10 Indoor Exercise Bikes You’ll Actually Want to Ride, According to a Fitness Director

Like a lot of exercise equipment, you often get what you pay for. The more you’re willing to spend, the more features you’re likely to score. Case in point: This flagship exercise bike from Schwinn Fitness.

“The Schwinn AD7 Aidryne is one of the best exercise bikes you can buy, and it’s got the features and results to back that up. The wind-resistance nature of the bike helps to give you a full-body cardio workout, and with an extra-padded, oversized seat, this will be a comfortable ride (if you choose to remain seated),” says Mitchell.

“And while this bike is a little expensive, you can also feel comfortable in the quality of the product you’re investing in. After all, this is Schwinn. That’s a name in bikes that has always meant something—you can always appreciate the comfort in buying a solid product from a legacy brand.”

If budget is a concern, the Airdyne AD6 offers many of the same features for $400 less.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 3,300 Amazon reviews, 90% recommend the Schwinn Fitness AD7 Airdyne Bike with at least a 4-star rating.

BikeErg 2900 Stationary Exercise Bike

Concept2 has a track record of building serious at-home gym equipment. The brand’s RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine was our pick for this year’s best indoor rowing machine. So, too, with the BikeErg for many of the same reasons:

“The BikeErg was designed with traditional cyclists in mind. Now if you’re wondering if the BikeErg still delivers a killer workout, the answer is a resounding, YES!” says Mitchell. “Concept 2 builds very durable and effective equipment like Model D Rower (which is by far my favorite) and now the company has applied those principles to a bike. The BikeErg isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing design, but it is made to take a beating and keep on going.”

He adds, “We have over 1M meters on the one that we’ve been testing for a few years and it still performs like it did on day one without any maintenance. Now that’s special.”

What do buyers say? Out of more than 250 Amazon reviews, 97% recommend the Concept2 BikeErg 2900 Stationary Exercise Bike with at least a 4-star rating.

Peloton’s latest bike, the Bike+, is like the original Peloton Bike—but better in every way. It has an amazing 24-inch-wide HD touchscreen, with an easily adjustable seat and handlebar settings. It’s arguably the most high-tech, connected exercise bike on the market—with a sky-high price tag to match.

What truly sets the Bike+ apart, as with all Peloton products, is the library of professional, trainer-guided classes. Novices and expert cyclists alike can learn and grow their training and their fitness level by pushing themselves harder than they might be inclined to on their own. With next-gen features like auto-follow—when the trainer suggests you make resistance adjustments, Bike+ automatically does so—it’s never been easier to take your training to the next level.

Peloton also offers a completely free in-home trial for 30 days. That includes free delivery and setup and, if you decide to return it, free pickup and return.

What do buyers say? “I truly love the Peloton Bike+ … It was absolutely worth every penny because I am working out again and enjoying it which is something I never though I could do,” said a OnePeloton.com reviewer.

“And the winner for most popular goes to… the Assault AirBike. The Assault Bike is so beloved largely because it’s been used in the CrossFit Games and in a ton of different CrossFit Affiliate Gyms,” says Mitchell. “Ultimately, the Assault AirBike has a super solid design with an oversized fan and chain drive system. Although we prefer a belt drive due to its lack of maintenance, this is a proven design that just works; it’s also priced pretty well compared to the competition.”

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,000 Amazon reviews, 94% recommend the AssaultFitness AirBike Classic with at least a 4-star rating.

If you don’t have nearly $2,500 to splash out on Peloton’s flagship Bike+, you’re not alone. But, if you’re still keen to get most of the same features in a premium indoor cycle, Peloton’s OG Bike exercise bike is your man.

“The bike that needs no introduction, the Peloton! Yes, we’ve all seen the commercials… it’s not just hype, this bike is revolutionary and has changed the industry,” says Mitchell. “Is it pricey? Yes. Do you get what you pay for? Yes. Is it one of the most immersive training experiences you’ll find from the comfort of your home? Yes. Yes. Yes.”

He continues, “The reason we recommend the Peloton Bike is not just because it’s built extremely well, but because of the experience that drives nearly every rider to work out more than they would without the live classes. If you struggle to exercise at home and have the money to spend, Peloton is truly your best option.”

What do buyer say? “I’ve had my bike for nearly 3 weeks and I can say that I’m falling in love! I’m really enjoying the experience and starting to find myself … trying to figure out when I can wedge in a ride for 30 minutes,” said one OnePeloton.com reviewer.

“Just when you thought the Assault AirBike couldn’t get any better, they go and upgrade! Think, the same super solid design and features of the original AirBike just more… elite,” says Mitchell. “Honestly, there isn’t a huge difference in terms of function between the Elite and original Assault AirBike, but the frame on the Elite is much heavier and it’s an overall better bike, albeit at a significantly higher price.”

On top of that, Mitchell adds, “The Assault AirBike Elite does offer a much more comfortable ride than its less elite brother, so your backside may thank you for upgrading (your wallet, on the other hand, may not).”

What do buyers say? “I was first introduced to the Assaultbike classic in the gym at work. The Elite is far superior!” said one Amazon reviewer.

“Looking for a bike that is the most likely to survive the apocalypse? Rogue has definitely made an end-times exerciser with this one,” says Mitchell. “The Rogue Echo Bike is a well-built machine that is basically a deconstructed version of a Rogue Squat Rack. With its combined rock-solid foundation and smooth ride, it’s at the top of the game. The bike uses a belt drive system that requires virtually no maintenance and a monitor that tracks useful metrics.”

He also adds, “The bike is heavy, so be aware of this if you plan to move it. That said, there are wheels on the front that make it easier to do so. I’ve reviewed the Echo Bike in-depth and it is without a doubt one of the best air bikes available.”

What do buyers say? “… very sturdy and was very easy to put together as it included all the tools needed in the box. I highly recommend it,” said one RogueFitness.com reviewer.