Best Stationary Exercise Bikes

Stationary exercise bikes are a good choice for a piece of fitness equipment because they provide an impact-free cardio workout, plus they are more affordable and take up less space than treadmills or ellipticals.

They can be broken up into two main categories – upright and recumbent. Upright exercise bikes are designed more like traditional bicycles with the rider positioned above the frame and the seat above the pedals. In a recumbent exercise bike the rider is positioned into the frame with the seat in line with the pedals horizontally. Uprights take up less space and are cheaper, but recumbents are much more ergonomically comfortable and are great for people with back or neck problems.

Some of the features to look for include the construction quality and noise level, adjustable seat positions, varying resistance levels, displays with easy to use controls, built-in workout programs, heart-rate monitors, and users also might want a water bottle holder and book rest.

We took a look at all the models from the top brands to come up with our list of the best exercise bikes. We tried to focus on models that cost around $1000 or below, although there are a few exceptions. Below we review the top 5 best recumbent exercise bikes and the top 5 best upright exercise bikes.


Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviews


9.3
#1)

True PS50 Recumbent Bike

We chose the $1999 True PS50 as the best recumbent exercise bike because of its construction from commercial quality materials all while being ergonomically designed for users of all fitness levels. Thanks to this outstanding quality this bike provides a very quiet and smooth ride for users up to 350 pounds. Other features include 16 resistance levels, heart rate cruise control, reading rack, bottle holder, and dual LED display.

The most common complaint on the True PS50 is that there is no on/off switch so you have to unplug it to turn off the console.

Overall the True PS50 recumbent bike is a gym-quality machine that we recommend for all users to buy and use in your own home, however with a price of near $2000 there are cheaper options available.


9.2
#2)

Diamondback Fitness 910SR

The $999 Diamondback Fitness 910SR is our pick for the best recumbent under $1000. The 910SR combines solid construction with lots of adjustability and versatility. The seat, seat back, console, and handle bars all can be adjusted to the user’s preference. With 32 levels of resistance and 32 workout programs including target heart rate you can tailor your workout to your specific needs. The included 32 pound flywheel means this machine provides a smooth, quiet ride for users up to 325 pounds.

Other features include integrated USB port, on-board speakers, headphone jack, multi-speed cooling fan, fold-out magazine rack, and water bottle holder.

The Diamondback Fitness 910SR is not quite as well built as the True PS50 – which is why it is ranked as number two on our list – and a handful of users have complained of part failures or quality issues. However, don’t let that scare you off from wanting to buying this recumbent exercise bike, since it is still a really good value for home users.”

It is also available at DiamondbackFitness.com.


8.8
#3)

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

The $549 Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is the best recumbent exercise bike with a price near $500. Users have a lot of choices with 25 levels of resistance and 29 programs to pick from. It has a hand grip heart monitor and is chest strap compatible, Bluetooth data export capabilities, large speakers, and a 3-speed fan.

With a max weight capacity of 300 pounds and 17 pound flywheel, it is not quite up to par with the higher priced models, however those figures are about as good as you can find in this price range.

We highly recommend the versatile Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike for buyers who want an affordable recumbent. The build quality really starts to go down on models below this price point and may not withstand constant use.


8.6
#4)

Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike

We chose the $399 Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike as the best recumbent exercise bike under $500. This bike is surprisingly well-built for the price and can support a user up to 300 lbs. Magnetic resistance provides a pretty smooth feel.

Other features of the R614 include 20 resistance levels, 22 programs, 3 speed fan, mp3 input with speakers, and built-in USB charging port. It has a hand grip heart rate monitor, but it is not chest strap compatible. It also does not have any way to export workout data to apps.

Overall there really isn’t any significant negative to the Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike, although it might not withstand years of hardcore use. It is a really good choice for a normal home user.


8.5
#5)

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

The cheapest recumbent bike to make our list is the $329 Schwinn 230. Models around $300 and less can start to get a bit sketchy, but this Schwinn is really well built for the price. No it doesn’t compare to the quality and durability of more expensive machines, but for casual to moderate users is should help up quite well.

The Schwinn 230 has a max user capacity of 300 lbs. It also has 20 resistance levels and 22 workouts. The 230 has hand grip heart-rate monitoring, but it is not chest strap compatible.

Overall we think that the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is a good choice for anyone looking for a cheap recumbent exercise bike.


Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Comparison Chart

Recumbent Exercise Bike Rating Best Price Weight
Capacity
Resistance
Type
Resistance
Levels
Workout
Programs
Heart Rate
Monitor
Fly
Wheel
Display/Controls Dimensions
(L x W x H)
Machine Weight Warranty
True PS50 Recumbent Bike 9.3 $1,999.00 350 lbs Eddy Current Brake 16 7 Yes Not listed Dual LED 65″ x 30″ 158 lbs Lifetime Frame, 5 years Parts, 1 year Labor
Diamondback Fitness 910SR 9.2 $999.00 325 lbs Eddy Current Brake 32 32 Yes (No strap included) 32 lbs LCD 64″ x 23″ x 50″ 130 lbs 3 years parts and 1 year labor
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike 8.8 $549.00 300 lbs Eddy Current Brake 25 29 Yes (No strap included) 17 lbs Dual LCD 64″ x 27.7″ x 49.9″ 86.6 lbs 10 year frame, 2 year mechanical, 1 year electrical, 90 day labor
Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike 8.6 $399.00 300 lbs Magnetic 20 22 Hand Grips Only Not listed DualTrack LCD displays 65.3″ x 28.3″ x 49.6″ 84.2 lbs Frame: 10 years / Parts: 2 years / Electronics: 1 year / Labor: 90 days
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike 8.5 $329.00 300 lbs Magnetic 20 22 Hand Grips Only Not listed DualTrack 2 LCD 64″ x 27.7″ x 50″ 80 lbs Frame: 10 years / Parts: 2 years / Electronics: 1 year / Labor: 90 days


Upright Exercise Bike Reviews


9.3
#1)

Assault AirBike Classic

We selected the $699 Assault AirBike Classic as the best upright exercise bike. Simply put this thing is amazing. Built to withstand all abuse, this airbike is durable, maintenance-free, and an ideal choice for all users up to 400 lbs. Get a complete body workout thanks to movable handlebars with unlimited intensity levels due to air resistance – the faster you go the more resistance you face.

Many programs are included like Tabata, intervals, watts, and heart rate. It also has a six-way adjustable seat – front/back, up/down, and tilt. This model is perfect for rehab, cardio training, and muscle building.

Without a doubt this is the best upright you can get – the Assault AirBike Classic is used in commercial gyms including many Cross-Fit gyms, physical therapy clinics and recommended by many personal trainers.


9
#2)

Diamondback Fitness 910UB Upright Bike

The $799 Diamondback Fitness 910UB Upright Bike is a sturdy and versatile stationary exercise bike. Featuring a suite of 32 workout programs including heart rate, fat burn, endurance, and more in addition to 32 resistance levels provides the user with a huge variety of exercise options. The steel frame can support up to 300 pounds and the magnetic braking provides a smooth, quiet operation.

Adjustability is a plus since the console, seat height, fore/aft saddle positioning, and handle bar angle are all adjustable.

On the downside the cooling fan is not positioned very well for you to acutally feel a breeze unless you place your face right in front of it. Some users have also complained about the seat – saying it is not too comfortable and it only adjusts in 1″ increments so they can’t quite get the perfect height.

Overall for the price we feel that the Diamondback Fitness 910UB is a solid value and would make a good buy for any user.

It is also available at DiamondbackFitness.com.


8.9
#3)

Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike

The $599 Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike is very similar to the Assault AirBike Classic, however it is not built up to the same standard of excellence. The AD6 can support a user up to 300 pounds and provides resistance thanks to the airfan blade.

There are no preset workouts on the AD6, it just has a basic LCD console with readouts for speed, RPM, distance, time and calories. The console is powered by 2 AA batteries, so there is no need to plug this machine in. It also has a chest strap compatible heart rate monitor, but the strap is not included.

You should consider the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike if you want to save a bit of money versus the Assault AirBike Classic and don’t need built-in workouts.


8.8
#4)

Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

The best upright exercise bike under $500 is the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike which sells for $449. Does the construction quality compare to machines that cost closer to $1000? No probably not, but it is still a sturdy frame for users up to 300 pounds with a smooth ride provided by a 13 pound flywheel.

With 25 resistance levels and 29 programs it provides users with more than enough workout options. Plus it is capable of exporting data so you can track your fitness goals.

Some users have complained that the Schwinn 170 is cheaply made and did not work correctly once assembled. While there does appear to be some premature part failures, overall most users have been happy with their Schwinn exercise bikes. So if you are looking for an affordable upright exercise bike this one is a good choice.


8.5
#5)

Nautilus U614 Upright Bike

The cheapest exercise bike to make our top 5 and the best upright exercise bike under $300 is the $299 Nautilus U614 Upright Bike. This thing has decent construction for the price and can support users up to 300 lbs.

The U614 has 20 magnetic resistance levels and 22 workout programs. It also has a handgrip heart rate monitor, however it is not chest strap compatible. There is also no way to transfer workout data to a fitness app.

You should buy the Nautilus U614 Upright Bike if you want a good cheap exercise bike. It might not wow you, but it pretty solid and gets the job done.


Best Upright Exercise Bike Comparison Chart

Upright Exercise Bike Rating Best Price Weight
Capacity
Resistance
Type
Resistance
Levels
Workout
Programs
Heart Rate
Monitor
Fly
Wheel
Display/Controls Dimensions
(L x W x H)
Machine Weight Warranty
Assault AirBike Classic 9.3 $699.00 400 lbs Airfan Unlimited 7+ Yes (No strap included) NA LCD 60″ x 23.34″ x 50″ 107 lbs 5 years Frame, 2 years Non-Wear Parts
Diamondback Fitness 910UB Upright Bike 9 $799.00 325 lbs Eddy Current Brake 32 32 Yes (No strap included) 14 lbs LCD 39″ x 23″ x 58″ 91 lbs 3 years parts and 1 year labor
Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike 8.9 $599.00 300 lbs Airfan Unlimited 0 Yes (No strap included) NA LCD 49.7″ x 25.7″ x 50.9″ 112 lbs Frame: 10 yrs / Mechanical: 2 yrs / Electrical: 1 yr / Labor: 6 months
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike 8.8 $449.00 300 lbs Magnetic 25 29 Yes (No strap included) 13 lbs DualTrack 2 LCD 41.3″ x 21.4″ x 55.6″ 62.8 lbs Frame: 10 yrs / Mechanical: 2 yrs / Electrical: 1 yr / Labor: 90 days
Nautilus U614 Upright Bike 8.5 $299.00 300 lbs Magnetic 20 22 Hand Grips Only Not Listed DualTrack 2 LCD 41.8″ x 21.6″ x 57.6″ 59 lbs Frame: 10 yrs / Parts: 2 yrs / Electrical: 1 yr / Labor: 90 days


You Might Also Be Interested In