In total, we tested 13 indoor cycling bikes, but only 12 made it to our final list of recommendations. While these two didn’t make our top picks list, we did find a few notable features worth mentioning.
Not every product lends itself to testing in The Verywell Testing Lab, and some require real-world, long-term testing so that we can provide reliable recommendations for our readers. Indoor cycling bikes fall into this category, so our team of fitness editors tested these bikes from the comfort of their homes. Over the course of four weeks, we completed at least two rides per bike each week, for a total of at least eight rides on each bike.
You are watching: The 12 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
When the bikes first arrived, we assessed them for setup: Did the bike come fully assembled? If not, how long did it take to put together? Once the bike was ready to go, we connected them to WiFi, any compatible health apps, and/or streaming services.
When we got on the bikes for the first time, we made any necessary adjustments to the seat and handlebars—noting how comfortable the seat felt and how easy it was to make those adjustments. When it was finally time to ride, we clipped in (or simply adjusted the toe cages if the bike didn’t feature clip-in pedals), and got to spinning.
During each ride—we tested multiple rides at varying intensities—we paid special attention to how sturdy and smooth the bike was, as well as any helpful metric tracking or other notable features. Considering each component of testing, we rated each indoor cycling bike on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and overall value.
We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in an indoor cycling bike. The experts we spoke to included:
To keep your cycling workouts dynamic and challenging, you need to be able to adjust the resistance of your bike. “Resistance helps you get a high-intensity workout and stimulates riding up and down hills,” Tammeca Rochester, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle in New York City, says. “The goal of an indoor cycling bike is to challenge yourself physically while getting a neuromuscular and cardiovascular workout.”
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Most options will require you to turn a manual tension knob and feel the resistance level as you ride. “This is helpful if you live somewhere where you don’t have the luxury of hills,” says Lutsch. “Riding on a flat road while outdoor biking [offers] substantially different intensity than indoor resistance training riding,” she adds.
Like treadmills, classic ellipticals, and other fitness machines, indoor bikes can boast a range of pre-set workout modes. If you prefer a choose-your-own-adventure workout where you’re in control of your settings, these modes may not matter much to you. But if you prefer a guided workout, pay attention to this feature.
Another thing to note is that a bike may include a variety of workout modes, but those modes may not be free. Some indoor bikes, like SoulCycle’s at-home bike, require a membership or subscription to access additional features. Be sure to check on the bike’s available classes and pre-set modes prior to purchasing.
“Comfort is critical,” says Lutsch. “The more comfortable the bike, the more likely you are to utilize it on a regular basis.” When looking for a bike, try to find one with comfortable features like cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and wide petals. Ensuring these are adjustable can also help you customize your fit.
Lutsch also says it’s important to have the correct settings on your bike to avoid injury. “Set your bike seat at hip height and make sure your legs can fully extend (without locking) at the bottom of your stride. Your handlebars should be set at the same height as your seat as well to help you avoid hunching while riding.”
Many indoor bikes come with high-tech features like speakers, fans, and pivoting monitors. “Displays that feature your speed (RPM) and power output (wattage) are always helpful for gauging your workout,” says Rochester. These nice-to-haves may not be necessary, but they can make a workout more fun. So don’t be shy in seeking out features that will motivate you to spend more time on your bike. Our tester loved the feature-packed Peloton Bike + Essentials that kept her coming back for more.
Some indoor cycling bikes feature toe-caged pedals that allow you to wear your regular sneakers or cycling shoes and simply slip your feet into the pedals. While others feature clip-in pedals that require clipless cleats or cycling shoes. This type of pedal helps some riders to feel more secure and at one with their bike. But if your indoor cycling bike doesn’t have the pedals you’re looking for, it’s an easy and, in most cases, inexpensive fix.
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A great shoe option for toe-cage pedals is TIEM Slipstream’s Women’s Indoor Cycling Shoe, and our favorite pair of clipless cycling shoes are Shimano’s IC501 Women’s Indoor Cycling Shoes.
Verywell Fit / Cheyenne Elwell
In May 2023 Peloton recalled 2.2 million exercise bikes over safety concerns surrounding the bike’s seat post, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. There have been 35 reports of the bike’s seat unexpectedly breaking and detaching from the bike mid-ride—several injuries have already been reported.
The brand urges users to immediately stop use and contact them for a free seat post that can be self-installed. You can contact Peloton toll-free at 866-679-9129 or go online to Peloton’s Recall Support Page to place an order for a replacement seat post.
To find out if your Peloton bike has been affected, check the model number—you can find it on the inside front fork of the bike, near the flywheel. If your bike reads PL-01, it has been recalled and you should stop use immediately and contact the brand. If you own the Peloton Bike+, you’re in the clear.
You can read more about the recall here.
Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer who is passionate about making great product recommendations. She participated in our real-world indoor cycling bikes test and evaluated the SoulCycle At-Home Bike. Michelle has tackled dozens of rides on her new favorite bike wearing the Soul Cycle x PEARL IZUMI’s Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
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