Best Top 5 Best-Rated Indoor Cycles of 2024

Top 5 Best-Rated Indoor Cycles Buying Guide

About Indoor Cycles

How are indoor cycles different from other exercise bikes? Indoor cycles and traditional stationary bikes have several differences but the main distinction is resistance. A regular exercise bike has constant resistance and doesn’t build up inertia. If you stop working, the pedals will stop moving immediately. An indoor cycle has variable resistance. If you stop pushing, the pedals will still spin — just as they would on a road bike. This is why indoor cycles are also called spin bikes.

Compared with other exercise bikes, indoor cycles are also the most like road bikes in terms of seat design and handlebars. Indoor cycles use the same saddles as road bikes do. You can even swap out the indoor cycle’s seat for your favorite road bike seat. In contrast, other exercise bikes tend to have wider seats and aren’t easily customized. Indoor cycles have handlebars like those on road bikes too. While handlebars on other other exercise bikes encourage a very upright body position, those on indoor cycles let you lean forward as you would in a race. Some have adjustable positioning and include elbow padding.

Pedals on indoor cycles are special too. They offer the extra stability that’s needed with high-intensity training. Unlike the pedals on other exercise bikes, they usually have toe cages and foot straps. Many can be used with clip-in cycling shoes. Often the pedals on indoor cycles can easily be swapped out for those of road bikes too.

Some indoor cycles have extra features to enhance the street bike sensation. One special feature is handlebar-based gear shifts. (A regular stationary bike, in comparison, has console buttons for controlling resistance.) Another special feature is customizable gear ratios. This feature is especially valuable to competitive cyclists because it lets the indoor cycle perform like a specific outdoor bike.

A final difference between indoor cycles and other exercise bikes is data monitoring. Most stationary bikes today have advanced computers. These show workout data and provide preset training programs. Indoor cycles are often made without data monitors. When monitors are included, they are typically small and simple. The small size allows riders the room to lean over the handlebars. The most useful monitors provide constant heart rate readouts using wireless monitoring.

Why Choose an Indoor Cycle?

Indoor cycles are the most practical options for competitive training since they function so similarly to road bikes. Indoor cycles are also the most useful for strength training: Compared with other exercise bikes they offer more resistance, plus you can stand up on the pedals to isolate different muscle groups.

Indoor cycles, like other exercise bikes, are useful for cardio workouts and weight loss. Indoor bikes can be the most efficient options because they demand more power from the trainee and promote higher calorie burn.

Indoor cycles are the best alternatives to outdoor bikes when realistic cycle training is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are indoor cycles effective?

Indoor cycles are effective when you use them with consistency and proper form. If you’re unsure if you’re doing it right, it can be worth the investment to meet with a personal trainer for technique tips.

Can I do indoor cycling everyday?

Indoor cycling can be done safely on a daily basis as long as your doctor doesn’t recommend otherwise. However, there are a couple of caveats. Daily use can lead to burnout. If you need to take a couple days off per week, that’s preferable to a short period of daily use followed by a long period of inactivity. Furthermore, cycling in and of itself doesn’t provide the upper body strengthening needed for a well-rounded workout, so it’s best to incorporate strength training to supplement your cycling.

How do I maintain my indoor cycle?

To make sure your indoor cycle lasts as long as possible, make sure you wipe it down after each use. On a regular basis, it’s prudent to tighten screws and lubricate pins, brake tension rod, and posts. If you notice something’s wrong, don’t put it off until later to fix. Check your owner’s manual to get to the root of the problem, or contact customer service to troubleshoot or possibly even take advantage of your warranty.

Are 30 minutes of cycling a day enough?

Using your bike for a half hour per day is sufficient in building your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. To ensure you benefit from a full-body exercise regimen, it’s a good idea to incorporate with weight training as cycling doesn’t provide adequate upper-body focus.

Favorite Indoor Cycles

The following bikes didn’t make our “Best Indoor Cycles” list but are also customer favorites. One might be your best match.