By Robbie Ferri, Cyclist, Personal Trainer, and Group Exercise Instructor.
Spinning is an excellent way of keeping fit, losing weight, and comes with so many other health benefits. With so many spin bikes currently on the market, it can be challenging to find a
Are you looking for a
Check out our top magnetic indoor cycles in the US!
Why Magnetic
Magnetic spinning bikes are excellent. Unlike most spinning bikes, they use a unique system with no friction. The eddy current of the magnets adds pressure to the flywheel creating the resistance to pedal against. Systems like this will mean they need no maintenance for years. They provide the user with a better experience, and also, the bikes are very quiet. They are the future of indoor cycling.
How do we rate the bikes?
When it comes to finding the perfect magnetic spin
- Design
- Screen and Technology
- Drivechain and Flywheel
- Unique Features
Let’s look at some bikes!
First, we will take a look at the top 5 UK premium indoor cycles (for higher budget) and then the top 5 inexpensive UK indoor cycles that cost usually less than £500.
Our 5 Premium Picks for UK Market
The best overall section is when we start looking at bikes, which we class the cream of the crop. These bikes are full of technology and fun to use, and have some fantastic features. These are for people who want to get the most out of their riding.
Nordictrack S22i
22 inches Interactive HD Touchscreen Display streams on-demand iFit workouts directly to your equipment and provides easy stats tracking; Adjustable display mount allows for 360-degree screen rotation.
- Great design with Incline and Decline Capability
- 22” HD Swivel Screen with Bluetooth, Cooling Fan
- Belt Drive, 14kg Flywheel
- IFit application, Dumbbell Holders
The Nordictrack is a fantastic
The HD Screen is unbelievable in its quality and efficiency and easy to use. It gives a lot of data for the user, such as Power (Estimation), Cadence, Time, Speed, and many more. It is locked to the iFit application, as with many bikes like this and the Peloton, you pay a subscription for these services. It’s about £12 per month and offers not just cycling but Yoga, Strength Classes, and HIIT Workouts. You can use it without a subscription, but it’s mainly scenic routes, and you won’t get the best out of your investment.
The
Check our Nordictrack S22i Review of the new model, of you want to learn more about this excellent
ProForm Smart Power Cycle
Not many bikes offer the screen with the Ifit technology at this price range, and you get a lot for your money.
- Great design, excellent
bike - 10” Screen with Swivel, Bluetooth
- Belt Drive, 12kg Flywheel
- Ifit Application
The Proform is an outstanding value for money
It is belt driven and has a 12kg Flywheel. It is smooth and silent, and when it comes to using this in a flat, you won’t upset the neighbours. This
Schwinn IC8 Indoor Cycle
Overall for the money, the Schwinn IC8 is an excellent bike. Looks great, is very advanced with its technology and also a very reliable machine.
- Great simple spinning
bike design - LCD Screen, Bluetooth, Charge Port
- Belt Drive, 18kg Flywheel
- Dumbbell Holders, App Connectivity
The Schwinn IC8 is a
This is actually the UK version of one of the most popular US indoor cycles, the Schwinn IC4. If you want to learn more about the
The Schwinn is also super quiet, so you don’t have to worry about upsetting the neighbours. Do you see similarities with another
Life Fitness IC7
Includes an evenly light-weighted rear flywheel and a unique steel frame design to minimize sweat corrosion. The Coach-by-Color technology not only provides an exciting riding experience but provides real-time interactive metrics to keep the workouts exciting and beneficial.
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- Amazing Quality
- Impressive Data Screen
- Belt Drive
- Multi-position bars
Life
It is gorgeous to look at with a rear-facing flywheel and a sleek design. The Flywheel weight isn’t listed, but it is evenly weighted to make the
Renpho AI-Powered Bike
It uses a motor dampening system and says it is accurate up to 90% and compatible with apps like Peloton and Zwift.
- Minimalistic Design
- Data Screen
- Unique Drive Chain
- Application
The Renpho isn’t like many other bikes on this list. It has a simple look, and it looks like a traditional exercise
A great feature of this application is that it will automatically adjust the resistance for you, and it has a USB charging port. The
Our 5 Inexpensive Picks for UK Market
Not everyone wants to spend a considerable amount on an indoor
UREVO
It is belt drive and has a 15kg Flywheel. It’s a great looking bike, and it has a lot of capability for the user.
- Excellent Design
- Data Screen
- Belt Drive, 15kg Flywheel
- A lot of Handlebar positions
The UREVO is a
JLL IC300
The drive chain is silky smooth with a 20kg Flywheel and the Belt Drive. Highly recommend this bike for such a little cost.
- Great design, Solid and sturdy
- 7 Mode data screen
- Excellent Drive chain, 20kg Flywheel
- Water bottle holders, Heart Rate monitor inbuilt
JLL makes some excellent indoor bikes, and the IC300 is an excellent example of this. It has a great spinning
JLL IC200
A fantastic feature on a bike at this price is that heart rate monitor, and it will add lots of value to your home gym.
- Modern Design
- 5 Mode data screen
- Belt Drive, 7kg Flywheel
- Heart Rate Monitor
JLL makes quite a few different bikes, especially in the budget range. We had to mention two in the article as they are just so good. The JLL IC200 is very different from the IC300. Yes, it is more basic, but it is also a completely different design. It looks much more modern and suits other gyms than the IC300. It only has five different data modes on the screen but still has time, distance, calories, pulse, and speed which is plenty enough for a decent workout. It is belt drive like the IC300 but does have a much smaller flywheel at only 7kg. A fantastic feature on a
DripeX Magnetic Indoor Cycle
It has a nice and big Flywheel at 20kg and, like the other bikes on this list, is belt drive too. It’s a smooth and solid bike at a very low price.
- Great build
- Data Screen
- Solid Drive Chain
- Heart Rate Monitor, Tablet Stand, Water Bottle holders
The DripeX is the low-cost
Joroto X2
- Great design, excellent
bike - Data Screen
- Quiet, 22kg Flywheel
- Easy assembly
The Joroto bikes have been around for years and consistently get good reviews. I am a big fan. The bikes are solid spinning bikes and have some fine details. Firstly the water bottle and weight holders double as a tablet stand. The data screen is situated right in eye view, making it much easier to view when spinning. The small data screen will provide you with essential data but don’t expect power at this price. It’s a very quiet
How Magnetic Resistance Works
For magnetic resistance to occur, a few things need to happen, and as you can guess, this process includes magnets. A standard design contains two powerful magnets located parallel to one another with the flywheel between them.
The metal flywheel, which works as a conductor in this instance, spins through the two magnets’ magnetic fields and the force surrounding them. This magnetic field causes a drag on the metal flywheel, which creates an eddy current. An eddy current gets its name from the swirling motion of an eddy in a stream. The energy current flows in a closed-loop circuit that runs perpendicular to the magnetic field. When the resistance knob turns to either increase or decrease resistance, the magnets move closer or farther away from the flywheel. The closer the magnets get to the flywheel, the greater the magnetic field, therefore higher resistance is felt on the
Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike Common Problems & Issues
Magnetic vs. Air Resistance for Indoor Cycles
As discussed above, unlike magnetic resistance bikes, air resistance cycles include using a fan to create resistance. As the rider increases the speed, the resistance level also increases. The fan blades encounter more air pressure at higher speeds as they attempt to turn faster.
| Magnetic | Air Resistance | |
|---|---|---|
| Quietest | ✓ | |
| Requires Less Maintenance | ✓ | |
| Lower Initial Cost | ✓ | |
| Offers Pre-Set Resistance Levels | ✓ |
Types of Pedals for a Spin Bike or Indoor Cycle
Various pedals are compatible with indoor cycling bikes, including toe cages, LOOK Delta, and SPD pedals.
Clipless pedals such as the LOOK Delta and SPD will provide better form and a more productive workout allowing for a full pedal stroke and actively engaging the hamstrings in the upstroke while pedaling.
Related: Indoor vs Outdoor Shoes for Indoor Cycling
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. |
Indoor Cycling Benefits
According to a study by the University of Glasgow, the benefits of indoor cycling for women and men are extensive, including cutting the risk of certain cancers and heart disease by half. Not only does cycling combine the best of strength and cardiovascular training, but it is also non-impact, making it easier on joints. It is ideal for those people that have knee and back issues. For example, I have a meniscus tear in my knee and had to give up running, but I can still teach the toughest of interval classes and not have any pain or issues after class. Indoor cycling is absolutely a full-body workout. With the correct riding form, your hamstrings, glutes, and quadriceps have no other choice than to engage and maximize your results. Your core and upper body are also engaged when riding in or out of the saddle.
While listening to your favorite songs, enjoying an instructor-led class, or experiencing a virtual scenic ride, your pedals continue to spin, increasing your athletic performance. Indoor cycling is an incredible tool for building muscular strength and endurance. What is muscular endurance? Muscular endurance is the duration that your muscles can sustain an exercise or activity before needing to recover. This type of training also provides the release of endorphins within the body. Endorphins can diminish pain and also give a euphoric sensation. This endorphin release is most well-known as Runner’s High but can be achieved on the
What to Look for When Buying a Magnetic Indoor Cycle
It can be challenging to know what you should be looking for when purchasing any exercise equipment. Indoor cycling bikes offer an array of differences beyond the type of resistance system. We have created a resource below to help identify what to keep in mind when purchasing an indoor magnetic resistance cycle.
Drive System
A drive system includes the section of the cycle that connects the flywheel and the pedals. The drive systems associated with indoor cycling bikes are either a belt or a chain drive system. A chain drive system is standard in older cycling bikes. These systems mimic the feeling of riding an actual outdoor
Flywheel: Front or Rear?
A flywheel is a metal wheel located at the front or the rear of the cycle. This component rotates as the pedals continue to turn. A heavier flywheel is associated with a smoother ride. Aim for a front flywheel that weighs more than 25 pounds and no more than 50 pounds. A heavier flywheel does take additional initial effort to put it into motion. Still, momentum is readily retained, and resistance is seamlessly added with this type of flywheel. Heavier flywheels are located at the front of the cycle.
Having a front flywheel does increase the possibility of higher maintenance costs since this placement increases the chance for sweat erosion. Lighter quality flywheels that offer a smooth ride are beginning to emerge into the market. If the flywheel rotates faster than that of the pedal stroke, a smooth ride can be achieved. Lighter flywheels can be found at either the front or the back of the cycle. Cycles with the flywheel located at the rear of the
Indoor Cycling Apps & Connections
Many added features are enhancing the riding experience at home. Those bikes that include Bluetooth connectivity make it simple for the cycle to connect to your smartphone or tablet. A variety of applications are creating the class riding experience fun at home. Applications such as Zwift ($15/month), Peloton ($13/month), Variis ($40/month), and Sufferfest ($15/month) are providing a unique riding experience that includes motivating instructors and challenging rides. It is important to note that if you take an online class telling you what resistance you should be riding at, you need to understand that the resistance level is not the same across bikes.
For example, even though the Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 have 100 resistance levels just like a Peloton
FAQ
Are magnetic spin bikes better?
Magnetic spin bikes are not necessarily better. It comes down to which features matter most to the owner. For example, they are slightly quieter than friction resistance bikes and require marginally less bike maintenance. However, when care is needed, it often requires outside assistance. In addition, magnetic spin bikes do not mimic outdoor cycles as there is a lag between when the resistance knob is turned, and the new resistance level is felt.
Is the Peloton bike magnetic?
Yes, the Peloton is magnetic and offers 100 levels of resistance.
Are magnetic spin bikes quieter?
Yes, they are usually quieter than other resistance systems because they include a belt-drive system. Also, the magnetic resistance components do not come into contact with one another as with friction resistance systems and therefore do not produce a rubbing noise.
Conclusion
Getting the right exercise
