Our team tested eight exercise bikes, then selected our top six picks of the year. Read on for our testers’ full reviews, considering aspects such as durability and construction, technology, aesthetics and ergonomics, plus safety features, noise, and value.
Our Top Pick
After testing 8 exercise bikes, our team selected as the best overall exercise bike.
Best Exercise Bikes of 2026
Best Exercise Bikes Comparison Table
Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack X24 Bike
NordicTrack X24 Bike
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at NordicTrack
- Our thoughts: Our tester had a great ride on this bike. She wishes that her gym carried this model; she’d use it frequently
- Who it’s for: Managers under a time crunch
- What makes it different: This bike has a -10% decline and 20% incline
Pros
- 10-year frame warranty
- You can clip in with SPD cleats or use the straps with any shoe
- Resistance is easy to adjust
Cons
- Adjusting the incline is choppy and unpredictable, per our tester
- No onboard programming, subscription to iFIT is required
- The handlebars have limited adjustability
Our Thoughts on NordicTrack X24 Bike
The NordicTrack X24 Bike is our pick for the best overall exercise bike because it has a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design along with offering smooth rides and over 10,000 workouts with an iFIT subscription. Our tester loved the pivoting 24-inch touchscreen as well.
Paige tested the X24 Bike. She has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science and weight trains five times a week. She also does cardio regularly on bikes. Paige rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “I like this bike more than other bikes I have used due to the sleek design and smooth ride,” she said. “The screen is easy to navigate, and I really enjoy the workouts included. If the incline adjustment was smoother, I’d call this my favorite bike!”
When it comes to ergonomics and comfort while riding, Paige rated the X24 a 4 out of 5. “The bike seat wasn’t the most comfortable that I’ve sat on. It was very firm, and the leather didn’t have much give. I started to get sore after just a few minutes,” she said. That being said, Paige does think the seat will be long-lasting and durable. Plus, adjusting the bike was easy for our tester. It moved smoothly and felt secure after she tightened the knobs. She was able to adjust the seat height and distance from the bars as well as the handlebar height.
Paige thinks the X24 is easy to move around and relocate within your home, if needed. “There are wheels that help with moving the bike on both hardwood and carpet. An average person can definitely move the bike with ease,” she said, rating it a 5 out of 5 for portability.
- Magnetic
- 24
- 56.4 inches long by 21.8 inches wide by 62.7 inches tall
- For iFIT, yes
Best Air Exercise Bike: Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike
Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Fringe Sport
- Our thoughts: We like the thick, large tires on this bike for easy portability
- Who it’s for: Folks who want a commercial-like, super durable air bike
- What makes it different: Has 10 adjustable seat heights. Anyone from 4 feet 11 inches to 6 feet seven inches can use this bike, per the brand
Pros
- Costs under $1,000
- No subscription or membership required for use
- Seat and height are easy to adjust
Cons
- No toe inserts or clips for specialty shoes
- No touchscreen or advanced tech
- Like any air bike, the fan can be quite loud, which matters if you are working out at odd hours
Our Thoughts on Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike
The Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike is our pick for the best air bike, also known as an assault bike. We picked it as our favorite because the Raptor is powered by a fan, so you can exercise as hard as you’d like, setting your own resistance and pace. It also has great portability. There are two large front tires (similar to a beach wagon) that make it easy to move around your garage gym or typical at-home workout space.
Dylan tested the Raptor. He’s an avid mountain biker who does resistance training at the gym four to five days a week. This was his first time testing an air bike. While testing the Raptor, he tried interval training (10 seconds flat out, 20 seconds of hard pedaling, then 30 seconds of steady pedaling) and then repeated for both workouts, with a goal of maintaining 450-500 watts throughout.
He rated his overall experience with this bike a 3 out of 5. “Though the workout was hard, the bike did its job and gave me a great workout. The only part of the bike that I disliked was the seat, but I didn’t notice any discomfort at higher levels of training,” he said. “This is the first assault bike that I have used, so I can’t compare it to other bikes of the same class, but I thought this bike was built very well and was made to work and move around easily,” Dylan mentioned.
Our tester rated the ergonomics of the Raptor a 3 out of 5. He found the seat easy to adjust, and the saddle was wider than a typical bike. “The pedals are made of metal and have no toe-inserts or clips for specialty shoes. The pedals are larger in diameter and are more akin to actual mountain bike pedals that have a larger footprint versus bike pedals, which are smaller and less forgiving.” Dylan also noted it’s easy to figure out and adjust the seat and height of this bike.
Dylan loved the portability of the Raptor. “It’s very portable because of its oversized wheels. Most bikes have small wheels that are barely noticeable but get caught on everything and make the bike hard to move,” he said. “With the tires on this model, however, I could move this bike with ease. One person could easily move this bike around; rolling it on surfaces such as carpet would be no issue.” That being said, he rated portability a 5 out of 5.
- Fan (air)
- Varies by effort
- 51 inches long by 24 inches wide by 54 inches tall
- No
Best Lightweight Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg
Concept2 BikeErg
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Concept2
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved how sturdy this bike is
- Who it’s for: Beginners who want to easily move their bike around
- What makes it different: Has an aluminum frame
Pros
- Costs around $1,000
- Option to get a standard or low seat
- Has an app that connects to the performance monitor
Cons
- Not compatible with Zwift
- No safety features (no emergency stop)
- Narrow saddle
Our Thoughts on Concept2 BikeErg
The Concept2 BikeErg is our pick for the best lightweight exercise bike. This bike weighs just 68 pounds when put together and has two gliding wheels on the front for easy portability. It also costs just a little over $1,000 as of this writing.
Pete tested the Concept2 BikeErg. He’s a CPT and a CNC and was a collegiate swimmer and a competitive CrossFit athlete for the past 10 years. “I really enjoyed the Concept2 BikeERG. It’s a much different experience than the fan bikes with the moving arms, like the Assault Air Bike or Rogue Echo Bike that I’m used to,” he said.
“This felt much more realistic to what riding a regular road bike feels like,” he added. “I would think this would be what a triathlete or actual biker would use to train.” Pete rated his overall experience a 5 out of 5. “It was a great workout; this actually made me want to buy one of these for my home gym. The bike was excellent in terms of performance; there was honestly nothing I would change,” he stated.
When it comes to ergonomics, Pete had only one critique: the saddle has plenty of cushion, but it is very narrow. So, if you’re used to a large, high-cushioned seat, then this bike may not be comfortable at first.
Otherwise, Pete liked that you can “adjust both the seat and handlebars to your preference, and the intervals are about 1/2 inch apart, which really allows you to find your perfect settings.” There are multiple grip placements on the handlebars; this bike has the standard road bike handlebar configuration. Pete thinks they are well placed for your casual ride or while standing and doing a climb.
- Fan (air)
- Varies by effort
- 48 inches long by 24 inches wide (no height listed by brand)
- No
Best Exercise Bike for Streaming Classes: Peloton Bike+
Peloton Bike+
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Peloton
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved how comfortable the seat was
- Who it’s for: Folks who want to clip in for a quiet ride
- What makes it different: Has a 23.8-inch full HD touchscreen that rotates 360 degrees
Pros
- The bike is virtually noiseless, per our tester
- Has auto-resistance
- Maintains smooth momentum while changing resistance levels
Cons
- Membership is separate, currently costs $49.99 monthly plus tax
- No onboard programming outside of the membership
- Uses clip-in pedals compatible with Look Delta cleats, so you can’t bike with any shoe
Our Thoughts on Peloton Bike+
The Peloton Bike+ is our pick for the best exercise bike for streaming classes because its All-Access membership offers an ever-growing library of classes for both on and off the bike. The HD touchscreen also rotates 360 degrees, so if you want to do a yoga class using your membership, you can.
Pete tested the Peloton Bike+, powered by Peloton IQ. It’s available new, refurbished, and as a rental (you can buy the bike at any time). He rated his overall experience with the Bike+ a 4 out of 5, noting that the bike felt incredibly stable and sturdy while he tested it.
“The biggest difference between the Peloton bike and other stationary bikes I’ve used in the past is the clip-in pedal design. While this was different, it made the workout feel very unique. When I had the clip-in shoes on, I felt like I was activating my hamstring muscles much more than normal,” Pete said. “I find that normally when I bike, I’m very quad dominant, pushing hard down on the pedals. However, with the clip-on shoes, you can push down but also pull up for a more complete pedal stroke.”
He added: “This was great to experience during the class workout, especially during the climbs where they tell you to stand up in the saddle. Aside from that, the bike is virtually noiseless, which is a nice change of pace compared to the fan bikes that I’m used to. I also like that it has the standard cycling handlebars, and not the workout arms like on the Rogue Echo Bike or Assault Bike, because it provides a more real-world biking experience.” He rated the noise a 5 out of 5.
Pete said the bike seat was comfortable; not the most plush or widest bike seat he’s tested, but he didn’t notice any issues during his 30-minute ride. The handlebars, seat height, and seat location can all be adjusted. He rated the overall ergonomics of the Bike+ a 3 out of 5.
- Magnetic
- 100
- 54 inches long by 22 inches wide by 60 inches tall
- Yes, a Peloton All-Access membership is required
Best Exercise Bike for Smooth Rides: Aviron Fit Bike
Aviron Fit Bike
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Aviron
- Our thoughts: Our tester loves this bike’s sleek look and that the screen is large enough to be effective during workouts but not too large to crowd a space
- Who it’s for: Folks who want to feel like they’re biking outdoors
- What makes it different: This bike uses electromagnetic resistance up to 1500 watts, higher than many comparable at-home exercise bikes
Pros
- Compatible with biking apps like Zwift
- Onboard streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more)
- Spotify and Apple Music integration
Cons
- Membership costs extra
- Louder than a magnetic bike
- May not be a good fit for folks who want to do standing climbs
Our Thoughts on Aviron Fit Bike
The Aviron Fit Bike is our pick for the best exercise bike for smooth rides because it was easy for our tester to adjust the resistance (and set it to auto-resistance) throughout her workout. “Instead of a typical dial adjustment, there were up and down buttons to increase or decrease resistance. I prefer this feature because I feel like I have better control and a better idea of what resistance I am at,” she said. “The bike responds very quickly to the adjustments, and I can see what level I am at on the screen. There is also an option for auto resistance during classes, which did all the adjusting for me.”
Paige tested the Aviron Fit Bike, rating her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “I like this bike more than other bikes I have used. I think that the sleek design, easy-to-use button adjustments, and easy seat adjustments set it apart from other bikes. The seat is also a lot more comfortable than other bike brands,” she said.
Our tester rated the ergonomics of the Aviron Fit Bike a 4 out of 5. “This bike has a very supportive and comfortable seat,” she said. “I was able to complete a 20-minute ride without any discomfort or feeling any areas of pressure points. The seat has a small central clearing which I think helps with comfort and offloading the pressure.” It was easy for Paige to adjust the seat and the handlebars, both the height and the distance of each.
She rated the portability a 5 out of 5. This bike weighs 139 pounds when put together, and you can install the two small wheels on the front or the back of the machine. “The bike has wheels on the front and can be easily moved by the average person. The wheels allow for easy movement over carpet, hardwood, and concrete,” Paige said.
- Electromagnetic
- 160
- 62.5 inches long by 22 inches wide by 60.5 inches tall
- No, but otherwise only has quick start or manual options
Best Value Exercise Bike: Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike
Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Merach
- Our thoughts: Our tester liked how small this machine is; great for a garage or condo space
- Who it’s for: Beginners who want to start with an affordable, easy-to-use exercise bike
- What makes it different: The magnetic resistance is under 25 dB, so it’s very quiet
Pros
- Compatible with Kinomap, Zwift, and FantomFite
- Compact and easily moved around
- Merach has its own app
Cons
- While there are 100 levels of resistance, only eight are labeled in the electronic meter and app
- No power readout (watts) or more advanced metrics
- Our tester didn’t like how the seat felt; you may need to upgrade your saddle
Our Thoughts on Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike
TheMerach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike is our pick for the best value exercise bike because it costs just $399 as of this writing and is a simple, no-frills exercise bike that we think is great for beginners or folks who want to test out a less expensive bike before moving on to a bigger purchase.
Mitchell tested the Merach S36 and rated his overall experience a 3 out of 5. He liked the quietness, stability, and small size of this exercise bike. He disliked the pedals (they were way too small for his liking) and found the resistance difficult to change initially. Mitchell had to spin the knob way more than expected to increase resistance. Once he got the hang of it, the resistance did change smoothly, but the level was unclear to him.
He rated ergonomics a 4 out of 5 for the Merach S36. “The seat was not comfy,” our tester remarked. “It was too small, and I would’ve preferred a seat with a back,” Mitchell said. “I liked this bike more than most classic YMCA bikes because it is quieter and more stable. I didn’t feel stable standing on it, and if I were to use it at home, I wouldn’t stand on it at all,” he said.
The portability was better; Mitchell rated it a 5 out of 5 in this category. The Merach S36 weighs 74 pounds total when assembled, and he said it was “super portable” and “easy for one person to roll around.”
When it comes to noise, our tester rated this bike a 5 out of 5. “It was very quiet,” he said.
- Magnetic
- 8
- 44.9 inches long by 20.5 inches wide by 47.2 inches tall
- No, has a free app
Other Exercise Bikes We Tested
We tested eight exercise bikes. One didn’t make the cut; here’s why:
- During our tester’s workout, the bike itself felt shaky and Emily, our tester, lost control of the bike. The frame was also shaking throughout the test.
Types of Exercise Bikes
- An air bike is stationary and uses a fan to create resistance. It’s also sometimes called an assault bike
- A recumbent bike is also stationary and allows you to sit lower in a comfortable seat than a typical bike
- A stationary bike that is similar to a bike you’d ride outside. It’s also sometimes called a spinning bike, on which you might change riding positions during a class (neutral, standing, climb, and more)
Why the Right Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals
Having an exercise bike at home can be a great way for a professional to get a workout in on their own schedule, even at odd hours. Putting the bike in your basement or garage (or wherever you’ve got the space!) can help remove barriers to getting to the gym so that you can work out whenever you want, for as long (or as little) as you’d like.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Exercise Bikes
We tested exercise bikes by considering the following aspects: durability and construction, technology, aesthetics and ergonomics, plus safety features, noise, and value.
Each tester spent a minimum of 10 minutes testing the bike. For the first five minutes, testers stayed at a steady, consistent pace with minimal resistance. For the last five minutes, testers checked the resistance levels and cadence and did a standing climb test. Here are the details.
Durability and Construction
Testers considered their overall impression of the construction, noticing any potential weaknesses or defects. They also paid close attention to any shaking, wobbling, and noise during their workout.
Technology
Our testers reviewed the bikes’ technology, considering whether the display/touchscreen is easy to use and intuitive. They also checked for any issues with features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi setup. Testers also made note of whether the exercise bike had a heart rate monitor.
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
When reviewing the ergonomics of the exercise bikes, testers shared how the bike seat (saddle) felt. They also told us about the types of pedals the bike used (or is compatible with), such as Delta, SPD, or Look KEO. Testers also shared whether there are multiple grip placements for your hands and whether they’re in a good spot for how you’d use the bike (standing, leaning, upright, and more).
For aesthetics, testers noted if the model looks nice, especially within a home. They also shared if the exercise bike had aesthetic features that give it an edge over similar exercise bikes.
Safety Features
Testers checked for any safety features on the bike and made note of whether the bike was easy to get on and off of.
Noise
Testers rated the noise of the bike on a scale of 1 to 5; 1 being very loud and 5 being the quietest.
Value
Testers rate the overall value prop of the exercise bikes, considering both the cost and features. They then explain whether the exercise bikes offer good value for the price or not.
Benefits of Exercise Bikes
Combining the use of an indoor exercise bike and a healthy diet may provide the following benefits, per a 2019 systematic review of 300 studies (though more randomized controlled trials are still needed):
- Improve your lipid profile
- Weight loss
- Reduce blood pressure
- Enhance your body’s aerobic capacity
How to Find the Best Exercise Bikes for You
Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for the best exercise bike for you.
Your Fitness Goals
Are you an exercise bike beginner or an advanced biker/cyclist? Considering your fitness goals will help you decide what type of exercise bike to purchase. Also, think about the timeframe for achieving your fitness goals.
Size
It’s best to measure the space where you’d like to ideally place your elliptical before purchasing. Then, check the boxed weight and the item weight of the elliptical. This way, you can have some idea if the machine will be easy or more difficult to move. Check for wheels, too. Most fitness equipment brands have extensive specs available on their product pages, which describe footprint, in-box dimensions, in-box product weight, and weight capacity as well.
Portability
Think about where you’d like to put the exercise bike, and if you want to be able to move it around or if it’s going to stay in the same spot in your home, garage, or basement. Some exercise bikes have two wheels on the front or back so that you can move the bike around relatively easily. You may want to check the weight of the assembled exercise bike before purchasing as well.
Subscription Fees
Some exercise bikes require a membership or subscription to use their programming. While many of these types of memberships can be worth it, keep in mind that you may be committing to a monthly fee on top of the purchase of the exercise bike. Many exercise bikes do have onboard programming.
Cost
Think about possible long-term use of the exercise bike. Will more than one person in the household be using it? The overall cost and any memberships should be considered, weighing your priorities (More tech or simple controls?) when factoring in what you’re willing to pay.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
Having an exercise bike in your home gym, garage, or basement can be a great way to fit in a workout on your terms, even at odd hours. We think an exercise bike is a worthwhile purchase if you’ll actually get use out of it. If you travel frequently for work, it may be better to stick to the hotel gym.
Frequently asked questions
xx
We think the Aviron Fit Bike is most like a real bike because, per the brand, it has an on-road feel. It also uses electromagnetic resistance up to 1500 watts, higher than many comparable at-home exercise bikes.
A stationary bike is an exercise bike, and vice versa. There are different types of stationary bikes, such as an air bike, a recumbent bike, and more.
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