are not too bothered by gadgets and gizmos on your indoor spin bike, this should be a very strong contender.
Pros
Cons
Hopefully, the above indoor cycling bike reviews and my in-depth spin bike buying guide have helped you to make a more informed decision. However, it is worth touching on why some of the points above feature in each of the reviews for the best spin bikes to buy.
Drivetrain
The drive train is the mechanism that connects the pedals to the flywheel, generating the resistance that makes indoor spin bikes so challenging and fun. There only two types of drivetrain either a chain (similar to those on a standard bicycle) or a belt-drive. Belt drives are quieter, less maintenance, and more reliable. For that reason, you should look to get an indoor spin bike that has a belt transmission or drive.
Resistance System
As you probably noticed, all the top indoor cycling bikes utilize magnetic resistance and a belt drive system. You can also get friction resistance spin bikes. The issues with friction resistance spin bikes are that they are louder, require more maintenance, and do not offer as smooth a ride as magnetic resistance systems. That is why you will only find magnetic resistance indoor spin bikes on this list. The gearing or resistance on the magnetic resistance systems is easy and reliable. Essentially by turning the resistance knob, you move a large magnet further or closer to the flywheel, therefore making it easier or harder for your legs to turn the pedals to spin the flywheel.
Overall Adjustability
If you have ridden a bicycle for extended periods, you know how important it is that the bike fits you perfectly. The same applies to indoor spin bikes. It is best to find one that has a four-way adjustment on both the seat and handlebars. It is essential to have the option to move the seat forward and back so that you are not left overstretching to try to reach the handlebars.
There are several options included in this list because there are so many great spin bikes to buy at the moment. If you are looking for a complete indoor workout solution, then the NordicTrack S22i is the best spin bike for you. Although it is not cheap, it is a high-quality and well built indoor spin bike, made even better by the 22” touchscreen HD screen and 1-year iFit subscription. However, for the best value for money, the best spin bikes to buy currently has to be the Schwinn IC4. It is a very well made bike and has all the added extras you could need from an indoor spin bike. The heavy flywheel adds to smooth riding quality, and the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity means that when you are ready to try out one of the many cycling apps, you can easily connect your bike up and compete with the best.
