What if we told you that you can get a well-rounded exercise bike without breaking the bank? The best cheap exercise bikes are well made, have plenty of features, and help you get fit and lose weight. Although they are less expensive, you don't necessarily have to sacrifice on quality or some core features.
To help you make sense of what is available, we have scoured the market to bring you a definitive list of the best affordable exercise bikes. We will review the top cheap exercise bikes across the three main types of exercise bike; upright, spin and recumbent. Following this we cover some of the topics and questions you may still have in the buying guide and FAQ section.
In this review, we discuss;
Is an inexpensive exercise bike right for you?
As with any home gym equipment, you get what you pay for when it comes to inexpensive exercise bikes. Of course, you'll save some money by getting a cheap exercise bike, however you won't get all the bells and whistles that come with the high end bikes. Cheap exercise bikes therefore won't suit some people, but will be perfect for others - below are some points to consider.
Your workouts are light to moderate intensity
Firstly, although the exercise bikes on this list are well made, they are not as stable and sturdy as more expensive exercise bikes. This means that if you are looking for a spin bike to do lots of high-intensity workouts, you are better off spending a little bit more. The more affordable exercise bikes (less than £200/$280) reviewed below are great for light to moderate-intensity workouts.
You are average weight and height
As a result of their less robust construction, you will find that inexpensive exercise bikes cannot carry the same maximum rider weight or height. The maximum rider weight is detailed for all the affordable exercise bikes we reviewed.
You want to try before you buy (a more expensive bike)
If you are new to indoor exercising or cycling, a cheap exercise bike is a great way to determine if it is right for you. There is no point in spending thousands of pounds on a shiny new exercise bike with all the bells and whistles, only to find out after a few weeks that you do not like cycling indoors.
Top 10 Cheap Exercise Bikes
Below we bring you the top affordable exercise bikes on the market. We have split the list into three sections - upright, spin, and recumbent - to make it easy for you to find what you're looking for.
Upright Exercise Bikes
1. Ultrasport F-Bike 200B with Hand Pulse Sensors
First up is the Ultrasport F-Bike 200B. It is a foldable upright exercise bike that also comes with a removable backrest. The design is elegant and straightforward, and thanks to the folding design, it is perfect if you do not have much space and need to stow it away when not in use. The small display shows you all the necessary fitness metrics you need, including your heart rate from the bars’ hand pulse sensors. This is a very comfortable and affordable upright exercise bike. The addition of a broad seat and backrest makes it perfect for beginners.
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 100 kg
- Product weight: 19.24 kg
- Foldable: Yes
- Transport wheels: No
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: Amazon
2. WINNOW Upright Exercise Bike
The WINNOW Upright Exercise Bike is well made and sturdy, with plenty of resistance for beginners. It is not foldable, although the handy transport wheels make it super easy to move once you have finished your workout. The small LCD screen shows all the basic fitness data (including heart rate from the pulse meter on the bars), but it also includes a shelf for your phone or tablet. This is a nice addition on an inexpensive upright exercise bike. Also, the 4-way adjustable seat ensures that you can find the perfect riding position.
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 110 kg
- Product weight: 26.7 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: Amazon
3. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike with Pulse
Despite its simple and relatively straightforward design, this is a very sturdy and robust upright exercise bike with a generous max weight capacity of 136 kgs. The wide seat makes it very comfortable to ride. It is easy to fold away and store when not in use, and the small transport wheels make it easy to move. The basic LCD screen gives you all the fitness data you need to start your indoor cycling journey (including heart rate).
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 136 kg
- Product weight: 17.69 kg
- Foldable: Yes
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: Amazon
4. Reebok Z-Power Exercise Bike
Just making the cut as an affordable upright exercise bike, the Reebok Z-Power comes with some additional features and very sturdy construction. This upright exercise bike is more performance orientated than the cheaper upright exercise bikes on the list. The 5.5” LCD screen can be used to view your fitness data (including watts, not something you usually get at this price), or you can make use of one of the pre-programmed workouts. It comes with 32 levels of resistance, meaning that you can tailor your workout perfectly to your training needs.
- Resistance: 32 levels
- Max weight capacity: 120 kg
- Product weight: 31.5 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £££
- Retailer: John Lewis
Indoor Spinning Bikes
5. JLL IC200 PRO
The JLL IC200 PRO is an excellent introduction to the world of affordable indoor spinning bikes. The screen shows all the basic fitness data you need. For the price, this is a perfect way for you to start spinning without having to worry about spending too much money. The 8 levels of resistance from the magnetic resistance system provide an ample range of gears. If you are looking for a slightly more robust spin bike, check out the next model up IC300 Pro, which can take a max rider weight of 130kgs and comes with the addition of a cadence sensor. Whichever one you choose, JLL has a great range of affordable exercise bikes that are reliable and are well worth your consideration.
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 100 kg
- Product weight: 30 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: Amazon
6. Reebok Astroride Sprint Exercise Bike
The Reebok Astroride Sprint Exercise Bike gives you everything great about intense indoor cycling. The frame is thinner than most spin bikes, but it comes with a relatively heavy flywheel of 14kgs. This ensures a smooth riding experience and allows for some high-intensity workouts. The small display gives you the necessary fitness data, but one at a time, so it is just you and the bike. If simplicity and pure spinning are what you need in your life, this affordable spin bike is perfect.
- Resistance: 15 levels
- Max weight capacity: 100 kg
- Product weight: 32 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: John Lewis
7. WeRSports Indoor Exercise Bike
The final affordable spin bike on the list is the WeRSports Indoor Exercise Bike. It comes with a basic display to show your progress throughout your workout and a built-in bottle cage to help keep you hydrated throughout. This is a sturdy, affordable spin bike with plenty of adjustability for both the handlebars and the seat, allowing you to find the riding position. This spin bike will help you smash your fitness and weight loss goals without being distracted by too much tech.
- Resistance: Variable resistance levels (adjustable friction resistance system)
- Max weight capacity: 120 kg
- Product weight: 38 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £££
- Retailer: Amazon
Recumbent Exercise Bikes
8. JLL RE100 Recumbent Bike
If you are looking for an affordable recumbent bike to get your fitness kick-started, then check out the JLL RE100. It is good value for money thanks to its smooth cycling experience and broad seat. The seat offers plenty of support, and the bars are in a perfect position if you want to increase the intensity or see what your heart rate is, using the built-in pulse monitor. This is not suitable for high-intensity workouts, and if you are already very fit, you may find there is not enough resistance. However, this is a great bit of affordable indoor workout kit for beginners.
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 100 kg
- Product weight: 24 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: Amazon
9. Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is very affordable, but that is not the only thing it has going for it. This cheap recumbent exercise bike is sturdy and very comfortable to ride, a perfect combination to help improve your cardio and promote weight loss. The handlebars are higher than you would usually find on a recumbent exercise bike, making them easy to hold onto. The battery-powered LCD screen gives you all the necessary fitness data you need to keep on track and gentle build up your fitness.
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 110 kg
- Product weight: 27.67 kg
- Foldable: No
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: £
- Retailer: Amazon
10. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
The Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike is one of the most unique in this affordable exercise bike review. It is a ‘semi’ recumbent, a mix between upright and recumbent, which, although it may look different, definitely has its positives. The broad seat and backrest make it incredibly comfortable, and as you are not pedalling horizontally, it feels more like riding a bike. It is also foldable and, due to the robust construction, has an impressive max rider weight of 136 kgs.
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Max weight capacity: 136 kg
- Product weight: 19.5 kg
- Foldable: Yes
- Transport wheels: Yes
- Requires power connection: No
- Price: ££
- Retailer: Amazon
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Buying Guide
There’s a lot to think about when buying an inexpensive exercise bike. In this buying guide we cover the most important things to consider and questions to ask yourself.
Type
You have three main types of exercise bike to choose from, all with their own set of pros and cons. Here is a quick summary.
The best cheap upright exercise bikes are compact but still sturdy. You’re sat in a more upright riding position, which makes them more comfortable than spin bikes (especially for beginner cyclists). Their seats are wide, and you will often be able to fold them away, making them perfect if you are short on space. Upright exercise bikes are great for low to moderate-intensity workouts.
The best affordable spin bikes are more performance originated. Spin bikes are designed for more intense workouts. The hunched-over riding position and slim seats are not for everyone, but they are the closest you will get to feeling like you are riding a real bike indoors. Sometimes an exposed flywheel is best as it allows you to fit cadence and speed sensors that can sync up to your favourite 3rd party cycling training apps (a cheap way of getting a “smart” spin bike).
The best inexpensive recumbent exercise bikes are the most relaxed of the three types of exercise bikes. They are great for rehabilitation or if you need a piece of equipment to slowly build up your fitness and cardio without putting too much strain on the joints (especially your lower back). Be prepared for them to take up more space due to their horizontal design.
If you're still not sure which type of bike to go for, we've put together a handy blog post that does a detailed comparison of upright, spin, and recumbent bikes to help you work out which one is right for you.
And if you want to read more product reviews on the three types of bikes, you can check them out here:
Quality and Sturdiness
When buying an inexpensive exercise bike, you have to accept that the build quality will not be as high as if you spent thousands of pounds. However, we took the time to research the market because we wanted to bring you the best cheap exercise bikes that will last, not just save you a few quid.
All the exercise bikes in this review have a max rider weight of 100kg or above, those with higher (130kg +) are sturdier. So, take that into consideration when buying your exercise bike. Generally, recumbent exercise bikes are sturdier due to their design and low centre of gravity. However, you will not be disappointed by the quality of any of the inexpensive exercise bikes on this list.
Space
If you are limited on space, then a foldable upright exercise bike is the perfect match for you. However, you will notice that many of the bikes that have made this list also have small transport wheels. So even if you do not have space in the living room to leave your exercise bike out when not in use, you can easily wheel it away into a cupboard for storage. Recumbent exercise bikes take up the most space but can be shortened slightly due to the nature of their size adjustment (move the seat closer to the pedals).
We review even more foldable bikes in our post on the Best Folding Exercise Bikes.
Budget
We have scoured the exercise bike market to find you the best cheap exercise bike. There are many other exercise bikes out there for a similar price or even less expensive, but they do not match the ones that made this list in terms of overall build quality, customer satisfaction and features. The bikes on this list have everything you need to get an effective workout at home, but of course, they do not have all the gadgets and gizmos of the most expensive exercise bikes.
The affordable exercise bikes on this list range from £100 to around £300 ($140 - $420). You will find that foldable upright exercise bikes are the cheapest at about £100 ($140), but they are not as sturdy or suitable for high-intensity workouts as the slightly more expensive recumbent and spin bikes.
FAQs
Are cheap exercise bikes any good?
Yes! That is the short answer. If by ‘good’ you mean help you to lose weight and build up your fitness. Affordable exercise bikes will still give you a great workout, helping to tone your legs and bum and build up your cardiovascular fitness. They may not have all the gadgets and gizmos of the more expensive exercise bikes on the market, but they are a great place to start your indoor workout regime. There is no denying that you get what you pay for. However, you do not need to break the bank if you are looking for an inexpensive way to stay fit and active without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
How much does an exercise bike cost?
Prices start at around £100 ($140). However, for the best affordable exercise bikes, you should be willing to pay £200 - £300 ($280 - $420). For this amount of money, you will get a durable exercise bike that will help you get fit and have some fun cycling indoors. If you want all the latest tech and seamless integration with online group workouts, you can quickly end up spending £1,000 + ($1,400). Ultimately the result is the same. No matter how much you spend on an exercise bike, you should focus on consistency and varying workout intensity to make the most of your new investment.
Conclusion
You do not have to spend thousands of pounds to own your very own exercise bike. When looking for an affordable exercise bike, consider which type is right for you: an upright, spin or recumbent exercise bike. Then look at the features it has on offer and what matters to you most. We did the research for you and handpicked the best cheap exercise bikes to save you time scouring the internet. Our review process takes into consideration trusted sellers, the quality of the product, the reputation of the manufacturer and buyer reviews.
As long as an exercise bike has a screen that gives you feedback on your workout (such as speed, distance, calories and heart rate), you have everything you need to improve your health and fitness in the comfort of your own home. If you are new to cycling or spinning, do not get too hooked up on all the latest tech, you are more likely to make indoor cycling a regular habit if you are comfortable. You do not have to get a spin bike just because all the slimmest people seem to be riding them. Buy an affordable exercise bike that you will use and, most importantly, enjoy riding regularly.
If you're still not sure what to go for, or think you may want a more expensive bike, then check out our ultimate guide to buying an exercise bike to help you make the decision.
For the rest of your man cave needs and desires, why not explore our site or head over to the Exercise Bikes section to see more posts and recommended products!
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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.