Unless you've been completely off the grid for the past year, you probably know that the pricey cult-favourite Peloton bikes are more in-demand than ever. As gyms and fitness studios shuttered in 2020 and everyone turned to working out from home, home cardio equipment, especially cycling bikes, became indispensable. They were a way to work off stress, stay active while staying indoors, and offered an online community through app- and zoom-based classes.
But as more people cancelled their gym memberships and ordered Peloton bikes instead, the delivery times soared — some people have waited over 14 weeks for their bikes to be delivered. Considering the price and the sometimes months-long wait time to get a bike (not to mention the reports of bad customer service), it's clear that Peloton isn't in every shopper's best interest. Read more...
More about Cycling, Peloton, Mashable Shopping, Consumer Tech, and Culture
BEST FOR FEATURES
Nordictrack CommercialThe S10i features a large rotating screen and access to an impressive library of interactive workouts.
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance levels: 22
- Weight capacity: 150kg
- Display: Yes, 10-inch touchscreen
- Pedal type: Cage
- Subscription: Yes, one year iFit included
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes, two-way adjustable handlebars
- Adjustable seat: Yes, four-way adjustable seat
- Flywheel weight: 14.5kg
BEST FOR A CHEAPER STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Echelon EX3A sleek bike that will give you the spin class experience — if you're ok with only using the Echelon app.
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance levels: 32
- Weight capacity: 136kg
- Display: Yes, 22-inch touchscreen
- Pedal type: Cage
- Subscription: Yes, £39.99/month
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes, two-way adjustable handlebars
- Adjustable seat: Yes, four-way adjustable seat
- Flywheel weight: 13kg
BEST FOR DURABILITY
Sunny Health & FitnessThe Sunny Health & Fitness bike is the best choice for riders who want to use their TV to stream workouts, and their fitness tracker to manage stats.
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance levels: 0-100% using the knob
- Weight capacity: 136kg
- Display: No
- Pedal type: Cage
- Subscription: No
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes, four-way adjustable handlebars
- Adjustable seat: Yes, four-way adjustable seat
- Flywheel weight: 20kg
BEST FOR SHORT RIDERS
YOSUDA Model 1Thanks to a minimum inseam of 25 inches, short riders can comfortably work out on this bike.
- Resistance type: Friction
- Resistance levels: 0-100%
- Weight capacity: 122kg
- Display: Small LCD monitor
- Pedal type: Cage
- Subscription: No
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes, two-way adjustable handlebars
- Adjustable seat: Yes, four-way adjustable seat
- Flywheel weight: 16kg
BEST FOR SMALL SPACES
Exerpeutic Heavy DutyIf you don't have the space to keep a bike out all the time, this one folds up to be stored away when you're not using it.
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Resistance levels: Eight
- Weight capacity: 181kg
- Display: Small LCD monitor
- Pedal type: Cage
- Subscription: No
- Adjustable handlebars: No
- Adjustable seat: Yes, one-way adjustable seat
