Trainers say this exercise bike is just as good as a Peloton for a quarter of the price
I was a competitive runner for more than a decade, and always looked forward to cross-training days on the exercise bike. It was the perfect chance to give my tired joints some slack while still getting in a good workout. However, once I graduated college and had to plan my own cross-training days, I quickly realized that many have a steep price tag. But, as time went on I learned it’s possible to get a quality model for a relatively affordable price.
Sure, exercise bikes under £500 aren’t as flashy as models double the price, but they still get the job done with a budget-friendly price tag. My first model was £300, and I still like to hop on it when someone in my house is hogging our pricier Peloton. Not only that, but I can also do all the HIIT workouts I love on my trusty old machine.
Best Exercise Bikes Under £500
No matter the cost, “exercise bikes can be a great, low-impact method for improving or maintaining cardiovascular health,” says Doug Sklar, CPT. They can also help you tone up and build strength, whether they’re under £500 or way more expensive, points out Kaleigh Ray, a certified exercise physiologist.
Based on our testing experience and expert feedback, it’s important to consider size, resistance levels, and maximum weight before taking the plunge on an upright or recumbent bike.
What To Consider
Size
Upright bikes tend to take up the least amount of space, while recumbent bikes (which puts the rider in a leaning-back sitting position) are usually bulkier. You should carefully measure the area where you plan to put a bike and make sure to leave extra space around the sides for getting on and off. Some models have wheels or even fold up. If you plan to move your machine around frequently, this is definitely something to consider.
Resistance Levels
Some exercise bikes have limited resistance levels, which means less tension while pedalling, while others (usually studio-style bikes) have a lot of options to allow you to fine-tune the resistance. “That includes higher-intensity sprint things or lower-intensity, slower rides,” says Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS. Either way, you’ll want to be able to adjust the resistance to challenge yourself. Consider the type of workouts you plan to do before deciding on one option over another.
Maximum Weight
Every bike will have a maximum weight—meaning, how heavy the rider can be. The bikes we recommend on this list have a generous limit, which means all family members can feel safe while pedalling. Manufacturers will usually clearly state this information, so be sure to read the fine print. Using a bike when you’re heavier than the maximum weight could void the warranty, if there is one, or even worse—break and cause you to injure yourself.
How We Chose
Women’s Health editors consulted with five personal trainers who regularly use exercise bikes and implement them into their clients’ workout regimes. Using their advice on important features to look for, we evaluated popular models on factors like size, resistance levels, and maximum weight. We included a range of styles to suit a variety of needs and fitness levels. With that in mind, these are the best exercise bikes under £500 to help you get in a solid low-impact workout without blowing your budget.
Heavy-Duty Recumbent Bike
A recumbent bike, like this one from Sunny Health & Fitness, is ideal for people with back issues thanks to its wide extra-supportive seat that helps reduce strain For this reason, it’s “preferred by many older adults,” says Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS, and exercise physiologist. While our top choice has 100 resistance levels, this model only has eight. It limits intense workouts on the bike, which is something to keep in mind if you’re used to fast-paced cycling classes. Matheny says this is “best for beginners or older people who have never cycled or taken a spin class.”
Users can adjust the intensity level by turning the dial, while the seat position is equally easy to tweak—just pull up the lever. At 27 kilos, this bike is surprisingly lightweight for a recumbent and can hold up to 136kg, which makes it technically sturdier than other options. But, it’s still bulkier and wider than other options on this list. If you have limited space or live in an apartment, this is probably not the best choice.
The display is small and basic but shows time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse (if you grip the sensors on the handles). There’s also a water bottle holder positioned between your legs, although it requires you to lean over while pedalling to grab your drink.
Foldable Exercise Bike
Nearly every exercise bike is going to hog floor space in your home, but the ATIVAFIT Folding Exercise Bike has a genius design that allows the bike to fold up into a compact package the size of a vacuum so you can stash it away in a wardrobe, corner, and the tiniest of city apartments. It also has a small footprint when it’s unfolded and is the most lightweight option on this list at only 16 kilograms. Plus, the frame is surprisingly sturdy since it can withstand up to 125 kilos (!).
Sklar says this bike is “a good option for those with limited space who want the challenge and benefits of cycling.” The bike has seven adjustable seat height options, although the recommended max height is 5’8”. Similar to our recumbent bike option, there are only eight resistance levels. “It’s suitable for beginners, but may not be ideal for more experienced cyclists,” Ray says. If you need a challenge, the YOSUDA bike is the best option.
Like all the bikes on this list, a device tray on the display can hold your phone or tablet, while the display itself gives data on your time, speed, calories, and pulse.
Exercise Bike
For a quality exercise bike without the steep price tag, you can't go wrong with this one from Advamsoler. It has a 4.9-star rating with over 100 reviews with many claiming it's a 'great spin bike for home' that has 'been a game-changer for my home fitness routine' said one reviewer.
It's remarkably sturdy for the price point, has an LCD monitor to track your stats or hold your own tablet if you're following a video workout, and is easy to store in the house - a must in cosy UK houses. You can customise your resistance levels to get the best workout for your body and best of all, is surprisingly quiet so as not to disturb everyone else in the home.
Meet The Experts
Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS, is a co-founder of New York City’s SoHo Strength Lab. He also serves as the consulting dietitian for DB Track Club, a professional track and field training group.
Doug Sklar is a CPT and founder of the New York City fitness training studio PhilanthroFIT.
Kaleigh Ray is a certified exercise physiologist at Treadmill Review Guru.
Melissa Hendrix Wogahn is a CSCS and exercise physiologist.
Taylor Beebe is a CPT based in California. She’s also a national qualifier for USA Powerlifting.
Shop More Gym Equipment
6 best curved treadmills for long runs, walking and sprints
The best fitness mirrors to elevate your home workouts
'I've been using this home reformer Pilates machine for three months and I'm in love'
You Might Also Like
