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Exercise Bikes Features Comparison

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Diet, Elliptical Trainers, Exercise Bikes, Fitness, Health, Sports, Weight loss

A cheap stationary bike might not replicate the experience of a high-end gym-ready exercise bike, but with the right features, it can come close. Look for a model with enough resistance levels to keep you challenged as your performance improves, or, in the case of one of our picks, unlimited resistance potential. Electronic consoles provide readouts of accomplishments like speed, distance, time elapsed, and calories burned; depending on the model, it will let you choose one of the preset workouts and resistance levels. The weight limit on the best cheap stationary bikes ranges from 250 pounds to 300 pounds; reviews urge that you abide by this specification. The warranty on the best exercise bikes on our list varies, and is often longer for the frame than for parts and labor.

Resistance Levels Resistance System Readouts Weight Capacity Warranty
Schwinn 240 Recumbent estimated price $399
16 Magnetic Time, interval time, RPS, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance 300 lbs. 5 years, frame; 1 year parts & electronics
Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle estimated price $154
8 Magnetic Speed, distance, elapsed time, calories 250 lbs. 2 years
ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer estimated price $297
Unlimited Friction None 250 lbs. 5 years, frame; 90 days parts & labor
NordicTrack Upright GX 2.0 estimated price $294
20 Magnetic Speed, distance, elapsed time, pulse, calories burned 275 lbs. Lifetime, frame; 1 year parts & labor
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