Residential exercise bikes are specifically designed for home use simulating the same performance that you would find at the local gym. Depending on the features, usually residential exercise bikes are cheaper than commercial bikes with some comparable features.


Exercise Bike LiveStrong
LS6.0R
Sole
R92
Sole
B94
Schwinn
240
Schwinn
120
Photo LiveStrong LS7.0B Exercise Bike Thumbnail Sole R92 Exercise Bike Thumbnail Sole B94 Exercise Bike Thumbnail Schwinn 240 Exercise Bike Thumbnail Schwinn 120 Exercise Bike Thumbnail
Rating

Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!

Rating: 90.4%
Rating: 85.8%
Rating: 84.5%
Rating: 82.8%
Rating: 82.4%
Full Review

This table compares the top 5 exercise bikes. Click Read Review to learn about one bike.

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Type

Type refers to the style of the ride: Recumbent bikes allow you to lay back, while Upright bikes are more like road bikes (lean forward).

Recumbent Semi-Recumbent Upright Recumbent Upright
Resistance

The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.

20 Levels 20 Levels 20 Levels 16 Levels 16 Levels
Frame

It's important to choose an exercise bike that will last, and the material of the frame determines how durable the bike is.

"Step Through" Design Durable Steel Durable Steel "Step Through" Design Durable Steel
Cooling Fans

Exercise Bike Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.

Music Ready

Bikes that are music ready allow you to plug a music-playing device (iPod, smartphone, etc.) directly into the machine.

Speakers

Bike that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers.

Display

Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.

Backlit LCD
2 LED Feedback Windows
9" Backlit Blue LCD 9" Backlit Blue LCD Multi-Color Backlit LCD LCD
Programs

Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.

11 10 10 17 10
List Price

Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.

$999.99 $1,799.00 $1,499.00 $599.00 $399.00
Best Price

Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

$689.99 $999.99 $799.99 $488.00 $299.00
Visit Site

After carefully evaluating each online retailer that offers this bike, this is the website we recommend purchasing from.


Residential exercise bikes target home use, hopefully alleviating costly memberships to your local gym. The main difference between residential exercise bikes and commercial bikes is the amount of time spent on the bike. Commercial bikes are built sturdier to endure longer usage from many riders. Residential exercise bikes provide all that you are looking for in a home environment unless you plan to invite the neighborhood over to workout. Since some gyms are open 24 hours a day, you can easily see how commercial bikes receive a much heavier workout.

Residential exercise bikes are designed to accommodate all of your family members plus provide workouts tailored to each individual. Residential exercise bikes adapt to each rider through adjustments on the seat, handlebars and pedals. There are many residential bike choices available whether you are choosing an upright bike that mirrors the outdoor riding experience or purchasing a recumbent bike to support your neck and back.

The flywheel and number of resistance levels are both important factors when considering a residential exercise bike purchase. Most residential exercise bikes come with at least 15 levels which is sufficient for most home users. If you like to change resistance often and beef up your routine, you will want to spend a few more bucks to gain more levels.

Residential exercise bikes that include workout programs provide riders with a variety of options to their fitness routine. Most riders either want to lose weight, burn extra calories, build muscle tone or recover from injury or surgery. Certified trainers design workout programs to address these specific areas. Usually residential exercise bikes also include a couple of user-defined programs to customize your routine specifically the way you want.

Many options on residential exercise bikes are now becoming standard features. If working out to music is important to you, be sure to invest in a residential exercise bike with an iPod dock and built-in speakers. Plug in your iPod or MP3 player and ride away to your favorite music.

While listening to music as you ride may not be a priority to you, being coached by a world renowned trainer might be. Residential exercise bikes with iFit technology open up a vast experience to your fitness routine. Jillian Michaels and Elisabeth Hasselbeck have each developed 8 week courses to help you lose weight, stay fit and increase your cardiovascular workout. Be sure the residential exercise bike’s display is good because iFit allows you to track your progress on your bike’s screen.

Why pay expensive gym memberships for everyone in your household, when you can make an investment in a residential exercise bike? Today’s residential exercise bikes offer a plethora of options and adjust to every member’s needs in your family. If you would rather work out in the comfort of your own home as opposed to driving across town to the local fitness center, a residential exercise bike is for you.


More Residential Exercise Bikes


The following did not make the Top 5 Residential Exercise Bikes, but are still worth a look:
6) Schwinn V2300 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

Smooth V2300

    List Price: $2,299.00

The Smooth V2300 is a hybrid trainer part exercise bike part elliptical. The extremely versatile Smooth V2300 serves as a semi-recumbent bike with Silent Magnetic Resistance, "Step Through" Frame, Padded & Adjustable Seat and Wireless Chest Belt Heart Rate Monitor as well as provides a 17" stride length designed to imitate the movement of an elliptical.
Read the full Smooth V2300 Review

7) NordicTrack GX4.0 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

NordicTrack GX4.0

    List Price: $799.00

The NordicTrack GX4.0 exercise bike features Silent Magnetic Resistance, 20 levels of resistance, "Step Through" frame design, Easy Glide Seat Adjust and 24 pre-defined workout programs. The recumbent bike is also compatible with iFit Live featuring TV personality Jillian Michaels.
Read the full NordicTrack GX4.0 Review

8) Schwinn 20 Thumbnail

Schwinn 220

    List Price: $499.00

The Schwinn 220 exercise bike features Eddy Current Braking Resistance, 16 levels of resistance, durable steel frame and 10 pre-defined workout programs. It's one of the most affordable recumbent bikes on the market.
Read the full Schwinn 220 Review

9) Nautilus R514 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

Nautilus R514

    List Price: $699.00

The Nautilus R514 is a quality residential exercise bike highlighted by a 20 lb. flywheel, 16 levels of resistance, multi-adjustable seat and 17 workout programs. The Nautilus R514 also features four polar heart rate programs with telemetry, grip and chest belt included.
Read the full Nautilus R514 Review

10) Nautilus U514 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

Nautilus U514

    List Price: $599.00

The Nautilus U514 is a great value considering that you get Eddy Current Brake Resistance (w/ 16 levels of resistance), durable & lightweight frame, multi-point adjustable seat, oversized deluxe pedals and 17 pre-defined workout programs for Under $500.
Read the full Nautilus U514 Review

11) ProForm ZX2 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

ProForm ZX2

    List Price: $599.00

The ProForm ZX2 is not only affordable but loaded with a ton of exciting features like iPod/mp3 dock, built-in speakers, EKG heart rate, Graffix Hi-Res display and two pre-defined workout games. The ProForm ZX2 is not only productive but entertaining.
Read the full ProForm ZX2 Review

12) Schwinn 140 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

Schwinn 140

    List Price: $499.00

The Schwinn 140 is a reasonably priced exercise bike. The Schwinn 140 operates smoothly thanks to Eddy Current Braking Resistance (w/ 20 lb. flywheel), 16 levels of resistance and 17 pre-defined workout programs.
Read the full Schwinn 140 Review

13) LiveStrong LS9.9IC Exercise Bike Thumbnail

LiveStrong LS9.9IC

    List Price: $1,999.00

The LiveStrong LS9.9IC provides an enjoyable and stable ride with a 40 lb. flywheel and Kevlar drive design. The LiveStrong LS9.9IC is also equipped with Air-fit Roadside Vertical Adjustment Seat and Pulse Sensor Heart Rate Monitor.
Read the full LiveStrong LS9.9IC Review

14) NordicTrack GX5.0 Sport Exercise Bike Thumbnail

NordicTrack GX5.0 Sport

    List Price: $1,299.00

The NordicTrack GX5.0 Sport provides an enjoyable workout experience with Quick-Stop Braking Resistance (adjustable resistance), commercial grade steel frame, adjustable & padded seat, toe clips and strap pedals and wireless chest strap heart rate monitoring.
Read the full NordicTrack GX5.0 Sport Review

15) ProForm 290 SPX Exercise Bike Thumbnail

ProForm 290 SPX

    List Price: $699.00

The ProForm 290 SPX is a quality exercise bike with adjustable resistance, cushioned seat and toe-cage pedals. The ProForm 290 SPX is a very basic exercise bike yet more than efficient in terms of delivering a solid workout experience.
Read the full ProForm 290 SPX Review

16) NordicTrack GX2 Sport Exercise Bike Thumbnail

NordicTrack GX2 Sport

    List Price: $999.00

The NordicTrack GX2 Sport is a solid entry-level exercise bike that is affordable and equipped with all the basic features. The NordicTrack GX2 Sport offers very few electronic luxuries, but delivers non-slip adjustable handlebars and oversized pedals.
Read the full NordicTrack GX2 Sport Review

17) ProForm ZR3 Exercise Bike Thumbnail

ProForm ZR3

    List Price: Discontinued

The ProForm ZR3 is a great "value trainer" considering that you get hi-res display, iPod dock, built-in speakers and iFit for under $600. The exercise bike also features 16 levels of resistance and "Step Through" frame design.
Read the full ProForm ZR3 Review

18) NordicTrack GX3.0 Sport Exercise Bike Thumbnail

NordicTrack GX3.0 Sport

    List Price: Discontinued

The Nordictrack GX3.0 Sport is a quality entry-level exercise with all the basic specs and little else in terms of added features. The LCD display provides all the crucial workout data while the bike operates on a chain drive system with adjustable resistance.
Read the full NordicTrack GX3.0 Sport Review

19) NordicTrack C2SI Exercise Bike Thumbnail

NordicTrack C2 SI

    List Price: Discontinued

The NordicTrack C2 SI is a practical trainer with 16 levels of digital resistance and compatibility with iFit. Your tunes also sound great on the built-in speakers with iPod/mp3 dock. The NordicTrack C2 SI is a quality budget trainer.
Read the full NordicTrack C2 SI Review

2 Comments

  1. sheppard
    December 10, 2012

    unit’s digital control panel has failed again. this the second failure since unit was purchased new (1/2009)

  2. Kyle
    December 11, 2012

    Hi Sheppard,

    Thanks for the feedback!

    It would be reasonable for it to do that once after 4 years, but if this is the 2nd time that’s not good.

    This model has been discontinued, so for anyone looking for a replacement, the Schwinn 120 is a good alternative in this price range.

    Have a good day,
    Kyle

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