Nothing beats the feeling of being able to ride outdoors with a bicycle. It allows you to enjoy the environment and keep your body healthy. However, not all people have the luxury to ride outdoors, especially if the weather does not agree with the activity, or there is just no place to ride at. Furthermore, many people don’t have the time to ride outdoors due to work, home responsibilities, and other commitments. As an alternative to outdoor biking, you can always choose an indoor bike. While an indoor bike definitely can’t let you see the outdoors, it brings about the same health benefits as riding an outdoor bike. Plus, an indoor bike or spin bike allows you to manage your time, space, and the intensity of your workout.
In this article, we’ll share with you the Best indoor cycling bike choices today. we’ll also provide you with important hints and tips when choosing the ideal bike that suits your needs.
Benefits of choosing the Best indoor cycling bike
Here are a few of the many benefits of indoor cycling bikes.
Manage work out Intensity
One of the best things about indoor cycling bikes is that you can manage the intensity of your workout. Most often than not, outdoor riders rely on the terrain for the intensity of their workout. This means, that if the terrain is rough, they’ll be required to do more pedaling. At the same time, if the terrain or track is long, there will be more pedaling involved – short distances would simply mean less pedaling work.
This means the intensity of the workout is just limited. Whereas an indoor cycling bike does not rely on the terrain. Thus, the intensity of the workout can be increased or decreased depending on your preferred workout intensity.
Furthermore, the workout intensity with an indoor bike can be increased or decreased through the weight of the wheel or the friction level of the machine. More friction or weight simply means more work and more energy to be used. This is among the greatest features of the indoor bike that is not present in an outdoor bike.
Affordable
Compared to outdoor bikes, indoor bikes are much cheaper. Indoor bikes don’t have expensive and complex accessories and parts such as gears, brakes, forks, and other components that usually make up the expensive price of an outdoor bike. Furthermore, indoor bikes don’t require constant maintenance and upkeep. It is not exposed to external elements such as dirt, moisture, and sun which are the usual causes of corrosion and damage on bikes.
In addition, you don’t have to rent a space or travel to the place where you can use a bike. You can simply start using the indoor bike right at the convenience of your own home.
Time Convenience
The next advantage of using an indoor bike over using an outdoor bike is that you can use the indoor bike anytime. Since the bike is portable, it can be set up anytime whenever there is a need to work out. In addition, workout or riding time is not limited to the terrain or track on which outdoor bikes are limited. You can ride the bike for as long as you like and can even engage in other activities while doing so – such as watching movies, working, speaking with others, and more.
Space
Lastly, indoor bikes don’t require much space. It doesn’t require a track or road to ride on. You can simply place the indoor bike in a small area in your home or office and start working out right away. Some Home spin bikes are even convertible or can be folded in a way that is easily stored in small spaces or corners.
Top 10 Spin bikes for home
Here are the top 10 spin bikes for home.
Bike | Resistance Mechanism | Item Weight | Max Weight | Warranty | Features | |
| 1 | YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike | Brake Pad Friction | 72.75 lbs | 270.00 lbs | 3 months Overall framework and 12 months part | LCD Monitor and Ipad Mount |
| 2 | Sunny Health & Fitness Bike | Felt Pad resistance | 102.00 lbs | 275.00 lbs | 3 months | Adjustable Seat & Ergonomic handlebars |
| 3 | Nordic Track S22i | Magnetic | 204.00 lbs | 350.00 lbs | 1 year | 22 inches Interactive HD Touchscreen |
| 4 | Schwinn Recumbent Bike | Magnetic | 86.60 lbs | 300.00 lbs | Manufacturer Provided | Console with DualTrack blue backlit LCD screen |
| 5 | Schwinn IC3 Indoor Bike | Friction | 100.00 lbs | 300.00 lbs | 2 years mechanical & electrical, 1 year labor, 5 years frame | Standard LCD console monitor |
| 6 | Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike | Magnetic | 39.00 lbs | 300.00 lbs | Manufacturer Provided | LCD screen to monitor Distance, Calories Burned, Time, Speed and Pulse |
| 7 | Xterra Fitness FB150 Bike | Magnetic | 32.00 lbs | 225.00 lbs | Manufacturer Provided | LCD screen to monitor Distance, Calories Burned, Time, Speed and Pulse |
| 8 | Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike | Magnetic | 58.70 lbs | 300.00 lbs | 3yr / 180 day Manufacturer Warranty | Pulse Rate Monitoring |
| 9 | DMASUN Indoor Bike | Magnetic | 77.00 lbs | 330.00 lbs | 3yr / 180 day Manufacturer Warranty | Digital Monitor |
First on our list of top spin bikes for home is the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike with its simple yet effective way of burning calories fast with the enjoyment of riding a bike. Among the things that the Yosuda boasts among other Spin, bikes are its heavy steel frame which ensures durability and at the same time stability. Being heavy is never a disadvantage for indoor bikes since heavier bikes provide better stability and balance – especially for heavy and tall riders.
It is belt-driven which ensures smooth as well as quiet rides. For added comfort, the bike is equipped with an adjustable set of handlebars, padded seats, and caged foot pedals.
Should you prefer more intensity, you can simply adjust and control it through the resistance knobs.
Pros
The belt ensures quiet and smooth rides
Adjustable Resistance
Easy storage
Impressive stability
Cons
Doesn’t have clips on the pedals
Not ideal for tall riders
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your indoor bike needs then the Sunny health and fitness bike can be your best bet. It is much heavier than the previous bike had a 40 lb chrome flywheel – this immediately translates to smooth rides with reliable stability. Furthermore, it comes with a knob that controls resistance in case you want more intensity out of your workout. This bike also has a good level of comfort through the adjustable performance seat, along with the ergonomic handle, and caged pedals.
Another thing that sets this bike apart from other indoor bikes is its slim profile. It doesn’t look bulky and its slim design allows for easy storage and it doesn’t take up too much space. The base also comes with levelers to provide optimum stability on any surface.
Pros
Easy to assemble and set up
Slim design
Impressive stability
Multiple adjustable settings
Cons
Heavy
Noisy
When it comes to a good number of features of an indoor bike, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i indoor bike is a great option to consider. Along with its good array of features, it also includes magnetic resistance which provides more efficient as well as quiet resistance whenever you feel like increasing the intensity of your workout. Furthermore, the control or rider can control the settings and features even at a distance from the bike.
It features a touchscreen that rotates 360 degrees to provide with comfortable angle whenever working out. Although this indoor bike is a bit more expensive than the rest of the bikes on this list, it includes a year of access to the iFit classes.
Pros
Compact and easy to store
Multiple features
360 view Touch screen
Silent magnetic resistance out of the flywheel
Cons
Expensive
Non-foldable
If you’re dealing with a heavy and painful back every time you’re riding a bike then the recumbent bike is the perfect option to get you to love indoor biking again. It also comes with other assistance features that help promote better mobility around the hips, knees, and back. Compared to frames of other indoor bikes, the recumbent bike has a much lower frame which makes getting on it easy and safe. The lower frame makes it also comfortable and convenient for short riders.
It is a mid-range priced indoor bike from Schwinn and its name expresses its reliability and credibility when it comes to durability as well as efficiency. The bike uses friction resistance which enables smooth as well as silent biking with adjustable resistance levels. its seat is rather large to provide comfort during long rides. It also comes with a tablet holder to provide convenience in watching training sessions or movies while you exercise.
Pros
Comes with special back support and mobility assistance features
Huge collection of resistance levels
Low frame
Comfortable seat
Cons
Not ideal for tall riders
Legs need to be stretched when using the bike
An indoor bike that has a traditional style but is still packed with advanced features is Schwinn’s IC3 bike. It has all the basic features of an indoor bike which gives you all you need to make a good workout. The bike is designed with a 40-lb flywheel which leads to impressive stability. It also features a resistance knob that controls the tension of the flywheel. Simply turn the knob to increase the intensity of the workout.
In addition, it features a toe cage where you can simply fit in your feet and forget about slippage around the pedal. The bike is also designed with settings and features to provide more comfort such as the adjustable seat and ergonomic handle.
Pros
Designed with dual-link pedals
Adjustable seat and handlebars
Mobile mount
Impressive stability
Cons
A basic indoor bike without workout programs
Cannot be folded
Another simple and affordable indoor bike that you can consider if you want a basic and cheap option is the Exerpeutic’s Folding Indoor Bike. As the name suggests, this indoor bike is foldable which makes it easy to store as well as transport due to its small and light frame design. While it only weighs 39 lbs, it is sturdy and durable enough to carry riders that weigh as much as 300 lbs. in addition, the adjustable seat enables it to accommodate both short and tall riders having heights between 5’3” to 6’1”.
It comes with an adjustable seat that is wide as well as cushioned to provide optimum comfort while working out. The bike is also designed with a tray where you can secure your items such as your phone, wallet, watch, and other belongings. The handlebars provide controls over the resistance of the pedals.
Pros
Easy storage and transport
Lightweight and durable
Ideal for both short and tall riders
Affordable
Cons
Basic indoor bike
Poor stability due to lightweight
Another choice of the basic and foldable indoor bike such as the previous option in this list is the FB150. It is another practical indoor bike that focuses on portability and affordability while maintaining its main function which is to deliver effective workouts.
One thing that sets this bike apart from other foldable and basic indoor bikes is its light flywheel, and its user interface that allows the rider to monitor speed, pulse, calories, distance, time, and many others. Likewise, it comes with an adjustable seat that is also cushioned and designed wide for an extra level of comfort. If you want more intensity out of your workout, you can simply increase the resistance through the control pad.
Pros
User-friendly interface
Light and portable
Inexpensive
8-Resistance level setting
Cons
Not ideal for tall riders
Poor stability
Another indoor bike that you can consider should you prefer a complex and advanced indoor bike that offers optimum comfort and efficiency is the Sunny Health & Fitness Bike. Unlike the basic or traditional indoor bikes, this bike allows you to work out even in a reclined position. By reclining the seat, you can work more on specific parts of your body such as your thighs, glutes, calves, and others. Compared to an upright bike that focuses mainly on working out the core, this bike enables you to work the core as well as all the lower limbs.
Its adjustable seat adjustments provide optimum comfort while working out. Also, you can increase the intensity of the workout by increasing the resistance level of the flywheel. The bike is designed to be heaved for improved stability and the frame is durable enough to handle weights as much as 300 lbs.
Pros
Adjustable features for comfort
Good range of resistance levels
Self-leveling pedals
Focuses on all lower limbs
Cons
Complicated assembly
Non-foldable
And last but certainly not the least in our list of best indoor cycling bikes is the DMASUN indoor bike. If there’s one thing that’s unique about this bike is its modern and complex look and style. It comes with all the advanced features that an indoor bike can bring while still not lacking performance and durability.
It has an array of adjustable settings and features along with components that offer added comfort and convenience to the rider. It comes with a heavy flywheel to guarantee stability, a thicker frame to carry heavy weights, a triangular frame for ergonomics, and many other features. While you can adjust the height of the seat, you can also adjust the distance of the seat toward the handlebar. This provides comfort to the back and legs.
Pros
Designed with movable wheels
Multiple features for added comfort
Comes with a seat slider
Smooth and silent rides
Cons
Bulky and takes too much space
Expensive
To help you make up your mind regarding which indoor bike suits your needs, make sure to consider the purpose or function of the bike. If you’re looking for a bike that simply provides you with a good workout without the need for other features, then the practical or basic indoor bike would be your excellent choice. On the other hand, if you think that using gadgets as well as other electronics and advanced features are essential for an indoor bike then you can opt for the more advanced bikes mentioned on this list.
FAQs
Is it better to invest in an indoor cycle than actual bicycle?
As far as time management, cost, and effectiveness goes, indoor bikes are much better options than the actual bicycle. The only advantage of a bicycle is that you get to see place where you’re riding from. Health benefits are the same for both bikes.
Can you really lose weight when you ride an indoor bike?
Depending on the level of intensity of a specific workout, you can actually burn more calories than riding a bicycle or from other workout activities. Frequent workouts with the bike everyday can ensure positive results toward burning fats.
What to look for in an indoor cycling bike?
Among the things that you need to check with your ideal indoor cycling bike is its adjustable features such as the seat, handle, resistance levels, and so on. Make sure as well that you are knowledgeable of the features as well as settings to improve comfortability and convenience when using the bike. Furthermore, it should come with accessories that provide better workout experience such as the water holder, pedal clip or cage pedals, mobile phone or tablet holder, and so on.
How long should you ride the indoor bike daily?
You should spend at least 15 to 20 minutes in your workout with the indoor bike if you’re looking to lose a good number of calories. It also depends on the intensity as well as the other workout routines involved. Less intense workouts using the bike will require more time spent in order to achieve better results.