PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike
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Sunny Health Indoor Stationary Bike
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Cycling Bike with 40 LB Chromed Flywheel
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Are you looking for an affordable way to get fit and improve your health without having to go to the gym?
Well, getting an affordable exercise bike is a great start.
You don’t need to go to the gym to get a good workout. There are thousands of brilliant exercise bikes on the market ready for you to use. I have spent hours hunting down the best affordable indoor cycling bikes that will allow you to workout where you want when you want.
There are thousands of exercise bikes to choose from (and plenty of affordable options). You don’t need to spend an arm and leg to get a good quality exercise bike. But with there being so many to choose from, it can be quite a challenge to filter the good ones from the bad ones.
But no need to worry; I’m here to help!
To make things easier for you, I have researched and devised a list of my top 5 affordable exercise bikes, and no, you don’t need to spend thousands on brands like Peloton or Echelon to get a good workout. I have factored in comfort, size as well as the type of exercise bike for specific workouts.
Here’s a pro tip: I would recommend going for a basic exercise bike and then potentially paying out for the membership of Echelon or Peloton so you can still get the same benefits but at a fraction of the price.
Here are the most affordable indoor cycling bikes you’ll find on the market; there are some real hidden gems in this list!
Best Affordable Fitness Bikes Money Can Buy
PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike
best indoor spin bike for the price
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After spending hours searching through Amazon reviews of customers complaining that the seat wasn’t comfortable enough or shakes, making noises, the seat post isn’t long enough, etc… I have finally found an exercise bike that does it all (without breaking your bank).
The PYhigh Exercise bike is a real hidden gem for the price.
When exercising for long periods of time, we want to feel comfortable; we don’t want to jump off after 20 minutes because our ass has gone numb from the uncomfortable seat. This is why I love PYhigh, as they offer a 4-way adjustable seat and 2 ways of handlebars.
Comfort is Pyhigh’s main objective; their extra-wide has a massive amount of cushioning and ensures a comfortable experience during your workout, even an hour after pedaling. You can move this seat up-down, to the side, forward-backward– anything you need.
But that’s not all.
The 35lbs of balanced bidirectional flywheel adds stability to your ride; this bike comes with felt pads for adjustable resistance. 35lbs of the flywheel is ideal as it ensures you’ll be getting a smooth ride.
Unlike other cheap bikes, PYhigh has an LCD monitor that tracks your speed, distance, odometer, burned calories, and time. You can track your progress and calories burned with ease and set goals for yourself to improve in the next workout.
Like listening to music while you workout? Who doesn’t? It makes workouts more fun! PYhigh has an iPad/phone holder that allows you to enjoy your workout more easily. You can catch up on your favorite show or listen to your favorite playlist; the options are endless.
For under 300 bucks, I don’t think you can beat it!
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary Bike
best affordable upright exercise bike
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Now coming in at number two is Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1918, which provides everything you need for an effective cardio workout. This magnetic resistance stationary bike offers the smoothest level of resistance without breaking your bank.
The micro-adjustable, belt-driven, maintenance-free magnetic resistance provides a smooth cycling experience for any rider. The SF-B1918 is super sturdy and provides a great cardio workout for long periods.
You can track your fitness progress easily with the built-in digital monitor that displays your distance traveled, time, speed, calories burned, and RPM. Just like PYhigh, this bike has a tablet/ phone stand so you can stay connected with your favorite apps.
But wait, there’s more.
You can perform smooth and quiet exercise sessions with the almost silent belt drive mechanism pedal and 22lb chrome flywheel. The contactless resistance applies magnetic force to the large flywheel and will need next to no maintenance.
Although the quality is not as good as the PYhigh bike, it is still a gem for the price; with the right care, it will last you for years to come. It is ideal for those looking for a cheap option to get into exercise biking or keep fit during the lockdown.
Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
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I’m back at it again with another Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bike that will give you excellent value for your money. Sear through the calories through intense climbs, sprint intervals, or long endurance rides.
The SF-B901 has a much heavier flywheel than the previous model I reviewed, with a whopping 40lbs. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride, and this flywheel is engineered for both speed and stability; it creates more momentum for long periods to keep your workout going for the distance.
This bike will allow you to push the boundaries like no other.
The ergonomic handlebars and adjustable seats allow for ultimate comfort while you exercise. Lose the calluses with their improved handlebars; they deliver a comfortable ride and allow for multiple hand positions.
Proper foot placement is another feature for any biking workout– with some exercise bikes, there’s never that sweet spot for your feet. With SF-B901, there is an added foot case feature to avoid foot slippage and increase levels of speed and intensity.
Pairing this bike with a high-end membership like peloton, and you’ll get the same benefits but save yourself around 1.5k in price!
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
best cheap recumbent exercise bike
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Looking for something a bit more comfortable? Here is my top pick of the best affordable recumbent bike; who said you couldn’t work out and be comfortable at the same time?
Recumbent bikes are in a more reclined position and tend to have a wider, office-like seat. The pedals are in front of you, and it doesn’t put any strain on your back or joints– it burns just as many calories too.
Marcy ME-709 is the answer to your prayers; this recumbent bike was built with a compact design that conveniently fits into small spaces. You can shape, firm and tone your body, improve cardiovascular fitness while burning serious calories.
It has a step-through design that comprises 14 gauge steel tubing, a powder coating; it provides maximum mobility during workouts. Unlike others, it causes a magnetic resistant mechanism that has 8 resistant levels to push the limits.
But that’s not all.
Like PYhigh, Marcy is equipped with an LCD computer display that records time, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, and total distance. It may not track RPM like Sunny Health & Fitness, but you can still keep track of your progress with ease.
This also allows you to customize your workouts as per your fitness levels. The well-padded seat provides maximum support and comfort while you workout, so you can ride for hours with complete comfort.
This is one of the most affordable recumbent bikes you’ll find on the market.
JOROTO Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
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Looking for a way to workout that won’t disturb family members? Joroto is one of the best for providing a silent and smooth workout that won’t wake up a baby.
Joroto X2 is designed as a professional indoor cycling bike trainer with Magnetic Resistance and Belt Drive at an affordable price point. The AV-type frame and 35lbs chromed flywheel give this bike a rock-solid build and smooth flowing ride.
This magnetic resistance and belt drive system provide an insanely smooth and nearly silent ride; you’ll never have to disturb family and friends again while you workout– except for when you’re singing along to your music, which is fine.
Here’s more:
This bike is completely adjustable for your comfort. To start with, it has a wide seat and handlebars that are both 4 way adjustable, up-down, side to side, forward-backward– whatever adjustability you need. Plus, the toe caged pedals are designed with adjustable straps for complete comfort too.
Want to watch a bit of Netflix while you ride? Or follow a training program you found on Youtube? This bike has a completely adjustable phone holder for your convenience.
For an exercise bike under $500, you cannot ask for much more!
Best Affordable Indoor Exercise Bikes– A Buyer’s Guide:
Whether you’re a beginner or a gym junkie and cannot get to the gym because of the pandemic, desperately seeking an affordable way to get fit. Getting yourself an affordable indoor bike may be the answer to your prayers.
Exercise bikes have so many benefits on your body as well as your health. Exercise biking can gently build muscles without putting strain on your joints, and it has major benefits on your cardiovascular health .
Exercise biking and spinning have completely boomed since the pandemic, with more virtual classes than ever! People can stay in the comfort of their own homes while immersing themselves in intense classes with world-class instructors.
Now you don’t need to spend thousands on a Peloton or Echelon bike to be part of these classes; you can go for an affordable option with a phone or iPad holder and sign up for the membership; it’ll save you hundreds of dollars and still allow you to enjoy these intense workouts.
Finding an exercise bike on a budget can be a challenge in itself though, there are some key things to consider to ensure you’re getting the best product over one that will break within a month.
Let’s delve into everything you need to know so you can buy your next indoor bike with complete confidence.
Why Invest In An Exercise Bike?
Getting yourself an exercise bike is a brilliant way to get in your cardio and improve your cardiovascular fitness. There are so many benefits of using an exercise bike on both your body and your health.
Exercise biking can be fitted into your daily routine and can be enjoyed by all ages. It is a brilliant way to build muscles without putting strain on your joints like other exercises like running.
Even just 30 minutes a day will help to lower blood pressure, reduce the chance of diseases, improve your fitness and make you feel happier as a person. Exercise cycling has so many benefits on your mental health as it releases endorphins.
Using an exercise bike for 30 minutes will burn as many as 300-400 calories helping you achieve your weightloss goals .
Weight loss:
If you are a busy person and you rarely get time for doing some exercise, a fitness bike will be a good option. These bikes are very convenient because you can use them even in your home.
When you ride a fitness bike for about thirty minutes, you are likely to burn 200-400 calories. This makes them ideal for those who want to lose weight.
Convenient
Once you buy a fitness bike, you will no longer need to visit the gym. This means that they are also economical since you do not need to pay for the gym. Again, you can use them anywhere whether in the office or home.
Energy booster
Sometimes fitness bikes can be used as an energy booster. What you need to know is that riding a bike triggers your brain to release a hormone known as neurotransmitter dopamine that is known to improve energy levels in your body.
These bikes can increase energy levels by 20% and reduce fatigue by 65%. Your mental health will also feel lifted as a result of the endorphins being released into your blood, after a workout you’ll feel much happier and more relaxed.
Strengthening of muscles
You can also use a fitness bike if you want to strengthen your muscles. There two strokes that are used in an exercise bike, pull and push. Pushing down on pedals allows you to strengthen your quads while on the other hand, pulling up allows you to exercise your hamstrings.
Again, they do not put a lot of pressure on your knees since you will be using them on an even ground. Exercise biking is a low-impact workout that will gently build your muscles without damaging your joints.
Spin bikes are also brilliant for working full-body muscles. When you stand up you’re not only working your leg muscles but also your core and abdominal muscles.
Health benefits
Riding a fitness bike may strengthen your lungs and heart. Apart from that, it also boosts respiratory functions. For those with high blood pressure problems, fitness bikes are very useful in controlling blood pressure.
Different Types Of Indoor Cycling Bikes:
There are most commonly known as three different stationary bikes to choose from, all have their benefits, and some burn more calories than others. Here’s the full rundown:
Upright bike:
The most common exercise bike you will find for indoor cycling is an upright bike; it allows for a complete personalized workout session. Upright bikes are designed similar to a standard road bike, so you have to sit upright and hold onto the handlebars as you exercise.
You can design your own personalized workout plan that suits you and help you achieve your fitness goals. You will also find that an upright bike comes with a central console that allows you to follow training sessions and training programs.
Upright exercise bikes tend to be less expensive than recumbent bikes and take up less space. Check out my full guide going through what exercise bike gives the better workout here .
Recumbent bike:
Now for a recumbent stationary bike , you will notice that you’re sitting in a reclined position with your back resting against a backrest. This provides a much more comfortable and natural reclined position to reduce body fatigue, relieve muscle soreness in your upper body, and provide back support.
It mainly focuses on working out your lower body.
The seat tends to be much more comfortable; it is even compared to the comfort of an office chair so you can remain comfortable in your workout for longer periods. The pedals are positioned in front of the body, and your body is well-positioned in the bike frame.
Recumbent bikes may not burn as many calories as spin bikes as you’re only really working out the leg muscles. However, they are convenient and comfortable and still have some major benefits on calorie burning and weight loss.
Spin bike:
A spin bike will be your best friend in interval training and when it comes to a high-intensity workout. They allow you to stand up on the pedals or cycle sitting down; it allows for a more intensive workout and increases stamina.
Spinning sessions have taken the world by storm; they focus on HIIT workouts and interval training to majorly burn calories.
They mimic the feel of a real-life road bike; you can lead forward into a crouching position; they also offer different resistance levels to customize your workout. They’re brilliant at burning calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.
How I Did My Research To Find The Best Affordable Exercise Bikes:
Buying a fitness bike requires a lot of research to end up with a product that will give you great performance. I do not want you to waste your money on a non-functional product or one that won’t last.
To make your work easier, I tried to compare different things to develop the above products. Below are some of the important things I checked.
Design
Even if exercise bikes may look the same, the truth is that they are very different. One of the common mistakes people make when buying these units is failure to do thorough research before buying.
This can be very costly because you are likely to end up with a useless product. From the many products I picked, I tried to check those with the most outstanding features. Features such as an LCD are essential when tracking performance, and not all units have this feature.
Price
The price may also determine the quality of the exercise bike. In most cases, the best products are those that bear high price tags. These products have more features which enable them to provide better performance. However, not everyone can afford such products.
I tried to compare the features with price, and all the products I have reviewed are budget-friendly. This means that irrespective of your budget, you will still find a quality product.
Ease of use
Sometimes you may experience some problems when using an exercise bike for the first time. This is because not all exercise bikes have a user-friendly design. To save you from such frustrations, I only considered those products that won’t give you problems when using them.
Resistance:
Different exercise bikes use different mechanisms to create resistance on the pedals. There are usually a few options to choose from magnetic resistance, direct contact, and flywheel-based resistance.
A flywheel connects to the cycling pedals through either a chain or belt and often resembles a road bike. As you ride, the flywheel stores the momentum generated through your feet.
For direct contact resistance exercise, bike friction is mainly used. These exercise bikes use braking pads fitted along the flywheel to help create a braking effect and increase resistance.
Magnetic resistance uses the flywheel to operate two powerful magnets, and the flywheel acts as a magnetic conductor. The flywheel will continue to rotate as you cycle, interfering with the two magnets’ magnetic feel. This when creates a resistance force.
All have their pros and cons, and I’ve broken them all down in my guide here.
But despite what resistance type you choose, the level of resistance determines the intensity of your workout; most exercise bikes allow you to increase or decrease the intensity using a manual knob or keypad buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you lose belly fat by riding a fitness bike?
When cycling an exercise bike, you can easily burn 300-700 kcal in an hour. This means that they are very effective for those who want to lose weight. While you cannot spot weight loss, you can burn calories, leading to losing weight overall.
Cycling regularly will cause you to lose weight and tone your muscles, and eventually lose belly fat.
Are 30 minutes on a fitness bike enough?
If you can spare at least 30 minutes per day to use an exercise bike, you will be losing 200-300 calories per session, but it also depends on your weight.
This is definitely enough daily; you will see massive improvements to your cardiovascular health and notice significant weight loss and elevated mood.
Which is better between a treadmill and a stationary bike?
Whether you are using a treadmill or a stationary bike, there are no major differences because both work the same. However, treadmills allow you to burn more calories compared to when you are using a fitness bike, but they are more expensive than fitness bikes.
Treadmills also have more impact on your joints which can lead to issues later on. If you suffer from joint pain or recovering from an injury, the best option would be to get an exercise bike to build muscle gently without putting strain on joints.
Is it safe to ride a fitness bike every day?
Absolutely! There is no harm if you choose to use an exercise bike every day. For those with joint problems, daily exercises are highly recommended.
Exercising for 30 minutes a day gently on an exercise bike is a brilliant way to improve fitness and boost cardiovascular health.
The Final Verdict
One of the most important areas you should never neglect is your fitness. Apart from healthy eating, you need to do exercise frequently. Since you may not have all the time to hit the gym, you can invest in a fitness bike. These bikes are very easy to use and also convenient.
If you are searching for a perfect option that will give you excellent results, you can never go wrong with any of those I have reviewed. I have only considered those with the best features which means that they perform better than any other fitness bike you can find on the market.
Happy exercising!