How do I set up my indoor cycling bike correctly?

Setting up your indoor cycling bike properly is critical for a comfortable ride. First, adjust the height of the seat, or saddle, so that it's parallel to 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-tuned adjustments for a truly customized ride.

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, which can also be enhanced by using a balance board , and if you have a desk job, you can help to maintain lower extremity muscle strength by purchasing a treadmill desk . "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 specialized 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 says. If you have flat feet, you may want to consider adding insoles for flat feet for even more comfort.

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 $450-$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 paying over $2,000 for a premium quality model. The cheapest bike on our list often costs less than $280, while our top recommendation, the Bowflex Velocore Bike 16” , was $1,799 when we published this list.

The 8 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes of 2023

While cycling is an effective form of cardio and strength training, riding outside isn't always ideal. Beyond replacing an outdoor workout when the weather is bad, the best indoor cycling bikes replicate the experience of a spin class in the comfort of your home and provide a varied and engaging workout with adjustable features for a personalized experience.

According to Brooke Lutsch, certified cycling instructor at Cyclebar in Nashville, the main benefit of indoor cycling bikes over ones you'd use on the road is that you can alter the resistance, cadence, and intensity of your ride with more precision—giving you total authority over your workout. When choosing an indoor cycling bike, you should look for one that has a comfortable seat, adjustable resistance, clear display, helpful metric tracking, Bluetooth and app connectivity, and adjustable seat and handlebars.

To find the best indoor cycling bikes on the market, we tested 12 of the most popular cycling bikes at home, evaluating each bike over the span of four weeks. Our editors (from different fitness backgrounds and varying levels of experience with indoor cycling bikes) tested each one on at least eight rides—a minimum of two per week—throughout the four weeks. We paid close attention to each bike’s most notable features and rated them on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and overall value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Bowflex VeloCore Bike at Bowflex.com

Jump to Review

Best Overall Runner-Up:

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Studio-Like Experience:

Equinox + SoulCycle At-Home Bike at Best Buy

Jump to Review

Best Investment:

Peloton Essentials Package at Onepeloton.com

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Freebeat Fit Lit Bike at Freebeatfit.com

Jump to Review

Most Versatile:

Stryde Bike at Strydebike.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

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

Target

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Performance

5/5
Adjustability

4.8/5
Comfort

4.5/5
Display

5/5

Pros

Leaning mode
Includes 3-pound dumbbells
Dual-sided pedals

Cons

Seat not as cushioned as other options

The Bowflex VeloCore Bike stands out for its versatility and performance. While most indoor cycling bikes have one stationary mode, the VeloCore allows you to switch between leaning (whether to the right or to the left) and stationary modes—offering a ride that feels more natural and responsive than some of its competitors. It also features front and back stabilizers, and comes with a floor mat for optimal security. And regardless of mode, speed, or resistance, the bike is equally stable.

The display—an important differentiator for best indoor cycling bikes—is clear, large, and intuitive. We love that Bowflex gives you the option to choose between a 16- or 22-inch console, depending on your preferences or how much you’d like to spend—the 22-inch is $400 more. Both options are relatively standard in size, but offer impressive clarity when compared to competitors. During rides, you can easily adjust the volume and brightness and view helpful metrics in real time. We love that the bike tracks time, distance, cadence, burn rate, resistance level, and heart rate (via Bluetooth through an included armband).

Featuring a fully customizable seat and four-way adjustable handlebars, we were able to ride confidently both in and out of the saddle. The bike’s seat is similar to that of a standard bike seat, meaning it doesn’t offer as much cushion as others on our list—like Yosuda’s Indoor Cycling Bike. But after some getting used to, we didn't notice any discomfort. One thing that was noticeable (in a good way): how convenient the dual-sided pedals are. One side features toe cages for regular sneakers, while the other has SPD-style cleats.

The Bowflex VeloCore Bike also shines when it comes to performance and value. We like that it includes a free one-year membership to JRNY (the bike’s streaming platform), which offers a variety of classes that can be filtered by length, as well as over 200 virtual courses to cycle through at your own pace. You can also stream Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, on the built-in, high-definition console.

While spending over $1,500 on an indoor cycling bike might seem steep, this one isn’t as pricey as some of the other ones we reviewed from Peloton, Equinox, or Stryde. After testing it for four weeks, we think it’s worth it—because it’s jam packed with features, has incredible versatility, and top-notch craftsmanship. We think it’s a great bike for anyone, regardless of your level, from beginners to experienced spinners.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend Shimano’s IC501 Women’s Indoor Cycling Shoes, other SPD-style cleats, or athletic shoes.

Price at time of publication: $1,799

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 158.3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 59.8 x 24.1 x 55.3 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 pounds}

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Performance

5/5
Adjustability

4.5/5
Comfort

3.8/5
Display

5/5

Pros

Whisper quiet
Dual-sided pedals
Includes 3-pound dumbbells

Cons

Seat not as cushioned as other options

Whether we were seated for a cool down or standing for a climb, we found Schwinn’s IC4 Bike delivers a smooth, stable, and silent ride. While it doesn’t come with a touchscreen display, like Bowflex’s VeloCore Bike, we do appreciate the convenient device holder and backlit LCD console that tracks helpful metrics in real time. If the top-quality design of our best overall pick appeals to you, but you don’t want to spend $1,799, we recommend Schwinn’s IC4 Bike that’s over $600 less.

The best indoor cycling bikes also offer an accessible resistance knob so that riders of all levels can find a challenge as they pedal. We love that this pick features an easy-to-reach knob that allows you to customize your ride with 100 adjustable resistance levels. When choosing an indoor cycling bike, you may also want to consider noise level—especially if you live in an apartment or with roommates. In our test, the Schwinn bike stood out for its whisper-quiet wheel during both high- and low-intensity rides

Just like our best overall pick, Schwinn’s IC4 bike includes a free one-year membership to JRNY and allows you to connect it to your favorite cycling apps, like Peloton, Zwift, and more. We love that JRNY membership offers 50+ global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed, so you can travel to bucket-list destinations from your saddle. The bike also has dual-sided pedals that conveniently allow you to spin with sneakers or a pair of cycling shoes.

While it doesn't come with recommendations for optimal seat and handlebar positions, we do appreciate that the bike is easy to adjust so that you can find the right position for ideal comfort and performance. But we did find the small and firm seat to be a little uncomfortable compared to other options we tested. If you’re someone who enjoys long rides, consider using it with a bike seat cushion, like Bikeroo’s Padded Gel Bike Seat Cover.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend Adidas’s The Indoor Cycling Shoe, other SPD-style cleats, or athletic shoes.

Price at time of publication: $1,199

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 112 pounds | Product Dimensions: ‎54.6 x 30.7 x 51.8 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds}

4.9

Equinox

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Performance

5/5
Adjustability

5/5
Comfort

4/5
Display

5/5

Pros

Comes pre-assembled
Impressive live and on-demand classes
Intuitive and customizable experience

Cons

Expensive
Have to purchase a membership

Throughout the four-week testing period, we were consistently impressed with nearly everything about this bike—especially its hundreds of studio-feel on-demand classes. SoulCycle’s At-Home bike will transport you to the iconic studio from the comfort and convenience of your home. And if you’re a SoulCycle studio stan, you might want to consider this bike as a more cost-effective and convenient way to enjoy your favorite classes and instructors from home.

The bike comes pre-assembled and ready to ride. It also provides intuitive instructional videos on how to easily adjust the seat and handlebars to your optimal height. And when you’re ready to hop on, the heavy-duty bike remains perfectly still and stable—even during fast, heavy-resistance climbs. Unfortunately, like many traditional bike seats, this one lacks cushion and comfort. We recommend swapping out Soul Cycle’s original seat for one of the best padded bike seats to alleviate any discomfort.

We like that you can filter classes by length, instructor, music type, and level to find the perfect ride each time. And the crisp, intuitive display on the 21.5-inch touchscreen monitor lets you track helpful stats, like cadence, power, and distance in real-time. When you’re ready to take things to the next level, the resistance knob is easy to reach while continuing to pedal. And when you want to slow things down, you can stream your favorite shows on Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Netflix.

But unlike our top two picks, you don’t get a free one-year membership to the bike’s platform. In order to access its worthwhile features, you have to pay an extra $40 per month for an Equinox+ Membership to access all SoulCycle content. But the membership unlocks unlimited rider profiles, and all Equinox+ workout classes that you can take both on and off the bike. While this is one of the more expensive bikes that we tested, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty, feature-packed bike that will deliver a true in-studio feel, we think it’s well worth it.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend Soulcycle x Pearl Izumi’s Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes, or other Delta or SPD-style cleats.

Price at time of publication: $2,500

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 142 pounds | Product Dimensions: 62.2 x 22.2 x 53.5 inches | Assembly: Not required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds}

4.6

Peloton

Our Ratings

Stability

4.8/5
Performance

4.6/5
Adjustability

5/5
Comfort

3.8/5
Display

4.6/5

Pros

Rotating touchscreen
Comes pre-assembled
Comes with dumbbells and a yoga mat

Cons

Have to purchase a membership
Expensive

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

If you’re in the market for an indoor cycling bike, you’ve probably considered the beloved Peloton Bike—but is it worth the cost? After testing the bike at home, we vote yes, thanks to its reliable stability, innovative features, thousands of versatile workouts, and so much more. If you’re looking for a top-quality bike—and have the budget to invest—Peloton’s Bike + Essentials is the way to go.

We love that the bike offers scenic rides that can be filtered by length, location, and music, for a complete IRL cycling experience. And if you invest an additional $44 per month in a Peloton Membership, you’ll get access to thousands of instructor-led in-studio cycling classes, as well as bike bootcamp, boxing, and yoga classes. Other standout features include accessible in-class metrics, auto-resistance, and connectivity with Apple Music and Spotify.

The Peloton Bike lets you easily adjust the seat and handlebar heights to find a comfortable riding position. It’s also simple to adjust resistance during rides and clip in and out of the bike's pedals. And while the seat is rather hard, we ended up purchasing a padded bike seat that made longer rides significantly more comfortable.

If you want a Peloton bike but don’t want to spend almost $2,500, you can opt for the older version that doesn’t come with added accessories for $1,000 less—The Original Peloton Bike, available at Amazon.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend Pearl Izumi’s Quest Studio Cycling Shoe or other Delta-style cleats.

Price at time of publication: $2,495

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 140 pounds | Product Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 22 inches | Assembly: Not required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 297 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Liz Allen

4.7

Freebeat Fit

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Performance

5/5
Adjustability

3/5
Comfort

4.5/5
Display

4/5

Pros

Comes in four attractive colors
Rotating touchscreen
Smart saddle detection

Cons

Have to purchase a membership
Not compatible with clipless cycling shoes

Freebeat’s Lit Bike offers a variety of spin classes, as well as other off-the-bike workouts, that you can filter by length (15 or 30 minutes) and level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). We like this option for beginners who want to get into cycling and have room to progress.

And if you’re really up for the challenge, users can participate in competitions available on the bike’s platform to win rewards like Amazon and Spotify gift cards, as well as membership credits, and more—a great incentive to push yourself. But the membership will cost you an additional $39 per month, and it doesn’t feature any other connectivity or streaming services. So if you want to invest in those added features, we recommend our top pick: Bowflex’s VeloCore Bike.

We do appreciate that the bike is easy to assemble and provides a stable, comfortable ride. It also includes unique features, like a touchscreen display that can rotate up to 180 degrees, a smart saddle that lifts and rises when you’re seated or standing to help improve your form, and auto-resistance which sets the resistance based on instructor cues. But the toe-caged pedals can only be used with sneakers or athletic shoes, so additional pedals are required for clipless cycling shoes.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend TIEM Slipstream’s Women's Indoor Cycling Shoe or other athletic shoes.

Price at time of publication: $1,799

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 113.3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 49.3 x 58.8 x 22.6 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds}

4.6

Stryde

Our Ratings

Stability

4.3/5
Performance

4.8/5
Adjustability

3.8/5
Comfort

3.5/5
Display

5/5

Pros

Optional membership
Whisper quiet
Dual-sided pedals

Cons

Limited adjustability

The Stryde bike offers metric tracking during free rides, Netflix streaming, and compatibility with other fitness apps (like Peloton). We like that its large, crisp display can be used to follow workout classes, watch your favorite shows, read emails, and more while you pedal. And if you choose to purchase a Stryde Membership (an additional $29 per month), you’ll also have access to hundreds of workouts and up to four user profiles.

Like many of our other top picks, we appreciate the bike’s reliable stability during seated sprints and standing climbs. The seat and handlebars are easy to adjust—even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. But one major pitfall of the bike is that the handlebars don’t have enough range for taller people. One of our editors (who is 6'2") wished he could have raised the handlebar a bit higher so that his knees did not hit it and interfere with his ride.

The Stryde Bike shares a helpful feature with our best overall pick from Bowflex: it has dual-sided pedals, so you don’t need to spend on a pair of specialty cycling shoes if you don’t already have them. And if you're looking to save even more, you can use the bike without purchasing the optional $30 per month membership—we rode happily without a Stryde Membership.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend Venzo Women's Cycling Shoes, other SPD-style cleats, or athletic shoes.

Price at time of publication: $1,895

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Product Dimensions: 24 x 21.5 x 29.6 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds}

4.2

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

3.3/5
Performance

4/5
Adjustability

4/5
Comfort

4/5
Display

2.5/5

Pros

Comfortable seat
Good for beginners
Easy setup

Cons

May wobble during intense rides
Not compatible with clipless cycling shoes

YOSUDA’s Indoor Cycling Bike is the most budget-friendly bike we tested, and is a great option for beginners, casual riders, or those looking for no-frills home gym equipment. It’s easy to assemble, and while it doesn’t include a built-in display, it comes with an LCD monitor that tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

When testing, we appreciated that the bike’s seat is padded and comfortable, unlike some other options on our list. But the wide seat limited our range of motion when pedaling in the saddle. And while the seat and handlebars are easy to adjust, we did notice a limited forward and backward range. This might be problematic for taller riders (like our 5’7'' editor who tested this bike).

It’s also important to note that during high-intensity rides, the bike wobbles from side to side—which is why we gave it a lower score for stability. Because of this stability issue, we only recommend the bike to casual cyclists looking for a leisurely ride on a basic bike. If you’re a high-intensity rider, we like Bowflex’s VeloCore Bike.

You should also know that the bike only features toe cages, so you’ll need to swap out the pedals if you want to wear your favorite cycling shoes. These drawbacks are worth considering, but we still think the bike is worth it if price is your main concern.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend TIEM Slipstream’s Women's Indoor Cycling Shoes or other athletic shoes.

Price at time of publication: $260

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Friction | Product Weight: 35 pounds | Product Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 45 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds}

4.4

Nordic Track

Our Ratings

Stability

4.2/5
Performance

4.3/5
Adjustability

4.5/5
Comfort

4.2/5
Display

5/5

Pros

Rotating touchscreen
Includes 3-pound dumbbells

Cons

Not compatible with clipless cycling shoes

We traveled to scenic locations like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and more from the saddle of NordicTrack’s Commercial Studio Cycle Bike. The motivating views and ability to select workouts based on intensity and length are just two of the many standout features of this bike.

To add to an already customizable experience, we love that the bike allows you to easily adjust the sound levels and resistance during rides. It also lets you track helpful metrics like distance, resistance, calories, and more. And to add to its superb value, the bike comes with a free one-year IFIT Membership that allows you to stream personal trainer-led workouts and more (something you have to pay extra for on some of our other picks like the Equinox + SoulCycle At Home Cycle Bike) .

We also appreciate that the bike comes with three-pound dumbbells and a rotating touchscreen that allowed us to get a total-body workout in a small space. And the bike is whisper-quiet and conveniently compact, making it a great choice for those who live in apartments or with roommates. It is important to note that the bike isn’t compatible with clipless cycling shoes, so you can only ride sporting sneakers.

Shoe Pairing: We recommend TIEM Slipstream’s Women's Indoor Cycling Shoes or other athletic shoes.

Price at time of publication: $1,257

^{Key Specs:
Resistance: Magnetic | Product Weight: 197 pounds | Product Dimensions: 22 x 60 x 58 inches | Assembly: Required | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds}

		Overall Rating	Stability	Performance	Adjustability	Comfort	Display
Best Overall: Bowflex VeloCore Bike	Bowflex.com	5	5	5	4.8	4.5	5
Best Overall Runner-Up: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike	Amazon	4.9	5	5	4.5	3.8	5
Best Studio-Like Experience: Equinox + SoulCycle At-Home Bike	Best Buy	4.9	5	5	5	4	5
Best Investment: Peloton Essentials Package	Onepeloton.com	4.6	4.8	4.6	5	3.8	4.6
Best for Beginners: Freebeat Fit Lit Bike	Freebeatfit.com	4.7	5	5	3	4.5	4
Most Versatile: Stryde Bike	Strydebike.com	4.6	4.3	4.8	3.8	3.5	5
Best Budget: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike	Amazon	4.2	3.3	4	4	4	2.5
Best for Small Spaces: NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle	Amazon	4.4	4.2	4.3	4.5	4.2	5

How We Rated the Indoor Cycling Bikes

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best indoor cycling bikes we tested. 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.

Indoor Cycling Bikes We Also Tested

In total, we tested 12 indoor cycling bikes, but only eight made it to our final list of recommendations. While these two didn’t make our top picks list, we did find a few notable features worth mentioning.

The MYX II Fitness Bike was reliably stable, easily adjustable, and featured a crystal-clear display. But we were disappointed by the limited classes, cumbersome app, and overall price for product quality.
Sturdy, feature-packed, and easily adjustable, we love the overall performance of the Carol Bike. But it’s the most expensive one we tested and just not worth the price when compared to its cheaper competitors.

How We Tested the Indoor Cycling Bikes

Not every product lends itself to testing in The Verywell Testing Lab, and some require real-world, long-term testing so that we can provide reliable recommendations for our readers. Indoor cycling bikes fall into this category, so our team of fitness editors tested these bikes from the comfort of their homes. Over the course of four weeks, we completed at least two rides per bike each week, for a total of at least eight rides on each bike.

When the bikes first arrived, we assessed them for setup: Did the bike come fully assembled? If not, how long did it take to put together? Once the bike was ready to go, we connected them to WiFi, any compatible health apps, and/or streaming services.

When we got on the bikes for the first time, we made any necessary adjustments to the seat and handlebars—noting how comfortable the seat felt and how easy it was to make those adjustments. When it was finally time to ride, we clipped in (or simply adjusted the toe cages if the bike didn’t feature clip-in pedals), and got to spinning.

During each ride—we tested multiple rides at varying intensities—we paid special attention to how sturdy and smooth the bike was, as well as any helpful metric tracking or other notable features. Considering each component of testing, we rated each indoor cycling bike on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and overall value.

What to Look for in Indoor Cycling Bikes

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, 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."

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 [offers] 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 pre-set 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, like SoulCycle’s at-home bike, require a membership or subscription to access additional features. Be sure to check on the bike's available classes and pre-set 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 features 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."

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. Our tester loved the feature-packed Peloton Bike + Essentials that kept her coming back for more.

Pedals

Some indoor cycling bikes feature toe-caged pedals that allow you to wear your regular sneakers or cycling shoes and simply slip your feet into the pedals. While others feature clip-in pedals that require clipless cleats or cycling shoes. This type of pedal helps some riders to feel more secure and at one with their bike. But if your indoor cycling bike doesn't have the pedals you're looking for, it's an easy and, in most cases, inexpensive fix.

A great shoe option for toe-cage pedals is TIEM Slipstream’s Women's Indoor Cycling Shoe, and our favorite pair of clipless cycling shoes are Shimano’s IC501 Women’s Indoor Cycling Shoes.

Verywell Fit / Cheyenne Elwell

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my indoor cycling bike correctly?

Setting up your indoor cycling bike properly is critical for a comfortable ride. First, adjust the height of the seat, or saddle, so that it's parallel to 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-tuned adjustments for a truly customized ride.
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, which can also be enhanced by using a balance board, and if you have a desk job, you can help to maintain lower extremity muscle strength by purchasing a treadmill desk.
"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 specialized 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 says. If you have flat feet, you may want to consider adding insoles for flat feet for even more comfort.
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 $450-$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 paying over $2,000 for a premium quality model.
The cheapest bike on our list often costs less than $280, while our top recommendation, the Bowflex Velocore Bike 16”, was $1,799 when we published this list.

Verywell / Liz Allen

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer who is passionate about making great product recommendations. She participated in our real-world indoor cycling bikes test and evaluated the SoulCycle At-Home Bike. Michelle has tackled dozens of rides on her new favorite bike wearing the Soul Cycle x PEARL IZUMI’s Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes.

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