In this guide, you’ll learn what types are available, what resistance, flywheel and maximum user weight mean, and which option best suits your goals, space and budget.

Exercise bike types

• Upright: you sit as you would on a regular city bike, with your back straight. It’s the most popular choice for general fitness and weight loss, and takes up little space.

• Spin bike: has a sporty position with your torso leaning forward, a heavy flywheel and pedals similar to those on a road bike. It’s suitable for intense workouts, HIIT, spinning classes and virtual cycling apps. You can stand up on the pedals.

• Recumbent: you sit in a seat with a backrest, with your legs extended in front of you. It’s easier on your lower back and knees, and easy to get on and off. It’s ideal for older adults, rehabilitation or back problems, but takes up more space.

• Pedal exerciser (mini bike): just the pedal unit, with no seat. You can use it from a chair, sofa or under your desk, and some models can also be used for arm exercise. It’s designed for gentle movement, improving circulation and rehabilitation—not intense cardio.

Use: home or commercial

• Home use: designed for a few users and a few hours of use per week. It’s lighter and more affordable.

• Commercial use: designed for gyms, hotels or many hours of daily use. It has a heavier frame, more durable components and usually a longer warranty. It’s also worth considering for home use if you work out almost every day or if several people will use it.

Resistance system

Resistance determines how “heavy” the pedals feel and how much noise the bike makes.

• Magnetic: magnets slow the flywheel without touching it. The ride is smooth and quiet, and there are no brake pads to wear out. It’s the most common and reliable choice for home use, especially in an apartment. Resistance is adjusted with a dial or electronically from the console.

• Electromagnetic: resistance is precisely controlled electronically, from the console or an app. Automatic programmes, workouts at a set wattage and apps that automatically adjust resistance on hills only work with this system. It needs to be plugged in, unless it has a generator powered by pedalling.

• Air: a fan wheel creates resistance that increases the faster you pedal, while also cooling you down. It’s excellent for HIIT and CrossFit, but noticeably noisy.

• Friction (brake pad): a felt or leather pad presses against the flywheel. This system is mainly found on cheaper spin bikes. It gives you a “real” road feel, but the pad wears out and needs to be replaced.

• Resistance levels: electronically adjusted models usually have 8 to 32 levels. More levels mean finer adjustments. Magnetic systems with a manual dial and friction systems usually offer continuous adjustment.

Flywheel weight

The flywheel is the heavy wheel that spins as you pedal. The heavier it is, the smoother and more “rounded” your pedalling feels, without jerking.

• Up to 6 kg: pedal exercisers and lightweight bikes for gentle exercise.

• 6–10 kg: upright and recumbent bikes for moderate-intensity daily cardio.

• 11–15 kg: a good balance for regular training and most home spin bikes.

• Over 15 kg: spin bikes for intense workouts and commercial models.

Keep in mind that flywheel weight is not as important as it used to be. Many modern magnetic and electromagnetic bikes deliver smooth pedalling with a lighter flywheel, thanks to improved drive systems and weight distributed around the flywheel’s circumference. Don’t use it as your only selection criterion.

Maximum user weight

This indicates the maximum weight the frame is certified to support. It’s also an indirect measure of stability: a bike with a higher weight limit will wobble less, even if you weigh less. Choose a model with a limit at least 10–20 kg above your body weight.

• Up to 100 kg: lightweight bikes and pedal exercisers.

• 105–130 kg: the most common category for home use.

• Over 130 kg: sturdy models for intense workouts, heavier users or multiple users.

Console and display metrics

Almost all models have an electronic console that displays time, distance, speed, calories and cadence (RPM). Higher-end consoles also display watts, which indicate your actual power output and are the most reliable way to track your progress. Workout programmes can help if you get bored, but the number of programmes is less important these days, since apps offer unlimited options. Calorie counts on consoles are estimates, so don’t take them too literally.

Connectivity and apps

• Bluetooth with FTMS protocol: an open standard that allows the bike to “communicate” with popular virtual cycling and training apps. If the bike is electromagnetic, the app automatically adjusts resistance on hills or during intervals. This means you’re not locked into one manufacturer’s app.

• Manufacturer’s app: many bikes come with their own app. Check whether it’s free or requires a subscription, and whether it syncs with the health apps on your phone.

• Touchscreen and streaming: premium models have a large screen with workout classes. These usually require a monthly subscription, so factor that into the cost.

• Tablet or phone holder: simple but very useful if you plan to work out with an app or video.

Heart rate monitoring

• Handlebar sensors: convenient but not very accurate, and they only work while you’re holding the handlebars.

• Chest strap or watch: much more accurate. If you want to train in heart rate zones, check that the bike connects to a strap or watch via Bluetooth.

Which one to choose

By user profile

• Beginner, general fitness: an Upright bike with a Magnetic resistance system and a 6–10 kg flywheel is quiet, simple and takes up little space.

• Intense workouts, spinning, apps: a Spin Bike with an 11–15 kg or over 15 kg flywheel, belt drive and Bluetooth. If you want automatic resistance controlled by an app, choose Electromagnetic.

• HIIT and CrossFit: an air-resistance bike, if you don't mind the noise.

• Older adults, back or knee problems, rehabilitation: a Recumbent bike with a low step-through and comfortable backrest.

• Gentle exercise at your desk or on the sofa: a Pedal exerciser (Mini Bike) with a up to 6 kg flywheel.

• Limited space: a foldable upright bike or pedal exerciser, with transport wheels.

• Multiple users or daily use: a model for commercial use with a maximum user weight of over 130 kg.

By budget

• Budget: pedal exercisers, foldable upright bikes and basic spin bikes with friction or manual magnetic resistance. Basic console, with no Bluetooth or simple Bluetooth.

• Mid-range: upright, recumbent and spin bikes with magnetic resistance, belt drive, a better frame, higher maximum user weight and Bluetooth for apps. The best value for money for most people.

• Premium: electromagnetic models with Watt measurement, automatic resistance via apps (FTMS), touchscreen, commercial-grade frame and a longer warranty.