Even when it's our priority to get a ride in, it's easy to get derailed by a demanding work schedule, bad weather, family obligations, or good old-fashioned procrastination. One way around all of those barriers is to purchase a stationary bike. It allows you to complete your on-the-bike training when you can’t ride outside and gives you access to an at-home cardio workout that’s available 24/7.
In addition to comfortable geometry and realistic-feeling resistance, most modern stationary bikes now include subscriptions to training and fitness apps that let you live stream a spin class or follow a workout with a virtual instructor. Many of them track your ride metrics as well, so you can save the data to monitor your progress, as well as upload it to apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks.
Prices for stationary bikes run the gamut—for instance, just the ones recommended here range from $500 to $3,200. (If low price is the main factor in which bike you purchase, consider a cheap exercise bike or one that's on sale). Check out our buying guide below for all the features we think are worth considering when selecting the stationary bike that’s best for you.
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The Best Stationary Bikes
- Best Overall: Bowflex C6 Stationary Bike
- Best for Bike Racers: Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer Stationary Bike
- Best for HIIT Workouts: VeloCore 22 Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike
- Best for Spin Enthusiasts: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Stationary Bike
- Best for Live Classes: Peloton Stationary Bike
The Expert: As a retired bike racer and spin instructor, I’ve spent hours sweating over all sorts of indoor bikes. In addition to discovering the qualities I prefer in an exercise bike, I’ve learned a few tricks for getting the most out of a bike in a particular price range. I’ve worked with riders across the spectrum of experience and ability as a tour guide and skills instructor, which has helped me to become more familiar with the factors and features of bikes that influence comfort and fun across all levels. And it’s ultimately guided me in recommending the stationary bikes included here.
What to Consider in a Stationary Bike
How We Evaluated Stationary Bikes
To make these recommendations, I read user reviews, researched the market, consulted pro riders and spin enthusiasts, spoke with product managers and engineers, and talked with other test editors. Above all, I used my own experience riding these bikes, and others similar to them, while also relying on the previous work done by Bobby Lea and rest of the test editors of Bicycling. These are the best stationary bikes to buy now.
Our Full Stationary Bike Reviews
Pros
- Works with third-party virtual platforms
- Large monitor displays ride metrics
Cons
- You have to control the resistance manually
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Both seat and handlebars move up and down, fore and aft |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | 3-lb dumbbells and heart rate monitor included |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Size (L x W x H) | 55 x 31 x 52 in. |
Our best overall stationary bike is the Bowflex C6 because it has the most capability for a reasonable price. High quality and adjustable, this bike also features Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect to apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Schwinn Trainer to join community rides and track progress.
The monitor displays time ridden, speed, mileage, heart rate, and resistance level. It doesn’t show wattage or precise RPMs, only displaying them on a scale. However, it does measure them—you can see that data when connected to third-party training apps.
The flywheel is smooth and heavy, and you can crank the resistance up significantly through 100 incremental levels via a knob. Toe cages give you the option to ride this bike in regular running shoes or flip the pedals over and clip in with Shimano SPD cleats.
Sneak in your workout any time of the day or night because this thing is silent. It comes with a heart rate monitor to be worn on your forearm and a pair of 3-pound dumbbells so you can get a light upper-body workout in, too.
Pros
- Has a data display and a tablet holder
- Road bike-style seat and handlebar
- Incline simulator
Cons
- Pedals not included
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Both seat and handlebars move up and down, fore and aft; adjustable crank length |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | Power meter, virtual shifting, integrated fans |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Size (L x W X H) | 55 x 30 x 46 in. |
The Tacx Neo Bike is tops in terms of connectivity and accessories, as well as its ability to handle some seriously intense workouts—up to 2,200 watts. If you’ve got a coach writing your daily training plan, you don’t need a hyped instructor on your screen—you just need your metrics.
The Neo bike’s console displays your speed, power output, heart rate, cadence, resistance level, and level of simulated incline so you can stay on top of your intervals. If you do like to incorporate apps into your training program, you can connect to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Pros
- Leaning mode offers realistic feel for sprinting
- 100 resistance levels
Cons
- Large footprint
- No live classes
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Seat moves up and down, fore and aft; handlebars move up and down only |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | 3-lb dumbbells |
| Connectivity | Integrated console comes with tons of class and entertainment streaming options |
| Size (L x W x H) | 48 x 60 x 53 in. |
During high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, you repeat short bursts of intense activity with short windows of recovery. In order to perform with consistency, it’s better to have a bike that displays your resistance level, rather than having you blindly twist a knob to adjust it easier or harder. Plus, the VeloCore 22 IC has 100 resistance levels, so you can get extremely specific with your intensity levels.
Another feature is what Bowflex calls Lean Mode. When engaged, it allows you to rock the bike side to side when you are standing up and sprinting, creating a similar experience to what you would feel on a bike outdoors.
Pros
- Integrated data screen
- Third-party app connectivity
Cons
- No resistance level measurement
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Seat and handlebars move up and down, fore and aft |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | LCD data display, device holder, 3-lb dumbbells, SPD-compatible pedals, heart rate monitor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Size (L x W x H) | 55 x 31 x 52 in. |
The Schwinn IC4 is ideal if you want your ride metrics right under your nose. As with the Tacx Neo mentioned earlier, you have the option to see your data on the display—no subscription necessary—if it's more your jam to simply ride and jam to a playlist.
When you’re in the mood to be pumped up by a live class or Zwift race, the Bluetooth option lets you jump right into third-party apps. The bike comes with a free one-year subscription to Schwinn’s platform, JRNY, which offers workout programming tailored to your preferences.
Pros
- Join live classes or follow along with pre-recorded ones
Cons
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Seat moves up and down, fore and aft; handlebars move up and down only; screen tilts up and down |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | 3-lb dumbbells, 21.5-inch HD touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and ANT+ |
| Size (L x W x H) | 59 x 23 x 53 in. |
Take everything you love about spin class, make it more convenient, and subtract any sort of self-consciousness: That’s the Peloton bike. With it, and an accompanying all-access subscription ($44 per month), you can join a live-streaming class led by one of Peloton’s high-energy instructors that will inspire you to put in the effort.
Choose a 30- or 90-minute ride with access to over 5,000 recorded classes that vary in difficulty, music choice, and style (think tabata, intervals, hill climb, or easy ride). Simply select from the library based on how you’re feeling. The software displays your resistance, cadence, and wattage to keep you in sync with the instructor, as well as mileage and ride achievements so you can track your progress over time.
Aside from all the great content, the Peloton bike is well-built and sturdy, and its sleek, compact design won't overwhelm the area you in which you place it (like the corner of your bedroom). The bike has an attached 21.5-inch high-definition screen, grippy handlebars, and near-silent, fluid flywheel.
Pros
- Peloton-like experience for less
- No cycling shoes required
- Bluetooth-compatible
Cons
- No display screen for data
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Seat moves up and down, fore and aft; handlebars move up and down only |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | Tablet holder |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Size (L x W x H) | 42 x 20 x 53 in. |
If you’re spinning on a budget but don't want a no-frills experience, the Echelon EX-5 may be the stationary bike for you. This is a high-quality bike with access to proprietary classes you can stream with membership ($399.99 billed annually). In addition to cycling sessions, an Echelon subscription offers rowing, running, HIIT, kickboxing, strength training, yoga, and pilates. Enjoy workouts to music by artists including Pitbull, Old Dominion, Lady Gaga, and Daddy Yankee.
The EX-5 bike itself is sized perfectly for smaller spaces, yet doesn't skimp on comforts like an extra-large cushioned seat and padded handlebars. The mechanical knob allows you to vary resistance between 32 different levels.
With this purchase from Amazon, you also get a free 30-day membership to check it out before committing. Additionally, Echelon has decent customer service, which is good to know when making a big purchase like this.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame supports a max rider weight of 330 pounds
- Simplified interface facilitates focus
Cons
- Minimum inseam adjustment 29 in., not ideal for short riders
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Seat and handlebar move up and down, fore and aft |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | Water bottle holder |
| Connectivity | None |
| Size (L x W x H) | 53.5 x 24 x 48.5 in. |
If you plan to put your stationary bike through the wringer, it's important to have one with solid construction and high weight capacity. The Sunny Evolution Pro is ready to withstand your most intense intervals and feels stable doing it. The 135-pound steel frame has a large footprint with leveling stabilizers in each corner to help prevent rocking.
Complementing that is a hefty 44-pound flywheel which eliminates the inconsistent resistance you can feel near the top end of lighter wheels. The adjustable handlebar that moves up and down as well as closer or further allows you to dial in a position that's comfortable for your back, neck, and wrists.
The seat height accommodates riders with inseam lengths from 29 to 39 inches—a downside if you’re on the shorter side (I’m 5-foot-2 and just barely make the cut) but awesome if you’re 6 '4" or taller.
Another aspect that makes the Evolution Pro a great pick is its simplicity: Without Bluetooth connectivity or even a monitor to display metrics, you can exercise without getting bogged down by numbers and get more in touch with your body at different levels of PRE (perceived rate of exertion).
Pros
- Over 300 miles of virtual courses and gamified HIIT workouts
- Upright position designed for comfort
- Large monitor offers metrics galore
Cons
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Seat moves up and down, fore and aft; interchangeable with other saddles |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | 26.5-in. touchscreen display |
| Connectivity | Wi-fi, computer screen displays all metrics |
| Size (L x W x H) | 47 x 24 x 62 in. |
For a comfortable, interactive indoor ride that will keep you from watching the clock as you exercise, check out the Expresso Go Upright Bike. It holds its rider in a position with a nearly vertical spine, meaning the bike's geometry mimics that of a comfort bike or beach cruiser.
That is also the mindset it offers as well: A rider can choose from 43 route options that wind through seascapes, snow scenes, rolling hills, or even outer space. On top of that, the Go Upright also has nine engaging game maps with over 200 time and discipline challenges to master.
The handle bar on this bike is not adjustable, but does turn left and right, requiring you to steer yourself along down the virtual road. The resistance automatically adjusts based on the road grade on the monitor, but you can also change the resistance manually using thumb buttons that operate like shifters to further customize your ride.
Pros
- Purchase includes access to The Ride®, Keiser's exclusive online spin classes
- Magnetic flywheel offers 72 incremental resistance levels
- Water bottle and phone holders attached to the handlebar
Cons
Key Specs
| Adjustability | Both seat and handlebar moves up and down, fore and aft |
|---|---|
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Accessories | Floor mat, M3i Tool Kit, stretch pads, and media tray |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and ANT+ |
| Size (L x W x H) | 51 x 26 x 49 in. |
A personal favorite is the Keiser M3i. With a clean, streamlined design and simplified interface, it’s got everything you need to nail your numbers in a hard workout, and then upload that data to apps like TrainingPeaks or Strava. The smooth flywheel is quiet, and its rear location means fewer sweat droplets on it so you can worry less about corrosion or wiping up perfectly. The small monitor displays your power, cadence, time, gear, heart-rate (if you’re wearing a connected strap), and total distance.
The media tray holds a phone or tablet above your handlebar so you can follow along with a route or guided workout as you ride, and you can automatically upload each effort in the included Keiser app to track your progress.
The saddle height adjustment uses preset stops, but there is a wedge system that allows you to place the saddle in the precise spot you prefer. The looped handlebar is comfortable for a wide range of reaches, and the height adjustment accommodates riders as short as 4 foot 10 and as tall as 7 feet.
Expert Q&A
Expert Riley Missel Explains How to Set Your Seat Height, the Differences in Stationary, Exercise, and Recumbent Bikes—Plus Where Not to Put Your Bike Once You Buy One.
Riley is a writer and outdoor adventure guide currently based in Tucson, Arizona where she leads mountain bike rides, rock climbing, and hiking trips. In her spare time, she writes stories and reviews outdoor and fitness gear. Find her writing in publications including Outside, Lonely Planet, SHAPE, Bicycling, Runner’s World, and others. When she’s not playing in the mountains, she’s probably laying down somewhere or eating (or both).
