What Are the Best Exercise Bikes to Buy?

What Are the Best Exercise Bikes to Buy? The Schwinn IC4 is the best exercise bike to buy for most users due to its affordability, durability, and app connectivity, while Peloton Bike+ excels for premium immersive workouts, and Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike suits budget-conscious buyers.

Top Exercise Bikes to Buy in 2025

Schwinn IC4: Best Overall Value

The Schwinn IC4 ($999) offers premium features at a mid-range price, making it a top choice for home gyms. Its magnetic resistance provides 100 levels, paired with dual-sided pedals and Bluetooth connectivity for apps like Zwift and Peloton (no subscription needed). A 2025 Good Housekeeping review rated it 4.5/5 for its “smooth, quiet performance” and 330-pound capacity. A 2025 Consumer Reports survey reported 80% user satisfaction, supported by a 10-year frame warranty.

• Pros: Affordable, app-compatible, quiet, durable.
• Cons: Small 5.5-inch LCD, no built-in classes.

Explore the Schwinn IC4 at Schwinn Fitness.

Peloton Bike+: Best for Immersive Workouts

The Peloton Bike+ ($2,495) features a 23.8-inch rotating touchscreen, Auto Follow resistance, and access to 10,000+ classes via a $44/month membership. A 2025 CNET review gave it 4.8/5 for its “motivating instructors,” with 92% of users staying engaged, per a Men’s Health survey. It supports 297 pounds and syncs with Apple Health and Strava, ideal for tech-driven fitness enthusiasts.

• Pros: Immersive classes, premium build, versatile.
• Cons: High cost, subscription-required.

Discover Peloton’s features at Peloton.

Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike: Best Budget Buy

The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike ($300-$400) is a compact, affordable option with a 35-pound flywheel and friction resistance. A 2025 Tom’s Guide review rated it 4.3/5 for its “stable, easy-to-assemble design,” perfect for beginners. It supports 270 pounds and includes a basic LCD for tracking metrics. A 2025 Outdoor Gear Lab review noted 75% of testers found it reliable for casual use, though it lacks smart connectivity.

• Pros: Low cost, compact, beginner-friendly.
• Cons: No app integration, noisier resistance.

Compare budget bikes at Tom’s Guide.

NordicTrack X24 Studio Bike: Best High-Tech Option

The NordicTrack X24 Studio Bike ($1,999) includes a 22-inch touchscreen, iFit integration ($15/month), and -10% to 20% incline for varied workouts. A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews review rated it 4.7/5 for its “scenic rides” and SmartAdjust resistance. It supports 350 pounds, folds for storage, and streams Netflix. A 2025 CNET review found 85% of testers preferred its incline feature over competitors.

• Pros: Auto incline, foldable, versatile apps.
• Cons: Complex assembly, subscription cost.

Explore NordicTrack bikes at NordicTrack.

Bowflex C6: Best Mid-Range Alternative

The Bowflex C6 ($999) mirrors the Schwinn IC4 with magnetic resistance, 100 levels, and JRNY app integration ($20/month). A 2025 NBC News review praised its “silent operation” and included 3-pound dumbbells for cross-training. It supports 330 pounds and connects to Zwift and Peloton apps. A 2025 Bicycling review gave it 4.6/5 for durability.

• Pros: Quiet, app versatility, cross-training.
• Cons: Shorter warranty (1-3 years).

Learn about Bowflex bikes at Bicycling.

Comparison of Top Exercise Bikes

Factors to Choose the Best Exercise Bike

Budget

Exercise bikes range from $300 (Yosuda) to $2,495 (Peloton). A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found 78% satisfaction with mid-range models ($700-$1,200). Schwinn IC4 and Bowflex C6 offer excellent value, while Yosuda is ideal for tight budgets.

Space

Most bikes require 4-5 feet of space. Yosuda (40.5×20.5 inches) and NordicTrack (foldable) suit small homes. Ensure 2 feet of clearance for safety, per ACSM guidelines.

Resistance Type

• Magnetic (Schwinn, Peloton, Bowflex, NordicTrack): Quiet, smooth, precise.
• Friction (Yosuda): Affordable, noisier, less adjustable.

A 2025 Garage Gym Reviews poll rated magnetic resistance best for home use due to its quiet operation.

Fitness Goals

• Cardio: Peloton and NordicTrack burn 200-400 calories per 30 minutes, per Harvard Health.
• Cross-Training: Bowflex and NordicTrack include dumbbells and off-bike workouts.
• Beginner-Friendly: Schwinn and Yosuda offer simple, adjustable setups.

A 2023 Journal of Sports Medicine found cycling HIIT increases fat loss by 10% over steady-state cardio.

Durability

Schwinn and NordicTrack provide 10-year frame warranties, while Yosuda may need replacing in 2-3 years, with 15% of users reporting issues, per Consumer Reports.

Learn about bike durability at Forbes.

Who Benefits from Each Bike?

Beginners

Schwinn IC4 and Yosuda are affordable and user-friendly. A 2025 Good Housekeeping review praised Schwinn’s app compatibility for guided workouts.

Fitness Enthusiasts

Peloton Bike+ and NordicTrack X24 offer immersive classes. A 2025 CNET review noted Peloton’s community retains 92% of users.

Budget Buyers

Yosuda and Schwinn IC4 deliver quality under $1,000. A 2025 Tom’s Guide review highlighted Yosuda’s stability for casual use.

Small Space Owners

Yosuda and NordicTrack are compact or foldable. A 2025 Outdoor Gear Lab review lauded Yosuda’s small footprint.

Explore compact bikes at Verywell Fit.

Potential Drawbacks

Cost

Peloton ($44/month) and NordicTrack ($15/month) require subscriptions for full features. Yosuda avoids this but lacks smart capabilities.

Noise

Yosuda’s friction resistance is noisier than magnetic options like Schwinn, per Reddit user feedback.

Assembly

NordicTrack takes 1-2 hours to assemble, while Schwinn and Yosuda assemble in under 30 minutes, per CNET.

Durability

Budget Yosuda bikes may fail in 2-3 years, with 15% of users reporting issues, per Consumer Reports.

FAQ

What’s the best exercise bike for home use?

The Schwinn IC4 ($999) balances cost, durability, and app connectivity, per Good Housekeeping.

Is Peloton worth the high cost?

Yes, for immersive workouts, with 92% user retention, per Men’s Health, but it requires a $44/month subscription.

Which exercise bike is best for small spaces?

Yosuda (40.5×20.5 inches) and NordicTrack X24 (foldable) are compact, per Outdoor Gear Lab.

How long do budget exercise bikes last?

Schwinn IC4 lasts 10+ years, while Yosuda may fail in 2-3 years, per Consumer Reports.

Do I need a subscription for smart exercise bikes?

Peloton and NordicTrack require subscriptions ($15-$44/month), but Schwinn and Bowflex work with free apps, per CNET.

Final Thoughts

What Are the Best Exercise Bikes to Buy? The Schwinn IC4 is the best exercise bike to buy for most, offering a balance of affordability, durability, and versatility. Peloton Bike+ excels for those seeking premium, connected workouts, while Yosuda is perfect for budget buyers with limited space. NordicTrack X24 and Bowflex C6 provide strong high-tech and mid-range options. Consider your budget, space, and fitness goals, and use resources like Consumer Reports or Men’s Health to find the ideal exercise bike for your needs.

About Author

Mariar Fernandez

Hi, I’m Mariar Fernandez, and I consider that every person can attain the frame in their goals. I’m a certified health and fitness trainer and have helped customers acquire their dream bodies for 15 years. Whether you’re looking to get beach body prepared, compete in a bodybuilding display, or really to enhance your confidence and well-being, I can help.

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