The best exercise bikes

It is not necessary to spend time and money attending fitness clubs to maintain health, well-being and appearance. If you buy one of the best exercise bikes, you can solve all three of these problems at once, because it works on almost everything and muscle groups. However, here you will need to study many models, and in order to avoid mistakes in this difficult matter, we have prepared a rating of good sports equipment selected according to the criteria of quality, safety, ease of use and affordability.

Which is better - an exercise bike or an elliptical trainer

Both the one and the other type of cardiovascular machine is designed primarily to improve overall physical fitness, weight loss and strengthen the cardiovascular system. However, each of them has both its pros and cons.

Young people who want to lose weight as quickly as possible will probably do better in the orbit track. For the elderly, especially if active physical activity is contraindicated for them and when there are heart problems, it is worth taking a closer look at the exercise bike, the exercises on which are less dynamic.

Best elliptical trainers

Which company exercise bike is better to choose

There are hundreds of firms producing sports equipment on the market, but only a few of them can offer products with an optimal combination of price and quality.

Introducing the top 7 exercise bike companies:

• Svensson Body Labs Is a brand for the production of cardiovascular equipment for home and fitness rooms. They are created from impact-resistant plastic and metal using advanced technologies, and are thoroughly tested before going on sale to exclude defects. The brand's assortment includes both vertical and horizontal models that take up little space in the room.
• Hasttings - the brand entered the Russian market in 2012 and provides a wide range of sports equipment. The year of its "birth" - 1983, and since then the range has been replenished with dozens of models of exercise bikes with the best characteristics - numerous work programs, different levels of load, ride and functionality. They count the calories burned, determine the heart rate and distance traveled, displaying all this on a bright screen.
• Kettler Is a German manufacturer of sports equipment in the middle and premium price range. The firm began operations in 1949 under the leadership of Heinz Kettler. Today its offices are located in several cities - Wunstorf, Wehrle and some others. More than 2000 people work at the company's factories.Most of his exercise bikes have a magnetic load system with a smooth ride.
• DFC Is a supplier of budget strength and cardiovascular equipment for home and gyms. It has both classic upright models and horizontal designs called spinbikes, as well as mini seat-less versions for leg and arm training. They can withstand a load of up to 130 kg, are stable on the surface, are easily transported by the wheels, accurately show data on the heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled.
• Sport Elite Is a brand under which a wide range of sports equipment is sold, including cardiovascular equipment. The projectiles simulating cycling are presented in the company's catalog with mini-versions, as well as horizontal and vertical devices. They have soft seats that do not chafe the buttocks and are adjustable in height. They come with a warranty of up to 18 months.
• AeroFit - mainly professional sports equipment for gyms is supplied to the market under this brand. He has both ordinary exercise bikes and spin bikes. On average, they weigh 30 kg, withstand users up to 160 kg, have an electromagnetic or magnetic loading system, and are equipped with a bright large display.
• Titan Deutschland GmbH Is another German manufacturer of sports equipment in our ranking. Most of its range is simple pedal models with a sufficiently powerful electric motor, designed to develop the muscles of the lower and upper extremities. For this, the kits have special attachments.

Rating of the best exercise bikes

During the preparation of this rating, we were guided by real customer reviews. Vendors' opinions and recommendations from cardio experts were also taken into account.

Before being included in the TOP of the best exercise bikes for home, each of them was studied taking into account various characteristics:

• Construction type - horizontal or vertical, or mini-trainer;
• Load system type - magnetic or electromagnetic;
• Number of work programs and load levels;
• Manufacturing materials;
• Seat softness and dimensions;
• Display dimensions and brightness, backlighting;
• The number of positions for adjusting the steering wheel and seat;
• Functionality - informing about heart rate, calorie consumption, distance traveled, training speed, etc.;
• Overall weight of structures and flywheel weight;
• Body color;
• Maximum permissible load;
• Ways of work - from the battery or from the network;
• The level of noise generated by the simulator during operation.

Also, during the analysis of reviews and product characteristics, we took into account the ratio of its quality and price, the duration of the warranty card, the stability of structures on the surface, and the convenience of their transportation if necessary.

Best rowing machines

Best upright exercise bikes

This type of exercise machine is a classic that is used both at home and in fitness rooms. It is convenient in that it takes up little space in the room and reduces the strain on the back. Among the 10 options we considered, 3 models with the best indicators of quality, safety and comfort of cardio workouts were worthy of attention.

Svensson Body Labs CrossLine BHM

This vertical trainer is suitable for people of different heights thanks to the 9-degree adjustment of the handlebar and seat. The latter is quite soft for the comfort of exercising and does not rub the skin due to the presence of pressed gel pads. This model has 8 working modes, which allows you to choose the most optimal for training, depending on the user's physical fitness.

Svensson Body Labs CrossLine BHM gives you full control of your workout and its results - there are built-in sensor sensors to determine the heart rate, and the monitor also displays information about the distance traveled, calories burned, current speed and revolutions per minute. The trainer is safe for users due to the grooved pedals with an anti-slip coating, which ensures reliable contact of the shoe sole with the surface.

Advantages

• Accuracy of informing about the course of training;
• Convenient transport casters;
• Long battery life;
• Surface stability;
• Small dimensions - 133x88x50 cm.

disadvantages

• Weighs 22 kg;
• The maximum permissible load is 130 kg.

Users note that this model works almost silently, in particular, due to the smooth running of the pedals, but in the reviews it is still advised that it is better to put a mat under the exercise bike.

Hasttings DBU40

The modern exercise bike Hasttings DBU40, unlike the previous model, is powered from the mains and connected to an outlet. It is also interesting because of the larger number of programs - 11 versus 8. But its weight increased to 39 kg, although the presence of wheels made it easier to transport the projectile. The model is convenient to use, in particular, due to the possibility of adjusting the position of the seat both vertically and horizontally. Also here you can change the height of the steering wheel to eliminate discomfort in the back.

The simulator is equipped with a bright display of considerable size - 5.5 inches, which is also backlit. On it, large characters display data on calorie consumption, current training speed, heart rate, distance covered. This model has 32 levels of resistance, which increases the efficiency of training and helps to choose the most effective mode for both beginners and experienced athletes.

Advantages

• There is a bottle holder;
• There is a shelf for a phone or tablet;
• There is a pocket for storing small items;
• High resistance to damage;
• Simple, electronic load regulation.

disadvantages

• The user's weight should not exceed 130 kg;
• Powered only by the network.

According to reviews, this model is used at home, for gyms it is still rather weak.

Kettler 7627-900 Axos Cycle M 7627-900

This cardio equipment is mainly used at home, although it can be installed in small gyms as well. It has a vertical design and involves sitting. For this, there is a wide and soft enough seat that does not press on the skin. Thanks to this design, the product takes up less space in the room, and due to the weight of 26 kg, the projectile is easier to move. It is very easy to operate due to the presence of a display with all the necessary buttons, which displays all the necessary information about the workout - heart rate, time, speed, distance, calories burned.

Exercise bike Kettler 7627-900 Axos Cycle M 7627-900 fully simulates cycling, training the muscles of the buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, hips. It is equipped with a magnetic loading system, which guarantees it a smooth, soft ride, but there is still a low noise level during exercise. There are 6 training programs, depending on the goals of the users. 8 levels of load give the opportunity to choose a comfortable and effective regime for both beginners and people with good physical fitness.

Advantages

• Stable footrests;
• Comfortable handles that do not chafe the skin;
• Wide, non-slippery pedals;
• Large control console;
• Responsive buttons.

disadvantages

• Not very large numbers and icons on the display;
• The maximum possible load is 110 kg.

Those who have already bought an exercise bike speak well of it and focus on its quietness and compactness. But users also note that they would like more resistance during training to improve its effectiveness.

Best recumbent exercise bikes

This type of simulator resembles an ordinary bicycle and exactly imitates its movements. On it, the user is in such a position that the legs are on the pedals at an angle, and the back is slightly thrown back. Thus, the load on the legs increases, which guarantees an even brighter effect from the exercises. We studied customer reviews and out of the 10 most interesting models selected for this rating category only two options with low noise level, good stability and a number of other positive characteristics.

DFC B5030 Mars

The recumbent DFC B5030 Mars exercise bike differs from previous models by a large distance between the seat and the handlebars. The user works on it practically lying down, which increases the load on the legs and increases the effectiveness of the training. It is powered by batteries and is not tied to an outlet, so it can be placed anywhere. Like the rest of the shells, you can use it to monitor your heart rate thanks to the heart rate sensor built into the steering wheel.

DFC B5030 Mars has proven itself well because of its functionality - it shows on the display the energy consumption, the distance traveled, the current "driving" speed. But with all this, there is no possibility of programming a workout. The design of the simulator is very comfortable - the backrest reduces the load on the spine. The product is equipped with transport rollers for easy handling. The magnetic system guarantees a smooth and smooth running without jerking.

Advantages

• There are 8 load levels;
• The presence of straps on the pedals;
• The optimum flywheel weight is 4 kg;
• Stability of the structure;
• There are handles on the seat.

disadvantages

• Load over 100 kg is not allowed;
• There is no possibility of training hands.

This exercise bike weighs only 20 kg and has a compact size of 135x58x80 cm, so it does not take up much space in the room.

Sport Elite SE-601R

Introducing the Sport Elite SE-601R mid-budget indoor exercise bike, packed with all the features you need for effective workouts. It measures the pulse with high accuracy, shows the speed of exercise, calories burned, distance covered. The shell runs on a battery, so you can safely train with it even on the street, but from time to time the battery needs to be recharged.

The Sport Elite SE-601R model, like most of the exercise bikes in our ranking of the best, has a magnetic load regulation system, which reduces the noise level during exercise and ensures a soft, safe training. This is especially important for beginners who should not over-strain their muscles. However, for gyms and professional athletes, this option is not very suitable for this reason. In general, it is stable on the surface due to the presence of floor uneven compensators.

Advantages

• The most natural movements, without jerking;
• The load on the muscles is distributed evenly;
• Easy to adjust seat position;
• Neat dimensions - 100x130x64 cm;
• Considerable weight of the flywheel - 5 kg.

disadvantages

• Weight 30.4 kg.

The best mini exercise bikes

This is the most budgetary option in our rating, which differs from the two previous types of simulator in the absence of a back and a seat, instead of which a chair is usually used. It is unique in that it allows you to work not only with your legs, but also with your hands. We present the two best models in this section of the rating, which are worthy of attention due to the combination of good workmanship, functionality, comfort and safety of use.

AeroFit Mini Exercise Bike SL-F077

This is a portable model that is most often chosen due to its compact size and low cost. There is no seat, which can serve as an ordinary stool, due to this the manufacturer managed to reduce the weight of the product to 5.8 kg.The pedals of the design are quite solid, large enough and equipped with straps to securely fix the foot. The projectile itself is made of stainless steel and impact-resistant plastic, which increases the service life.

The AeroFit Mini Exercise Bike SL-F077 has a digital display that shows the distance traveled and calories burned. The degree of load can be adjusted here, for which there is a wheel located on the body. With its help, it is allowed to work out both the muscles of the legs and shoulders, but for this purpose the product is placed on the table and pedals are turned by hand. Due to the presence of the clamps, the structure is stable on the floor. This option is especially good for retirees because of the smooth ride.

Advantages

• Low noise level;
• Does not walk from side to side;
• The optimal height is 31.5 cm;
• Silver, not easily soiled color;
• Wide footrest.

disadvantages

• Not suitable for serious, professional training.

Those who have chosen this one of the best exercise bikes write that it is easy to use - does not require much pressure on the pedals and provides a smooth, confident ride.

Titan LY-901-MB

The Titan LY-901-MB small pedal trainer is designed to work out the muscles of the upper and lower extremities. It is often recommended for use during the rehabilitation of patients who are contraindicated for running and other intense loads on the knees, hips and feet. The uniqueness of the projectile lies in the ability to work in two directions - forward and backward. This is a good option for those wishing to strengthen their arms, for which a special attachment is included.

This inexpensive outdoor exercise bike is used in a sitting position (on a chair) or lying with an emphasis on your hands. It is equipped with a powerful enough 50 W electric motor for both a budget and non-professional model, which makes it easy to control the device. It provides automatic adjustment of movement parameters and an informative display on which information about the training speed, current time, etc. is displayed in large numbers.

Advantages

• Sturdy foot straps;
• Large footrests;
• Carrying capacity - 120 kg;
• Weight 7 kg;
• Informative display.

disadvantages

• White, easily soiled color.

Titan LY-901-MB can be installed both on the floor (for leg training) and on the table for hand work.

How to choose an exercise bike

If there is not very much room in the room, then the best option would be to buy an upright exercise bike, the pedals of which are almost under the seat. But this option is not entirely suitable for people with problem knee joints and a sore back, which have a certain load during exercise. In this case, when it comes to, for example, the rehabilitation of patients, it is recommended to purchase a horizontal type of equipment. Such models are an excellent choice for people with high blood pressure.

Here's what the choice can be, taking into account the purpose of the simulator, the purposes of use and a number of other factors:

• Tall people will find it comfortable to work with the Svensson Body Labs CrossLine BHM, which allows for a wide range of seat and handlebar adjustments.
• Beginners should take a closer look at Hasttings DBU40 with a huge set of work programs, among which there are effective settings for a soft start.
• For weight loss, the Kettler 7627-900 Axos Cycle M 7627-900 model is often used, with the ability to control calorie consumption.
• People with short stature will comfortably train on the DFC B5030 Mars simulator.
• If there are any problems with knee joints, then it is better to choose the Sport Elite SE-601R.
• To work out the muscles of not only the legs, but also the arms, you can safely use the AeroFit Mini Exercise Bike SL-F077.
• To maintain your overall fitness, you can use the portable Titan LY-901-MB.

It is not entirely correct to say that any exercise bike from our rating is the best, since they all differ in purpose, cost, materials of manufacture, type of load systems and even functionality. Therefore, we repeat, you should choose a specific model, starting from the above nuances.