The 7 Best Exercise Bikes of 2023

Best Overall Exercise Bike

Bowflex VeloCore 16

Console: 16-inch HD Touchscreen | Companion app: JRNY (subscription required)

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 offers a unique at-home cycling experience. This commercial-quality spin bike has 100 levels of magnetic resistance suitable for all fitness levels, but it sets itself apart with its unique lean feature. A locking mechanism keeps it stationary, and when unlocked, the rider can lean the bike from side to side to simulate a more natural riding motion and follow along with the JRNY app's lean classes. While it may sound a little gimmicky, this feature effectively works the core and other muscle groups while you ride. The 16-inch touchscreen uses Bluetooth with accessories and WiFi to connect to the JRNY app. JRNY offers a wide range of studio classes, Explore the World scenic rides and virtual coach programs to choose from, plus it offers the unique ability to stream entertainment from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max (subscriptions required) to watch while you ride. It can't quite match the sheer number of classes on apps like Peloton or iFit, but JRNY provides plenty of variety, loads of off-the-bike workouts, and costs less than the competition. The VeloCore also works with Peloton and Zwift through your device, adding even more workout options.

Though we still found it adequate, the Velocore's 16-inch touchscreen is smaller than the screens on some of the other models we tested. (You can purchase the Velocore with a 22-inch screen for an additional fee.) The screen also has limited mobility, with a small range of tilt but no ability to rotate for viewing off the bike. While the JRNY app offers plenty to satisfy most users, those interested purely in live and on-demand studio classes would be better off looking elsewhere. Due to the nature of the bike's design and unique lean feature, it has a slightly larger footprint than other bikes we tested, though this should only matter if you're super tight on space. Otherwise, the VeloCore is an excellent bike that offers something unique with its lean feature, plus the variety of the JRNY app and the ability to stream entertainment and work with third-party apps provides lots of options and broadens its appeal.

Read more: BowFlex VeloCore 16 review

Best Connected Spin Bike Without a Screen

Schwinn IC4

Console: Digital Display, Device Holder | Companion app: JRNY (subscription required)

The Schwinn IC4 offers a quality connected spin bike experience at a more reasonable price than the competition. A top-ranked model in our best budget exercise bike review, the IC4 is more of a value proposition when compared to the screen-equipped competition. This bike does not have a fancy touchscreen, so you will need your tablet or phone to use JRNY or third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift (subscriptions required). Otherwise, this bike performs roughly on par with the more expensive models. The IC4 has a sturdy feel with 100 levels of quiet magnetic resistance. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your device to use the JRNY app and has a device holder to keep your screen in view while you ride. The JRNY app offers a variety of workouts, with studio classes, virtual coach, and Explore the World scenic rides, and the ability to stream entertainment from your favorite subscription services (like Netflix, Hulu, etc.). In addition to the cycling workouts, JRNY has a full range of off-the-bike classes to work on your total body fitness. The ability to use third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift expands this bike's versatility even further, and the Peloton app is much less expensive when used on a non-Peloton product. Of course, the IC4 can also be used without an app, and the small console provides a variety of metrics of your current workout. Included features like 3-pound hand weights, dual-function pedals, a Bluetooth heart rate armband, and bottle holders enhance the user experience.

While the IC4 works with apps like Zwift, it isn't perfect, and the power output reading is a bit high. While this isn't necessarily a problem for casual riders, it could cause some issues if you compete with other riders on the app (the bike can be recalibrated for better accuracy, but it still won't be perfect). We also found that the speed and distance readings on the bike's console were higher than they should have been, but this is only a problem if you base your workouts on those metrics. Beyond these inaccuracies, the IC4 is a reasonably priced connected bike that can get you into the studio and virtual cycling scene without breaking the bank.

Read more: Schwinn IC4 review

Best Overall Bike Trainer

Tacx Neo 2T Smart

Type: Direct drive | Weight: 47 lbs

If you're an avid cyclist looking for a bike trainer to attach your bike to through the winter months, our top recommendation is the Tacx Neo 2T Smart. In our bike trainer review, it earns top honors for being a versatile and smooth ride. It will also simulate bumps if you're using it with Zwift. This trainer syncs up with various apps via ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth Smart FTMS, allowing you to do virtual training sessions. It requires no calibration and has one of the most accurate power readers available. It can run on your riding power, which is great if there's no outlet nearby. It fits most frames, axles, and the major cassette brands (including Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo).

As one of the heaviest trainers we tested, you'll probably want to pick a spot for this one and keep it there. It's also incredibly pricey, which means this is a model best suited for serious cyclists who have a dedicated training regimen for the off-seasons. If that sounds like you, we can't recommend the Tacx Neo 2T enough.

Read more: Tacx Neo 2T Smart review

Best Bang for Your Buck Direct-Drive Trainer

Zwift Hub

Type: Direct drive | Weight: 33 pounds

The Zwift Hub delivers a lot of bang for the buck. The price is far lower than that of high-end bike trainers, even though it offers superior performance. You can utilize the Zwift Hub on Zwift and any other platform you choose because it follows standard trainer connectivity. The accuracy is improving thanks to firmware updates incorporating auto-calibration functionality. If you have ever used a tire-drive trainer, you will adore how quiet this one is.

Even though the Hub isn't the heaviest of the trainers, it doesn't have a separate handle making it less user-friendly than other options. If you are a rider capable of pushing tremendous wattage or want to ride the "steepest" grades on Zwift, you are better off going with a higher-performing model. In a similar vein, the precision of the device is not adequate (+/- 2.5% rather than +/- 2%) for usage in high-level virtual contests such as the Zwift Grand Prix. The Zwift Hub is difficult to match. However, if you are looking for a hassle-free introduction to the world of virtual riding or whether you are a dedicated cyclist trying to save money while training during the off-season.

Read more: Zwift Hub review

Best for Home Studio Cycling

Peloton Bike+

Console: 23.8-inch Swiveling HD Touchscreen | Companion app: Peloton All-Access (subscription required)

Peloton has quickly grown into one of the most recognizable names in home fitness, and after testing the Peloton Bike+, we can tell you that it's more than just hype. While it is structurally nearly identical to the original Bike, the Bike+ has had some minor cosmetic changes, and it now comes with an upgraded 23.8-inch swiveling HD touchscreen, better speakers, improved connectivity, Auto-Follow automatic resistance changes, and more. These changes have also resulted in a significant price increase, but thankfully that includes free delivery and professional assembly. The bike is sleek and streamlined, with 100 levels of nearly silent magnetic resistance and ample range for riders of all fitness levels. The screen is bright, has excellent resolution, and integrates seamlessly with the Peloton app, which is the highlight of the Bike+. Peloton has done an amazing job of developing their app, with live classes daily, thousands of on-demand studio classes of all types, lengths, music genres, etc., and the best instructors in the business. After using the app during testing, we learned firsthand why Peloton and its instructors have such a devoted following and a large user community. The new Auto-Follow resistance option will also change your resistance based on the instructor's prompts, or you can still adjust it manually using the resistance knob. They also offer a broad range of off-the-bike workouts, and the swiveling screen makes it easy to follow along from anywhere in the room.

The price is the biggest downside here. The Peloton Bike+ is expensive, and the ongoing Peloton All-Access app membership adds extra cost. The bike is still perfectly functional without the membership, but your capabilities will be much more limited. While there are some scenic rides, the overwhelming majority of Peloton workouts are of the studio style. This will appeal to many users — it is what Peloton is known for, but some folks may seek a bit more variety than what is offered. That said, if the at-home studio cycling experience is what you're after, it doesn't get any better than the Peloton Bike+.

Read more: Peloton Bike+ review

Best for Total Body Fitness

MYX II Plus

Console: 21.5-inch Swiveling HD Touchscreen | Companion app: OpenFit (subscription required)

MYX Fitness is a lesser-known brand increasingly crowded home exercise market, but they bring an intriguing option to the table with the MYX II Plus bike. While not as sleek-looking and refined as some of the competition, the bike is sturdy and stable, with a massive range of friction resistance to suit users of any fitness level. An enormous range of fit adjustments and a 350-pound weight capacity also means it should work for most users. It comes equipped with a WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled 21.5-inch swiveling HD touchscreen that can be oriented however you like for on and off-the-bike workouts using the OpenFit app. OpenFit has a good selection of studio-style cycling workouts with all the ride types, lengths, and music genres to choose from, all based on heart rate zones using the included Polar heart rate armband. The app also has a huge selection of off-bike workouts ranging from strength training and pilates to yoga and meditation. The Plus version we tested comes with a set of 6 dumbells (you choose between light, medium, and heavy), a kettlebell, a bike mat, exercise mat, a foam roller, and a resistance band so you can follow along and build you own little home gym. The MYX II Plus also comes with plenty of other useful features, and delivery and assembly are included in the price, adding to its unique value.

While the MYX II Plus is a quality bike, the friction resistance has no preset levels and seems vague compared to other models. We enjoyed the OpenFit app's cycling workouts, but there's no denying that it's somewhat limited compared to Peloton, although there are a lot of off-bike classes to balance it out. Of course, the app membership cost is not insignificant, and it's right up there with the most expensive competitor's apps. Regardless, this is a reasonably priced option for at-home studio cycling with features and extras for total body fitness.

Read more: MYX II Plus review

Best for an Immersive Cycling Experience

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

Console: 22-inch Swiveling HD Touchscreen | Companion app: iFit (subscription required)

If you want to ride at home and don't love the studio-style classes the competition offers, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is our recommendation. This commercial-quality spin bike has 24 levels of smooth, silent magnetic resistance, providing a wide range of difficulty and the unique ability to adjust incline and decline between 20 and -10% to simulate the feel of real-world riding. The 22-inch swiveling touchscreen has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and seamlessly integrates with the iFit app. While it does include a good selection of studio classes, iFit sets itself from the studio-centric competition with thousands of trainer-led scenic rides in beautiful places worldwide. Engaging trainers provide prompts, commentary, and training tips, helping to pass the time and keep you motivated. Best of all, the bike has an AutoAdjust feature that changes the bike's resistance and incline based on the terrain and trainer you're following, allowing you to get completely immersed in the ride. iFit also includes the full spectrum of off-the-bike workouts, and the swiveling screen can be turned for viewing in any direction. The S22i also has features like an adjustable fan, speakers, 3-lb dumbbells, bottle holders, a heart rate armband, and a USB port to keep things charged.

It's not all gold stars for the NordicTrack S22i. Our test bike arrived with a non-functional screen, and it took a little time to get a hold of customer service to get a replacement. Once we got a working screen, it repeatedly dropped the WiFi connection during workouts. After some troubleshooting, we solved the connection issue using 2.4 GHz WiFi, but the issue was frustrating. Our research also discovered that Icon Fitness (NordicTrack's parent company) has a less-than-stellar customer service track record. However, our experience was good once we finally contacted them. Despite these issues, we came to love the realistic and immersive cycling experience this bike and the iFit app offer and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to feel trapped in a studio.

Read more: NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle review

Notable for FTMS Bluetooth Connectivity at a Reasonable Price

Renpho AI Smart Exercise Bike

Console: Digital Display, Device Holder | Companion app: AI Gym (Free)

Renpho isn't exactly a household name in home exercise, but the AI Smart Exercise Bike has much to offer at a reasonable price. This bike earned high regard in our budget exercise bike review, but it's more of a value proposition when compared to the higher-end models here. The bike is reasonably sturdy, with 80 levels of smart motor damping magnetic resistance to suit various exercise intensities. It has a fairly simple interface with a dial to change resistance and a digital display that shows one metric at a time. The bike can be controlled manually, but it is also FTMS Bluetooth enabled, so you can pair it with your tablet or phone to connect to the free AI Gym app. The AI Gym app is relatively bare-bones, but it includes a modest selection of fitness tests, classes, and scenic rides, plus the FTMS Bluetooth makes automatic resistance changes when following certain programs. Additionally, your device works with various third-party apps like Zwift, Kinomap, FulGaz, Wahoo SYSTM, and more, so you can train using your favorite platform. Unlike the higher-end spin bikes, the Renpho has a freewheel design to simulate the feel of riding outdoors. This bike is quick and easy to assemble and has a relatively small footprint compared to most other models we tested.

While the Renpho AI Smart Bike can accommodate a wide range of user heights, the upper end of the recommended 4'11" to 6'5" range may be slightly exaggerated. Our lead tester is 6"0" with a 34" inseam, and the seat height was completely maxed out. While the resistance is relatively smooth and quiet, it can't quite match the feel and silence of the more expensive competition. The display and controls are functional but very basic on their own, and this bike is best used with a tablet or phone as the display with the AI Gym app or any of the other apps it's compatible with. We love that it is free, but the AI Gym app is incredibly basic compared to others like Peloton, Echelon, or iFit. That said, it's better than nothing, and its compatibility with third-party apps makes it a compelling option for the price.

Read more: Renpho AI Smart Exercise Bike review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	84	Bowflex VeloCore 16	$1,799
	83	NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle	$1,500
	83	MYX II Plus	$1,599
	83	Peloton Bike+	$2,495
	80	Echelon Connect EX-5s	$1,600
	73	Schwinn IC4	$999
	72	Echelon Connect EX-8s	$2,299
	62	Renpho AI Smart Exercise Bike	$600
	61	Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike	$340
	61	Schwinn 130 Upright Bike	$499

Why You Should Trust Us

After researching the best exercise bikes on the market, we purchased nine models to test and compare them. Our varied selection includes models ranging from budget-friendly spin bikes to the most advanced connected, screen-equipped bikes that money can buy. To start, we assembled each model ourselves (when applicable) before diving into our rigorous testing process. Over several months, we spent countless hours riding each model, often back to back for direct comparison. We explored the full range of exercise intensity, from easy spins to hard interval workouts, to get a feel for each bike's exercise quality. We bought companion app memberships, navigated screens, followed along with classes and workout programs, and analyzed the comfort and features of each model in the process.

Our testing of exercise bikes uses five rating metrics:

• Exercise Quality including companion apps (35% of overall score weighting)

• Comfort (20% weighting)

• User Interface (20% weighting)

• Features (15% weighting)

• Setup and Portability (5% weighting)

We use these predetermined metrics to focus on product performance differences while testing and evaluating them. Spending many hours riding each bike allows us to get a feel for the range of exercise intensity and the overall quality of the experience. This includes not just the range of resistance but also a deep dive into the bikes' respective programs and companion apps to examine the variety, quality, and options offered and how the apps differ. These days, the apps often dictate the type of experience many exercise bikes offer and can be as important a consideration as the bike itself. We weighexercise quality at 35% of the total score because exercise is the point of an exercise bike. The other metrics are still important but less critical to overall performance and are therefore weighted less. The combined scores across our rating metrics help us determine our award winners.

Our lead exercise bike tester is Jeremy Benson. The Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor at GearLab, Benson is our point person for all things cycling-related. A full-time mountain bike tester and reviewer, Benson has over three decades of cycling experience and races in the Pro class in endurance gravel and mountain bike events. In the winter, Benson maintains his fitness with a combination of backcountry skiing and long hours on indoor trainers and stationary bikes. He has used every indoor trainer and exercise bike you can think of, from smart trainers to commercial spin and home exercise models. This experience has given him a keen sense of the qualities, performance, and features that differentiate the best exercise bikes.

Analysis and Test Results

Each exercise bike in this review was put through the same rigorous testing process and evaluation. We identified several metrics that we feel are important to each model's performance; exercise quality (including companion apps), comfort, user interface, features, and setup and portability. We took extensive notes during testing and scored each model on our predetermined metrics to identify our award winners and top recommendations.

Value

Many modern exercise bikes with fancy touchscreens, app integration, and all the bells and whistles can cost a pretty penny, and that's before you even factor in the ongoing cost of companion app subscriptions. If you're willing and able to pay top dollar for the latest and greatest models, we doubt you'll be disappointed. That said, a few of the models we tested strike us as a particularly good value considering their ratio of price to performance. The MYX II Plus is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but this bike provides a great workout, comes with a swiveling touchscreen that integrates with the OpenFit app, delivery and assembly are included, along with a set of weights, mats, and more to outfit your home gym. The Renpho AI Smart Bike is a reasonably priced model that is FTMS Bluetooth enabled and works with the free AI Gym app and several other third-party apps through your tablet or phone. It's not quite as flashy as the more expensive competition, but it provides a solid workout and you can potentially save a lot of money over the long haul by using the free app. If you don't require connectivity or fitness apps, the Yosuda Exercise Bike is a simple but effective spin bike that gets the job done at a fraction of the price.

Exercise Quality

The entire point of an exercise bike is to get exercise, and all of the models we tested can definitely provide you with a workout. The quality of that workout, however, varies somewhat among the models we tested, with some offering a commercial-level or professional studio-type experience, while others fall a bit below the high bar set by the top-ranked models. With advancements in technology, many high-end models now include screens, wireless connectivity, and apps that contribute to the overall exercise experience.

Among the higher-end models like the Peloton Bike+, Bowflex, Echelon Connect, NordicTrack, Schwinn IC4and MYX II Plus, the bikes themselves are structurally quite similar. All are well-built and sturdy machines made to handle hard efforts and easy spins alike. These bikes offer a wide range of fit adjustments for comfort and performance and connect to their respective companion apps for viewing classes and videos through their fancy touchscreens (with the exception of the IC4, which does not have an attached screen). While they have various numbers of resistance levels (Peloton, Schwinn, and Bowflex have 100, Echelon has 32, NordicTrack has 24, and the MYX's adjustable friction resistance doesn't have preset levels), they all offer a range of resistance that is suitable for all fitness levels and workout intensities. These high-quality spin bikes are capable of providing you with any workout challenge you're after, but a few set themselves apart from the competition.

The NordicTrack S22i has adjustable incline/decline, and the iFit app's trainer-led scenic rides and AutoAdjust resistance and incline help to simulate the feel of real-world riding and provide a unique, immersive workout experience. Bowflex also brings something unique to the table with the lean feature on the VeloCore. The bike can be ridden in a traditional stationary position, or it can be unlocked to enter lean mode where the rider can tip the bike side to side while following along with the lean programs on the JRNY app. Leaning the bike provides a natural-ish riding sensation and provides a surprisingly effective workout for the core and other stabilization muscles.

The Peloton Bike+ has an Auto-Follow feature and the bike can make automatic resistance changes based on the class you're following, and the large screen can be turned and tilted in any direction while doing any of the off-bike workouts. The MYX II Plus comes with a set of 6 hand weights, a kettlebell, mats, a resistance band, and a foam roller to outfit your exercise space with just about everything you need for the on and off-the-bike workouts on the OpenFit app. Like the Peloton, the MYX's screen also rotates and tilts for easy viewing.

The Renpho AI Smart Bike doesn't quite match the high-end feel of the higher-priced competition, but it offers a huge range of resistance, and its FTMS Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with various apps allows you to choose the workout experience you prefer. The Yosuda forgoes the fancy screens and connectivity of the top-ranked models, but there's no limit to how hard you can work out on this bike.

Companion App/Connectivity

As the market continues to mature, these once-simple machines have grown along with technology and become much more than just a bike. These days, many bikes come with large touchscreens that connect to companion apps where you can view live and on-demand classes and videos, and often, the apps themselves and the different experiences they provide may even be a more important element of the exercise quality than the bike itself for some users. Even if bikes don't have dedicated screens, many can connect to a device through Bluetooth so you can use that as a screen while you follow along with a companion or third-party app. These apps cost money, of course, and they range from around $20-$40 a month which is a not-insignificant ongoing cost that needs to be considered.

Screen-equipped exercise bikes rely on WiFi to connect to their companion app, and Bluetooth to connect to wireless accessories and other devices. All of the bikes we tested with screens have their respective companion apps, Peloton works with Peloton All-Access, NordicTrack with iFit, MYX with OpenFit, Echelon with Echelon, and Bowflex with JRNY. Peloton is undoubtedly the elephant in the room, particularly in the context of live and on-demand studio cycling classes. It's not just the sheer number of classes either, but the excellent instructors, variety, user community, and production quality are second to none. After testing, it's easy to see why Peloton is so incredibly popular, even when it costs $39/month (increasing to $44/month on 6/1/2022) on top of the price of the Bike+. The Echelon app is very similar to Peloton with loads of live and on-demand studio classes, scenic rides, and off-the-bike workouts. It costs slightly less, provides a very similar experience, but hasn't inspired the cult-like following of its direct competitor. MYX's OpenFit app is also very studio-focused, and while it feels a bit sparse compared to Echelon or Peloton for cycling, there are tons of off-bike videos for total body fitness.

The Bowflex VeloCore uses JRNY, a less expensive app that provides lots of options to the user. JRNY has the typical studio classes (though significantly less than Peloton, for example), Explore the World scenic rides, and lots of "virtual coach" programs. One unique aspect of the JRNY app is that you can select the music genre or scenic ride to go with the virtual coach workout, and you can even stream entertainment on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus (subscriptions required) through the screen. This bike also works with Peloton and Zwift through your own device, and frankly, we think it's great that it provides that flexibility and doesn't constrain you to one platform.

The NordicTrack S22i integrates with the iFit app through its touchscreen. iFit is quite different from the more studio class-focused apps of the competition, though it does have quite a few of those, as it is focused more on trainer-led scenic rides. There are literally thousands of these videos that take place in beautiful places around the world with engaging trainers who tell stories, provide prompts, and give training advice. The bike can also be controlled through its AutoAdjust feature, resulting in an immersive experience that almost feels like you're there on the ride. This is not the best choice for those seeking the Peloton experience, but that's also its appeal.

Connected bikes without screens typically use Bluetooth to connect to a tablet or smartphone where an app can be viewed. The Schwinn IC4 can connect to your device to work with the JRNY companion app and third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift (though not perfectly with Zwift). Similarly, the Renpho AI Bike uses Bluetooth to connect to a device to use the free AI Gym app and it works with various third-party apps. The Renpho has the FTMS Bluetooth protocol which allows the bike to make resistance changes for you when used with certain apps. While AI Gym is quite basic compared to other apps, it's free, and is certainly better than nothing.

Comfort

Comfort is subjective, of course, so in addition to our tester's comfort level on each bike, we did our best to examine its fit range and comfort features. All of the bikes we tested have fit adjustments to suit a range of rider heights along with touchpoints like the seat and handlebar that are intended for workouts varying from easy to high intensity. We measured the range of vertical and horizontal seat and handlebar adjustability, as those numbers will determine a comfortable fit for riders of different shapes and sizes. During testing, we also considered the comfort of each bike's seat and handlebar on multiple rides of various lengths and intensities.

All of the bikes we tested strive to provide a comfortable fit for a wide range of user heights, but none do it quite as well as the MYX II Plus. The MYX bike has a weight limit of 350 lbs and is the most adjustable bike we tested with a massive recommended user height range of 4'11" to 6'8". This is achieved through 13-inches of vertical and 8-inches of fore/aft seat adjustability, along with 6-inches vertical and 3-inches of fore/aft handlebar adjustment range. The seat and handlebar are a little lackluster, but we found them to be comfortable enough and appropriate for this spin-style bike.

Both the Echelon EX-5s and the Schwinn IC4 also offer fit adjustments for the seat and handlebar vertically and horizontally. Neither bike provides quite as much adjustment range as the MYX, but both should be suitable for folks between roughly 4'11" and 6'4". Again, these bikes have slimmer, performance-oriented seats, and large handlebars that offer multiple hand positions for various riding styles and comfort. The Bowflex VeloCore, NordicTrack S22i, and Peloton Bike+ will also work for riders of varying heights. These bikes all have seats that can be adjusted vertically and fore/aft, as well as handlebars that can be raised and lowered a few inches. None of these bikes have horizontal handlebar adjustments, however, so you will need to compensate for reach length by shifting the seat on its horizontal adjustment. Regardless, we were always able to find a comfortable body position while testing.

The less expensive models, like the Yosuda, Schwinn 130, and Renpho all offer a sizeable seat adjustment range, but they have limited handlebar adjustments, larger seats, and more basic handlebars. Despite these differences, we found them all to provide a relatively comfortable riding experience.

User Interface

The user interface refers to the ways in which a rider interacts with their exercise bike. Some models have simple dials or buttons to control resistance and digital displays to view metrics and information pertinent to your workout, while others feature fancy touchscreens to connect to companion apps and view workouts while you ride. In between the basic bikes and the premium models are bikes that connect via Bluetooth to your tablet or phone, which then becomes your display, to use various training apps.

Among the screen-equipped models we tested, the Peloton Bike+ impressed us the most. The 23.8-inch HD touchscreen has excellent resolution, color, and touch sensitivity, plus it swivels and tilts so you can optimize its position for viewing from any angle. The Bike+ has a knob to control the resistance manually, plus it has an optional Auto-Follow feature that changes resistance for you so you can focus even more on the workout.

Not far behind the Peloton, the MYX II Plus has a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen that has vibrant color, great resolution, and it also swivels and tilts for optimal viewing both on and off the bike. The NordicTrack S22i has a 22-inch HD touchscreen with good resolution that integrates well with the iFit app. This screen also swivels, but its tilt range limits its position somewhat for off-bike floor workouts. Unlike the other high-end models, the S22i doesn't use a knob to control resistance, instead, there are buttons on the handlebar to adjust incline and resistance, or the bike will do it for you through its AutoAdjust feature.

Two of the screen-equipped models have quality touchscreens, though they don't have the ability to rotate to optimize the viewing angle for workouts off the bike. The Echelon EX-5s has a knob to control resistance along with a 22-inch screen that tilts and can be flipped all the way over. This allows you to view workouts from in front of the bike, but not from the sides. Similarly, the Bowflex VeloCore has a slightly smaller 16-inch screen, although it has a more limited range of tilt adjustment that works only to find the perfect angle for viewing while you ride.

Of the models without screens, the Schwinn IC4 has a resistance adjustment knob, a small digital display that shows a number of metrics while you ride, plus it has a device holder if you choose to connect the bike to an app via Bluetooth. The Schwinn 130 Upright and the Renpho AI Smart Bike have buttons and a dial to control resistance, respectively, along with Bluetooth capabilities to pair with your device so it can be used as a display when using a compatible app.

Features

Most bikes include at least a few features that are intended to enhance the user experience, while others come loaded with all the bells and whistles you can think of. While a great workout is certainly possible on a no-frills machine, many models now come with all the extras that you could dream up. We feel the best features are those that are actually useful and impactful for the rider, or that offer something unique to the overall experience.

It comes as no surprise that the screen-equipped high-end models score well in the features metric. Two models, however, stood out from the crowd with features that provide a unique workout experience. The Bowflex VeloCore is a commercial quality spin bike that sets itself apart with its lean feature. Riders have the option to unlock the bike and lean it side to side while following along with the JRNY app's lean workouts, providing not only a more realistic ride feel, but also adding some core and stabilization muscle work to the workout. This bike also has the unique ability to stream entertainment through the JRNY app, it works with third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift, and it comes loaded with other features like hand weights, dual function pedals, a heart rate armband, and more.

Similar to the VeloCore, the NordicTrack S22i offers something different with adjustable incline and decline. The large swiveling touchscreen integrates with the iFit app, and the AutoAdjust feature makes automatic resistance and incline changes based on the trainer-led scenic ride you're following for an immersive ride experience that is a real departure from the studio classes of the competition. This bike also comes with hand weights, an adjustable fan, bottle holders, and a number of other useful features.

The MYX II Plus brings some extras to the table with its included set of six dumbells, a kettlebell, mats, a resistance band, and a foam roller. The bike itself is quite nice with a large swiveling touchscreen, but the inclusion of the weights and mats provides pretty much everything you need to follow along with the OpenFit app's on and off-the-bike workouts for total body fitness.

The Peloton Bike+ also scores well here for its best-in-test swiveling screen that can be positioned in any direction for viewing on and off-bike workouts, excellent speakers, and the new Auto-Follow feature that makes automatic resistance changes based on the class you're following. For the models without a screen, the Schwinn IC4 has a lot to offer with dual function pedals, hand weights, water bottle holders, and Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your device and connect with the JRNY app and a variety of third-party apps.

Setup and Portability

Most exercise bikes, with the exception of those that include professional assembly, are delivered in a large box and require some assembly to get them ready for use. To evaluate the ease of setup, we assembled each bike ourselves using the included instructions and tools and took note of the relative difficulty and time it took to complete the process. In terms of portability, we consider the weight of each model, how easy it is to move around, and measured the footprint and overall dimensions to see how much space they occupy. All of these bikes take up a fair amount of space, although the higher-end models with large touchscreens tend to be a little larger overall.

The clear winners in terms of setup are the Peloton Bike+ and the MYX II Plus because they include delivery and professional assembly in the purchase price. All you need to do is clear a space, and the delivery team will put the bike together for you. Both bikes have relatively average-sized footprints when compared to other high-end models, but their large touchscreens make them somewhat tall and stand out a bit in any room. At 140+ pounds each, these bikes are best left in a dedicated workout space, although they are fairly easy to move around on firm, flat surfaces thanks to their transport wheels.

The Renpho AI Smart Bike, Schwinn Upright 130, and Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike scored well in this metric for their quick and easy assembly process and smaller dimensions. Unlike the heavier higher-end bikes with more complicated assemblies, these models required fewer steps and time to complete the setup. With the smallest footprints of all the bikes tested, they also take up a fair amount less space in your home.

The Schwinn IC4, Bowflex VeloCore, and Echelon EX-5s weren't particularly difficult to assemble, but their heavier weight and the number of steps involved make them more time-consuming. You'll want to set aside 1-2 hours and enlist the help of another person for several of the steps, particularly when connecting the wires and attaching the consoles on the Bowflex and Echelon bikes. Because it lacks a large screen, the IC4 is the lightest and has the smallest footprint, while the VeloCore and EX-5s are a fair amount larger and heavier, but comparable to other similar bikes with screens.

Conclusion

A quality exercise bike can be a great way to train fitness or meet new goals without ever leaving home. Whether you're just getting started on your fitness journey or looking to do some more intense training, there's a bike for you. We've tested a variety of the best exercise equipment so you can build out your home gym. Adding a set of hand weights, our favorite exercise bands, or the best yoga blocks can help you achieve total body fitness from the comfort of your own home. We hope that our detailed comparative review helps you find the right exercise bike to suit your needs and budget. If you are looking for more great reviews, see our home gym recommendations and top-rated treadmills.