Quizience is supported by you the audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Fitness trends come and go, but pedaling in place on an exercise bike is a classic, low-impact way to nurture cardiovascular fitness. Whether you prefer to tool along at a moderate pace a few times a week or tackle intense, studio-style workouts daily, we’ve found six bikes that will please a variety of riders.
Over five years of testing, we’ve concluded that the Schwinn IC4 is the best magnetic-resistance indoor-cycling bike for those who prioritize versatility and want the option of adding their own touchscreen.
The best indoor cycling bike – Schwinn IC4
This comfortable bike displays metrics, allows for riding with or without a Bluetooth-connected app, and has a strong warranty, to boot.
Budget pick – Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1805
For an indoor cycling workout free of distractions, we recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1805. A pick in this guide since 2020, this sub-$700 magnetic resistance bike has held up well over years of use. It has a large, sturdy console holder, allowing you to stream content on a personal device.
Best for reclined riding – Horizon Fitness 5.0R
The Horizon Fitness 5.0R recumbent bike uses magnetic resistance and offers 100 resistance levels, allowing you to fine-tune how much energy you want to exert. Its overall geometry and individual design elements make getting on and off the bike easier for many people. The onboard display is easy to read, and it’s the only bike among our picks to have a built-in fan, which is plenty effective. There is also room to place a tablet or phone to stream your own content.