Best Exercise Bikes for 2024
This article contains a ton of different options to suit almost every cyclist’s needs. It doesn’t matter if you live in a small apartment, are a die-hard cyclist who already owns a great outdoor bike, or just need that top-notch environment to feel motivated. I’ve done extensive testing to help you choose the option that’s right for you, but getting there means understanding your needs.
Build quality and size
Not all exercise bikes are built the same, and I’m not just talking about the metal and plastic used in their construction. If the frame is too narrow and the weight is unevenly distributed, it may tip over easily. If an exercise bike used friction to add resistance rather than a magnetic drive, it would either be noisier in many places or wear out faster. No matter what the bike is made of, being able to move an exercise bike easily is a big deal if you have limited space in your home.
Workout quality
Cycling is more than just moving your legs. Many exercise bikes allow shoes to be clipped onto the pedals, allowing you to train a completely different set of leg muscles. In addition, exercise bikes are often used with weights or core exercises to provide a full-body workout. Depending on the type of exercise you want to do, the accessories surrounding your exercise bike can make a huge difference.
Software and features
Not every bike comes with a screen, but every good bike should be able to work with the many phone and tablet apps available to cyclists. Whether you bring your own screen to play with your Zwift racing friends or binge-play The Witcher on a large installed display to keep yourself on the bike longer, the quality of the experience can have a huge impact on your workout .
