Do you know that a spin bike can help you to burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes? It works on your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles and is a great cardio workout. If you’re looking for a spin bike that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve reviewed the best spin bikes under $500.
If your budget is limited to $500, you can still get a good quality spin bike that will last for years. We’ve looked at 20 spin bikes within this price category and chose 5 products. Our top choice is YoSuDa Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary. We considered the type of bike, as there are two main types – belt and chain drive. The belt drive is smoother and quieter but also more expensive, while the chain drive is cheaper but requires more maintenance. We also looked at the flywheel as it determines the resistance and smoothness of the ride. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride. Another crucial feature is weight capacity as you want a bike that’s sturdy enough to support your weight – in our article you can find models that can support up to 330 lbs.
More features: 2-ways adjustable non-slip handlebar, 4-ways padded seat (inseam height 25-35in), transportation wheels, LCD monitor, IPAD and water bottle holder, cage pedals
The YoSuDa indoor cycling bike is our editor’s choice because of its incredible build and streamlined design. This stationary spin bike is sturdy so it won’t bounce or wobble while you’re cycling. That’s because it’s made with a heavy-duty steel frame that provides stability.
It runs on a belt system as opposed to a chain runner which gives you a quieter and smoother cycle.
There are multiple resistance settings on the spin bike to give you an easy or more challenging riding session. Use the built-in LCD monitor to record your calories, speed, distance and more. In addition, there’s an iPad holder so you can utilize your tablet while cycling.
The YoSuDa spin bike has soft seating and ergonomic handles to provide comfort during your rides. It’s easy to set up because it comes with an extensive instructional video on how to assemble the bike. This spin bike is easy to maintain and thanks to the two wheels on the front it’s effortless to move around too. In addition, it’s lightweight so you can transport it easily if you want to.
Overall the structure of the spin bike is compact so it can fit into small rooms and apartments without taking up too much floor space. Note that it’s not meant for heavier individuals but it’s a safe product to use for most people who want low impact workouts.
More features: chain type available, adjustable Inseam Height Max 36 in/ Min 27 in, bottle holder, LCD monitor, adjustable resistance with press down braking system
The Sunny Health & Fitness is the best home spin bike on our list. It’s also our best valued product. This machine is a sturdy 94lbs solid chrome spin bike that’s robust and compact. The indoor cycle machine can fit into small spaces easily. Since it’s a belt driven spin bike it produces no noise while you’re cycling so it won’t disturb the neighbors or the people you live with. Additionally, the belt system allows for a smoother spin.
Sunny Health & Fitness’ spin bike has high density padding on the seat so it’s not uncomfortable to sit on. The seat has adjustable heights to accommodate tall and short people. The handlebars are adjustable too and they’re coated with a non-slip rubber grip.
Use the LCD monitor to monitor how many calories you’ve burnt, the distance and speed you’re traveling as well as the time you’ve spent on the machine. You can use the braking system to change the resistance levels to give yourself a more challenging workout. What’s more, there are online lessons you can follow that teach you many exercises you can do on your spin bike.
We do hope the brand will improve the pedal design and crankshafts but to sum up, the product is mostly durable, easy to set up and effortless to maintain. The two small wheels on the front allow you to move the spin bike without straining your arms.
More features: 2-ways adjustable non-slip handlebar, 4-ways padded seat (inseam height 28-39in), LCD monitor, suitable for people 5.1-6.5 ft tall, phone and water bottle holder
If you’re battling to find the correct spin bike for your height then perhaps the Cyclace exercise stationary bicycle will benefit you. This is because it’s the best inseam bike on our list measuring between 28″and 39″ in height. The seat is adjustable to accommodate people that are between 5.1ft and 6.5ft tall. Additionally, the seat is padded all around the structure to provide comfort while you cycle.
The Cyclace bike is a silent exercise machine because it runs on a belt system as opposed to a chain. It’s also a stable and robust spin bike made from extra thick steel. The triangular-shaped frame provides extra stability so that it doesn’t shake while you’re cycling.
Utilize the large LCD monitor to monitor how many calories you’ve burned, the distance you’ve traveled and your speed. Use the phone holder to store your SmartPhone so you can watch videos or listen to music while you cycle. Furthermore, the caged pedals ensure your feet don’t slip off them during exercises
Overall the Cyclace has an ergonomic design so you don’t feel awkward sitting on the bike. Assembly may be tricky, but many do get the hang of it eventually. Look out for the convenient compartments to store items. Use the two wheels in the front of the bike to move it around easily without straining your arms.
More features: suitable for 4.9-6.5ft users, .4-way adjustable seat and 4-way non-slip handlebar, bidirectional flywheel, LCD display
Are you looking for a spin bike that gives you more of a challenging workout? The SYRINX spin bike has the best bidirectional flywheel that has extra momentum to give you the tough workout you want.
This spin bike is a compact exercise machine that is customizable to accommodate your height and exercise resistance. The indoor stationary bicycle has a strong and durable structure that’s incredibly stable. It won’t shake or wobble while you’re cycling.
What’s more, the SYRINX spin bike has an ergonomic structure that will accommodate most people. The seating has thick padding and the handlebars are comfortable to hold. This spin bike has an emergency brake that will stop the flywheel immediately when activated.
Since the bike runs on a belt system it provides a quiet workout session that won’t disturb the neighbors. Additionally, the belt provides a smoother cycle that won’t put strain on your joints.
Use the large LCD screen to track your exercises so you can view how many calories you’ve burned, the distance you’ve cycled and your speed. There are convenient holders on the bike you can use to store your SmartPhone, iPad or book while you’re cycling. Holders for these items allow you to read, listen to music or watch videos easily while you workout.
Overall, this is an excellent spin bike that allows you to work out on a comfortable and customizable bike that accommodates your height & weight perfectly.
More features: transportation wheels, LCD display, bottle holder, push-down emergency brake
The FDW cycling bike is our budget pick because it has an array of beneficial features that most top range spin bicycles have but you get it at an affordable price. This spin bike has a durable and solid structure that won’t wobble or move when you’re exercising. Parts won’t corrode, tarnish or break because they’re made with high-quality materials. Although the FDW cycling bike has a strong structure it’s lightweight which means it will be easy to move. The two transportation wheels on the front will also assist with moving the bike easily.
Since the stationary bike is compact it can fit into small rooms and apartments without taking up too much floor space.
This spin bike is a quiet device because it runs on a belt system. It won’t squeak or rattle while you’re cycling. What’s more, you’ll love the large LCD monitor that gives you real-time information on your exercise progress namely distance traveled, calories burned and your speed. The FDW spin bike provides comfortable seating and handles that can be adjusted to accommodate your height. Adjust the resistance of the flywheel to give yourself a more challenging cycle. Furthermore, the pedals are caged to prevent your feet from slipping off of them while you’re exercising.
To sum up, this is an excellent spin bike for people who want all the features of a high end machine but at a lower cost.
Now that you’ve read about our top spin bike brands it’s time to go through the buying guide for these products. A buyer’s guide is an informational section that discusses all the important features and specifications of a product. Here, we’ll give you all the information you require to pick the best spinning exercise bike for you. It’s important to read through the buying guide thoroughly so you know what constitutes a high quality spin bike. Furthermore, it will help you with your buying decision.
Some top brand spin bikes can be pricey and if you’re on a budget you won’t be able to afford these machines. Affordable bikes aren’t difficult to come by but the quality of the machine is what you must consider before you decide to buy it.
There are some $500 bikes on the market that are simply not durable, stable or they don’t come with an array of beneficial features. So we’re going to assist you with what features to look for in a spin bike that’s under $500 but doesn’t compromise on quality.
There are two types of drives used in spin bikes: belt and chain mechanisms. Both of these drives have advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, belt and chain mechanisms are both reliable & provide the workout you require.
So what’s the difference between the two? Let’s go through the pros and cons of a belt & chain operated spin bike to help you understand.
Belt Operated Spin Bike
A robust smooth rubber belt is used to move energy from the pedals to the flywheel on a spin bike. The high tension on the rubber belt prevents it from slipping off the wheel while you’re cycling. This rubber belt offers a smoother and quieter ride.
Most spin bikes under $500 use a belt to operate the bike because of its silent and consistent energy transfer. Although, some belts aren’t durable and they tend to snap over a short time. There is a new type of belt used on spin bikes which is the Kevlar strap. The Kevlar belt is tougher so it won’t snap or stretch therefore it provides a long service life.
If you’re looking for a spin bike under $500 that utilizes a belt operation the YoSuDa bike is an excellent choice.
Chain Operated Spin Bike
A chain mechanism is similar to outdoor bicycles. The chain is a steel attachment that passes over a sprocket to turn the flywheel. Typically, a chain operated flywheel produces more noise than a belt and it creates more resistance. Chains require more maintenance to prevent wear.
Furthermore, chains stretch and will need to be tightened or replaced. If you don’t replace your chain when it’s worn it creates a jerky ride that feels uncomfortable. On the other hand chain drives are cheap but unfortunately they need much more maintenance in order to provide a smoother ride.
The flywheel is considered the heart of your spin bike. It’s a large disc mechanism in the front of your bike that’s connected to the pedals through a chain or belt. The flywheel will rotate when you start pedaling. A flywheel ensures that you have a safe and stable workout.
One factor that restricts the rotation is the weight of the flywheel. Additionally, the weight of the flywheel controls the inertia and resistance of the machine. To optimize the performance of a flywheel it must store a certain amount of kinetic energy which is the function of mass and speed. Kinetic energy replicates the smooth feeling of riding an outdoor bicycle.
The size and weight of the flywheel will determine how much energy it stores. It will also have an impact on how much energy it needs to rotate the flywheel and stop it from moving.
When selecting a flywheel the heavier mechanisms are ideal because they give a smoother operation. It produces more power at a consistent rate.
Heavy flywheels ensure controlled movements. Furthermore, a heavier wheel provides a higher combination of resistance and momentum.
The recommended flywheel weight is between 20lbs and 40lbs. All the flywheels on our review list are no heavier than 40 lbs.
If you’re looking for a spin bike that has a lightweight flywheel for easier rotation the FDW machine might be for you. This spin bike’s flywheel is 22lbs in weight which is heavy enough to provide a stable rotation but light enough to spin it easily.
The weight capacity is the amount of pressure the spin bike is able to accommodate. If a person sits on a spin bike that can’t handle their weight, it can break the internal mechanisms of the bike. Furthermore, the frame of the bike will start to wear and the bike will be unstable.
It’s advised that you purchase a bike that can accommodate your weight. Before you purchase your spin bike, weigh yourself so you can buy a machine that’s ideal for you.
The SYRINX and Cyclace spin bikes both have a weight capacity of 330lbs which is higher than most affordable exercise bicycles.
There are two types of resistance a spin bike can have: magnetic or physical:
We spoke about the weight of the flywheel, but what about the rest of the spin bike’s construction? Should it be heavier or lighter?
Well, in short, a spin bike should have a solid construction so that it provides more stability when you’re cycling. A lightweight spin bike may shift, or wobble when you’re pedaling especially at high speeds. Therefore, you should opt for a bike that has a heavier frame so that it’s sturdy.
Furthermore, a spin bike comes with two small wheels on the front of the bike so that you can transport it easily, as for example by Cyclace. This eliminates the need to lift the entire spin bike when you move it around. Without the wheels it will be difficult if it’s a heavy device.
The size of the spin bike must be able to accommodate your figure. You must be able to reach the pedals and handlebars easily. To find the correct size spin bike for you, take a look at your inseam which is the distance from the underside of the groin to the bottom of the ankle.
Measuring your inseam will help you find a spin bike that will be comfortable to sit on according to how tall you are.
Spin bikes are typically compact exercise machines so they don’t take up too much floor space. But it’s advised that you measure the base of the spin bike to ensure the space in your home will be big enough to accommodate the machine’s size.
If you want to track your spin speed, the distance you’ve traveled and the calories you’ve burned then pick a machine that comes with a display screen. These display screens are LCD monitors that are easy to operate and work on durable batteries since a spin bike is non-electronic.
Some display screens are touch screen activated while others have physical buttons. The touch screen displays are much more convenient because they have a faster reaction time. Therefore, you can easily operate the monitor while you’re cycling.
There are some spin bikes with monitor screens that offer apps you can connect to so you can save your workout data and share it on social media platforms.
Overall the display screen should be durable and have a user friendly interface. All of the spin bikes on our review list come with LCD monitors that are compact and easy to operate, as you can see it by the YoSuDa model.
If you buy a standard spin bike without measuring the dimensions, then it’s important to pick a machine that has an adjustable seat. The saddle height should be parallel to your hips and when you sit your knees should be over the balls of your feet.
The correct seat height allows you to cycle in the correct sitting position so that there’s no strain on your joints. Some seats have up to four height adjustments to accommodate short and tall people. If you want a spin bike that has an adjustable seat opt for the SYRINX because it has up to four height levels.
The handlebars of a spin bike should be a forearm’s distance away from the seat. These handlebars are usually covered in soft foam that’s non-slip so you can have a sure grip on the bars. Some spin bikes offer adjustable handles to bring them closer or push them further away from the seat.
An adjustable handlebar will allow you to customize the distance to suit your arm length. The Cyclace exercise stationary bicycle has two adjustment settings, making it suitable for tall and short people.
A spin bike comes with a few parts that are susceptible to breakage such as the belt, chain and flywheel. Ensure that when you pick a spin bike it comes with a warranty that stays relevant for between one and three years. The warranty must cover all parts of the spin bike especially the features that can wear quickly such as the pedals.
Some spin bikes come with some convenient extra features you may want such as the following:
We hope our reviews and buyers guide helped you pick the best spin bike for you. But if you’re still struggling to pick the ideal machine perhaps we should go through our top three products again. The YoSuDa indoor cycling bike is our editor’s choice because it has multiple resistances, a large LCD monitor and an iPad holder. It’s a strong and durable spin bike that requires no maintenance.
If you want more bang for your buck then perhaps the Sunny Health & Fitness will work for you. It has an adjustable inseam height, braking system and it’s belt-driven for a quieter & smoother ride.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a spin bike that’s affordable then opt for our budget pick which is the FDW cycling bike. It still has impressive features such as a display screen that tracks your progress and convenient holders for your water bottle & one for your book or tablet.
No matter which of the three you pick you’re guaranteed the best spin bike under 500. Now, enjoy the ride!
