Whether you’re a keen cyclist looking to train during the colder months, or simply a beginner looking for an effective way to get fit at home, an exercise bike is an excellent device. It’s generally cheaper and smaller than other home cardio machines (like treadmills and rowers), and provides scope for all kinds of cardiovascular workouts, from long steady rides to the short HIIT (high-intensity interval training) blasts popular in spinning classes.
You don't need to break the bank to get an excellent exercise bike, but you should definitely work out exactly what you’re looking for before making a purchase. Below you’ll find exercise bikes to suit every shopper, from casual riders to dedicated cycling enthusiasts.
How to buy the best exercise bike for you
What kind of exercise bike do I want?
There are two common kinds of exercise bike: upright cycles and indoor cycles (also known as spinning cycles). Upright bikes are generally the more comfortable choice; they’re often cheaper, and better suited to beginners looking to get in shape.
An indoor cycle more closely mimics the experience of riding a road bike than an upright bike, with a forward-leaning rider position which means you can stand on the pedals. Indoor cycles are normally used in spin classes, as they’re perfect for intense, intervals sessions. If you prefer to ride your own bike, you can invest in what’s called a turbo trainer, which attaches to the back wheel of the bike so you can ride it while stationary.
A third type of exercise cycle to consider is a recumbent exercise bike, where the rider cycles in a laid-back reclining position – great for those who suffer from back pain.
How much do I need to spend?
If you’re looking for an upright bike, there are excellent options under £200, and even some solid picks under £100 for those on a tight budget. You can get a decent spinning cycle for less than £200 too, but here the prices go higher: for a gym-quality machine you’re looking at closer to £500.
What kind of resistance should I look for?
One of the most important features of an exercise bike is the degree of resistance it offers, as this is what determines the difficulty of your workout.
Most exercise bikes generate resistance using a flywheel that’s driven by the pedals; friction-resistance bikes apply brakes to slow this flywheel, which the user can adjust by turning a knob. Magnetic-resistance exercise bikes slow the flywheel through the magic of magnetism. This is quieter than direct contact brakes, requires less maintenance, and allows you to set an exact level of resistance. However, the maximum resistance is lower, which may frustrate seasoned cyclists – and some users prefer the instant response of twirling a direct-resistance knob, especially for HIIT sessions.
Another technique that’s sometimes used is air resistance, where a fan turns as you pedal. The harder you work, the greater the air resistance on the fan’s blades.
What other features should I look out for?
The size of the bike is important, both in terms of the space it might take up and whether it’s sturdy enough to take your weight and let you pedal comfortably. Most exercise bikes will have a digital display console giving the basic details of your ride; some offer more advanced stats like power and cadence. Other handy features can include a built-in fan and heart-rate monitoring handles.
The best exercise bikes to buy from £80 to £2,300
1. JLL Home Exercise Bike JF100: The best budget exercise bike
Price when reviewed:£73
This sturdy upright bike offers an impressively smooth and quiet ride at a bargain price. It also comes with a one-year warranty for peace of mind, which is always welcome when opting for a budget pick. Maxing out the resistance might not result in a tough enough ride to satisfy keen outdoor cyclists, but the JF100 ticks all the boxes for beginners keen on doing some cardio workouts at home without having to splash out more than £100.
Key specs – Size: 62 x 51 x 120cm (LWH); Resistance: Magnetic (10 levels); Max user weight: 100kg
2. Ultrasport F-bike Trainer: The best folding exercise bike
Price when reviewed:£83
The key question with folding bikes is whether they are sturdy enough to ride at speed without fear of toppling over. At 14kg, the Ultrasport F-bike is reassuringly solid, and its folded dimensions of 131 x 43.5 x 45cm (LWH) mean it can be tucked away to save space when not in use. There are eight levels of resistance, although the higher levels aren’t as challenging as you'd find a on a heavier, fixed bike.
Key specs – Size: 80.5 x 43.5 x 112cm (LWH); Resistance: Friction (8 levels); Max user weight: 100kg
3. York Active 110 Exercise Cycle: The best upright exercise bike under £200
Price when reviewed:£172
If your preference is an upright bike over a spinning cycle there’s no real reason to look beyond the excellent York Active 110. It has eight resistance levels, four preset workouts to follow and a fitness test to try. It’s comfortable too, with a nice wide seat and a clear LCD screen.
In addition, there are pulse sensors built into the handlebars which are quick to take a reading mid-workout. Pricier upright bikes offer more preset workouts and levels of resistance, but the durable York Active 110 will satisfy the vast majority of home users.
Key specs – Size: 111 x 53 x 123cm (LWH); Resistance: Magnetic (8 levels); Max user weight: 120kg
4. JLL IC300 Indoor Cycling Bike: The best indoor cycle under £200
Price when reviewed:£155
If you’re choosing a spinning bike over an upright bike, it’s important to look out for the size of the flywheel – the heavier it is the better, in terms of a natural-feeling, smooth ride. The JLL IC300 has an 18kg flywheel, which is excellent at the sub-£200 price point, with the resistance controlled by a knob so you can crank it up quickly.
The JLL IC300 isn’t the quietest bike, and the direct-contact braking system will require some maintenance. It’s also not especially comfortable, but then spinning bikes rarely are compared to upright cycles. If you're looking to try your hand at spinning studio-style HIIT workouts at home, it’s the best option available for under £200.
Key specs – Size: 127 x 51 x 110cm (LWH); Resistance: Friction; Max user weight: 130kg
5. V-fit G-RC: The best recumbent exercise bike under £200
Price when reviewed:£185
A recumbent exercise bike is by far the most comfortable design. The laid-back position puts less stress on your lower back, knees and ankles, making it the best option for anyone who experiences pain after riding in a regular position. It’s also a lot easier to ride a recumbent bike hands free, so you could read a book, check your email or even use weights while turning the pedals.
This recumbent exercise bike from V-fit is quiet and stable even when pedalling fast. It offers eight resistance settings and a clear screen that can be read easily from the relaxed riding position. That makes it perfect for long, comfortable sessions that won’t aggravate any niggling injuries you might have.
Key specs – Size: 135 x 64 x 100cm (LWH); Resistance: Magnetic (8 levels); Max user weight: 115kg
6. JTX Cyclo 6: The best exercise bike under £500
Price when reviewed:£474
When it comes to quality, the stylish JTX Cycle 6 is on par with many commercial spinning bikes – so for less than £500 it’s a great deal.
The chunky 22kg flywheel makes for a very smooth and sturdy ride, and allows you to ramp up the resistance to levels that will challenge even seasoned road cyclists. It’s quiet, even at high levels of resistance, and its durability is evidenced by its high maximum user weight of 160kg. The JTX Cycle 6 also comes with a two-year warranty and 28-day money back guarantee.
Key specs – Size: 131 x 65 x 126cm (LWH); Resistance: Friction; Max user weight: 160kg
7. Wattbike: The very best exercise bike there is – if you’re willing to pay for it
Price when reviewed:£2,250
The Wattbike looks hugely expensive next to the other bikes on this list – but it represents a correspondingly huge jump in quality. This elite-standard trainer measures over 37 different cycling metrics, from basic power, heart rate and cadence info to sophisticated insight into your pedalling efficiency and left-right leg balance. This in-depth data can be monitored live during your ride on the Wattbike console, so you can easily train to improve your pedalling technique.
There are two models of Wattbike to pick between – the Pro and the Trainer, with the former offering higher levels of resistance, making it better suited to more powerful cyclists. Clearly, it’s aimed at serious cyclists, but if you’re looking for a realistic ride experience that will improve your physical fitness and pedalling technique, it can’t be bettered.
Key specs – Size: 125 x 66 x 130cm (LWH); Resistance: Air and Magnetic (0-2000W Trainer, 0-3760W Pro); Max user weight: 150kg
