Fitness
Yes, you can find a good quality exercise bike under $500 — 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
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.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
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