Exercise bikes are one of the most popular pieces of home workout equipment, and they all come with their own unique features, benefits and price tags. This article will explore 2022’s top home exercise bikes and explain why each one is worth your consideration. Let’s get started!
Peloton Bike
Peloton sits atop the home exercise bike market, and for good reason. First released in 2014, the brand is one of the world’s best-known exercise bike companies. They offer a full range of bikes, from lower-priced models to high-end options with all the bells and whistles.
Peloton’s bike design is a large reason for its success to date. Each cycle embodies a slim, modern look, yet packs in tons of advanced features and points of adjustment. The biggest differentiator has got to be the huge, built-in HD screen, which allows riders to stream and participate in classes live from anywhere in the world. There’s also Peloton’s massive library of prerecorded workouts to explore.
The only caveat to this is that like everything in life, it doesn’t come for free. Peloton is one of the more expensive names on the market at a current price of $2,245 per bike. While that upfront investment can be made more accessible with financing at $49 per month¹, there are also the costs of an All-Access membership and on-demand class to factor in – $39 and $13 respectively.
If you can manage the cost though, Peloton is certainly worth the investment. Many people bought their first bikes in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit and haven’t looked back since. Going with this option means getting a time-tested product with a large community of supporters to back it up.
Bowflex VeloCore Bike
And then there’s Bowflex. This manufacturer has been in the home exercise equipment market since 1986, aiming to offer products that mix precise performance with value and convenience. Its exercise bikes are one of many options in the greater Bowflex family of products, which includes everything from ellipticals and treadmills to high-tech weight sets and workout benches.
The VeloCore is one of Bowflex’s most impressive bikes to date. It’s revolutionary in the sense that it’s been engineered to accommodate various seating positions, allowing riders to sway, lean and rock from side to side during their workout. This particular unit can be higher-end products like Peloton bikes as it comes with more advanced features. These include a 16-inch or 22-inch touchscreen, 100 different resistance levels, and a Bluetooth heart rate armband.
Again, it doesn’t come free, although at a slightly lesser base cost of $1,699. It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll need to pay for a JRNY membership to make use of the bike’s best features, which costs $19.99 per month or $149 per year.
Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
Schwinn is another noteworthy name worth mentioning in the realm of exercise bikes. The company has been making them since 1965 and essentially pioneered the market that we know today.
One of its latest models, the IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike, takes a spot on this list for points in value and flexibility. A low-impact, cardio exercise machine, the IC3 allows users to mimic an outdoor ride experience from home. It comes equipped with a 40-pound flywheel and variable resistance system for limitless workout options, as well as an LCD console and wireless heart rate monitoring sensor to track progress.
While it’s not as high-tech as the likes of Peloton, this bike still delivers an exceptional riding experience. Its $699 price point is also more accessible, making the IC3 a great option for those who want the functionality of a well-built piece of equipment without all of the bells and whistles of more expensive bikes.
Whether you choose to go with the more expensive Peloton bike, the innovative Bowflex VeloCore, or the more wallet-friendly Schwinn IC3, it’s important to remember that the best exercise bike is the one that supports and fits your individual health goals. By considering your own needs in tandem with the information shared here, you’ll be sure to find the right investment.
