Best exercise bikes – the top indoor cycling machines to get you moving

Getting fit doesn’t have to mean signing up to an expensive gym membership. Investing in an exercise bike is a great place to start if you fancy training at home. Just 20 minutes of cycling a few times a week is enough to burn fat and improve your fitness. 

To help you decide which exercise bike to buy we’ve rounded up a few worth considering. Our list includes budget exercise bikes, folding bikes and bikes that work with your smartphone and even your Apple Watch to help you track your fitness goals.

• See: How to create a home gym – everything you need to start exercising in the comfort of your own space

You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a gym-quality exercise bike - the Reebok GSB Electronic bike fits the bill at under £600. The 32 resistance levels and preset programmes provide enough of a challenge no matter your level of fitness. 

The GSB electronic bike is powered by an electronic resistance system but can also be used without having to be plugged into the mains. Adjustable foot straps, handlebars and seating provide comfort, while pulse sensors track your heart rate as you cycle.

The Peleton Bike+ is the best exercise bike around if you miss the gym or struggle to motivate yourself at home. It has all you need to stay fit thanks to a built-in monitor that displays live weekly classes from a real human trainer. You can pick from thousands of classes to do in your own time. 

One of the more impressive features is automatic tension adjustment – when the trainer on screen says it’s time to ramp things up the bike will automatically increase the resistance. 

The large screen even has a built-in speaker with subwoofer for a proper spin class feel. And when you’re done cycling, the screen rotates to make it easier to follow the strength and weights classes available. 

With so many different classes available it’s like having a personal trainer in your own home. Peleton Bike+ even works with your Apple Watch to track your heart rate and calories burnt.

Recumbent bikes may look a little different but offer extra an extra level of comfort for those who suffer from back or neck pain. The JLL RE600 PRO Recumbent Bike has an adjustable seat, soft grip pedals and an ergonomic design for a cozy ride during workouts.  

A 9 function monitor displays: time, distance, speed, distance, heart rate and calories burnt. The JLL RE600 will also connect to your smartphone – making it easier to track your progress as you get fitter.

• See: Best treadmills – the top machines to get you running and walking in the comfort of your home

If the thought of crowding your home with gym equipment has put you off home workouts in the past, then check out the YYFITT 2-in-1 Fitness Exercise Bike. It folds up for easy storage and can be used in an upright or recumbent position. 

At under £200 it’s not as expensive as some of the other models on our list but has plenty of features to help you keep fit at home such as 16 resistance levels, an LCD screen that displays your speed, distance and heart rate. 

A large backrest delivers extra comfort while cycling, while resistance bands provide extra variety for upper body training as you smash those personal bests.

Used by some of the world’s most popular spin class studios – and is a personal favorite of mine – the Stage CS2 comes with a trusted seal of approval. Everything about it is designed for the smoothest ride possible. The Carbon Drive system makes cycling at home feel so natural for an authentic outdoor feel. 

Adjusting the resistance is easy too. The SprintShift system lets you adjust the difficulty with a single touch – which makes this bike perfect for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) routines where you’re required to constantly adjust the resistance.

• See: 10 best exercises to do at home – easy workouts you can do without the need for the gym

Are stationary bikes worth it?

Stationary bikes are definitely worth the investment, especially when coupled with a balanced diet.

Riding a stationary exercise bike is an effective way to burn calories and and stubborn belly fat while strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. 

What's more, in comparison to many other types of cardio equipment, a stationary exercise bike will put less stress on your joints – while still providing an excellent aerobic workout.

What is the difference between an exercise bike and a spin bike?

Exercise bikes are a lot more comfortable than spin bikes thanks to the fact they usually have higher handlebars. Traditional exercise bikes resemble moving bicycles without tires. With comfort at the forefront of its design, this type of bike is particularly beneficial for those with back injuries.

Spin bikes offer a far more more realistic experience of cycling outside thanks to their fixed flywheel. You will also tend to burn more calories on a spin bike because you'll incorporate more muscles into the exercise (if you stand up) and because it takes more energy to keep that flywheel going.

According to Cycle Masters: 'Most people start exercising with the same goal: a healthier lifestyle. Whether you want to lose weight or improve your fitness, it’s all about feeling fit and healthy. Both spin and exercise bikes are suitable to increase your lung capacity and improve your physical fitness.'