While there are many exercise bikes out there, it is important to consider the different brands and types that suit your needs. We've compiled this list keeping in mind the variety of riders and alternatives that might be options if you don't want to buy a Peloton. We test all of our exercise bikes using the same criteria.
Assembly and delivery
While some exercise bikes include assembly along with shipping, not all do. For some bikes, you may have to pay extra for this service or you may have to assemble them yourself. We looked at whether the brand included or offered assembly (and how much it cost), and for the bikes we had to assemble, we considered how clear the instructions were and how long it took to assemble the bike.
Functions
We also looked at what makes a bike unique, be it a special feature or some other bells and whistles. These include its features, class types, programming, bike software, connectivity to third-party apps, and connectivity to wearables such as heart rate monitors.
Membership
Many smart bikes now include a subscription to access their classes. We've looked at whether a membership subscription is important to your indoor cycling or whether it's possible to just ride or connect to other third-party apps. For example, some subscription services offer less expensive options for adding family members.
Functionality
During the tests, we checked how well the exercise bike works. We took into account whether any parts arrived broken or parts of the bike were not working correctly. We also noticed how quiet the bike is and how intuitive it is for first-time riders. If there is a learning curve, we have taken into account how quickly you need to learn, but also understand that this may be different for everyone.
Ease of use of the software
Most exercise bikes have an app and/or screen with the necessary software. We took into account how well the software is designed, whether it is intuitive to use and how technologically advanced it is.
Guarantee
When making a large purchase, such as an exercise bike, it's important to know the warranty in case something breaks. We've looked at how long the warranty is, what parts of the exercise bike it covers, and whether there's an option for an extended warranty.
