Trainers Found 6 Exercise Bikes Under $500 Worth Buying

The ProForm 225 CSX is one of the pricier budget bikes on our list, but it’s worth the added cost in my opinion. This is the “backup” bike in my home, but I enjoy using it so much that sometimes I’ll just hop on when I want to do a long ride.

The Proform 225 CSX is portable thanks to wheels in front. You just tilt it forward and scoot your bike around to the spot of your choice. While you can’t toss it in a closet like the lightweight AtivaFit Foldable, it’s your best option for a movable exercise bike that’s this sturdy. I’ve had this bike in two different homes, and it was simple to wheel in and out the door for each move.

It has 20 resistance levels, along with an 8-kg flywheel for a smooth ride. While you can’t fine-tune your workouts as much as you would with a studio bike like the Yosuda, there’s still a lot to choose from.

The wide, padded seat is a dream to sit on, making this bike great for longer sessions. The frame is also surprisingly sturdy for a bike with this small footprint and price point.

The max user weight capacity is slightly lower than some others in this guide at 286 pounds, but it’s still strong enough to support most riders. While the handlebars aren’t adjustable and the display looks like something out of the early ’00s, there’s a sturdy tablet holder and fan to keep you comfortable and entertained during workouts. Bluetooth compatibility means you can sync up to your favorite streaming service for high-quality sound, too.

Nearly every exercise bike is going to hog floor space in your home, but the Ativafit Folding Exercise Bike has a genius design that allows the bike to fold up into a compact package the size of a vacuum so you can stash it away in a closet, corner, and the tiniest of city apartments. It also has a small footprint when it’s unfolded and is the most lightweight option on this list at only 34 pounds. Plus, the frame is surprisingly sturdy since it can withstand up to 264.5 pounds.

Sklar says this bike is “a good option for those with limited space who want the challenge and benefits of cycling.” The bike has seven adjustable seat height options, although the recommended max height is 5'8". Similar to our recumbent bike option, there are only eight resistance levels. “It’s suitable for beginners, but may not be ideal for more experienced cyclists,” Ray says. If you need a challenge, the Yosuda bike is the best option.

Like all the bikes on this list, a device tray on the display can hold your phone or tablet, while the display itself gives data on your time, speed, calories, and pulse.

Read More: Best Compact Home Fitness Equipment

A recumbent bike, like this one from Sunny Health & Fitness, is ideal for people who can’t comfortably use an upright bike thanks to its wide, extra-supportive seat that helps reduce strain. For this reason, it’s “preferred by many older adults,” says Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS, an exercise physiologist.

While our top choice has 100 resistance levels, this model only has eight. It limits intense workouts on the bike, which is something to keep in mind if you’re used to fast-paced cycling classes. Matheny says this is “best for beginners or older people who have never cycled or taken a spin class.”

Users can adjust the intensity level by turning the dial, while the seat position is equally easy to tweak—just pull up the lever. At 59 pounds, this bike is surprisingly lightweight for a recumbent and can hold up to 300 pounds, which makes it technically sturdier than the Yosuda. But, it’s still bulkier and wider than other options on this list. If you have limited space or live in an apartment, this is probably not the best choice.

The display is small and basic but shows time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse (if you grip the sensors on the handles). But there’s a spot to prop your phone if you want to stream workouts or your favorite shows. There’s also a water bottle holder positioned between your legs, although it requires you to lean over while pedaling to grab your drink.

Built-in workouts aren’t a given with an under-$500 exercise bike, but the Schwinn Fitness 130 Upright has enough of these to give you options. Flip between 13 different exercise modes, including challenge programs, HIIT, and rolling hills. There’s also a manual option that allows you to flip between 16 resistance levels for when you want to customize your workout.

At $450, this is the most expensive under-$500 bike in our guide, but it has a smooth, seamless ride to make it feel like a pricier piece of equipment. The console has Bluetooth compatibility to work with your favorite training app, and the adjustable padded seat is comfortable even on long rides. There’s also a water bottle holder that’s easy to reach while you ride.

What’s the catch? The display is very basic. It will still give you metrics like calories burned and time, but it’s very, very simple. There is a small shelf to put your phone or table for something more entertaining to look at, though.

The Merach Heavy-Duty Exercise Bike stands out for its stable steel frame and 300-pound weight capacity, making it a solid choice for riders who prioritize support and durability. Despite its heavy-duty construction, it has a relatively compact footprint, so it won’t completely take over your home gym.

Its 16 magnetic resistance levels provide enough variety for various levels of workouts and the magnetic system also helps keep workouts smooth and quiet. The adjustable seat and handlebars make it easier for different members of a household to find a comfortable riding position.

The bike connects to Merach’s app for guided workouts and performance tracking, and its tablet holder lets you stream classes or entertainment from your own device.

The trade-off is its basic onboard display, which can’t match the immersive experience of a bike with a large touchscreen. Still, it offers an appealing combination of stability, connectivity, and adjustability for the price.