Best Cheap Exercise Bikes of 2024

What To Look For When Buying A Cheap Exercise Bike

In our testing of countless exercise bikes, we’ve found that affordable options tend to be priced at $1000 and under. Unlike cheap treadmills, we’ve seen that there are quality exercise bikes priced even under $500. There are some things to look out for though to be sure you pick a quality bike. Now, let’s jump into what those factors are.

Flywheel

The weight of the flywheel can be an indication of how stable and smooth the exercise bike is to use. For affordable bikes under $1000, we recommend getting one with a heavy flywheel over 15-20 lbs. As you can see on our list above, we have some recommendations with 40+ lb flywheels. Heavy flywheels are weighted to generate momentum as you pedal to maintain a smooth stroke. This way, the pedal motion doesn’t feel uneven or jerky.

Lightweight flywheels (under 10 lbs) can have very smooth strokes as well, as long as the bike is engineered for it. Usually, quality exercise bikes with light flywheels are priced over $1000. So, if you find one for a couple of hundred bucks, just know it probably won’t generate a smooth pedal stroke and quality riding experience.

Resistance Type

The two main types of resistance found on exercise bikes is magnetic resistance and friction resistance. Magnetic resistance is typically preferred and considered best because it is known to be quiet and to place less wear on the flywheel. Magnetic resistance uses magnets against the metal flywheel. It also can require less maintenance and is easier to calibrate. That’s why on a lot of bikes that use magnetic resistance, you can see what resistance level you’re at while working out.

Friction resistance uses fabric pads that are pushed against the flywheel to create tension. Over time, the pads will need replacing because they’ll break down. This type of resistance is harder to calibrate, so you won’t be able to see which resistance level you’re at. So, if you prefer to know what level of tension you are pedaling at out of a specific number, magnetic resistance is the better option for you. Magnetic resistance is known to have a longer lag time when the resistance is changed though.

Friction resistance can give you more resistance options because you can add it on until you can no longer pedal, instead of having a maximum level. Friction resistance might be better for stronger cyclists. Friction resistance can sometimes generate a little bit more noise than magnetic resistance.

Content Preference And Workout Metrics

As mentioned above, we have yet to see a bike with a large attached touch screen for under $1000. There are some just over this price range though if a touch screen is important to you. As you’ve probably seen from our list of best cheap exercise bikes though, not having a screen can still give you plenty of content options.

If you love subscription workout content, then we recommend making sure the bike you choose has a tablet holder. Some are adjustable for training on and off the bike. Most LCD consoles are battery-powered so they don’t require the internet or an electrical outlet to use. These kinds of consoles display your workout metrics like speed, distance, RPMs, estimated calories, time, and heart rate. Some are more limited in what they display than others though. If seeing your progress displayed on the screen is important to you, be sure to get a bike with a console and look into what metrics are shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do exercise bikes last?

Exercise bikes can last upwards of 10- 20 years. It all depends on if it is properly maintained and cared for, as well as the overall quality of the bike. It’s important to regularly check that the hardware is secure and tightened. Also, be sure to wipe away any sweat after each ride to help avoid rust. Higher-quality exercise bikes will most likely last longer than ones of lesser quality.

Can I ride an exercise bike every day?

We recommend taking at least one rest day a week from the exercise bike. The workout they provide is low impact so it’s friendlier on the joints than running. However, if you’re constantly doing strenuous rides on the bike, you can increase your chances of burnout, over-training, and even injuries. It’s important to give your body proper rest to avoid this.

How long should I ride a stationary bike?

The standard weekly recommendation for aerobic exercise is at least 150 minutes which can come out to about 20 minutes a day. If you’re a beginner, this might feel like a lot of time. If you’re an advanced cyclist this probably isn’t long at all. If you’re new to cycling and/or fitness, then take it slow and listen to your body. You might need to work up to 20-minute rides a few times a week. For more intermediate and advanced cyclists, you can ride for 30 minutes or more, depending on your fitness level.

Is a cheap exercise bike worth it?

We’ve tested cheap exercise bikes and found them to be of nice quality and performance. You can find solid exercise bikes for even just a few hundred dollars. As far as technology though, cheap exercise bikes usually don’t come with attached touch screens to stream content from.

Why are stationary bikes so expensive?

Stationary bikes can be expensive depending on their construction, technology, and brand. More expensive bikes usually include fitness content and an attached touch screen. These features cause the bike to cost more. A bike from a certain manufacturer might cost more than comparable bikes just because of the name of the brand, too.