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The best exercise bikes may have impressive features like dynamic interactive programming, Bluetooth capabilities, and large immersive touchscreens, but come with prices up to $2,600. What’s important is finding the equipment that works for you and your budget. Exercise bikes, regardless of their price, all offer the same benefits to your health and wellness, including increased cardiovascular fitness,...
The post The 7 Best Budget Exercise Bikes of 2024 — Expert Tested and Approved appeared first on BarBend.
The best exercise bikes may have impressive features like dynamic interactive programming, Bluetooth capabilities, and large immersive touchscreens, but come with prices up to $2,600. What’s important is finding the equipment that works for you and your budget. Exercise bikes, regardless of their price, all offer the same benefits to your health and wellness, including increased cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and increased VO2 max. (1)(2) We’ve compiled a list of the best budget exercise bikes so that while you save some cash, you can invest in your health.
Finding the right cardio equipment to bring into your home can be a stressful search. There are so many options out there, and when you’re working with a budget, it can be difficult to know what features you need and what features you can do without. Our team of testers tried out over 34 exercise bikes, from air bikes with large whirring fans to under-desk cycles meant for burning a few extra calories during the work day. Here are our top picks for the best budget exercise bikes.
The 7 Best Budget Exercise Bikes
About our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer, CrossFit Level 1 instructor, and BarBend editorial team member. She reviewed the research we cite and the exercise bikes we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Budget Exercise Bikes
The BarBend team is filled with competitive athletes, road bike racers, and bike campers who have put over 34 exercise bikes through the ringer. If you’ve been combing through reviews of products, and struggling to interpret ad copy from genuine feedback, you’ve come to the right place.
We evaluated each bike we tested using a multi-point methodology, scoring categories such as value, footprint, and workout experience from 1 (yikes) to 5 (NICE). The following are some key areas we focused on when making our top picks.
Price
There are spin bikes that can cost upwards of $2,600, but that’s not the type of bike you’re after, is it? (Hey, me neither — that’s more than I sold my last car for!) Keeping buyers looking for the best budget home gym equipment in mind, we curated a list with prices that range from around $200 up to $700. If you come across a choice that sparks your interest but is out of your budget, be sure to check the brand’s page — some of our choices are often available at discounted prices.
Durability
“Naturally, less expensive equipment won’t stand up to its more expensive counterpart in terms of quality, durability, versatility, and longevity,” notes certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. She’s not wrong, but we made it our mission to find budget bikes that defied their price tags in the areas of sturdiness and durability.
When products didn’t provide the qualities we were after — such as reasonable 5 to 10-year warranties, strong structural builds, or worthy 250-pound weight capacities — and we thought it still deserved a place on our list, we made sure to make note of it.
Features
Budget exercise bikes will have trade-offs when compared to premium machines. While the Peloton Bike+ ($2,495) or the ProForm Studio Bike Pro ($1,404) may have connected streaming capabilities, large touchscreens, and access to studio-like classes, the price tags leave us shocked and wondering, “Why didn’t I try to sell my last car for more money?”
While sticking to our budget finds, we made sure to provide some features that would still provide the workout experience you’re after. From streaming abilities, folding capabilities, and impressive heavy-duty flywheels, our picks all made our list for a reason.
Best Budget Exercise Bike Overall: ProForm Carbon CX
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
The ProForm Carbon CX is a sturdy steel 125-pound build with 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance. In addition to being one of the quietest options on the market, this bike also comes with a free year of iFit and a swiveling tablet holder, so you can stream classes on and off the bike.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Carbon CX is the cheapest ProForm exercise bike available and one of the best portable exercise bikes on the market. “On sale it costs around $399 and provides a ton of value for an exercise bike,” noted our tester. This price is a drop in the bucket compared to ProForm’s higher-end model, the Studio Bike Pro ($1,404). With 16 levels of resistance you can take your training intensity where you want to go. Plus, the handlebars adjust 5 levels vertically and the seat adjusts 13 levels in four directions, suitable for cyclists between four foot eleven and six foot five. Value and dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
Our BarBend Tester working out on the ProForm CX exercise bike.
You’re getting 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance, 3-pound dumbbells for upper body work, transport wheels to move this bike from room to room, and an LCD monitor that provides basic stats like distance, speed, time, and calories burned.
The Carbon CX is also compatible with the iFIT app, which — for an additional monthly fee of $39 — allows you access to more than 17,000 cardio, strength, and yoga classes. The Carbon CX doesn’t have a touchscreen of its own, but you can connect a compatible mobile device and set it up on the bike’s media shelf. Doing this also allows you to take advantage of the automatic adjustments to resistance and incline that iFIT can make during rides.
“iFIT is some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” notes certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. Dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
The 250-pound weight limit is 50 pounds lower than the industry standard, but that’s fairly normal for budget buys. Our tester is 6’3” and they fit comfortably. “I didn’t notice any wobble during my ride,” they said, “However, while the frame is steel, there are still a lot of breakable plastic parts.” Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.
Footstrap on the ProForm CX exercise bike.
But fear not, ProForm offers a 10-year frame warranty so you can rest easy when it comes to your bike holding up over time. Warranty scored a 4 out of 5.
“The flywheel made for a smooth and quiet ride, plus I like that you can connect to streaming programming with fitness apps if you want — but you don’t have to,” noted our tester.
Read our full ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike Review.
Best Budget Air Bike: Assault AirBike Classic
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.
Shop Assault
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Assault AirBike Classic is one of the best air bikes we’ve tried and tested. At $699, it costs a good deal less than the AssaultBike Elite ($1,099) and the Rogue Echo Bike V.3 ($895). But don’t let its price fool you — you’re getting a durable frame, reinforced pedals, and tracking capabilities to provide users access to an intense workout. Value scored a 4.5 out of 5, and delivery, setup, and durability scored a 4 out of 5.
“If I were in the market for an Air Bike, I’d go with the AirBike Classic,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, “The ride is super smooth. This bike feels like competition for other high-end air bikes.” Value scored a 4.5 out of 5.
This budget buy provides a sturdy ride, but you won’t get access to dynamic programming or many conveniences. “There’s no tablet holder or a water bottle holder,” says our tester. “Similarly, the tech is really limited. But Assault Fitness doesn’t make luxury equipment. They make stuff that gets the job done.” They gave conveniences a 2 out of 5 and tech capabilities a 3 out of 5, noting that its lack of Bluetooth speakers is a bummer and that, while there is heart rate connectivity, it’s limited.
Often, budget buys come at the cost of durability, but not here. The steel frame comes with a corrosion-resistant powder coating and reinforced wide metal pedals. Additionally, the pivots and moving parts are fortified with 20 sealed cartridge bearings that’ll help keep this machine working as long as you are.
“These bikes last for years in CrossFit gyms, and that’s with heavy use and not a ton of maintenance and care. I’d guess this bike could last up to 20 years in a home gym with proper care,” noted our tester. Durability scored a 4 out of 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok34YSJqQgE&t=1sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Assault AirBike Review (2022) — Feel the BURN? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok34YSJqQgE&t=1s)
As is the case with most air bikes, there’s some noise when you ride due to the whoosh of air as it’s pushed from the fan. Unlike other air bikes with belt drives, the AirBike Classic makes more noise due to its chain drive. As BarBend’s Jake Herod says in the above video review, “As you can tell, it’s kind of loud, [but] I personally like the fan, it gives me a bit of a breeze while I’m working out.”
Read our full Assault AirBike Review.
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28" and 33", the recommended height of users ranges from 5'1 to 6'3".
Shop Marcy
Specs
Pros
Cons
Folding exercise bikes are great for those with limited space, but their portable capabilities often come at the detriment of their durability and construction. That’s not the case with the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike, one of the best folding exercise bikes we’ve tried. Its 8 levels of resistance may not be suitable for all athletes, but this lowered resistance range is standard for folding bikes. Our tester gave an overall score of 4.3 out of 5, higher than the eight other folding bikes we’ve tested.
“This isn’t the smallest exercise bike, but it’s still easy to move around and can fit in small spaces,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. When folded, this bike transforms from 33.5 inches down to 18.25 inches in length. With built-in transport wheels — and a weight of 37 pounds — it’s easy to move it out of the way when you’re done with your workout. Footprint and portability scored a 4 out of 5.
“This is the most durable folding exercise bike I’ve ridden,” noted our tester. This durability, which scored a 5 out of 5, is thanks in part to the heavy-duty 14-gauge steel frame. Its user weight limit of 250 pounds is about 50 pounds lower than the industry standard for exercise bikes, but average for folding bikes.
You won’t find the tech capabilities and conveniences of higher-priced models, like a built-in touchscreen or storage for water bottles and phones. “But there is an LCD screen with some basic metrics,” noted out tester. Conveniences scored a 2 out of 5 and tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5.
[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment]
Best Budget Peloton Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike
This bike's 49-pound flywheel is one of the largest we've seen on a consumer indoor cycle and will help you build momentum while keeping your ride smooth. The transport wheels are also large and durable, so you can move tip this bike and move it out of the way when your workout is over.
Shop Sunny Health & Fitness
Specs
Pros
The post The 7 Best Budget Exercise Bikes of 2024 — Expert Tested and Approved appeared first on BarBend.
The best exercise bikes may have impressive features like dynamic interactive programming, Bluetooth capabilities, and large immersive touchscreens, but come with prices up to $2,600. What’s important is finding the equipment that works for you and your budget. Exercise bikes, regardless of their price, all offer the same benefits to your health and wellness, including increased cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and increased VO2 max. (1)(2) We’ve compiled a list of the best budget exercise bikes so that while you save some cash, you can invest in your health.
Finding the right cardio equipment to bring into your home can be a stressful search. There are so many options out there, and when you’re working with a budget, it can be difficult to know what features you need and what features you can do without. Our team of testers tried out over 34 exercise bikes, from air bikes with large whirring fans to under-desk cycles meant for burning a few extra calories during the work day. Here are our top picks for the best budget exercise bikes.
The 7 Best Budget Exercise Bikes
- Best Budget Exercise Bike Overall: ProForm Carbon CX
- Best Budget Air Bike: Assault Bike Classic
- Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- Best Budget Peloton Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: YOSUDA YB001R
- Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 230
- Best Budget Under Desk Cycling: Cubii Move
About our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer, CrossFit Level 1 instructor, and BarBend editorial team member. She reviewed the research we cite and the exercise bikes we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Budget Exercise Bikes
The BarBend team is filled with competitive athletes, road bike racers, and bike campers who have put over 34 exercise bikes through the ringer. If you’ve been combing through reviews of products, and struggling to interpret ad copy from genuine feedback, you’ve come to the right place.
We evaluated each bike we tested using a multi-point methodology, scoring categories such as value, footprint, and workout experience from 1 (yikes) to 5 (NICE). The following are some key areas we focused on when making our top picks.
Price
There are spin bikes that can cost upwards of $2,600, but that’s not the type of bike you’re after, is it? (Hey, me neither — that’s more than I sold my last car for!) Keeping buyers looking for the best budget home gym equipment in mind, we curated a list with prices that range from around $200 up to $700. If you come across a choice that sparks your interest but is out of your budget, be sure to check the brand’s page — some of our choices are often available at discounted prices.
Durability
“Naturally, less expensive equipment won’t stand up to its more expensive counterpart in terms of quality, durability, versatility, and longevity,” notes certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. She’s not wrong, but we made it our mission to find budget bikes that defied their price tags in the areas of sturdiness and durability.
When products didn’t provide the qualities we were after — such as reasonable 5 to 10-year warranties, strong structural builds, or worthy 250-pound weight capacities — and we thought it still deserved a place on our list, we made sure to make note of it.
Features
Budget exercise bikes will have trade-offs when compared to premium machines. While the Peloton Bike+ ($2,495) or the ProForm Studio Bike Pro ($1,404) may have connected streaming capabilities, large touchscreens, and access to studio-like classes, the price tags leave us shocked and wondering, “Why didn’t I try to sell my last car for more money?”
While sticking to our budget finds, we made sure to provide some features that would still provide the workout experience you’re after. From streaming abilities, folding capabilities, and impressive heavy-duty flywheels, our picks all made our list for a reason.
Best Budget Exercise Bike Overall: ProForm Carbon CX
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
The ProForm Carbon CX is a sturdy steel 125-pound build with 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance. In addition to being one of the quietest options on the market, this bike also comes with a free year of iFit and a swiveling tablet holder, so you can stream classes on and off the bike.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $599
- Dimensions: 51” H x 52.5” L x 21.9” W
- Weight: 125lbs
- Resistance: 16 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Max User Capacity: 250lbs
Pros
- This bike, which is often on sale for $399, provides 16 levels of resistance and 18 seat and handlebar adjustments to fit most users.
- It’s compatible with the iFIT app, which is packed with more than 17,000 trainer-led classes and scenic rides.
- This bike has transport wheels so you can tilt it up and move it out of the way with ease.
Cons
- While this bike is iFIT compatible, it doesn’t come with a screen to view programming so you’ll have to stream this content from your phone or tablet.
- The max user capacity is 250 pounds which is below the industry standard of 300 pounds.
- While iFIT compatibility on this affordable bike is worthwhile, this subscription will cost you an additional $39 a month after a free one-month trial.
The Carbon CX is the cheapest ProForm exercise bike available and one of the best portable exercise bikes on the market. “On sale it costs around $399 and provides a ton of value for an exercise bike,” noted our tester. This price is a drop in the bucket compared to ProForm’s higher-end model, the Studio Bike Pro ($1,404). With 16 levels of resistance you can take your training intensity where you want to go. Plus, the handlebars adjust 5 levels vertically and the seat adjusts 13 levels in four directions, suitable for cyclists between four foot eleven and six foot five. Value and dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
You’re getting 16 levels of silent magnetic resistance, 3-pound dumbbells for upper body work, transport wheels to move this bike from room to room, and an LCD monitor that provides basic stats like distance, speed, time, and calories burned.
The Carbon CX is also compatible with the iFIT app, which — for an additional monthly fee of $39 — allows you access to more than 17,000 cardio, strength, and yoga classes. The Carbon CX doesn’t have a touchscreen of its own, but you can connect a compatible mobile device and set it up on the bike’s media shelf. Doing this also allows you to take advantage of the automatic adjustments to resistance and incline that iFIT can make during rides.
“iFIT is some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” notes certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. Dynamic programming scored a 4.5 out of 5.
The 250-pound weight limit is 50 pounds lower than the industry standard, but that’s fairly normal for budget buys. Our tester is 6’3” and they fit comfortably. “I didn’t notice any wobble during my ride,” they said, “However, while the frame is steel, there are still a lot of breakable plastic parts.” Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.
But fear not, ProForm offers a 10-year frame warranty so you can rest easy when it comes to your bike holding up over time. Warranty scored a 4 out of 5.
“The flywheel made for a smooth and quiet ride, plus I like that you can connect to streaming programming with fitness apps if you want — but you don’t have to,” noted our tester.
Read our full ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike Review.
Best Budget Air Bike: Assault AirBike Classic
Assault AirBike
Assault AirBike
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts.
Shop Assault
Specs
- Price: $699
- Dimensions: 50’’ H x 50.95’’ L x 23.34’’ W
- Weight: 95.6lbs
- Resistance: Air
- Max User Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- At $699, this AirBike Classic costs between $100 to $800 less than some of the best air bikes on the market.
- The durable powder-coated steel frame on this bike will hold up against sweat and tears for years to come.
- There are seven pre-loaded workouts on this bike’s console.
Cons
- There isn’t any Bluetooth compatibility or built-in speakers to blast your music from.
- Pedaling on this air bike can be fairly loud due to the chain drive as opposed to belt-driven air bikes.
The Assault AirBike Classic is one of the best air bikes we’ve tried and tested. At $699, it costs a good deal less than the AssaultBike Elite ($1,099) and the Rogue Echo Bike V.3 ($895). But don’t let its price fool you — you’re getting a durable frame, reinforced pedals, and tracking capabilities to provide users access to an intense workout. Value scored a 4.5 out of 5, and delivery, setup, and durability scored a 4 out of 5.
“If I were in the market for an Air Bike, I’d go with the AirBike Classic,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, “The ride is super smooth. This bike feels like competition for other high-end air bikes.” Value scored a 4.5 out of 5.
This budget buy provides a sturdy ride, but you won’t get access to dynamic programming or many conveniences. “There’s no tablet holder or a water bottle holder,” says our tester. “Similarly, the tech is really limited. But Assault Fitness doesn’t make luxury equipment. They make stuff that gets the job done.” They gave conveniences a 2 out of 5 and tech capabilities a 3 out of 5, noting that its lack of Bluetooth speakers is a bummer and that, while there is heart rate connectivity, it’s limited.
Often, budget buys come at the cost of durability, but not here. The steel frame comes with a corrosion-resistant powder coating and reinforced wide metal pedals. Additionally, the pivots and moving parts are fortified with 20 sealed cartridge bearings that’ll help keep this machine working as long as you are.
“These bikes last for years in CrossFit gyms, and that’s with heavy use and not a ton of maintenance and care. I’d guess this bike could last up to 20 years in a home gym with proper care,” noted our tester. Durability scored a 4 out of 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok34YSJqQgE&t=1sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Assault AirBike Review (2022) — Feel the BURN? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok34YSJqQgE&t=1s)
As is the case with most air bikes, there’s some noise when you ride due to the whoosh of air as it’s pushed from the fan. Unlike other air bikes with belt drives, the AirBike Classic makes more noise due to its chain drive. As BarBend’s Jake Herod says in the above video review, “As you can tell, it’s kind of loud, [but] I personally like the fan, it gives me a bit of a breeze while I’m working out.”
Read our full Assault AirBike Review.
Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28" and 33", the recommended height of users ranges from 5'1 to 6'3".
Shop Marcy
Specs
- Price: $189.99
- Dimensions: Unfolded: 43.75” H x 33.5” L x 18.25” W; folded: 51.5” H x 18.25” L x 18.25” W
- Weight: 37lbs
- Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Max User Capacity: 250lbs
Pros
- When folded, this bike shrinks from 33.5 inches to 18.25 inches, saving users 15.25 inches of floor space.
- The 14-gauge steel frame offers a sturdy ride.
- It weighs just 37 pounds and comes with built-in transport wheels.
Cons
- It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, which is average for a folding bike but may not be enough for serious bikers.
- There’s limited tech on this bike outside of the LCD display.
- You won’t find storage for water bottles or a tablet holder on this bike.
Folding exercise bikes are great for those with limited space, but their portable capabilities often come at the detriment of their durability and construction. That’s not the case with the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike, one of the best folding exercise bikes we’ve tried. Its 8 levels of resistance may not be suitable for all athletes, but this lowered resistance range is standard for folding bikes. Our tester gave an overall score of 4.3 out of 5, higher than the eight other folding bikes we’ve tested.
“This isn’t the smallest exercise bike, but it’s still easy to move around and can fit in small spaces,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. When folded, this bike transforms from 33.5 inches down to 18.25 inches in length. With built-in transport wheels — and a weight of 37 pounds — it’s easy to move it out of the way when you’re done with your workout. Footprint and portability scored a 4 out of 5.
“This is the most durable folding exercise bike I’ve ridden,” noted our tester. This durability, which scored a 5 out of 5, is thanks in part to the heavy-duty 14-gauge steel frame. Its user weight limit of 250 pounds is about 50 pounds lower than the industry standard for exercise bikes, but average for folding bikes.
You won’t find the tech capabilities and conveniences of higher-priced models, like a built-in touchscreen or storage for water bottles and phones. “But there is an LCD screen with some basic metrics,” noted out tester. Conveniences scored a 2 out of 5 and tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5.
[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment]
Best Budget Peloton Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike
This bike's 49-pound flywheel is one of the largest we've seen on a consumer indoor cycle and will help you build momentum while keeping your ride smooth. The transport wheels are also large and durable, so you can move tip this bike and move it out of the way when your workout is over.
Shop Sunny Health & Fitness
Specs
- Price: $399.99
- Dimensions: 44.5” H x 54? L x 19? W
- Weight: 110.8lbs
- Resistance: Friction
- Max User Capacity: 275lbs
Pros
- Customers love using this bike with the Peloton app, saving $1,045 to $2,095 compared to the brand’s bikes.
- This...
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