Nothing can beat an exercise bike when you are looking for an effective way to get fit at home. Indoor stationary bikes are actually the best machines to boost your fitness level and maintain great cardio fitness.
Stationary bikes are usually cheap, and the best exercise bike under 500 could also earn good marks for both durability and power. This way, you can achieve great fitness without having to break the bank.
So, if you’ve finally decided to buy one, just remember that the most practical choice is the one that compliments your daily routine and body style. If chosen wisely, a good exercise bike could prove to be of exceptional value by keeping you fit and relaxed.
Benefits of Using an Exercise Bike
There are numerous benefits to using the best indoor exercise bike. Apart from numerous other benefits, exercising regularly on it also gives you internal happiness and makes you more confident.
Cardio Fitness Boost
Just like all other organs in your body, the heart also needs ample exercise and training to stay in shape. A well-trained heart will be stressed less and will have an increased cardio-respiratory capacity.
Cycling with an exercise bike is an excellent way to get your heart pumping. The best cardiovascular workouts happen when you are cycling. It strengthens your heart, lungs, and improves the flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body.
Improving Strength
All types of exercise bikes have some types of resistance control, which makes you work hard to keep up your pedal speed. As a result, you are able to quickly build strength in your legs, calves, and thighs.
Heavy cycling makes your core strong and tough. Besides, it also works on your whole body and builds extra stamina and strength.
Weight Loss and Lowered Cholesterol
Depending on the intensity of your workout with the exercise bike, it can burn as much as 600 calories in an hour. This is highly effective for your weight loss, as you know, the key to weight loss is burning more calories than what you consume.
Cycling will also promote good cholesterol in your body by lowering bad cholesterol.
Safer Than Road Cycling
Although cycling outdoors is fun, it is a lot safer indoors. You don’t need to worry about inattentive drivers, heavy traffic, or uneven road surfaces. An exercise bike is a great way to avoid yourself getting in risky or dangerous situations.
Comfort and Convenience
Nothing can be more convenient and comfortable for heavy exercise than a stationary bike. You can work out anytime and in any situation.If you like multi-tasking, then an exercise bike can let you watch TV, read a book or spend time with your family while improving your overall health.
12 Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 – Quick Comparison Chart
Item | Bike Type | Dimensions | Max. User Weight | Resistance Type | Display | Available |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Series | Recumbent | 64 x 27.7 x 49.9 inches | 300 pounds | Magnetic | 2 LCD screens | |
2. Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | Recumbent | 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches | 300 pounds | Magnetic | LCD screen | |
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 | Upright | 44 x 20 x 44 inches | 275 pounds | Belt Driven | Absent | |
4. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike | Upright | 40 x 22 x 45 inches | 270 pounds | Belt Driven | LCD screen | |
5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423 Spin Bike | Upright | 47 x 20 x 44 inches | 265 pounds | Belt Driven | Basic LCD screen | |
6. Schwinn Upright Bike | Upright | 41.3 x 21.3 x 55.5 inches | 300 pounds | Magnetic | DualTrack LCD screen | |
7. FitDesk 3.0 Adjustable Desk Bike | Upright Desk Bike | 28 x 16 x 45 inches | 300 pounds | Magnetic | Basic Digital Display | |
8. Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike | Upright | 45 x 23 x 49 inches | 250 pounds | Belt drive | Basic LCD | |
9. JOROTO X2 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike | Upright | 42.9 x 19.7 x 42.5 inches | 280 pounds | Magnetic | Basic LCD | |
10. Exerpeutic Upright Exercise Bike | Upright | 31 x 19 x 46 inches | 300 pounds | Magnetic | Basic LCD | |
11. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901B Pro | Upright | 46 x 20 x 46 inches | 275 pounds | Brake Pad | Absent | |
12. MaxKare Magnetic Exercise Bike | Upright | 41 x 21 x 49.6 inches | 264 pounds | Magnetic | Basic LCD |
12 Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 Reviews
As the consciousness for physical fitness is rising, so is the need for stationary exercise bikes. We have assembled our top picks for exercise bikes for your discretion.
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Series
- Bike type: Recumbent
- Dimensions: 64 x 27.7 x 49.9 inches
- Product weight: 81.6 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: 2 LCD screens
- Pulse monitor: Present
If you want to take your exercise to the next level, then this Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is a choice of class performance and versatility. The bike has been made with the best quality materials and parts for maximum durability and strength.
It has a recumbent design that offers flexible back support to you. The seat is also adjustable for various positions on sliding seat rails. It has an enclosed flywheel that offers safety and a secure workout session.
Schwinn’s high-speed perimeter-weighted inertia flywheel makes the whole thing run in the smoothest and quietest way possible.
When you want a wide range of workout intensity for your overall body training, the Schwinn 230 offers you 20 levels of ECB magnetic resistance. Besides, its 22 preset workout programs in addition to eight heart controls and two fitness tests beat all other stationary bikes, in our opinion.
The most attractive looking feature is its dual-track LCD screen that allows you to keep track of at least 13 different feedback on display. You can even download your health parameters on a USB drive very easily.
This bike also attaches an extensive heart monitor, a stereo speaker, and a side water bottle holder.
All in all, this bike is built to last long and for endless rides without any weakness.For an effective home workout, the Schwinn 230 is undoubtedly the best recumbent bike under 500 on our list.
- Seat is adjustable for maximum comfort
- Has 23 resistance levels
- Two screens provide 13 different feedbacks
- Contact heart rate enabled
- Boasts 22 preset workout programs
- Health parameters can be downloaded via USB
- Difficult to move due to weight and bulky size
- Can’t track record for more than 2 persons
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Bike type: Recumbent
- Dimensions: 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches
- Product weight: 61 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: LCD screen
- Pulse monitor: Absent
The Marcy ME-709 has an unusual design but looks quite comfortable. Made from heavy-duty 14-gauge steel tubing, the bike has been finished with a durable powder coating. This ensures that the stationary exercise tool is built to last.
You can easily switch between no less than 8 different resistance levels. Its smooth magnetic resistance allows you to have more control over the intensity of your workout.
With regular and smooth interval training, this bike will reduce fat, increase stamina, and improve cardiovascular performance in the most comfortable way.
Marcy's adjustable high-density foam seat gives you maximum comfort throughout your workout session. Besides its ergonomically designed recumbent position and contoured foam-covered handlebars, both support your body perfectly as you ride.
Its weighted and counterbalanced pedals with adjustable straps ensure a safe session for everyone. Besides, its step-through frame design is perfect for any elderly user to exercise with ease.
The bike also comes with a 3.5” LCD screen acting as an odometer. It also displays time, speed, distance, and calories burned in your workout session. The simple and user-friendly interface motivates you to go that extra mile.
This recumbent bike is also perfect if you need to transport it frequently or store it in a small space. Its design has built-in wheels to move and store the bike in another area as needed.
- Very comfortable even for tall people
- Easy to assemble yourself
- Light and easily portable
- Eight preset resistance levels
- Adjustable high-density foam seat
- Weighted and counter-balanced pedals
- Not suitable for very short users
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 44 x 20 x 44 inches
- Product weight: 113.4 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 275 pounds
- Resistance type: Belt Driven
- Display: Absent
- Pulse monitor: Absent
If you are a beginner user of a stationary bike, then the Sunny Health & Fitness is highly recommended for you. It is an extremely quiet belt-driven indoor bike that is also packed with lots of features.
This SF-B1002 offers all the necessary things and safety measurements to get you started with a home adventure system. Its various features include variable resistance and a silent ride. Instead of using a chain drive, the bike uses an upgraded belt drive, thus resulting in a quieter workout.
The steel frame makes the bike very strong and able to endure numerous rides. Its tough body is also able to carry up to 275 pounds. Besides, it has an emergency brake for added safety in case you need to immediately halt your workout.
You can also customize the bike in many different ways. For example, its four-way seat and two-way handlebars let you adjust its height and length according to your own needs.
Its large flywheel of 49 pounds mimics the feel of riding on a real bike. Just make sure to lubricate the flywheel area regularly so that the pads don’t dry up or squeak.
However, the seat of the bike could be a little uncomfortable since it is very firm. You might opt to use a gel cover to cushion the seat.
Besides, the bike is designed for users with shorter legs. So, if you’re a tall person, make sure to adjust the handlebars and the seats to suit your height.
- Has highly customizable hands and resource bags
- Makes very little noise
- Easy to assemble
- Toe-caged pedals for added safety
- Availability of an emergency brake
- No display or heart rate sensor
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 45 inches
- Product weight: 68 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 270 pounds
- Resistance type: Belt-driven
- Display: LCD screen
- Pulse monitor: Absent
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is among the best upright exercise bike under $500 on the market. This belt-driven weighted flywheel looks and feels a lot like a spin bike you see at the gym.
Made from a durable steel frame, this indoor bike is an ultimate exercise machine for your home. The 35 pounds flywheel is so smooth and quiet that you’ll enjoy every moment of your time on it.
The bike doesn’t have inbuilt or preset programmed workouts. But its magnetic resistance can be adjusted from none to the highest friction possible.
Suitable for people of all fitness levels, this Yosuda bike allows you to have a huge range of workout intensity. You can challenge yourself with the most hardcore interval training that no other stationary exercise bike will provide.
This bike is fitted with a functional LCD module that is quite basic. It is able to track your calories burned, distance traveled, and the speed of your wheels. The handlebars and the seat post offer a broad range of height adjustments.
Very comfortable with an athletic upright body position, this slim profile bike is very sturdy and can deliver some pretty robust performance indeed.
- The flywheel gives infinite levels of resistance
- Sleek design with heavy-duty build
- Smooth and a quiet belt-driven system
- Includes an iPad and a water bottle holder
- Very easy to put together
- Handlebars are difficult to adjust
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423 Spin Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 47 x 20 x 44 inches
- Product weight: 94 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 265 pounds
- Resistance type: Belt-driven
- Display: Basic LCD screen
- Pulse monitor: Absent
The bike has plenty going for it – namely that its frame and the stabilizer is made from heavy-duty steel which doesn’t flex or move around while you’re pedaling. With this bike, you feel like you have a firm base without fear of being tipped off.
It comes with a belt drive connecting the pedals to 40 lbs. flywheel, providing you with consistent pedaling motion. This gives enough inertia to help you pull the pedals, keeping it low impact and reducing choppiness.
The SF-B1423 comes with the most basic display and control. Still, this allows you to track the progress of your workout, measure speed, time, calories, and distance. Since the display screen is very small, you’ll have to see the info one at a time.
Besides, the bike is extremely quiet and low maintenance since you don’t need to lubricate or tighten anything. The seat is also much comfortable and won’t require extra cushioning.
You also get an adjustable water bottle holder so that there is not much interruption while working out. But the holder isn’t in the most accessible place either.
As for safety, the drive is enclosed, keeping it and yourself safe. But the flywheel is exposed. Therefore, try to keep others, especially kids, away when it is in use.
- Extremely quiet workout
- Very comfortable seat
- Easy to adjust the resistance
- Smooth and consistent pedaling
- Saddle is very stable and smooth
- Adjustable bottle holder
- Very basic LCD screen
- Can’t pedal backward
Schwinn Upright Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 41.3 x 21.3 x 55.5 inches
- Product weight: 70.5 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: DualTrack LCD screen
- Pulse monitor: Present
The brand Schwinn is synonymous with all kinds of bikes, including stationary exercise bikes, and its 130 model is one of the least expensive ones.
Intended to replicate the body position of a regular bike, its active position supports the upper body of the rider. The user can pedal while seated or standing with this exercise machine.
The Schwinn 130 has 20 levels of magnetic resistance –perfect for any fitness training. People of all ages and fitness levels can workout with this bike easily.
With two user-profiles and 22 workout programs, it is unlikely that you’ll outgrow the bike anytime soon. Out of these 22 programs, nine stimulates real-world rides. Besides, it has eight Heart Rate Control workouts that keep you within the target heart rate range in conjunction with the Contact Heart Rate sensors.
This bike has two custom programs for the users and two fitness tests. A program called QuickStart works in manual mode where you can control the resistance level while working out. The best thing about this program is that you can preset your distance, calorie goal, and time for each workout.
The user interface features a DualTrack LCD screen along with all the intuitive controls. There are quite a few buttons on the console that lets you work with customizable data fields.
Also, there are two USB plugs on the top of the console and an auxiliary input for charging your devices and connecting your phone or music device. It also has built-in speakers with reasonable sound quality. There is a 3-speed adjustable fan between the two speakers to keep you cool while working out.
- 22 preset workouts and 20 resistance levels
- Adjustable seat and forearm for an ergonomic fit
- Eight Heart Rate Control workouts
- The console has many customizable data fields
- USB plug and auxiliary input present
- Its adjustable fan keeps you cool
- Two built-in speakers with reasonable sound quality
- Pedal design is slightly poor as they are wide apart
FitDesk 3.0 Adjustable Desk Bike
- Bike type: Upright Desk Bike
- Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 45 inches
- Product weight: 45 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: Basic Digital Display
- Pulse monitor: Absent
Health awareness is increasing a lot nowadays, and fitness experts are always warning people about the adverse effects of sitting down for long periods of time. This is particularly concerning for people who do not get adequate exercise due to having sedentary office jobs.
The good news is that many exercise bikes nowadays come with built-in desks so that you are able to do some office work while pedaling some of your bad cholesterol away.
This FitDesk 3.0 exercise bike comes with a decent-sized desk with all the features most people will need. Still, if you need some more space, you can attach a free desk extension kit too.
The desk features an easy access tray, forearm massage rollers, and an electronic display. You can keep large-sized tabs in the tray. The massage rollers are there to prevent any discomfort on your hands while working for longer periods.
With a total weight of only 45 pounds and a footprint of 16 x 28 inches, it is very easy to fold away and move around. The FitDesk 3.0 doesn’t take up a lot of space either.
- Features adjustable work desk
- Has free desk extension kit
- Forearm massage rollers attached
- Boasts upper body resistance bands
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- Easy folding and storage
- The performance monitor is too basic
Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 45 x 23 x 49 inches
- Product weight: 93.5 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 250 pounds
- Resistance type: Belt drive
- Display: Basic LCD
- Pulse monitor: Absent
Cycling is a great option if you’re starting out or continuing your journey towards physical fitness. And indoor cycling works great too since anyone can do it regardless of the time.
The Schwinn IC2 is a solid upright stationary bike with a smooth-riding experience that is well-suited to any avid cyclist. Its sturdy body is made from a durable steel frame keeping the bike steady even when you’re applying the most force while working out.
This bike features handlebars with BioFit comfort that can be tuned up and down, forward and back to get them into the best comfortable position. Its resistance is provided by a pad on the top of the flywheel. The resistance can be adjusted easily by turning a knob.
Just like normal outdoor bikes, this one also uses a chain drive, and it requires the same maintenance as well. You have to lubricate the chain every month and tighten it every now and then.
The LCD computer screen is pretty simple and uses two AA batteries. It shows RPM, time, distance, speed and calories burned.
This IC2 is also very easy to assemble and doesn’t take more than an hour to do it. With a relatively small footprint, it is also easy to move around due to wheels underneath.
- BioFit adjustable handlebars
- Infinite resistance levels
- Easy to assemble and move
- Relatively small footprint
- The seat is rather uncomfortable
JOROTO X2 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 42.9 x 19.7 x 42.5 inches
- Product weight: 94 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 280 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: Basic LCD
- Pulse monitor: Absent
Joroto X2 cycling bike offers you great adjustability and some awesome workout sessions. Featuring a simple yet durable frame and good user weight capacity, JOROTO X2 Cycling Bike gives you one of the smoothest and quietest rides possible.
The bike is very much stable and sturdy, thanks to the combination of quality steel, frame design, and horizontal balancing knobs. Its mainframe body features a black paint finish that is corrosion-resistant. The handlebar post, the flywheel, and the seat post are chrome plated.
Equipped with a considerably larger saddle than the average spin seat, this indoor bike is fairly comfortable. Its seat integrates thick padding with two springs that easily adapts to the user’s movements.
This bike is also equipped with a multi-grip handlebar with a small loop bar at the center. And this integrates a dual bottle holder and a device holder so that you can place your smartphone or tablet. Besides, the handlebar is also fully covered by a layer of high-density foam material for a secure grip.
Joroto features a magnetic resistance system with a brake pad. This is attached to the main tube of the frame. Its brake is also completely mechanical and doesn’t require an external power source.
The bike’s display screen is very small and simple. It shows you the speed, time, distance, and the number of calories burned during your workout session.
- Has a stable and sturdy construction
- Provides unlimited resistance
- Extremely quiet workout session
- Adjustable handlebar and knobs
- Durable metallic pedals with toe cages
- Dual bottle holder included
- LCD screen displays only one stat at a time
Exerpeutic Upright Exercise Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 31 x 19 x 46 inches
- Product weight: 39 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: Basic LCD
- Pulse monitor: Present
If you happen to live inside a small space, then a folding bike is the perfect choice for you since it won’t take up much space to store. The Exerpeutic bike is a great folding semi-recumbent exercise bike that uses the minimum space in your house.
With the most convenient folding design, this upright magnetic bike is also sturdy enough to carry a great amount of load. This bike has a relaxed position that is relatively comfortable and easy to get along with.
The user interface of this Exerpeuticfolding exercise bike is basic but very much functional and user-friendly. Its small LED screen is battery powered and features only a single button to switch between the modes. The display also shows only one metric at a time, which includes speed, pulse, calories, time, distance, and odometer.
You can easily change the resistance level with the adjustment knob conveniently located on the frame below the display screen. Turning it counter-clockwise decreases the resistance and vice versa.
If you always like to keep your phone at arm's reach, then you'll be glad to know that there is a small sleeve on the frame of this bike, which fits the most modern phones.
The bike also features two large padded handles, which are helpful for resting your hands while you're spinning away. This handle has heart rate sensors integrated into them so that you can monitor your heart rate while exercising.
- Sturdy and user-friendly design
- Pulse tracker integrated into handlebars
- Foldable to half of its size
- Very much lightweight
- Pedals are mounted slightly forward
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901/B Pro
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 46 x 20 x 46 inches
- Product weight: 102 pounds
- Maximum user weight: 275 pounds
- Resistance type: Brake Pad
- Display: Absent
- Pulse monitor: Absent
Spin classes nowadays have become a great way to burn calories. However, sweating in a room full of strangers doesn’t appeal to everyone. Having a stationary bike at home spares you of this uncomfortable situation. Among our upright exercise bike reviews of this article, the Sunny SF-B901/B Pro is one of the most popular ones.
Best known for its movable seat and handlebars, the SF-B901/B has a compact size and doesn’t take up a lot of room width-wise. Considering the bike weighs nearly 100 pounds, it is very much realistic to include two roller wheels on the front. This makes it very easy to move around the place.
The best feature of this bike is the chrome flywheel that weighs 40 pounds. This heavy-duty flywheel helps maintain the momentum and gives you the smoothest ride on the bike.
Besides, the handlebars are padded, slip-free, and ergonomic, making them one of the most desirable features of this Pro Indoor Cycling Bike. They can also be adjusted vertically to accommodate different riding styles. This is especially helpful if multiple people of different heights use it.
The tension knob located just below the handlebars is there to intensify the workout. Below this is a stop lever that allows the user to stop abruptly.
However, the seat is much like what you find on a typical road bike with the same size and firmness with some padding.
- Chrome flywheel provides durability
- Two-way multi-grip provides a stronghold
- Very stable and sturdy steel frame
- Adjustable handlebars for different riding styles
- No digital display
- Doesn’t come with a bottle holder
MaxKare Magnetic Exercise Bike
- Bike type: Upright
- Dimensions: 41 x 21 x 49.6 inches
- Product weight: 100 pounds (approx.)
- Maximum user weight: 264 pounds
- Resistance type: Magnetic
- Display: Basic LCD
- Pulse monitor: Yes
If you’re willing to make a budget-purchase, then this magnetic spin bike is a good option for you. Known for its durability and incredible feature, the MaxKare Magnetic Exercise Bike brings its users great experience of indoor biking.
This bike features a heavy-duty triangular frame made of steel tubes. Although the fully assembled bike is heavy, its base bars equipped with large silicone wheels make it easy to move. The bike is also stable enough as it is equipped with adjustable stabilizers of rubber pads.
It also has a fully adjustable saddle with a standard, collar-based attachment system to its slider. In order for the seat to slightly adapt to your movement as you pedal, it integrates more cushioning in its rear section. Besides, the seat has 4-way adjustability.
The bike also features a multi-grip handlebar with integrated pulse sensors too. And the whole handlebar assembly has also been rubberized for an extra-secure grip.
Its basic LCD exercise meter shows distance, time, speed, pulse, etc.With a manual magnetic resistance system equipped with 40 lbs. flywheel, this bike gives a smooth ride all the way. Besides, the flywheel also allows you to pedal in reverse.
- Sturdy construction
- 4-way adjustable seat
- Multi-grip handlebars
- Pulse sensor integration with handlebars
- Bi-directional pedaling
- Bottle holder included
- Fitness meter has no backlight
How Do You Use the Exercise Bike?
Using an exercise bike is a lot easier than cycling with regular bikes. However, if you want to achieve the best results, there are few tips which might come in handy.
Adjust the Seat Correctly
Your seat should be such that your leg should be almost, but not quite, straight when the pedal is at the lowest position. Also, your knees shouldn't feel crunched either when the pedal is at the top.
Position Your Body
Don’t lean fully backward or forward while cycling but rather only a little so that your core remains tight. Otherwise, it will interfere with your oxygen intake and breathing.
Know Your Display Panel
Get to know how many levels your stationary bike has and pay attention to cadence, which is the number of revolutions per minute you’re cycling. Use the display panel to vary your cadence so that you can improve the quality of exercise.
What Exercises Can You Do Using Exercise Bike?
Basically, an exercise bike is like cycling, with many different types of resistance. But you could spice it up with doing different workouts in terms of timing or goals.
Sometimes the best workout plan is decided not by your ultimate goal but by setting up individual session times. Great cycle instructors suggest 15, 30, and 45 sessions with various intervals for maximum outcome.
There are also fat loss programs you could undertake yourself with the stationary bike of yours with high-intensity sprints.
And for improving your endurance and aerobic energy system, the best option is to train according to your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). The heart rate monitoring feature on a smart stationary bike really comes in handy for this exercise type.
Different Types of Exercise Bikes
There are a few different types of stationary exercise bikes in the market, each with some unique benefits. But mostly all of them are used for almost the same purposes. Let’s discuss four of them below.
Upright Exercise Bikes
Resembling most with an actual bicycle, an upright bike is also the most popular exercise bike out there. The pedals are positioned under the feet and thus provide a great cardio workout. Its seat supports the user's weight, just like a regular cycle.
An upright bike strengthens your legs and core muscles in addition to engaging the upper body muscles.They also have a minimalist design and thus are very easy to transport.
Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The main trait of this bike is the reclining design, which gives its users the most support. Resembling a chair rather than a saddle, a recumbent bike has a larger cushioned seat that's positioned back from the pedals.
It appears to be the most comfortable and relaxing than most other stationary bikes. This type of bike provides a little less intense workout and puts less stress on your upper body, joints, and lower back.
A recumbent bike is also the best exercise bike for bad knees as it engages the fewest muscle groups by impacting more on the lower stomach muscles. Therefore, it is a good option if you are recovering from knee or back injuries. It is also safer for older adults.
Dual Action Exercise Bikes
This exercise bike looks least like a regular cycle as it is designed to target your upper body muscles as well. Apart from pedaling, it also has handlebars that move back and forth so that you’re also able to get a solid upper body workout.
It is specially built for those who desire top-notch cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. In addition to these, it is also good for losing weight and providing you with a low-impact way to improve your overall condition.
Interactive Exercise Bikes
Interactive bikes are the most expensive among other stationary bikes. They have interactive screens that you can view while you’re working out. These screens give you a classroom-type vibe.
Interactive exercising bikes also have personalized workouts in some instances with personal trainers on the screen, motivating you to keep going. They also allow you to play video games as you exercise so that you can enjoy your workout more.
How to Choose the Best Exercise Bikes Under $500
Indoor bikes vary in size and shape, so you might need little adjustments for your own size. Besides, there are some other features you might want to look for.
Display
Modern exercise bikes come with a clear display with easy to use controls. It usually shows your heart rate while you’re exercising, the number of calories burned during the workout session, your speed or revolutions per minute, the resistance level, etc.
Resistance
Look for a machine with varying levels of resistance for variations in your workout. These resistance levels let you change the intensity of your exercise. Normally, brake-based bikes are cheaper than magnetic ones, although they require a bit more maintenance and make more noise.
Pulse Monitor
Another important feature to have is a heart-rate monitor installed with your bike. Many of these bikes have a pulse sensor adjusted into the handlebars. When you grip them firmly while cycling, the console shows your current heart rate. With it, you can do high-intensity training to improve your endurance and maximum energy.
Adjustable and Comfortable Parts
The bike should have an adjustable saddle that is comfortable for you. A backrest is also important if you have any back-related problems. This will also give you some comfort after a heavy workout.
Besides, the handlebars should also be adjustable enough for a comfortable rode.
Safety Considerations When Using an Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes have a lot of moving parts, which could be hazardous. So, make sure that the bike you're buying has a secure base, and its mechanics are covered properly. Having a non-slip pad also helps prevent the bike from moving around when you're pedaling at high speed.
An important thing to consider is that if your household has small kids, then you must be extra careful about their safety around the bike. If the bike is covered properly, their fingers or other body parts won't get stuck in them.
While working out on the exercise bike, always position your body with the proper form so that you don’t fall off due to not balancing yourself properly.
Also, sometimes you may develop muscle fatigue due to exerting yourself beyond your own limits. So, take a break to allow your body some time to recover from any pain or muscle ache.
And last but not the least, to avoid putting your safety in jeopardy, make sure your weight isn't above the maximum supported weight of the bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a week should the exercise bike be used?
Physicians and health trainers recommend using the bikefor 30 minutes of exercise for at least five days a week to keep one healthy and fit.
Can I hurt my knee while cycling?
In fact, cycling is the best workout suggested for people with knee problems as this exercise has a very low impact in that area. So, the chances of you getting hurt in the knee are very small.
Can I lose fat by riding on an exercise bike?
The best way to lose fat is to burn more calories than your intake. And a great way to do that with a stationary bike is to burn more and more calories by doing intense exercise with it.
How long will it take to see results from riding an exercise bike?
Most people require a couple of months before seeing any positive result by riding on a stationary bike. If you are vigilant, workout on it every day, and check your food habit; you can expect to see positive results within hopefully a month.
Does cycling burn more calories than walking?
When an average person walks 5 km in one hour, they lose approximately 232 kcal. And if a person cycles for an hour with 20 km/h speed, they can expect to lose approximately 563 kcal. This difference gets even bigger if the intensity of cycling is increased.
Final Words
We have tried our utmost to put together some of the best exercise bike under 500 that satisfies your needs. If you’re still unsure about which one to pick, check out our comparison chart again. Hopefully, that will help you make the final decision.
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