Although there are plenty of exercise bikes, it’s important to consider the different brands and types out there to fit your needs. We rounded up this list with all types of riders in mind and alternatives that can be options if you don’t want to buy a Peloton. We test all of our exercise bikes using the same criteria.

Assembly and delivery

Although some exercise bikes include assembly with delivery, not all do. With some bikes, you may have to pay extra for that service or you’ll have to be comfortable assembling it on your own. We considered whether an exercise bike brand included or offered assembly (and how much it costs), and for those bikes we had to assemble, we considered how clear the instructions are and how long it took to build the bike.

Features

We also looked at what makes the bike unique, whether it’s a special function or any other bells and whistles. This included its functions, class types, programming, bike software, third-party app connections and the ability to connect to wearables like heart rate monitors.  

Membership

Many smart bikes now include a subscription to access their classes. We looked at whether the member subscription is essential to your indoor cycling experience or if there’s an option to just ride or connect to other third-party apps. For example, some subscription services offer less expensive options to add family members. 

Functionality

During the testing experience, we looked at how well the exercise bike functioned. We considered if any pieces arrived broken or if parts of the bike didn’t function correctly. We also observed how quiet the bike is and how intuitive it is to use as a first-time rider. If there is a learning curve, we took into account how quickly it is to learn, but also understand that this may be different for everyone.

Software ease of use

Most exercise bikes have an app and/or a screen that has a required software. We took into account how well-developed the software is, if it’s intuitive to use and how technologically advanced it is. 

Warranty

When making a big purchase like an exercise bike, it’s essential to know the warranty in case anything breaks. We considered how long the warranty is, what parts of the exercise bike it covers and if there is an extended warranty option.