The best exercise bikes for 2025

Included in this article are several options to suit the needs of almost any type of cyclist. It doesn’t matter if you are in a small apartment, a hardcore cyclist who already has a great outdoor bike, or someone who needs that class environment to feel motivated. I’ve done a ton of testing to help you choose the right option for you, but getting there means understanding what you need.

Build quality and size

Not all exercise bikes are built the same, and I’m not just talking about the metals and plastics used in their construction. If a frame is too narrow and the weight is not distributed evenly, it can be prone to tipping. If an exercise bike uses friction to add resistance rather than a magnetic drive, it can in many places be stronger or wear out faster. No matter what the bike is made of, being able to easily move an exercise bike is a big deal if you are limited on space in your home.

Quality of training

Cycling is much more than just moving your legs. Many exercise bikes include the ability to clip your shoes to the pedals, which allows you to train a totally different set of leg muscles. In addition, exercise bikes are often paired with weights or core leans to offer a total body workout. Depending on the type of workout you want to do, the accessories surrounding your exercise bike can make a big difference.

Software and features

Not every bike comes with a screen, but every good bike should come with the ability to work with the many phone and tablet apps available to riders. Whether you’re bringing your own screen and running buddies on Zwift, or doing the Witcher to keep you on the bike longer on a large display mounted, the quality of the experience makes a big difference in your training .