10 Best Cheap Exercise Bikes – 2024

Last Update: December 5, 2023

Exercise Bikes are lightweight, versatile, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This list of the best cheap exercise bikes encompasses bikes from under a thousand dollars to a couple hundred dollars. Whether you want to train on a studio, upright, or recumbent exercise bike, this list has options for each category at a budget price. By saving money on your exercise bike purchase, you can make room in your budget for subscription training content or skip the added cost of training altogether. Indoor cycling is a powerful cardio workout that trains the lower body and can prepare you for outdoor cycling or offer a primary workout with a smaller footprint than treadmills and elliptical machines.

Here’s Our List Of The Best Cheap Exercise Bikes of 2024

• Best Cheap Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike
• Best Cheap Studio Cycle: Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
• Best Cheap iFIT Exercise Bike: ProForm Pro C10U Exercise Bike
• Best Cheap Upright Exercise Bike: Horizon 5.0U Upright Bike
• Best Budget-Friendly Exercise Bike: Sunny Pro Lite Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Cheap Recumbent Exercise Bike: XTERRA SB4500 Recumbent Bike
• Best Cheap Exercise Bike with Rear Flywheel: Echelon Connect EX-5
• Best Cheap Amazon Exercise Bike: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Value Exercise Bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
• Honorable Mention: XTERRA MB550 Indoor Cycle

Best Cheap Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX Exercise Bike

The ProForm Carbon CX takes cues from some of the most popular spin bikes on the market to deliver a ride that pairs well with third-party training content from a variety of platforms or works just as well on its own. Its affordable price does not mean it skimps on features, but the saddle and pedals can be upgraded for a more premium ride. The ProForm Carbon CX can be paired with iFIT for smart training features. The Carbon CX Exercise Bike is our choice for the best cheap exercise bike, because it works with the training content offered by more expensive bikes at a much lower price.

The ProForm Carbon CX comes with 30 days free of iFIT for new members. iFIT is a training service with thousands of instructor-led classes. A membership gets you training not only for the bike but for all iFIT-compatible equipment and off-equipment training like strength and yoga. The ProForm Carbon CX bike pairs with the iFIT app on your phone or tablet and allows the iFIT trainer to control your bike’s resistance, so you can focus on the workout. The ProForm Carbon CX is also great for use with other subscription training programs like Peloton or Zwift, though the bike does not pair to those apps. Instead, you can set your device in the tablet rack and follow along manually. The Carbon CX does not require a specific training service to operate any of its features except for the automatic resistance control which only works with iFIT.

With only sixteen resistance levels, the Carbon CX is a little under-equipped compared to more expensive bikes that have two to six times as many resistance levels. The Carbon CX does use magnetic resistance, so the bike’s resistance is quiet, but it may not be challenging enough for all users. The saddle is a firm and sporty saddle, which some users may prefer to upgrade to something a little more plush for comfort. Likewise, the pedals are on the smaller side but come with toe cages. If you prefer to train with SPD clips, the pedals can be swapped out. The handlebars are rubberized with multiple grip options, so you can train comfortably. The handlebars are adjustable vertically while the saddle can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The Carbon CX has a steel frame and a heavy flywheel for smooth and sturdy workouts.

New riders will be most pleased with the ProForm Carbon CX’s performance and features. This exercise bike is also a great option for users whose primary training is not done indoors or who typically use a different cardio machine. The Carbon CX is a great supplement to their training. Alternatively, the Carbon CX is a great option for users who want to save on the cost of an exercise bike to afford a monthly training subscription. I do not recommend the Carbon CX for advanced or very strong indoor cyclists. Overall, the ProForm Carbon CX is a great budget bike that pairs well with smart training content.

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Best Cheap Studio Cycle: Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike

The Bowflex C6 doesn’t top our list, because it is one of the more expensive bikes we have included. Yet, if you can afford the budget stretch, the Bowflex C6 is an excellent choice. It has an excellent build and performance features. Just add your own tablet or phone to the device rack and you have a bike that isn’t far off from some of the top studio bikes available. The Bowflex C6 is a great way to get the premium indoor cycling experience without paying the exorbitant price for a touchscreen display.

If you want the Peloton experience on a budget, the Bowflex C6 is a great option. Bowflex also offers its own training service, JRNY, which provides great content. The JRNY app can connect to the C6 bike, so you can view your cadence on the screen while training. The C6 connects via Bluetooth in a limited manner to other apps like Peloton (only iOS) and Zwift, but it is also a great bike to use without a Bluetooth connection. The C6 has 100 resistance levels like the Peloton Bike, so you can train alongside the Peloton platform easily. If you want to avoid a monthly subscription, the Bowflex C6 is a great option, because it has its own basic console that provides your metrics and does not need a subscription to function.

The Bowflex C6 has a solid build that supports a user weight of up to 330 lbs. The bike itself weighs only 112 lbs (including dumbbells) and can be easily wheeled around on its front transport wheels. The Bowflex C6 can accommodate a user between 4’6” and 6’6”, so most users should feel comfortable on this bike. The saddle and handlebars are adjustable horizontally and vertically to help all users get the right fit. The handlebars are comfortable. I like the sporty seat that the C6 comes with, but some users may prefer to upgrade to the plusher Extra Comfort Bike Seat offered by Bowflex for an additional cost. The pedals are hybrid pedals with toe cages and flat pedals on one side and SPD clips on the other. The Bowflex C6 is a very versatile studio bike.

To further justify the cost of the Bowflex C6, a pair of 3-lb dumbbells and a Bluetooth heart rate monitor are included with your purchase of the bike. Additionally, JRNY offers a 2-month free trial, so you can decide if the training platform is for you before you commit. However you want to train, the Bowflex C6 is a great studio bike for it!

Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike Here

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Best Cheap iFIT Exercise Bike: ProForm Pro C10U Exercise Bike

As the only bike to make this list with a smart touchscreen display, the ProForm Pro C10U is a shoo-in for the best cheap iFIT exercise bike award. The ProForm Pro C10U proves smart training content and features don’t have to come with a premium price tag. The Pro C10U is an upright exercise bike that offers a bit more comfort than a studio cycle. It’s perfect for cyclists who are as serious about their training as they are their comfort.

Upright bikes are the perfect alternative to a studio cycle for users looking for a little more comfort. The ProForm Pro C10U has an oversized seat to combat saddle soreness. The upright position is also easier for users with back pain, because they do not have to ride hunched over. The seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally to help you get the right fit. The handles are not adjustable but are upright and long with curved, ergonomic grip options. The pedals are flat with straps to keep your foot in place and assist in the upward movement of the pedal. The C10U is a great upright exercise bike, but we have chosen it for more than just its construction.

iFIT offers trainer-led content in the studio or around the world. Indoor cyclists can follow along with their favorite iFIT coaches as they explore trails virtually or sweat it out in structured studio classes. iFIT allows the bike’s resistance to automatically adjust to the trainer’s cues, so you can train without pressing so many buttons. iFIT is free for your first 30 days as a new member but then requires a monthly subscription to maintain the bike’s smart features. Non-iFIT content is not available on the 10-inch touchscreen display at this time.

The ProForm Pro C10U has 25 silent magnetic resistance levels. Bluetooth speakers allow you to pair your device to listen to your own music out loud, or you can pair headphones with the Bluetooth audio to train with iFIT quietly. Additional features like the fan and water bottle holder ensure your cycling session goes off without a hitch.

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Best Cheap Upright Exercise Bike: Horizon 5.0U Upright Bike

The Horizon 5.0U Upright Bike caught our attention with its comfortable design and budget-friendly price. Horizon also does not require users to use a subscription training service, an important feature (or lack of one) for budget shoppers. The 5.0U does have features that support premium content on a smartphone or tablet, but it is entirely optional.

Horizon doesn’t lock users into a single training service. Instead, the 5.0U Upright Bike has a tablet rack and USB charging to keep you entertained by content from your smartphone or tablet. A Bluetooth connection allows the 5.0U to supply cadence information to some of your favorite indoor cycling apps. If you don’t want to stream content on your device, the 5.0U’s LCD screen and 3 LED windows provide all of your training metrics. There are also onboard programs including calorie target, distance target, intervals, and weight loss. You can train manually if you want a little more control over your program. Horizon does a great job of keeping your training decisions in your hands.

The 5.0U Upright Bike has a padded seat with horizontal and vertical adjustability. The handlebars are slightly angled forward, so you may have to assume more of a forward-leaning position than some upright exercise bikes. The handles are bullhorn-shaped and have built-in EKG pulse grips. The handles are not adjustable. The 5.0U has flat pedals with a strap to keep your feet in place when exercising. This exercise bike can support a user weight of up to 300 lbs, but weighs only 87 lbs, so it can be more easily wheeled around on its two transport wheels.

One hundred resistance levels provide excellent training variability on the 5.0U. The resistance is controlled with console buttons. There are only six quick adjust buttons, but up and down arrows allow users to select a more precise level. This format does not quite achieve the smooth transitions users accustomed to spin bikes may expect. The flywheel weighs only 15.4 lbs, which is a little lighter than we prefer for a very smooth pedaling experience.

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Best Budget-Friendly Exercise Bike: Sunny Pro Lite Indoor Cycling Bike

While all bikes on this list are budget-friendly, the Sunny Pro Lite Indoor Cycling Bike has an absurdly low price. Sunny excels at making extremely affordable equipment that is best for beginners and exercisers trying to establish a routine. The Pro Lite includes a free cadence and speed sensor to pair with the SunnyFit app. If the prices of these cheap exercise bikes are still out of budget for you, check out the Sunny Pro Lite.

If you want the full indoor cycling experience–classes and a studio bike–the Sunny Pro Lite Indoor Cycling Bike is one you don’t want to overlook. The Pro Lite includes a free cadence and speed sensor with your purchase which allows the bike to pair with the SunnyFit app. The SunnyFit app is free for iOS or Android. I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of Sunny’s content. It doesn’t feel free or cheaply made. The instructors are motivating and fun. The Sunny Pro Lite makes indoor cycling and training content accessible to more users.

The Pro Lite has an 18-lb flywheel, which is not bad for its price point. The bike has only seven magnetic resistance levels, so it is best for beginners. The resistance levels are adjusted with a lever. This lever is a departure from the traditional studio cycling resistance controls, but it’s suitable for the Pro Lite’s limited range. There are pulse sensors on the handlebars so users can easily check their heart rate while training, though these sensors are rarely as accurate as a wearable monitor.

Because it is such an affordable bike, the Sunny Pro Lite does have a few less impressive features compared to more expensive bikes. The Pro Lite can only support a maximum user weight of 245 lbs. One common complaint with the Pro Lite is its lack of seat cushioning. The saddle is also very small, so some users may have to replace the saddle or add a seat cover. The bike only weighs 67.5 lbs which is very lightweight and should be easy to move around. However, this low weight may also make the bike feel less stable and durable than heavier bikes. Thus, the Pro Lite is best for smaller users.

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Best Cheap Recumbent Exercise Bike: XTERRA SB4500 Recumbent Bike

Known for its durable equipment at very affordable prices, XTERRA often covers its equipment with a lifetime warranty on the frame. The SB4500 is one such product and sports a comfortable recumbent bike construction. It has a padded seat, a step-through frame, and a supportive seat back. This recumbent bike is our best option for shoppers on a budget.

Cycle in comfort and style with the SB4500. Indoor cycling does not have to be uncomfortable to result in an effective workout. The SB4500’s padded seat with a seat back allows users to exercise in a more relaxed and supported position. The SB4500 has handles on the sides of the seat and beside the console, so you have hand positions to choose from for ultimate comfort. The handles by the seat are equipped with pulse grips to keep track of your heart rate while training. The seat is adjustable horizontally and can accommodate a user up to 6’2” and 265 lbs.

The SB4500 has a 7-inch touchscreen display. The resistance controls and program setup are onscreen. The SB4500 also has a tablet rack which is positioned above the touchscreen display, so you will not cover up your controls or training metrics when viewing third-party content. The SB4500 can set a time, distance, or calorie goal. There are 8 preset programs with automatic resistance changes. The SB4500 has 24 digital resistance levels for training variation.

Though there is a touchscreen display, the SB4500 must be used in conjunction with a smartphone or tablet to access premium training. The SB4500 uses the Fitness Machine Service (FTMS) to be compatible with apps like Zwift and Kinomap. You’ll need a subscription to use these services, but they make great companions to the SB4500. The SB4500 has a USB charging port to keep your device powered while you train.

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Best Cheap Exercise Bike with Rear Flywheel: Echelon Connect EX-5

I have the lowdown on the Echelon workaround. This affordable bike encourages use with the Echelon member platform, but you can bypass this and get a discount with my instructions. I’ll let you in on my secrets and report on the Connect EX-5’s performance and features. We’ve awarded this bike the best cheap exercise bike with a rear flywheel for its unique flywheel placement. This design has one key performance advantage.

Alright, so this is the cheap best exercise bikes list, so I am going to let you in on how to avoid the “required” subscription on the Echelon Connect EX-5. First, go create a free Echelon account. Then, when you add the Echelon Connect EX-5 to your cart, select that you are already an Echelon member. This will unlock a member discount on the bike and bypass the monthly membership fee. However, I’m going to back up a bit and tell you why you shouldn’t use this workaround, because the Echelon membership is a great service!

Echelon provides trainer-led content in a high-energy studio environment. Echelon provides content for the bike, other fitness equipment, and mat classes. Echelon is a Peloton competitor and delivers many of the same features offered by the infamous subscription service. There are live and on-demand classes added daily on Echleon. You get access to the member-exclusive deals I have already mentioned, and you can connect with your accounts on Strava, Spotify, Zwift, and more.

Now, onto the rear flywheel. So, for the most part, the rear flywheel will not change your riding experience. Its one key advantage is keeping the flywheel out of your sweat zone. The Echelon EX-5 is designed to deliver an intense workout, so you are going to sweat. It has 32 levels of resistance, which deliver a decent amount of resistance for beginner to advanced riders. To activate the resistance levels you will need to be paired to the Echelon app, but there are free options. If you want to train with a third-party service, I would have the Echelon app open on your phone or tablet and your preferred third-party app up on a TV. However, I do advise that the EX-5 works best when used with a premium Echelon membership.

Read Our Full Review Of The Echelon Connect EX-5 Here

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Best Cheap Amazon Exercise Bike: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

If you are sifting through the hundreds of exercise bike listings on Amazon looking for the perfect budget option, we are here to save you some time. The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is not only Amazon’s choice, it’s ours! You can order this bike for under $500. It’s also regularly discounted even further, particularly for Prime members.

The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is a studio bike with a steel frame and a heavy flywheel (35 lbs). Altogether the bike weighs only 68 lbs. The YOSUDA is great for users who do not want fancy subscription content. The YOSUDA has a simple console with only the most basic metrics showing. Fortunately, it does have a tablet rack so you can stream your favorite content while training.

This Amazon exercise bike has all of the right adjustability for training. The inseam variability is from 25 inches to 35 inches. The seat can be moved horizontally as well. The handlebars are bullhorn-shaped and can be adjusted in height. The pedals are flat pedals with toe cages to accommodate any athletic shoe. You can replace the pedals with SPD pedals if you prefer. The bike seat the YOSUDA comes with is a plush and large seat instead of a sportier saddle, so most users should be content with it.

While magnetic resistance has become more popular for home spin bikes, the YOSUDA uses friction resistance. The one advantage friction resistance has over magnetic resistance is the unlimited level of resistance. Friction bikes do require maintenance, because the friction pad will wear out over time. The YOSUDA has a resistance knob that doubles as the brake when pushed down to stop the flywheel. For a low price, the YOSUDA puts training within reach of exercisers with restrictive budgets.

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Best Value Exercise Bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike

The Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike is our pick for the best value exercise bike, because it has high-end features at a reasonable price. The IC3 is a low-tech spin bike. Its simplicity keeps the cost down while maximizing durability. The value is in the build, not the training content options. The IC3 is great for users who want a quality bike without a subscription training service.

A great value exercise bike isn’t just about minimizing your cost, it’s about making sure you get what you pay for or even more. Schwinn is a reputable fitness company. The IC3 is priced well below a thousand dollars but has impressive features like a 40-lb flywheel. The total weight of the IC3 is 100 lbs, which is lightweight enough to roll around a short distance but heavy enough to keep you stable while training. The IC3 is covered by a 5-year warranty on the frame, 2 years for mechanical and electrical, and 1 year for labor. These warranties could be better; the frame warranty in particular is a little lacking. Yet, the IC3 is a good bargain for its price.

The Schwinn IC3 does not pair with subscription content, so it is not ideal for users who prefer to train without guidance. There is a tablet rack, which allows users to view training or entertainment content without pairing to the IC3. The IC3’s LCD console provides all your training metrics including heart rate. The console pairs with 5 kHz wireless heart rate monitors. The IC3’s lack of training content may be a deterrent for some indoor cyclists, making it best for cyclists who like to create their own training routines.

The IC3’s construction has all the typical features you would expect from an indoor cycle. The handlebars are bullhorn-shaped. There is a large water bottle holder beneath the tablet rack. There is also an extra bar surrounding the console for even more grip options. The saddle is ventilated and can be adjusted up/down, forward/backward. The pedals are hybrid with SPD clips on one side and flat pedals with toe cages on the other. Lastly, because the bike uses friction resistance, there are unlimited resistance levels for varied training. The IC3 delivers a standard but valuable ride.

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Honorable Mention: XTERRA MB550 Indoor Cycle

The XTERRA MB550 Indoor Cycle deserves a spot on this list as our honorable mention. The XTERRA MB550 has a very heavy flywheel and a great warranty. The MB550 is not ideal for exercisers looking for subscription training content. It does not have smart features and is perfect for the low-tech user.

What the XTERRA MB550 Indoor Cycle lacks in training options, it makes up for with a quality, low-cost build. The MB550 has a white frame with black XTERRA branding. The frame is covered by a lifetime warranty, which is great considering its low price. The XTERRA has an adjustable handlebar and seat post. The seat is also adjustable front and back. It’s a solid design that should suit most users.

The resistance is friction, which allows users to adjust their training intensity with unlimited precision. The felt pads used to create friction do require replacing over time, so this bike will need more maintenance than a magnetic resistance exercise bike. The flywheel weighs a whopping 48.5 lbs. Typically, a heavier flywheel is better, but this weight might be a bit excessive. The high weight could be more challenging, so the MB550 might be especially geared toward experienced riders.

It’s no surprise that the MB550 is not a high-tech, Peloton-copycat studio bike. Instead, it sticks to a low-tech interface. The console has a minuscule LCD screen. Users with vision problems may not like how tiny the screen is. On the other hand, if you want something more minimalistic or are relying on a fitness tracker to calculate your time and heart rate, the MB550 should be just fine.

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Factors To Consider When Finding The Best Cheap Exercise Bike

Warranty

The warranty is one of the first things I investigate when looking at a new cardio machine. Reputable brands often get away with shorter warranties, but I love to see a lifetime warranty. When shopping for a cheap exercise bike, a longer warranty can be a good sign that the product will hold up despite its low price. Lifetime warranties often cover the frame and maybe the flywheel. Don’t just look into how long the warranty is; consider what it covers if you have access to the fine print.

Weight Capacity

Affordable bikes often are made with cheaper materials or a thinner quality material. One way to investigate the quality of the build is to assess the maximum user weight capacity. It’s unfortunate that affordable exercise equipment is rarely size-inclusive. Many affordable bikes do not meet the industry standard of 300 lbs. Make sure that the bike you purchase is suitable to the weight of you or others in your household.

Flywheel

We like exercise bikes with a 30 to 40-lb flywheel. A little less or a little more is also acceptable, but bikes with very low flywheel weights may not be as smooth. A flywheel that is too heavy may provide a more challenging experience, at least when you first start pedaling.

Resistance

Exercise bikes have two main types of resistance: friction and magnetic. Friction resistance allows users to adjust the resistance infinitely. Yet, friction resistance also requires more maintenance, because the friction pad wears out over time. Magnetic resistance requires less maintenance and is quieter than friction resistance. Magnetic resistance also allows digital control over the resistance. Either option is great, but it is worth considering the pros and cons. I prefer friction resistance for affordable exercise bikes, because it allows the cyclist to achieve a high enough intensity of exercise.

Training Content

Premium training content has become nearly inextricable from exercise bikes, perhaps more so than any other cardio machine. Cheap exercise bikes do not always have the features to support third-party content or access to onboard content. Bikes that do not require a subscription are more affordable, because you do not have to add a monthly subscription fee on top of the bike’s price. I have included a few premium bike options–the Echelon EX-5, the ProForm Carbon CX, and the Bowflex C6–that support training content. The other bikes on this list are best for users who do not wish to train with premium content.

Bottom Line – Best Cheap Exercise Bikes

A cheap exercise bike is an affordable way to start a new fitness routine. Training with or without trainer-led content can result in the health and fitness improvements you are after. These bikes may be more affordable, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help you achieve your goals. The bikes on this list offer durable builds and powerful resistance at a budget-friendly price. Many of the bikes on this list are often further discounted to be even more affordable. Our top bike from ProForm proves that even well-known brands have something to offer at every price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best reasonably priced exercise bike?

This list has highlighted several reasonably priced exercise bikes. Our top pick was the ProForm Carbon CX, and I also really like our runner-up, the Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike. While these are our frontrunners, the rest of the bikes on this list may be better suited to your needs. Additionally, we have highlighted our best cheap recumbent bike (XTERRA SB4500 Recumbent Bike) and our best cheap upright bike (Horizon 5.0U Upright Bike).

What is the difference between a cheap and expensive exercise bike?

While exercise bikes can vary in price for many reasons, one of the biggest differences between cheap bikes versus expensive bikes is a touchscreen display. Along with that, these bikes also tend to vary in the number of smart features they offer. Higher-end bikes typically have large displays, automatic speed control, Bluetooth, and compatibility with premium content. Premium bikes may also have sturdier builds with higher weight capacities due to their superior construction. A more affordable bike may be more aligned with how you train if you do not wish to access trainer-led content.

Why are exercise bikes so expensive?

There’s no simple answer to this question, but I suppose exercise bikes are, in part, so expensive because the demand for premium features has increased. Many exercisers want an exercise bike that is compatible with training platforms like Peloton, iFIT, or Zwift. These platforms make indoor cycling more engaging for many users, but the necessary features often come with a high price. Other reasons for a high price include quality materials, safety testing, comfortability, and innovation.

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