Exercise Bike Buying Guide
Upright vs Recumbent vs Indoor Cycle
Exercise bikes come in three distinct styles, and picking the right one makes a real difference to how consistently you train.
Upright bikes most closely replicate the feel of a road or trail bicycle. You sit in a forward-leaning position, engaging your core and working your quads, hamstrings, and glutes in a natural cycling motion. They're compact, affordable, and work well in most home setups. Models like the Viavito Satori, with its 9kg flywheel and 32 resistance levels, and the Viavito SB1, featuring Zwift and Kinomap app compatibility, are strong examples of what a well-specified upright can do at a sensible price.
Recumbent bikes offer a reclined seat with full back support. The pedals sit out in front rather than beneath you, making them far kinder to the lower back, hips, and knees. They target the glutes and hamstrings with less strain on the joints. This makes recumbents ideal for older riders, those returning from injury, or anyone who wants long, comfortable sessions. The NordicTrack r8.9b is a strong example at the upper end, with 24 resistance levels and full iFIT connectivity.
Indoor cycles (often called spin bikes) are built for intensity. A heavy flywheel — typically 12kg or more — creates the kind of momentum you feel in a studio style="overflow: hidden; height: 26px;" class or serious training session. They suit people who want structured, performance-focused workouts, and they pair well with apps like Zwift and Kinomap. The Echelon GT Smart Connect Indoor Cycle and the higher-spec Echelon EX-30 RCX are good examples of connected indoor cycles available on Sweatband, while the NordicTrack 24 Studio Cycle steps things up with a 24" HD touchscreen built in.
Who should buy what?
Choose an upright if you want everyday cardio in a compact, versatile format.
Choose a recumbent if comfort, back support, or injury recovery are priorities.
Choose an indoor cycle if you want structured, high-intensity training or love virtual riding apps.
Best Exercise Bike brands
How Much Should You Spend on an Exercise Bike?
Beginner Cyclists
Starting out? Reliability, smooth resistance, and a comfortable seat matter most at this stage.
The Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise Bike (from around £99 on Sweatband) is one of the best entry options if space is tight. It folds to a footprint of just 33cm x 41cm and offers eight resistance levels — more than enough for regular low-intensity work. For those ready to step up slightly, the Viavito Veloria Indoor Cycle at around £169 gives you a budget-friendly route into spin-style training.
Suggested spend: £150-£350
Aim for a bike with basic resistance adjustment, a stable frame, and an adjustable saddle.
Who this suits
Those new to home training, anyone building a walking or cycling habit, and buyers who want a low-commitment entry point before upgrading.
Coach's take
Don't overthink it. A basic bike you use five times a week beats a premium one you use once.
Flywheel Weight
Resistance Type & Levels
Bike Type
Adjustability
Connectivity & Apps
The weight of the spinning disc that creates momentum as you pedal
The mechanism that makes pedalling harder — magnetic, friction, or air
Upright, recumbent, or indoor cycle — each gives a different body position and workout style
How much you can customise seat height, handlebar position, and fore-aft saddle position
Whether the bike links to training apps like Zwift, Kinomap, or iFIT via Bluetooth or ANT+
A heavier flywheel (aim for 7kg+ for upright bikes, 12kg+ for indoor cycles) delivers a smoother, more realistic ride. Lighter flywheels can feel jerky and lose momentum between pedal strokes, which becomes noticeable on longer sessions.
Magnetic resistance is quietest and maintenance-free — ideal for home use. More resistance levels (16, 20, 32+) give you finer control over workout intensity. Friction resistance can be slightly louder but is common on entry-level indoor cycles.
Your body position changes which muscles you target and how much strain you place on your lower back and joints. Match the bike type to your fitness goals and any physical limitations. Recumbents are easiest on joints; indoor cycles are most intense.
Poor fit leads to discomfort and injury. A bike with generous adjustment range suits multiple users and ensures you can maintain proper posture throughout your pedal stroke. Always check handlebar height adjustment in addition to saddle height.
Built-in or app-connected training programmes turn solo sessions into guided workouts. Zwift and Kinomap compatibility is a strong choice for those who want virtual routes and multiplayer riding. iFIT integration on ProForm and NordicTrack machines includes auto-resistance adjustment with instructor cues.
When We're Available
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Current Treadmill Deals Shop all
- 30+ live daily classes + on-demand library (45-day trial) - structured, motivating cycling workouts.
- 32 resistance levels + 7 kg flywheel - smooth, quiet pedalling with scalable intensity.
- Adjustable seat/handlebars + toe-cage pedals - ergonomic fit for long, comfortable rides.
Echelon EX-30 RCX Smart Connect Indoor Cycle
- Bluetooth + iConsole+/Kinomap/Zwift compatibility - interactive routes and real-time performance tracking.
- 9 kg flywheel + 32 magnetic resistance levels - very smooth, finely tunable pedalling.
- Large padded seat + adjustable handlebars + secure straps - comfortable, stable posture for longer sessions.
- Lightweight foldable frame - easy storage for small spaces.
- 1.2 kg flywheel + 8 magnetic resistance levels - silent, smooth motion for low-noise workouts.
- Padded adjustable seat + LCD feedback - comfortable ride with the essential workout metrics.
Viavito Onyx Folding Exercise Bike
NordicTrack X24 Studio Indoor Cycle
- 24″ HD pivoting touchscreen + iFIT - instructor-led classes and thousands of workouts on a large display.
- SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance + adjustable ergonomics - smooth, quiet rides tailored to your fit.
- 24 digital resistance levels + iFIT sync - precise training and seamless data sync to Strava, Garmin, Apple Health.
NordicTrack 24 Studio Indoor Cycle
Echelon EX-5 Smart Connect Indoor Cycle
FAQs
Why does my exercise bike wobble when I pedal hard?
Why does my exercise bike wobble when I pedal hard?
Usually it’s uneven floor contact or loose stabilisers. Adjust the levelling feet and tighten bolts after the first few sessions — something often mentioned in support guides from brands like NordicTrack.
Is a spin bike or upright bike better for beginners?
Is a spin bike or upright bike better for beginners?
Upright bikes feel more natural and comfortable for new users. Spin bikes (like those from Echelon) are great once you want higher-intensity workouts and structured classes.
How many calories can I burn on an exercise bike?
How many calories can I burn on an exercise bike?
Most people burn 200–400 calories in 30 minutes, depending on resistance and effort level. Adding intervals increases calorie burn without longer sessions.
Why do my knees hurt after cycling?
Why do my knees hurt after cycling?
It’s usually saddle height or resistance that’s too high. Adjust seat position so knees track straight and avoid pushing heavy resistance too early.
Do I need cycling shoes or can I use trainers?
Do I need cycling shoes or can I use trainers?
Trainers are fine for casual workouts. Cycling shoes improve efficiency and comfort during longer or harder rides, especially on spin-style bikes.
