The best exercise bikes in the UK 2023

Like the treadmill, the exercise bike is one of the great classics of indoor fitness equipment. This timeless piece of equipment will help you build muscle (hamstrings, glutes, quads, calves and abs). Read this guide to find the best exercise bikes available.

ISE Vélo d'appartement Semi-Allongé SY-6801 1
9/10

Best value for money

ISE Vélo d'appartement Semi-Allongé SY-6801

The best exercise bike in 2021

This exercise bike is very comfortable to use. The sitting position and the 8 kg flywheel allow you to exercise efficiently. It has 8 levels of magnetic adjustment.

175 £ on Amazon

This semi-extended exercise bike from ISE is a modern, high-performance piece of sports equipment that stands out for its quality of construction and ease of use. It offers you the possibility of exercising at home in complete safety. With its correct size, it can be used by all those who seek to tone their body in better conditions.

Its large screen displays all the information you need during your sessions: distance covered, speed, calories burned, scan, etc. In addition, the pulsometer integrated into the wrists allows you to control your pulse to limit or increase your pace. Ergonomically, this exercise bike is equipped with self-leveling pedals and stabilizing feet.

Himaly Mini bike 2
8/10

Best value for money

Himaly Mini bike

The best entry-level exercise bike

This mini exercise bike is specially designed to exercise arms and legs. Lightweight and compact, you can take it anywhere to do your workout.

36,80 £ on Amazon

This mini exercise bike is well known for its high capacity to maintain your cardiovascular health. It is also one of the best ways to keep your well-being and stay in shape. Not everyone is a fan of cycling or pedal exercise, but a smooth pedaling system like this one can bring even the most hesitant users to enjoy a therapeutic and invigorating sports activity.

Its resistance is well-felt and is adjustable to several levels, you can even pedal forward or backward as you wish. It is also possible to track your performance with the multifunction LCD screen on the bike. This mini exercise bike is safe and efficient.

Sportstech Vélo d'Appartement ergomètre ESX500 3
8/10

Best premium value

Sportstech Vélo d'Appartement ergomètre ESX500

The best high-end exercise bike

The ESX500 is a high performance, high quality exercise bike with a 12kg flywheel for all kinds of exercises. It is light, ultra-resistant and has a maximum load capacity of 120 kg.

399 £ on Amazon

Whether you're looking to burn fat, increase your physical performance or simply tone your body, the Sportstech ESX500 will be your best ally. It offers 12 training programs and can be connected to a mobile device. The adjustable pedal and saddle offer optimal comfort during your workout.

Its multimedia console with 5.5 inch screen gives all the information in real time. This exercise bike is compatible with a cardio belt for an even more complete workout. It has 16 levels of resistance with magnetic braking fully controllable via computer.

Ultrasport F-Bike 200B 4
7/10

A great choice

Ultrasport F-Bike 200B

An efficient and connected exercise bike

For the price, this exercise bike has some great options. It has all the makings of high quality sports equipment and does its job well with its stylish look and bright colors.

108 £ on Amazon

Ultrasport offers a sturdy exercise bike that supports up to 100 kg, to allow you to exercise easily at home. This static equipment offers a progressive training with 8 levels. It includes a backrest to secure your back during the sessions. This space-saving bike is fully foldable and easy to store.

This F-Bike 200B model is equipped with an LCD screen that communicates various data such as the duration of your session, calories burned, heart rate or distance traveled. It also includes a pulsometer. One of its main assets is its adjustable seat height from 78 to 86 cm.

Skandika foldaway X-3000 exercise bike 5
8/10

Very good

Skandika foldaway X-3000 exercise bike

Best value for money

Skandika is a practical exercise and weight bike for a varied workout. Modern, light and sturdy, it is compatible with various applications and allows well-controlled exercises.

215 £ on Cdiscount

This Skandika exercise bike offers many options that allow you to perform many exercises. With its 8 manually adjustable programs and its 4.5 kg inertia mass, you can perfectly adapt your sessions to your physical capacity. The Foldaway X-3000 is a perfect combination of ergometer and weight trainer, and is very stable and easy to use.

It has an adjustable seat and backrest, so you can get comfortable. Safety is enhanced by the presence of anti-slip pedals and adjustable straps. It is a compact yet modern piece of equipment with its Bluetooth 4.0 connection, CL console that instantly displays data, and its tablet carrier.

Care Fitness SV-314 STRIALE 6
8/10

For beginners

Care Fitness SV-314 STRIALE

A great model for beginners

This exercise bike is a reference for any beginner wishing to engage in regular physical activity at home. It has been ingeniously designed point by point to ensure easy and comfortable use.

143 £ on Amazon

It is a folding electric bicycle with backrest. It is easy to assemble and the device is plugless. The SV-314 has a 4 kg flywheel that will give you a complete workout at home. This is thanks to its multi-socket handlebars that allow you to vary the positions, an adjustable saddle and weighted pedals equipped with straps that avoid jerks. Note that this bike is suitable for people under 1m80 and under 100 kg.

For more convenience, the pedals of the SV-314 can be removed. Thus, the device will measure only 132 cm high, 46 cm wide, and 44 cm long. Weighing only 15 kg, it is also easy to move and comes with emergency braking systems that provide an excellent experience. Its backlit LCD screen also allows you to track your workouts in real time. In short, this model is great if you just want to stay in shape.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best exercise bike

Any specific needs?

The best exercise bike in 2021

The best entry-level exercise bike

The best high-end exercise bike

An efficient and connected exercise bike

Best value for money

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.9/59 votes

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Comparison table of the best exercise bikes

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE EXCELLENT Very good For beginners
ISE Vélo d'appartement Semi-Allongé SY-6801 7
9/10
Himaly Mini bike 8
8/10
Sportstech Vélo d'Appartement ergomètre ESX500 9
8/10
Ultrasport F-Bike 200B 10
7/10
Skandika foldaway X-3000 exercise bike 11
8/10
Care Fitness SV-314 STRIALE 12
8/10
OUR SELECTION
ISE Vélo d'appartement Semi-Allongé SY-6801
Himaly Mini bike
Sportstech Vélo d'Appartement ergomètre ESX500
Ultrasport F-Bike 200B
Skandika foldaway X-3000 exercise bike
Care Fitness SV-314 STRIALE
This exercise bike is very comfortable to use. The sitting position and the 8 kg flywheel allow you to exercise efficiently. It has 8 levels of magnetic adjustment.
This mini exercise bike is specially designed to exercise arms and legs. Lightweight and compact, you can take it anywhere to do your workout.
The ESX500 is a high performance, high quality exercise bike with a 12kg flywheel for all kinds of exercises. It is light, ultra-resistant and has a maximum load capacity of 120 kg.
For the price, this exercise bike has some great options. It has all the makings of high quality sports equipment and does its job well with its stylish look and bright colors.
Skandika is a practical exercise and weight bike for a varied workout. Modern, light and sturdy, it is compatible with various applications and allows well-controlled exercises.
This exercise bike is a reference for any beginner wishing to engage in regular physical activity at home. It has been ingeniously designed point by point to ensure easy and comfortable use.
Dimensions and weight
117.5 x 50 x 110 cm / 27 kg
42 x 32 x 20 cm / 3 kg
96.4 x 52.2 x 132.1 cm / 30 kg
96.5 x 46 x 119.5 cm / 18 kg
48 x 40 x 132 cm / 16 kg
93 cm x 53 cm x 113 cm / 15 kg
Material
Steel bindings
Stainless steel and ABS
-
Steel frame
-
Steel
Maximum supported load
120 kg
-
120 kg
110 kg
100 kg
100 kg
LCD display
Features
Comfortable, adjustable seat with heart rate sensor
Suitable for all ages, compact and lightweight, can exercise arms and legs
Fitness app compatible, tablet holder, USB charging, bluetooth, computer control.
Handheld pulse sensor, 8 levels of resistance
Bluetooth, phone or tablet holder, pull cord with Power Ropes, easily foldable.
With weighted pedals to prevent kicking and jerking, 8 levels of resistance, a support backrest, multi-grip handlebar

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Buying guide - exercise bike

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How to choose your exercise bike

#1 - The flywheel and the chassis

The weight of the flywheel has a great influence on the comfort of pedaling, that's why it is an important criterion. The heavier the wheel, the smoother the pedaling. You can orient your choice according to your profile and your objectives. If you are a novice and your goal is to lose weight and improve your endurance, a 6 to 8 kg flywheel is recommended. If you are an experienced athlete, a flywheel of more than 15 kg is more appropriate.Regarding the frame, it is also preferable to opt for a heavy and wide structure to avoid any risk of tipping the bike. Make sure that the frame's straddle is sufficiently ergonomic.

#2 - Saddle and handlebars

These two criteria are important for your comfort and should therefore not be neglected. Consider the adjustability of the handlebars and saddle. Adjustable handlebars are preferable to fixed ones. You will be able to adjust the height and front to back, which will allow you to have an adequate posture according to your morphology. You should also choose a saddle that is adjustable in height and depth to avoid shocks to your joints and to have an ideal distance from the handlebars, allowing you to pedal safely.

#3 - Resistance and braking

You can choose between 3 types of braking, namely manual, magnetic and electromagnetic. For the manual brake, the resistance is adjusted with a knob; while for the magnetic brake, it is adjusted directly from the bike's console. Magnets are placed on the flywheel and the more magnets there are, the more precise the braking. The electromagnetic brake, meanwhile, is fluid, fast and quiet, an excellent option in terms of comfort of use.

#4 - The console

Mini-computer

placed on the exercise bike, the console is an essential criterion, because it is it that allows you to view in real time your performance and control the training programs. It is from this accessory that you will be able to get information on speed, distance, number of calories burned, duration, etc. You will be able to adapt your workout according to your needs. You will be able to adapt your training according to the results. There are various types of consoles (with backlit screen, in color, interactive...) and the choice is yours according to your comfort requirements.

#5 - The proposed programs

Most exercise bikes offer training programs, usually designed by professional coaches. They are intended to motivate you to achieve your goals. The number of programs is thus important, because it is according to this that you could vary your exercises. Some models offer an ergometer function that allows you to adjust the pedaling resistance according to the program; while others can connect to your tablet to allow you to instantly visualize your workouts and track your progress.

#6 - Comfort and convenience

As not all exercise bikes offer the same comfort, it is up to you to determine the criteria that are essential for you to achieve your goals. In any case, make sure that the model is foldable and equipped with wheels for easy storage. It would also be interesting if it had level compensators, an important element to benefit from a better stability during exercises. As mentioned above, an adjustable handlebar and saddle are recommended for more comfort. This is an important comfort criterion to have a better posture.

#7 - Frequency of use

Before any purchase, you should obviously take into account the frequency of use expected to achieve your goals. A model with manual settings and basic programs is recommended for occasional use and if you want to maintain your form. On the other hand, if you plan to use the equipment regularly to lose weight, a model with various programs and different settings is more appropriate. Finally, if you need an exercise bike for intensive use to develop your performance, a model with even more varied programs, heart rate monitoring and coaching solutions is recommended. It should be sturdy enough to withstand heavy use.

Why use an exercise bike?

The exercise bike is very beneficial for maintaining the heart. With the pedal exercises, the rhythm of your beats will be better regulated. This organ will be strengthened and protected against cardiovascular accidents.

Regarding the muscles, the exercise bike works mainly those below the pelvis. More specifically, pedaling daily will allow you to work the quadriceps, adductors, hamstrings and calves. You'll get more volume by increasing your cadence and hardening the pedals. The height of the saddle will also play a role, as it will allow you more firmness in the buttocks.

By strengthening your lower muscles, you'll get a better gait, and you'll have no trouble climbing stairs or running for example.

The ideal amount of exercise is 30 to 60 minutes for 3 to 4 times a week. However, don't put pressure on yourself, because it will be difficult to reach this frequency when you first start. There is nothing to stop you from progressing slowly.

The different types of exercise bikes

Classic exercise bikes

The classic exercise bike is the one on which you stand relatively upright. It has a comfortable seat that gives your back the straightest possible position. The smallest of all, it can be installed in a small apartment. This machine works the muscles of the upper and lower body, including the thighs, calves, hips and buttocks.

It can be used for rehabilitation, to get back into shape after a sports break or to lose weight, but also to start a physical preparation before a competition. In addition to a balanced and healthy diet, the practice of the classic exercise bike allows to refine the silhouette. It is an excellent device for gently building muscle, improving endurance and the cardiovascular system.

Advantages:

  • Space saving
  • Works the whole body
  • Allows you to lose weight
  • Improves endurance and cardiovascular system
  • Allows you to build muscle gently

Disadvantage :

  • Exercise bike rather basic

When to choose a classic exercise bike?

The classic or upright exercise bike is an excellent device for rehabilitation, for losing weight and for keeping in shape. It is the most common model on the market. 3 sessions per week are recommended for optimal effectiveness, with 20 minutes per session and a day of rest between 2 sessions. Not being made to be moved, a model weighing at least 35 kg is advised.

Seated or semi-recumbent exercise bikes

This

type of exercise bike has a wide backrest allowing the user to have a straight chest and back. It is especially in terms of seating comfort that it stands out from upright models. It has a more comfortable seat and offers the possibility of adjusting the back position. The pedals are placed in front of the user to promote blood circulation.

With this machine, you can do longer sessions and improve your endurance. Like the upright exercise bike, it can also be used for weight loss, fitness and rehabilitation. The frequency and duration of the sessions depend on the objectives to be achieved. In any case, it is recommended to do at least 3 sessions of 30 min per week. It should be noted that this type of exercise bike is 170 cm long, 70 cm wide and 110 cm high.

Advantages:

  • Offers unparalleled comfort
  • Offers a wide range of programs
  • Back position can be adjusted
  • Helps to keep in shape and tone the body
  • Allows a better venous return in the legs

Disadvantages :

  • A little cumbersome
  • Only works the lower limbs
  • Allows you to change your back position quickly during exercise

When to choose a seated or semi-recumbent exercise bike?

The semi-recumbent exercise bike is an excellent solution for strengthening the muscles of the lower limbs. The comfortable seating of this device allows for longer sessions, improving endurance. It is perfectly adapted to people suffering from lower back pain and seniors.

In addition, it promotes blood circulation thanks to the position of the pedals. The calves, thighs, abdominal muscles, pectoral muscles, hips and buttocks are the ones that are most solicited. The seated exercise bike is effective for losing weight and staying in shape.

Exercise bikes for biking

The

biking bike allows you to do indoor cycling and maintain your shape during the winter season. Like the models mentioned above, it works mainly the muscles of the lower body and the heart.

It is an excellent device for strengthening muscles and improving endurance. It offers the same sensations as a real bicycle thanks to the footrests that allow you to pedal like a dancer. The interactive programs on the console take the user on the road, while staying at home. He can do intense workouts and improve his performance.

Advantages:

  • Allows you to practice professional cycling at home
  • Allows you to improve your performance even during the winter
  • Prepare for a cycling competition
  • Improve the cardiovascular system
  • Offer interactive programs for better training

Disadvantage :

  • Daily training is essential for satisfactory results

When to choose a biking exercise bike?

This type of exercise bike is mainly intended for professionals who want to improve their performance in winter or who are preparing for a competition. You can do intense workouts thanks to the pedaling power offered by the biking bike. A 3-hour session per day is recommended to ensure the effectiveness of the exercises.

Exercise bike or elliptical?

Exercise bike

The exercise bike is a very recommended sports equipment to maintain your health! It brings, indeed, various benefits with regard to the cardiac system and the muscular exercises, especially for the work of the lower muscles. The exercise bike will be excellent for athletes looking for muscle volume and cardio equipment at the same time.

The elliptical

For the elliptical, it is especially a cardio-training device. It does not generate any impact for the joints. It just serves to maintain the cardiac system. It will be ideal for people with high blood pressure, or with a heart problem.

Verdict

When comparing these two products, the exercise bike is the most advantageous. The elliptical is more suitable for those who want to work out their muscles, while the elliptical is more suitable for those who want to keep their heart rate up. So, if you want to do more sport, choose an exercise bike. If you just want to maintain your health, especially your blood circulation, choose the elliptical.

Why buy an exercise bike?

The exercise bike allows you to keep in shape while staying at home. This is one of its strong points compared to the classic bike. It must be said that it has many advantages:

To do cardio-training

With an exercise bike, it is no longer necessary to go to a gym to do cardio training. You can do regular workouts to improve your cardiovascular system, your breath and your endurance. Pedaling promotes blood circulation and improves heart tone. Note that the heart is a muscle that needs regular training to stay in shape.

To refine your figure

This machine helps to slim your figure, as it works many parts of the body: buttocks, calves, thighs, abdominal muscles, etc. The pedalling movements help to eliminate excess fat, thus helping to lose weight.

According to one study, a one-hour pedaling session can burn about 700 kcal. If you do a 30-minute session every day, you will burn about 2,450 kcal per week. It is an effective device, whether you want to lose buttocks, stomach, thighs or arms.

To build muscle

For those who want to build muscle, the exercise bike is also an excellent option. If your goal is to build muscle in your buttocks, thighs, calves, abs, triceps and/or biceps, this machine is effective.

The effort of pedaling involves these muscles, which will be strengthened. Note that you can calculate the speed, time, distance covered and calories burned through the console. Not all models are equipped with this mini-computer.

For skin tightening

This is one of the major benefits of exercise bikes that many people don't know about. Cycling helps to tighten the skin and eliminate cellulite and stretch marks. This is due to the loss of fat and the strengthening of muscles resulting from the effort of pedaling. Your skin will be smooth and toned after a few training sessions.

To de-stress

Everyone knows that doing sport allows you to release tension and de-stress. Indeed, endorphins (hormones secreted by brain glands) are released at the time of the effort, providing a feeling of well-being and euphoria. The brain releases these hormones during and after sport, but also in stressful situations.

Furthermore, since you are training at home, you can enjoy listening to your favourite songs at the same time. This is an important factor in relieving stress.

To train all year round

Regardless of the weather and season, you can work out and exercise every day. This is one of the biggest advantages of the exercise bike. You won't have to leave your home, which is not the case with a conventional bike. There will be no interruption in your workout, allowing you to maintain your pace and improve your performance.

With this type of bike, the risk of accident is also zero since you will not have to share the road with motorists, who are not necessarily attentive to cyclists.

It is a device suitable for everyone

Everyone can train with an exercise bike, both young and old. This device can be adapted to all sizes since it is adjustable, especially the height of the saddle, the inclination of the handlebars and the resistance force of the pedals. In addition, it takes up very little space and can support a load of over 100 kg, at least the most robust models.

The best brands of exercise bikes

In our opinion, the best brands of exercise bikes in 2022 are :

Ultrasport
Domyos
Fytter

Ultrasport's exercise bikes are the best made when it comes to quality. They are bound to meet all the needs, as the models of the brand allow you a complete training. They are durable products that will withstand regular use. Ultrasport's exercise bikes are certified to meet manufacturing standards, and provide various options.

The Domyos exercise bike ranges are high-performance machines! They are ideal for all ages and for all categories of users (beginners, experts, professionals, etc.). These are products with the latest technology, as beginners will be able to follow their progress with the 4 functions of its console.

The Fytter exercise bikes are among the best models today. They are equipped with a multifunctional console with automatic adjustments. These bikes are made to guarantee your comfort of use!

What is the price for an exercise bike

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
50 £ to 115 £
Mid-range
115 £ to 250 £
High-end
more than 250 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Adjust your seat properly.

There is no doubt that the most common mistake you see people make when working out on an exercise bike is not adjusting the seat of the machine. Adjusting the seat on your bike literally takes seconds. Not only does this make things more comfortable, but it also increases the effectiveness of your workout. Adjust your seat (by sliding it forward or backward) until your extended leg is slightly bent to the side opposite the pedaling cycle.

Do stretching exercises.

Working out on an exercise bike is like any other type of exercise-you need to stretch well first before you start. Once you're on your bike, spend another 5 minutes pedaling lightly before you actually start the workout.

Maintain proper form.

Good form is essential when using your exercise bike. Not only does it help prevent injury, but it also helps you burn even more calories. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to lean forward. Keep your back aligned and tight against the back of the seat. It is okay to hold the handles on the sides of the seat during periods of heavy pedaling.

Select the correct resistor.

It is all

too common for beginners to set the resistance too high. As with any other workout, you need to start slowly so you don't exhaust your body too quickly. To start, choose a comfortable resistance and increase as you learn to use the bike.

Try interval training.

The

key to interval training is to mix short, but very intense bursts of pedaling with longer, much gentler periods of light pedaling. As I mentioned above, you can add resistance changes into your interval training for even more intensity.

FAQ

What is the best exercise bike?

The best exercise bike depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

Which model would suit me?

The choice of an exercise bike is related to the user's needs. For just maintaining the cardiac system, any model that can be pedaled will suffice. However, to work on muscular exercises, equipped bikes are more useful. The model should therefore be suitable for all types of exercise, equipped with a console, speed control, etc.

Is the exercise bike easy to set up?

The apartment bikes are already assembled in the factory. All you have to do is make the adjustments for use at home. However, there are some models that are pre-assembled. These can be assembled in a few minutes for the assembly of parts.

How to train with an exercise bike?

The technique for training on an exercise bike is regularity of exercise. To do this, it is possible to program a continuous workout 3 times a week with 30 minutes per session.

Does the exercise bike make you lose weight?

The effects of exercise on the exercise bike depend on the diet of the user. Training with this machine helps to burn fat. Thus, an intensive workout with a healthy diet can effectively make you lose weight.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , consumersearch.com
  2. , bestreviews.com
  3. , consumeraffairs.com
  4. , slant.co
  5. , toptenreviews.com
  6. , leguide.com
  7. , guide-fitness.fr
  8. , lefigaro.fr
  9. , doctissimo.fr
  10. , decathlon.fr
  11. , decathlon.fr
  12. , darty.com
  13. , carefitness.com
  14. , bfmtv.com
  15. , go-sport.com
  16. , muscle-up.fr
  17. , leboncoin.fr
  18. , fnac.com
  19. , maisonae.fr
  20. , protrainer.fr
  21. , fitnessboutique.fr
  22. , laredoute.fr
  23. , amazon.co.uk
  24. , ouest-france.fr
  25. , nordictrack.fr
  26. , ebay.fr
  27. , boulanger.com
  28. , occasions.decathlon.fr
  29. , supernutrition.fr
  30. , decathlon.be
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
ISE Vélo d'appartement Semi-Allongé SY-6801 13
ISE Vélo d'appartement Semi-Allongé SY-6801
Himaly Mini bike 14
Himaly Mini bike
Sportstech Vélo d'Appartement ergomètre ESX500 15
Sportstech Vélo d'Appartement ergomètre ESX500
Ultrasport F-Bike 200B 16
Ultrasport F-Bike 200B
Skandika foldaway X-3000 exercise bike 17
Skandika foldaway X-3000 exercise bike

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