Spin Bikes are a popular way to get your cardio when bike riding outside isn’t suitable. These indoor bikes come in all shapes and sizes – some even replicate real biking paths around the world.
We reviewed many of these bikes to help you pick the best one available. After careful consideration, the Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle reached the top as the best one for most users. Its digital display keeps up with everything you might need, and the magnetic belt drive makes changing the resistance quick and easy.
We also liked the Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220, which has very comfortable seating. Not to mention the smooth flywheel and ergonomic handlebars that will surely help you maximize your riding experience. It is also made with high-quality material that is built to last.
Best Spin Bikes at a Glance
This highly-interactive bike boasts a 22-inch iFit enabled HD touchscreen alongside top-notch trainers, 24 silent magnetic resistance for a tailored strength and cardio training, 10-20% incline and decline, and plush adjustable saddle for an engaging workout.
No-frills but a no-nonsense bike with a sleek and compact build that can hold up to 300 lbs, with a focus on a sturdy frame, a very comfortable cushioned seat, wide-range of resistance, and ergonomic handles without breaking your budget.
FTMS Bluetooth enabled and compatible with many popular apps, this upright bike features fantastic 80 levels of resistance, adjustable seat and handlebars, and a robust build. A great alternative that is comparable to other expensive counterparts.
Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle – Overall Top Pick
What we like
- Ergonomic pulse sensors
- SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance System delivers a noise-free workout
- Streams in-demand and live workout session
- Fully-adjustable 22” HD Touchscreen
- Free Interactive training at home workouts
- Complimentary dumbbells
What we don’t like
- Strong initial plastic smell
Are you looking for the best spin bike you can use at home? Well, Nordic Track S22i has everything you might be looking for. This spin bike has a very in-depth digital display that tracks your fitness progress, it also comes with a 1-year free Interactive Personal Training subscription powered by iFit. Plus, it also has an enormous weight capacity of 350 lbs. that can surely accommodate even the larger individuals.
It uses the SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance and has 13 different resistance levels. You can switch between all the resistance levels pretty quickly, while the 360° Rotating Screen can help you stream high-energy studio workout sessions at the comfort of your home. Fitboot believes this Spin Bike is equipped with the best features and almost everything a fitness enthusiast is craving for, thus making it the top pick on the list. And don’t forget the free 3 lbs dumbbells is such a win-win!
Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 – Best Budget
What we like
- Two colors available
- Easy to assemble
- Steel construction
- Foam, padded handlebars
What we don’t like
- Q-factor is quite a bit too wide, which can be hard on your knees
This spin bike has a lower price tag than our top pick, for less than $300 you’ll get a very durable commercial-grade spin bike that is resistant to rust and erosion. Who doesn’t want a bike that’s built to last, right?
The Marcy Spin Bike comes with a very comfortable, ergonomic handlebars and seat that resembles the seat on your typical road bike. It is equipped with a durable and heavy flywheel that produces a very smooth ride. This indoor cycling bike can support 300 lbs user weight and it’s very safe to use since it features a quick-stop mechanism that allows you to halt the heavy flywheel’s motion easily. Own this spin bike and enjoy being fit in the comfort of your home!
RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike – Best Alternative
What we like
- Comes with Free AI Gym app with 70+ classes and 5 different training modes
- Adjustable handlebars (height) and saddle
- Able to track your heart rate with apple watch and ANT+
What we don’t like
- Seat too soft with not much support
The RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike is perfect for anyone who wants to get a great workout, regardless of their fitness level. This bike is adjustable to fit riders between 4’11” and 6’5″, and has a max weight of 265lbs. It has a smooth freewheel design that makes it safe and easy to use. You can cycle through different terrains, speeds, and intensities to create the perfect workout for you.
It has great features such as auto resistance, you can connect with popular cycling apps like Zwift and Peloton and ride and sweat with the world’s bikers. Plus, the AI tech algorithmically calibrates workouts to help you achieve fitness goals based on your FTP training zones. You can simply tone up and slim down without ever leaving your living room!
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle – Best Design
What we like
- Includes a floor mat and other accessories
- Elegant & Maintenance-free design
- Powerful flywheel
- Manufactured in the U.S.
What we don’t like
- Large q-factor, which can make current knee problems worse
- Very expensive
As one of the few bikes on the market with Bluetooth compatibility, this Keiser M3i exercise bike is an excellent choice for those looking for a more interactive experience. It connects to the Keiser M Series app, which allows you to train with real-time graphs and range dials. For a 300 lbs maximum user weight capacity, it can accommodate bigger fitness pro.
This Keiser m3i Spin Bike features the industry’s first V-shape frame which mimics different road-bike frames. This pro indoor bike feature allows the seat and handlebars to be adjusted in order to accommodate riders of 4’10” up to 7 feet tall hence producing a smooth ride. Its resistance levels can be adjusted easily to assist any bike exercise, and its heavy flywheel and belt drive gives a very smooth ride. Ensuring every user the highest durability and virtually maintenance-free feature, this indoor cycling bike will give you the satisfaction of performing the best workout right at the comfort of your home.
Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike – Best for Low-intensity Workout
What we like
- 31-pound powerful flywheel
- Infinite Resistance Levels
- Powerful flywheel
What we don’t like
- Not as durable as some other options
- Not compatible with Zwift or other apps
With plenty of added features, this is a spin bike or indoor cycle that is suitable for those who are looking for low-intensity workouts. It comes with an over sized water bottle holder and media tray, allowing you to fit most of your belongings. The seat is fully adjustable and race-style with a maximum user weight of 250 lbs. It has a infinite resistance that can be easily adjusted depending on the bikes exercise you’re training for.
However, it doesn’t offer any fancy LCD console where you can stream live workout sessions. That’s why the manufacturer designed the built-in LCD to provide all the essential workout stats you need to see. The generous LCD console displays heart rate, as well as standard metrics like time, distance, calories, and RPMs.
It has a 31 lb. flywheel that provides a smooth cycling motion that mimics the feeling like you’re riding through rolling hills. This pro indoor cycle is greatly appreciated for its quiet ride, easy to assemble features, durable flywheel and easy to adjust magnetic resistance. This pro indoor cycling bike will give you the benefits of low-intensity but highly productive workout.
Final Verdict
Out of all the spin bikes we reviewed, it was quite clear that the Nordictrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is the best option for most health fitness enthusiasts. This indoor cycle will have all the features you need to enjoy your workout, without a considerable price tag. Plus, it uses magnetic resistance, which makes transitions smoother. Overall, this spin bike is just the best spin bike option for most users, thanks to its balance between features and price. It is durable and comes with all those helpful add-ons, like a display screen and water bottle holder.
This indoor cycle also has a large maximum user weight to accommodate bigger athletes, a powerful flywheel and adjustable resistance. It also comes with an ergonomically designed adjustable seat and handlebars to facilitate long hours of workout. Although some health fitness enthusiasts find the price point a bit expensive compared to other spin bike, its robust features justify its price. This pro indoor cycling bike will give you the best workouts at home and it is truly built to last.
Buyer’s Guide
How to choose the right spin bike?
Gym membership fee nowadays has been continuously increasing and it’s also time-consuming to travel back and forth to a gym in a busy city. So it’s not a bad idea to invest in a Spin Bike and enjoy working out at the comfort of your home. Unlike regular stationary bikes, working out in an indoor bike is quite intense. It involves movement in your hips, thighs, calves, waist, and shoulders. It is specially designed for weight-loss programs providing a full-body workout. Due to its popularity, a lot of spin bike or indoor bike models are being sold in the market, but as a smart user, you need to know what makes a good spin bike.
In choosing the perfect spin bike, you must check if the spin bike has a sturdy frame that can support you during the workout. Some spin bikes are built with cast iron frame or stainless steel, any of which is proven sturdy and can stand long hours of workout. The level of resistance which is vital to achieving a great workout depends on the brand, some brands have high magnetic resistance levels while some are made only to accommodate light to moderate workout. Pedals and seat must also be checked if they are comfortable enough to protect you from sore blisters or any untoward injury during the workout.
The spin bike or indoor bike is also excellent for interval training sessions, whereby users alternate between high intensity and low-intensity workouts to improve metabolism and burn calories faster. Other features you need to consider when purchasing a spin bike are the digital features, like an LCD console that tracks and records distance, time, speed and calories burned. Some bike models have Built-in speakers, heart rate monitor, bottle holder, media shelves, durable belt drive, and transport wheels for easy storage. The best thing about a Spin Bike is that it’s virtually maintenance-free aside from the routine dusting and oiling. Therefore, Fitboot highly recommends investing on a Spin Bike, this machine can greatly help you achieve the best workout possible.
What to look for when buying a spin bike?
When choosing a spin bike, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
- Price: Consider your price range. You can purchase some bikes for around $100, but others can go for thousands. Of course, the more expensive the bike, the more features it typically has. However, if you don’t need all those extra features, you could very well be over-paying for stuff you don’t need.
- Digital Features: Take into account the bike’s computer and other technology features. Practically every bike has a display screen and computer of some sort. This screen keeps track of how long you’ve been working out and similar factors. However, others have BlueTooth capabilities as well that allows them to record and download health fitness data. Some spin bikes also offer a pulse rate monitor to track your cardiac output.
- Magnetic Resistance levels: How many magnetic resistance levels do the bike have? The higher the resistance levels, the smaller the gap will be between levels, allowing you to work your way up slowly. Some don’t have correct resistance levels and instead increase at very slight increments. So choose a spin bike that has an accurate resistance level, a durable belt drive and a balanced flywheel to accommodate your workout.
- Flywheel: Look at the bike’s flywheel. The weight of the flywheel is particularly important – heavier is usually better. A heavier flywheel carries its momentum easier and smooths out the up-and-down motion of the pedals, which makes the workout easier on your joints. It can also overcome the resistance of the friction pad easier.
- Seat, Handles, and Pedals: Of course, the seat, handlebars, and pedals are also significant. They should be comfortable and durable, as they’ll take the brunt of the workout. Seat placement is also vital. Preferably, the seat should be adjustable as well as the handlebars. Look for spin bikes that have padded seat and handle to prevent you from unnecessary sore and blisters. Lastly, don’t forget to check if the spin bike has a water bottle holder, this will facilitate easier workout routines.
