Best Exercise Bike

Best for Beginners: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary

Let’s talk exercise bikes!

No doubt you’ve seen those fancy exercise bikes that cost thousands of dollars and connect online to let you compete against others in some faraway country.

This article isn’t about those bikes.

Instead, we thought it would be helpful to focus on affordable bikes that are best for beginners. These conventional bikes don’t have video screens, pulse monitors or interactive capability . . . but you don’t need all that to get started.

One key question to ask: how much space do you have? 

Many standard exercise bikes can take up to three to four square feet—and can be rather bulky. If space is at a premium, consider a folding exercise bike (we will recommend two later in this article).

Yes, we tried out several brands of exercise bikes for this article. But we also asked our readers for their favorites, before consulting with several experts to get more insight into what folks should look for when shopping for an exercise bike.

One factor that may matter: noise. Bikes that have magnetic resistance are quieter than those that use friction. We’ll point out which bikes use which method of resistance as we go along.

After considering all these factors, we pick Yosuda’s indoor cycling bike as the best bet for beginners. This one came recommended by several readers, who thought it was great for those starting out and easy to move around.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Quiet.

• Sturdy.

• Easy to move around.

• Easy to assemble.

• Includes batteries.

• Tools included for assembly.

• LCD monitor shows basics like calories burned and odometer.

What Needs Work

• Friction resistance means somewhat more noise than other models that use magnetic design. That said, we still think this bike was rather quiet.

• Takes up a large amount of space. With dimensions of 40″ by 21.65″, this bike has a large footprint. If you need something smaller, consider the next recommendation.

Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

If space is tight, a folding exercise bike is a good solution. We tried out several before picking the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike as the best bet for most folks. Among its top features: the magnetic resistance means it is a quiet. 

We should discuss these foldable bikes in general compared to full-size models—these bikes are great for limited workouts (say 20 minutes or less). Yes, you will break a sweat on a folding exercise bike. 

If you are trying to replicate a spin class (with a 60 minute workout), then a foldable exercise bike probably isn’t for you. Another negative: these bikes lack brackets that can hold a phone or tablet. 

Here’s more on why the Marcy is the best bet in this category:

What We Liked

• Very quiet. The magnetic resistance is quieter than friction—this is great if you are also in an apartment or condo . . .  or have roommates. 

• Folds into a small space. Here’s what it looks like in real life:

• Easy to assemble.

• Sturdy.

What Needs Work

• Better for shorter folks. If you are over six feet tall, this bike may be uncomfortable (in our opinion).

• Seat could be more comfortable.

• No place to hold a phone or tablet.

Best For Apartments: XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike

For those who live in an apartment or condo, a folding exercise bike may be the best solution for space constraints.

The XTERAA Fitness FB150 impressed us in this category (as did the Marcy bike reviewed above), with one caveat: it is recommended for users who are shorter than 5’10”. If you are taller, this bike probably isn’t the best bet.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to assemble with tools provided.

• Sturdy.

• Very quiet, thanks to magnetic resistance.

• Batteries (2AA) included.

• Easy to store away.

• Affordable.

• Larger seat is quite cushy.

What Needs Work

• Not recommend for tall people (taller than 5’10”).

• No rack to hold a phone, tablet or magazine.

Best Bike With 300 Lb. Weight Capacity

Most conventional stationary bikes have low weight limits, some as low as 225 lbs. If you need a bike with a 300 lb. capacity, we like this one best: Labodi’s Excercise Bike.

It is easy to use and comes with an impressive 330 lb. weight capacity.

What We Liked

• Easy to assemble.

• Smooth pedaling.

• Quiet operation.

• Foam padded handlebars are comfy.

• Cushioned seat is comfortable.

• Affordable.

• Bracket can hold a tablet.

What Needs Work

• Works better for shorter folks.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!