- 9.40/10 1. Premium pick: Keiser M3i
- 9.00/10 2. Editors choice: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
- 9.00/10 3. Best value: XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
- 8.80/10 4. Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
- 8.80/10 5. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
- 8.60/10 6. VIGBODY Exercise Bike
- 8.60/10 7. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
If you're looking for a new stationary exercise bike, there are plenty of models to choose from. Of course, Peloton is one of them, but what if you're looking to mix things up with a bike that's similar to Peloton?
Let's explore the best Peloton bike alternatives out there, and what each one does best.
These days, fitness machines can do a lot more than get you into shape. Some models monitor your vital signs so you can watch your overall body health in real-time. These kinds of bicycles are an ideal choice if you want to lower your heart rate, as you can measure your progress in real-time.
As such, if you want the luxury of a Peloton but want something that can measure your body while you ride, try the Keiser M3i. It comes in around the same price as a basic Peloton bike but has some additional tracking features for the technology enthusiast.
Downloading the companion smartphone app, you can monitor your heart rate, RPM, and the equivalent distance you've traveled so far via the bike's wireless Bluetooth connection. So, if you're looking for the best Peloton alternative for biometrics, you can't go wrong with the Keiser M3i.
- Uses a unique V-shape frame to mimic road bikes
- Adjustable seat height
- Brand: Keiser
- Size: 45L x 25.98W x 48.98H inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: No
- Has advanced Bluetooth statistics tracking
- Durable
- Companion app is quite buggy
The Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike is proof that you don't need to spend a lot to get a good bike in your home. It won the Editor's Choice awards from Men's Health, yet comes in at a really low price point perfect for beginners.
Just because it's affordable doesn't mean it's just a pole with some wheels. The handlebars have hand pulse sensors that record your heart rate in real-time. The information is displayed on the bike's display, so you can see how hard your heart is beating while you pedal.
The bike also comes with eight different levels of tension. Is your cycling workout too easy? Does it feel like you're biking through the mud? Adjust the tension to your ideal cycling resistance and ramp it up once you get used to the level you're on.
- Features a spacious 14.6-inch seat
- Has wheels for easy transportation
- Brand: Exerpeutic
- Size: 31L x 19W x 46H Inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: No
- Features a large LCD screen
- The frame is sturdy and durable
- Not as feature-packed as the alternatives
Sometimes you don't want a machine that acts identical to a bicycle. Sometimes you just need something that keeps your legs moving while you sit back and watch Netflix. If this is you, be sure to check out the XTERRA Fitness Folding Bike. The seat has a padded back so you can rest against it while you exercise.
Once you're done watching TV shows, you can fold up the exercise bicycle and wheel it out of the room. It only takes up 20 inches of space in length and width when folded up, meaning you can tuck it away in a corner with ease.
To top it off, the XTERRA has a digital display, a pulse grip that measures your heart-rate while you cycle, and comes in at a fantastic price point that makes this an ideal beginner's stationary exercise bicycle.
- Uses a padded chair instead of a bicycle seat
- Features eight different resistance levels
- Handlebars feature heart rate monitors
- Brand: XTERRA
- Size: 40.5L x 21W x 50.5H Inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: No
- Very affordable price point
- Easy to transport around the home
- Doesn't take up much room
- Can't adjust the handlebars
Sometimes you don't want all the bells and whistles on your stationary bike; sometimes, you just want the basics. That's where Marcy comes in, with a stationary bike that gives you a straightforward workout for less. The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike isn't the flashiest model, but it is the cheapest on this list.
While it is the budget option compared to the others, it's not barren of features. For instance, it has adjustable resistance and a screen to measure your progress while you cycle. The built-in LCD screen helps you monitor your progress as well.
The Marcy is foldable, which means it's easy to pack up and tidy away once you're done. This makes the Marcy bike the best Peloton alternative for the beginner---it's affordable, sturdy, and doesn't take up room when not in use.
- Comes in green, pink, and sky blue
- Folds up for easy storage
- 250lbs maximum weight capacity
- Brand: Marcy
- Size: 32L x 18W x 42H inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: No
- Easy to assemble
- Light and easy to carry around
- Seat may be too high for some people, even at the lowest setting
If you want a bike that looks great but still respects your bank account, try the YOSUDA Indoor Cycle. Despite its affordable cost, it looks and feels like a premium model that's bound to look good in your workout room.
When you need to wheel it away, you can tilt the bike onto the wheels on the stand and wheel it wherever you need it to go. Once you arrive, you can place the stand down, which lifts the wheels off of the ground, so you don't end up rolling around during exercise.
The bike also features foot cages on the pedals. When you're going at a fast rate, the last thing you want is your foot to slip off and the pedal to whack your leg. With the foot cage, you can keep your feet on their pedals and enjoy a fast ride.
- iPad holder for watching and listening to media while you cycle
- 4-way padded seat
- 1-year guarantee for parts replacement
- Brand: YOSUDA
- Size: 40L x 22W x 45H Inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: No
- Lightweight at 35lbs
- Easy to put together
- People over six foot may struggle to fit properly on the bike
Want something sleek, affordable, and easy to build? Then be sure to check out the VIGBODY Exercise Bike. It's effortless to build straight out of the box, and once you're done, you have a slick-looking bike to start exercising with right away.
While you're exercising, you can get information on your workout via the small display on the bike. If you find that your exercise isn't going as planned, you can use the bike's resistance dial to adjust the level of tension to what suits you best.
- Sleek design
- Adjustable resistance
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Brand: VIGBODY
- Size: 46.1L x 25.2W x 44.1H Inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: No
- Can withstand up to 330lbs
- Long-lasting durability
- Some find the seat uncomfortable for long-term use
If you're not happy with just a standard exercise bicycle and want something with a little more punch, try the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike. You can select a preset course to ride down, which adjusts your ride as if you were going up and down hills.
If you want more than just a crystal display telling you what you're riding down, you can attach a tablet via Bluetooth to the bike. Then, your route will show up on the tablet, so you can see where you're biking.
- Featured advanced Bluetooth connectivity for immersive rides
- Backlit LCD display for workout routines
- Brand: Schwinn
- Size: 41.3L x 21.4W x 55.6H Inches
- Display Included: Yes
- Subscription Required: Yes
- Quiet during use
- Durable
- Reportedly poor customer service
FAQ
Q: Are Stationary Bikes worth It?
As is with all exercise equipment, a stationary bike is only as useful as the amount of time you spend on it.
In terms of doing exercise in the home, it's very much worth the asking price for an exercise bike. You get all of the benefits of cycling with none of the drawbacks, such as cycling in bad weather. Plus, you get to watch Netflix while you cycle!
Before you put down money for a stationary bike, however, be sure to set out an exercise schedule and a place to put it. The novelty of the bike will wear off after a few days, after which you need to continue using it, or it'll end up gathering dust in the corner of your room.
Q: What Should I Look for When Buying a Stationary Bike?
First, be sure you'll fit comfortably on the bike before buying it. Take height and weight measurements, then compare it to customer testimonials and the weight limit, respectively. If either of them suggests that your height or weight will be an issue, don't get it.
Next, think about what you want to get out of the exercise routine. Do you want adjustable resistance levels so you can gradually work up to them? Do you want something you can easily pick up or wheel away? What about media; do you want something you can put a tablet on so you can watch movies or cycle paths as you go?
It's worth considering what your ideal exercise routine looks like so you can buy a bike that fits it. A fantastic, sturdy bike may be of no use to someone who wants to cycle along to exercise routines, and a bike with flashy gadgets may not appeal to someone who wants something as close to the real thing as possible.
Q: Is a Stationary Bicycle Better than Walking?
A stationary bicycle will burn around twice as many calories as walking in an hour. Not only that, but you can adjust some bicycles to give stronger resistance for an even better workout.
If you live in an urban area, walking or jogging can put a strain on your joints as you stroll on the hard tarmac. While you can get shoes to pad out the impact, a bicycle has no such issue, as nothing hits against the floor during operation.
Finally, indoor cycling is a lot more convenient and comfortable than walking. Rain or shine, hot or cold, you can stay indoors and cycle to your heart's content without worrying about going out into the elements.
