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To jump to the best indoor bikes and Spin Bikes by price plus our top picks, click here:
Best Indoor Cycling Bikes by Price
Indoor cycles like the M3i indoor cycles by Keiser and iC3 indoor bikes by Schwinn are among the most popular and effective pieces of exercise equipment available. You’ll most commonly see these types of bikes at the gym, but these indoor cycling machines are great to have at home as well. Our reviews will help you decide on the best indoor bike for home use.
What “Spinning Bike” and “Spinning” Really Mean (Important!)
Though a lot of people think of “spinning” as a generic word for exercising on an indoor cycle, it’s important to note that the words SPIN®, Spinner®, and Spinning® are terms created (and copyrighted) long ago in the early ’90s by the founders of Mad Dogg Athletics. Just like Xerox for copy machines and Kleenex for tissues, Spinning Bikes, Spin Bikes, Spin Classes, etc. only really refer to the brand of indoor cycling bikes and classes licensed by that company. Mad Dogg Athletics, Star Trac®, which distributes the bikes, and the Spinning® empire have done such a good job of promoting indoor cycling and selling their quality bikes that it’s led to everyone thinking that’s what indoor cycling is called. But to be clear, we’ll use “indoor bikes” or “indoor cycling bikes” as the generic term and Spinning only when referring to things relating to the company.
Indoor Cycling Bikes at Home?
If you’ve ventured into almost any Spinning class, cycle studio, gym, or fitness club, you’re probably familiar with the mass of people pushing their indoor bikes, and their sweat glands, to the limit. You may actually be one of them. And while working out in a group can be inspiring, having your own indoor exercise bikes at home can actually get you to workout more since it’s right there staring you in the face whenever you walk by it, begging you to get a workout. On your own home indoor bike or Spin Bike, you can jump on and knock out a workout in 30 minutes instead of driving 30 min to the gym, hoping there’s a cycle available, taking the class, then driving home sweaty and exhausted. Doesn’t working out at home sound better?
The truth is, you’re going to workout more at home because it’s infinitely more convenient. Best of all, you can order a top-quality indoor bike online it will be shipped to you for free within a day or two. You won’t have to worry about lugging the bike from an exercise equipment store to
your home. You can have it delivered to your door, with free shipping from a retailer like Amazon.
Using an indoor cycling bike is an excellent way to improve your health and fitness in the comfort of your own home. In fact you can easily replace your need for an instructor or gym membership by simply setting up your indoor bike by your computer or TV and watching an array of fitness DVDs or any of the tons of workout program videos on Youtube. Strap on a pair of quality indoor bike shoes and it can be just you and your “virtual indoor bike instructor”, with no one to see you sweat.
Best Indoor Bikes by Price
The indoor cycling bike category includes models and brands that cover almost every feature and price level. So fortunately, when shopping for an indoor cycle or Spin bike, you’ll find that there is something for everyone and you are almost guaranteed to find the perfect bike to fit your needs. To help you zero in on the best model for you, we’ve broken down our top choices for the best indoor bikes by price below:
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
$1500 and up  |
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle |
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
$1000-$1500  |
NordicTrack Grand Tour Pro Indoor Cycle |
|
Check Latest Price |
|
$500-$1000
|
Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike |
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
$200-$500  |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Indoor Cycling Bike |
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
$100-$200  |
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike |
|
Check Price on Amazon |
PRICE RANGE: $100-$200:
Sunny SF-B1001 Indoor Cycling Bike $159 – 372 reviews (check Amazon)
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike $199 – 2,814 reviews (check Amazon)
PRICE RANGE: $200-$500:
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Indoor Cycling Bike $277 – 1,341 reviews (check Amazon)
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike $259 – 596 reviews (check Amazon)
Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike $499 – 255 Reviews (check Amazon)
PRICE RANGE: $600-$1000:
Diamondback Fitness 510lc Indoor Cycle $799 – 111 reviews
PRICE RANGE: $1000 and up:
NordicTrack Grand Tour Pro Indoor Cycle $1,099
Keiser M3 Plus $1795 – 102 reviews
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle $1995 – 204 reviews
Peloton Indoor Bike from $2,245 – 2,100 reviews
Our Top Indoor Bike 2020 Picks
#1. Keiser M3i Indoor Bike
The beautifully designed Keiser M3i is Keiser’s latest addition to their M Series line of indoor cycles. Setting the Keiser M3i apart from the Keiser M3 Plus is a new Bluetooth-enabled wireless computer, the ability to download tons of workout data wirelessly via various apps, a redesigned bike pedal, and a great new ergonomically designed V-shaped handlebar.
Like other Keiser M Series models, the Keiser M3i uses a magnetic resistance system that creates the feel of a real road bike while helping the bike keep a lot quieter than other indoor bikes. The Keiser M3 also features great portability with wheels as well as a compact profile for easy storage. For all these reasons, not to mention its incredible durability, the M3i is gaining popularity among indoor group cycling classes.
Keiser has a reputation as one of the top manufacturers of exercise equipment worldwide. Manufactured in the USA, the M3i indoor cycle is an incredible addition to their arsenal. Like the Schwinn A.C. Performance Plus (which is a strong contender in this price range, but doesn’t quite match the Keiser M3i), the M3i is on the higher price side of the indoor cycle market. But for the right budget, this workhorse is truly worth the money. Click here, or click the button below for our full review:
#2. Sunny Health & Fitness Pro SF-B901
The Sunny Health & Fitness Pro SF-B901 is one of the best indoor bikes in the sub-$300 price range. It’s a very solid bike that has a durable, heavy-duty crank and lots of adjustability. With assembled dimensions of 48.5L x 20W x 46.5H inches, the fully adjustable seat and handlebars means you can move the handlebars and seat easily to suit your body type.
The Pro SF-B901’s chain drive mechanism provides a quiet and smooth ride, which is great for the home when you don’t want to disturb the other home occupants.
A 40 lbs flywheel means the bike has a lot of stability and can really simulate the momentum and feel of biking on the road. The bike’s total weight is 108 lbs and maximum user weight is 275 lbs that should cover users of most sizes.
The Pro features an adjustable resistance system that provides the ability to fine-tune your indoor workout.
Other great features include wheels on the back legs for easily moving or storing the bike. Click here, or the click the button below for our full review:
Indoor Bike Features to Consider
Indoor Bike Computer
Bikes such as the Keiser M3 Plus come equipped with a computer that displays power output in watts, show RPM (revolutions per minute), your pedaling time, resistance level, and your trip distance (odometer). These computer calculations and readings are hugely beneficial way to keep track of your progress and can keep you motivated when you want to “break that last record”. Not all indoor bikes come with computers, and it’s not absolutely necessary for getting a great workout, but that said, is a big plus to have one for optimizing your workout.
Customization
Much of what separates good exercise equipment from great is customization – the degree to which you can make the device conform to your body instead of the other way around. The best indoor bikes are highly adjustable. Handlebars, seats position, seat height, etc. should all be shiftable. This helps create the most comfortable exercising experience which makes it more likely for you to come back for more and to reach your fitness goals.
Resistance Function
Resistance is one of the most important features of a Spin Bike or any other indoor cycle. You don’t want to just keep pedaling without the ability to change the difficulty. Using the resistance function, the rider can adjust the level of resistance in order to give themselves a tougher or easier workout. Resistance can be adjusted throughout the workout in order to vary the intensity, or to ramp up and cool down. The actual resistance mechanism (knob, lever, etc.) varies between indoor bike models.
Flywheel Considerations
Bikes such as the Spinner Fit Spin Bike feature heavy flywheels (31 lb) that help simulate the ride of a real road bike. The momentum of a heavier flywheel keeps the bike steady and securely weighted down as it spins while the user is in the middle of a heavy workout.
Adjustable Handlebars
Most indoor bikes and Spin bikes come with racing style handlebars, but it’s important that they are adjustable. As long as the gears that allow adjustment are well made, you want to have as many options as possible for getting a comfortable ride.
Adjustable Pedals
Being able to adjust your pedals can make things a lot more comfortable for your feet as well as your legs while cycling.
Adjustable Seat Position
Seat position is a big one. Everyone’s bodies are different and the distance between the seat and the pedals is going to make or break your enjoyment of the indoor cycling experience, but almost all indoor bikes do have this feature. Vertical (up and down) adjustment is common a lot of indoor cycles also have seats that can be adjust in multiple directions, up and down, front to back, etc. This allows for great customization.
Water Bottle Holder
Featured on indoor cycles like the Spinner brand Spin bikes, this is a nice touch that allows you to keep your water handy, because you’re going to need it to stay well hydrated.
Weight Capacity
This is how much user weight the bike can handle. Most quality bikes are rated to accommodate at least 250 lbs.
Benefits of Indoor Cycling and How It Works
Benefits:
Low impact exercise
Save your knees instead of running. Spinning and cycling is a low-impact exercise that is not tough on your joints. Running, on the other hand, can take its toll on your hips, knees, and ankles and become a seriously painful problem after a few years.
Improved cardiovascular health
While indoor cycling is one of the most effective workouts for losing weight and building muscle (lean muscle), the cardiovascular benefits of a high intensity workouts such as Spinning classes are incredible. Experts agree that at least 20 minutes daily of activity that raises your heart rate is an essential key to leading a healthy life and reducing your chances of heart disease and other chronic health problems. While Spinning you can hit your target heart rate and get a great cardio workout in a safe and controlled manner.
Calorie Burning
As far as weight loss, you’ll burn anywhere between 400 to 1500 calories per session depending on your fitness level and workout duration. That’s the same amount of calories as a normal meal for most people, so you’re basically canceling out at least one meal that way. Additionally, indoor cycling can have a hugely beneficial effect on your metabolism, increasing your resting metabolic rate and allowing you to burn calories even after your workout.
Full Body Workout
Something you might not have considered is that indoor cycling gives you a full body workout. That’s right, it’s not just your legs that are getting the benefit – holding yourself up and gripping the handles works your back, arms, shoulders, and abdominal muscles to varying degrees.
You’ll Feel Great
After 20 or 30 minutes of cycling, you’re going to feel great, almost euphoric. The endorphins that are released during an intense indoor bike workout are going to be coursing through your body and stimulating you. Don’t be surprised if you get addicted – in a good way. Exercise has been proven to reduce depression and improve your mood.
Save Money!
Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks? If you’re working out at home, you’re going to save money on gym fees and gas over the long haul. Plus you’re more likely to work out at home.
How Does It Work?
In case you’re new to this world, an indoor bike is a form of stationary bike. (As we mentioned, Spinning and Spin bikes only refer to the classes and indoor cycles of Mad Dogg Athletics.) Indoor cycling is a workout that utilizes an upright stationary bike, or Spinning Bike, with usually a heavy weight flywheel and adjustable resistance to change the desired exertion challenge level. The rider sits on an indoor bike just like any other bicycle with feet in pedals and “spins” the flywheel. The flywheel of an indoor bike is the component that sets it apart from normal stationary bikes. The flywheel helps your leg exertion create momentum that can then be resisted via brakes and resistance functions. This helps mimic the feeling of being on a real road bike. The momentum both challenges and helps keep you going during a workout. That’s all there is to it!
Other Indoor Bike Considerations
Choose the Best Indoor Bike Shoes
You’ll definitely want to wear proper footwear when cycling, or working out on any kind of equipment for that matter. The problem is you’re very close to the moving parts of an exercise machine that can hurt you under the wrong circumstances. Be sure you grab a pair of proper cycle shoes before working out.
Workout Clothing
It’s important to wear clothes that won’t get caught in the indoor bike’s gears while working out. Shorts are usually okay, but pants can present a problem unless they’re very tight-fitting.
Finding Indoor Bike Workouts
If you’re working out at home, you want to make sure you keep motivated. One of the best ways is to find indoor bike workouts on Youtube or specialized DVDs. It’s not absolutely necessary, and you can definitely get a good workout just watching a TV show or movie.
Indoor Cycle Upkeep
After a sweaty workout (that’s the point right?), you want to make sure to wipe down your bike. Sweat can be corrosive to the metal parts of your indoor bikes and Spin Bikes, so take that extra moment to towel it off.
Final Word on Spin Bikes and Indoor Cycles
Overall you’re going to get an excellent workout when using a Spin Bike or indoor cycling bike at home. A quality bike is comfortable, adjustable, offers plenty of challenging resistance, and is portable. But most important is finding the one that works best for you. We hope this breakdown of indoor bikes (including Mad Dogg Spinning bikes) has helped, and feel free to contact us for more information.
Enjoyed your reviews. Has there been a review of the Bodycraft SPR and how it compares to the Keiser M3 plus ?
Thanks for reading! No comparison review of the Bodycraft SPR vs Keiser M2 Plus yet, but we’ll add that to the to-do list.
I am a beginner at age 59, what do you recommend. Also do they have a wider seat ?
Hi, the Sunny Health & Fitness B-901 does have a wider seat and is a good beginner bike. Check it out here: http://topfitnessmag2.wpengine.com/indoor-bike-reviews/sunny-health-fitness-sf-b901-pro-indoor-cycling-bike-review/
While I have been riding outdoors for years I recently had a total hip replacement and have been rehabilitated it. With winter weather I’m not getting on my road bike. I ride a Keiser M3 and really am enjoying it. It seems well designed and quite adjustable. I now can gear up to the point I can get out of the saddle. However, the seat is much like my road bike so I use the butt butter I use of long outside rides. I also where my padded outdoor shorts and my biking shoes so I clip in to the pedals.
Sheryl you can buy a seat at Walmart that will fit on top of the seat that comes on them that is wider
Thanks for sharing these information, it’s really helpful most specially for first-timers like me.
You should review our indoor bikes, the Cascade CMXPro and CMXPro Power as people really love them. Thanks.
We’ll check them out. Thanks for the tip!
I recently took the plunge and got a Keiser M3 and just want to say that it is completely awesome. I can easily see why you put it at #1 on your list. It’s pretty expensive but it was definitely worth it.
What bike/brand can you recommend for commercial purposes and why?
Thanks
Kate
Hi Kate,
The Schwinn A.C. Performance Carbon Blue and the Keiser M3 indoor cycles are both solid choices that can put up with a lot of abuse, are low maintenance, and come with good warranties from solid manufacturers. Both of those models are very often the go-to choices of cycling studios for that reason. Hope that helps.
Hi,
was wondering are these prices RRP in Australia ?
I’m thinking about purchasing a Lemond Revmaster Pro but all of the review sites interestingly ( or maybe not so interestingly) omit the Lemond. I’m see that the Diamondback 510ic seems to be a well liked/respected machine…. any thoughts advice on which to purchase? Thanks!!
We haven’t been able to do a review of the Lemond as yet, but I wouldn’t rule it out. The Diamondback 510Ic is definitely a solid choice. In this price range I’d also seriously consider the Sole Fitness SB700.
I am looking for the convenience of home, but the ability to actually have some kind of structure like a class offers. The reviews here are awesome, but all lack the ability of having a class with someone driving you. I dont see the Peloton reviewed anywhere but on their site and it seems you cant get the same bike, but not the same classes. Any way to have a directed workout with the extra measurements on any of these bikes as an add on of some sort. Please forgive that I am asking newbie questions….
I’m not familiar with any live online classes you can join “virtually” (sounds like a great idea though!) As far a home workout motivation though, a lot of people get a DVD like this one called “Crank It Up” from Spinner/Mad Dogg Athletics. It’s a structured class led by a pro cyclist.
Check out Peloton Cycle. A little spendy at around $1,995 for bike plus $39 for classes. They provide live and recorded spin classes with awesome instructors streamed to the screen on your bike. You can also compare your performance with other people in the class.
debating between the spinner fit indoor cycle (ranked in your mid-range group) and possibly the sunny fit, and i’d buy a tracker to go on it, since it does not have one. is there a major difference, besides price and computer, between these 2 bikes? i’m not a beginner, but been having trouble getting to classes as much as i’d like, so i want one for our home. thanks!
I was wondering what your thoughts are on the Peloton Bike might be?
I do not see them listed in any of the comparison reviews I have read.
I like the large screen and other options they offer but can not find reviews other than on their website.
Thank you. Don B.
Haven’t had a chance to review the Peloton yet, but it’s on the list!
Don, less than one week into a Peloton Bike at home and if the first three rides are an example (2 on demand 1 live) of the future then it might be one of the best investments we have made for our fitness. We love spin classes especially with good music and bikes and the options with Peloton are incredible – and the system works great. I use the Keiser M3 Plus bike at the Y studio I go to and I agree with Jeff it is a great bike. The Peloton bike feels just as stable and smooth, provides very similar features as well. The price is a bit more for Peloton and you should get the subscription service to take full advantage – a little more money but the screen alone and feedback stats are worth it. If you go to any studio worth its salt the price of the Peloton monthly subscription is nothing – and you will work out more. Takes up little space and a cinch to set up.
Hello,
My husband is around 320 pounds, but he’s determined to lose weight. He enjoys using the bike at the gym, but it’s sometimes hard for him to find one open. I would like to invest in buying one and after seeing your reviews, I wonder if you could point me in the right direction. Thanks so much!
I can’t decide between the M3+ and the AC Performance Plus with Blue Carbon. I am 6’4″ and have never used either. I’m sure either will be an upgrade to my gym’s bikes, but can you tell me what the big differences are between the two? Why would you choose the M3+ over the Schwinn?
Hi Lucas, here’s a comparison review we just published on the Keiser M3+ versus the Schwinn AC Performance Plus. Hope that helps!
I am looking at buying a spin bike and have been back and forth between a sunny fitness b1002 and a synergy pro commercial. The reviews on the sunny fitness b1002 are very good, but the lack of warranty for this bike bothers me. However, I can not find any reviews on the synergy pro commercial bike and they offer a 5 year warranty. Can anyone shed some light on this issue??
Hi Ken, we haven’t reviewed the Synergy Pro Commercial, but we do know the Sunny Fitness B1002 is a popular, solid choice.
I would love to get a “smart”Spin bike with all bells and whistles including virtual training. Any comments on CycleOps Phantom 5 tablet Edition?
Hi Rick, We haven’t reviewed the CycleOps Phantom 5 yet, but it’s on our list!
Just wondering if you have reviewed the Sunny Health SF-B1805 compared to the other Sunny Health bikes as one of them is no longer available.
Haven’t reviewed the Sunny SF-B1805 yet, but plan to! Stay tuned. That said, it looks like the Sunny SF-B1002 was temporarily unavailable, but is back in stock on Amazon.
Great in-depth article!
It’s always a tricky one, deciding on buying a spin bike for home, as they inevitably take up space so you have to be sure you are going to make good use of it. But if you have space and love to spin – go for it!