Best Exercise Bikes Over $1,500 of 2024

Exercise Bikes Over $1,500 Buying Guide

The exercise bike comparison chart above shows five of the smoothest-running and most engaging bikes on the market. Summarizing these bikes isn’t easy, especially since three diverse styles are represented, but here we share guidelines about what you can generally expect from an exercise bike priced at $1,500 or more.

For details about specific bike models you can follow links to our full product reviews. We’ve also prepared exercise bike brand reviews.

Traditional Exercise Bikes Over $1,500

Traditional stationary bikes are great tools for cardiovascular training and weight loss. Those priced at $1,500 and up tend to have heavy steel frames, excellent adjustability for user height and a wide range of resistance settings. Generally the resistance is provided by flywheels weighing 25 pounds or more. These features help make the bikes ideal for almost any trainee. (In contrast, cheap exercise bikes typically aren’t as sturdy and only offer enough force to challenge beginners.) Partly because the bikes have magnetic resistance systems, they can operate especially quietly. Additionally the best bikes in this price class have well-contoured saddles that are filled with gel or otherwise amply cushioned.

Excellent workout programming is typical of stationary bikes over $1,500 too. Built-in training programs support diverse exercise goals such as weight loss and distance training, and many brands now equip their bikes with wireless connections for accessing additional workouts. Mobile fitness apps can also connect with certain bikes to wirelessly track fitness data.

Other features usually included on $1,500-and-up stationary bikes are iPod-compatible sound systems, tablet computer holders and/or magazine racks, and water bottle holders. Some brands include cooling fans on the consoles too.

Indoor Cycle Trainers Over $1,500

Indoor cycle trainers are the best exercise bikes for simulating outdoor training and getting intense workouts. They’re not only great for weight loss and muscle toning, but also for building strength in the lower body. Compared with traditional stationary bikes, indoor cycle trainers have especially heavy flywheels; forty to 50 pounds is the industry standard.

These exercise bikes, more than any other type, emulate road bikes. Many have universal seat posts so that the owner can swap out the saddle for that of a road bike. Often the pedals can be customized too. Some of the best indoor cycle trainers are sold with dual pedals; these have toe clips on one side and toe cages and/or straps on the other.

Many people shopping for this type of exercise bike aren’t interested in a feature-rich console. For these shoppers there are many streamlined indoor cycle trainers; these include very small workout monitors and limited training support, if any. Other shoppers seek indoor cycle trainers with high-tech workout programs and creature comforts such as touchscreens and Internet access. High quality brands cater to this type of shopper too.

Recumbent Bikes Over $1,500

Ultra-comfortable cardio training is the territory of recumbent exercise bikes. Recumbent bikes let their riders lean back when pedaling. Their seats have high backs like office chairs do, so the lumbar support is far superior to that of regular upright bikes. Plus, because a rider’s legs are held out front instead of below the body, recumbent bikes are relatively low impact.

Generally the resistance settings on these bikes starts out very low to accommodate physical rehabilitation. Ultimately though the recumbent bikes priced at $1,500 and up have very high resistance settings too.

Just like upright exercise bikes, recumbents tend to be equipped with plenty of workout programming and entertainment support. Examples of special features are touch screens, TV screens, mobile device holders, tablet computer holders, charging ports and iPod compatibility.