Schwinn 240
Schwinn 240

Best recumbent exercise bike

*Est. $450
Estimated Price

The Schwinn 240 recumbent bike attracts hundreds of positive reviews from owners, who say it is built well and provides a lot of workout variety. Recumbent bikes have a backrest, while upright bikes don't. The Schwinn bike comes with 16 levels of resistance and 17 workout programs. Owners say the bike is sturdy and stable when cycling at high speeds. The Schwinn 240 is also very quiet, so it's easy to exercise while watching TV or listening to music. Users also appreciate the many convenience features, including a handgrip heart=rate monitor, bottle holder and under-seat storage bin. Compared to other exercise bikes, the Schwinn 240 attracts few durability complaints. The bike is covered by a multi-year warranty: five years for the frame, one year for mechanical and electrical parts and 90 days for wear parts. While most owners are pleased with the Schwinn 240, many complain that the assembly instructions aren't very straightforward. Some also find it overly complicated to program custom user settings on the display console.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review
Marcy ME 709
Marcy ME 709

Budget recumbent bike

*Est. $160
Estimated Price

The Marcy ME 709 enjoys better user ratings than other budget exercise bikes in this price range. Reviewers love the value, and casual exercisers or those just starting out find it meets their needs. This exercise bike is said to be quiet when in use, and users say the padded seat is very comfortable. The Marcy ME 709 lacks some bells and whistles found on pricier exercise bikes, including a heart-rate monitor, bottle holder and magazine rack, but most users say the eight resistance levels are all they need to keep in shape. An adjustable seat is another plus. Although users say the assembly process is straightforward, many report that the package was missing washers or bolts when it arrived. We also saw a few complaints that the small battery-operated display can be hard to mount on its stand. The Marcy ME 709 comes with a two-year warranty.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review
Schwinn Airdyne
Schwinn Airdyne

Best upright exercise bike

*Est. $620
Estimated Price

The Schwinn Airdyne may look different than other upright exercise bikes, but users say this is one investment that will last for years -- if not decades. Instead of using magnetic resistance like most exercise bikes, the Schwinn Airdyne uses an air-resistance system. As a result, the resistance automatically increases the harder and faster you pedal like it does on a regular road bike. Another benefit is that you're not stuck with a limited amount of resistance once your conditioning improves. Moving handlebars are also included for an upper-body workout. Owners say the Schwinn Airdyne is durable, and many report owning it for 12 years with no major problems. The warranty is generous as well: 30 years for the frame, three years for parts and electronics and one year for labor and wear items. Users also like that the air system acts like a fan to cool them down while exercising. However, air resistance is much noisier than traditional magnetic systems, so you may have to crank up the volume on your TV. Some users also say the seat on this exercise bike is too hard and uncomfortable.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review
Stamina 5325
Stamina 5325

Budget upright exercise bike

*Est. $180
Estimated Price

Unlike the Schwinn Airdyne, the Stamina 5325 upright exercise bike uses a magnetic resistance system that provides eight levels of difficulty. Overall, most users say the Stamina exercise bike provides a good workout without breaking the bank. The bike feels sturdy while pedaling, according to reviews, and the adjustable seat accommodates users of varying heights. Features like a handgrip heart-rate monitor and six workout programs are additional benefits. However, the Stamina 5325 isn't as durable as the Schwinn Airdyne, which is reflected in its one-year frame warranty; parts are covered for only 90 days. Some users wish that the pedals came with straps for a more secure fit. We also saw a few complaints that components were missing when the bike was delivered.

Compare Prices See Our Full Review
COMPARE PRODUCTS
See a side-by-side comparison of key features, product specs, and prices.

Best Exercise Bike Reviews: Runners Up

Vision Fitness R1500 *Est. $600 to $1,100

2 picks including: Prevention Magazine, Bestcovery.com…

Phoenix 99608 *Est. $175

2 picks including: Amazon.com, Viewpoints.com…

Great deals to be had among exercise bikes

Unlike treadmills or elliptical machines, a good exercise bike can be found for around $500 -- and there are a number of good budget options available for $200 or less. That may be because exercise bikes have less complicated mechanisms than treadmills or elliptical trainers, so they can be an economical addition to your home gym. The best exercise bikes cost from $400 to $600. At this price range, you'll find sturdy frames, plenty of resistance levels, preset workout programs, heart -rate monitors and long warranties. Exercise bikes less than $200 can be a decent option for casual exercisers or those just starting out, but they have fewer features and aren't as durable. Still, you'll get more for your $200 in an exercise bike than you will in a treadmill or elliptical machine. If you're willing to spend upward of $1,000 on an exercise bike, you can find a club-quality machine that can stand up to intense use. Bikes in this price range have higher weight limits, so they are a good choice for anyone who weighs more than 300 pounds. However, reviews indicate that most users will do just fine with less expensive stationary bikes.

There are two main types of exercise bikes. Upright bikes resemble a regular bicycle, while recumbent bikes have a reclined position that puts the legs out in front. Prices are comparable between the two types, so it really comes down to which type of bike is more comfortable for you. In general, recumbent bikes are considered more comfortable because of their large padded seats and back support. Upright bikes attract many complaints for their hard seats, which many people find uncomfortable. On the other hand, reviewers say that upright bikes more closely replicate the feel of riding an actual bicycle. Regardless of which type you select, you should look for a bike with an adjustable seat, LCD display and smooth, quiet pedaling.

Evaluating exercise bikes can be tricky because professional reviews are few. ConsumerReports.org hasn't tested exercise bikes in the past few years, and a Google search brings up pages of anonymous sites that claim to review and recommend the best models. Most of these sites don't conduct hands-on tests and are designed to route sales to a particular manufacturer. If a site doesn't list an author or editor, chances are it's not very credible.

As a result, user reviews are the best source of information on exercise bikes. Buzzillions.com, a site that compiles reviews from various online retailers, has the most reviews, with some stationary bikes attracting several hundred individual ratings. However, the reviews at Amazon.com are usually more detailed and thorough, and the site lists verified purchases so you know the review is legit. While Amazon.com doesn't have quite as many reviews as Buzzillions.com, it's still our top destination for reviews on exercise bikes. Walmart.com is also worth a look, especially for budget bikes. 

If you aren't sure you want an exercise bike, check out the other ConsumerSearch fitness equipment reports. Treadmills are still the most popular type of home fitness equipment. Elliptical trainers are also gaining in popularity. Fitness experts and owners like them because they reduce knee stress by combining the motions of a treadmill with that of a stair stepper. We also have a report on stair steppers, which might be the least popular piece of fitness equipment these days.

Ads related to Exercise Bikes

Back to top