The 10 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes to Try at Home In 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 at Nordictrack.com

"Its wide touchscreen allows you to adjust the 24-mode resistance level while the built-in fan cools you down whenever you need it."

Best Budget:

Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

"No studio classes are no problem when you have an indoor cycling bike with adjustable resistance, handlebars, and levelers."

Best Budget Runner-Up:

Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike at Schwinnfitness.com

"Its multi-media device holder fits a tablet or a phone so you can follow along to a workout or catch up on entertainment."

Best Splurge:

Peloton Bike+ Essentials at Onepeloton.com

"Ideal for helping you transition from a cycling workout to a floor exercise, the package also includes shoes and bike weights."

Best Converter for Outdoor Bike:

BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand at Amazon

"The 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 Upright:

Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike at Best Buy

"What sets it apart from other options are its movable handlebars that turn your cycle session into a full-body routine."

Best Realistic Ride:

Bowflex VeloCore Bike at Bowflex.com

"Complete with a whopping 100 resistance levels, the bike also features an attached touchscreen with virtual coaching."

Best for Small Spaces:

AtivaFit Indoor Cycling Bike at Amazon

"Ideal if you don't have a lot of space for equipment, the LCD monitor keeps track of your calories burned and heart rate."

Best Foldable:

Lanos Folding Exercise Bike at Walmart

"The 3-in-1 bike can be adjusted into an upright, semi-stationary, or recumbent mode so you can get the most bang for your buck."

Best Recumbent:

Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike at Nautilus.com

"A low-impact pick that allows you to comfortably lean back while you pedal, it features 29 programs you can customize and follow."

Cycling can be an excellent form of exercise. Unfortunately, it’s often limited by the weather. Very 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 let our fitness routines be so limited. When we’re trapped at home, we can still get a solid cycling workout—especially if we have a stationary bike on hand.

Stationary bikes are (often electrical) bikes that are designed to be used indoors. Many of these bikes are upright options, designed to mimic the bikes we ride outside—these are the same bikes you’re likely to find in a fitness studio. But there are also recumbent bikes, which offer a lower-impact experience, and upright bikes, which provide a full-body workout.

No matter how you like to exercise, you’re bound to find a stationary bike that meets your needs.

Here are the best indoor cycling bikes on the market.

The Best Fitness Deals This Week

Buy on Nordictrack.com

Loaded with high-tech features and diverse workout modes, the NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 is a solid investment—especially when you consider its reasonable price point. The upright bike is sturdy and quiet. Its large, adjustable cushioned seat will keep you comfortable as you embark on long indoor rides. And because it boasts a pair of extra-wide pedals, you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping out of place mid-workout.

You can use the bike’s large, vibrant touchscreen to access one of its 24 resistance levels or 32 workout modes. That’s enough variety to keep you challenged for a while—and since the bike comes with a complimentary one-year iFit Family Membership, you’ll have all the workout inspiration you could ask for.

Create an immersive workout experience by plugging into the bike’s built-in auxiliary music port and cranking up its Bluetooth-compatible speakers, or simply use the pivoting device holder to catch up on your favorite TV shows. And enjoy the bike’s built-in fan anytime you need a quick cool-down.

The NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 is backed by a ten-year frame warranty, a two-year parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty. Its weight capacity is 325 pounds.

3.8

Buy on Amazon

Normally $299, Now $270

The Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike is proof you can get a great workout without breaking the bank. The bike is equipped with a 40-pound chrome flywheel, which promises a smooth, stable ride. And if you want to increase the flywheel’s resistance, all you have to do is turn the dial on the top of the bike.

While you won’t be able to switch resistance modes as discretely as you might on a higher-tech bike, you’ll still be able to increase the intensity of your workouts—and that’s what really matters.

Though the bike boasts a pretty slim profile, its base is equipped with levelers that keep it stable as you ride. 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.

The Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike’s weight capacity is 275 pounds.

Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Review

Buy on Schwinnfitness.com

If you’re looking for a budget buy at a slightly higher price point, the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike is a solid pick. At 114 pounds, the bike is heavier than many other budget-friendly options. This weight leaves the bike feeling sturdy, stable, and a little more like a performance pick.

The bike’s 40-pound flywheel promises 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.

Whereas many budget-friendlier bikes come with flat pedals, the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling 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. Adjust the bike’s race-style seat and padded handlebars until you’ve found a comfortable fit, and enjoy the seat’s ventilated design—it’ll keep you cool as you embark on long rides.

The Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Buy on Onepeloton.com

Peloton is a best-in-class brand, and its Bike+ Essentials package will give you everything you need to tackle studio-worthy workouts at home. From head-to-toe, the bike is thoughtfully designed—It boasts a durable welded steel frame, a smooth belt drive, and an adjustable performance seat.

The bike is 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.

But if you want to unlock the bike’s real value, you’ll want to pair it with a Peloton All-Access membership (which, unfortunately, is sold separately). The membership will give you access to a library of on-demand fitness classes including live daily workouts you can stream in real-time.

Send virtual high fives to the people riding alongside you, and flip on the bike’s Auto Follow feature to automatically sync your settings with your on-demand workouts—if a trainer tells you to increase your resistance, your bike will handle it for you. If you buy the Bike+ Essentials package, your bike will ship with a pair of cycling shoes, a set of bike weights, and a workout mat.

The Peloton Bike+ is backed by a five-year frame warranty, a one-year parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty. The bike’s weight capacity is 297 pounds.

Peloton Bike Review

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart

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 will rest under your back wheel, while a riser rests under your front wheel. Both will work together to hold your bike in place, allowing you to treat it like a stationary bike.

Because the BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand converts your outdoor bike to an indoor bike, you’ll get the feel of outdoor cycling even when riding indoors. Also cool? The converter comes with a built-in tension knob, allowing you to adjust your bike’s resistance level the same way you would with an indoor bike.

The BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand is compatible with road and mountain bikes with 26-inch or 28-inch wheels. The bike’s weight capacity is 330 pounds.

Buy on Best Buy

Normally $1,300, Now $899 at Best Buy

Upright bikes can be a great way to turn cycling into a full-body workout, and the Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike is one of the most solid options around. The upright bike looks a lot like a standard cycling bike—but its handlebars aren’t stationary. Instead, you’ll press your arms forward and back as you ride, engaging your upper body, as well as your lower body.

The bike is equipped with an array of workout modes, including interval programs and target programs. And its progressive wind resistance will ensure your workouts stay intense—as you pedal faster, resistance increases. Adjust the bike’s seat until you’ve got a comfortable fit, and grip the handlebars wherever feels good. They may not be adjustable, but they’re so long that you can effectively customize your fit without moving them.

The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike is backed by a five-year frame warranty, a one-year parts warranty, and a 90-day labor warranty. The bike’s weight capacity is 350 pounds.

Buy on Bowflex.com

Many indoor bikes boast a realistic ride, but the Bowflex VeloCore Bike takes it further than most. The bike doesn’t just simulate the grip and traction of the outdoors—it also leans with you while you ride, giving you a dynamic cycling experience. Don’t worry, though—you can always switch into stationary mode if you’d prefer a more stable workout

Because the Bowflex VeloCore Bike is compatible with Bowflex’s JRNY membership, you can also take advantage of trainer-led videos, virtual coaching, and adaptive workouts that get harder as you get stronger.

Unfortunately, the JRNY membership is sold separately. But even without it, you can enjoy one of the bike’s 100 resistance modes—and the complementary pair of weights it ships with.

The Bowflex VeloCore Bike is backed by a two-year electrical and mechanical warranty and a one-year labor warranty.

The bike’s weight capacity is 325 pounds.

Buy on Amazon

Having a ton of space isn’t a precursor to getting a good workout. The AtivaFit Indoor Cycling Bike makes it easy to log at-home cycling workouts without sparing too much room. When fully extended, the bike is only 26.2x15.8x47.5 inches large. For context, that’s nearly half the footprint many indoor bikes demand.

Because the bike folds in half, it’s particularly easy to store between uses. Simply tilt the bike onto its transport wheels, and roll it to the nearest closet or storage area.

Of course, the bike’s small size isn’t the only thing it has going for it. It also has a stable frame and a quiet, smooth belt-drive design. Its adjustable seat will ensure you get a comfortable fit, its strapped pedals will help your feet stay in place as you ride, and its eight resistance levels will keep your workouts challenging over time.

The AtivaFit Indoor Cycling Bike’s weight capacity is 265 pounds.

Buy on Walmart

The Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is a great option for people who crave versatility—and easy storage. When fully extended, the bike doesn’t demand much space. But you can fold it in half to further shrink its profile, making this bike particularly easy to store.

What’s nice? The adjustability doesn’t stop at folded or unfolded. You can also reposition the bike’s seat to access three different riding modes: upright, semi-stationary, and recumbent. No matter which mode you’re in, you can lean back into a comfortable, cushioned seat. And you can up your resistance by turning the tension dial on the bike’s frame.

The Lanos Folding Exercise Bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Buy on Nautilus.com

If you’re looking for a lower-impact workout, you may prefer the Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike. The bike’s recumbent design leaves you seated with your legs in front of you, and its padded seat will keep you comfortable as you lean back.

But don’t confuse low-impact with unproductive—the bike’s 25 resistance levels will ensure you get an intense workout. And its 29 workout programs will make sure there’s a little variety in your routine.

Because the bike is Bluetooth-compatible, you can connect it to the Nautilus app to set goals and track your progress. You can also sync it with a separate Explore the World app to virtually traverse bike routes in international locations.

The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Final Verdict

The NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 offers a solidly high-tech experience, and its 24 resistance levels and 32 workout modes are sure to keep you challenged for a while. The fact that you can score that feature set at a reasonable price point may sound too good to be true—but it isn’t, making the NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 one of the best value buys around.

What to Look for in an Indoor Cycling Bike

Resistance

If you want to keep your cycling workouts dynamic and challenging, you’ll want to be able to adjust the resistance of your bike. Higher-tech bikes will let you switch between discrete resistance levels at the touch of the button. Lower-tech options will require you to turn a tension knob and feel out the resistance level as you ride.

Workout Modes

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

Comfort

Cycling workouts can get long, so you’ll 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.

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.

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The 10 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes of 2021

Clip on in and pedal your way to better health

Best Overall: NordicTrack Commercial VU 19

Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Budget Runner-Up: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Splurge: Peloton Bike+ Essentials

Best Converter for Outdoor Bike: BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand

Best Upright: Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike

Best Realistic Ride: Bowflex VeloCore Bike

Best for Small Spaces: AtivaFit Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Foldable: Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

Best Recumbent: Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike