Best exercise bikes and smart indoor bikes for home workouts 2023

Ultimately the best exercise bikes will be ones that motivate you to ride regularly. An exercise bike can have all the functionality in the world, but if it leaves you uninspired to cycle at home, it’ll end up gathering dust in a corner, or become an overpriced clothes horse.

From beginner to professional virtual e-sports cyclist, there is an exercise bike out there for you. Even if you already own one of the best road bikes, an indoor bike has huge benefits for every cyclist.

Some of the best exercise bikes will connect to the best indoor training apps for cycling and allow you to record your riding allowing you to track your progress in a similar way that the best power meters would, although some will require you to just wear a smartwatch or heart rate monitor and only give you a calorie burn indication.

If there is no connectivity, this doesn't mean the exercise bike isn't still a great option, you just need to be on top of monitoring your progress in another way. In terms of motivation, thinking of the money savings with a cheaper exercise bike might just be all you need.

What are the best exercise bikes right now?

Our favourite budget option is the Decathlon house brand Domyos for its user friendly functionality which includes some helpful fitness tracking. 

If you have more cash to splash, then it has to be the Peloton Indoor Bike. It's a home gym with built in entertainment, programming and a strong online community to keep you accountable, perfect for anyone looking for motivation to keep riding once the initial purchase excitement wears off.  

If it's outdoor experience inside that you're after, then it has to be the totally immersive Wahoo Kickr bike, it's as close as you can get to riding your actual bike out on the road, without stepping outside. 

Best budget exercise bikes

For riders who are newcomers to riding at home, the Domyos Basic Exercise bike can be the perfect transition. While reviews on the Decathlon house brand website say that it's no studio bike, they all applauded its sturdiness and value for money.

Arguably with only household users, the basic spin bike doesn't need to be quite so robust, and therefore gets away with being slightly lighter and more transportable, allowing it to be wheeled out the way when not in use.

A 12kg flywheel uses a mechanically applied leather brake pad to create resistance for the user, in what the brand says is 'moderate-intensity use, while a chain drivetrain should recreate a smooth pedalling sensation, similar to that of a normal bike.

The saddle height and fore/aft can be adjusted along with the handlebar height, very similar to a regular gym spin bike, and in theory you could attach your own pedals.

There isn't an online community or platform to join, which does mean you'll have to be self motivated to record your rides or find on line classes to attend. This does have the perks of no monthly subscription and doesn't tie you into any long term commitment.

If you're a strong rider or looking to mimic road sprints then look elsewhere, but if you want the freedom and flexibility of keeping fit with a little homemade spin class at home when the time suits you it's perfect.

If you've ever undertaken a gym spin class, the chances are that you were riding a Schwinn.

The home or away bike requires very little in terms of technical know how in order to set up and ride, and even comes with secure clipless pedals (SPD) so is ridable straight out of the box.

This may be a few hundred more than the entry level Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100, but there won't be many people in the household who will overpower the Schwinn.

The sturdy indoor trainer uses a weighty flywheel and direct-contact resistance system, meaning you are in charge of your own training at all times.

The downside is that with this level of basic functions, you'll need to be pretty motivated to lead your own spin class at home, although the added tablet/ phone holder means you can join a virtual class, or watch a film/ read a book.

The lack of mains power means the bike's location can be really flexible, with mini roller wheels helping it to be transported. But the weight unit will limit its general living place, and I wouldn't be keen on rolling it or riding it without the use of heavy duty floor protection.

Read more: Schwinn IC8 Indoor Cycling Exercise bike full review

Best mid-range exercise bikes

Echelon says the sturdy and compact bike provides both comfort and functionality. Customisation is easy with adjustable oversized seat and handlebar console. A silent magnetic flywheel provides 32 levels of resistance and challenging workouts for all levels of rider.

A clear contender for the best Peloton alternatives (opens in new tab), with unlimited personalised workouts and online community options. But unlike Peloton, all price plans allow you to join a variety of live and on-demand classes and special events led by Echelon's own trained instructors, the price just depends on your long term commitment. Access is provided through the Echelon Fit App using your mobile phone, tablet or smart TV.

The bike provides a more upright riding position than other smart exercise bikes, so longer torso riders might feel a bit squished up, while others may find the ride feel too distant from their real road bike.

"Okay Peloton, let's do this!" You have almost certainly seen the adverts for this on TV, the brand has been popping up everywhere and even non-cyclists now know of the word, peloton. The American brand dominates the US market and has made inroads into the UK one too.

The basic set up (and membership) includes daily live streamed classes, as well as 24hr access to the virtual studio for an entire household. There's curated playlists for all genres, instructors and coaches, as well as leaderboards to keep you motivated. There's even additional extra options that include strength, stretch and yoga classes.

It's cheaper than the Wahoo option, but nearly double that of the Echelon option. It's also worth noting that you may be tempted by the all motivational Peloton system, but be aware of the on going monthly subscription which if you don't keep up, can make the bike feel like a rather expensive spin bike.

There's a lot more information below on whether or not Peloton is worth it and the Peloton alternatives. If it all sounds like a tempting offer for virtual cycling, but are still undecided, we've even got a helpful guide on Zwift vs Peloton: which is best for your at-home workouts? which might help you decide.

If you struggle to plan your own workouts and need motivational entertainment, the Peloton is a great option. There's even the option for individual profiles for household access, so perfect if you're looking for a shared home bike option.

Read more: Peloton indoor training bike review 

Concept2 is a big name in gym equipment with its rowing machines considered the gold standard and this accuracy is carried over into the Concept2 BikeErg exercise bike. Its PM5 power meter measures a host of metrics to give repeatable values from its fan-based resistance unit.

That means that there's no heavy flywheel or magnetic resistance unit, so the Concept2 BikeErg is lighter than many competitors and there's no need for a power supply. 

We found the set-up to be quick and there's a wide range of tool-free adjustment of all the contact points. Shorter or taller riders can buy a different length seatpost for even more inside leg length range. You can also swap out handlebars, saddle and pedals, although not the crank length.

On test, the belt drive and air resistance make for a really smooth, quiet ride. It's easy to do one of Conept2's sessions or to hook up to Zwift for more stimulation; a tablet mount is an extra worth buying.

On the downside, we didn't find power measurement all that accurate, although it was consistent, and you need to reach down to the flywheel to alter resistance rather than having a bar-mounted lever.

Read more: Concept 2 BikeErg review 

Horizon Fitness offers indoor exercise kit that all costs under $1,000, with the 7.0 IC offer including a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Set-up isn't too laborious, although there's a limited range of adjustment and the saddle is rather hard.

The Horizon Fitness bike comes with pedals with SPD clips on one side and straps on the other and you get two water bottle holders. It doesn't take up too much space.

You get Bluetooth connectivity, so you can use a phone or tablet to join classes or rides online and your speed and other metrics will be sent to the app, although you're still going to need to adjust the resistance manually. With a total of 100 levels, there's plenty of fine-resolution and high-end resistance available and the transition between levels is smooth.

Read more: Horizon Fitness 7.0 IC Fitness Bike review

Best high-end exercise bikes

The Tacx Neo Bike Plus builds upon the already superb Tacx Neo 2T base hardware and improves on many of the issues that were there with the first Neo Bike. The shifters have been revamped with improved feel and functionality, the seatpost is slimmer to avoid thigh rub, and the cranks have been redesigned to offer more length options. 

Initial setup is surprisingly easy, with all tools supplied and simple instructions to follow. The bike is incredibly heavy, but wheels at the back help manoeuvre it around a room. The inclusion of inbuilt tablet holder, holding bay for phone and such, and inbuilt fans are appreciated. The inbuilt USB chargers are also fantastic for charging a tablet while Zwifting!

We found the Neo Bike Plus to have possibly the smoothest ride feel of any indoor trainer we have tested, thanks to the Neodymium magnets in the flywheel to create resistance. ERG mode is incredibly precise with no lag in application and the whole platform is incredibly stable for all sorts of efforts. 

Accuracy-wise, it tracks brilliantly with similarly accurate power meters across the board. The new updated shifters work fantastically and the customisable gears mean you can be prepared for any sort of ride and never worry about cross chaining or chain dropping.

Read more: Tacx Neo Bike Plus full review

Wattbike is one of the leaders in exercise bikes, supplying federations and gyms, and the original smart bike system.

The consumer model, the Atom, has recently been updated with an improved, faster, electromagnetic resistance which Wattbike says also allows for an extra 500 watts at the top end (2,500w compared to 2,000w) and more accuracy.

In our review of the original Atom we commented that "pedalling fluidity is second to none." We also found it to be incredibly quiet, too, so a good option if you don't have a dedicated outbuilding to train in, or live in a flat and don't want to annoy the neighbours.

Connectivity comes via ANT+ or Bluetooth, and you can use set workouts via the Wattbike Hub, its own training and analysis platform, or you can hook it up to an indoor training app.

There is limited adjustability when compared to the other smart bikes, but it does have road bike-style geometry including a 160mm Q-Factor. As shipped, you'll find flat pedals with toe clips. Clipless pedals are an easy swap. All in, it weighs 97lbs/ 44kg making it one of the lightest smart bikes on the market. 

Read more: Wattbike Atom smart bike review

This is as close as you will get to merging the line between virtual riding and reality. The Wahoo Kickr Bike has an amazing set of strings to its bow. Features such as integrated grade changes, customizable gearing, and simulated shifting put it in the running as one of the best exercise bikes.

While riding, you can adjust the gradient all the way up to 20 per cent, or, if you wanted to feel like you were descending, -15 per cent too. This is to make the Kickr Bike feel as realistic as possible. You can also fit the bike to your exact specifications with help from the very detailed and informative Wahoo fitness app.

The Kickr Bike is compatible with any of the big brands, Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo. The virtual shifting technology recognises every detail to make sure that the smart shifting of the bike works with what you want, allowing you to even add your own handlebars, saddle and pedals.

There isn't a screen/ dedicated on-line trainer, but even that gives you the freedom to dictate your own virtual training package. The only real downside is that you'll need to configure some kind of screen stand.

Read more: Wahoo Kickr bike review

Most of the bikes Stages ships out of the door are used in gyms - which means the brand is well accustomed to creating robust units that will withstand heavy abuse. This model is more for the enthusiast to use at home. 

Power readings come via Stages crank-based power meters, and you'll get accurate left/right measurement. 

Weighing over 62kg, you'd be hard pressed to get this to budge. It does come with wheels, so it is easy to move it around a room - but getting it in situ originally is quite a job. 

Price wise, it's on a par when compared to its peers, falling in line with Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer.

Adjustability is top notch, and you can purchase a second seatpost to save the hassle of swapping saddles between users. 

Read more: Stages SB20 full review

We found the Technogym Ride smart bike to be a really solid platform, and loved the simplicity of use - two taps on the screen and away you ride. 

The sheer amount of accessibility to on-line and pre-programmed riding options was super impressive. From riders loving their live data metrics to watching your favourite Netflix show, or heading into the virtual world of Rouvey for a group ride, or just selecting a famous col to head up, the list goes on. Zwift and other on line portals are also compatible, but need an extra HMTI cable from your own laptop to work. 

The entertainment factor and the ease of rider set up mean this is a great smart exercise bike for multiple users, and the monthly subscription allows up to five accounts to be registered. 

The ride feel is excellent and incredibly smooth, but the power and incline thresholds are lower than other smart bikes on the market. 

My household found that while the entertainment and ease of use was excellent, the closeness of the large 22" colour screen was frustrating, especially if, like me, you are long sighted. Also the sheer size and weight of the bike required it to be located in the garage, meaning that it was harder to find riding time, as I couldn't leave a little one in the house on her own.  

Read more: Technogym Ride smart bike review

Buyer's guide to the best exercise bikes and smart bikes

There's a lot to consider if you're looking for the best exercise bike to meet your needs. You'll want to make sure that you've got all the functionality that you want before making what can be a significant outlay on an exercise bike or smart bike for riding indoors.

Here's a cross-reference table for all the models listed above.

Hard to believe that exercise bikes have been around since the advent of the bike, and there were even exercise bikes on the Titanic!

Since the advent of spin classes in the mid-nineties, when the popularity of static riding grew rapidly, the domestic offering thankfully now expands much further than the first iteration of exercise bikes that eventually gathered dust in your parents' bedroom four decades ago.

In the main, a typical exercise bike will be for anyone looking for a get and keep fit option at home. The range available is huge and in general directly correlates with price. The more you spend, the better the ride feel and the more data will available to you.

A smart bike will be all about the technical attributes, will have pre-programmable sessions, the ability to see and record data, and often have wifi or bluetooth, making it compatible with a third party app on a computer.

Traditionally, more experienced cyclists who train indoors would attach their own bike to one of the best turbo trainers or ride on a set of the best bike rollers. Although most smart trainers no longer require you to use your top bike with one of the best power meters to measure your Wattage, there will always be some discrepancy from chain wear, or tyre pressures on rollers.   

These provide a more real life riding experience, and some will have a more realistic riding position, with dropped handlebars or time trial bars.

Brands such as the highly popular Peloton range straddle both exercise and smart bike spheres, providing an interactive whole body workout, which includes weights, but with the ability to see and store data and automatic resistance changes.

Whatever option you choose, it’s important to not get caught in a false economy trap of just buying the cheapest option.

The best exercise bikes and smart bikes will have weighted flywheels (if it’s not an air bike), a range of adjustable resistance and sturdy frames, an exercise bike is only as good as its basic structure, so needs to be robust enough to withstand regular riding.

Resistance Types

At the heart of most indoor bikes sits a weighted flywheel. Its job is to provide mass which requires energy to establish rotational inertia. In other words - a weighted metal disk which takes the place of a bike wheel and is connected to the pedals via either a chain or a belt.

The flywheel stores kinetic energy, so once you’ve got the wheel turning, it will continue to do so, creating a very similar experience to outdoor pedalling.

A good flywheel will typically take force to get it spinning, and force to make it stop, as kinetic energy is a function of mass and speed. The larger the diameter and heavier the flywheel the more energy is stored, and the flywheels that spin the fastest store much more energy than ones that spin faster (so keep spinning for longer on their own).

Put simply:

If you have two flywheels and spin them at 10 miles an hour they both store the same energy.

Double the weight of one but maintain both at 10 miles an hour, the heavier flywheel will store twice as much energy.

If you have two identical weighted flywheels, but spin one at 10 miles an hour and one at 20 miles an hour, you actually quadruple the energy it stores.

The trick is ensuring that whatever way the bike creates kinetic energy that there is a sweet spot between weight, size and resistance controls.

Without the ability to apply external slowing force, a flywheel would be more of a go and stop experience and have to be either extraordinarily large and heavy or be spun at an extraordinary speed to have a positive effect on your fitness.

By applying the principles of friction from either brake pads making direct contact or electromagnetic induction, using powerful magnets, the weight and size or speed of a flywheel can be significantly reduced to a more usable package.

Direct-Contact resistance systems

A brake pad is simply applied alongside and on top of the flywheel to create friction which the rider needs to overcome.

The more pressure applied to the pad, the harder it becomes to keep the flywheel moving. It’s that simple.

The downside is, you’ll still require a pretty heavy and large flywheel; think typical gym spin bike, and much like brakes on a bike or a car, over time you’ll find that the brakes will need replacing. Depending on the quality and size of the flywheel, you may eventually find that it needs to be replaced too at some point.

They are also entirely mechanical, so will be noisier than electro-magnetic resistant bikes. So if it’s going to be living in the middle of your lounge, you might need to give advance warning of your impending exercise routine to the rest of the household.

The upside is that this level of simplicity keeps the price down. There are lots of online classes, both paid and free, to sign up to keep you motivated and working hard. These bikes also rarely require electricity, so great for keeping in an outbuilding or, even outside with a protective cover on when not in use.

Electro-Magnetic resistance systems

Recently these have become the pièce de résistance of exercise bikes and smart bikes. By passing an electrical current through magnets you can make the magnets more or less attractive to each other. The resistance in an electromagnetic exercise or smart bike is controlled by the level of electric current passing through the magnets that flank either side of the flywheel. More current equals more magnetic force, increasing the resistance, making it harder for you to turn it.

The biggest benefit of the electromagnetic resistance system is that it can be controlled by the rider, by pushing a button, running pre-programmed software built into the bike or, with the correct connectivity, a remote third party, allowing for virtual riding on platforms such as Zwift or TrainerRoad.

Another benefit of the electromagnetic system is that because there is nothing in contact with the flywheel creating the resistance, you can significantly reduce its size and weight, making the whole package much smaller and lighter.

Other benefits include less wear and tear, as there are no brakes in contact with the flywheel and the working noise is also significantly reduced.

The downside as well as requiring a source of electricity, is the cost. The initial outlay will be a lot more expensive than a more basic mechanical direct contact resistance bike, and remote third party virtual reality apps will require a subscription of some kind.

Air resistance systems

Air bikes use a flywheel system based on air to create the resistance and are increasingly popular in gyms since the advent of Crossfit/ Functional fitness and their HIIT style exercises.

Fan like blades are driven by a simple cog and chain/ belt and require the rider’s energy, mostly by co-joined pedal arm levers to turn. The harder you ride, the more resistance the blades meet from air, making you expend more energy.

If you want to cover a set distance or calorie count quickly, you’ll have to push the blades through the air quickly - which requires more force to move air molecules quicker, think of putting your hand out of a moving car window and the force of the wind at low and high speeds.

90% of air bikes will have arms and legs and as the resistance comes from the spinning blade, there’s often no variability.

The upside is that along with getting a full body workout, there’s no need for electricity (other than a new battery once in a while for a head unit display) so it can be located anywhere, another ideal option for the shed or outside under a protective cover.

The downside is that out of all three options, this is by far the noisiest with the harder you work the louder the fan like sound, certainly not household friendly.

How we test

Indoor training is a central part of their fitness regime for the majority of road cyclists, with indoor training apps like Zwift and Wahoo X making the experience much more interactive. 

Even without the ability to link up to an app - which isn't part of some of the more basic exercise bikes listed above - there's a lot you can get out of indoor cycling. Interval training is a lot easier without needing to worry about traffic or the weather, for example.

So here at Cycling Weekly, we're dedicated indoor trainers as well as outdoor riders. Our team has used a wide range of exercise bikes and smart trainers and knows what to look for to maximise your fitness gains from riding indoors. 

Our experience means that you'll have a consistent, in depth viewpoint, which is reflected in our product scoring.  You can find out more on our How We Test page.