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Get spin-fit in the spare room with the best exercise bikes that really go the distance
The running joke about an exercise bike used to be that after a couple of weeks of pedalling, it would slowly turn into a very expensive clothes horse because they were always fairly basic machines. Then, along came a new wave of connected bikes, which offered up a more sophisticated, connected, in-saddle experience, complete with impossibly upbeat instructors.
And since the arrival of these two-wheeled wonders, many more bikes have joined the race - while there are still plenty of traditional machines out there for those of you who don’t want to be shouted at by Cody Rigsby on a regular basis.
We tested bikes across this range, judging everything we rode with the same criteria, looking for good adjustability, (so that all heights can achieve a good riding position), frame stability, a smooth ride and, of course, manoeuvrability as indoor cycles are heavy and unwieldy machines that can all too easily take over a room.
In testing, we paid particular attention to each bike’s resistance performance, because no matter how they provide it to the fly-wheel (manual, electronic, magnetic or fan) you want to be able to step things up and back down again gradually and smoothly to replicate that on-road feel. To this end, it was important that the resistance control on the bike was responsive and easy to use.
When it came to the connected bikes, we also made sure we scheduled plenty of live classes with the bike’s online instructors, as well as sampling a selection of any other available on-demand content, so we could assess the quality for beginners, intermediates and advanced cyclists.
We staggered taking delivery of the bikes so that we could dedicate time in the saddle with each one. We resisted the luxury of any offers from manufacturers to have technicians set the bikes up and instead assembled each bike ourselves to see how easy they were to put together in a modest spare bedroom so that we could physically see how easily they would fit into a busy home.
We then pedalled our way through every feature of every bike, testing in trainers rather than cycling cleats.
Our yellow jersey definitely goes to the Schwinn IC8 because even though it’s not officially a connected bike, its excellent connectivity and compatibility makes it very easy to train with a third-party app, while the bike itself is an absolute dream ride in terms of smooth resistance and excellent bike geometry to suit all shapes and sizes of riders.
In terms, of the connected rides, the Peloton Bike+ is just a very well-made bike and Peloton still have their rims just in front of the chasing pack when it comes to instructor engagement and content.
Many hardcore cyclists prefer an electromagnetic drivetrain for resistance, as it mirrors the feeling of being out on the road, as opposed to being inside a gym. That’s why, for racing, we recommend the Wattbike atom (next gen). Its seating position also mimics that of a racing bike, rather than the upright ones you’d usually encounter in a gym.
For workouts in general, we’d have to recommend the Peloton bike. Besides the bike itself being top-notch, Peloton also offers a £39 per month subscription service that gives you access to all sorts of workouts. From cycling to strength, yoga, pilates, and more. So, if you’re looking to get more out of your purchase than just cycling, that might be the best option for you.
If you’re limited on space, the best option will be a foldable exercise bike that can easily be stashed away when not in use. A minor downside, however, is that foldable machines tend to be a little less sturdy, which is not necessarily a deal breaker but something to keep in mind. We recommend the collapsible Pro Fitness FEB1000 bike, which is comfortable in the saddle with supportive handlebars, and stashes away nicely too.
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