It’s more than just you if you’re bored of sitting on a desk chair all day. Humans are designed to stand upright; doing so allows everything from your heart to your digestive system to function more efficiently. Long durations of sitting can also weaken big muscles in the legs and glutes, resulting in shortened hip flexor muscles, back pain, and bad posture.
We reviewed and investigated over 30 various under-desk treadmills at the Home Accessories Institute, taking into account overall design, speed, incline capabilities, controls, size, user feedback, and other factors. We even sent some of the devices to real-world consumer testers to see if the under-desk treadmill interfered with work calls and meetings.
Our top picks:
This research was limited to indoor cycling cycles. Still, we intend to test various types of exercise bikes in the future, including recumbent exercise bikes, upright exercise bikes, foldable exercise bikes, and air bikes. At the end of this guide, you can learn more about how we rate exercise bikes and all you need to know to shop for your ideal exercise bike. Are you ready to hit the road for some outdoor cycling? Check out our top e-bike guide. Always with your physician or healthcare practitioner before beginning any exercise routine.
1
PROS
- Connects with a variety of workout apps including Peloton and ZWIFT
- Sturdy build and smooth ride
- Dual-sided pedals accommodate for regular sneakers or cycling shoes
- Includes 1-year JRNY membership
- Offers 100 resistance levels
- Can ride unconnected or connected with an app
CONS
- Small metrics display
- Separate smart device required to access connected fitness content
Dimensions
47.8" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H
Display
Device holder for phone or tablet. Also connects with your TV with Apple TV or Chromecast.
Resistance
100 resistance levels
Pedals
Dual sided — toe cages for standard sneakers or SPD pedals
Maximum weight capacity
330 lbs
Height range
Accommodates for heights ranging from 4'6"-6'6"
Additional costs
None, although optional workout app memberships have varying costs if connecting to the bike
The Schwinn IC4 is a great indoor cycling cycle with a smooth ride and various features at a reasonable price, making it a top option in our tests. This model is notable for having 100 resistance levels. The robust bike performs well and boasts a sleek appearance that looks fantastic in any home gym and a smooth, reasonably silent ride.
You can ride with either regular sneakers in toe cages or SPD-compatible cycling shoes (like our top-tested pick from Tiem) since the bike offers dual-sided pedals; if you want to ride with cycling shoes, some bikes require you to swap out the regular sneaker pedal for a cycling shoe pedal, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient. Still, the dual-sided nature of these pedals on the IC4 simplifies things, especially if some of your household members have cycling shoes and others do not.
If you’ve been eyeing the Peloton (more on that later) but can’t justify the high price, the IC4 may be a viable option because it links to the Peloton app and allows you to place your phone or tablet in the bike’s holder. Riders liked how the bike has a pair of three-pound dumbbells in cradles at the front that are easy to grasp for lessons that combine cycling and upper body conditioning. Most workout cycles (including the Peloton) have the dumbbells stationed behind the seat, which can be challenging to reach when clipped in. Thus, this minor addition to the IC4 was a highly appreciated distinction. There are also dual water bottle holders, which testers found particularly useful on longer bike trips. There is also a USB charging station on the bike, and it links to the ZWIFT app if you want to train and compete digitally with others.
Another notable feature of the IC4 is the inclusion of a one-year JRNY membership ($149 value), which provides access to a wide range of on-demand classes, rides through magnificent virtual destinations, and other benefits. If you have a large family, you’ll appreciate that JRNY allows you to track milestones, successes, and other events for your entire household. Another family-friendly feature is that the bike can accommodate riders varying in height from 4’6″ to 6’6″. The IC4 also includes a heart rate wristband monitor that is Bluetooth enabled. The IC4 is a worthwhile bike that offers a little bit of everything thanks to its quality build, innovative features, connectivity possibilities, and reasonable price.
2
BEST VALUE EXERCISE BIKE
Sunny Health & Fitness Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike
PROS
- Competitive price point
- Sturdy build
- Multi-grip handlebars
- Great for taller riders
- Ideal for riding unconnected
CONS
- No display or device holder
- Leather pad tension system may wear down over time
- No holders for small dumbbells
Dimensions
53.94" L x 19.1" W x 44.49" H
Display
None
Resistance
Micro adjustable resistance
Pedals
Cages for standard cycling shoes
Maximum weight capacity
275 lbs
Height range
Accommodates inseams from 31" to 42"
Additional costs
Optional cadence sensor available for $70
This indoor cycling bike from Sunny Health & Fitness is a terrific entry-level economical alternative to include in your house at a lower price than most. The robust basic exercise bike may not have as many bells and whistles as others on this list, but it has over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and reviewers agree that it’s high quality for the price.
This bike has a few advantages, including a big 49-pound flywheel that our experts claim gives a smooth and reliable ride. We found it relatively quiet, and the leather pad provides good resistance but may fade over time. The multi-grip handlebars allow for a variety of cycling postures. There is a water bottle holder but no cradles for small weights like most other bikes on our list.
Although professional assembly is offered, most reviewers found the bike simple to assemble. The motorcycle weighs roughly 110 pounds once completed and has transportation wheels, making it easy to maneuver in your home if you need to modify its settings. One recurring topic among reviewers and testers was that the bike is unsuitable for anyone who is 5’2″ or shorter. Tall riders, including one 6’3″ rider, felt the bike was unexpectedly comfortable.
Because the bike has regular pedal cages, you may wear your ordinary exercise trainers and avoid purchasing cycling shoes. A cadence and speed sensor that conveniently wraps around the bike’s crank and links to the free SunnyFit app for riding content is available. Although it lacks some qualities, it gives a smooth, compelling ride and has a clean aesthetic.
3
BEST EXERCISE BIKE FOR BEGINNERS
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
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PROS
- Large touchscreen that rotates 360 degrees
- Exceptional iFit class library
- Two-sided pedals for sneakers or cycling shoes
- Incline and decline control capabilities
CONS
- iFit membership only included for first year
Dimensions
63” L x 22” W x 60” H
Display
22" rotating touchscreen
Resistance
24 digital resistance levels
Pedals
Two-sided pedals
Maximum weight capacity
350 lbs
Height
Accommodates for most user heights
Additional costs
1-Year iFit Family Membership included ($468 value)
NordicTrack produces a cycling bike with exceptional qualities that challenge the Peloton Bike+. A massive 22″ rotating touchscreen that revolves a complete 360 degrees for floor classes from any angle and stunning HD graphics are included. The ride is pleasant, and the bike is visually appealing. The S22i has a built-in fan and accessory tray, as well as little dumbbell pockets at the front of the bike that are simple to reach.
Riders adored the iFit destination workouts, which take them to some of the most beautiful locales on the planet. Viewing these sites alone can encourage you to go on your bike to work out. Testers love the variety of iFit’s lessons, including off-bike programming such as strength training, yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, and more. You’ll also find fitness industry leaders like Kayla Itsines, Tommy Rivers Puzey, Hannah Eden, and others leading you through class.
The bike, which has 24 digital resistance levels, also features an Automatic Trainer Control mode, which allows the instructor to modify your elevation, decline, and resistance. There is a 20% incline control and a 10% drop control, both incredibly amazing and intended to simulate the natural terrain of your destination training. Both testers and our experts appreciate that the S22i’s newest edition includes two-sided pedals, allowing you to strap in with a standard sneaker or clip in with SPD cycling shoes. The bike has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, making it suitable for many riders.
If the Peloton is too pricey for you, the S22i is a decent alternative offering similar capabilities at a fraction of the price. It’s also a beginner-friendly option because it doesn’t require cycling shoes and has a tonne of content for cycling rookies to competitive riders. The iFit subscription is only included for the first year, although it can be used by numerous family members while active.
4
PROS
- Good quality content
- Sturdy build
- Large rotating swivel screen
- 30-day iFIT trial included
- Toe cages for regular sneakers
CONS
- Lower weight capacity than other bikes
- Not cycling shoe compatible
Dimensions
21.9” W x 56.5” D x 54” H
Display
22" smart rotating HD touchscreen
Resistance
24 digital levels of resistance
Pedals
Optional cages for standard exercise shoes
Maximum weight capacity
250 lbs
Height
Accommodates for most user heights with 10 adjustable seat positions
Additional costs
1-Year iFit Family Membership included ($468 value)
Riders interested in iFit may also be interested in this Proform studio bike, which is less expensive than competitor bikes with comparable capabilities. The revolving screen swivels 180 degrees in both directions, enabling off-bike strength training and yoga activities.
You’ll also be able to use iFIT’s Resistance change technology, which allows your trainer to change your resistance to fit the topography of the workout, making this an appealing option. However, you will only get a 30-day free iFIT trial before paying $39/month for the membership.
Because of the bike’s Silent Magnetic Resistance mechanism, our experts deemed it solid and durable, with a smooth and silent ride. Reviewers even call it “super quiet.” The bike is also highly adjustable, with five handlebar adjustments and nine seat height positions. This option only offers toe cages for standard trainers, so if you want to improve your ride with indoor cycling shoes, consider the Nordictrack S22i instead.
Another thing to remember about the Studio Bike Pro 22 is that it has the lowest weight capacity of any of the bikes we examined, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. The bike itself, however, is covered by a 10-year frame warranty. Although you can assemble the bike yourself, some reviewers believe paying the extra cost for expert installation and assembly is worthwhile.
5
PROS
- Leaning mode mimics outdoor rides
- Entertainment options to watch Netflix and more while you ride
- Unlimited household user profiles on JRNY
- Accommodates heights from 5'1" to 6'5"
- Dual-sided pedals for sneakers or SPD cycling shoes
CONS
- JRNY membership required for built-in experience access
- Screen does not rotate for floor workouts
Dimensions
59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H
Display
16" or 22" adjustable Wi-Fi connected HD touchscreen
Resistance
100 resistance levels
Pedals
Standard toe cages or SPD clips
Maximum weight capacity
325 lbs
Added cost
1-year JRNY membership ($149 value) included with purchase
This one-of-a-kind training bike from Bowflex combines all of the cutting-edge features you’d expect from a high-end smart motorcycle, but it also has an unusual leaning mode feature. This optional mode lets you alternate between sides for a full-body workout that involves significant core engagement and stability. If the leaning method isn’t for you, the lockout option lets you keep the bike stationary for a more typical cycling workout.
You can select between a 16-inch and a 22-inch configurable HD touchscreen, but unlike other intelligent bikes, it does not spin. We particularly like how the bike features dual-sided pedals that accept standard workout sneakers and SPD cycling shoes, depending on who is riding. One disadvantage of this bike is that it does not automatically modify resistance, unlike other models on our list.
Three-pound weights are included and stored in cages at the front of the bike for convenient access, as is a Bluetooth heart rate wristband. You can use 100 resistance levels and link to other cycling applications like Peloton. On the bike, there is a built-in media rack for your phone or tablet and a USB charging plug so that you can enjoy a gorgeous ride and a guided lesson simultaneously.
Bowflex recommends the bike for anyone 5’1″ to 6’5″ tall, making it an excellent choice for the whole family. Another family-friendly feature is that the bike purchase comes with a one-year JRNY membership that allows you to create unlimited user profiles for your home. Furthermore, our experts appreciate that JRNY provides access to entertainment alternatives such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. At the same time, you ride, allowing anyone to view their favorite shows and movies while working out.
How we test the best exercise bikes
In the Home Accessories Institute Wellness Lab, we test bikes independently to see how safe they are, how long they last, and how well they work in other ways. Rachel Rothman, the Chief Technologist and Executive Technical Director for Home Accessories, ensures that our engineers study and repeat specific parts of the ASTM conformance testing to ensure the machines are safe and stable.
After customer testing, our experts decide how good the materials seem and track how much wear and tear there is. Other safety features, like how easy it is to stop and how easy it is to get to dangerous moving parts, are also looked at. The accuracy of user measures like power output and calories burned, resistance quality and range, and speed accuracy (RPM) are tested during performance testing.
In the Home Accessories Institute Wellness Lab, we test bikes independently to see how safe they are, how long they last, and how well they work in other ways. Rachel Rothman, the Chief Technologist and Executive Technical Director for Home Accessories, ensures that our engineers study and repeat specific parts of the ASTM conformance testing to ensure the machines are safe and stable.
After customer testing, our experts decide how good the materials seem and track how much wear and tear there is. Other safety features, like how easy it is to stop and how easy it is to get to dangerous moving parts, are also looked at. The accuracy of user measures like power output and calories burned, resistance quality and range, and speed accuracy (RPM) are tested during performance testing.
How to choose the best exercise bike for you
When deciding which exercise bike is best for you, you should consider the following factors:
- How much room do I have for the bike?
- How frequently do I intend to use the bike?
- Will anyone else in my house ride a bike?
- Will I be riding in cycling shoes, or will I require a bike that can be used with standard trainers?
- Do I want built-in content and a large screen, or will I stream from my smartphone, tablet, or TV?
- Is there a monthly fee for the bike that I should put into my budget?
- Do I want the bike to provide workouts other than cycling?
Exercise bikes can be an expensive and physically demanding purchase, which is why our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind when looking for the finest exercise bike for your home:
✔️Size: Always measure where you intend to store the bike and give enough space above and around the cycle to climb in and out safely. If you want full-body lessons on the bike that include upper-body motions with light weights, ensure there is enough room above and to either side of the bike.
✔️Adjustable features: Look for a bike with various settings that can be adjusted for your height, weight, and other factors to ensure a comfortable ride.
✔️Style: Do you want a classic indoor cycling bike or one with intelligent features? Bikes also have different types of resistance to consider.
Take notice of the type of display or screen that the bike has. What kinds of metrics does it provide? Is the collection large enough for you to see and interact with? Is there a device attachment on the bike to hold a phone or tablet without a display? Consider these variables before selecting a suitable option.
✔️Cost: While more expensive does not usually imply higher quality, smart bikes are typically more costly. Some bikes have payment options, and if your cycle is linked to a training program or digital class library, you’ll need to account for any monthly membership fees.
✔️Warranties: Always examine the bike’s warranty, especially for larger pieces like the frame, which should have the most extended warranty. You want to preserve your investment, so pay attention to the length of the contract and what it covers.
Smart bikes offer better analytics, community, and guided lessons that can be more interactive and motivating than regular stationary bikes. Although they are expensive, if you want assistance and studio-style classes, you should check into this. Many smart bikes also provide guided scenic rides through gorgeous locales, an excellent way to mix up your fitness routine. Check to see if the bike has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
