10 Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 for 2024

An exercise bike is undeniably one of the finest options for achieving a comprehensive workout from the comfort of your home. Much like elliptical trainers and treadmills, indoor exercise bikes offer a perfect blend of sport and enjoyment at your own pace. As a team of sports and fitness enthusiasts, we regularly put various brands and models to the test.

However, selecting the best exercise bike under $500 presents a particular challenge due to the abundance of options available. Each model boasts its own unique set of features, making the decision-making process even more complex. To help you make an informed choice and avoid potential pitfalls, we have compiled a list of the top 10 exercise bikes priced under $500 for the year 2024.

Our selection is the result of thorough practical testing, extensive reviews, careful examination of specifications, and identification of standout features. Furthermore, we have provided a comprehensive guide to aid you in choosing the ideal exercise bike within this price range. This guide addresses all potential questions and considerations that may arise during your decision-making process.

Best Exercise Bikes under $500 Reviews 2024

Whether you’re looking for a space-saving spin bike, like the Ativafit Exercise Bike, or need something for high-intensity workouts, like the L NOW Indoor Cycling Bike, we’re here to narrow your search.

1. Ativafit Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike – Best Overall

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Ativafit stationary bike is built with durable steel frame and 35 lbs flywheel, so you can achieve smooth indoor cycling experience in your home. The belt-driven mechanism keeps your workout quiet without disturbing anyone around you. With a large range of resistance levels, you can always challenge yourself. The tension knob also allows for increased difficulty.

It has a modern LCD monitor that tracks your paddling time, speed, distance, calories, and odometer at the same time. With the IPAD holder, you can start your exercise right away with your favorite music or video. If you don’t need the display, you can stop instantly or it will shut off after about 5 minutes.

It comes with 2-way adjustable multi-grip handlebar and 4-way padded seat which adapts to any size of the user from 5.1-6.5ft. The cage pedals are adjustable, which protects you from a fast ride. Ativafit exercise bike also has a water bottle holder near the arms so that you can get it easily. The padded seat is widely adjustable so that users can move up and down and adjust the suitable height.

It has transportation wheels that help you move the bike easily. Operation processing is also very simple. You can simply press the resistance bar if you need to stop the flywheel immediately. The package includes all the tools that you need to put together. This model comes with 12 months warranty and lifetime replacement parts.

2. Marcy ME-706 Recumbent Exercise Bike

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If you are looking for a sturdy and high-quality recumbent exercise bike under 500 dollars, you can’t beat the Marcy ME-706. It is one of the best Recumbent Exercise bikes for the price. Its step-through design helps you keep store easily. It is a perfect choice for users between the ages of 10 to 99 years.

The frame is made of durable steel which combines with a beautiful design.  The counterbalanced strapped pedals are built to ensure superior pedaling and a comfortable cycling experience. Even if you don’t need an electrical connection, simply start pedaling at your own pace.

The overall dimensions are 57″ x 24″ x 42″ and the maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs. This model comes with a manual magnetic resistance mechanism that includes 23 programs and 24 levels of resistance that are able to follow different terrains’ effects. You can also use a manual mode.

Marcy ME-706 indoor bike provides ample space for the legs and the adjustable padded seat can accommodate most users. It has a large LCD display with backlight that helps you monitor the distance traveled, current speed, pulse rate, and calories burned. The pulse monitor works without the chest belt.

However, it does not come with a cup holder or a built-in fan that could be included for dehydration in the summer season. If this is not a big deal for you, the Marcy ME-706 recumbent bike could be a decent home exercise bike for someone who does a moderate workout.

3. Alpha Sports Indoor Cycling Bike for Home Gym

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The Alpha Sports indoor cycling-style bike stands out as a top-of-the-line choice still in 2024. The heavy flywheel ensures a smoother and more consistent riding experience, while the solid steel frame ensures durability and longevity, even under intense use.

This lightweight spin bike is built with an infinite resistance system and silent belt drive system that will provide smooth and comfortable indoor cycling experience. It has four balance adjustable knobs under the front and rear stabilizer that keep this equipment steady on various surfaces. With a maximum load capacity of 300 pounds, it will enhance your safety when start cycling.

The seat and handlebar are adjustable for different heights, so your all family members can use this spin bike. The handlebars are soft with a slightly padded cushion. The minimum height is 31 and the maximum height is 37 inches. It features with emergency stop brake that allows you to stop exercising when feeling tired.

This model also has a water bottle holder. It could be a great choice for body workout training, weight loss, muscle building, and promoting blood circulation. It is easy to assemble even if you don’t have the experience (only takes 30 minutes). You can simply increase the resistance by tightening the resistance bar.

This model also has two wheels in the front bar so that users can easily move wherever they want. You just need to uplift the rear part and go forward with less effort.

4. L NOW Upright Exercise Bike

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To reach more than millions of demand customers, L NOW is one of the best fitness equipment brand manufacturers on the planet. However, this upgraded upright bike is built with a magnetic tension control system, which makes it convenient to customize your workout levels. For example, you can set easier to more difficult sessions.

The ergonomic belt drive mechanism and magnetic resistance ensure smooth and ultra-quiet workouts while cycling. Even if you don’t need to maintain it regularly, this is part of L NOW easy-to-use upright bike. This upright exercise bike comes with 12 months replacement warranty. It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance. You can easily control the intensity with a multi-control resistance switch which provides a responsive riding experience.

You can adjust the wide leather padded seat in 4-way and the seat can be adjusted to fit different heights or arm lengths. The rotatable handlebar also allows your hand in a comfortable position.

L NOW exercise bike has a phone/IPAD holder so that you can watch videos, making fun to stick their workout. By using its multi-functional LCD display, you can track your exercise Rpm, time, speed, distance, calories burned, pulse, and body fat. You can monitor your exercise progress regularly.

It is designed with an all-inclusive flywheel that ensures high safety to avoid touching and injuries around toddlers. The pedals are built with adjustable straps so that you can increase the stability and comfort level and give more support while pedaling.

5. CIRCUIT FITNESS AMZ-594U Upright Exercise Bike

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You should know that CIRCUIT FITNESS is always famous for their durable elliptical trainers, treadmill, and exercise bike. The AMZ-594U is made from a combination of high-grade plastic and steel, making it one of the best magnetic upright exercise bikes under $500.

It features a durable frame that will improve your overall indoor cycling performance. This upright exercise bike is designed for all skill levels. The unique design helps you to enter quickly and exit from the device and supports weighing up to 300 lbs. The seat is standard size, so you can replace it for extra comfort.

This indoor bike comes with a beautiful LCD monitor that tracks the distance traveled, the time elapsed, calories burned, and current speed. The display runs on rechargeable batteries. This model is also equipped with a pulse sensor that monitors heart rate.

It comes with 15 modes of preset levels that simulate the effects of biking on different terrains. You just need to select the desired program simply to personalize your training then get ready to start. The handlebars can be angled differently and then tightened into place. The pair of contoured handles allow you to comfortably grip and provide superior support to your upper body.

You can adjust the padded seat and move it up, down, forward, and backward to accommodate each user’s leg size. The pedals have straps that will prevent your feet from sliding. However, the resistance is controlled by electricity, so if the machine is not plugged in, it won’t work.

6. BARWING Foldable 3-IN-1 Magnetic Upright Bike

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BARWING 3-in-1 foldable exercise bike comes with 16 levels of adjustable resistance to ensure various degrees of movement so that you can improve your workout confidence level. Its ergonomic design and angle cushioning system provide a variety of adjustments that are suitable for your whole family workouts.

The 3-in-1 stationary upright exercise bike has built-in arm resistance bands that help to better improve your upper body strength and sculpting while you cycling. It has an extra ankle strap that allows you to exercise your leg strength efficiently and effortlessly.

This model is sturdy enough to stand up out of the seat and pedal. The heavy-duty steel frame combined with X-type design physical balance theory to ensure more stability. However, it supports up to 300 lbs. The magnetic resistance mechanism delivers a smooth and quiet cycling experience over a long period.

The functional LCD monitor tracks your working process and gives you a more scientific exercise date. The heart rate sensor on the handlebar shows the data on the monitor. You can place your phone on the pad holder to watch your favorite shows while working out.

You can fully fold it to store it in minimal space. BARWING upright bike built with transport wheels. We highly recommend it if you’re looking for an affordable exercise bike for weight loss.

7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1877 Spinning Bike

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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1877 indoor cycling bike is virtually maintenance-free and provides a better biomechanical and ergonomic exercise experience at your own pace. It allows you to pedal faster and harder more effectively. It has a smart device holder so that you can easily put different sizes of Pads or smartphones.

It is a compact and practical spinning bike under 500. It is strong enough for lifetime use. You won’t be bored during your workouts thanks to a multiplayer mode screen. This indoor bike is compatible with heart rate monitors. It has convenient transport wheels, allowing you to move into your house easily.

It is very silent with 29 lbs flywheel and offers multiple levels of adjustable resistance, thanks to an electromagnetic system. The included bottle holder also helps you to stay hydrated for extended training sessions.

The seat is adjustable in 4 different ways and the handlebars in 2, to help you stay in proper form. It accepts a user with a maximum weight of 265 lbs, which indicates that some parts are not well-established. However, the SF-B1877 exercise bike offers the most options for your comfort, all in a very compact format.

8. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors

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If you’re more interested in a recumbent exercise bike, we recommend this senior model from JEEKEE. Compared with the Marcy ME-706, this model bike has 53.5″ long frame with extendable space and a 9-position seat which fits for adult height 4’9″-6’5″ (basically designed for seniors). It is built with the superb process of the external magnetic flywheel and dual-belt system that provide smooth and quiet operation.

The LCD monitor tracks all of your fitness data and the iPad holder allows you to watch your favorite show while cycling. With 300 lbs of weight capacity, the JEEKEE exercise bike featured the highest quality 8 neodymium magnets. The resistance is great to ensure longer service life than another magnetic bike. Moreover, the company offers 1-year of free parts replacement guarantee.

The large seat and backrest are able to take high pressure. It offers low-impact leg exercise free from joint pain and increases your blood circulation. It comes with 8 levels of magnetic tension so that users can easily customize workout difficulty according to their fitness level. This model also has a heart rate monitor.

JEEKEE recumbent exercise bike concentrates on the lower body and builds endurance without subjecting the hip to the strain of walking. You can peddle backward and count miles biking backward too. It builds endurance and is the perfect choice for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and elderly parents.

9. L NOW D600 Spin Bike for Cardio Workout

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This is another great exercise bike under $500 from the L NOW brand. If you have limited space for your home gym setup, the L NOW D600 can be the best solution. It is built with a magnetic resistance control system with a normal friction resistance policy, which provides quiet and smooth operation consistently with a turning knob.

This unit can be easily customized to your workout levels. The beautiful LCD monitor tracks your different workout processes and allows you to check your real-time workout. L NOW D600 exercise bike has a tablet holder that allows you to enjoy exercising and music at the same time.

It has 2-way multi-grip handlebar and 4-way adjustable breathable seat so that users can fit different body sizes. It can be a great choice for the whole family’s cardio workouts. With durable materials construction, the maximum weight capacity is 280 lbs. It is also very easy to assemble.

The handlebars are comfortable and the padded can use different positions. L NOW D600 indoor bike is very smooth even at very high resistances. It won’t make a single sound or squeak. To ensure quality, it comes with 12 months free replacement parts guarantee.

10. Cyclace L-003B Exercise Bike with Comfortable Seat

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And last but not least is the Cyclace L-003B, a stable indoor bicycle priced under $500. It delivers a quiet and safe indoor cycling experience. It features thickened steel and a triangular frame for enhanced durability. With a 36-lb flywheel and belt-driven system, its smooth operation ensures a pleasant workout experience.

The seating position is very comfortable; you can burn fat quickly and able to build core muscles and strengthen the heart, and at the same time, it will reduce injuries. The multi-grip handlebar with adjustable resistance meets the needs of beginner to professional users. It can support up to 330 lbs.

It’s compact and doesn’t take up much space. Although it is a little bit heavy on the front side, the small transportation wheels will help you to move and store the bike easily.

This exercise bike also has a phone holder to watch videos. The superb LCD monitor shows all the statistics you could ever want, so you can get the most out of your daily training. It will inform you in real-time about the vital constants of your body. The seat cushion provides a long time of comfortable riding.

Cyclace L-003B spin bike works well in the lower limbs and muscles of the upper body. It is fully adjustable for family use and works for up to  6ft tall people. The versatile design meets all the requirements you have, to get the best results. It is also easy to maintain.

The Advantages of Indoor Cycling

Exercise bike has different advantages, whether compared to classic road bikes or other cardio machines. Here is a list of benefits of using an indoor cycling bike:

Different Types of Exercise Bikes & Alternatives

Exercise bikes are characterized by the functionalities they offer such as programs, resistance, build quality, comfort, and more. Above all, there are also different families of exercise bikes:

Upright bikes

These are the most common type of exercise bike and are designed to mimic the riding position of a traditional bicycle. They have a seat that is positioned directly over the pedals and handlebars that are positioned in front of the rider. Upright bikes are a good choice for people who want a low-impact workout that targets the lower body and core.

Recumbent bikes

These bikes have a seat that is positioned behind the pedals, so the rider reclines while pedaling. This position is more comfortable for people with back problems or joint pain. Recumbent bikes are not as good for targeting the core as upright bikes, but they are still a good choice for a low-impact cardio workout.

Indoor cycling bikes

These bikes are designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. They have a heavy flywheel and a wide range of resistance levels, so you can challenge yourself with tough workouts. Indoor cycling bikes are also a good choice for people who want to participate in virtual cycling classes.

Air bikes

These bikes use a fan to provide resistance, so the harder you pedal, the more resistance you feel. This makes air bikes a good choice for HIIT workouts and for people who want a challenging cardio workout. However, air bikes can be quite loud.

Folding bikes

These bikes are a good option for people who have limited space. They can be folded up for easy storage and transport. Folding bikes are typically not as sturdy as other types of exercise bikes, but they are a good choice for people who want a basic workout bike.

How to Choose the Best Exercise Bike Under $500?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make a good decision:

Frequency of use

Is it used occasionally, regularly, or intensively? Don’t invest a fortune in an exercise bike that you are going to use very little. On the other hand, pay the price for a sturdy and comfortable bike if you plan to use it regularly.

Your height and weight

If you have a physical specificity for example very tall, or obese situation, you must check the limits of the exercise bike. Generally, the cheap price models are not suitable in that case because they are too light. Keep in mind that the heavier your bike, the more stability is assured.

Flywheel weight

This is one of the most important technical criteria of most exercise equipment. Because Flywheel determines the quality of movement, comfort, and fluidity of pedaling. For better joint comfort, you must avoid exercise bikes with a flywheel of less than 10 lbs. For efficient work, focus on resistance and opt for a heavier flywheel of more than 15 lbs.

The dimensions

Folding exercise bike or not?

Many people are looking for foldable exercise bikes under 500 due to the lack of space. Indeed, this is a good reason, but they are less stable. A foldable indoor bike is ok for an occasional user for example fitness or weight loss purposes. Otherwise prefer a classic model, but compact.

Comfort and ergonomics

Several aspects of the exercise bike can increase your comfort level: An ergonomic seat, a backrest for the back, an adjustable seat height, non-slip pedals, a good quality adjustable belt, etc. The comfort options can take into account elements such as PC support, a bottle holder, and wheels to facilitate movement.

The technology

Modern exercise bikes are often equipped with a touch screen with different options such as statistics, pre-installed training programs, Google Maps, and more. Some best spinning bikes are compatible with Smartphone applications, most include a heart rate sensor. Few exercise bikes offer incline. However, for those preparing for a cycling competition or those who enjoy riding in real conditions, be aware that it is an extra option.

The price

We talked about the price at is last moment, however; it is the most determining criterion in the choice of your bike, and the criteria above depend on it. If you don’t have over 300 dollars to put in, you won’t be able to have a top-grade exercise bike and you will necessarily have to make concessions. On the other hand, if your budget is higher, then you can choose according to your norms what suits you best.

FAQs

What parts of the body do the exercise bike work on?

Exercise bike helps in particular to strengthen the legs and thighs. However, two aspects must be taken into consideration: sports activity and diet. The second point is very important for good shape. So make sure you have a balanced diet.

How often should I use an exercise bike?

It depends on your fitness goals and other activities you have practiced. You can use it every day without any other exercise or include it in a sports program twice a week. However, make sure you adjust the saddle correctly, flex your lower limbs slightly, and keep your knees away from the handlebars.

What kind of sport should combine with an exercise bike?

Several sports can be associated with an exercise bike. Even this type of fitness equipment can be combined with all sports that require a warm-up. According to studies based on professional research, researchers recommend an interval exercise program to burn calories faster.

What is the lifespan of an exercise bike?

With proper maintenance, an exercise bike can endure for approximately fifteen years. Regular maintenance, conducted annually, is essential to prolonging the lifespan of your exercise bike.

Does the recumbent bike make you lose weight?

While a recumbent exercise bike is effective at firming the muscles of the lower limbs, it may not be the optimal choice for weight loss compared to other exercise equipment. However, recumbent bikes offer the advantage of engaging more muscles and providing a more comfortable workout experience. Furthermore, using a recumbent bike can help strengthen the muscles of the lumbar region and abdominals.

Final Verdict

As we have said several times, you must choose an exercise bike according to your needs, and what type of practice you plan to do: rehabilitation, fitness, or performance. Similarly, think about the frequency of use: how many times do you plan per week, and what will be the average duration of these sessions!

For beginners, we recommend choosing a model between 200 and 500 dollars. At this price, you will find the perfect starting and sturdy exercise bikes. However, below the price range of 200 dollars, you risk falling on a low-end model that is inefficient and won’t last. Also, remember to adapt the exercises to your level by accumulating the difficulty. And yes, that’s how you will progress!

Hope you find all the answers to the questions that are stored in your mind. If you need any support or information, don’t hesitate to contact us, by using the comment box below.

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