How do I set up my indoor cycling bike correctly?

A proper configuration is critical to a comfortable ride. First, adjust the height of the seat, or saddle, so that it's parallel with your hip. Next, measure a forearm's length of space between the front of the seat and the handlebars and secure both pieces accordingly. Then hop on the bike and either clip into the pedals or slide your shoes into the toe cages. As you pedal, look for a nearly full extension of your leg but with a soft bend at the knee. From here, you can make any fine-tune adjustments for a truly customized fit.

What muscles does indoor cycling work?

If you're buying any piece of home gym equipment, you likely have some fitness goals you're trying to reach. An indoor cycling bike is no different. And if you're trying to target specific muscles, knowing the benefits of a bike is going to help you achieve those goals. "Indoor cycling is a full-body workout," says Lutsch. "First and foremost, it works your heart and improves your cardiovascular strength." She explains that a bike is also optimal for targeting lower body muscles like your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. "It also requires a lot of core strength and constant ab engagement. And if you have a bike with live workouts or guided instruction, you can find some with arm workouts to ensure your biceps and triceps are worked too," says Lutsch.

What should I wear while indoor cycling?

What you wear when indoor cycling is primarily up to personal preference. However, leggings or thigh-length bike shorts should work best. This eliminates the chance of loose fabric snagging or getting caught on the bike, which is a safety concern. Lutsch also recommends a sweat-wicking workout top to keep you cool as your workout starts to heat up.

How should indoor cycling shoes fit?

Not all indoor bikes require cycling shoes, but they can offer you more stability while giving you a stronger base for solid strides. And similar to any other pair of shoes, comfort is key when you're considering how a pair of shoes fit. "Indoor cycling shoes should fit like a regular gym shoe, and you can typically go by your normal shoe size," says Lutsch. "You don't want your toe shoved up against the front, nor do you want them too loose where you feel like your feet are sliding inside your shoes," she adds.

How much does a quality indoor cycling bike cost?

The cost of an indoor cycling bike ranges quite widely. You can expect to pay between $190-$2,500 for a quality indoor cycling bike. If you're looking for a bare-bones model, featuring basic resistance and a small screen that displays minimal stats, then you could get away with paying less than $300. But if you want something with premium features, like instructor-led classes, a touchscreen display with entertainment, and a smoother ride, you could end up having to pay over $2,000 for a premium quality model. The cheapest bike on our list often costs less than $150, while our top recommendation, the Bowflex C6 Bike was $999 when we published this list.

The 12 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes of 2022

While cycling is an effective form of cardio and strength training, riding outside isn't always possible. "Indoor cycling is just as beneficial as outdoor cycling, especially because you have control over your resistance," notes Brooke Lutsch, certified cycling instructor at Cyclebar in Nashville.

Reviewed & Approved

We named the Bowflex C6 Bike our top choice because it's a sleek ride that doesn't require a monthly subscription to use. Plus, it's $300 off for Cyber Week!
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is a great pick for spinners on a budget and it's currently 36% off on Amazon (make sure you add the coupon for an additional $40 off)!
More Cyber Week Deals: Original Peloton is $300 off, SoulCycle At-Home Bike is $1000 off, and Schwinn Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike is $400 off

According to Lutsch, that the main benefit of an indoor cycling bike over one you'd use on the road is that you can alter the resistance, cadence, and intensity of your ride—allowing you total authority over your workout. In addition to a bike that offers adjustable resistance, you should also look for features such as cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and wide pedals. When reviewing indoor cycling bikes, we evaluated each pick for how good of a workout you'll get from it; how sturdy, safe and comfortable it feels while riding; whether it had a tablet stand for streaming workouts; the adjustable resistance, and more.

Here are the best indoor cycling bikes on the market, according to experts.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Bowflex C6 Bike at Bowflex.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Runner-Up:

Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Smaller Spaces:

Myx Fitness The MYX II Plus at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Peloton Bike+ Essentials at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Studio Experience:

Variis SoulCycle At-Home Bike at Equinoxplus.com

Jump to Review

Best With Optional App:

Stryde Bike at Strydebike.com

Jump to Review

Best Outdoor Bike Converter:

BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Natural Ride:

NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Classic Spin Bike:

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Pros

Very quiet ride
Dual-link pedals
No subscription required

Cons

Less sturdy than other options
Tablet mount angle can't be adjusted

Who else recommends it? NBC News and The Strategist both picked the Bowflex C6 Bike.

What do buyers say? 2,000+ Bowflex reviewers rated it 5 stars.

The sleek and versatile design of this Bowflex bike makes it an excellent addition to any home gym setup, and the reason we recommend it as our top pick for indoor cycling bikes. The heavy-duty 40-pound flywheel and 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels provide plenty of challenging intensity, and the dual-link pedals allow you to clip in or use the toe cages, depending on your riding style. It also features multi-grip handlebars and comes with a set of dumbbells to give your upper body a solid workout, too.

While many spin bikes sync with a specific workout subscription or app, we particularly like the Bowflex C6 because it allows you to enjoy any programming you want. All you have to do is secure your tablet to the bike mount, log in to your preferred workout platform, and start pedaling. And if you'd rather log long indoor rides without the guidance of an instructor, you can pedal solo without paying any subscription fees.

Price at time of publication: $999

Resistance: 100 micro-adjustable levels | Product Weight: 106 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: 48.7 x 21.2 x 51.8 inches | Assembly: Required

Amazon

Pros

Smooth, quiet ride
Provides basic ride stats
Additional tablet mount

Cons

No clips on pedals
Lower weight capacity than other options

We recommend this affordable option from YOSUDA to those looking for a simple, safe, effective, yet budget-friendly ride. The 35-pound flywheel and heavy-duty steel frame give you the stability you need, and the belt-driven system makes for a smooth and quiet ride. Meanwhile, the two-way adjustable handlebars and four-way padded seat ensure that you'll find a comfortable position for your cycling workout, and the caged foot pedals keep your feet in place at all times.

The manual resistance knob gives you total control over the intensity of your ride, allowing you to feel the difference with every quarter turn and challenge your muscular endurance. While this model lacks a fancy touchscreen, we like that the LCD monitor tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. The additional iPad bracket makes it easy to listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite guided workout whenever you want.

Price at time of publication: $440

Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 68 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds | Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 45 inches | Assembly: Required

3.8

Pros

Smooth ride
Easy setup
Good for riders of all levels

Cons

Noisy
Seat is less comfortable than other options

Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Review

This bike proves you can get an excellent workout without breaking the bank. It's equipped with a 40-pound chrome flywheel, which provides a smooth, stable ride. And if you want to increase the flywheel's resistance and up the intensity of your workout, all you have to do is turn the knob on the top of the bike. Meanwhile, you can customize your fit by adjusting the bike's performance seat and multi-grip handlebars, and rest assured knowing the caged pedals will keep your feet in place as you cycle.

Though the bike boasts a pretty slim profile, the base is equipped with levelers that keep it stable as you ride. It's simple to assemble, and we particularly like the roller wheels on the front that make it easy to stow out of the way once you're done with your workout. It might lack all the bells and whistles, but we still think the bike's sturdy steel frame construction and adjustability make it a quality pick for riders looking to keep things simple.

Price at time of publication: $300

Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 97.2 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Dimensions: 46.5 x 18 x 46 inches | Assembly: Required

Verywell Fit / Cheyenne Elwell

What Our Testers Say

"The SF-B901 fits very well in our home in terms of space. We found that it didn't take up a lot of room width-wise, which enabled us to pull it pretty far from our wall—ideal for a stationary bike. The handlebars are one of the nicer features of the Pro Indoor Cycling Bike, as they are padded, slip-free, and ergonomic. Being able to move the handlebars meant the bike worked for people of different heights—and it helped ease any tension in our backs as well." — Cheyenne Elwell, Verywell writer and product tester

4.5

MYX Fitness

MYX's II Plus Exercise Bike Offers Total-Body Workouts for the At-Home Exerciser

Verywell Fit FYI

MYX Fitness issued a voluntary product recall on November 3, 2022, for their MYX I, MYX II, and MYX II Plus bikes due to potential injury risk if the bike's pedals are not properly installed or tightened. For your safety when using MYX indoor cycling bikes, MYX Fitness advises customers to tighten the pedals on their bike before their next ride, and every time they ride the bike for the following six weeks. If the pedals of your bike have previously detached from the crank and you have not yet set them in to get repaired by the MYX team, MYX urges you to contact the team and schedule a free in-home repair using the information provided on their website.

Pros

Compact home gym setup
Reliable bike construction
Swiveling touchscreen display

Cons

Doesn't include an MYX membership
Some pre-recorded classes are dated

If you're looking for an option that won't take up a ton of square footage in your home, we highly recommend the MYX II Plus bundle. It features a commercial-grade Star Trac bike that is durable, compact, and adjustable to your body's dimensions. It also comes with a six-piece weight set, a kettlebell, an oversized exercise mat, and a 24-inch EVA foam roller, completing your home gym setup in a minimal amount of space.

The heavy-duty bike comes with a swiveling, 21.5-inch touch screen with a camera that makes it easy to follow along to your favorite fitness videos while you ride. We like that the pedals are compatible with both athletic shoes and SPD cycling shoes, so you can bike the way that feels best for you, and the 41-pound flywheel keeps you secure and cruising for as long as you want to ride.

While you can use the bike without a subscription, you'll be able to access thousands of live and on-demand classes on the MYX+Openfit app.

Price at time of publication: $1,599

Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 150 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 55 x 21 x 47 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly provided

Verywell / Megan Foster

What Our Editors Say

"I live in a very small studio in New York City, which leaves me with little to no room for exercise equipment. But when I moved my MYX II Plus bike into my apartment, I was pleased to find that it was super compact and didn't take up much floor space. While I need to move around a couple of pieces of furniture to do the floor workouts, I love that the bike's OpenFit subscription comes with total-body cross-training workouts in addition to classic riding workouts." — Megan Foster, Verywell Commerce writer and product tester

4.8

Courtesy of Peloton

Pros

Sleek, stylish, and compact design
Smooth, quiet ride
Workout program integration

Cons

Membership sold separately
Delivery timeframe
Expensive

The Peloton Bike Offers an Exclusive, Studio-like Cycling Experience at Home

We picked the top-of-the-line Peloton bike for our splurge-worthy pick because it boasts a durable welded steel frame, a smooth and quiet belt drive, and digital auto-follow resistance, in addition to the manual resistance knob. It's also equipped with four built-in speakers, which you can crank up to recreate the experience of your favorite cycling class. And since the touchscreen rotates, you can hop off your bike to tackle another workout without missing a beat.

The bike is both compact and adjustable, making it easy to fit in tight spaces in your home and still find your comfortable seat. But if you want to unlock the bike's true potential, you need to pair it with a Peloton All-Access membership (which is sold separately). The membership gives you access to a library of on-demand fitness classes, as well as live daily workouts that you can stream in real-time.

In addition to the bike, the starter package includes a pair of cycling shoes, a set of bike weights, and a workout mat.

Price at time of publication: $1,445

Resistance: Manual tension knob with digital auto-follow resistance option | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 297 pounds | Dimensions: 59 x 22 x 59 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly provided

Verywell Fit / Liz Allen

What Our Editors Say

"The folks that set up your bike also make sure that you're comfortable before they leave, even having you put on the shoes and snap in to ensure everything is perfect." — Mary Kate Hoban, Associate Editorial Director and Verywell product tester

4.8

Equinox+

Pros

Top-of-the-line bike construction
Excellent adjustability
Large touchscreen display

Cons

Very heavy
Class subscription not included

Obsessed with SoulCycle classes as opposed to outdoor cycling? Then we recommend the SoulCycle At-Home Bike, which brings both the equipment you trust and instructors you love right to your home gym.

The matte black bike has a 21-inch touchscreen display and some high-tech speakers, both of which are perfect for streaming live and on-demand classes led by top SoulCycle instructors. Meanwhile, the commercial-grade steel frame is club-quality, and the magnetic resistance flywheel and narrow carbon-fiber belt make for a smooth, silent, and natural-feeling ride.

The four-way adjustable seat and handlebars ensure your customized fit, and transport wheels make it easy to stow the bike away after your workout. Additionally, we love that the bike comes with access to Equinox+, which lets you stream classes from Equinox, SoulCycle, Rumble, TB12, and more whenever you want.

Price at time of publication: $2,500

Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 142 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 62.2 x 22.2 x 53.5 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly provided

Courtesy of Stryde

Pros

Compatible with multiple apps
Large screen display
No subscription required

Cons

Videos not as polished
Requires assembly

Stryde Bike Review

While the initial purchase of a bike may cost less than a year of spin classes, many exercise bike companies require an app-based subscription to get started. For an app-based experience, we recommend the Stryde bike, which comes equipped with a 22-inch tablet, offering users the ability to access over 500 classes via the Stryde app or opt-out of the membership for a budget-friendlier workout.

Crafted with powder-coated steel, the bike features a durable frame with a five-year warranty. The dual-sided pedals have SPD clips for those with cycling shoes, but they also include toe cages for anyone wishing to ride with their go-to athletic shoes. Additionally, Stryde ensures its bike has a 350-pound weight capacity—adding to its overall stability.

For those wanting in-depth instruction, the bike can connect to the Stryde app, which houses cycling classes taught by a variety of trainers from across the country. But if you want a break from the metric-tracking capabilities of the bike, you can watch streaming services like Netflix, check your email, or access the internet during your workout instead.

Price at time of publication: $1,895

Resistance: Magnetic resistance system | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 50 x 24 x 46 inches | Assembly: Required

Verywell / Rozalynn S. Frazier

What Our Testers Say

"This bike was one of the best Peloton alternatives for classes. During each class, Stryde keeps track of stats, including miles, cadence, and output, as well as how well you measure up to others that have taken the class before you. All of this information is available right on the screen, and post-class, you're provided with a workout summary. The Stryde app tracks your recent achievements and milestones, and offers a running tab of the data for all of your rides." — Rozalynn S. Frazier, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, and Verywell product tester

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy to install
Works on any surface
Wide compatibility

Cons

Very noisy with rough tires
Tension adjuster could use improvement

If you want to use your outdoor bike as an indoor bike, we recommend using a converter like the BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand. The A-frame stand rests under your back wheel while a riser rests under your front wheel. Both work together to hold your bike in a steady position, allowing you to treat it like a stationary bike.

Because the stand converts your outdoor bike to an indoor bike, you can enjoy the authentic feel of outdoor cycling even when riding indoors. What's more, the converter comes with a built-in tension knob, allowing you to adjust your bike's resistance level the same way you would with a spin bike. The stand is compatible with road and mountain bikes with 26- or 28-inch wheels.

Price at time of publication: $58

Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 20.7 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: Not listed | Assembly: Required

4.8

Courtesy of Nordic Track

Pros

Truly immersive experience
Ergonomic design
Easy to track key stats

Cons

Relies on an iFit membership
No pre-programmed workouts

For those looking for an indoor ride that simulates your favorite outdoor experience, we recommend this bike from NordicTrack. Its 15-inch touchscreen display showcases beautiful routes for a truly immersive ride, and it makes it easy to track your distance, speed, and estimated calorie burn. The bike's commercial-grade steel construction is plenty sturdy, and it features an ergonomic saddle and handlebars that are adjustable for your comfort.

The inertia-enhanced flywheel uses silent magnetic resistance for a smooth, quiet ride, and you can choose from 22 digital resistance levels on the touchscreen as you exercise. What's more, when you use the iFit platform's cycling programs, the trainers can digitally adjust your incline, decline, and resistance, creating a real road ride feel for you. The pedals are also compatible with standard road bike pedals for a more immersive cycling experience.

Price at time of publication: $1,300

Resistance: Manual tension knob and 22 digital resistance levels | Product Weight: 202 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 55.75 x 22 x 61 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly optional

Schwinn

Pros

Dual-sided pedals
100 resistance levels
Includes 1-year JRNY membership

Cons

Some say the seat is somewhat uncomfortable

An upgrade from the previous IC3 model, the IC4 boasts a backlit LCD console that displays all the metrics you'll need for a more efficient ride—including heart rate, calories burned, time elapsed, and even burn rate (the rate at which you're burning calories). It also allows you to bike through over 50 virtual destinations all around the world for an immersive experience that'll make the miles go by faster.

We love that the bike comes with a one-year JRNY membership that includes both on-demand and real-time coaching. The coach-led workouts also automatically adjust as your on-bike fitness improves.

If you're looking for a bike reminiscent of traditional spin classes, we recommend Schwinn's IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike. The heavyweight design makes it feel sturdy and stable—and a little more like a performance pick. The magnetic resistance provides a smooth, quiet ride, and you can turn the tension knob on the bike's frame any time you want to increase the resistance of your ride—with 100 resistance levels to choose from.

While many budget-friendly bikes come with flat pedals, we like that the Schwinn bike features proper cycling ones. We love that the dual-sided pedals let you slide your feet into the toe cages or clip your cycling shoes into the pedals for a more efficient ride. You can also adjust the bike's race-style seat and padded handlebars until you've found a comfortable fit. We love that this new version of the bike comes with 3-pound dumbbells and dual water bottle holders for a true studio-like experience.

Some users say the performance seat is a bit uncomfortable, but luckily if that's an issue for you you can purchase Schwinn's extra comfort bike seat.

Price at time of publication: $1,199

Resistance: Magnetic resistance system | Product Weight: 112 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 54.6 x 30.7 x 51.8 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly optional

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Compact and easy to store
Affordable
Quiet ride

Cons

No touchscreen display
Seat may be too wide

If you live in a smaller space, an exercise bike isn't always the most practical piece of home gym equipment. That's why we recommend Exerpeutic's Folding Magnetic Upright Bike, which folds to half its size for easy storing and easy transport. It's just 39 pounds, and although it features a lightweight frame, it fits users from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch and up to 300 pounds.

A wide cushioned seat is crafted for comfort, and because it's easily adjustable, you can stay on the bike for a longer period of time—ensuring a good workout. The Exerpeutic bike doesn't have a large screen, but an LCD display helps you track distance, time, speed, and calories burned. Additionally, you can sign up for on-demand studio classes and Bluetooth tracking via the MyCloudFitness app.

Price at time of publication: $190

Resistance: Magnetic tension resistance | Product Weight: 39 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 31 x 19 x 46 inches | Assembly: Required

Amazon

Pros

Adjustable seat
Multiple resistance levels
Self-leveling pedals

Cons

Assembly can be difficult
May get noisy over time

Unlike upright exercise bikes, recumbent bikes are designed in a way where you ride in a reclined position. Some people prefer this style of indoor bike because it allows you to exercise your glutes, thighs, and calves without as much strain. However, it may not engage the core muscles as much as an upright bike.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike allows you to make simple seat adjustments to work the muscles you're trying to target during your riding session. We also like that it has an adjustable inseam height—allowing people of different heights and up to 300 pounds to use the bike.

Although the bike doesn't have a touchscreen display, it has a helpful digital monitor that can tell you the duration, speed, and distance of your ride, in addition to calories burned. An easy-to-use pulse monitor is an added bonus—showing you how your heart rate rises and falls during your workout.

Price at time of publication: $229

Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 58.7 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 46 x 24.5 x 38 inches | Assembly: Required

Final Verdict

If you're in the market for an indoor cycling bike, we recommend the Bowflex C6 Bike for its versatility and comfort. Well-built and easy to use, it features 100 resistance levels that offer riders an effective challenge, no matter their experience with a bike. The bike also includes dual-link pedals for all riding styles and allows you to enjoy classes from Peloton, Zwift, Explore the World, and more.

However, if you're on a budget, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike covers all of the basics of a quality bike without the hefty price tag. Some standout features of the bike include a two-way adjustable non-slip handlebar, a four-way padded seat, adjustable cage pedals, and an LCD monitor that allows you to track your speed, time, distance, and calories burned.

How We Rated the Indoor Cycling Bikes

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best indoor cycling bikes we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These indoor cycling bikes are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great indoor cycling bikes, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These indoor cycling bikes are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend indoor cycling bikes with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Selected

When selecting indoor cycling bikes to feature in this story, we spoke with three cycling experts and spent hours considering options from best-in-class brands and budget-friendly big box stores. We then compared those options using three key criteria: workout experience, comfort, and cost.

First, we considered whether each bike would deliver a solid workout. Did the bike include multiple resistance levels and several workout modes? Did it make it easy to stream workouts directly to the bike, either through a built-in screen or convenient device mount? Then, we assessed the bikes on comfort. Did they come equipped with adjustable seats and handlebars? What about cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and dual-sided pedals?

Finally, we weighed each bike's strengths against its price tag. All things considered, was the bike worth the money? We made sure to feature bikes that offered great value at different price points so you could find a bike you felt comfortable purchasing, no matter your budget.

Verywell / Catherine Song

What to Look for in an Indoor Cycling Bike

Resistance

To keep your cycling workouts dynamic and challenging, you need to be able to adjust the resistance of your bike. "Resistance helps you get a high-intensity workout and stimulates riding up and down hills," Tammeca Rochester 999, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle in New York City, says. "The goal of an indoor cycling bike is to challenge yourself physically while getting a neuromuscular and cardiovascular workout."

High-tech bikes let you navigate resistance levels at the touch of the button, but most options will require you to turn a manual tension knob and feel the resistance level as you ride. "This is helpful if you live somewhere where you don't have the luxury of hills," says Lutsch. "Riding on a flat road while outdoor biking has substantially different intensity than indoor resistance training riding," she adds.

Workout Modes

Like treadmills, classic ellipticals, and other fitness machines, indoor bikes can boast a range of workout modes. If you prefer a choose-your-own-adventure workout where you're in control of your settings, these modes may not matter much to you. But if you prefer a guided workout, pay attention to this feature.

Another thing to note is that a bike may include a variety of workout modes, but those modes may not be free. Some indoor bikes require a membership or subscription to access additional features. Be sure to check on the bike's available classes and modes prior to purchasing.

Comfort

"Comfort is critical," says Lutsch. "The more comfortable the bike, the more likely you are to utilize it on a regular basis. When looking for a bike, try to find one with comfortable characteristics like cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and wide petals. Ensuring these are adjustable can also help you customize your fit.

Lutsch also says it's important to have the correct settings on your bike to avoid injury. "Set your bike seat at hip height and make sure your legs can fully extend (without locking) at the bottom of your stride. Your handlebars should be set at the same height as your seat as well to help you avoid hunching while riding."

Cycling workouts can get long, so you want a bike that keeps you feeling supported and comfortable. Look for cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and wide pedals. And make sure the seat and handlebars are adjustable so you can customize your fit.

High-Tech Features

Many indoor bikes come with high-tech features like speakers, fans, and pivoting monitors. "Displays that feature your speed (RPM) and power output (wattage) are always helpful for gauging your workout," says Rochester. These nice-to-haves may not be necessary, but they can make a workout more fun. So don't be shy in seeking out features that will motivate you to spend more time on your bike.

Verywell Fit / Cheyenne Elwell

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my indoor cycling bike correctly?

A proper configuration is critical to a comfortable ride. First, adjust the height of the seat, or saddle, so that it's parallel with your hip. Next, measure a forearm's length of space between the front of the seat and the handlebars and secure both pieces accordingly. Then hop on the bike and either clip into the pedals or slide your shoes into the toe cages.
As you pedal, look for a nearly full extension of your leg but with a soft bend at the knee. From here, you can make any fine-tune adjustments for a truly customized fit.
What muscles does indoor cycling work?

If you're buying any piece of home gym equipment, you likely have some fitness goals you're trying to reach. An indoor cycling bike is no different. And if you're trying to target specific muscles, knowing the benefits of a bike is going to help you achieve those goals.
"Indoor cycling is a full-body workout," says Lutsch. "First and foremost, it works your heart and improves your cardiovascular strength." She explains that a bike is also optimal for targeting lower body muscles like your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
"It also requires a lot of core strength and constant ab engagement. And if you have a bike with live workouts or guided instruction, you can find some with arm workouts to ensure your biceps and triceps are worked too," says Lutsch.
What should I wear while indoor cycling?

What you wear when indoor cycling is primarily up to personal preference. However, leggings or thigh-length bike shorts should work best. This eliminates the chance of loose fabric snagging or getting caught on the bike, which is a safety concern.
Lutsch also recommends a sweat-wicking workout top to keep you cool as your workout starts to heat up.
How should indoor cycling shoes fit?

Not all indoor bikes require cycling shoes, but they can offer you more stability while giving you a stronger base for solid strides. And similar to any other pair of shoes, comfort is key when you're considering how a pair of shoes fit.
"Indoor cycling shoes should fit like a regular gym shoe, and you can typically go by your normal shoe size," says Lutsch. "You don't want your toe shoved up against the front, nor do you want them too loose where you feel like your feet are sliding inside your shoes," she adds.
How much does a quality indoor cycling bike cost?

The cost of an indoor cycling bike ranges quite widely. You can expect to pay between $190-$2,500 for a quality indoor cycling bike. If you're looking for a bare-bones model, featuring basic resistance and a small screen that displays minimal stats, then you could get away with paying less than $300. But if you want something with premium features, like instructor-led classes, a touchscreen display with entertainment, and a smoother ride, you could end up having to pay over $2,000 for a premium quality model.
The cheapest bike on our list often costs less than $150, while our top recommendation, the Bowflex C6 Bike was $999 when we published this list.

Verywell / Liz Allen

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who've tried them.

The 16 Best Peloton Alternatives of 2022

Best Overall: Bowflex C6 Bike

Best Budget: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Budget Runner-Up: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike

What Our Testers Say

Best for Smaller Spaces: Myx Fitness The MYX II Plus

Verywell Fit FYI

What Our Editors Say

Best Splurge: Peloton Bike+ Essentials

What Our Editors Say

Best Studio Experience: Variis SoulCycle At-Home Bike

Best With Optional App: Stryde Bike

What Our Testers Say

Best Outdoor Bike Converter: BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand

Best Natural Ride: NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle

Best Classic Spin Bike: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Folding : Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse

Best Recumbent: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike