Best Exercise Bike Under 500

Finding the best exercise bike under under 500 dollars or pounds can be a daunting task. It's often challenging to strike the right balance between affordability and quality when seeking home gym equipment. But worry not, as we've got you covered!

We've put together a list of great exercise bikes on a budget based on reviews, standout features, and reasonable price points, all comfortably under the 500 mark of course, to help you kit out your space with one of the best pieces of home gym equipment you can buy.

This is because exercise bikes are a superb way to enhance your cardiovascular fitness without subjecting your body to excessive strain. With options ranging from spin bikes and air bikes to recumbent machines, you have a variety of choices. An air bike, in particular, excels as one of the best exercise machines for weight loss as it engages both your lower and upper body in a vigorous cardio workout. If calorie burning is your goal, an exercise bike is a fantastic investment.

We recognise that sifting through the array of choices can be overwhelming, which is why we've also addressed the most frequently asked questions regarding indoor bikes to help pinpoint the perfect exercise bike for your unique fitness needs.

So, whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just embarking on your fitness journey, our top picks have something for everyone.

Best exercise bikes under 500

1. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike - best overall budget pick
2. Exerpeutic Upright Exercise Bike - a great foldable option
3. Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike EX-15 - a seriously smart machine
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1203 - a great choice for spin class
5. Marcy NS-1000 - best budget air bike
6. Vanswe RB661 - an excellent recumbent choice
7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B020029 - a compact choice to use at work

Credit: Yosuda

1. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Best indoor exercise bike under 500

The YOSUDA exercise bike is undoubtedly one of the top choices when it comes to exercise bikes under 500 dollars or pounds. Its compact design makes it ideal for saving space, and its user-friendly nature adds to its appeal.

This bike is designed to accommodate a wide range of users, as it reaches a maximum height of 35 inches, making it suitable for individuals up to 6'3" tall according to YOSUDA's specifications.

The YOSUDA exercise bike also features a robust 35lbs flywheel in its drive system, providing a realistic and smooth "spinning wheel" sensation during your workouts. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining momentum and achieving personal bests.

Another standout aspect of this bike is the inclusion of a tablet holder. This convenient feature allows you to stream your favorite TV shows or engage in video gaming while exercising. It adds entertainment value to your workouts and can save you money by eliminating the need for a separate tablet stand.

So, whether you're engaging in high-intensity classes or prefer a more relaxed cardio session while indulging in your favourite shows, the YOSUDA exercise bike caters to both scenarios.

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Credit: Exerpeutic

2. Exerpeutic Upright Exercise Bike

Best foldable exercise bike under 500

The Exerpeutic Upright Bike is an excellent choice for your home gym as it's both extremely versatile and easy to store.

Moreover, for a relatively inexpensive price, you get 8 levels of resistance, allowing you to increase the difficulty at your own rate to help you progress toward your fitness goals.

On top of that, its strong build means it can hold a significant amount of weight. Plus, Exerpeutic boasts that it comes with a whisper-quiet ride which should be particularly useful if you have neighbours in close proximity.

The key to this bike though is that it's foldable, which makes it the ideal choice if you're looking to save space in your home or garage gym.

• Read More: Best treadmills under 500

Credit: Echelon

3. Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike EX-15

Best smart exercise bike under 500

The Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike is designed to offer exceptional performance and functionality. With 32 levels of precise resistance, you have complete control over the intensity of your workouts. Adjusting the resistance levels is simple, thanks to the conveniently placed red toggle below the handlebars.

While you can use the bike as it is, opting for an Echelon membership provides extra benefits. By paying an additional fee, you gain access to live on-demand classes led by world-class instructors. This feature allows you to bring the gym experience right into the comfort of your own home, although it does come with an added cost.

So, if you're an intermediate to advanced trainer looking to elevate your cardio training, the Echelon machine is definitely worth considering. Its advanced features and customisable resistance levels can help you take your workouts to the next level.

• Read More: Best ellipticals under 500

Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness

4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1203

Best spin exercise bike under 500

Sunny Health & Fitness has built a reputation for producing high-quality cardio machines at inexpensive prices. The SF-B1203 exercise bike is a showcase of its expertise with its impressive features.

It offers an adjustable inseam height ranging from 31 to 42 inches, ensuring a comfortable fit for various users. With a substantial 45lbs flywheel, it maintains a challenging ride, accommodating your progress over time.

In addition to its core attributes, this exercise bike offers several additional features. The 4-way adjustable seat allows you to find the perfect positioning for your workouts. It also includes a water bottle holder, ensuring hydration is within easy reach during intense sessions. Furthermore, the inclusion of wheels makes moving the bike effortless, sparing you from unnecessary strain.

All things considered, this spin bike satisfies numerous criteria on our list, particularly considering its inexpensive price point.

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Credit: Marcy

5. Marcy NS-1000

Best air exercise bike under 500

Opting for an air exercise bike like the Marcy NS-1000 presents an exceptional opportunity to seamlessly incorporate both upper and lower body workouts within a single exercise session.

Air bikes like this feature dual arms specially designed to deliver rigorous upper-body conditioning while you engage in cycling.

Moreover, the Marcy NS-1000 boasts a user-friendly console with an LCD screen, allowing you to effortlessly switch between modes and closely track essential performance metrics such as time, distance, speed, and calories expended during your workout.

So, if it's an air bike you're after, but you don't want to break the bank, this Marcy option is well worth checking out.

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Credit: Vanswe

6. Vanswe RB661

Best recumbent exercise bike under 500

The Vanswe RB661 is an ideal option for those who value comfort during their workout sessions. Cycling can sometimes cause discomfort, particularly for beginners. However, with a recumbent exercise bike like this one, you can simply relax and focus on your fitness goals.

This specific bike provides 16 magnetic resistance levels, giving you the flexibility to adjust the intensity of your workout. It also includes a convenient monitor that keeps track of your heart rate, speed, and distance, enabling you to monitor your progress effectively.

If you have adequate space at home, incorporating this recumbent exercise bike into your cardio setup would be an excellent decision. It offers comfort, versatility, and the opportunity to achieve your fitness objectives in a more enjoyable way.

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Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B020029

Best exercise bike under 500 to use at work

So far, we've explored a variety of great full-sized exercise bikes. However, like a top under-desk treadmill, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B020029 mini bike stands out from the rest due to the compact size that helps it to fit conveniently under your desk, allowing you to burn calories while you work.

It comes with motorised electromagnetic drive train with 18 levels of adjustable resistance. This allows for tons of progression, helping you improve your cardio toward your fitness goals regardless of your experience.

It also comes with a digital panel and an optional remote control to alter the tension. The digital monitor also tracks your speed, time, calories, and distance, ensuring you know exactly how you're performing each and every ride.

Sunny Health & Fitness also boasts its mini bike has two functions. You can, of course, strap your feet in and cycle, but you can also lock in your hands and use it to work your arms. So, with two functions and a ton of resistance levels, what's not to like about this compact bit of kit?

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There are often a ton of questions surrounding stationary bikes, and we're here to clear up a few things to help with your search.

Is an exercise bike worth it?

Yes, exercise bikes can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve their fitness and overall health. There are several benefits to using an exercise bike regularly, like improving your cardiovascular fitness.

They're also relatively joint-friendly and can be used at home or at the gym, making them a convenient option for those with busy schedules or limited time.

Moreover, choosing a bike with adjustable resistance levels allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workouts and gradually build strength and endurance over time.

However, it's important to note that exercise bikes may not be suitable for everyone. You may have injuries that prevent you from using an exercise bike effectively, and, for strength, we'd recommend you look towards weightlifting instead.

Which type of exercise bike should you get?

Ask yourself at what intensity are you working before deciding on your purchase.

If you're planning to push yourself and engage in intense workouts, it's important to choose a sturdy frame that can withstand the force you'll be exerting. Flywheel builds, particularly the heavier ones mentioned in this list, are ideal for this purpose. Heavier flywheels make it more difficult to build momentum, which is advantageous for high-intensity workouts.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and gentle cardio experience, folding bikes are perfectly suitable. However, if you find yourself craving a greater challenge, it would be wise to lean towards a spin bike instead.

Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?

Exercise bikes offer a low-impact alternative to other cardio workouts like running, making them a valuable tool for weight loss and exercise.

While being in a calorie deficit is crucial for weight loss, incorporating exercise into your routine can be highly beneficial. According to Havard Health Publishing, engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and reducing your daily calorie intake by 500 calories is an optimal combination for weight loss.

A systematic review conducted by Chavarrias et al. supports this and the effectiveness of a combination of indoor cycling and a balanced diet in improving your lipid profile, shedding pounds, and lowering blood pressure.

Adding to this, research by Caria et al. highlights the significant fitness improvements associated with spin bikes, in particular. Spin classes have been found to have a substantial impact on cardiovascular function, thereby aiding in weight loss.

For those seeking a slightly gentler option, recumbent bikes are a great option to consider as they provide a comfortable alternative and facilitate the integration of exercise into your lifestyle.

How long should you ride an exercise bike?

The duration of your exercise bike workout depends on your fitness level, goals, and time available. As a general guideline, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults participate in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days per week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days per week.

Both can be achieved using an exercise bike from the comfort of your own home. This means that no matter the weather, you've got something available to you that can keep your cardio sessions going.

However, if you are new to exercise or have any medical conditions, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise programme. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, which can lead to injury. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time and intensity of your workouts as your fitness level improves.

Can you use an exercise bike every day?

While it's fine to use an exercise bike on a daily basis, we'd recommend incorporating rest days into your routine and dedicating a few days specifically to upper-body workouts. This helps address the potential imbalance caused by sole cycling.

Taking adequate rest time allows your legs to recover and rebuild, leading to improved performance and a lower risk of injury. The American Council on Exercise supports this approach, as they suggest that failing to allow your body to rest can result in glycogen depletion in the muscles. Such depletion can prompt your body to utilise proteins for energy, resulting in a reduced availability of protein for muscular repair and growth.

There's also an element of boredom to take into account. To maintain motivation, consider incorporating other forms of exercise alongside the exercise bike. Engaging in a variety of exercises, such as strength training, flexibility exercises, or outdoor activities, can provide a more well-rounded fitness routine that you stick to on a more consistent basis.

Remember that individual fitness levels and goals may vary, so it's important to listen to your body and tailor your exercise routine to your specific needs.

Is an exercise bike suitable for beginners?

Yes, an exercise bike can be suitable for beginners. It provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout that is gentle on the joints, making it an accessible option for those starting their fitness journey.

It's also great for building up your cardio slowly. Running, for example, can feel like you're thrown into the deep end at times, but with an exercise bike, you can take things slowly, upping the resistance along with your pace and duration as you improve.

Remember, however, that it's important for beginners to approach their exercise routine in a balanced and sustainable way. You don't want to overdo it and end up with an injury that derails your moment. So, make sure you incorporate rest days into your training routine, as touched on above, to avoid overtraining.

How do you clean an exercise bike?

To clean an exercise bike, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Before you start cleaning, make sure the bike is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet.
2. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the frame of the bike. You can use a mild detergent or cleaning solution if necessary, but make sure to avoid getting water or cleaning solution on any electrical components.
3. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the pedals and seat of the bike, removing any dirt or sweat that may have accumulated.
4. The same applies to the console, but, once again, avoid getting any water or cleaning solution on the electrical components
5. Use a dry cloth or towel to dry the bike thoroughly, paying special attention to any areas where water or cleaning solution may have accumulated.
6. After cleaning, you may want to apply a small amount of lubricant to any moving parts on the bike, such as the pedals or the resistance knob.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your exercise bike clean and in good working order for years to come.

Can you build muscle on an exercise bike?

While exercise bikes primarily focus on cardiovascular fitness and improving endurance, they can contribute to muscle development to some extent. However, the muscle-building potential is somewhat limited compared to resistance training exercises that specifically target muscle groups.

That said, riding an exercise bike does engage the muscles of your lower body, including quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. These muscles can become stronger and more toned with consistent and challenging workouts on a bike.

While exercise bikes primarily target the lower body, some models come with movable handlebars or attachments that allow you to engage your upper body muscles to a certain extent. This can help involve muscles in your arms, shoulders, and back, although the effect may be relatively modest compared to dedicated upper body exercises.

To make things harder and to build muscle, you'll probably want to regularly up the resistance level week on week to make progress both in your cardiovascular fitness and muscle building.

In short, exercise bikes can contribute to muscle development, particularly in the lower body, but they are not the most efficient or targeted method for building significant muscle mass. To achieve substantial muscle gains, it's recommended to incorporate a well-rounded strength training program alongside your cardio workouts on the bike.

Are there any safety considerations when using an exercise bike?

Yes, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind when using an exercise bike. Firstly, ensure that your exercise bike is properly set up and stable. Adjust the seat height and position according to your comfort and proper alignment. Make sure all the components, such as pedals and handlebars, are securely attached.

Then, when it comes to training, make sure you warm up before you start. It's essential to warm up your muscles with light movements or stretches to prepare them for exercise. Similarly, finish your session with a cool-down period to gradually reduce your heart rate and relax your muscles.

If you're new to using an exercise bike or returning after a break, start with a low-intensity level and gradually increase it as your fitness improves. Avoid pushing yourself too hard too quickly, as it can lead to strain or injury.

Also, maintain good posture while using the exercise bike. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and core engaged. Avoid leaning too far forward or hunching over the handlebars.

With this all in mind, make sure you listen to your body and adjust your workout accordingly. If you feel any pain, dizziness, or unusual discomfort, stop exercising and seek medical attention if necessary.

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