Best Indoor Cycling Bikes for 2022: Reviews and Comparisons

If you want to exercise within the comfort of your home, there are many choices that you can make when it comes to fitness machines. Elliptical trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes, or rowing machines, for example, can all give you the possibility to burn some calories, tone muscles, and maintain your cardiovascular health. But some of the most efficient, space-saving, and convenient fitness machines that you can choose from are indoor cycling bikes (or spin bikes).

Needless to say, there are numerous indoor cycles out there, so picking the right one may not be an easy task. Therefore, we dedicate this page to some of the best indoor cycling bikes for 2022. All the bikes on this page have at least a 4.5-star rating on most vendor and fitness websites.

Top 10 Indoor Cycling Bikes

Schwinn IC4

In terms of fitness equipment, Schwinn has always been a resonant brand name. Needless to say, they offer some of the best exercise bikes available at the moment, and the Schwinn IC4 definitely needs to be in our top ten list of indoor cycling bikes for 2022.

Frame

The Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling trainer features a heavy-duty steel frame designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The frame has a triangular design for extra sturdiness, with the main tube slightly curved for improved aesthetics. It combines ovalized and rectangular bars in its construction. With the exception of the front and rear base bars, all the joint points in the frame are precision-welded. Also, the frame features a durable paint finish, resistant to chipping and corrosion.

The bike has a pretty heavy construction. Fully assembled, it weighs approx. 106 lbs (48.1 kg). This is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. This adds stability to the bike. Plus both base bars have adjustable stabilizers, while the front base bar has transport wheels.

Like most other spin bikes, the Schwinn IC4 is not a very large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, and with the handlebar extended all the way forward, it is approx. 48.7″ (124 cm) long, and 21.2″ (54 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and safe usage.

Drive & Resistance

The Schwinn IC4 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. However, it offers way more micro-adjustability than other bikes. It basically offers 100 tension levels.

The unit’s magnetic brake has a top-down design. It consists of a magnetic pad connected to the tension knob on the main bar of the frame. By turning the knob, you can adjust the distance of the brake from the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.

The bike is equipped with a 40 lbs (18.1 kg) flywheel, a fairly decent weight considering that the resistance system is magnetic. The flywheel also has a different construction than other spin bikes. It has a thin edge to allow the brake to cover it better, but it also has an inner, thicker metal layer for improved inertia. These being said, the bike provides excellent momentum and a consistent pedaling feel.

The Schwinn IC4 features a durable crankset with solid steel arms designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The pedals are also highly durable, and made of aluminum alloy. They are dual-sided, with toe cages on one side and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other side.

Accessories

The Schwinn IC4 comes with an impressive set of accessories. To begin with, it has a more advanced workout computer than the previous versions. It has a 7-panel LCD display with LED backlight which tracks time, distance, RPM, calories, speed, and pulse. It also shows the selected tension level; however, it cannot control the tension. The meter unit is powered by an A 9V DC 1.5 AMP adapter which is included with the bike.

The meter unit does not have preset workout programs. However, you can select workout goals for time, distance, and calories. Plus, it has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with various fitness apps like Explore the WorldTM, Zwift, and more. This being said, you can sync it with your tablet or smartphone in order to track your progress online or train following a virtual trail.

The list of accessories also includes a dual bottle holder, two 3.0 lbs dumbbells, a tablet holder, and a Bluetooth pulse armband that connects wirelessly to the exercise meter.

Comfort & Adjustability

The Schwinn IC4 includes a race-type saddle which even though it’s slimmer than the average standard bike seat, it integrates a slightly thicker layer of cushioning and a more durable cover. It has a central cutout which is meant to improve breathability during exercising. It also has a standard attachment system so replacements for it are widely available if needed.

The seat is four-way adjustable. Its upright post features several adjustment notches while its horizontal slider allows a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the applicable user height range for this Schwinn exercise bike is 5’0″ – 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). It is also rated for a maximum weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg), which is quite great for a bike made for home use.

Just like the seat, the bike’s handlebar is four-way adjustable. Its upright post offers approx. 7″ (18 cm) of adjustment, great for taller users. It has a multi-grip design with long side grips and a small loop grip in the middle which can serve as support for the tablet holder and the exercise meter.

The bike’s handlebar does not have pulse sensors, but as we’ve mentioned above, a Bluetooth pulse armband is included with the bike.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extra sturdy frame – can support users up to 330 lbs
• Aesthetic design
• Transport wheels
• Adjustable stabilizers
• 4-way adjustable seat and handlebars
• Manual magnetic resistance
• 100 levels of resistance
• Inertia-enhanced 40 lbs flywheel
• Dual-sided pedals (cages and SPD clips)
• Advanced exercise meter
• Compatible with multiple fitness apps
• USB charging port
• Adapter for the exercise meter
• Bluetooth armband
• Bottle holders
• Dumbbell set
• Tablet holder

Cons

• The exercise meter can only be
  powered via adapter

Summary

The Schwinn IC4 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for all types of spin workouts. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 100 difficulty levels. It excels in micro-adjustability, it has an impressive 330 lbs weight capacity, and also includes a Bluetooth console which is compatible with multiple online fitness apps.

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Efitment IC031

Although the Efitment IC031 is one of the indoor cycling bikes available since 2017, it still remains one of the best home cycling trainers in 2022, and hopefully will be available in 2023 as well. It’s a well-proportioned exercise bike with a sturdy construction which is pretty close to light-commercial quality. It has a heavy flywheel and a magnetic resistance system. Plus, the bike includes an exercise meter which many other trainers of this sort do not have.

Frame

The Efitment IC031 indoor cycling bike is constructed on a heavy-duty frame made of steel tubing. It combines oval and rectangular bars in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics while the connection points between them are precision-welded. The bike is also pretty heavy; it weighs over 100 lbs and has a low center of gravity which considerably improves its stability.

Although the bike is fairly heavy, its front base bar integrates two silicone wheels that facilitate its relocation. Also, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers.

The bike is not too large; it is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Also, its highest point (with the handlebar extended to its highest position) is 50″ (127 cm). Along with these dimensions, some clearance around the bike is recommended. Two feet on each side, and at least one foot of clearance at the rear should be enough, though.

The whole core frame of the bike is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, while the Efitment logo is painted blue-white. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel are chrome plated.

Drive & Resistance

The Efitment IC031 exercise bike features a front-drive system and is equipped with a 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel, chrome-plated, and plastic side panels. This type of flywheel construction is great for spin workouts as it provides a very consistent momentum and also promotes a stable and smooth pedaling motion. The flywheel also allows pedaling in reverse.

This Efitment exercise bike is equipped with a belt transmission; it uses a 5pk1340 heavy-duty, poly v-belt. This being said, you don’t have to periodically lubricate it, while the pedaling motion is very smooth and silent.

As opposed to many spin bikes, this exercise bike features a magnetic resistance system with manual control. It consists of a magnetic brake attached to the dial placed on top of the central bar of the frame. By turning this dial clockwise, the brake pad comes closer to the flywheel increasing the resistance. Evidently, since the brake is manually controlled, you don’t have to connect the bike to a power source.

Since it’s a trainer designed for spin workouts, it is equipped with a highly durable crankset. Its pedals are also metallic and have toe cages for extra foot stability. The crank and pedals are strong enough to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg) even if pedaling while standing up. Also, the bike has a very narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). It’s only 5.75″ (146 mm), which means that your feet will be naturally positioned, and the pedaling motion won’t generate any extra lateral stress on the knees.

Accessories

There are two main accessories included with this exercise bike, one is the bottle holder, the other is the exercise meter. The bottle holder is placed on the right side of the bike’s front fork. It’s a metallic element and can accommodate almost any hydration bottle (a bottle is not included, though).

The exercise meter offers quite a few more features than a basic unit. It’s equipped with an LCD display that shows time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It has three buttons, one for setup, one for toggling ON/OFF the SCAN function, and one for resetting all the values to zero. It’s a battery-powered unit; it uses 2 AAA batteries, which are included. It also integrates a tablet holder.

The bike’s fitness meter does not have pre-set programs and cannot automatically adjust the resistance. However, it has goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is selected for any of these metrics, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero.

Comfort & Adjustability

Compared to other spin bikes, the Efitment IC031 features a considerably more comfortable seat. It integrates a thick layer of foam padding, while its top is made of durable vinyl material. Its rear features two shock absorption springs. It also has a longitudinal groove which provides extra breathability and promotes a healthy blood circulation. Therefore, even if it’s an exercise bike designed for spin workouts, it still provides superior comfort for seated workouts.

The bike’s seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, forward, and backward). Its vertical post features 9 adjustment positions, the spacing between the adjustment holes being approx. 1 inch. The total adjustment span offered by the upright seat post is approx. 7.5″ (19 cm). This being said, it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.

The handlebar features a multi-grip design with a middle aero bar which has a loop design. This element offers the possibility of a racing grip, while the lateral and transversal sections also allow several other grips. It’s fully covered by rubber foam material for extra comfort. As for adjustability, just like the seat, the handlebar is 4-way adjustable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy steel frame
• High adjustability
• Highly comfortable seat
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Can support any spin workout
• Metallic pedals with toe cages
• Heavy flywheel for a consistent momentum
• Smooth and silent operation
• Exercise meter included
• Bottle holder
• Tablet holder

Cons

• No SPD clips on pedals
• No backlight on exercise meter
• If a tablet is placed on the media holder it will cover the exercise meter display

Summary

The Efitment IC031 is an indoor cycling trainer made for home use but does offer the construction and sturdiness of a light-commercial grade bike. It’s built for spin workouts and can support any user up to 275 lbs. It excels in micro-adjustability and also comes with an exercise meter. So far, it’s a bike rated at 4.5-5 stars on most fitness and retail websites and delivers outstanding value for the price. It actually costs less than half the price of an authentic Mad Dogg Athletics spin bike with the same specs.

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PYHIGH S7

The PYHIGH S7 is also not one of the newest indoor cycling bikes released in 2020; it has been available since 2018. However, it’s one of the exercise bikes with outstanding feedback from users, and overall excellent quality and durability. Thus, it still remains one of the best indoor cycling bikes available in 2022.

Frame

Similar to the Schwinn IC4, the PYHIGH S7 offers a very sturdy frame designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). Needless to say, its frame is made of steel tubing with a classic triangular design. It also has the step-up bar element connecting the seat tube with the oblique tube.

The fully assembled bike is fairly heavy. It weighs approx. 114 lbs (52 kg). Therefore, two persons are recommended for its transport and assembly. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be relocated by only one person via its front base wheels.

The bike isn’t extremely large. It is approx. 42.5″ (108 cm) long, and 22.5″ (57 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to assign a usage space for it of at least 75″L x 60″W (190 x 152 cm), to be able to execute any spin exercise without hindrance.

The main frame of the bike features a black paint finish resistant to corrosion. The seat and handlebar posts, however, have a chrome finish.

Drive & Resistance

The PYHIGH S7 exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system. Therefore, its transmission doesn’t require lubrication. It integrates an extra-heavy flywheel (48 lbs) with a perimeter-weighted structure for enhanced inertia. It’s actually one of the heaviest flywheels that you can find on a spin bike. This flywheel is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want to put some diversity into your workouts.

As we’ve mentioned above, the bike has a weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg); this also applies to its pedals and crankset. In other words, you should be able to pedal while standing up or perform any spin workout with no problem even if you’re close to this limit. The included pedals don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes but are equipped with adjustable toe cages.

The PYHIGH S7 indoor cycle features a standard top-down friction resistance system. It is equipped with a felt pad brake connected to the tension knob on top of the main frame bar. To adjust the resistance, you only have to rotate this knob. It also fulfills the emergency brake function; you can press it down to stop the flywheel if necessary.

The tension dial doesn’t have any pre-determined resistance settings marked on it. You basically tighten it until you obtain the desired pedaling difficulty.

Accessories

The most notable accessory included with this indoor cycle is the fitness meter. This bike computer unit features a 6-panel LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories burned, and pulse. It does not have any preset programs, but you can set up goals for time, distance, and calories.

The unit is very easy to use. Its up / down buttons allow you to increase or decrease values, or up / down through the metrics. The Enter button serves as selection or confirmation.

The meter unit is not telemetric. Differently put, it does not sync with any Polar or ANT pulse reading devices. However, it does have a pulse reading function but in order for it to read your pulse, you will have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.

Another notable accessory is the tablet holder. This element is completely integrated into the handlebars. It consists of a small shelf right under the exercise meter which can support most tablets. It’s important to mention, though, that the unit does not have any connectivity for your device, no AUX or USB ports. It also does not have Bluetooth or WiFi.

Comfort & Adjustability

One of the best aspects with regard to the PYHIGH S7 bike is the cushioned seat. Even though it’s a spin bike, it doesn’t come with the usual slim spin seat. It includes a larger, generously cushioned saddle with a central groove for extra breathability. This saddle also has two suspension springs at the rear that enable it to adapt to the user’s movement during seated exercises. Therefore, we can safely say that it provides superior comfort.

The bike’s seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post offers approx. 8″ (20 cm) of adjustment, from 32″ (81 cm) above floor level, to 40″ (102 cm). Plus, its horizontal slider provides a few inches of front-to-back travel. So, these being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ (153 cm) and 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete range of motion.

Another great feature of the PYHIGH S7 is the set of drop-down grips integrated into the handlebar. These two grips add extra posture possibilities. Plus, the handlebar assembly also integrates two central aero bars.

The whole handlebar is fully covered by a layer of rubber-foam material for an improved grip. It is 4-way adjustable just like the seat. Also, its side grips integrate pulse sensors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction
• Step-up bar
• Aesthetic design
• Adjustable stabilizers
• Transport wheels
• Comfortable seat
• Multi-grip handlebar with drop-down
  grips
• Pulse sensors
• Tablet holder integrated into
  the handlebar
• Superior micro-adjustability
• Silent belt drive
• Metallic pedals with toe cages
• Extra heavy (48 lbs) flywheel
• Inertia-enhanced flywheel
• Standard friction brake
• Fitness meter included
• Tablet holder included

Cons

• No backlight on the fitness meter
• No bottle holder

Summary

The PYHIGH S7 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed to support any spin workout and users up to 330 lbs. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a comfortable seat, and an exercise meter that can track all the important workout metrics. It offers great micro-adjustability and comfort factors.

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Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro II SF-B1986

The Evolution Pro II SF-B1986 is one of the Sunny Health & Fitness indoor cycling bikes released in 2020, but still is one of the best for 2022. Right next to the Evolution Pro SF-B1714, it’s a heavy-duty bike with solid construction and comes with a few extra features. The most important are the included fitness monitor and the dual-sided pedals.

Frame

The Sunny Evolution Pro II features a heavy-duty steel frame designed to support any spin workout. It combines oval and rectangular tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. It also has a step-up bar; the small tube that connects the seat tube to the main oblique tube. This can serve for stretches or step-up/step-down exercises as part of various spin workouts. It’s quite a plus as not all spin bikes have this feature.

The bike is a bit larger than other Sunny Health & Fitness trainers. It is approx. 49″ (124 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. It’s also very heavy; its net weight is 136 lbs (61.6 kg). All this weight and its low center of gravity provide superior stability. Plus, both stabilizer bars feature adjustable levelers.

Once it is assembled, the bike is fairly easy to move. Its front base bar is equipped with two large silicone wheels. Therefore, by lifting it from the rear and using its wheels you won’t have to handle its full weight.

All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish with the exception of the seat and handlebar posts which are chrome plated. The cover of the drivetrain is made of durable thermoplastic material.

Drive & Resistance

The Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro II is equipped with a 40 lbs (18.1 kg) flywheel featuring a perimeter-weighted design for improved inertia. Needless to say, the flywheel is bi-directional; however, coasting is not possible on this bike as it is the case for most other spin bikes. So, when pedaling in reverse you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward.

Since it’s a bike made for spin workouts, it is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The pedals are made of metallic alloy featuring SPD elements for spin shoes on one side, and toe cages on the other.

The Evolution Pro II bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Thus, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on top of the frame. Thus, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel increasing the resistance. Needless to say, the main advantage of this magnetic resistance system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel so there is no friction and the pedaling motion is very smooth.

The bike’s brake is stepless. It does not have any pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn it left or right until you get the pedaling difficulty that you feel comfortable with. But as a general idea, with the brake pad on the closest position to the flywheel, the bike provides quite a high difficulty, simulating a steep climb.

Like most other exercise bikes with magnetic resistance, the Sunny SF-B1986 features a belt drive system. It integrates a PK1590 poly-v belt resistant to stretching and abrasion. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication.

Accessories

The most important accessory included with the Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro II SF-B1986 indoor cycle is the fitness monitor unit. It offers quite a few extra features over the average basic unit including a 4-window display. It tracks speed, average speed, maximum speed, cadence (RPM), average cadence, maximum cadence, distance, calories, time, and pulse. Speed and distance are by default set to English units, but they can also be set to metric units. Also, the pulse reading function is grip contact only; the unit cannot read your pulse from a wireless transmitter only from the sensors integrated into the handlebar.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It has target settings for time, distance, cadence, and calories burned. It also has a Race Mode which basically requires you to beat the computer for a selected distance while keeping a higher cadence than it does.

Other three notable accessories included with this Sunny exercise bike are the bottle holder, the dumbbell holder, and the device holder. The bottle holder and dumbbell holder are steel made, flexible, and attach to the front section of the frame. The device holder is part of the handlebar; it is large enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone.

Comfort & Adjustability

The Sunny SF-B1986 includes a saddle designed for superior comfort. First of all, is wider than a race bike seat; it is approx. 10.5″ (26.6) long, and 7.75″ (19.6 cm). It integrates a thick layer of cushioning and also has a large groove in the middle for improved breathability. Also, it has a collar-type connection system so in case you will ever need to replace it, compatible options should be available in any bike shop.

The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers 10″ (25.4 cm) of adjustment while its horizontal slider adds 3″ (7.6 cm) as well. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’6″ (155 – 198 cm).

The bike’s handlebar is also four-way adjustable. Its upright post features 5 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds approx. 2″ (5 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. Both the seat and the handlebar have large knobs easy to grip and turn so you can adjust them to the desired position in less than a minute.

The handlebar has a multi-grip design. It is fully covered by a layer of foam material in order to provide a comfortable grip. Its side grips are equipped with pulse sensors and the included exercise monitor does have a pulse reading function. The device holder is also part of the handlebar assembly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Commercial-quality frame
• 330 lbs weight capacity
• Superior micro-adjustability
• Superior stability
• Cushioned saddle with groove
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Pulse reading function
• Transport wheels included
• Silent belt drive
• Extra-heavy flywheel
• Dual-sided pedals (cages and SPD)
• Frictionless magnetic tension
• Fitness monitor included
• Race program and goal settings
• Dumbbell holder
• Bottle holder
• Easy to assemble
• Little maintenance required

Cons

• No backlight on the exercise meter
• No online connectivity

Summary

The Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro II is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed to support any spin workout. It is equipped with a 40-lb flywheel, belt drive, and a manual magnetic resistance system. It also includes a performance monitor with target settings and a racing program. It’s a bike made for users of all levels, pretty close to the specs and sturdiness of a commercial spin bike.

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pooboo C511

Within the past two years, pooboo has continuously improved the quality of their bikes. The pooboo C511 indoor cycling bike is one of the best available at the moment. It’s not exactly one of the most affordable trainers but does offer commercial-grade quality.

Frame

The pooboo C511 features a heavy-duty steel frame designed to support users up to 440 lbs (200 kg). It’s also a pretty heavy bike itself; with the frame fully set up, it weighs approx. 121 lbs (54.8 kg). Needless to say, all this weight provides super stability. Plus, both base bars of the bike include adjustable stabilizers.

The main tubes of the frame are coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. However, the seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel are chrome-plated. The flywheel also has ABS side covers for extra protection.

An important element present in the bike construction is the bar that connects the seat tube to the main oblique tube. This can be used for stretching or step-up exercises during certain spin workouts. It is also reinforced with a stainless steel plate.

Compared to other fitness machines such as treadmills or ellipticals, the pooboo C511 indoor cycle is not extremely large. It is approx. 51″ (130 cm) long, and 23″ (58 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and ease of access.

Drive & Resistance

The pooboo C511 comes with a 42 lbs (19 kg) flywheel. It is inertia-enhanced in order to provide superior workout possibilities during spinning sessions. It also allows reverse pedaling. However, due to the simple drive system, coasting is not possible on this bike. So, when pedaling in reverse you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forwards.

The bike features a standard friction resistance system. It consists of a felt pad attached to the frame right above the flywheel, and connected to the tension knob. This knob also works as an emergency brake; it can be quickly pressed down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning. Like most other bikes with a friction resistance system, the pooboo C511 does not have pre-determined difficulty levels.

This indoor cycling bike is equipped with a belt drive system; it integrates a heavy-duty belt for smooth and quiet pedaling. Its crankset and pedals are extremely durable. They can hold users up to 440 lbs (200 kg) while standing up with no problem. Also, the pedals have toe cages for extra thrust.

Accessories

There are two main accessories that can be mentioned with regards to this pooboo exercise bike. One is the tablet holder and dual bottle holder. This element is made of ABS material and attaches to the bike’s handlebar. The other is the exercise meter which is similar to the one on the PYHIGH S7 bike.

The exercise meter features a multi-panel LCD display. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function and goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned. It is not telemetric, though. Therefore, in order for it to track your pulse, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.

The meter unit is battery-powered. It requires a CR2032 lithium battery (3V) as its power source which is not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling, and also automatically shuts off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike, to save battery.

Comfort & Adjustability

Since it’s a commercial-grade exercise bike, the pooboo C511 offers superior adjustability and comfort. To begin with, both its seat and handlebars are four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). The seat offers 10″ (26 cm) of upright adjustment while its horizontal slider allows 3.3 (9 cm) of extra front-to-back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm). The handlebar also has 7 adjustment positions with approx. 0.7″ (1.7 cm) in-between and offers a few inches of horizontal adjustment.

The included seat is not super-cushioned but is considerably larger than the average spin seat so it offers more contact surface. It is contoured and has a longitudinal groove for extra breathability. It also has a standard attachment system so you can easily replace it if you want.

The handlebar offers multiple grip possibilities, including a close grip, parallel grip, race grips and more. It is fully rubberized for an improved grip. It also integrates metallic pulse sensors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction
• Superior weight capacity (440 lbs)
• Commercial-grade quality
• Transport wheels
• Adjustable stabilizers
• Reinforced step-up bar
• Superior micro-adjustability
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Contoured PU seat
• Smooth and quiet belt drive
• Heavy (42 lbs) perimeter-weighted flywheel
• Standard friction resistance
• Durable pedals with toe cages
• Fitness meter included
• Goal settings on the fitness meter
• Dual bottle holder
• Tablet holder included

Cons

• No online connectivity
• No backlight on the fitness meter

Summary

The pooboo C511 is a commercial-grade indoor cycle. It features a heavy-duty frame, an extra heavy flywheel, friction resistance, and an exercise meter that can track all the important workout metrics. It’s definitely a bike that can support any spin workout, great for gym clubs or home usage. It’s perfect for intense cardio, muscle toning, strength and stamina development, intervals, and weight loss.

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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1714

Although it’s not one of the newest Sunny Health & Fitness bikes, the Sunny SF-B1714 still continues to gather an overwhelmingly positive feedback from all users. It features durable construction, has a greater weight capacity, offers superior comfort, and has a magnetic resistance system. Although it’s not sold as a commercial-grade bike, it can definitely compete with the best gym-level exercise bikes at the moment. It’s also referred to as Sunny Health & Fitness “Evolution Pro”.

Frame

The Sunny SF-B1714 has a heavy-duty construction featuring an extremely solid and stable, all-steel frame. The only ABS plastic parts in its construction are the belt cover and the base bar caps. It’s a slightly larger indoor cycling trainer than others, featuring an assembled length of 48.5″ (123 cm), and a width of 24″ (61 cm). However, it can still fit pretty well even into a smaller room.

This Sunny exercise bike is considerably heavy. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs 136 lbs (61.6 kg), which is more than twice the weight of most mountain bikes. All this weight contributes to the unit’s overall stability. Plus, its stability is enhanced by the four large adjustable stabilizers on its bases.

Despite its weight, the bike is fairly easy to relocate once it is assembled; its front base features two transport wheels.

An important aspect with regards to its frame to mention here is the horizontal step-up bar that connects the seat tube and the handlebar tube. Not all spin bikes have this element. This feature is great as not only that eases the entry and exit, it also allows you to perform multiple spin workouts that require stepping on and off the frame.

Drive & Resistance

The Sunny SF-B1714 features a front-drive system, integrating an extra heavy, 44 lbs (20 kg) flywheel. The disc is perimeter-weighted, made for high inertia and intense cycling sessions. It delivers a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion. It also allows pedaling in reverse, which gives you the possibility to diversify your workouts.

Since it’s a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike, the Sunny SF-B1714 is equipped with a very sturdy crankset. It’s designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg) even when pedaling while standing up. The pedals are standard, though, featuring toe cages for extra thrust during intense pedaling.

The bike’s resistance system is magnetic, but with manual action, not motorized. This means you don’t have to connect the bike to a power source. The magnetic brake pad is connected to a tension dial; by turning the dial, you can adjust the position of the brake pad in relation to the flywheel, in order to increase or reduce the intensity of the created magnetic field, which leads to an increase or decrease of the pedaling difficulty. Since it’s a magnetic brake, there is no friction or wear-and-tear between the tension elements.

Like most bikes with a magnetic tension system, this exercise bike uses a belt drive. It’s equipped with a 1590 PK5 heavy-duty belt, resistant to stretching. It delivers a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion.

Finally, the bike has a very narrow Q-Factor. The spacing between the pedals is 122 mm, which means that your feet are positioned very comfortably on the pedals, and there is no lateral stress on the knees during pedaling.

Accessories

In terms of accessories, this Sunny exercise bike only comes with a bottle holder. It’s a metallic type, very flexible, which can accommodate most water bottles. It’s attached to the front part of the bike, on the left.

Comfort & Adjustability

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1714 is equipped with a contoured, standard design saddle which has a longitudinal groove for superior breathability. It integrates a pretty thick layer of cushioning and has a contoured surface. It delivers superior comfort for a spin bike seat.

The seat 4-way adjustable; its horizontal slider allows several inches of front to back adjustment, while its upright post has over 10 adjustment positions. This being said, the bike can accommodate users even taller than 6’5″ (196 cm).

The bike’s handlebars are 4-way adjustable, just like the seat. It’s designed for multiple grips with a unified aero bar in the middle. It’s urethane-dipped, so it provides a secure and comfortable grip.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Commercial-quality frame
• High weight capacity
• Superior micro-adjustability
• Superior stability
• Comfortable seat
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Easy to relocate
• Silent belt drive
• Extra-heavy flywheel
• Durable pedals and crank
• Frictionless magnetic tension
• Toe cages on the pedals
• Narrow Q-Factor
• Easy to assemble
• Little maintenance required

Cons

• No fitness meter

Summary

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1714 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike featuring a magnetic resistance system, a heavy flywheel, and a belt drive. It offers superior micro-adjustability, high comfort, and stability. It’s perfect for users of all levels and can support any spin workout. It’s also one of the top-rated Sunny Health & Fitness exercise bikes at the moment. And finally, it costs considerably less than a commercial spin bike.

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Keiser M3i

Although Keiser has already released the M3iX indoor cycle, the model that we’ve selected for our best of 2021 list still remains the Keiser M3i. That’s because it’s an outstandingly well-made cycling trainer, and despite the fact it costs almost $2,000, it still has an almost clean 5-star rating on most retail and fitness websites.

Frame

The Keiser M3i features a classic V-frame type, made of square steel tubing. This type of frame comes with two main advantages. One, it has a very low center of gravity, which considerably improves its stability. And two, since the seat and handlebars adjustment is oblique – the higher they get, the longer the distance between them – the bike can accommodate users of all sizes.

Compared to other indoor cycling bikes, the Keiser M3i is not extremely heavy; it only weighs 85 lbs (38.5 kg), but it still offers excellent stability. Plus, its H-shaped base has rubberized stabilizers on all its corner points.

The bike’s footprint is approx. 48″L x 26″W (154 x 66 cm). This being said, it doesn’t take too much space. However, it’s recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it.

The main frame and the H-base are coated with corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint. The color used is black. However, the seat and handlebar posts are chrome-plated.

Drive & Resistance

The Keiser M3i indoor cycling bike features a read-drive system. In other words, its flywheel is placed at the rear. It’s also a balanced flywheel, not a perimeter-weighted one, and only weighs 8 lbs (3.6 kg). However, this isn’t an issue with the difficulty levels that the bike can generate due to its magnetic resistance system.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake that hugs the flywheel. The brake is connected to the tension lever at the front. As you increase the resistance from the lever, the brake will cover a larger portion from the flywheel increasing the intensity of the created magnetic field, which ultimately leads to an increased pedaling difficulty.

There are 24 levels of resistance available. The 1-3 gears deliver a light workout, while the top 20-24 levels allow you to perform exercising routines of high intensity.

Like most indoor cycling bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Keiser M3i features a belt drive system. It uses a highly durable v-belt which delivers a very smooth pedaling motion. Also, since the brake and the flywheel do not touch, the operation of the bike is almost completely silent.

The bike is equipped with a durable crankset and pedals. It can definitely withstand any spin workouts, including the ones that require the user to stand up on the pedals, as long as the user doesn’t exceed 300 lbs (136 kg). The pedals are dual-sided, with toe-cages on one side, and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other side.

Accessories

The Keiser M3i indoor cycle comes with several accessories, including an exercise meter, a floor mat, a bottle holder, a media tray, and two stretch pads. The floor mat is 48″ x 36″ (122 x 92 cm) and fits the base of the bike perfectly. The stretch pads attach to the rear base and allow you to perform ankle stretches and various warm-up exercises. The media tray attaches to the front part of the handlebar and can accommodate any tablet. The bottle holder is a “gravity-based” model. It’s basically a concave support attached to the front frame bar which can host your hydration bottle.

The exercise meter offers quite a few more features than the average basic fitness meter. It has a large LCD display with LED backlight which is divided into several sections in order to show multiple workout metrics at once. It indicates watts, kilocalories, heart rate, time elapsed, distance, total distance (odometer), and RPM. It also detects the selected tension level and correlates the calorie consumption accordingly.

The meter is telemetric; it can record your pulse rate through a wireless chest strap transmitter. It requires 2 AA batteries which are included.

Comfort & Adjustability

The saddle included with the Keiser cycle offers a bit more comfort than the average spin bike seat, as it has more cushioning at the rear. However, it’s still a slim seat, not build for extreme comfort. So, for users who are new to spinning, it may not be very comfortable at first. But on the other hand, it has a standard design, so compatible replacements are widely available. Or, you can increase its comfort with a gel cover.

The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar which is rubber-foam covered for a secure grip. It has a unique design that combines functionality and comfort perfectly. Both the seat and the handlebars are 4-dimension adjustable (up, down, back, forth). The bike actually can accommodate users between 4’10″ and 7’0″ (147 – 213 cm).

The adjustment of the seat and handlebar is done with ease. Both of them have large knobs that are easy to grip and turn. Thus, you can adjust the bike to fit your size in less than one minute.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable frame
• Enhanced stability
• Superior micro-adjustability
• Multi-grip handlebar with a unique design
• Can accommodate a wide range of users
• Dual-sided pedals
• 24 levels of magnetic resistance
• Balanced flywheel for a smooth performance
• Multi-panel exercise meter included
• Various other accessories included
• Fairly easy to assemble
• Little maintenance required
• Excellent warranty

Cons

• The tools for assembly are not included
• HR chest strap is not included

Summary

The Keiser M3i is an indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It offers high micro-adjustability, a frictionless magnetic resistance system, and a versatile console. It also includes several accessories such as a rubber mat, a tablet holder, a bottle holder, and two stretch pads. It’s not exactly an affordable exercise bike, but considering the astonishing amount of 5-star reviews from users all over the world, we can safely say that it stands up to the price.

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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709 is also an excellent and more affordable alternative to the Keiser M3i bike. It actually has smoother design lines, and a handlebar that provides a few extra grips.

Frame

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709 features a steel frame with a low center of gravity for improved stability. It also has an H-type base similar to the Efitment B015, but with a curved median bar for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. The mainframe bars are powder coated with a durable and corrosion-resistant black paint finish, while the seat and handlebar posts are chrome-plated.

Both base bars of the bike have adjustable levelers while the front base is also equipped with transport wheels. The bike is not too heavy, though, compared to other spin bikes, but does weigh approx. 89 lbs (40.4 kg) so it may require two persons for the carrying of the package.

Compared to other spin bikes, the Sunny SF-B1709 has a slightly larger footprint. It is takes 53.2″L x 23.6″W (135 x 60 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it.

Drive & Resistance

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709 indoor cycle is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Thus, you don’t have to connect it to a power source. It also means that it doesn’t have preset workout programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.

The bike makes available 13 levels of resistance. Its magnetic brake is placed at the rear, concealed by the side covers. It is attached to the tension lever on the front section of the frame. By pressing the lever down, you can increase the resistance, as the magnetic brake will cover a larger portion of the flywheel.

Since it’s equipped with a magnetic brake, this Sunny exercise bike doesn’t have a very heavy flywheel. It is only 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). Also, it does not have a perimeter-weighted structure. But nonetheless, due to the magnetic resistance system, the bike provides an excellent difficulty range, great for all kinds of spin workouts.

The bike uses a durable poly-v belt drive system for a smooth and quiet pedaling motion. It is equipped with a sturdy crankset that can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg), while the included pedals are dual-sided, with SPD elements for spin shoes on one side, and toe cages on the other.

Accessories

There are two more notable accessories included with the Sunny SF-B1709. These are the bottle holder that attached to the front section of the handlebar and the exercise meter.

The exercise meter unit features an LCD display divided into four sub-sections so it can show up to four workout metrics at once. It tracks speed, cadence, distance, watts, time, pulse, and calories burned. It has goal settings for time, distance, and calories. It is not telemetric, though. Therefore, it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors.

The meter unit also has a Race program. This is basically a target program for your cadence. It allows you to select a cadence target and the unit will prompt you to pedal faster or slower in order to remain close to the cadence target.

Comfort & Adjustability

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709 includes a saddle designed for comfort. This saddle integrates a thick layer of cushioning especially in its rear. It also has two suspension springs at the rear that enable it so adapt better to the movement of the user. Plus, it has a durable top cover and a longitudinal cutout for extra breathability.

The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). It is designed to accommodate users with an inseam between 28″ and 39″ (71 – 99 cm). In other words, it should provide a good positioning and a complete leg stretch for users up to 6’6″ (198 cm).

As we’ve mentioned above, this Sunny exercise bike features a handlebar with multiple grips, including drop-down grips, a feature that many other bikes do not have. It also has a long loop aero bar in the middle and integrates pulse sensors.

The handlebar assembly is also 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward, and backward), just as the seat. Its upright post has 8 adjustment notches and its horizontal slider offers approx. 2 inches of travel.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable construction – 300 lbs capacity
• Aesthetic design
• Adjustable stabilizers
• Transport wheels
• Superior micro-adjustability
• Multi-grip handlebar with drop-down grips
• Quiet belt drive
• Smooth magnetic resistance (13 levels)
• Pulse reading function
• Dual-sided pedals
• Exercise meter included
• Race program
• Goal settings
• Bottle holder
• Little maintenance required
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• No backlight on the fitness meter
• No online connectivity

Summary

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709 is an indoor cycling bike equipped with a 13-level magnetic resistance system, a heavy-duty crank, and dual-sided pedals, and offers superior micro-adjustability. It also excels in comfort factors featuring a bike saddle with extra cushioning. It also includes an exercise meter that tracks the important workout metrics and has a race program.

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Life Fitness IC1

Although it’s not advertised and sold as a commercial indoor cycling bike, the Life Fitness IC1 definitely offers the range of features and construction of at least a light-commercial model. It features a friction resistance system and also includes a fitness monitor.

Frame

The Life Fitness IC1 bike features a triangular frame made of steel tubing. All the steel tubes are oval-shaped for improved sturdiness and for a professional-looking design. The main frame section is coated with a black paint finish while the flywheel, the seat post, and the handlebar post are painted gray. Of course, the bike also integrates several parts made of plastic material. For example, the belt guard and the side covers of the flywheel are made of durable thermoplastic.

The bike integrates a step-up bar in its construction, an element that many other spin bikes do not have. This is the small tube that connects the seat tube and the main oblique tube. It can be used for stretches or as a support point for various other exercises that may be required by certain spin workouts.

One of the important aspects with regards to the bike’s construction is its weight. The fully assembled unit weighs approx. 112 lbs (51 kg) which is pretty impressive for a home-use stationary bike. This weight adds a lot of stability which is great for high-intensity spin workouts.

Similar to other spin bikes, the Life Fitness IC1 is not an extremely large trainer. It is approx. 45.3″ (115 cm) long, and 21.7″ (55 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance on each side for ease of access.

Drive & Resistance

The Life Fitness IC1 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a pretty heavy, 40 lbs (18 kg), bi-directional flywheel. Most of its weight is placed in its perimeter for improved inertia which is great for spin workouts. Flywheels with this type of construction considerably improve momentum. Thus, you can also improve strength along with stamina and cardiovascular shape.

Since it’s a bike designed for spin workouts, the Life Fitness IC1 features a sturdy crankset with metallic pedals. Differently put, the pedals should be able to support users up to 287 lbs (130 kg) while standing up while pedaling.

The bike has a narrow Q-Factor of only 173 mm (6.8 inches). Therefore, your feet are positioned naturally on the pedals so the pedaling motion does not generate extra lateral stress on the knees. Also, the included pedals feature toe cages so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. They do not have SPD clips, but their threads are standard (9/16″) so compatible replacements are widely available.

The IC1 bike is equipped with a durable belt drive system. This being said, it doesn’t require any lubrication. Also, a belt generates less vibration than a chain and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.

The resistance system involves a standard friction brake with manual action. Therefore, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for this bike. The brake consists of a felt pad connected to the main tube of the frame and to the tension knob. When the knob is turned clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.

This means the tension knob doesn’t have pre-determined tension levels or clicks on it. You simply tighten it until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, the brake pad can be tightened on the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal, simulating a very steep climb.

Accessories

The most notable accessory included with the Life Fitness IC1 bike is the fitness monitor. It features an LCD display that is divided into three sub-sections, so you can see up to three workout metrics at once. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories burned, and pulse. It has two buttons – Flow and Reset. The Flow button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics to select the ones you want to view, or select the Scan Mode to rotate time, distance, and calories on the bottom display section. The Reset button clears all the values to zero.

The speed and distance values can be set either to English units or Metric units. The pulse reading function is contact only. The monitor unit cannot communicate with a wireless HR chest strap. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebar.

The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It starts up when it detects flywheel movement or when you press the Flow button. It also automatically turns off to save battery.

Another accessory to mention here is the bottle holder. It’s basically a part of the brake pad cover. Its grip has a bit of flex so it can accommodate different hydration bottles.

Comfort & Adjustability

The Life Fitness IC1 includes a saddle designed for optimal comfort. Its top features a thick layer of foam cushioning with a groove in the middle for improved breathability. It has a standard collar attachment system so it can easily be removed if necessary, while compatible replacements should be available in any bike shop.

The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post makes available 15 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the applicable user height for this exercise bike is 5’1″ – 6’6″ (155 – 198 cm). Also, the seat should be able to support users up to 287 lbs (130 kg).

The handlebar included with the IC1 indoor cycling bike offers a multi-grip design. It makes available a standard grip, an aero grip, a climbing grip, and two close grips.

The bike’s handlebar is fully covered by a layer of high-density foam material for a comfortable and secure grip. It integrates two metallic pulse sensors, a feature that not all spin bikes have. The included performance monitor also has a pulse reading function.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy frame
• Aesthetic design
• Transport wheels
• Adjustable stabilizers
• 4-way adjustable seat
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Pulse sensors
• Standard friction resistance
• Perimeter-weighted 40 lbs flywheel
• Durable pedals with toe cages
• Fitness monitor included;
• Bottle holder
• Easy to assemble
• Little maintenance required

Cons

• Only up/down adjustability for the handlebar
• No online connectivity
• No tablet holder

Summary

The Life Fitness IC1 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. It offers great micro-adjustability and comfort. In all, it’s an excellent exercise bike for home use, for high-intensity cardio workouts, stamina development, weight loss, and muscle toning.

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Yosuda L-001A

The Yosuda L-001A isn’t one of the newest indoor cycling bikes. In fact, it has been around for about two years. However, within these two years it has amassed an outstanding number of positive reviews from users, currently being at 4.5 to 5 stars on most vendor websites.

Frame

The Yosuda L-001A features a standard triangular frame made of ovalized steel tubing coated with a hammer paint finish, metallic gray in color, with the exception of the handlebar and seat posts which are painted black.

Needless to say, this indoor cycling trainer is made for spin workouts. It also has the short horizontal bar connecting the seat tube to the main oblique tube that can serve for stretches or step-up/step-down exercises required in certain spin workouts.

The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely large. It is approx. 40″ (102 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Also, with the handlebar extended to maximum, its highest point is approx. 45″ (114 cm).

Although it has a pretty heavy flywheel, the bike’s overall weight is only 68 lbs (30.8 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, its front base bar has transport wheels for easy relocation once the bike is assembled.

Drive & Resistance

The Yosuda L-001A features a standard front-drive system with a 35 lbs (15.8 kg) flywheel. Its flywheel is chrome-plated with ABS protective side panels. It has a perimeter-weighted construction for improved inertia and is also bi-directional.

The bike’s drive system uses a belt for its transmission. Just like any other belt-drive, it doesn’t require lubrication and promotes a very quiet pedaling motion. The crankset features heavy-duty arms with metallic pedals that can support users up to 270 lbs (122 kg) for any spin workout. Although the pedals don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes, they do have toe cages for keeping your feet secured if necessary.

The bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. It consists of a felt brake pad attached at the front of the bike atop the flywheel. The brake pad is connected to the tension knob on the main oblique bar of the bike. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which results in an increased pedaling difficulty.

The tension knob does not have pre-determined levels marked on it as it is the case of most bikes with a magnetic resistance system. You simply tighten it until you get the desired tension. Also, the tension knob works as an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning.

Accessories

There are two notable accessories included with the Yosuda L-001A exercise bike. One is the bottle holder, the other is the exercise meter. The bottle holder is attached to the main tube of the frame near the tension knob. The exercise meter is a basic unit, but still, it’s an accessory that not many fitness bikes have.

The exercise meter features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function and the bike does not have pulse sensors. Therefore, if you need to keep track of your pulse, you will have to use a separate device.

The meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing the button repeatedly you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to remain on the display. Or, you can select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics, keeping each one on the display for a few seconds. The meter unit does not have any goal selection functions or preset programs.

Comfort & Adjustability

The Yosuda L-001A indoor cycling bike features a 4-way adjustable seat. Its inseam adjustment span is 25″ – 35″ (63.5 – 88.9 cm). Plus, its horizontal slider allows a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) comfortably, promoting a complete leg extension.

The saddle is pretty much a standard bike saddle. It has an internal nylon shell with a thick high-density foam cover and a contoured surface for improved breathability. Its attachment system is collar-based so a wide array of bicycle saddles should be compatible with the L-001A indoor cycling trainer in case you will ever need to replace it.

As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). The handlebar assembly has a multi-grip design, with a small loop aero bar in the middle to which the exercise meter can be attached. This loop bar offers the possibility of a close grip.

The handlebar is fully covered by a layer of rubber foam for a superior grip. It does not have pulse sensors, though.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy steel frame
• Transport wheels
• Adjustable stabilizers
• Excellent adjustability
• Optimal comfort
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Can support any workout
• Metallic pedals with toe cages
• Standard felt-pad friction resistance
• Silent belt drive
• Exercise meter included
• Bottle holder included

Cons

• No backlight on exercise meter
• No pulse reading function

Summary

The Yosuda L-001A is a standard indoor cycling bike made for spin workouts. It is equipped with a mid-range (35 lbs) inertia-enhanced flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a basic fitness meter. It’s a great trainer for home cardio training, weight loss, stamina development, and muscle toning.

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Now, before we close this page, there still are several important aspects with regards to indoor cycling bikes that we would like to put into view, to make sure you will select the right exercise bike, and even more, to make sure that an indoor cycling trainer is the right fitness machine for you.

Why Should You Buy an Indoor Cycling Bike?

Pretty much like outdoor cycling, using an exercise bike indoors offers the same health benefits. For example, pedaling results in great cardio training, an excellent method to build stamina, and evidently helps a lot with burning calories and losing weight. Depending on your weight, you can burn between 400-700 cal. per hour on a fitness machine of this type. On top of that, since there are plenty of trainers that come with a console, you get the possibility to accurately track your progress, or set up goals for each one of your workouts.

Even though cycling doesn’t supply a full-body workout, leg muscles and lower core muscles are focused during a cycling session. Also, cycling is much easier on the joints than running, even than running on a cushioned treadmill. In case you need to alternate cardio with other types of training, an exercise cycle next to a treadmill is always a great choice.

Evidently, by cycling indoors, comfort and safety are considerably increased. You can watch your favorite shows, your favorite online streams, or read your favorite book while on a spin bike. However, when cycling outdoors you have to pay attention constantly to everything that happens around you. And no matter how safely you ride an outdoor bicycle, there’s always the danger of a reckless driver, or a nasty insect for example, which may lead to a more or less serious injury. Dangers of such manner are nonexistent when cycling in-doors.

Indoor Cycling Bikes vs. Other Cardio Fitness Machines

As we’ve mentioned above, indoor cycling bikes are fitness machines made for intense cardio workouts, interval training, and stamina development. However, elliptical trainers and treadmills can also fulfill these purposes. The thing is, cycling focuses different groups of muscles, and in a different way. For example, the primary muscles engaged during cycling are the quadriceps and hamstrings in the upper leg and the gastrocnemius and soleus in the calf. They contract in a sequence, thus creating the pedaling action. On top of that, depending on the grip you’re using, you may benefit from a more or less intense focus on the abdominal muscles. Conversely, when running on a treadmill, the main muscles engaged include the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors and calf muscles.

When it comes to the training impact on the joints, cycling stands somewhere between an elliptical workout and a treadmill workout. Elliptical trainers allow you to perform a cardio workout with a controlled striding motion and a very low impact on your joints. Treadmills, even though most of them have some sort of shock absorption within their decks, they generate a rather high impact on your leg joints, hips, and spinal column. During cycling, your feet are almost always on the pedals, so there’s no foot strike as for running on a treadmill. Plus, you can alternate seated pedaling with standing up pedaling in order to relax some of the muscles or to achieve a higher burn.

Commercial Grade Bikes vs. Home-Use Bikes?

In case you haven’t noticed, this category of fitness machines actually has two subcategories: those intended for 24/7 use, within the premises of a gym, and those which are meant for home use. There are differences between the two, and needless to say, the gym-grade trainers are more expensive. Evidently, you can invest in a gym-quality indoor cycle to use within your own home. But the question is, is it worth the financial effort? We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to form your own opinion regarding this issue, after finding out the differences between these two major categories of indoor cycle trainers.

Commercial grade spin bikes typically feature an extremely sturdy and heavy frame, made of thicker steel tubing. Frames and overall aspect in these models have a more appealing, professional look. Most of them can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg), or even up to 500 lbs (227 kg).

Another aspect regarding the types intended for gym use is micro adjustability. This is quite important, as, in a gym, there will be users of all sizes, and the bikes need to fulfill their needs. So, vertically and horizontally adjustable seats and handlebars are typically present in these models, and some models also offer angle adjustability for the handlebars, to maximize the workout posture spectrum.

When it comes to consoles, even though you would expect such an accessory to come with a gym-grade model, they’re not always included. And most available gadgets of this sort are pretty basic for most indoor cycle trainers. In general, all of them can track speed, distance, time, calories, and some of them can also track pulse, but some of them also have built-in preset programs or online connectivity and are compatible with certain online fitness apps.

Finally, the price for spin bike models starts somewhere at $900 and can go beyond $2,000. However, the warranty for fitness machines of this nature is also typically consistent.

Home-use models on the other hand, although pretty similar to the previous type, feature a lower supported weight, typically between 250-300 lbs (113 – 136 kg). They don’t focus on offering an extra appealing design, and in most cases, they don’t come with a performance monitor.

Their prices range between $200 and $500, and many models do not offer a very consistent warranty plan, usually up to 2-3 years for the frame, and several months for the wear parts. Most bikes in this category have a friction brake system and a typically simple drive mechanism. But nonetheless, many models that fall into this category are still pretty decent exercise bikes. And since in a home gym they won’t be used 24/7, they can still last for many years, without even requiring any replacement on their parts.

Magnetic vs. Friction Resistance

You probably already have an idea about these two common types of resistance found in indoor cycling bikes. One uses magnets to apply force on the flywheel, the other uses one or multiple brake pads that directly touch the flywheel, generating friction, and creating resistance. But each type has its pluses and minuses. And those pluses and minuses are the aspects you ought to know when choosing a particular cycle.

First of all, the indoor cycling bikes with a magnetic or eddy current brake are usually a bit more expensive than the ones with a friction resistance system. The main advantage of a magnetic brake is that the brake element does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. Plus, there is no wear and tear for the magnetic brake.

In general, there are two types of magnetic brakes: with manual adjustment and with automatic adjustment. The bikes with an automatic magnetic adjustment system usually come with a console that has built-in pre-set workout programs which can adjust the resistance automatically. The bikes with a manual magnetic brake usually adjust from a tension dial placed typically on top of the frame. By turning the knob, the brake moves closer or farther from the flywheel which increases or decreases the resistance.

Bikes with friction brakes are typically cheaper, but the brake pads require replacement after a while, as they wear out. That’s why when purchasing a cycle with a friction brake, it’s best to order 1-2 extra brake pads. Also, brake pads may require lubrication from time to time, while magnetic brakes don’t require any maintenance whatsoever. The best part about friction brakes is that you can actually tighten the resistance up to the point you can barely pedal. This way, you can benefit from quite a tough workout. On the other hand, magnetic resistance may be more or less effective, depending on the exercise bike model.

Other Important Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Whether or not you opt for a gym-grade cycle or a more affordable model for home use, there still are some other aspects that you need to consider. But for this part, we’ll be brief:

All indoor cycling bikes or spinning bikes are not made to supply extraordinary comfort. They offer the training setting and promote workout postures similar to the ones supplied by a racing cycle. In other words, they are no more comfortable than any race bike.

Almost any indoor cycle comes with a slim seat, with more or less cushioning. If you’re not used cycling, expect your buttocks and lower back to hurt in the beginning. However, these inconveniences should disappear after several sessions.

Many indoor cycle trainers feature a Q Factor (spacing between the pedals) that’s slightly higher than your average road or mountain bike. Therefore, in case you have any problems with your knees, it’s best to opt for an exercise bike with a Q-Factor between 150 – 180 mm.

When choosing an indoor cycle, make sure it features a perimeter-weighted, balanced flywheel. This type of flywheel supplies a consistent momentum and reduces the stair climbing sensation when pedaling. Also, the heavier the flywheel, the better.

It’s always a good idea to order a mat to place under your spin bike. Most are heavy and may damage your floor or carpet.

Don’t forget to consider the bike’s maximum user capacity and its adjustability. Not all models can offer the right pedaling stretch for a tall user. And if your weight exceeds the maximum user weight of the bike, the warranty will not apply in case it brakes.

Final Word

The indoor cycling bikes that we have listed here are some of the highest rated at the moment on most fitness and retail websites. Most of them benefit from a clean 5-star rating, which pretty much means they’re quality bikes. They all have a solid construction, most of them feature 4-way adjustability for both seat and handlebar, they’re equipped with heavy flywheels, and they can pretty much accommodate a wide range of users, height, and weight wise. All of them offer a great price/quality ratio, currently being some of the best cycling trainers. Also, our list here covers all budgets; some of these exercise bikes are priced under $200, while others are close to $2,000.