
Certified Spinning® Instructor & Personal Trainer
Katie has been a certified
Do the Peloton commercials have you convinced you must spend thousands on an indoor cycling
What Makes A Good, Affordable Spin Bike ?
When I used to travel a lot for work, I spent a lot of time in the
Key Features of a Great Indoor Cycle:

Our Top 7 Budget Spin Bikes Under $500
Best Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Bike SF-B1879

This belt-driven bike includes a 30-pound flywheel and performance monitor. It offers pulse-sensing handlebars.
- Use SAVE10 coupon code on Sunny Official Site for 10% OFF!
- Free Cadence Sensor to Sync with the SunnyFit App! Applied to your Cart!
Sunny Health &
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 49 x 22 x 50.5
- Pedal Type: Caged
- User Inseam Range: 27″ -37.5″
- Max User Weight: 275 pounds
The Sunny Health &
The performance monitor provides basic metrics, including speed, distance, time, calories, odometer, RPM, pulse, and scan. Since this monitor is battery-operated, this
Runner-Up: JOROTO X2 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike

A belt-driven cycling bike that is affordable and well made. Users talk about its great construction quality and the silent operation.
JOROTO X2 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 35 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 43 x 20 x 42.5
- Pedal Type: Caged
- User Inseam Range: 27.5″ -36.2″
- Max User Weight: 300 pounds
The JOROTO X2 Belt Drive indoor Cycling
This model offers many great features, that is why it is our Runner-up, but one of the most interesting ones we wanted to note is that the saddle is not the standard competitive style but offers a broader seat of about 3 inches. The fully adjustable handlebars also feature a water bottle holder and tablet stand.
It is no wonder why users rated it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users described this model as solid, stable, and sturdy. Users made statements such as “puts Peloton to shame” and “See ya later, Peloton!” The monitor tracks basic metrics, including time, speed, and distance. However, if you are interested in monitoring cadence, you will need to purchase an additional sensor.
Best Value No1: Sunny Health and Fitness Endurance Magnetic Indoor Bike – SF-B1877

In addition to the quiet ride, this model includes a battery-operated performance monitor that displays cadence, speed, distance, calories, time, and heart rate.
Use SAVE10 coupon code on Sunny Official Site for 10% OFF !!!
Sunny Health and
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 49”x22”x 50.5”
- Pedal Type: Caged
- User Inseam Range: 27″ -37.5″
- Max User Weight: 275 pounds
The Sunny Health and
We liked the price of this cycle in correlation to all the features that this Sunny model provides. In addition to the quiet ride, this model includes a battery-operated performance monitor that displays cadence, speed, distance, calories, time, and heart rate. Since the monitor is battery operated, this cycle does not require an electrical outlet to be fully functional.
The saddle can accommodate shorter riders as it does move forward and backward in addition to up and down. Although this brand does not include an integrated
Best Value No2: CHAOKE Indoor Cycling Bike

The CHAOKE Indoor Cycling Bike features a 37-pound front flywheel and is equipped with magnetic resistance. This belt-driven bike features toe cages and accommodate riders up to 300 pounds.
CHAOKE Indoor Cycling
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 37 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 41.34 x 20.08 x 44.49
- Pedal Type: Caged
- Max User Weight: 300 pounds
Priced at only $261.99, the CHAOKE Indoor Cycling
The LCD monitor provides basic metrics such as speed, distance, time, calories, and heart rate. Heart rate is quickly taken on the pulse sensors located on the handlebars. If you want to take a live or on-demand class on another platform, an additional cadence monitor will be needed.
Best with Friction Resistance: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Featuring a 40-pound flywheel, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike also includes friction resistance and a belt drive. Additionally, riders up to 330 pounds are accommodated due to the frame’s thickened tube design.
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling
- Resistance Type: Friction
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 40 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 44.5 X 27.1 x 45.3
- Pedal Type: Caged
- User Inseam Range: 29″ -36″
- Max User Weight: 330 pounds
We liked that YOSUDA’s LCD monitor included cadence and other key metrics, including distance, time, speed, and calories. With a rating of 4.5, consumers enjoyed that this model is relatively easy to assemble without assistance and easy to move with the convenient front wheels.
Related: Yosuda Detailed Review + Comparison of YB001, YB007A & Pro
This model features a friction resistance system with felted wool brake pads. We liked that YOSUDA even provides an additional pad with purchase as it is a common complaint that friction resistance pads need more maintenance as they need to be replaced.
Best Smart Bike with App: Echelon EX-15 Smart Connect Fitness Bike

The Echelon EX-15 offers 32 levels of precision resistance. In addition, this model includes an extra-large seat cushion and ergonomically designed handlebars.
Echelon EX-15 Smart Connect
- Resistance Type: Precision
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 20 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 20.28 x 10 x 37.8
- Pedal Type: Caged
- Max User Weight: 300 pounds
We liked the Echelon EX-15 due to the app offered by Echelon. Riders can select from an extensive class catalog of live and on-demand exercise classes in many formats. Unfortunately, the Echelon app requires an additional monthly cost of $39.99. However, with a simple turn of the resistance knob, riders can quickly increase or decrease resistance with Echelon’s resistance system.
Best Technology: RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike

The RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike features automatic resistance that integrates with RENPHO’s free AI Gym App. This model accommodates riders between 4’11” to 6’5” tall.
RENPHO AI Smart Exercise
- Resistance Type: Auto
- Drive System: N/A
- Flywheel Weight: No Flywheel
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 40″ L x 20″ W x 49
- Pedal Type: Caged
- User Height Range: 4’11”-6’5″
- Max User Weight: 265 pounds
We selected this model because of the incredible savings it offers purchasers as it pairs an affordable
Indoor Cycle vs Upright & Recumbent: What Is the Difference?
Stationary bikes can be further divided into indoor cycles, upright, and recumbent bikes. While they all require a pedaling motion, their appearance and feel differ dramatically. Take a look at the table below to see the key differences between the three.
Difference | Indoor Cycles | Upright Bikes | Recumbent Bikes |
---|---|---|---|
Resistance | Heavy flywheel. | Light flywheel. | Light flywheel. |
Seated Position | Seat is above the handlebars. Rider sits with a forward lean. Pedals are beneath the seat. | Seat is below the handlebars. Rider sits in an upright position. Pedals are beneath the seat. | Seat is below the handlebars. Rider sits with a backward lean. Pedals are in front of the seat. |
Gadgets | Some models are compatible with apps, but others lack real-time data. | Typically display real-time data. | Typically display real-time data. |
Seat | Firm and narrow. | Wide and comfortable. | Wide and comfortable. |
Price | Generally speaking, they are more expensive. | Generally speaking, they are cheaper. | Generally speaking, they are cheaper. |
What You Should Consider Before Buying a Bike for Indoor Cycling
Now we’ve looked at our indoor cycle top picks, let’s help you determine which one is best for you. We all have our criteria when it comes to making an investment. Here are the main things you should consider before buying your indoor cycle.
Resistance
Adjusting the resistance on your indoor cycle allows you to work at different intensity levels. Training at different intensities helps you train towards your individual
Additionally, you’ll have to consider how the
Flywheel Weight
Flywheel weight is a popular topic of conversation when it comes to indoor cycles. The greatest question is whether a heavier or lighter flywheel is better? The answer depends on what you’re looking for. Heavier flywheels make pedaling controlled and less jerky. They produce more power at a steady rate, thus placing less pressure on the joints. But, heavier flywheels do require more energy to get moving and typically cost more. Conversely, lighter flywheels need less effort to get moving and are typically more cost-friendly. However, its lightweight makes the movement less smooth and thus can aggravate the joints. Most indoor cycles are designed to suit heavy flywheels. But, advancements in engineering have shown indoor cycles can provide a smooth, stress-free ride with a light flywheel.
Drive System
Most indoor cycles operate with a chain or belt drive. Chain drives mimic that of a real-life road
Q-Factor
Q-factor is defined as the distance between the pedal attachment points of each crank. Essentially, it measures your stance width when standing up. A narrower Q-factor allows for greater speed because less force is needed to rotate the cranks. Additionally, Q-factor is used for people with knee injuries and rehabilitation. Q-factors that are too wide or too narrow may cause additional knee problems.
Inseam
Inseam refers to your individual leg length. Finding the optimal inseam can make your ride safer and more comfortable. Just like your clothes measurement, the inseam is the distance between the highest point of your inner thigh and the heel of your foot. You’ll need your
Connectivity
Many indoor cycles are compatible with specific cycling or workouts apps. If you want to get data specific with your cycling or follow non-cycling-specific workouts, connectivity is a must. While they’re great features, they often come at a cost. If data isn’t your thing and you just want something to get you moving a bit more, basic, cheaper models are generally just as good.
FAQ
Can you do spinning on a normal exercise bike?
Unless the bike has a flywheel, the experience will not be the same.
Is chain or belt better for a spin bike?
If you enjoy riding an outdoor bike, then a chain belt will feel more comfortable. Belt-driven bikes are a little quieter but have a different feeling.
The Bottom Line
There are affordable indoor cycling bikes on the market, but it is important to vet your options before purchasing through research and test riding specific models if possible. A few minutes on a potential