There's a lot to consider when searching for the best spin bike, especially considering the wide variety of price points between models, making it difficult to determine how much you need to spend to pick up a top machine.
Fortunately, we've comprised a list of our top picks, based on specs, price, and reviews, to kick off your search for the perfect exercise machine to replicate the feeling of some of the best road bicycles at home.
So, if you're looking for something similar to what you'd find in the gym, like this NordicTrack S22i, or you're after something slightly less expensive, like this YOSUNDA Indoor Cycling Bike, we've got you covered right here.
Best Spin Bike
Best All-Round Spin Bike - NordicTrack S22i
Brand: NordicTrack | Dimensions: 140cm x 55cm x 146cm | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 150kg | Drive System: Magnetic
We've featured NordicTrack before in our best cross trainers list and, whilst there is some debate over whether you should get an exercise bike or an elliptical, the S22i puts in a strong case on the spin side.
One of the most useful features of the S22i is its 22" Interactive HD Touchscreen Display where you can stream iFit spin classes to help keep you motivated and to push your workouts to the next level.
Similar to some of the best treadmills, the S22i comes with -10 to 20% live incline matching technology and 24 digital resistance levels which are both ideal for making progress.
If you're looking for a gym-standard machine for your home gym, then this NordicTrack S22i might be for you.
Best Belt-Driven Spin Bike - Sole Fitness SB700
Brand: Sole Fitness | Dimensions: 107cm x 98cm x 22cm | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300lbs | Drive System: Belt
The Sole Fitness SB700 features a slim design and, what is likely, exceptional build quality from one of the leading fitness manufacturers around.
It comes with a 48lbs flywheel and adjustable resistance levels which should be more than suitable for even the most professional spin enthusiast.
Moreover, the backlit LCD display has been designed to be clear and provides simultaneous measurements for pulse, time, calories, distance, and speed which are all useful for tracking your workout.
It's also worth noting that both the handlebars and saddle are adjustable vertically and horizontally so, regardless of your height, the SB700 should be comfortable to ride.
Best Spin Bike For Beginners - JLL IC300 Pro
Brand: Sole Fitness | Dimensions: 131cm x 51cm x 112cm | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 130kg | Drive System: Rubber Belt
This mid-range bike from JLL looks like it should punch well above its price tag with its 20kg flywheel and its vast array of adjustable components.
One of these adjustable components is the IC300 Pro's magnetic resistance, designed to make your spin classes as easy or as challenging as you like depending on your fitness levels.
The display features the six core readouts necessary to monitor your progress as a beginner - time (mins/secs), distance (miles), speed (mph), calories, pulse (ppm), and RPM.
As a side note, to keep you hydrated whilst you exercise, the IC300 Pro also comes with a handy aluminum water bottle designed to fit into its drinks holder which is located conveniently to the side of the front wheel.
Best Spin Bike On A Budget - YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Brand: YOSUDA | Dimensions: 40" x 22" x 46" | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 270lbs | Drive System: Belt
As featured in our best exercise bike under 500 list, this YOSUNDA bike should be a great option to consider if you're looking for something slightly less expensive.
Some of the key standout features include its heavy 35lbs flywheel, its belt drive system, and adjustable cage pedals which are designed to protect you during a fast spin session.
Moreover, the YOSUNDA bike comes with an LCD monitor to track your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and odometer, and also a tablet holder so you can watch your favourite TV shows whilst you ride.
On the whole, considering its price, the YOSUNDA Indoor Bike incorporates a number of useful features that help make it comparable to some of the more premium options out there.
Best Smart Spin Bike - Peloton Bike+
Brand: Peloton | Dimensions: 149cm x 58cm x 135cm | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 297lbs | Drive System: Belt
One of the largest spin and cycling brands at the moment is Peloton as they are known for their technologically advanced indoor bikes like the Peloton Bike+.
An interesting feature of the Bike+ is its “Auto-Follow” resistance system which scales based on your set target metrics and adapts to what the Peloton instructor of your spin class is telling you.
Moreover, Peloton's Live Rides as part of its membership should help keep you motivated through monthly challenges and milestone badges designed to push you way past your fitness targets and expectations.
As a slightly more premium option, the Peloton Bike+ should definitely be one to consider but only if you're serious about spin workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spin Bikes
People often have a tonne of questions about spin bikes, but we're here to clear up a few common queries to help you make your purchase.
What Is The Difference Between A Spin And Exercise Bike?
One of the biggest differences between the two is related to the flywheel as a spin bike's is typically designed to be much heavier and the pedals are bolted to it meaning, if you stop pedaling, the flywheel will keep turning.
The heavier flywheel should also mean you exert more energy and effort when pedaling, leading to a more intense workout.
Another difference is the positioning as a spin bike is designed to emulate the posture and position of a road bike rather than your standard upright one, or the laid-back position of a top recumbent bike.
What Is A Spin Class?
In a spin class, the idea is you pedal along on a spin bike as the instructor guides you through a visualisation of an outdoor workout.
The pace and intensity of the workout normally vary, but one of the most commonly associated scenes of a spin class is an extremely quick, short-burst sprint on your indoor bike.
A key benefit of a spin class is you're continuously pushed extremely hard by the instructor and should, therefore, burn more calories than you would on a standard upright bike.
Do I Need Special Shoes For Spin Class?
You can probably get away with using your top gym shoes for spin classes, however, some specialised studio bikes only work if you wear cycling/spinning footwear.
Cycling/spinning shoes tend to have hard soles and they clip directly into the pedals which should help keep them stable and prevent your feet from slipping so you can remain focused on your workout.
Read More: Best Recumbent Bikes Available Now