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Stationary exercise bikes are a classic workout tool for a reason. They allow you to complete a cardio workout indoors, but bikes are more compact and less expensive than many other pieces of cardio equipment, like non-folding treadmills or ellipticals. Not to mention, indoor cycling is generally beginner-friendly and low-impact, offering a variety of other benefits: It can...
The post The 9 Best Exercise Bikes For Heavy People of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
Stationary exercise bikes are a classic workout tool for a reason. They allow you to complete a cardio workout indoors, but bikes are more compact and less expensive than many other pieces of cardio equipment, like non-folding treadmills or ellipticals. Not to mention, indoor cycling is generally beginner-friendly and low-impact, offering a variety of other benefits: It can help increase bone density and VO2 max (an important marker of cardiovascular fitness), lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and promote weight loss without the loss of muscle mass. (1) In fact, indoor cycling can also help increase leg strength, muscle endurance, and balance. (2)
If you’re in the market for an indoor cycling bike but you or a family member are bigger-bodied, you may be looking for an exercise bike for heavy people — one that you can trust to support you even when you’re out of the saddle. We’ve reviewed tons of the best exercise bikes and singled out the ones that work for riders who weigh over 250 pounds (a maximum rider weight for many models on the market). These exercise bikes can accommodate riders who weigh up to 300, 330, or 350 pounds and don’t sacrifice on features or value. Whether you’re looking for a recumbent bike, a self-powered air bike, or a studio-style cycling experience, there’s an option here for you. Here are our picks for the best exercise bikes for heavy people.
Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People
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 treadmills we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations. She also tested several of the treadmills herself.
How We Tested These Exercise Bikes for Heavy People
Everyone’s workout needs are different, and the ideal way to find the best exercise bike for you is to try them all — but unfortunately, that’s just not possible for most people. That’s where the BarBend team comes in. Our experienced testers (a group made up of product reviewers, certified personal trainers, and even one Olympic lifter) hopped on more than 20 of the best bikes in the market (across all price points!) and carefully selected these nine as the best exercise bikes for heavy people based on the criteria below. Each tester scored the bikes between 1 (not great) to 5 (really great) in each of the following categories:
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Heavy People: NordicTrack S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
The NordicTrack S22i, our pick for the overall best exercise bike for heavy people, offers a unique workout experience. Our testers give it a perfect 5 out of 5 for its dynamic programming, customizations, and tech capabilities, which are really the stars of the show. This is a true smart device; it comes with an impressive 22-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth capabilities, iFIT integration, and automatic adjustment of resistance and incline during trainer-led workouts. That’s right: It can incline up to 20 percent, and decline to -10 percent, a feature rare in exercise bikes.
Moving the NordicTrack S22i
The iFIT integration is both an incredible draw and a potential downside. You get a free 30-day iFIT trial with purchase, but after that, it’ll cost you $39 a month or $180 a year. The platform offers a huge variety of classes, from studio-style workouts to immersive rides that take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth — “It really feel like I’m in Hawaii or sitting in a cycling class,” our tester and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier, says. The standout AutoAdjust feature means your bike tweaks the incline and resistance depending on the terrain for a truly lifelike experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4)
“Without the iFIT subscription, I think the bike just isn’t very impressive,” Meier admits. You can use the bike in manual mode, and there are some classes you can access for free, but you can’t use the display to stream other workouts or watch TV. The good news is that the iFIT membership has added value even when you’re not on the bike; you can swivel the screen 360 degrees to do strength or mobility off the bike, or use the app on your phone or tablet.
The S22i can support riders up to 350 pounds (above the industry average), making it a great exercise bike for heavy people. “Overall, it’s a pretty sturdy machine, but I found that the handlebars and screen jostle slightly as you ride,” another tester noted — and there’s an increased risk of that when you have more weight behind every pedal stroke. (Perhaps the 10-year frame and two-year parts warranties can offer peace of mind.) Overall, our testers agree: If you’re psyched to use iFIT, it’s a 5 out of 5. But if that type of workout streaming isn’t your style, the $1K+ price tag may not be justified.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Air Bike for Heavy People: Assault AirBike Elite
Assault AirBike Elite
Assault AirBike Elite
This air bike can work both your arms and legs simultaneously. It's a great piece of equipment for those focused on HIIT training or anyone who wants a no frills exercise bike.
Shop Assault
Specs
Pros
Cons
Air bikes can be a literal blast. As you pedal, the fan blade wheel turns, creating resistance by pushing against the air and giving you a nice breeze. The catch? The harder you pedal, the more resistance you face. This makes it a great tool for HIIT training, as you can get into high levels of exertion without lifting heavy weights or putting impact on your joints.
Air bikes are unique among exercise bikes in that they work your upper body, too; as you pedal, you perform a push-pull motion with the handlebars, engaging your triceps, biceps, chest, and back. You can “cycle” with just your arms, just your legs, or do both simultaneously for an intense full-body cardio experience — but that’s about all this machine does.
You won’t find many bells and whistles, aside from some basic Bluetooth and heart rate monitor connectivity, performance stats (time, calories, distance, speed, watts, RPM), and some simple guided interval programs on the LCD screen. The brand also has an Assault Fitness App, which offers equipment-specific workouts and training guidance, though reviews say it needs some work.
Credit: BarBend
For heavy people, specifically, the Assault AirBike Elite may be a good choice because of the wider, more comfortable seat and higher rider weight capacity of 350 pounds compared to other Assault models. “I think the upgrades offered in the Elite model aren’t enough to justify the price, which is almost double that of the Classic model,” our tester and certified personal trainer says, and for that reason, gave this bike a 2.5 out of 5 score for value. (The AssaultBike Classic sells for $699 and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.)
The Elite also scored lower in customizations, with a 3 out of 5, since there are only six seat post height settings (the budget pick here has nine). However, it scored a 4 out of 5 for durability. “If an Assault bike can last years in a CrossFit box (with high-volume use and usually sub-par care), it can probably last decades in a home gym with proper maintenance,” our tester says.
If you’re looking to hop on, crank out a workout, and get off, an air bike could be right up your alley. But if you like to do longer rides or stream workouts, this may not be the exercise bike for you — especially at a $1,500 price tag.
Best Compact Exercise Bike for Heavy People: CAROL Bike
CAROL Bike
CAROL Bike
The CAROL bike's AI capabilities provide you with tailored training, designed to give you the best workout in the least amount of time. Customers have a 100-day trial period to decide whether or not this bike is right for them.
Shop CAROL
Specs
Pros
Cons
Exercise bikes are generally a stellar option for small spaces and apartment dwellers, but if every inch counts in your home gym, you’ll still want the most compact pick. At 45.5” by 22”, CAROL is the smallest bike here (aside from the foldable and budget picks), scoring a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
It lands about 13 inches shorter than both the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike, and is thin enough to slide into spaces next to couches and even into closets when not in use. “I found the bike to be extremely slim and easy to move thanks to the front roller hockey wheels with bearings,” our tester said. Though it’s compact, it can accommodate riders from 4’ 7” to 6’ 7” tall and weighing up to 330 pounds — 50 to 80 pounds more than many other bikes on the market.
Our tester rides a CAROL bike
Rider accessibility isn’t the only thing that makes CAROL small but mighty. This AI-powered bike was founded on the scientifically validated concept of REHIT, or reduced-exertion HIIT. Using AI, the bike learns where your personal maximum intensity is, and adjusts the resistance accordingly to make sure you hit it during your workout. A study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise tested the method, and found that 10 minutes of REHIT on the CAROL bike offers more cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic benefits than 30-minutes of continuous moderate-intensity training. (4)
The AI-powered REHIT workouts are unique to CAROL, and what our tester liked best about the bike: “The programmed workouts are amazing for HIIT, and I love that you don’t have to touch any dials. I suspect that’s what other people will use most, because of the expediency of the program.You can get incredible results in a super short amount of time,” they said. The CAROL workout program also includes longer interval rides, fitness tests, custom workouts, and free rides, and you’re not limited to their offerings. The bike’s 11” touchscreen is essentially an Android tablet, meaning you can also load your favorite workout and entertainment apps.
That said, CAROL is a state-of-the-art model and the most expensive bike on this list — $600 more than our overall best pick from NordicTrack, $1,150 more than a Peloton Bike, and nearly $1,600 more than a no-frills Schwinn — which is why our tester gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for value.
Best Exercise Bike for Heavy People with Dynamic Programming: Bowflex VeloCore
BowFlex VeloCore Bike
BowFlex VeloCore Bike
Bowflex features an innovative leaning mode and can support users up to 325 pounds. Plus, you'll receive a two month free trial to JRNY with your purchase.
Shop BowFlex
Specs
Pros
The post The 9 Best Exercise Bikes For Heavy People of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.
Stationary exercise bikes are a classic workout tool for a reason. They allow you to complete a cardio workout indoors, but bikes are more compact and less expensive than many other pieces of cardio equipment, like non-folding treadmills or ellipticals. Not to mention, indoor cycling is generally beginner-friendly and low-impact, offering a variety of other benefits: It can help increase bone density and VO2 max (an important marker of cardiovascular fitness), lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and promote weight loss without the loss of muscle mass. (1) In fact, indoor cycling can also help increase leg strength, muscle endurance, and balance. (2)
If you’re in the market for an indoor cycling bike but you or a family member are bigger-bodied, you may be looking for an exercise bike for heavy people — one that you can trust to support you even when you’re out of the saddle. We’ve reviewed tons of the best exercise bikes and singled out the ones that work for riders who weigh over 250 pounds (a maximum rider weight for many models on the market). These exercise bikes can accommodate riders who weigh up to 300, 330, or 350 pounds and don’t sacrifice on features or value. Whether you’re looking for a recumbent bike, a self-powered air bike, or a studio-style cycling experience, there’s an option here for you. Here are our picks for the best exercise bikes for heavy people.
Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People
- Best Overall Exercise Bike for Heavy People: NordicTrack S22i
- Best Air Bike for Heavy People: Assault AirBike Elite
- Best Compact Exercise Bike for Heavy People: CAROL Bike
- Best Exercise Bike for Heavy People with Dynamic Programming: Bowflex VeloCore
- Best Peloton-Alternative Exercise Bike for Heavy People: Schwinn IC4
- Best Folding Exercise Bike for Heavy People: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
- Best Budget Exercise Bike for Heavy People: Mobi Fitness Exercise Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Heavy People: NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Exercise Bike for Heavy People with Peloton: Peloton Bike
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 treadmills we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations. She also tested several of the treadmills herself.
How We Tested These Exercise Bikes for Heavy People
Everyone’s workout needs are different, and the ideal way to find the best exercise bike for you is to try them all — but unfortunately, that’s just not possible for most people. That’s where the BarBend team comes in. Our experienced testers (a group made up of product reviewers, certified personal trainers, and even one Olympic lifter) hopped on more than 20 of the best bikes in the market (across all price points!) and carefully selected these nine as the best exercise bikes for heavy people based on the criteria below. Each tester scored the bikes between 1 (not great) to 5 (really great) in each of the following categories:
- Footprint and portability
- Delivery and setup
- Durability
- Customizations
- Adjustability and ergonomics
- Tech capabilities
- Conveniences
- Dynamic programming
- Customer reviews
- Value
- Warranty, financing, and returns
- Customer service
Best Overall Exercise Bike for Heavy People: NordicTrack S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Dimensions: 58? H x 61? L x 22? W
- Weight: 205lbs (in box)
- Resistance type: SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Max User Capacity: 350lbs
Pros
- The S22i has adjustable incline (up to 20 percent) and decline (down to -10 percent) — a rare feature for a stationary bike.
- The 22-inch touchscreen is iFIT-compatible, with access to 60+ types of workouts.
- There are 24 levels of digital resistance, which can automatically adjust throughout your workout.
Cons
- The screen is quite large, which can easily commandeer space in a small apartment.
- Without an iFIT membership, your workout options are limited, and you can’t use the screen for anything else, like watching shows.
- Some reviewers say the bike seat is uncomfortable, and recommend swapping it out or wearing padded shorts.
The NordicTrack S22i, our pick for the overall best exercise bike for heavy people, offers a unique workout experience. Our testers give it a perfect 5 out of 5 for its dynamic programming, customizations, and tech capabilities, which are really the stars of the show. This is a true smart device; it comes with an impressive 22-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth capabilities, iFIT integration, and automatic adjustment of resistance and incline during trainer-led workouts. That’s right: It can incline up to 20 percent, and decline to -10 percent, a feature rare in exercise bikes.
The iFIT integration is both an incredible draw and a potential downside. You get a free 30-day iFIT trial with purchase, but after that, it’ll cost you $39 a month or $180 a year. The platform offers a huge variety of classes, from studio-style workouts to immersive rides that take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth — “It really feel like I’m in Hawaii or sitting in a cycling class,” our tester and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier, says. The standout AutoAdjust feature means your bike tweaks the incline and resistance depending on the terrain for a truly lifelike experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review (2022) — Most INTERACTIVE BIKE? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JbKMsCmG4)
“Without the iFIT subscription, I think the bike just isn’t very impressive,” Meier admits. You can use the bike in manual mode, and there are some classes you can access for free, but you can’t use the display to stream other workouts or watch TV. The good news is that the iFIT membership has added value even when you’re not on the bike; you can swivel the screen 360 degrees to do strength or mobility off the bike, or use the app on your phone or tablet.
The S22i can support riders up to 350 pounds (above the industry average), making it a great exercise bike for heavy people. “Overall, it’s a pretty sturdy machine, but I found that the handlebars and screen jostle slightly as you ride,” another tester noted — and there’s an increased risk of that when you have more weight behind every pedal stroke. (Perhaps the 10-year frame and two-year parts warranties can offer peace of mind.) Overall, our testers agree: If you’re psyched to use iFIT, it’s a 5 out of 5. But if that type of workout streaming isn’t your style, the $1K+ price tag may not be justified.
Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.
Best Air Bike for Heavy People: Assault AirBike Elite
Assault AirBike Elite
Assault AirBike Elite
This air bike can work both your arms and legs simultaneously. It's a great piece of equipment for those focused on HIIT training or anyone who wants a no frills exercise bike.
Shop Assault
Specs
- Price: $1,499
- Dimensions: 55? H x 55.1? L x 26.3? W
- Weight: 139lbs
- Resistance type: Air via Fan Blade Wheel
- Max User Capacity: 350lbs
Pros
- Research shows that air bikes are ideal for HIIT training, and build upper and lower body strength in addition to aerobic endurance. (3)
- This bike is sturdy and stable, with a heavy-duty steel frame that’s backed by a 10-year warranty.
- Compared to other Assault AirBike models, this one has a more comfortable and larger seat, which makes it better for heavier riders.
Cons
- Research shows that air bikes are ideal for HIIT training, and build upper and lower body strength in addition to aerobic endurance. (3)
- This bike is sturdy and stable, with a heavy-duty steel frame that’s backed by a 10-year warranty.
- Compared to other Assault AirBike models, this one has a more comfortable and larger seat, which makes it better for heavier riders.
Air bikes can be a literal blast. As you pedal, the fan blade wheel turns, creating resistance by pushing against the air and giving you a nice breeze. The catch? The harder you pedal, the more resistance you face. This makes it a great tool for HIIT training, as you can get into high levels of exertion without lifting heavy weights or putting impact on your joints.
Air bikes are unique among exercise bikes in that they work your upper body, too; as you pedal, you perform a push-pull motion with the handlebars, engaging your triceps, biceps, chest, and back. You can “cycle” with just your arms, just your legs, or do both simultaneously for an intense full-body cardio experience — but that’s about all this machine does.
You won’t find many bells and whistles, aside from some basic Bluetooth and heart rate monitor connectivity, performance stats (time, calories, distance, speed, watts, RPM), and some simple guided interval programs on the LCD screen. The brand also has an Assault Fitness App, which offers equipment-specific workouts and training guidance, though reviews say it needs some work.
For heavy people, specifically, the Assault AirBike Elite may be a good choice because of the wider, more comfortable seat and higher rider weight capacity of 350 pounds compared to other Assault models. “I think the upgrades offered in the Elite model aren’t enough to justify the price, which is almost double that of the Classic model,” our tester and certified personal trainer says, and for that reason, gave this bike a 2.5 out of 5 score for value. (The AssaultBike Classic sells for $699 and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.)
The Elite also scored lower in customizations, with a 3 out of 5, since there are only six seat post height settings (the budget pick here has nine). However, it scored a 4 out of 5 for durability. “If an Assault bike can last years in a CrossFit box (with high-volume use and usually sub-par care), it can probably last decades in a home gym with proper maintenance,” our tester says.
If you’re looking to hop on, crank out a workout, and get off, an air bike could be right up your alley. But if you like to do longer rides or stream workouts, this may not be the exercise bike for you — especially at a $1,500 price tag.
Best Compact Exercise Bike for Heavy People: CAROL Bike
CAROL Bike
CAROL Bike
The CAROL bike's AI capabilities provide you with tailored training, designed to give you the best workout in the least amount of time. Customers have a 100-day trial period to decide whether or not this bike is right for them.
Shop CAROL
Specs
- Price: $2,595
- Dimensions: 45.5? L x 22? W
- Weight: 120lbs
- Resistance type: AI-controlled, motorized resistance
- Max User Capacity: 330lbs
Pros
- The bike uses AI to guide you through personalized HIIT training, automatically calculating and adjusting the resistance as you pedal.
- It’s compatible with other platforms like Peloton, Zwift, YouTube, Netflix, or Apple Fitness+ using the Free Ride mode.
- More than a foot shorter than some competitors, the CAROL has the smallest footprint of all the premium bikes on this list.
Cons
- You’ll need a $15/month membership to access many of the best features, including AI optimization, science-based workouts, detailed performance metrics, and software updates.
- Coming in at close to $2,600, this is the most expensive option on the list and only comes with a one-year warranty.
- The CAROL bike comes with a free heart rate monitor, but you’ll need to wear it to make the most of the responsive AI programming.
Exercise bikes are generally a stellar option for small spaces and apartment dwellers, but if every inch counts in your home gym, you’ll still want the most compact pick. At 45.5” by 22”, CAROL is the smallest bike here (aside from the foldable and budget picks), scoring a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
It lands about 13 inches shorter than both the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike, and is thin enough to slide into spaces next to couches and even into closets when not in use. “I found the bike to be extremely slim and easy to move thanks to the front roller hockey wheels with bearings,” our tester said. Though it’s compact, it can accommodate riders from 4’ 7” to 6’ 7” tall and weighing up to 330 pounds — 50 to 80 pounds more than many other bikes on the market.
Rider accessibility isn’t the only thing that makes CAROL small but mighty. This AI-powered bike was founded on the scientifically validated concept of REHIT, or reduced-exertion HIIT. Using AI, the bike learns where your personal maximum intensity is, and adjusts the resistance accordingly to make sure you hit it during your workout. A study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise tested the method, and found that 10 minutes of REHIT on the CAROL bike offers more cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic benefits than 30-minutes of continuous moderate-intensity training. (4)
The AI-powered REHIT workouts are unique to CAROL, and what our tester liked best about the bike: “The programmed workouts are amazing for HIIT, and I love that you don’t have to touch any dials. I suspect that’s what other people will use most, because of the expediency of the program.You can get incredible results in a super short amount of time,” they said. The CAROL workout program also includes longer interval rides, fitness tests, custom workouts, and free rides, and you’re not limited to their offerings. The bike’s 11” touchscreen is essentially an Android tablet, meaning you can also load your favorite workout and entertainment apps.
That said, CAROL is a state-of-the-art model and the most expensive bike on this list — $600 more than our overall best pick from NordicTrack, $1,150 more than a Peloton Bike, and nearly $1,600 more than a no-frills Schwinn — which is why our tester gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for value.
Best Exercise Bike for Heavy People with Dynamic Programming: Bowflex VeloCore
BowFlex VeloCore Bike
BowFlex VeloCore Bike
Bowflex features an innovative leaning mode and can support users up to 325 pounds. Plus, you'll receive a two month free trial to JRNY with your purchase.
Shop BowFlex
Specs
- Price: $2,199 for 22” console, $1,799 for 16” console
- Dimensions: 55.3” H x 59.8? L x 24.1? W
- Weight: 155-158lbs
- Resistance type: Magnetic resistance
- Max User Capacity: 325lbs
Pros
- Ride in stationary mode or the innovative leaning mode, which tilts side to side as if you were going around corners on a real road bike or velodrome track.
- The streaming system, JRNY, will test your initial fitness level, recommend classes based on your ability, and continue to adapt as you get stronger.
- The VeloCore is available in two...
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