11 of the best cheap exercise bikes

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This article explores the benefits and risks of stationary exercise bikes, what to look for when purchasing a new one, and eight of the best cheap exercise bikes available to buy online.

Riding a stationary exercise bike can be an effective way to boost cardiovascular health and increase fitness. It is also a safe and convenient alternative to road cycling.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for limited space:

XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike

Price: Around $179.99

This bike is suitable for people with limited space. It folds up to roughly 18 inches (in) by 18 when not in use.

The large seat offers comfort and stability, while a small display provides distance, speed, time, calories burned, and pulse information.

It has eight levels of manual resistance, which users can control through a tension knob below the handlebars.

The bike is suitable for users weighing up to 225 pounds (lb).

Some buyers complain that the company does not honor the warranty and does not have any available replacement parts, even though it is still producing the bike.

Best for a quieter ride:

ECHANFIT Indoor Exercise Bike

Price: Around $189.99

This magnetic spinning bike can support up to 250 lb. A silent belt drive system makes it a quieter option than many in the cheaper price bracket.

Users can adjust the seat’s height up and down, forward and back. The handlebar height is also adjustable.

A digital monitor provides information on time, speed, distance, and calories burned. It also features a smartphone holder.

Buyers feel this bike is a good deal for the price, saying it is comfortable, sturdy, and provides challenging resistance options.

However, some found the setup directions confusing and the seat unstable, mentioning it does not properly attach itself to the bike.

Best for taller people:

Marcy Upright Exercise Bike

Price: Around $132.91

This magnetic exercise bike can support users up to 300 lb. It may suit taller people with an inseam height ranging from 26–34 in.

A display monitor shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned. However, it does not have a pulse sensor, so users who wish to record this information need to purchase an additional device.

It is one of the cheapest bikes on the market, with over 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon.

Some negatives include:

• display does not have adaptive brightness to handle dark or overlit rooms
• need to use batteries to power the display
• buyers report inconsistent and weak tension
• narrow pedals

Best for a folding bike:

Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Pulse

Price: Around $199.99

People can store this magnetic exercise bike away when not in use, as it folds to 22 in by 20 in.

It supports users weighing up to 300 lb and can accommodate people who are 5 feet (ft) 3 in to 6 ft 1 in tall. The LCD offers information on calories burned, time, speed, and pulse, using contact sensors within the handlebars.

Users can also choose from eight resistance levels using the large dial knob.

On the downside, reviewers say it is noisy, while a few say the seat lacks padding for comfort.

Best for stability:

VIGBODY Exercise Bike

Price: Around $249.99

This exercise bike can support a weight of up to 330 lb. It also features an adjustable base that adapts to different ground environments and a durable powder coating resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear.

The company says it makes this bike with lightweight commercial-grade and load-bearing materials, making it one of the most stable options on this list.

The handlebars can move up or down. People can also adjust the seat height and move it forward or back.

The bike has a media holder that can fit a tablet or a phone, infinite adjustable resistance via a knob, cage pedals, and transportation wheels.

A multifunctional display shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned. This bike also comes with 12 months of free replacement parts.

However, the infinite resistance knob means there is no way to know the precise resistance levels.

Best for adjustable handlebars and seat:

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Price: Around $439.99

This bike can support a weight of up to 270 lb.

The 35-kilogram machine also features a 35-lb flywheel and heavy-duty steel frame. The nonslip handlebars can move up or down. People can adjust the seat forward, backward, up, and down.

An LCD monitor displays fitness metrics such as speed, distance traveled, and calories burned. The bike also comes with a tablet holder.

A core problem with this bike is the lack of proper resistance. The manufacturer says it has infinite resistance levels. However, it is not clear how it works. Buyers say they can adjust the resistance using the knob, but there is no way to show the resistance level or accurately measure it.

YOSUDA also offers a 1-year parts replacement warranty with this machine.

Best for a recumbent bike:

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Price: Around $229

This recumbent exercise bike supports weights of up to 300 lb. It features front and side handlebars with heart rate monitoring.

This bike has magnetic resistance with eight different resistance levels. Additionally, people can adjust the seat back and forward from a seated position.

A digital monitor also tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.

However, this bike lacks smart features such as apps, Bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to sync metrics with other apps. Users also need batteries to power the digital monitor.

One notable advantage is that it has transportation wheels. Reviewers say it works well for recumbent exercise, though the quality does not match the price.

Best for a 2-in-1 bike:

Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

Price: Around $269.99

People can use this exercise bike as an upright or recumbent bike. It supports users up to 300 lb and can accommodate people 4 ft 6 in to 6 ft tall.

The bike features 10 resistance levels and a precision-balanced flywheel, which offers a smooth, quiet ride. The built-in display tracks speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.

If a person is unsatisfied with their purchase, Lanos says it will issue a full refund or replace the exercise bike.

Additionally, a person can fold it into a flat position for easy storage.

The limiting number of resistance levels and the lack of Bluetooth may be too basic for some people. It also only comes with a 90-day warranty period.

For connectivity and resistance:

Bowflex C6 Bike

Price: Around $999

Those looking for maximum connectivity for under $1,000 may consider this bike by Bowflex. It features:

• connectivity with JRNY, Zwift, Peleton, Rouvy, and other apps
• backlit metric console
• 100 magnetic resistance levels
• dual side pedals
• a pair of 3 lb dumbbells
• heart rate armband monitor with Bluetooth
• media device holder

This Bowflex bike comes with a one-year JRNY subscription, which gives buyers access to adaptive workouts with real-time coaching, virtual experiences, tracking, and on-demand classes.

People should note that to use the JRNY, Peleton, or Zwift apps, they must connect their phone or tablet to the bike. Additionally, some metrics, such as speed, heart rate, and distance, may not sync with all apps.

Learn more about Bowflex bikes here.

For maximum features on a tight budget:

Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

Price: Around $499

This bike comes with a wide range of features at a reasonable price. These include:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• compatibility with Explore the World app
• 25 levels of resistance
• 29 workout programs
• backlist metric console
• heart rate sensors
• padded seat
• media tray for a phone or tablet
• speakers
• USB charging port
• bottle holder

Reviewers on Amazon agree that the bike offers excellent value for the price. However, they also note the display lacks a good amount of brightness. Some buyers report receiving damaged goods.

Learn more about Schwinn exercise bikes here.

For iFIT:

ProForm Pro C10U

Price: Around $599

This upright lower-budget bike by ProForm works with the iFIT membership, typically available on more expensive exercise equipment.

The membership carries an additional monthly cost that some individuals with a tight budget may not appreciate. However, it features:

• indoor trainer-led workouts
• virtual trainer-led outdoor workouts
• the ability for trainers to automatically adjust the resistance during workouts
• exercise tracking
• strength training and other non-bike workouts

The bike itself comes with:

• a 10-in touchscreen
• 25 resistance levels
• a flywheel with inertia
• ergonomic pedals with adjustable straps
• a cooling fan
• a water bottle holder

On the downside, the iFIT membership is mandatory after the 30-day trial for anyone who wants to access the programs. The bike does not connect to other apps or have a tablet or phone holder.

Learn more about ProForm bikes here.