Fitness

Yes, you can find a good quality exercise bike under $500 — these are the best

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2024

Yes, you can find a good quality exercise bike under 0 — these are the best

If you want a good cardio session but don’t want to brave the elements — whether heat, cold, rain or snow — an indoor exercise bike is a solid way to burn some calories from the comfort of your own home. To help you navigate which ones offer the best ride, we’ve rounded up a list of several highly rated stationary bikes under $500 that align with expert guidance.

Today’s home bikes span a range of styles and price points. While the pros we spoke to recommend a more expensive bike for serious tracking and online connectivity, they were quick to point out that there are plenty of more affordable exercise bikes that provide everything you need.

“As with any piece of exercise equipment, the best one is the one you are going to use consistently,” says Chicago-based certified personal trainer Eric Ridings.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best budget exercise bikes | The best budget exercise bikes to consider in 2024 | How to shop for budget exercise bikes | What kinds of accessories can I buy for my exercise bike? | Why trust NBC Select?

How we picked the best budget exercise bikes

To compile this list, we spoke to personal trainers about what features you should look for in an affordable exercise bike that will give you a great cardio workout. Based on their expert advice, we picked 13 highly rated bikes, paying special attention to the following criteria:

Maximum weight capacity: We looked for stationary bikes that can hold at least 265 pounds.
Adjustability: All of the bikes we recommend have either adjustable handlebars and seats (or a combination of the two).
Resistance: All of the bikes considered offer a resistance knob so you can customize your workout routine.

The best budget exercise bikes to consider in 2024

The exercise bikes in this roundup are readily available at NBC Select reader-favorite retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Target, along with popular brands, including Sunny Health, Nautilus and Echelon. As an added bonus, most of these stationary exercise bikes give you a 30-day return policy if you’re not fully satisfied with your new purchase. All of these bikes have a customer rating of at least 4.3 stars.

Best overall budget exercise bike: Yosuda Pro Magnetic Exercise Bike

What we like

Quiet handling
Easy assembly

Something to note

Dim backlight on LCD screen

This bike from Yosuda has a magnetic drive system, so it’s super quiet, according to the brand. It also has an LCD monitor that tracks calories burned, speed, distance and time spent pedaling, as well as a resistance knob with 100 micro-adjustable levels so you can customize your exercise routine. A dedicated holder allows you to position a tablet so you can ride along to a workout app, and it has a padded seat, toe-caged pedals and non-slip handlebars that can be adjusted four ways to fit your frame and stride.

Maximum weight capacity: 350 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: 30-day full-refund guarantee and 1-year free parts replacement | Rating: 4.3 star-average rating from 1,693 reviews on Amazon

Best budget exercise bike for small spaces:Ativafit Folding Exercise Bike

What we like

Great for small spaces
Very quiet

Something to note

Small seat space
No warranty

This foldable bike is good for smaller spaces. It has an adjustable seat and eight levels of magnetic resistance, as well as a digital monitor to track time, speed and your pulse. It has a magnetic flywheel that is very quiet, allowing you to watch television or listen to music without distraction while riding, according to the brand.

Maximum weight capacity: 265 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: None | Rating: 4.4-star average rating from 16,538 reviews on AmazonBest versatile budget exercise bike: Kalwol

Best warranty on a budget exercise bike:Luminofit Indoor Cycling Bike

What we like

Adjustable seat and handlebars
Covered by warranty for a year

This bike is made from durable stainless steel and has a heavy-duty flywheel for increased stability while riding, according to the brand. It comes with a four-way adjustable seat and two-way adjustable handlebars and also has a safety brake, which brings the bike to an immediate stop when pushed. The LCD monitor also tracks pulse, time, speed, distance, calories and odometer.

Maximum weight capacity: 330 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: One year for both frame and parts | Rating: 4.6 star-average rating from 222 reviews on Amazon

Best portable budget exercise bike:Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Exercise Cycling Bike

What we like

Connects to free SunnyFit app

Sunny Health is a favorite among NBC Select readers and fitness pros alike and is a top pick in our various guides to indoor bikes. This durable steel-frame model sports a 49-pound chrome flywheel (a weighted disk that mimics a bicycle wheel) and wheels for easy portability, according to the brand. Users can also buy the Sunny Bike Cadence Sensor and connect to Sunny’s free SunnyFit app to measure and track cycling metrics.

Maximum weight capacity: 275 pounds | Digital monitor: No (Cadence Sensor sold separately can track metrics) | Warranty: Frame one year, parts three months | Rating: 4.6 star-average rating from 246 reviews on Walmart

Best silent budget exercise bike:JOROTO Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike

What we like

Easy assembly
Quiet pedaling

Something to note

Only tracks speed and distance

A noisy spin bike can make life miserable for anyone you live with or near (like the neighbors downstairs). The Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike uses magnetic resistance — in this case, seven magnets create a magnetic field, which you can adjust for stronger or lighter resistance — which the brand says makes the bike “whisper quiet.” It sports a 35-pound flywheel and four adjustable feet to keep your bike stable on various surfaces. .

Maximum weight capacity: 280 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: 1-year of free replacement parts | Rating: 4.5 star-average rating from 6,930 reviews on Amazon

Best chain-drive budget exercise bike:Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Indoor Cycling Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike

What we like

Stabilizers prevent wobbling
Transport wheels for mobility

This chain-drive exercise bike from Sunny Health works similar to an outdoor bike with a chain. It features a 40-pound chrome flywheel, resistance knob, two-way adjustable handlebars and a four-way adjustable seat. Four floor stabilizers at the base of the bike help prevent wobbling on uneven surfaces, according to the brand, and it includes transport wheels to make it easier to move it from room to room.

Maximum weight capacity: 275 pounds | Digital monitor: No | Warranty: 3 months (parts); 1 year (frame) | Rating: 4.4 star-average rating from 7,042 reviews on Amazon

Best digital monitor on a budget exercise bike:Harison Stationary Upright Exercise Bike

What we like

Tablet holder
Adjustable seat and handlebars

The Harison exercise bike features 14 levels of magnetic resistance, a four-way adjustable leather seat with extra padding and adjustable handlebars. There’s an LCD screen that tracks your calories burned, speed, distance, time, as well as a separate tablet holder above the screen and handlebars. It also features nonslip pedals and can safely hold riders up to 350 pounds, according to the brand. .

Maximum weight capacity: 350 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: None | Rating: 4.1 star-average rating from 420 reviews on Amazon

Most versatile budget exercise bike:Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike

What we like

Front transport wheels
Free trial membership

This bike has adjustable toe cage pedals, 32 levels of magnetic resistance and front transport wheels so you can move it around your house. It also has a water bottle holder and a spot for your tablet or phone, so you can follow workouts on the companion app. With the purchase of this bike, you get a free 30-day Echelon Premiere membership through the Echelon Fit app, which gives you access to over 3,000 online spin workouts. Classes range from five to 45 minutes long and are designed for everyone from beginners to pros. After the 30-day trial, the app membership is $40 a month.

Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: No | Warranty: 1 year (limited parts and labor) | Rating: 4.3-star average rating from 2,862 reviews on Amazon

Best adjustable budget exercise bike: Pooboo Adjustable Exercise Bike

What we like

Fully adjustable
Silent wheel

Something to note

Monitor batteries not included

Pooboo’s adjustable bike runs on a magnetic resistance system that’s almost completely silent, according to the brand. It has an adjustable padded seat, handlebar and pedals that fit a range of heights from 4’9’ to 6’3”, according to Pooboo. It also comes with Bluetooth compatibility and a monitor to help you track your time while riding. However, the display requires two triple-A batteries that aren’t included with the bike.

Maximum weight capacity: 350 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: None | Rating: 4.5 star-average rating from 9,202 reviews on Amazon

Best Bluetooth connectivity: Schwinn Fitness Upright Bike

What we like

Bluetooth compatibility
Lots of workout programs

This option from Schwinn offers 14 workout programs via an LCD monitor that tracks your speed, distance, heart rate, calories and more, according to the brand. It has adjustable handlebars and a foam seat for added comfort, along with a weighted flywheel, which gives a smooth and quiet workout, according to the brand. The bike also comes with Bluetooth connectivity features that allow you to sync your workouts, progress and goals with the workout tracking app of your choice. You can also gain access to structured workouts and virtual biking routes with a paid subscription to the Zwift app, which is an app for indoor cycling.

Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: Yes | Warranty: 2 years for parts, 1 year for electronics, 10 years for frame | Rating: 4.3 star-average rating from 5,190 reviews on Amazon

How to shop for budget exercise bikes

Here are the most important things Christopher LaMarco, owner of CrossFit Nauset in Orleans, Massachusetts says shoppers should consider when buying an exercise bike on a budget:

Weight capacity. Most models can accommodate up to 270 pounds, but some can even go as high as 400. Always check the weight capacity, especially if you have different riders who will be using the bike.
Adjustability. Having the ability to raise and lower the seat and handlebars to fit your frame and stride is important to ensure a correct posture while riding, says LaMarco.
Display. Without a display, it’s nearly impossible to track your progress and replicate workouts, says LaMarco. You want to track calories burned, distance and heart rate each time you ride, he says.
Resistance. Having the ability to adjust your resistance allows you to increase your workout level so you can improve speed, power and strength. An exercise bike should offer at least 10 levels of resistance so you can individualize your workout. Having no resistance could increase your risk of injury, says LaMarco.
Noise level. Exercise bikes are one of the quieter pieces of gym equipment. Still, there are different noise levels depending on the type of resistance or drive mechanism. Magnetic resistance is generally quieter than friction resistance, and chain and belt drives are even noisier. Ideally, you’ll want to try the bike out to see if the noise bothers you before you buy.
Safety and stability. The heavier the steel frame and flywheel, the more stable the bike, says LaMarco.
Portability. A bike that comes with transport wheels allows you to more easily move it from room to room if necessary.
Warranty. Some bikes under $500 don’t offer a warranty, but many do, either on the frame or parts or both.
Your space. In general, exercise bikes don’t take too much space. However, some are wider and others need good headroom. Consider your space before shopping to see what type of bike fits best.

What kinds of accessories can I buy for my exercise bike?

There are dozens of spinning accessories on the market today, and many are available right on Amazon. LaMarco says one of the best accessories to consider, if your bike doesn’t already have them, are toe clips for the pedals to lock your feet in place. Other accessories to consider are padded bike seats, an electronic fan, a cup holder, a portable electronic device mount, easy-to-grip support handles or an anti-fatigue floor mat.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Eric Ridings is a Chicago-based certified personal trainer and the lead coach at Mobility Works, a strength and conditioning center.
Chris LaMarco is the owner of CrossFit Nauset in Orleans, Massachusetts.

Why trust NBC Select?

Barbara Booth, Ashley Morris and Justin Redman have published several roundups on best exercise equipment for NBC Select, including Best ellipticals and Best women’s walking shoes. For this piece, Barbara interviewed two experts and researched dozens of exercise bikes, choosing the most highly rated options under $500 that aligned with expert guidance.

Fitness

Fitness Class Volume Tied to Exercise Intensity Perception

Published

3 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Fitness Class Volume Tied to Exercise Intensity Perception

About The Study: In this comparative effectiveness study, reducing music volume in group fitness classes did not lead to meaningful reductions in perceived exertion and may reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. These findings support implementing safer sound practices in fitness environments and underscore the need for increased awareness and education on hearing protection.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.

Fitness

Reward yourself by exercising regularly at One to One Fitness | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University

Published

15 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Reward yourself by exercising regularly at One to One Fitness | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University

Now is the time to recommit to your health in time to feel your best for all your summer activities! One to One Fitness Center offers several ways to save in March.

Members of the Case Western Reserve University community can take advantage of sign-up specials designed to reward themselves for creating healthy habits.

Individuals can get 50% off the initiation fee (regularly $50 plus tax) and earn back what they do pay by exercising eight or more days in both April and May. Learn more online about this deal on initiation fees.

Students also can get additional savings:

Graduate students who are enrolled for the spring semester receive summer membership free.
With Spartan Shape Up memberships, affiliate students pay just $40 per month for membership from now through May, and no initiation fee or security deposit is required.
Students also can pay $44 plus tax per month with a month-to-month, ongoing plan. No initiation fee or security deposit required.

One to One Fitness Center, owned and operated by CWRU, is known for offering personal, professional, friendly and clean services. Memberships include full access to the 28,000-square-foot fitness center, group exercise classes, validated parking in Lot 53, towel and locker service, and member discounts on programs and services.

Members also can add their spouse or partner to their account for $30 plus tax per month. The center also offers personal training, Pilates Reformer, massage therapy and sound bath therapy, swim lessons, and more.

Visit the One to One Fitness Center website, email onetoone@case.edu or call 216.368.1121 for more information.

Fitness

A 3-Step Plan to Give Your Diet, Fitness Routine and Mindset a Reset for Spring

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

A 3-Step Plan to Give Your Diet, Fitness Routine and Mindset a Reset for Spring

To help you do this, we’ve tapped our Start TODAY experts for simple tips to lighten up meals, move in ways that boost metabolism and and refocus our mindset to get motivated to keep working toward your goals. Apply their strategies and finish the month feeling lighter, more energized and motivated to move forward. Here’s the plan to make it happen:

>>Download the 31-day calendar here

31-Day HIIT & Walking Challenge

This month’s workout plan is focused on short workouts that pack a punch. “HIIT workouts give you a bigger bang for your workout buck! They provide a more efficient workout because you’re alternating the pace and intensity rather than sticking to a steady, moderate pace,” says Mansour. “Changing things up with HIIT prevents boredom and keeps your muscles guessing. This is how we can get the body to change — whether that change is speeding up your metabolism, burning more calories, building muscle, losing weight, or just improving overall health — keeping your body guessing is the magic ticket to seeing results!”

Active recovery days include stretching to improve flexibility and walking for a cardiovascular workout that aids muscle recovery. When weather permits, Mansour encourages people to get outside on walking days. “Walking outdoors isn’t just a workout, it’s a chance to breathe in fresh air and get out of the house to change your environment,” she says. “Each time you go outside on a walk, even if you go on the same path, you’ll see or feel something different. Maybe it’s a change in weather, plants or flowers, people or things. Prioritizing taking your walk outside can hugely benefit your mental health. Getting out of your regular environment and into nature can be a form of meditation, too.”

Get the full 31-day workout plan with unique workouts sent to you daily — plus, walking podcasts, healthy spring recipes and mindfulness tools — in the Start TODAY app!

Start TODAY Spring Asparagus Pasta recipe — Lighten up comfort food favorites by adding seasonal ingredients, like in this Spring Asparagus Pasta.

3 Simple Spring Diet Tips

In addition to mixing up your workout routine, use spring as an opportunity to start lightening up your meals by packing them with seasonal ingredients. Start TODAY dietitian Natalie Rizzo shares her top tips:

Incorporate more seasonal foods. After a long winter of eating the same foods, your palate is ready for a change! Aim to add at least one spring fruit or vegetable to your meals each day, like asparagus, peas, spinach, radishes, citrus or strawberries. This Spring Asparagus Pasta is a simple weeknight dinner that feels both light and comforting. Seasonal produce is fresher, more flavorful, and an easy way to naturally boost vitamins and fiber. Plus, seasonal produce is more affordable than other items in the produce section.
Use fresh herbs to brighten up your dishes. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, or dill can instantly upgrade simple meals without extra salt or heavy sauces. Sprinkle them on salads, roasted veggies, eggs, soups, or grain bowls for a burst of spring flavor. Cilantro is the perfect finish to this Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potato, while herbs are blended into cottage cheese in this Herby Cottage Cheese Toast with Tomato recipe for a pop of fresh flavor.
Shift from heavy comfort meals to balanced plates. As the weather warms up, it’s time to move away from heavy comfort foods and embrace lightened up spring dishes. Build plates with a mix of lean protein, whole grains or starchy veggies, and plenty of colorful produce. Think roasted veggie grain bowls, hearty salads like this BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad, or simple stir-fries instead of creamy casseroles or heavy stews.

Start TODAY Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potato — A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is the perfect finish to this Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potato.

Spring Clean Your Mindset with This Mental Health Exercise

Yes, we are working to propel ourselves forward toward our health goals, but an important part of that process is slowing down and reflecting.

Getting permission not to rush in a world that feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up is a reminder that most of us need.

Yasmine Cheyenne, start TODAY mindfulness expert

“Getting permission not to rush in a world that feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up is a reminder that most of us need, but how often would we admit that?” says Cheyenne. “ When the to-do list feels long, and we’re trying to get everything done, we often say the opposite, disregarding how we feel, and push ourselves. Yes, we all have deadlines and things that need to be done. But we also need the reminder to take care while handling our responsibilities.”

This can be easier said than done. So Cheyenne offers up a simple exercise to help: Write down the words you need to hear each day to make yourself a priority and work toward your goals. Put them somewhere you see often, like your fridge or bathroom mirror, and recite them out loud daily.

“This is a perfect example of a reminder that seems small, but can come at the perfect time and help us care for ourselves,” she explains. “One of my favorite examples is: Take it slow and don’t rush, your nervous system deserves peace.”

“When you tell yourself the thing you’ve been needing to hear, it allows you to admit the quiet rumbling within you and take the steps you need. It might be admitting ‘I’m tired and will give myself an early night this week.’ Or you’re saying ‘I’m so proud of the way I’ve committed to moving my body everyday.’ Whether you’re cheering yourself on or reminding yourself of what you need, we don’t always slow down enough to hear what we need from ourselves, and this practice is a great way to start.”

Talking out loud to yourself may feel strange at first, but Cheyenne says over time it will help shift your mindset and translate those words into action. “When we hear ourselves recite these words, it’s like we’re planting positive seeds within us. The more we say what we need, the more we remember it, and we’re more likely to follow through and care for ourselves,” she says. “Our actions really start with the words we say to ourselves. Reading them out loud helps us rewire the way we talk to ourselves and that inner shift is exactly what opens the door to transformation.”

Join our live “Spring Reset Workshop” on March 22 to get one-on-one coaching from Yasmine Cheyenne and connect with other Start TODAY members. Sign up here!