The best exercise bikes of 2026 – tested by cycling experts


Although there are a lot of exercise bikes out there, it is important to consider the different brands and types available to suit your needs. We’ve put together this list with all types of riders in mind and what alternatives could be options if you don’t want to purchase a Peloton. We test all of our exercise bikes using the same standards.

Assembly and delivery

Although some exercise bikes include assembly with delivery, not all do. With some bikes, you may have to pay extra for this service or you should feel comfortable assembling it yourself. We took into account whether the exercise bike brand included or offered assembly (and how much it cost), and for those bikes we did have to assemble, we took into account how clear the instructions were and how long it took to build the bike.

Features

We also looked at what makes the bike unique, whether it’s a special function or any other bells and whistles. This included its functionality, class types, programming, bike software, third-party app connections, and the ability to connect to wearable devices such as heart rate monitors.

membership

Many smart bikes now include a subscription to access their classes. We’ve looked into whether a member subscription is necessary for your indoor cycling experience or if there’s an option to just ride or connect to other third-party apps. For example, some subscription services offer less expensive options for adding family members.

Job

During our test run, we looked at how well the exercise bike worked. We have taken into consideration if any parts arrived broken or if parts of the bike were not working properly. We also noticed how quiet the bike was and how easy it was to use as a first-time rider. If there is a learning curve, we have taken into account how quickly you learn, but we also understand that this may be different from person to person.

Ease of use of software

Most exercise bikes have an app and/or screen with the required program. We took into account how sophisticated the software was, whether it was easy to use and how technologically advanced it was.

a guarantee

When making a large purchase like an exercise bike, it’s essential to know the warranty in case anything breaks. We took into account the length of the warranty, what parts of the exercise bike it covers, and whether there is an extended warranty option.



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