The spin bikes otherwise known as indoor cycling bikes have come to be accepted as one of the best ways to workout indoor while feeling the real outdoor cycling experience. You may be wondering the difference between the upright bike and a spin bike/cycling bike.
The difference is that you can both sit or stand while working out with the cycling bike while you can’t do that with a typical upright bike.
By the way, the name SPIN is originally used for Mad Dogg Athletics cycling bikes.
A cycling bike is one of the popular fitness equipment commonly found in the gym today where there are spinning classes. Many people have also added one to their home gym as well.
But it has always been not easy for some people when it comes to finding the best spin bike for home use. For almost 100 years, cycling bike has been in existence and as a result, there are a lot of brands and models that are out there.
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Importance of Cycling Bikes at Home
As aforementioned, there are a lot of people that love exercising with a cycling bike, which could explain the reason why you may see individuals pushing hard on their cycling bike pedals in the fitness club or the cycle studio gym.
It is true that working out in a group can be motivating but having one added to your home gym can even be inspiring; reasons being that you can always climb on your spin bike and workout without having to worry about what time of the day it is.
Commercial gyms offer the opportunity for people to go and workout. But some are constrained to do so due to the nature of their work.
Therefore, cycling bikes for home use have become imperative.
The benefits of having a cycling bike at home include not having to drive to the gym and paying for a gym membership.
Instead of spending money on that gas to drive to the gym, you can save it up to have one spin bike at home.
Thankfully, you can easily order a quality cycling bike online and have it delivered to your doorstep within a couple of days depending on your location. A retailer like Amazon offers free shipping for most of their products.
Again, the indoor cycling bike is a great way to enhance your overall health and fitness at home no doubt about that. If you think you need a fitness instructor just as you would get in the gym, then get fitness DVDs or have some downloaded from the internet/YouTube and have it viewed via your TV or computer while practicing it out as well.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Spin Bike
Amazon Reviews
We value Amazon customer reviews because these are first-hand reviews that come from actual users. Therefore, spin or cycling bikes that have good approval ratings on Amazon should be considered recommendable.
Adjustability
One of the ways to enjoy and get the most out of a cycling bike is the ability to get the unit to suit you. And it can only suit you if you can customize the bike by adjusting the seat and the handlebar.
Console
Just like with any other fitness equipment, the console is a very important aspect of the cycling bike.
Therefore, a good cycling bike should have a digital meter that tracks your workout progress so that you can remain focused and motivated at all times.
Flywheel Weight
Flywheel weight contributes to the quality of workout you will be getting from a certain cycling bike. The heavier the flywheel the better because that would simulate riding on a real outdoor bike and also it provides momentum that keeps the bike smooth and steady while working our vigorously.
Resistance
The resistance has always been one of the important integral parts of any cycling bike. The resistance system of any bike should be critically looked at because that could make or break the fun with your cycling bike. A user should be able to easily adjust the resistance of the bike without so much hassle.
The user should be able to increase and decrease significantly the resistance to experience a more challenging or easy workout. Most cycling bikes have the knob as the adjusting mechanism while some have lever depending on the model of the indoor bike.
Weight Capacity
You should be able to know the weight capacity supported by the cycling bike you are interested in. A good indoor bike can at least support up to 250 pounds of maximum weight capacity.
Water Bottle and Hydration
An indoor cycling bike that is equipped with a water bottle will at least make water handy during a workout. This is very necessary as you may already know that hydration during and after exercise is necessary.
The Benefits of Indoor Cycling Bike
Improves Cardiovascular Health
When it comes to preventing heart disease it is by engaging in cardio such as running or cycling. Cycling has always been one of the ultimate ways of keeping fit and losing weight.
Any exercise that essentially raises your heart rate improves your cardiovascular health and burns a lot of calories as well. High-intensity workout with the cycling bike for 20 to 30 minutes daily greatly improves your overall health and fitness.
Weight Loss
You can shed a lot of weight by using a cycling bike depending on your fitness level. You burn as little as 400 calories or as much as 1500 calories per session depending on your workout duration and of course fitness level.
Moreover, exercising with the indoor bike improves your body’s metabolism making it possible to even still burn calories after the actual workout. The calories you tend to burn per session with a cycling bike can equal or be more than what some people can eat per meal.
Endorphins and Feeling Great
Indoor cycling for 20 to 30 minutes greatly improves our overall well being, that is agreed but it also ignites the release of endorphins that makes one feel ecstatic without actually injecting any form of a hard drug; this is a natural and healthy way of improving your mood without jeopardizing your health for it.
Cut Cost and Convenience
Just as we have mentioned earlier that choosing to purchase an indoor cycling bike for home use will help you to save money by not paying for gym membership and gas for driving to the gym.
In terms of convenience, you will be able to work out at any time you want and it is more likely that you will tend to work out more frequently. Bad weather or lack of time will never be an impediment anymore.
How cycling bike Works
A cycling bike uses partly upright stationary bike features but usually with a heavy spinning flywheel that has a resistance that is adjustable to provide a certain feel of workout (challenging or easy). The indoor cycling bike has a lot of similarities to a bicycle only that it looks like it is suspended in the air with a flywheel instead of two wheels.
Other Requirements
To make exercising with an indoor cycling bike complete you need some certain thing as the right outfit, gym shoes, and probably virtual workouts to keep you motivated.
Workout Outfit
Just like with all of our fitness equipment reviews we do recommend using the right workout outfit of cloth. You may have noticed that even individuals that are doing professional outdoor cycling use unique clothing that is usually tight fitted.
This is not because of beauty or fancy but for safety and comfort while working out. Put on something that won’t get in the way of your workouts like a shirt and a short.
Indoor Cycling Shoes
The right indoor cycling shoe is required to avoid injury and maintain a certain level of comfort during a workout. Therefore, endeavor to look up one here if you don’t already have one.
Workout Motivational Materials
You may likely need some tutoring when you acquire an indoor cycling bike for home use. Usually, if you are working out in the gym you might have an instructor that could tell you what to do but while at home you need to get some cycling DVDs or even get some downloaded from YouTube there are ample of them out there.
By the way, you can still get some quality workout if you can watch something like a good movie or music that could get you distracted from the rigor of exercise.
Maintenance of Indoor Cycling Bike
It doesn’t require much to maintain an indoor cycling bike. It is common sense that when you get all sweaty as a result of exercise with it that will spill over to the cycle bike as well and so will require some cleaning after every workout session. Also, clean when not in use because of dust.
Best Indoor Cycling Bikes by Price
We are going to help list some of the best indoor cycling bikes that will best suit your needs. There are a bunch of them in different brands and models with different levels of features and price tags.
Best Indoor Cycling Bike – Price Range $150 to $300
The ProGear 100S Exercise Bike/Indoor Training Cycle has 105 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.3 out of 5 as at the time this review was written.
Ordinarily, it is not wise to purchase cheap indoor cycle bikes because they tend not to be built with quality material and don’t have many features as well. However, the ProGear 100S Exercise Bike is an exceptional bike that is cheap yet built to last with great features. You can see that evidence by the approval ratings and the Amazon reviews.
It supports up to 250 pounds of maximum weight capacity and has a chain-driven mechanism to simulate road bike exercise. It has a cast iron inertia driven flywheel with a chrome rim that weighs 22 pounds which guarantees a smooth and consistent workout experience.
Easy dial tension adjustment for more challenging workouts. It has an LCD computer that displays your workout data such as the calories burned, distance, time, speed, pulse, and scan. With this feature, you will be able to maintain your target heart rate and be motivated towards achieving your fitness goals.
The water bottle holder is also included to enable you to stay hydrated at all times during workouts. Toe cages also included helping with extra forward leg thrust. It has double-direction pedaling which means you should be able to pedal in both directions and it has transportation wheels that make relocation easy.
Click right here to read the full review
The Sunny SF-B1001 Indoor Cycling Bike has about 352 Amazon customer reviews and an approval rating of 4.1 out of 5. It has a fully adjustable seat, handlebars, and resistance just as we expected. It also has an impressive 30-pound flywheel that could guarantee that smooth and stable workout experience. It is integrated with a heavy-duty crank and steel frame that also ensures durability.
This unit possesses the very important features that make a spin or cycling bike the very best and it is affordable.
Click right here to read our full review.
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B1110 Indoor Cycling Bike has 473 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.2 out of 5.
This falls within the price range of less than $300 and it possesses a lot of features as well. Features inertia driven flywheel with chrome rim that weighs about 44 pounds. This is heavy enough to produce a great momentum that translates to a smooth, consistent, and stable workout. It also has a chain-driven mechanism that simulates road bike exercise.
It is integrated with cushioned ergonomic seat and handlebars that are fully adjustable. The seat can be adjusted forward/backward and up/down allowing the perfect proximity to the handlebar. The handlebar can be adjusted inseam height max 37’’/Min 29.
It supports up to 265 pounds maximum weight capacity and it has the stability that allows the user to stand up and pedal simulating an uphill road experience. As for resistance, it has 2 in 1 easy dial tension adjustment and push-down brake that offer the much needed challenging workout. Its felt pad gives smooth and even resistance. It has transport wheels that make relocation a lot easy.
Click here to read the full review
The Exerpeutic LX7 Indoor Cycle Trainer with Computer Monitor and Heart Rate Sensors has 151 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.1 out of 5 as at the time this review was written.
This is a choice indoor cycling bike for anyone on a limited budget and still wishes to experience a challenging workout at home. This cycling bike is made of a solid frame with a beautiful design that also ensures stability. It supports up to 300 pounds maximum weight capacity and its steel and metal built guarantees a powerful performance that is void of noise.
It has three position handlebars that feature the electronic heart rate monitor that help you to maintain your target heart rate at all times and during high-intensity workouts and spinning intervals.
It has this natural ability to attract you to it for more and more spinning and cycling experience because of its reliable and safe performance. It has alloy pedal construction with secure toe cages which help in terms of extra forward leg thrust. It is integrated with easy dial tension adjustment that guarantees a smooth transition of resistance levels and challenging workouts.
The 40 pounds flywheel with chrome rim allows you to experience a smooth and consistent workout. You will also be able to monitor your workout data and progress by viewing such data as the distance, calories burned, elapsed time, and speed and of course pulse via the LCD computer display.
You will be able to do a stand up pedaling that simulates an uphill road experience. The seat is well cushioned and can be adjusted 4 ways; forward/backward and up/down for your optimal comfort. It does have transport wheels for easy relocation.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike has 2248 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.2 out of 5 as at the time this review was written.
This is an indoor cycling bike with 40 pounds flywheel for stability with a heavy-duty crank and chain drive mechanism that simulates a bicycle experience. It has fully adjustable leather seat and handlebars for maximum comfort and body conformity.
The resistance can easily be switched up to different levels by twisting the tension knob. Easily increase and decrease to experience an outstanding challenging workout that would help you realize your fitness goals, great for any fitness level.
Click right here to read our full review.
Best Indoor Cycling Bike – Price Range $400 to $1000
The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Indoor Cycling has 76 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 3.9 out of 5 as at the time this review was written.
This is the bike for folks that are addicts or passionate about spinning or cycling. It is a very versatile bike in function and can make your workout experience outstanding even as you thrust towards making your fitness goals come true.
It supports up to 250 pounds maximum weight capacity and a fully adjustable seat (fore/aft and up/down) for maximum body conformity and comfort. It is integrated with a direct-driven resistance system that offers you the opportunity of challenging exercise and a 39.6-pound balanced flywheel that convey smooth and consistent workout experience.
The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Indoor cycling is a US-manufactured bike that is sturdy and adjustable and could almost be used by anyone regardless of their fitness level, size, or height.
Click right here to read the full review
The Indoor Cycling Bike Pro Spinning by L NOW LD-582 has 32 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 3.8 out of 5 as at the time this review was written.
This is a bike that does not need the occasional repair or oiling, it is built to last. It has an automotive-grade and patented belt-drive system instead of the usual chain drive system.
The advantage of the belt drive system is that it makes the operation of the bike to be a lot smooth and quiet than the chain-driven bike. It has an LCD monitor that tracks your workout progress by displaying workout data such as the time, speed, distance, calories burned, ODO, RPM, and heart rate by hand pulse.
The frame is built with heavy-duty steel and it is integrated with a 46 pounds bidirectional flywheel that gains momentum easily and operates with great consistency and smoothness.
It supports up to 500 pounds maximum weight capacity; has a water bottle holder for staying hydrated throughout the workout session.
The Spinner Sprint Premium Authentic Indoor Cycle-Spin Bike with Four Spinning DVDs is a product manufactured by Mad Dogg. Currently, as at the time of writing this spin bike buying guide, it has 12 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.2 out of 5.
This bike can legally be called the ‘’spinning’ bike because that is the copyrighted name given by Mad Dogg Athletics but most people now refer to every other cycling bike as spin or spinning bike.
That being said, Mad Dogg is one of the manufacturing companies that made cycling bikes so popular, and if you decide to buy this cycling bike it could last you for a long time because it is commercially built.
It has a heavy-duty 43-pound flywheel that provides a consistent and smooth workout plus a chain drive system that also offers the road bike exercise experience. It has optimized Q-factor at 155mm which rivals good road bikes.
For the fact this product was made by Mad Dogg is already a very good selling point for some people. For better ergonomics, the fixed handlebar has been angled 5 degrees up from horizontal. You will also enjoy and get motivated with the four spinning workout DVDs that accompany the machine.
Best Cycling Bike- Price Range $1000 and Above
The Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike has 153 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.1 out of 5 as at the time this buying guide was written.
So far by the Amazon reviews, it is obvious that this exercise bike is one of the best indeed. This cycling bike has been reported to be on the same level as most of the bikes you find in the gyms.
It supports up to 300 pounds maximum weight capacity with a heavy-duty 48 pounds flywheel that offers a consistent, smooth, and quiet workout. The frame is solidly built with a lifetime warranty.
It has a computer display that tracks your workout progress such as time, speed, distance, calories burned, and RPM. The console is compatible with wireless heart rate chest straps that allow the user to view the most accurate heart rate data which also enables them to stay within their target heart rate zone at all times.
If you are looking forward to purchasing a quality cycling bike for home use that falls within this price range then you need not look further because you are just about to experience a realistic workout experience of all times.
Click right here to read the full review
The BodyCraft SPT-Mag Magnetic Club Group Cycle has 7 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.8 out of 5 as at the time this spin bike buying guide was written.
This is one of the cycling bikes that is rated highly by cycling instructors. It is also great for home use, however, the name BodyCraft may not ring a bell to so many people just like Sunny Health and Fitness or Mad Dogg would but they do have a reputation in the manufacturing of good and outstanding spinning bikes.
This machine can accommodate and support users of up to 350 pounds of weight maximum capacity with its heavy-duty frame. It is incorporated with guards that would keep sweat off the machine’s flywheel thereby prolonging the lifespan of the bike.
Moreover, it uses eddy current magnetic resistance technology designed to respond to your actions instantly which also provides a very challenging workout experience.
It is built and warranted for club use even as you can also use it for home use as well. This goes to show how strong and durable this machine is.
The handlebar features multiple position hand grips that include racing handle grips. For optimal comfort, the seat and handlebars are fully adjustable forward/backward and up/down for perfect fit for most different individual sizes.
The BodyCraft SPT-Mag Magnetic Club Group Cycle has a belt drive system that makes its operation or workout to be smooth, quiet, and maintenance-free.
Click right here to read the full review
The Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle is one popular cycling bike that has received so many positive reviews from Amazon customers.
If budget is not a problem for you then we would recommend the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle bike because it will worth every penny you will be spending on it.
You may probably notice the use of this machine in your local gym or in most group spinning classes that is because it is durably built and endowed with great features one cannot just refuse.
It is strong enough to withstand regular use by multiple users, that is one of the reasons why it the darling of gym owners. It has an excellent transition when the resistance level is being adjusted and it is great for all fitness levels because of its 24 magnetic resistance levels.
It supports up to 300 pounds of maximum weight capacity. The seat and the handlebars provide maximum comfort because of their ability to adjust and conform to the user.
It has other features such as the beautiful Backlit Bluetooth computer display that can connect wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet device and display vital workout data such as time, distance, RPM, heart rate, and more.
Click here to read our full review
Our Top Pick
We have managed to list the best spinning/cycling bike with a price range on this buying guide. However, we are going to pick our top 2 from low and high budget cycling bikes to help you further make a quick decision on purchasing the right spin bike.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Pro SF-B901 made it to our low-budget cycling bike top pick for an obvious reason. First, it is easy to tell that this is a very popular cycling bike because of its 2,248 Amazon customer reviews and still maintains an approval rating of 4.2 out of 5.
This machine is available within the price range of less than $300 and still possesses impressive features. It is solidly built with a heavy-duty crank.
Both the seat and the handlebars are fully adjustable which means that you can easily be at home with the machine as you enjoy the comfort it offers. It also has a chain drive system that simulates road exercise bike experience.
It weighs about 108 pounds and supports up to 275 pounds of maximum weight capacity. The 40 pounds flywheel guarantees a stable, consistent, and quiet workout experience while it simulates the momentum of a road bike exercise.
Click right here to read our full review
The Keiser M3i Indoor Bike made it to our top 2 just as you may have probably guessed. This machine is a beauty and a sleek looking bike that can motivate you into working out with it.
More so, Amazon customer reviews and rating has proven that users love it and are recommending it.
This is the type of high-end cycling bike you should consider purchasing because it has got features that could make your workout highly effective and enjoyable as well. It is also important to mention that this machine is manufactured in the U.S with great quality. Click here to read our full review.
Conclusion
Using spin or cycling bike is one of the best ways to experience a cardiovascular workout that is still gentle on your joints. With the right spin or cycle bike, you are bound to enjoy exercise and also easily achieve your fitness goals.
The listed spin/cycle bikes on this buying guide will provide you with the right challenging workout experience.
Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have because we shall be more than willing to help in whatever way that we can.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
We also review health and fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes. recumbent bikes and many more.