The 5 Best Exercise Bikes in 2025, According to Certified Trainers

By now everybody knows about Peloton, yet somehow still, not everyone has tried a ride. We’re here to tell you there’s a reason that the brand has become so popular. It combined a superbly designed, connected bike with a charismatic crew of trainers and ignited a fitness following.

The delivery is taken care of by Peloton, who unbox and mount the bike for you at your chosen location—an example of the high level of service that comes from the brand. The bike itself is fairly durable, and relatively simplistic outside of the 24-inch HD touchscreen. With the Bike+ you are able to rotate the screen, allowing you to utilize the open floorspace next to you to participate in strength classes as well.

The truth is, when you buy a Peloton you are buying more than a bike, you are buying a community. And you are getting a best-in-class library of instructor-led studio-style classes. From cycling to off-bike sessions like core workouts and hybrid strength classes, the variety of content is endless. The engaging live class offerings and fun gamification of your data makes the bike especially great for beginners or anyone who has difficulty maintaining a regimen.

On the downside, the initial investment can be a detractor, and the monthly subscription fee for access to Peloton’s classes can also add up. However, if you fully utilize the platform and its library of classes, it can be a worthwhile expense.

The only other issue that our team had was instead of a traditional foot cage, the Peloton requires Delta-compatible cleats that clip into the pedals. Giving you another step, and another purchase, before you start your ride. This is to allow for the best experience with the programmed classes and resistance level changes, so it’s an understandable ask. Peloton also offers a 30-day in-home trial with free delivery, setup, and, if needed, pickup and return. It’s a commitment to customer satisfaction that helps protect your investment in this bike.

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The Assault AirBike Classic is the undisputed heavyweight champion of high-intensity exercise bikes for under $800. There’s a raw, unapologetic simplicity about this bike that we can’t help but admire. It’s a no-nonsense machine that prioritizes the essence of a challenging workout without distractions.

The bike shows up in a box at your door about 85% built out, only taking about 45 minutes or so to attach the feet, arm pedals, and screen. It doesn’t have flashy tech features and even lacks some basic finishes like water bottle holders, media trays, or touchscreen displays, but does what matters most extremely well—delivering an intense, muscle-pumping cardio workout.

Weighing in at less than 100 pounds, it’s the lightest and most budget-friendly AirBike model from Assault. But don’t mistake its lightness for weakness. This machine is a testament to sturdiness and durability; it can comfortably handle rigorous usage without breaking a sweat.

The bike can be loud though, so be prepared to not easily listen to your music or podcast during your sprints. The absence of a wind screen is also a minor and chilly inconvenience, especially when training in cold conditions in a garage or basement.

Compared to the Pro X and Elite AirBike models from the brand, the warranty on the Classic doesn’t provide the same level of coverage as its higher-priced counterparts. The good news is that it has proved incredibly durable in our six+ years of testing, with only minimal signs of wear and tear emerging, like rust and corrosion.

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The NordicTrack S22i earned its spot on this list because it doesn’t just deliver cutting-edge training technology to the user, it also delivers the world for those more adventure-minded riders.

Do you want to feel like you are cycling through the Swiss Alps or along the beaches of Hawaii? That’s what the NordicTrack offers, and not just by showing pretty landscapes on it’s 22-inch screen. Unlike the other bikes on this list, the S22i is able to replicate both incline and decline, so you feel like you are really winding up and down the hills of Switzerland.

The set-up is easy enough to do solo, but it helps if you have a person around to help you for some of the more involved moments of assembly. The bike is sturdy and robust, but also heavy, weighing over 200 pounds. So be sure that you build it in close proximity to where you are going to want to ride it, because it’s not very easy to move around.

Like most NordicTrack equipment, the S22i comes with a year-long iFit membership.

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Looking for a bike that can handle years of punishment? Well, if the end of the world comes knocking, the Rogue Echo Bike will likely still be pedaling away. This thing is solid as a rock, capable of handling whatever you throw its way. This bike is a strength builder and a monster maker, demanding legit power from the user to make it move.

The bike arrives at your door well-packages and about 80% assembled. The screen, arms, pedals, and feel are all that you need to mount. The process can take about an hour to get your bike ready to ride.

Its belt drive system is consistent and essentially maintenance-free, meaning you can focus on your workout, not tinkering around with the machine. We’ve used this bike on and off for more than seven years, and have never experienced technical issues.

Beyond its durability, this bike rides like a dream. Pedaling is smooth and fluid in motion, and returns more resistance in response to the rider’s effort.

Now, we won’t sugarcoat it; this machine is heavy. But fear not, because it comes equipped with wheels at the front. So, even if you’re not the Hulk, you can still shuffle it around to ensure it fits in your workout space.

The only other qualm we have with this bike is that it doesn’t feature multi-grip handles like other air bike models do.

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This bike is no slouch when it comes to its hardware. In fact, it offers many of the same features as bikes double its price. From adjustable handlebars to convenient dumbbell holders, 32 levels of resistance, toe-cage pedals, and a spacious touchscreen display, it boasts all the features you’d expect from a premium bike. And it’s wrapped in a sleek, matte black finish that oozes style.

The assembly is fairly easy, taking about 45 minutes to set up. The bike arrives in a box about 85% built with just the feet, handles, and pedals needing to be mounted. The bike has a nice compact frame and takes up the least amount of space in the home. The brand found a way to cut down on the cost by removing the expensive touchscreen and giving you a platform to place your own mobile device or tablet and allowing you to follow any classes you want that way.

Whether we were sprinting or climbing out of the saddle during intense workouts, this bike offered unwavering stability. We never found ourselves wobbling or feeling uneasy on this machine. The elevated bullhorn handlebars aren’t just about style; they provide an elbow rest that we found essential during grueling climbs. It’s a thoughtful touch that we found enhances overall riding comfort. The competition-style seat on this bike strikes a balance between comfort and support that other bikes we’ve tested in this price range miss the mark on. It’s designed for long sessions, providing that Goldilocks level of cushioning.

While this bike offers an all-around fantastic workout experience, especially for the cost, and is a great pick no matter your goals.

Benefits of an Exercise Bike

A 2019 study showed that regular use of an exercise bike—alone or combined with strength training—can have a positive impact on aerobic capacity in as little as 3 months. Researchers also concluded that, like other forms of regular cardio, using an exercise bike can also contribute to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure—especially when combined with a heart-healthy diet.

Indoor cycling is also a low-impact form of cardio, resulting in less pressure on the joints than activities like running or jumping. Cycling is not a load-bearing exercise, says Kate Heelan, Ph.D., a professor of exercise science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This helps to minimize the risk of injury caused by malalignment, loss of balance, etc..

It’s hard to beat the fresh air and sense of freedom an outdoor ride offers, but indoor cycling has a few unique benefits that can’t be duplicated on the road. Starting with the fact you can hit hills or flat road when and how you want, just with the press of a button.

Because you’ll never quite be ‘coasting’ or riding downhill on an exercise bike, indoor cycling workouts can allow you to get the benefit of several hours worth of outdoor riding done in half the time.

Indoor Bike Compared to Outdoor Cycling

Cycling is an amazing way to get in shape and stay healthy, there’s no doubt about it. But when it comes to choosing between indoor and outdoor cycling, what are the real differences?

“Broadly, both devices will burn calories and offer cardiovascular benefit,” says MH fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. “But they’re not the same experience.”

For starters, there’s the convenience factor. Indoor cycling is ideal for those who are short on time or live in regions where the terrain or weather may limit getting a ride outdoors. It can be much easier to hop on an indoor bike at home or at the gym and get a great workout without having to worry about traffic, the environment, or safety concerns.

Both modalities lead to cardiovascular benefits and, like any activity, they both burn calories. But outdoor cycling challenges other qualities, says Samuel. “You’re actively moving through space when you cycle outdoors,” says Samuel, “which challenges your muscles to decelerate, react, and constantly micro correct in ways it won’t on a stationary bike.” The outdoor bike also offers a basic balance challenge that the indoor bike lacks.

Outdoors, the terrain and your pace set the challenge. Indoors, however, you can more easily customize your intensity, simply adjusting the resistance level on your bike. This (and the removal of the balance challenge) can make indoor cycling more beginner-friendly.

Many indoor bikes offer an interactive component now, like instructor-led classes and competitive leaderboards, which can be a great way to stay motivated and challenge yourself. These classes also provide a sense of community and support to stay motivated and hungry, even when you’re working out alone.

Losing Weight With an Exercise Bike

Engaging in an intense indoor cycling session can elevate your heart rate, facilitate fat burning, and promote the development of lean muscle mass.

A recent meta-analysis on the benefits of indoor cycling was generally positive for improvements in lipid profile, body composition, and aerobic capacity, but the best results in the included studies also involved a dietary component.

But the key here, as with reaping the benefits of any form of exercise, is consistency. If you’re new to cycling or an exercise bike, start slow. You can always increase the intensity of your workout throughout a session or over time, by adjusting the resistance or increasing your speed, to help you burn more calories and continue to see progress.

How to Avoid Getting Injured on an Exercise Bike

Exercise bikes are generally considered to be a low-impact form of exercise, and they’re a joint-friendly way to burn calories. But it’s still important to take precautions to avoid the potential of injury. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on an exercise bike:

• Adjust the bike to fit your body: Make sure the seat height, handlebar height, and distance between the seat and handlebars are adjusted to fit your body. This will help you maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury from malalignment. See more below for a step-by-step on how to adjust your bike.
• Warm up before your workout: Spend 5-10 minutes warming up before you start your workout. Skip static stretches in this warmup and focus on creating bloodflow and raising your body temperature. You can do this off the bike with a few minutes of bodyweight moves (like lunges and air squats) or on the bike, with gentle pedaling.
• Take breaks and listen to your body: If you feel any pain or discomfort while using the exercise bike, take a break and assess the situation. If the pain persists, stop your workout and consult with a healthcare professional.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to help prevent dehydration.

How to Adjust an Exercise Bike

When it comes to using an exercise bike properly, fit is most important.

You can have all the tech and nice shoes, but if you’re not properly fit on your bike, not only will it be uncomfortable, but you run the risk of strained calve muscles, hip misalignment, and knee stress, among other things. Here’s a 5-step process:

1. Set the handlebar and seat fore/aft adjustments to the neutral “0” position and tighten the dials securely.
2. Use the hip bone (iliac crest) as a guide to set the saddle to the correct height.
3. Adjust the handlebar to the correct height; ensure it’s level with or slightly higher than the seat height.
4. Hop onto the bike and pedal for a minute to evaluate the seat and handlebar height.
5. If necessary, make any minor adjustments.

At the end of the day, there should be a slight bend in the elbows for a comfortable reach and a slight bend in the knee at the lowest (6 o’clock) pedal stroke position. The saddle can be uncomfortable for new riders at first. Proper bike fit allows for the best experience and the most power generated.