The best exercise bikes for slick at-home spinning
The best exercise bikes take the monotony out of indoor cycling with the help of everything from increased fitness data to virtual environments.
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Though they get less press than their brawnier siblings, the best exercise bikes are the secret weapon of many fitness boosting cross-training regimes. Unlike treadmills, rowing machines and even cross trainers, exercise bikes are an ideal way to get a sweat on at any ability level and can frequently be used even in injury: in short, everyone from absolute beginners to Tour De France participants can get a lot from this simple piece of equipment.
Unlike cycling on the road, track, or in the mountains, the indoor bike does not stop for rain or traffic jams. There's no need to kit up in your favourite cycling jersey (unless you want to, of course), and there's certainly no need for a helmet. This small lifestyle change can give you the opportunity to engage in a challenging cardio workout without ever having to break your bingeing streak of Blue Lights.
What are GQ's favourite exercise bikes?
- Best exercise bike with screen: NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle,
£1,999£999 at nordictrack.co.uk - Best budget exercise bike under £300: JLL JF150, £149.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best mid-range exercise bike under £500: Apex Smart Bike, £699 at apexrides.com
- Best realistic exercise bike: Wahoo KICKR,
£3,299£3,135 at sigmasports.com - Best premium exercise bike to lose weight: TechnoGym Bike, £3, 250 at technogym.com
- Best designer exercise bike without subscription: WaterRower NOHrD Bike,
£2,519£2,015 at conranshop.co.uk
What are the benefits of exercise bikes?
To take you back to school briefly: the benefits of cardio are manifold. Just like anything else that raises your heart rate — going for a run in your favourite running trainers, doing yoga on a stand-up paddle board — working out on an exercise bike gets the blood pumping, contributing to heart health as well as improving posture, lifting mood and burning calories. Regular use will see your fitness improve, especially if you're rotating slower recovery rides with high-intensity sessions or hill climbs. We recommend weaving your new bike routine into a different form of exercise — dumbbell lifting, for example — for even more noticeable results.
What's the difference between a stationary bike and an exercise bike?
You might have previously thought of the two as interchangeable, but there are in fact some small differences between stationary bikes and exercise bikes. While both are certainly stationary, the former (also sometimes known as an upright exercise bike) encourages an upright position reminiscent of a cruiser bike. It often has wider, padded seating and encourages a chair-like posture. An exercise bike, on the other hand, is what you might also call a spin bike. Mimicking the feel and position of a racing road bike, these are the kind you find in your local Soul Cycle or Psycle studio.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
"Why answer this here?" you might well ask. Well, as you'll soon see, plenty of the indoor bikes in the list of our favourites are available on Amazon, meaning it would make sense for you to know about Amazon Prime Day, the online retailer's big summer sale: an event we like to think of as a sunny day version of Black Friday. If you have your eye on one and it's available on Amazon, we recommend waiting for the big day to purchase.
When is Amazon Prime Day 2024?
No word from Mr Bezos on an exact date yet, but you should be able to catch Prime Day fitness deals come June or July if the shopping giant follows the pattern of the last few years.
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Shop GQ’s top picks of the best exercise bikes you can buy in 2024…
1/14Apex Smart Bike
Pros: Slick design | Easy to move
Cons: Lighter flywheel | Screen not included- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: 4kg
- Subscription service: Yes
- Max user weight: 120kg
- Dimensions: 121cm x 61cm
Unlike plenty of other models, the Apex exercise bike was designed for life in living rooms as opposed to professional gyms…or the corner of the garage. Prettily designed but clean in its lines, the Apex is one of the better looking picks of the bunch, plus it’s available in four different colours (albeit neutral ones) and comes ready to use out of the box.
In function, this is equipment that also favours quiet competency. While it doesn’t come with its own in-built screen, there is a purpose-built rack for keeping your own tablet, and the system boasts its own app so you can tap into a network of classes without the added cost. It’s also got space for dumbbells behind the seat should you wish to incorporate weights into your spinning session.
There are specifications you’d expect from an exercise bike — adjustable seat and handlebars, bottle holder — and others that you wouldn’t. For one thing, the Apex’s flywheel is encased so as to avoid any potentially injurious situations with pets or children. While some may not appreciate the relatively light (4kg) weight of it, others will be glad for the ease of moving it. Another USP that we love is the so-called “50/50” pedals, which allow for those wearing standard gym trainers and those wearing cycling cleats to optimise their workouts. £699. At apexrides.com
2/14NordicTrack Commercial Studio Bike
Pros: Sleek looks | Live and on-demand workouts | Large pivoting touchscreen
Cons: Expensive | Large | Speakers are in the rear of the screen- Screen: Yes
- Flywheel weight: 13kg
- Subscription service: Yes
- Max user weight: 150kg
- Dimensions: 130cm x 36cm x 84cm
After an exercise bike that matches up with the kind of equipment you'll find in a gym? NordicTrack is for you. Working to create an indoor cycling experience that authentically replicates the real thing, the Commercial S15i Studio Cycle is built with a Silent Magnetic Resistance system that can move between 24 digital levels, along with inclines ranging from 20 per cent to a ten per cent decline. This flexibility is damn impressive, and makes for a great way of challenging your body when things get too comfortable.
A generously-sized 14-inch touch LCD screen serves up all of your metrics and data while also displaying iFit virtual workouts to keep yourself motivated and on track. Thanks to the 360-degree rotation of the screen, you can also use it for other types of workout classes, angling it to another area of the room a la the Peleton Bike+. Like its Peloton-made rival, this bike can also automatically adjust its resistance, incline and decline levels for a smoother workout, with live interactive training letting you spin with people from all around the world. And if you fancy a break, you can virtually cycle anywhere that takes your fancy, via built-in Google Maps wizardry. Or, if you prefer, you can use the included dumbbells to tone your arms before conveniently storing them under the screen.
Either way, there are tonnes of options on offer, which, combined with the premium build, help explain that equally premium price tag. From
£1,999£1,799. At amazon.co.uk & nordictrack.co.uk
3/14JTX Fitness Cyclo-6
Pros: Heavy 22kg flywheel | Adjustable seat and handlebars | Sturdy build
Cons: Might be tough to assemble alone | Basic display- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: 22kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 135kg
- Dimensions: 124cm x 54cm x 122cm
The JTX Cyclo-6 is a formidable indoor cycling bike that carefully straddles the line between proper Peloton alternative and the kind of home gym addition that won't leave you sweating on your overdraft. Made for serious workouts thanks to a hefty 22kg flywheel with infinite resistance and clip-in SPD pedals, it also has a Quadri-Set system for adjusting the seat perfectly, while the handlebars can be moved too. While the ability to change the position of the handlebars and seat sounds rather basic, it's actually pretty important if you're looking to take this cycling malarkey seriously. That's because the correct positioning can not only help prevent injury, but also helps ensure that you're cycling at your most comfortable, and therefore, to your very best ability.
Naturally, you can also view home workout statistics and metrics on its front-mounted computer, with time, distance, speed, pulse and calories all monitored, along with support for the Peloton Digital, Bitgym and Aaptiv apps.
So what's the catch? Well, unlike the truly top-tier bikes featured here, you don't get any kind of bike-mounted tablet or screen to tutor you through your ride with on-demand classes. In fact, you don't even have a basic device holder to contend with, which means you'll have to resort to a TV or laptop if you're after some motivating, hands-free pedalling entertainment. For those who prefer to work out with a minimum of distractions around them though, this might actually rank as another positive for a truly impressive mid-range bike.
£625£549. At jtxfitness.com & amazon.co.uk
4/14Technogym Exercise Bike
Pros: Rotating screen | Silent
Cons: Large | Expensive- Screen: Yes
- Flywheel weight: 17.4kg
- Subscription service: Yes
- Max user weight: 160kg
- Dimensions: 59cm x 150cm
Those of you who don’t mind, and indeed may even be seeking out, a big bruiser of an exercise bike, may well appreciate Technogym’s lavish design, which not only comes with a wide screen, but allows said appendage to rotate to any position, meaning you can use it when doing floor exercises elsewhere in your home gym. It’s this screen that offers our other favourite qualities of Technogym’s luxury equipment, too: the 22 inch screen doesn’t only offer an omnibus of trainer-lead workouts, it also allows for immersive “outdoor” rides in a series of dreamy cycling surroundings and a menu of entertainment favourites including Netflix, Instagram and YouTube.
Sturdy and silent, this premium pick may be expensive, but it’s also one of the quieter options on the market. That means it’s ideal for flats so as to avoid ratty neighbours and can even be used in the dead of night without waking your partner or roommate. Besides, we all get insomnia sometimes. £3,250, or £81.25/month. technogym.com
5/14JLL JF150
Pros: Compact design | Budget price tag | Device holder
Cons: Basic display | Seat may be uncomfortable | Not challenging for experienced cyclists- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: 5kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 100kg
- Dimensions: 118cm x 49cm x 140cm
Despite being one of the more affordable bikes on this list, the JLL JF150 still provides a solid cardio workout, thanks to eight levels of magnetic resistance and a quiet belt-driven 5kg flywheel. Best of all, for those who are already signed up to the likes of Apple Fitness+ or Peloton's own workout app, there's an iPad holder to level up your training with the help of an on-demand instructor… or just sneak the weekend's Premier League highlights while you’re frantically pedalling away. That's right — you don't always need to cycle along to an overly-eager spin class coach. There's nothing wrong with pedalling away to your favourite shows or a film every now and then. Calories burned are calories burned, regardless of what you're watching.
However you choose to while away your time on the saddle, you'll also benefit from an LCD monitor to display your workout stats. If you’re in a smaller space and need to shift things around before and after each session you’ll also be pleased to hear it’s got built-in wheels too, making life after a brutal HIIT session a little easier.
Naturally, given its basic design, lighter flywheel and simpler features, this isn't a bike tailored to cycling enthusiasts. Overall though, it's a very solid starting bike that has everything a beginner needs to kick-start their fitness journey without investing thousands. If you're after a simple-yet-solid machine to burn calories or prep you for something a little more advanced, this is the bike for you. £149.99. At jllfitness.co.uk
6/14WaterRower NOHrD Bike
Pros: Stunning, unique design | High-quality materials
Cons: Expensive | Can get more capable bikes for your money- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: N/A
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: N/A
- Dimensions: 80cm x 55cm
And now for something totally wild, WaterRower’s NOHrD Bike is less a piece of workout equipment and more what one might expect to saddle up on if 1Rebel opened up a studio in the middle of the Tate Modern. Carved from solid wood (alongside a steel frame) in Germany, this is a design piece with unrivalled durability.
Clearly, the NOHrD Bike's striking aesthetic is key to its appeal, but there's more to the thing than elegant minimalism. Aside from a competition-style seat and handlebar design that offers multiple gripping options, it uses magnetic brake technology to help deliver that satisfying level of resistance and will work with a companion app to track training and riding progress. While you're lacking a screen for any ride-along instructions, the upside of this lo-fi approach is that you can look up and presumably gaze around at the rest of your impeccably curated abode. Available in all sorts of finishes from walnut and cherry, to oak and ash, it's a decadent bit of kit with looks glamorous enough to hide its impressive cardio fitness chops.
Can you get better, more advanced bikes for less cash? Absolutely. But sometimes, life's more than just about functionality. Sometimes it's okay to treat yourself to the finer things. If you've got the budget, and value appearance over pure function, there are few rivals that can match the beauty of the NOHrD. Shame about its horrible clunky and convoluted name, though. £3,149. At waterrower.co.uk
7/14Peloton Bike+
Pros: Huge screen | On-demand and live classes | Resistance automatically changes | Leaderboard
Cons: Expensive | Overkill for casual cyclists- Screen: Yes
- Flywheel weight: 18kg
- Subscription service: Yes
- Max user weight: 135kg
- Dimensions: 149cm x 135cm x 58cm
Peloton's newer Bike+ introduces a new ‘Auto-Follow’ resistance system that scales based on your target metrics, adjusting itself based on what your instructor is telling you to do. Compared to manually having to increase or decrease the resistance, this is an absolute godsend for fans of convenience. Having said that, if a session sees the resistance change to something that's too hard or too difficult, you can still manually dial things up or down as you see fit. Phew.
Another noteworthy upgrade over the original is a new rotating 23.8-inch HD screen, which makes it even easier to switch between cycling and floor-based workouts. Apple Health fans will also be thrilled to hear that it plays nice with the Apple Watch too — not only does this conveniently keep your workout stats in one handy place, but you can compare your daily activities with friends and family for that all-important competitive edge.
Peloton’s own real-time metrics are also available for an in-depth dive into your performance during solo riding and its many fitness classes, and you can keep the momentum going by stacking together bike and off-bike classes to provide the ultimate full-body workout without ever having to step foot in a gym. You can forget uncomfortable headphones as well, thanks to clear front and rear-facing speakers, combined with a near-silent belt drive for stealth operation. Throw in a tank-like build, adjustable seats and handlebars, and it’s easy to see why Peloton remains one of the most popular at-home options out there. And if it's a little too dear for your wallet, there's always the cheaper, regular Peloton, if you don't mind a smaller screen and the ability to manually adjust your resistance. From £1,995. At onepeloton.co.uk
8/14Ultrasport F-Bike
Pros: Extremely compact | Folds away for easy storage | Affordable price tag
Cons: Small display | Very basic bike | Not as sturdy as rivals- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: 1.5kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 100kg
- Dimensions: 112cm x 43.5cm x 80.5cm
Weighing just 15.5kg in total, the F-Bike is lighter than some of its pricier rivals' flywheels alone, which is actually pretty crazy, if you think about it. With a max user weight of 100kg, it's also clearly not going to be the most robust option for some people. What it does offer though, is a lightweight, folding design, letting you easily store it out of the way when not in use.
Ideal for small spaces where exercise equipment can't be left out at all times, it's a compact, handy way to get your cardio fix in while watching the TV, before storing it out of sight. The ability to whip out a bike, cycle, then jump off and fold it away as easily as you would a clotheshorse, is a convenience that no other bike on this list can come close to matching.
Naturally, given its small stature and cheaper price, it doesn't come with any fancy touchscreen displays or subscription services, but there is a basic LCD monitor which shows your distance, speed and pulse. It obviously won't pose a real challenge for serious cyclists, and it's definitely not suitable for more experienced users looking for a hardcore cycling experience. But it's absolutely worth considering for casual cardio-hunters who are tight on space, or even those who want to get their pedalling fix in while they're on the move. Whack it in the car, arrive at your woodland log cabin, and boom — you've got a bike to warm yourself up on those cold winter evenings. £133.99. At amazon.co.uk
9/14Carol Bike 2.0
Pros: Unique high-intensity sessions for shorter workouts | Sleek design | Touchscreen with quad-speaker setup
Cons: Very expensive- Screen: Yes
- Flywheel weight: 14kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 150kg
- Dimensions: 116cm x 56cm
Carol's tech-rammed bike uses AI to fine-tune custom-made cycling sessions to get the most out of your precious time. And we mean that quite literally — its REHIT, or Reduced Exertion High-intensity Interval Training sessions promise to deliver results in record time (i.e. in just five minutes of training). What do we mean by results? Well, the company states that in just eight weeks, you can be expected to increase your cardiorespiratory fitness levels by 12 per cent, reduce your Type 2 diabetes risk by 62 per cent, and add an extra two years to your life expectancy. Considering that improving key stats like your VO2 max by 12 per cent is like turning your body clock back 10 years, these stats are for more than just show.
Backed by research, this higher intensity/shorter time approach might seem like torture when you’re maniacally pumping away at the pedals (with toe cages, natch), but it’s the ultimate workout for those of us with precious free time. From busy boardroom execs to sleep-deprived parents, squeezing in a few short sessions on the Carol bike could pay dividends further down the line. You can, of course, use it like a regular high-end exercise bike with various different routines if you so wish, and there’s a no-questions-asked 100-day free return policy if you’re not convinced, for extra piece of mind.
This newer, redesigned version has a much sleeker appearance, and is one of the best-looking bikes on our list, at least, in our humble opinion. And that's all without mentioning its rather approachable name. £2,595. At carolbike.com
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10/14JLL IC300 PRO
Pros: Bang for buck | Adjustable seat | Heavy 20kg flywheel
Cons: Basic screen | Simple design- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: 20kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 130kg
- Dimensions: 131cm x 51cm x 112cm
Pitching itself just a notch above JLL's most budget-friendly JF150 bike, the IC300 Pro more than makes up for its uncreative nomenclature with a hefty 20kg flywheel, adjustable magnetic resistance, and support for users weighing up to 130kg. It's an excellent choice for anyone in search of a sturdy at-home ride that'll actually save you money when compared to a year's gym membership. Unlike similarly affordable models, the IC300 Pro's design mirrors that of a road bike allowing you to practice your form (and ditch any garish neon garb) while peddling away in cool, dry surroundings.
Although you're not going to be decorated with Peloton-calibre stat tracking or motivational tidbits while sitting on this JLL, it delivers the basics you need when it comes to monitoring your effort and improvement with time, speed, distance and calories all covered. There's even a pulse sensor incorporated into the handles should you be without a smartwatch to cover off such intricacies. After each workout, you can easily put the bike away as well, thanks to the built-in wheels, though its total 45kg of heft means that some users might prefer to simply leave it in place.
With a max supported user weight of 130kg, you can rest assured it's built to last, though you might find its basic screen lacking in fidelity. It doesn't have a backlight either, which might make visibility a bit of a pain in dimmer conditions. Still, it's got everything where it counts, and there's very little to complain about at this reasonable price. £249.99. At amazon.co.uk
11/14Bowflex VeloCore
Pros: Innovative tilting design | Large touchscreen | Supports multiple apps
Cons: Very expensive | You need a JRNY membership to access streaming apps (which you'll still need to pay for)- Screen: Yes
- Flywheel weight: Info N/A
- Subscription service: Yes
- Max user weight: 147kg
- Dimensions: 152cm x 61cm x 141cm
Bowflex's VeloCore is one of the most innovative exercise bikes we've ever seen thanks to its ability to swap between a traditional stationary mode and a new ground-breaking leaning mode. As its name suggests, the latter lets the bike lean from side to side, helping you work your arms and core in addition to your lower body. A red button beneath the handlebars lets you easily switch between modes, and it comes with a pair of dumbbells for stationary cycling workouts as well.
A generous 22in touchscreen TV will help distract you from the aches and pains, and it comes with all the major streaming services you could wish for, including Netflix, Disney+, and more. Annoyingly though, even though you'll still need a subscription to those services to watch them, you can only access them if you also pay for a JRNY subscription. While you'll obviously be unlocking the full potential of the bike with access to all the online classes and programmes that JRNY offers, it's still a bit cheeky that the streaming services can't be used without that additional subscription, considering you're already paying for them. That gripe aside, this is an exciting bit of kit that's ideal for those after something a little different. £2,998. At fitness-superstore.co.uk & amazon.co.uk
12/14Concept2 BikeErg
Pros: Air resistance | Plenty of pre-built user programmes
Cons: Design may be bland for some- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: 4.3kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 135kg
- Dimensions: 122cm x 61cm x 103cm
Keen rowers will immediately recognise the inspiration behind Concept2's rather unique exercise bike. Like its world-renowned rowing machine, the BikeErg is focused on air resistance, making it a little different from other offerings on this list.
The use of air resistance promises a smooth, quiet ride that responds in scale to your efforts, ensuring you'll always be challenging yourself appropriately, while letting you feel a ride unlike no other. Adjustable handlebars and a movable seat are ideal for finding the best position, while 20 user programmes should be more than enough to keep your heart rate in check. £1,160. At amazon.co.uk & argos.co.uk
13/14NordicTrack Commercial VR25
Pros: Designed to burn calories in comfort | App and media support
Cons: Recumbent design won't appeal to everyone- Screen: Yes
- Flywheel weight: 11kg
- Subscription service: No
- Max user weight: 147kg
- Dimensions: 152cm x 55cm x 172cm
Recumbent bikes aren't for everyone. They're certainly not for people who want to replicate the training that a real road bike offers. But if you're not fussed about that and are simply looking for a low-impact way to get your heart rate up while melting away calories in the process, then a recumbent bike like this premium offering from NordicTrack is a great shout.
It's crammed with workout features including the ability to connect it to an iFit subscription, letting you pedal away and work up a sweat in relative comfort, thanks to the built-in back support. The 7in screen also comes in handy for watching your favourite movies and TV shows too, letting you obliterate calories while forgetting you're even exercising in the first place.
£1,499£1,099 At nordictrack.co.uk
14/14Wattbike Atom
Pros: Supports Zwift and other cycling apps | Suitable for hardcore cyclists | Deep dive analysis into sessions
Cons: Expensive | No built-in screen- Screen: No
- Flywheel weight: Dual 4.6kg
- Subscription service: Yes
- Max user weight: 135kg
- Dimensions: 150cm x 50cm x 124cm
The Wattbike Atom is built for serious cyclists who want that feeling of hurtling down the road when they don’t want to head outside — and there's no shame in that. While some self-righteous pedallers might scoff at the idea of not wanting to take a ride out in monsoon-like conditions, the rest of us see no problem with riding out a storm from the comfort of our own home — especially if your indoor set of wheels is as advanced as the Atom.
Rant aside, this next-generation iteration of the Atom adds new cadence and crank sensors to give you a bigger data hit post-ride, making it ideal for those looking to work on every minute aspect of their technique and training regime. It also throws in an electromagnetic resistance system to offer better resistance changes when synced up with virtual training apps for scenic rides such as Zwift, saving you from manually turning knobs or pressing buttons to change the difficulty mid-ride. Not only is this more convenient, but it also helps you keep focused on your pedalling technique, rather than worry about making sure you've got the right resistance setting in place.
Wattbike also includes its own training app to build up your bike fitness, while also pairing with heart rate monitors to complete the pretty comprehensive connected training experience. Don't worry if you're not the type to obsess over personal best timings either, as there's a choice between ‘race’ and ‘comfort’ saddle variants for those who want to give their posterior some special treatment. £2,399. At wattbike.com
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