Indoor cycling is proving to be an increasingly popular pursuit. It’s a challenging, low impact activity that can be done from the convenience of your own home. Spinning bikes facilitate indoor cycling by providing resistance and a realistic pedalling motion for those looking to start cycling or keep their training on track during the cold and wet winter months.
In this comprehensive buying guide we will take you through the ins and outs of spinning bikes for your home and recommend the best products on the market depending on your individual requirements and budget. There are so many options out there, that we have broken it down to three price brackets so you can quickly find the right indoor cycle for you to buy. But first let’s establish what a spinning bike actually is.
In this review, we discuss;
What is a Spinning Bike?
Despite their popularity, spinning bikes are the subject of plenty of confusion. When it comes to exercise there are a host of products available. However, a spin bike is designed to specifically mirror the feeling of riding a road bike. You might have seen or participated in spin classes at your gym where studio bikes are used. On a spin bike it is possible to get out of the saddle and adopt a riding position that is similar to one which you would adopt on a road bike. Studio bikes are just another name for spin bikes that are exclusively used indoors in a gym environment, many brands avoid using the terms 'Spin' and 'Spinning' directly as they are trademarked. Spin bikes can also be known as indoor cycles, racer bikes, and indoor exercise bikes.
So what makes a spin bike a spin bike? A combination of features contribute to a realistic road cycling experience compared to regular upright exercise bikes. Firstly, a spin bike has a heavy flywheel which allows for higher intensity training and replicates the feeling of a high gear on a road bike. This natural feeling is enhanced by the manual resistance typically found on these bikes. Another feature which makes a spin bike different is the riding position and adjustability. While typical upright exercise bikes have limited adjustability, spin bikes usually allow the handlebars and seat to be moved horizontally and vertically. They also put the rider in more of a forward lean rather than an upright position as you would see with a road bike. For those who often cycle outdoors this position is more familiar and allows you to generate a greater force through the pedals to really get the flywheel spinning.
In recent years spinning bikes have also taken on a new form with the emergence of ‘smart bikes’. Smart bikes aim to reproduce the gym studio experience at home with screens that stream live or on-demand workouts. A number of companies have produced spin bikes with these features including the likes of Peloton, Echelon and NordicTrack.
Why Buy a Spin Bike for your Home?
Great workouts
Cycling as a sport is renowned for delivering an efficient calorie burn and an overall intense workout. The popularity of spin bikes shows just how valued this activity is to fitness enthusiasts. On top of that, cycling is a low impact sport which reduces stresses and strains on the working muscles and reduces the risk of injury. Indoor spin bikes also often provide built-in workouts tailored to your individual capabilities and experience levels. With the convenience of training in your own home it’s never been easier to stay motivated all year round to maintain fitness and build strength.
Train for the real thing
If you are working up the confidence to get out on the roads or you need a little help to stay motivated in the winter months. An indoor bike for your home workout space provides ultimate convenience. With wet and cold weather comes mucky roads and freezing hands and feet. An indoor bike allows you to keep your training on track without braving the elements. From the comfort of your own home you can get tailored workouts to allow you to progress your fitness with ease.
Cost effective
The top spin bikes and smart bikes represent a sizeable upfront cost however compared to a gym membership they do give you value over time. If you remain consistent in your training and get plenty of use out of your spin bike the monthly cost of a gym membership will soon eclipse the price you paid for your indoor bike. Be sure to weigh up the cumulative cost of a gym membership with the total cost of a spin bike. Make sure you note that the top models often include a monthly subscription fee for access to online spin classes as well, so if this is something you will want access to note that it does come as an extra cost.
Top 15 Spinning Bikes
We have trawled the market to bring our list of the top 15 spin bikes for sale. Because there is such a range of options out there, we’ve broken this down into 3 price categories to help you make your choice: (i) Under £500 ($650), (ii) £500-£1000 ($650 to $1300), (iii) Over £1000 ($1300). All of these bikes come highly recommended but of course the more you pay, the more you’ll get in terms of quality, durability and features.
Top Indoor Cycling Bikes: Under £500 ($650)
1. RELIFE Indoor Cycling Bike
This entry level bike from RELIFE offers beginners or recreational cyclists the opportunity to keep their goals on track without breaking the bank. With seat and handlebar adjustability alongside a maximum user weight of 180kg this bike is suitable for a range of individuals making it a good option if you are sharing it with a partner or housemate. It also features an LCD display which shows time, speed, distance, calories burned and odometer. Cage style pedals and an extra padded seat make it perfect for those who have limited cycling experience and are not yet used to narrow saddles and clip in pedals. The fly weight and resistance levels are modest, they offer scope for progression but won’t be enough for ambitious cyclists.
- Flywheel weight: not stated
- Resistance: not stated
- Max weight capacity: 180kg
- Product weight: 25kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: Amazon
2. Reebok Astroride Sprint Exercise Bike
The stylish Reebok Astroride is similar in performance to the RELIFE and includes a number of the same features. Despite also being at the lower end of the price scale it does boast excellent build quality and performance from a well-known brand. The 14kg flywheel and 15 levels of resistance mean you can progress up to strenuous workouts with this spin bike. While not the sturdiest, with a max user weight of 100kg it is adjustable at the seat and handlebars to account for a range of user heights. The fairly narrow saddle will suit those already used to a road bike and the small LCD screen provides limited metric tracking, meaning this bike is best for those who want a solid spin bike that won’t take up too much space.
- Flywheel weight: 14kg
- Resistance: 15 levels
- Max weight capacity: 100kg
- Product weight: 32kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: John Lewis
3. WeRSports Indoor Exercise Bike
Another option for those working with a lower budget is the WeRSports spin bike which offers solid performance and build quality. Similar to the other models coming in at below £500 ($650), this bike offers a modest flywheel at 13kg but for lower intensity rides this will be more than adequate. With a product weight of 38kg it’s fairly easy to manoeuvre and move around your home workout space while maintaining a solid base for your workouts. For the price, it’s a powerful spin bike that will suit most riders with versatile seat and handlebar adjustability.
- Flywheel weight: 13kg
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Max weight capacity: 120kg
- Product weight: 38kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: Amazon
4. JTX Cyclo-3 Indoor Racer Bike
The Cycle-3 Indoor Racer Bike is a level up from the other models in our under £500 ($650) list. The 20kg flywheel creates a realistic pedalling motion and the infinity resistance technology allows you to precisely choose the difficulty of your workout. The excellent build quality allows this product to support a maximum user weight of 140kg but does mean the bike is less transportable at 42kg. However, with built in transport wheels you’ll be able to move it around with relative ease.
- Flywheel weight: 20kg
- Resistance: “Infinity” resistance
- Max weight capacity: 140kg
- Product weight: 42kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: JFX Fitness
5. JLL IC300 Pro
Our final spin bike in the under £500 ($650) category is the IC300 Pro from JLL. This is a great option with a flywheel of 20kg and adjustable magnetic resistance. In terms of tech, this spin bike offers 7 displays including time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, RPM and scan mode. If you are a beginner and looking to progress your fitness then these metrics are great for tracking progress and hitting your goals. The solid construction gives you the best of both worlds with a strong maximum user weight of 130kg and a manoeuvrable frame aided by transport wheels.
- Flywheel weight: 20kg
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Max weight capacity: 130kg
- Product weight: 45kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: Amazon
Top Indoor Cycling Bikes: £500 to £1000 ($650 to $1300)
6. JTX Cyclo-6 Indoor Exercise Bike
The second offering on our list from JTX is the Cyclo-6. This bike certainly represents a level up in terms of quality, with a sturdy yet compact design. The 22kg flywheel makes a noticeable difference in terms of a smooth pedalling motion. This product can facilitate an intense workout for ambitious and experienced cyclists without costing as much as the high end options. This model boasts excellent adjustability with a seat and handlebars that adjust vertically and horizontally. For this price you won’t see much improvement in terms of technology with only basic metrics provided for perforce tracking.
- Flywheel weight: 22kg
- Resistance: “Infinity” resistance
- Max weight capacity: 160kg
- Product weight: 63kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: JTX Fitness
7. NordicTrack GX 7.0 Indoor Studio Bike
As a company, NordicTrack are renowned for their home fitness equipment. The GX 7.0 Indoor Studio Bike is made from commercial grade steel for solid construction. With that being said, it maintains a small footprint and would fit into most rooms without taking over or getting in the way. The 20kg flywheel is enough for a solid workout and the saddle is padded well for extra comfort. The LCD screen offers decent performance tracking and has the capability to link to a chest strap to monitor heart rate so you can get more precise feedback. This is a solid option all round and will be great for those who are really looking to take their cycling to the next level.
- Flywheel weight: 20kg
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Max weight capacity: 115kg
- Product weight: 50.5kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: John Lewis
8. ProForm Tour De France TDF CBC Indoor Exercise Bike
The Tour De France spin bike by ProForm offers something a little different. By placing an emphasis on simplicity this bike is aimed at casual riders who want excellent durability and a spin bike that will stay silent when they pedal. The flywheel is significantly lighter than financially comparable models but its profile is small and sleek and it will look great in any home workout space. If you don’t need the bells and whistles of high end options but still want a good way to burn some calories and a high quality product, the TDF is for you.
- Flywheel weight: 10kg
- Resistance: 16 levels
- Max weight capacity: 115kg
- Product weight: 62kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £££
- Retailer: John Lewis
9. Echelon Connect Sport Bike
The next home spin bike on our list takes tech up a notch. The Echelon Connect is a bike that integrates live studio workouts which are streamed to your device as you pedal. The bike holds your tablet and you purchase membership from £39/month to have access to live studio workouts. The flywheel is a little on the light side at 7kg however the bike still produces 32 levels of magnetic resistance for you to choose from. If you like the idea of working out with others and maintaining contact with the fitness community from home then this bike is a great option.
- Flywheel weight: 7kg
- Resistance: 32 levels
- Max weight capacity: 136kg
- Product weight: 35.7kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £££
- Retailer: Echelon
10. ProForm Smart Power 10.0 Studio Bike
This bike is the first on our list with an integrated display that beams workouts to the 10” screen. If you are looking to keep your phone or tablet separate from your workout tech then this bike will keep all your data and beam workouts to you all in one place. A heavy flywheel gives you a realistic cycling experience and provides 22 levels of resistance to cater for beginners all the way up to experienced cyclists. With a large display this spin bike doesn’t have the smallest profile but if you are looking for integrated and powerful tech, this bike will serve you well.
- Flywheel weight: unknown
- Resistance: 22 levels
- Max weight capacity: 115kg
- Product weight: 62kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £££
- Retailer: John Lewis
Top Indoor Cycling Bikes: Over £1000 ($1300)
11. Life Fitness IC4 Group Exercise Bike
This spin bike's performance is as good as it looks. With a sleek black design and red accents, you won’t feel the need to hide it away in your home gym. As well as looking fantastic it’s a great bike for road cyclists who are moving indoors for winter or permanently. A Q-factor of 155mm makes the IC4 really feel like a road bike and the 20 levels of resistance allow for an intense workout. The maximum user weight of 150kg is testament to the bikes sturdy construction and you can hope to get excellent value for money over time despite the upfront cost. The IC range from life fitness encompasses a number of bikes ranging from a price of £850 for the IC1 to over £2000 for the IC8, so no matter what you are looking for you can get it with this trusted brand.
- Flywheel weight: not stated
- Resistance: 20 levels
- Max weight capacity: 150kg
- Product weight: 60kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££££
- Retailer: John Lewis
12. NordicTrack Grand Tour Pro Indoor Exercise Bike
The Grand Tour Pro combines great technology with excellent build quality. With 26 levels of resistance and the option to change the gradient between +10 and -10% the options are endless for your workout. The 10” display allows you to stream workouts from iFit so you can get tailored and engaging cycling sessions on demand. With a maximum user weight of 170kg this bike can cater for most riders and help you progress wherever you are in your cycling journey.
- Flywheel weight: 7kg
- Resistance: 26 levels
- Max weight capacity: 170kg
- Product weight: 64kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: Yes
- Price: ££££
- Retailer: John Lewis
13. Peloton Bike
Peloton has quickly risen to the forefront of the spin bike market with a product that replicates a spinning class from the comfort of your own home. The 22” touchscreen and powerful speakers immerse you in your workout to make sure you stay motivated and get the most out of your session. With leaderboards and group workouts you can use your competitive edge to squeeze a little extra out of your workout. The peloton bike is built from sturdy materials and has a maximum user weight of 135kg. If you are looking for a truly social solution to at home spin classes then the Peloton bike is perfect.
- Flywheel weight: not stated
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Max weight capacity: 135kg
- Product weight: 61kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: Yes
- Price: ££££
- Retailer: Peloton
14. Technogym Bike
The Technogym bike is a similar option to the Peloton offering on-demand workouts and classes via the 22” touchscreen display. You can choose from a variety of different trainers to lead live or on-demand workouts when you are ready to start pedalling. The sleek design will make sure this bike looks fantastic in your home workout space and the small profile makes sure it doesn’t take up too much space. The bike is also fully adjustable at the seat and handlebars so it’s great for the whole family to use and if you are particularly competitive you can compete against each other!
- Flywheel weight: 17.4kg
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Max weight capacity: 160kg
- Product weight: 67kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: Yes
- Price: ££££
- Retailer: Technogym
15. NOHrD Indoor Bike
This bike certainly represents something different with a stylish wood design that acts as a design statement as well as an indoor exercise bike. However, it’s not just the bike's looks that capture your attention, the bike has app compatibility so you can track your progress through your phone or device and reach your fitness goals. It’s not the most adjustable bike however the handlebars do adjust to allow you to find a comfortable riding position. If you’re keen on adding a stylish spin bike to your home then this may well be what you’ve been waiting for. It does come at a price though...
- Flywheel weight: Self generated
- Resistance: Infinitely adjustable
- Max weight capacity: 180kg
- Product weight: 60kg
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £££££
- Retailer: John Lewis
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Buying Guide
There are a number of factors to consider when buying an indoor cycle. In this buying guide we cover the key things to consider and questions to ask yourself.
Quality
Make sure you make a wise investment and get a good quality bike for your money. The easiest way to guarantee a quality purchase is to stick with trusted brands and retailers. Choose a company with a strong reputation and plenty of reviews to ensure the longevity of your spin bike. Generally speaking a more expensive product will last longer so don’t be afraid to part with a little extra cash to get value for money over time. Also keep an eye out for warranties for added peace of mind.
Performance
Performance is also crucially important, especially for the more ambitious cyclists. Consider the flywheel weight as a heavier flywheel will allow for intense workouts, smoother resistance, and will replicate the feeling of a road bike more closely. Is also important to consider type of resistance, most spin bikes will use magnetic resistance which provides a smooth and quiet ride.
Ergonomics
The comfort and adjustability of the bike will also be important. The most versatile options will offer vertical and horizontal adjustability at the seat and handlebars. If you have specific requirements then make sure the bike will cater. If you are sharing the bike with others, place an emphasis on adjustability so everyone can use the bike comfortably. Also consider the comfort of the saddle, if you are an experienced cyclist then a traditional shape may be preferable, however if you are just starting out look for extra padding. If comfort is your primary focus then you should consider a recumbent exercise bike; read our post on the Best Recumbent Bikes here. Alternatively you can check out the Best Upright Exercise Bikes if you want something more comfortable than a spin bike but more intense than a recumbent bike.
Technology
In recent years the amount of tech packed into spin bikes has increased. If you are looking for immersive workouts then the large screens offered by the high end options will be preferable. Consider what kind of workouts you want to do and whether you want them to be pre-programmed or whether you are happy to come up with them yourself.
The technology also has implications for the price and power required for the product. Large touch screens with on-demand workouts will require a large upfront cost and often a monthly subscription payment so make sure you know exactly how much the bike costs and how it matches up to your budget. The high end bikes also require a mains supply so you’ll need to know exactly where the bike will be placed before you purchase.
Budget
As our extensive list indicates there are a huge range of products available. For under £500 ($650) you can get a sturdy spin bike that can withstand an intense workout with basic technology and performance tracking. Between £500 and £1000 the flywheels get a little heavier providing a smoother ride. The technology also gets a little more sophisticated with a few more performance tracking metrics and some app compatibility. For over £1000 you’ll get a high quality product with large touchscreens and on-demand workouts. Remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better, make sure you think about your requirements and make an informed purchase accordingly. If even the cheapest bikes in this list feel too pricey for you, or you want to test out having a home exercise bike before committing to something more expensive, then check out our Best Folding Exercise Bikes post where you can find a number of affordable options.
Conclusion
The spin bike market is one that can be difficult to get your head round. We’ve done the hard work for you and reviewed the best products from trusted sellers so no matter your price range you can get the spin bike that is right for you. Remember to consider quality, price and technology to get a product that will help you take your fitness to the next level. Our final recommendations are the Reebok Astroride in the budget category, the NordicTrack GX 7.0 in the mid-range category and the Life Fitness IC4 in the high-end category, as they each offer great quality and value for money at their respective price points. Happy cycling!
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Co-founder at The Home Gym Guide
Dreams of having his own fully-specced home gym one day. Louis keeps in shape by going for runs around South London, doing spin classes at the local gym, and fitting in home workouts whenever he can.