Fitness Trends Indoor Cycling The 9 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes of 2021 Clip in and ride your way to better health By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Lindsey Lanquist Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on December 30, 2020 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall Updated on February 12, 2021 Print More in Fitness Trends Indoor Cycling Cross-Training Boutique Fitness Classes At Home and Online Outdoor Fitness Experiences Equipment and Apparel Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bowflex C6 Bike at Bowflex.com "A sleek, versatile design that's compatible with all of the top fitness programming apps and platforms." Best Budget: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon "Enjoy a simple, safe, and effective ride with this sturdy, affordable, and easy-to-maintain bike." Best Budget Runner-Up: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon "Sturdy frame construction and adjustability make this bike a quality pick for riders looking to keep things simple." Best Splurge: Peloton Bike+ Essentials at Onepeloton.com "A top-of-the line bike design with a wide selection of live and on-demand classes, a pair of shoes, and bike weights." Best Outdoor Bike Converter: BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand at Amazon "This budget-friendly converter allows you to use your outdoor bike indoors so you can get the most use out of one pair of wheels." Best Natural Ride: NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle at Best Buy "The screen displays beautiful, immersive routes while an iFit trainer digitally adjusts your incline and resistance for you." Best Classic Spin Bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon "Its multimedia device holder fits a tablet or phone so you can join classes virtually, watch your favorite show, and more.." Best for Smaller Spaces: Myx Fitness The Myx Plus at Myx Fitness "Ideal if you don't have a lot of space, the compact bike and accompanying essentials fit easily in a corner of your home." Best Studio Experience: SoulCycle At-Home Bike at Equinoxplus.com "Ride with your favorite instructors from the comfort of your own home with the help of SoulCycle." In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQs Why trust Verywell Fit? Cycling can be an excellent form of exercise. Unfortunately, it’s often limited by the weather. Few of us are willing to bike when it’s raining out, let alone when it’s cold and snowing. But there’s no need to limit our fitness routines. When we’re trapped at home, we can still enjoy a solid cycling workout—especially if we have an indoor cycling bike on hand. Indoor cycling bikes, which are also referred to as spin bikes, are designed to mimic the bikes we ride outside. These are the same bikes you’re likely to find in a fitness studio. They feature a heavy flywheel at the front of the bike that gives you quick and total control over the resistance experience of your ride. Therefore, your workout can be as intense or as leisurely as you want it to be. Here are the best indoor cycling bikes on the market. Best Overall: Bowflex C6 Bike Buy on Bowflex.com Pros Very quiet ride Dual-link pedals No subscription required Cons Less sturdy than other options Tablet mount angle can't be adjusted The sleek and versatile design of this Bowflex bike makes it an excellent addition to any home gym setup. 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, the Bowflex C6 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. 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 The 9 Best Spin Shoes of 2021 Best Budget: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Yosudabikes.com Pros Smooth, quiet ride Provides basic ride stats Additional tablet mount Cons No clips on pedals Lower weight capacity than other options This affordable option from YOSUDA keeps your ride simple, safe, and effective. 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, the LCD monitor tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned, and the additional iPad bracket makes it easy to listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite guided workout whenever you want. Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 68 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds | Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 45 inches | Assembly: Required Best Budget Runner-Up: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike 3.8 Buy on Amazon Buy on Kohls.com Buy on Overstock Pros Smooth ride Easy setup Good for riders of all levels Cons Noisy Seat less comfortable than other options Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Review This bike proves you get can 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, its base is equipped with levelers that keep it stable as you ride. It's simple to assemble and set up in your home, and the roller wheels on the front 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 the bike's sturdy steel frame construction and adjustability make it a quality pick for riders looking to keep things simple. Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 97.2 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Dimensions: 46.5 x 18 x 46 inches | Assembly: Required Best Splurge: Peloton Bike+ Essentials Buy on Onepeloton.com Pros Sleek, stylish, and compact design Smooth, quiet ride Workout program integration Cons Membership sold separately Delivery timeframe Expensive Peloton Bike Review The top-of-the-line Peloton bike 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 its 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, unfortunately, 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 essentials package includes a pair of cycling shoes, a set of bike weights, and a workout mat. 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 The 21 Best Peloton Bike Accessories of 2021 Best Outdoor Bike Converter: BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart 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, you can do so 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 steady in place, 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-inch or 28-inch wheels. Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 20.7 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: N/A | Assembly: Required The 10 Best Road Bikes Best Natural Ride: NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle Buy on Best Buy Buy on Nordictrack.com Pros Truly immersive experience Ergonomic design Easy to track key stats Cons Relies on an iFit membership No pre-programmed workouts Want your indoor ride to simulate your favorite outdoor experience? Consider 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. 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 The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2020 Best Classic Spin Bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on Schwinnfitness.com Dual-link pedals Seat and handlebar adjustability Can mount phone or tablet for workout programming Cons No pre-programmed workouts No built-in cooling fan If you’re looking for a bike reminiscent of traditional spin classes, the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike is a solid pick. The heavyweight design makes it feel plenty sturdy and stable—and a little more like a performance pick. The 40-pound flywheel 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. While many budget-friendly bikes come with flat pedals, this Schwinn bike boasts proper cycling ones. 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. The seat features a ventilated design as well, effectively keeping you cool as you embark on long rides. Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 114 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 45 x 23 x 49 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly optional The 11 Best Exercise Bikes of 2021 Best for Smaller Spaces: Myx Fitness The Myx Plus Buy on Myx Fitness Pros Full yet compact home gym setup Reliable bike construction Swiveling touchscreen display Cons Doesn't include MYX membership No live classes If you’re looking for an option that won't take up a ton of square footage in your home, check out the MYX 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 that makes it easy to follow along to your favorite fitness videos while you ride. 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. Resistance: Manual tension knob | Product Weight: 150 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 55 x 21 x 47 inches | Assembly: Professional assembly provided Best Studio Experience: SoulCycle At-Home Bike Buy on Equinoxplus.com Pros Top-of-the-line bike construction Excellent adjustability Large touchscreen display Cons Very heavy Class subscription not included Obsessed with SoulCycle as opposed to outdoor cycling? The new SoulCycle At-Home Bike 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. What's more, the bike comes with access to Equinox+, which lets you stream classes from Equinox, SoulCycle, Rumble, TB12, and more whenever you want. 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 The Best Home Fitness Tech of 2021 Final Verdict It's hard to beat the versatility and price point of the Bowflex C6 Bike. It's well-built, the 100 resistance levels provide an effective challenge even for advanced riders, it features dual-link pedals for all riding styles, and it doesn't limit you to a single workout platform. Once you secure your tablet into the front mount, you can enjoy classes from Peloton, Zwift, Explore the World, and more based on your preferences. Catherine Song / Verywell 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. 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 out the resistance level as you ride. Workout Modes Like treadmills, 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. Comfort 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. 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. FAQs 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. Is indoor cycling good for weight loss? Yes, including indoor cycling in your weekly fitness routine can help you accomplish your weight loss goals. Biking is aerobic by nature, helping to burn calories held in stored body fat. It also strengthens larger muscles in the body, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, which then helps you burn body fat more efficiently. With that said, the amount of weight loss you experience will be highly dependent on your starting body composition, the frequency and intensity of your workouts, and other lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, and sleep quality. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Donnelly JE, Honas JJ, Smith BK, et al. Aerobic exercise alone results in clinically significant weight loss for men and women: Midwest Exercise Trial 2. Obesity. 2013;21(3): E219-E228. Strasser B, Schobersberger W. Evidence for resistance training as a treatment therapy in obesity. Journal of Obesity. 2011;2011:1-9.