Owing to the enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, the bike allows users to set, track and monitor progress with popular app-based tracking tools, as well as enjoy beautiful scenes via Explore the World app.
Assembly is easy but time-consuming.
Ultra-sophisticated, ultra-comfortable, and ultra-sturdy, the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is surely one of the best offerings on the market. Due to 25 resistance levels and 29 workout programs, it'll suit just anyone.
Recumbent
Magnetic
25
Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, heart rate, etc (13 different display feedbacks in total)
Bluetooth connectivity, Explore the World App, 10 resistance quick keys, 4 user capability, USB charging port, Media rack, Speakers, Built-In bottle holder, 2 integrated levelers, and large mid-frame support, Aluminum slider seat rail system, Padded seat bottom, 3 speed fan, wheels
300 lbs
86.6 lbs
10 years (frame), 2 years (mechanical parts), 1 year (electronics), 90 days (labor)
The trainer has a narrow 177-mm Q-factor, meaning your feet, knees, and hips will stay properly aligned, and you won't experience excessive pressure on your lower-body joints.
It's rather noisy.
The YOSUDA L-001A is an ideal offering for longer cardio workouts. It won't put stress on your body, allowing you to ride many miles without any kind of discomfort.
Upright
Friction
Continuous infinite resistance adjustment
Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Odometer scan
Padded handlebars, Adjustable padded seat, Water bottle holder, Non-skid feet, Transportation wheels
270 lbs
~50 lbs
1 year
The load-bearing capacity of this bike makes 300 lbs. Plus, the machine is made with an extra-large seat to accommodate users of any weight and build.
Some parts (like a bottle holder) are rather flimsy.
The Exerpeutic exerciser is a great value for the money. It has a well-balanced design and may be a particularly attractive choice for larger users that would like to get into shape.
The walk-through design is a great feature for anyone who has problems with getting on and off exercise bikes. The long handles add to the convenience of use.
It doesn't track pulse.
The Marcy ME-709 is definitely one of the best options for seniors, people with mobility issues, and those who just want to make their workouts as comfortable as possible.
Recumbent
Magnetic
8
Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Odometer scan
Padded handlebars, Adjustable padded seat, Non-skid feet, Transportation wheels
300 lbs
61 lbs
2 years (frame)
When folded, the unit makes 20"x21"x50.5" and weighs 42.3 lb only, so it can be easily transported by one person. The bike is equipped with front wheels.
The max supported weight could be higher.
The XTERRA Fitness FB350 is highly praised for the portability and the ease of use it offers. It's a good basic trainer for light cardio training, general muscle toning, and weight loss.
Upright
Magnetic
8
Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Heart rate, Odometer scan
Space-saving folding design, Padded handlebars, Adjustable padded seat, Accessory pocket, Non-skid feet, Transportation wheels
225 lbs
42.3 lbs
1 year (frame), 90 days (all other components)
The Customers' Favourite
Right off the bat, the Schwinn 270 is one of the favorite exercise bikes of thousands of users around the world. Why? Because of its robust frame, a vast variety of training options, comfortable design, and nifty extras. With that, it's still reasonably priced compared to other cardio machines with the same high specs. Let's take a closer look.
Regarding specs, the Schwinn 27 has got quite a lot to offer. Fitted with two LCD screens, it can display all the information you may need during your workouts. The main LCD screen measures 3" x 5", whereas the second one is 1" x 5" in size. Note that both displays are not a touchscreen, however, all the buttons on the console are very easy to navigate. Beyond the obvious, the console also boasts built-in sealed acoustic speakers, a cooling fan, and ports for MP3 and USB, meaning you can plug your phone or player into the "MP3" port and enjoy your favorite tracks during the ride or charge your phone or tablet while riding. To make your workouts even more motivating, the console is fitted with a bench to hold accessories such as a phone or tablet. You may sync your gadgets with Strava, MyFitnessPal, or the Health app, as well as use the “Explore the World by Bowflex” app to virtually ride along fantastic scenic routes.
It's worth noting that you will get not only amazing views but also a lifelike experience since the bike knows the routes and can program the workouts based on the video—for instance, when you're going uphill, the bike will adjust the resistance consequently. Plus, since this exercise bike is featured with Bluetooth, you can set, track, and monitor your progress via app-based tracking while riding. This is something that competitors rarely offer.
Overall, this recumbent bike includes 25 levels of resistance and 29 preset programs to get your heart rate up and calories down. Speaking of heart rate, the machine also has 9 heart rate workouts on the console.
Excellent Quality
Schwinn is a trustworthy brand that has been in the sports industry for more than 100 years, so it definitely knows everything about quality. We dare say the 270 Exercise Bike is solidly built to withstand the most intense workouts. Ideal for larger folks as well, it can bear the maximum weight of 300 Ibs, while providing ultimate comfort for its users. Unlike many other recumbent bikes, this model has a ventilated back that offers a cooling effect and great spinal support. It's set up in such a way so that riders can sit in a comfortable laid-back reclined position, thus, putting less pressure on the joints. Other notable features include heart rate grip sensors and a water bottle holder.
Despite all these extras, assembling the Schwinn 270 bike is quite easy, as the manufacturer provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions with all the parts well laid out.
Summing up, the Schwinn 270 Training Bike is definitely one of the best recumbent models on the market. It's sturdy, comfortable, and very entertaining owing to its wide connectivity options. Offering a plethora of exercise programs, it’s suitable for fitness gurus and newbies alike. Still, it comes at a very tempting price that just can’t be beaten.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01MS7EWR9 |
What customers say about this product
Design(4.4)
Features(4.4)
Key Specs(4.4)
Solid Option
The Yosuda Indoor stationary bike is another model that has caught our attention because of the high quality of craftsmanship and sustainable operation. If you've never heard about the Yosuda brand before, you might find it interesting to know that it's a Chinese company specializing solely in exercise bike production, so all its trainers are very sturdy and the L-001A model is a great proof. It belongs to the "mid-range" home trainer bike category and has a simple design that is very user-friendly and effective. It's made with a corrosion-resistant sturdy steel frame and low-maintenance belt-driven technology for quiet and smooth workout experience.
What's notable about this Yosuda stationary bike is that is has a relatively heavy flywheel that weighs 35 pounds, which should be enough to give users a fairly challenging exercise experience. Since it's a belt-driven bike, it doesn't require post-lubrication and additional adjustment. It's almost maintenance-free and noise-free.
The other benefit of a belt-driven system is that no matter what your fitness level is, you can adapt the resistance according to your very needs. There is an adjustable knob on the frame that can help you tailor the ride for your pace.
The LCD monitor between the handlebars will track time, speed, distance, odometer, and calories burned to help you stay focused on achieving your fitness goals. The monitor is non-backlit and is powered by 2 AAA batteries (included in the package). Under the monitor, there is a flat bracket for holding your phone or tablet.
Good Adjustability
From a design point of view, the Yosuda L-001A bike looks good and seems to be much sturdier than most models intended for home use. Thanks to the rubber inserts on each leg, it doesn't wobble even during the most vigorous rides. The anti-skid cage pedals also add to comfort during high-intensity exercising, since they won’t snap off of the crank even if you're riding this bike out of the saddle.
The handlebar here is two-way adjustable (can be adjusted vertically, upward and downward). Plus, the multi-grip design offers different grip options to add some variety to your riding experience.
What's more important, the Yosuda L-001A features an industry-leading 177-mm Q-factor, meaning your feet, knees, and hips will stay properly aligned. This way, you won't experience excessive pressure and impact on your lower-body joints. So, if you're serious about indoor cycling and need a comfortable trainer for longer cardio workouts, the Yosuda L-001A can become your best personal coach.
| Last updated price | $279.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07D528W98 |
Great Value
If you still think that you can't afford an exercise bike, we're going to surprise you. The Exerpeutic company offers a super fitness cycle for a super price. Available for less than $150, the Exerpeutic indoor bike is a very good alternative to training outdoors in bad weather or driving to the gym and paying for reoccurring membership fees.
Yet, despite being a quite cost-effective machine, the Exerpeutic bike has a lot of features that can help you achieve your fitness goals. Due to the upright design, it allows you to train both the lower and upper parts of your body - legs, abs, buttocks. The bicycle uses a magnetic type of resistance and is made with a well-balanced flywheel and V-belt drive to provide quiet and smooth operation. In total, the trainer offers 8 levels of resistance to make your workouts more challenging and versatile. The first one is really light and may be great for recovery training or warming up. Conversely, the maximum resistance level does provide a distinguishable increased pedal tension, giving you an opportunity to reach a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter time.
Do note that it's quite a simple model that doesn’t have any pre-programmed workout options and the resistance should be changed manually with a dial tension knob.
Well-Balanced Design
While some fitness bikes are rather bulky, others may be too shoddy. But with Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike, you will never face such problems. Though it's a pretty small (31"L x 19"W x 46"H) machine, it's ultimately stable owing to the pretty wide legs. And to understand how steady it is, just consider the fact that the bike boasts a load-bearing capacity of up to 300 lbs, which is actually a bit more than bulky, professional models offer. To be comfortable for larger users, the trainer is fitted with a super-sized seat covered with soft foam. However, despite being so supportive and stable, the trainer weighs only 39 lbs and is easy to move around.
When it comes to the convenience of use, the model offers a handy holder under the steering wheel that accommodates any smartphone or TV remote. To let you track your progress, there is a small LCD display between the handlebars, showing time, speed, distance, heart rate, odometer, and calories burned. To measure the heart rate, you just need to put your hands on the handles.
All things considered, the Exerpeutic folding bike is a real bargain. Although it has no bells and whistles, it's very steady, supportive, and durable. Owing to the extra-large seat and whopping bearing capacity, it's a particularly attractive choice for heavier users desiring to lose some weight.
| Last updated price | $161.23 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B007595TKU |
Extra Comfortable
The Marcy ME-709 is a moderately-priced exercise bike that is stoutly-built and solid. What distinguishes it from many others is that it boasts step-through design. This means that, unlike other indoor cycles fitted with an awkward bar in the middle of the frame, this one has no hindrances. So even seniors, recovering athletes, or people with mobility issues will be able to use it without the effort, easily climbing on and off the bike.
To make the use of the bike even more comfortable, the Marcy ME-709 features a padded seat with a strong backrest for all-around support. Thanks to this, you won't experience pressure on your knees, nor will you have a backache after an intense cardio exercise. As a nice touch, the manufacturer has equipped the bike with handlebars around the seat, where you can rest your arms or elbows while you're pedaling.
Speaking of pedals, the model boasts extra-large pedals with safety straps that ensure stable and consistent pedaling. As you pedal, all the metrics of your activity will be shown on the LCD screen. The stats are displayed in large numbers, so you won’t need to disrupt your ride just to see how you’re doing.
Simplicity of Use
The benefits of ME-709 do not end here. It's also worth noting that the Marcy ME-709 is very easy to assemble. It comes supplied with a step-by-step manual and all the tools necessary to put it together, so even not tech savvies can cope with the task in no time.
Despite its quite simple construction, the quality of the Marcy ME-709 is beyond any doubt. It feels solid and has leg stabilizers on the front and back to prevent it from wobbling and moving around. We also like the fact that it's got the powder-coated finish. Thanks to this, it's much less susceptible to rust and scratches than some other models.
The only shortcoming of the Marcy ME-709 is that there are no pulse grip sensors on the handles, which means the bike won't read your heart rate. That said, for users who have a fitness tracker, this won't be a dealbreaker.
To sum up, it's a comfortable and fairly priced model ideally suited for athletes, elderly people, and post-recovery users.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $151.08 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B002KV1MJU |
Super Portable
Are you in search of a compact solution for exercising? If so, the XTERRA FB350 indoor bike may pique your interest. This model has rather small dimensions while also featuring a space-saving X-type design, which makes it a good fit for any apartment or house.
To the bike size; the XTERRA FB350 requires 31" x 21" of floor space at most, meaning it is a perfect solution for a confined place. What's more, it should also be very easy to store. Just fold it and lock with a pop-pin. The folded dimensions of the bike are only 20" x 21"x 50.5", so it can easily go into the closet for neat storage. The built-in base wheels on the front ensure hassle-free transportation of the bike.
At 42.3lbs, the XTERRA FB350 isn't quite heavy and can be assembled and moved to and from the storage place single-handedly. At the same time, it's got a robust frame, which can hold up to 225 lbs of weight, making it a great bike for men and women of all builds. In addition, it features a two-way seat posture with seven adjustment notches, so even taller users up to 5'10" can use it comfortably. The handlebar is not adjustable, though.
So Straighforward!
While being so small, the XTERRA Fitness FB350 packs quite a punch in terms of functionality and convenience. First off, it's got pulse sensors built into the side grips of the handlebar, so you can keep track of your heart rate while doing exercises. Second, the handlebar, as well as the seat, features a nice padding that provides a cushioning for your ultimate comfort. Although it's a light-capacity exercise bike, which means it's got no heavy flywheel, it features a bidirectional and, what's more important, well-balanced design, ensuring that you get the most out of your home workouts.
The whole resistance system of the XTERRA FB350 consists of a small magnetic brake that is attached to the large dial at the top of the frame. By turning it clockwise, the brake gets closer to the flywheel, thus, increasing the pedaling difficulty. This may seem to be an old-school method, especially if you’re used to digital equipment, but it’s fool-proof and quick. The same goes for an LCD that shows only the most important workout metrics like count time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
To end up, those who are looking for a bike that is portable, efficient, and easy to use, will find a lot to love about the XTERRA Fitness FB350. Not as expensive as its higher-end rivals, this machine is a great pick for light cardio training, general muscle toning, stamina development, and quick weight loss.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $147.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01LYY95VW |
Infographics
What Is an Exercise Bike?
Back to out salad days, almost all of us loved riding a bike, but very few knew how beneficial it was. Riding a bicycle, we work out our legs, buttocks, and abdominal muscles. Riding also gives us a fantastic cardio workout that strengthens our lungs and cardiovascular system. But now, when the childhood is over, we don't always have time or opportunity to ride a bike. In this case, the exercise bike is an indispensable assistant that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Stationary exercise bike is an exact imitation of the bicycle which sometimes has even more features and is designed specifically for those who want to exercise without leaving home, in any weather! Let's see what you should look at before getting such a useful exercise machine!
If you are a real fitness lover, give some attention to the rowing machines, those are very useful for your cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as for muscles.
What Features to Compare
Type and Resistance
Exercise bicycles may vary according to their type and resistance.
Bikes may be upright, recumbent, portable, and hybrid.
- Classic upright models provide pressure on almost all muscle groups and don't take up much space.
- Recumbent bikes are characterized by the vertical back and raised pedals that reduce the load on your lower back, back muscles, and abs. In other words, they work out only your legs. Such exercise machines are the best choice for people with various back problems or those who are recovering from serious injuries.
- Portable exercise bikes have no seats and the load distribution is not so precise, but they are very compact and easily fit, for example, in the trunk of your car.
- Hybrid models are the combination of upright and recumbent bikes; such bikes are very rare since the demand for them is rather small.
Regardless of the bike type, the resistance may also differ. It can be mechanical, brake-based, fan-based, magnetic, electromagnetic, ergometer.
The most common is a mechanical type. Such a bike is equipped with straps that change the tension degree depending on the required resistance level. Mechanical bikes are the least wear-resistant and they are a bit noisy but very simple and cheap.
The next type is brake-based machines. Bikes of this type have a heavy flywheel which stops the brake. The load on a flywheel occurs due to the pressure pads on it, i.e. the user turns the knob to the right or left, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension on the top of the flywheel.
Magnetic bikes have two magnets in addition to a flywheel. They use electromagnetic induction to provide resistance. Their elements don't wear and tear since there is no direct friction.
One of the most effective exercise cycles is an electromagnetic bike. It is similar to the magnetic one but is controlled by the electromagnetic field. They are the most durable but need a power supply.
Ergometer - is a new type of training device that offers high efficiency and functionality. They are very often used in rehabilitation facilities and hospitals as their special design creates minimal stress on the joints and spine.
Extras
Extras also play an important role, dramatically adding to the convenience of use. For example, today a lot of bikes are fitted with computers that can display speed, distance, time, resistance level, heart rate, and calories. When working out on a conventional bike, the user must control the whole process while the ergometers are able to monitor the user's physical condition and pick a special program according to it. In addition to displaying information, some computers boast built-in and optional features, such as MP3-player, Bluetooth, an application that synchronizes with your computer to show the progress. Another distinctive feature of some models is that they can provide users with additional exercises. For example, some models have movable handles for hand training that improve cardio.
Conveniences
It is vitally important that the exercises be comfortable. Now stationary bikes are more friendly to their users and are made with convenience in mind. For example, you can adjust the seat, tilt or raise steering wheel, and with a folding frame and built-in wheels, the bike can be easily moved to another room. Nowadays almost all stationary bikes are equipped with very comfortable pedals with a non-slip, textured surface, and some models even have a stand for a laptop or a tablet.
Sources:
1. Exercise Bike Buying Guide, ConsumerReports. September 2016.
2. A guide to exercise bikes, Argos.
3. How to Buy an Exercise Bike, ConsumerSearch. June 30, 2016.
4. Barbara Russi Sarnataro Fitness Basics: The Exercise Bike Is Back, WebMD.
5. David Fiedler Guide to Buying an Indoor Exercise Bike, About. August 25, 2016.