Best exercise bikes in Australia for the home 2023

The best exercise bikes in Australia for the home

• Best overall exercise bike: Peloton Bike+
• Best exercise bike under $1,000: Proform 225CSX PF21
• Best exercise bike under $500: Celsius BK1
• Best value exercise bike: York Fitness C410
• Best recumbent exercise bike: NordicTrack VR19
• Best upright exercise bike: York Fitness C415
• Best fold-up exercise bike: Everfit Exercise Bike Magnetic X-Bike
• Best Peloton alternative: Proform Pro C22 PF20 Studio Bike
• Best air bike: AssaultFitness Assault AirBike Classic
• Best under-desk exercise bike: DeskCycle 2
• Best exercise bike for seniors: Lifespan Fitness RC-300 Recumbent Bike

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the exercise bikes on this list based on actual customer reviews on sites such as rebel, Gym and Fitness, Fit Online and Amazon. For each category, we identified key parameters based on our research and selected the home exercise bikes with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below. If you want to expand your home gym, check out our guide to the best treadmills in Australia.

Peloton has something of a cult following overseas, so its arrival on our shores in July 2021 was hotly anticipated. And after reviewing the bike in detail, we can finally see what all the fuss is about.

When we put the Bike+ through its paces, we were impressed by the build of the bike, the versatility of Peloton classes and the immersive size of the swivelling touchscreen.

The Peloton Bike+ comes with a high price tag of $3,345 for the basics package. Plus, there's a $59 per month fee for an all-access membership.

As you can see, this certainly isn't a machine for a buyer on a budget.

But what do you get for all that money? Well, you get an exercise bike designed to offer a range of cardio and full-body workouts. It features a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen that can swivel a full 360 degrees, allowing you to work up a sweat on and off the bike. Rear- and front-facing speakers deliver quality sound and the frame is made of welded steel.

The seat and handlebar are easily adjustable, but it's in the range of smart features where the Bike+ really shines. With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Bike+ lets you enjoy access to live classes and thousands more on demand. Instructors are on hand to motivate and encourage you and there's a huge range of workout programs and challenges available to suit your fitness goals.

There's even an auto-resistance feature that automatically changes the resistance level on your bike based on what the class instructor says.

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If you've got a maximum budget of $1,000 to spend on a home exercise bike, we recommend checking out the ProForm 225CSX PF21.

With its traditional upright frame, 20 silent magnetic resistance (SMR) levels and an average score of 4.6 out of 5 from rebel Sport customers, it's our pick as the best exercise bike under $1,000.

Designed for beginners and recreational users, this bike features an oversized lumbar support cushion seat for added comfort.

The SMR technology means your workout is always smooth and never noisy – a plus if you like watching TV while getting fit.

The dual-grip EKG heart rate monitor helps you keep track of your vitals while the iPod-compatible 2-inch speakers let you listen to your favourite workout tracks.

In terms of key specs, the 225CSX features a 7kg inertia-enhanced flywheel, has a 5-inch high-contrast multicolour display and can accommodate users weighing up to 125kg.

If you need motivation to move, download the iFit app onto your iPad to access workouts developed by professionals. Every purchase of the Proform 225CSX includes a 30-day iFit membership.

And because the Proform 225CSX has a price tag of $799, you'll have plenty of change left from your $1,000 budget.

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If you're on an even tighter budget, the Celsius BK1 is the best exercise bike under $500. Not only is this model affordable and easy to use, but it also boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 70 rebel customer reviews.

The Lifespan Fitness EXER-58 is another highly rated option in this price bracket and retails around the $400 mark. However, the greater number of positive reviews for the Celsius BK1 see it take the win here.

Reviewers commonly praise the ease of use and value for money provided by the BK1, so it's well worth a look if you're in the market for an affordable exercise bike. Offering 8 levels of manual resistance, the bike lets you tailor a workout to suit your fitness level and goals.

An upright bike with a 4kg flywheel, the BK1 is suitable for users weighing up to 120kg. The seat can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to ensure maximum user comfort while the pedals can be adjusted to suit your needs. The simple digital screen displays your speed and distance so you can keep track of your progress. And when it's time to pack your bike away, the BK1 has built-in wheels to make it easy to move around.

It's also priced well under $500, which means you can use some of your remaining budget to stock up on other essential home exercise gear. So if you're searching for the best home exercise bike under $500, the Celsius BK1 offers plenty of bang for your buck.

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Searching for a home exercise bike that offers great bang for your buck? There's a lot to like about the York Fitness C410.

With 32 levels of electronic resistance, a host of user-friendly features and an affordable price tag, the C410 ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people. It's no stranger to a glowing review either, with plenty of 5-star reviews from Fit Online customers.

The C410 also featured in our guide to the best cardio equipment in Australia, so it's no surprise to see it take the win here as the best value exercise bike.

The C410 is a great all-rounder, offering everything you need to tailor a variety of different cardio workouts, with a price tag that isn't going to send you broke.

Featuring an 8kg flywheel, the C410 has an impressive 32 levels of electronic resistance. There are 16 workout programs available to suit different fitness goals, including the option of programming in your own custom settings.

Capable of accommodating users weighing up to 130kg, this bike features a blue back-lit LCD screen that displays key workout data – time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, pulse and more are all shown. Hand pulse sensors allow you to keep track of how hard you're working while the handlebars and seat can easily be adjusted to suit your dimensions.

And with a cushioned seat, wheels for transportation and a lifetime frame warranty, there are plenty of good reasons why the York C410 is worth a closer look.

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With an average score rating of 4.5 out of 5 across more than 18,000 reviews on Amazon, the ME-709 is one of the best recumbent bikes on the market.

Compact yet comfortable, this unit packs a punch, increasing your cardiovascular endurance over a more gentle workout on the knees and back than an upright machine would.

Praised for its high-quality craftsmanship, this bike is made from premium 14-gauge steel tubing and is sturdy enough to withstand the most vigorous workouts. Choose from up to 8 levels of resistance and monitor your speed, distance and the number of calories burned through its handy LCD display.

The ergonomic padded seat is constructed of high-density foam and is easily adjustable to suit your stride. The recumbent handlebars provide added comfort and the adjustable foot straps ensure you won't slip while riding.

Customers love how easy it is to assemble and operate and how quiet it is. You can even transport it from room to room by tilting it and rolling it along its back wheels.

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If you're in the market for an upright exercise bike, there are several quality options in this guide that are worth considering. And now it's time to add another option to your shopping shortlist — the York Fitness C415.

The next model up from the C410 featured above, the C415 is similarly feature-packed while also boasting an affordable price tag. And with plenty of 5-star reviews from customers across the internet, it's our number 1 pick as the best upright exercise bike.

Climb aboard the C415 and you'll find a 10kg flywheel and a whopping 32 levels of electronic resistance. This model also has a maximum user weight of 140kg, so it can take heavier riders than several of the other bikes in this guide.

There are 16 programs to choose from with this bike, including your own custom program if you want to dial in a favourite workout. Pedalling is taken care of via a 3-piece crank system. Hand pulse sensors are also included and the computer display shows time, speed, distance, calories, pulse and more.

The handlebars are adjustable and the seat offers rake and slide adjustment, allowing you to tailor the bike to your size. A water bottle holder is a handy inclusion to help you stay hydrated while wheels help make it easier to move the machine around your home.

And with a lifetime frame warranty, the York Fitness C415 is an upright exercise bike with a whole lot to offer for any home fitness enthusiast.

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Space at a premium in your home? The Everfit Exercise Bike Magnetic X-Bike is our pick for best fold-up exercise bike. It's a handy space-saver around the home, offering all the essential features to get fit at home.

It's picked up its fair share of positive reviews too, with glowing feedback from customers at retailers like eBay, Myer and MyDeal.

When in use, the X-Bike measures 115x81x41.5cm. But when you need to store it away, it folds up to dimensions of 136.5x36cm, minimising the amount of floor space it takes up in your home.

With 8 stages of adjustable magnetic resistance available, this exercise bike offers workouts to suit a range of fitness levels. An LCD display lets you keep track of workout metrics such as your speed, time, distance cycled and calories burned, with pedalling taken care of via a 3-piece crank system. The bike is silent during operation which is particularly useful if you live with others and enjoy exercising at unusual hours.

The X-Bike also features non-slip protective feet for added confidence while you're working out, plus 4 levels of height adjustment to suit different-sized users. That said, some buyers report that it isn't a suitable option for taller buyers, so some people may need to consider other options.

But many reviewers praise the X-Bike for its ease of assembly, ease of use and quiet operation, so it's worth a look if you're shopping for a fold-up exercise bike that won't take up too much space in your home.

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Looking for a cheaper alternative to our best overall pick, the Peloton Bike+? Check out the Proform Pro C22 PF20 Studio Bike.

This bike offers access to a huge range of workouts, exercises for on and off the bike and a wide variety of clever and interactive features. And with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 from 42 rebel customers, it's our pick as the best Peloton alternative.

Like the Peloton, the Proform Pro C22 PF20 Studio Bike isn't exactly what you'd call a low-budget purchase. And once you've paid the price upfront, you'll also need to fork out for an iFit subscription (subscriptions start at US$15 per month) if you want to take advantage of the full range of features on offer.

Once you're all set up, the bike offers a 13kg flywheel and 24 digital resistance levels. OneTouch controls make it easy to program in your desired settings and the bike is fitted with a 22-inch touchscreen that swivels through 180 degrees. There's also plenty of adjustment available to suit people of varying heights.

Like a Peloton membership, an iFit subscription gives you access to live interactive training and an extensive library of workouts. Live Resistance Control lets the trainer set the resistance level on your bike. Plus, everything from yoga classes to weight workouts is also available.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that, at the time of writing (February 2023), the price of the Proform Pro C22 PF20 Studio Bike had dropped from $2,499 to $1,999. That's a pretty big discount and makes this model worth comparing side-by-side with the Peloton Bike+.

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With hundreds of 5-star ratings from Gym and Fitness customers plus an impressive average score of 4.7 out of 5 from over 270 Google reviews, the AssaultFitness Assault AirBike Classic is our top pick as the best air bike on the market.

Built with durability in mind, the Assault AirBike Classic features a high-tensile steel frame and 20 sealed cartridge bearings. Reinforced pedals and cranks provide added longevity and the frame features an industrial powder coating for extra protection.

Featuring a 27-inch diameter steel fan, the Assault AirBike Classic uses fan resistance to let you tackle the workout you want. There are 7 built-in programs available to suit different fitness goals, including everything from HIIT to endurance training. You can also customise a workout based on the time you want to exercise, calories you want to burn, distance you want to cover or heart rate goals you want to achieve.

The battery-powered console is easy to use and understand, though some users do report that it's a little hard to read. It displays time, distance, calories, watts, speed and RPM, so all the essential info you need is right at your fingertips. The bike is easy to assemble too, with 4 stabilising feet ensuring that those vigorous workouts don't result in too much rocking and rolling. And with integrated transport wheels, moving the Assault AirBike around your home is nice and easy.

So if you want the tough but easily customisable workout that only an air bike can provide, be sure to check out the AssaultFitness Assault AirBike Classic.

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Boasting an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 2,600 global customer reviews on Amazon, the DeskCycle 2 is the best under-desk exercise bike.

Designed to slip under a desk so you can exercise while you work and portable enough to move into the living room and use while you watch TV, this mini cycle is a handy piece of home workout equipment. It uses patented magnetic resistance to offer a smooth and quiet workout and the company behind the DeskCycle 2 says it combines magnetic resistance and a flywheel with an effective weight of around 18kg.

The DeskCycle 2 measures approximately 51cm (W) x 61cm (L), with a pedal height of just over 25cm at the top of its travel. You can also set the maximum pedal height lower, at just under 23cm, based on your needs. It's designed to work at desks as low as approximately 68.6cm, but if you're taller than 5ft10in (approximately 179cm), you'll need a higher desk.

When you're ready to start raising your heart rate, you can choose from 8 calibrated resistance settings simply by turning a dial. A handy display keeps track of your time, distance, RPM and calories burned while there are Velcro straps to prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals.

So if you're looking for something portable and convenient to help with rehab from an injury or to work out while you work, the DeskCycle 2 is definitely worth a closer look.

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Looking to stay fit but aren't quite as mobile as you used to be? With their low seats and added support, recumbent exercise bikes are ideal if an upright bike isn't suitable. The Lifespan Fitness RC-300 is our pick for seniors with a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Bunnings and a price tag of under $1,000.

The lumbar seat support reduces strain on your back while the heavy-duty magnetic flywheel is super quiet and low maintenance so you can go the extra mile.

Customers rave about it with a Lifespan Fitness user stating that "this is the first one [bike] that I can safely and easily place both feet into the pedals without assistance". Another customer said, "Great for exercise even with my complex spinal issues that I have been struggling with… this is the first machine that has had a positive impact on my condition and health."

Sturdy and stable, it can take a maximum user weight of 150kg and includes standard pedals with a foot-strap for secure riding and an adjustable (forwards/backwards) seat for comfort.

The large LCD display lets you monitor your time, speed, calories and RPM and you'll even get your heart rate stats via the seat handle's in-built pulse sensors.

Unlike some bikes that make you download an app for workouts, the RC-300 comes with 12 pre-set programs to add variety to your training session. There are also 16 levels of resistance to ensure you're always being challenged.

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Save on exercise bikes with these deals and discounts:

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Amazon prices last updated on 15 December, 2024 at 09:06 pmeBay prices last updated on 15 December, 2024 at 02:05 pm

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Compare some of the best exercise bikes

Are home exercise bikes worth it?

Why should I buy an exercise bike?

There are several reasons why an exercise bike can make a useful addition to your home gym:

• Get fit

  Cycling is a great way to get into shape and lose weight, offering a low-impact workout for general fitness and for anyone recovering from a lower-limb injury. Even better, you can work out while watching TV with an exercise bike.

• Ride in all types of weather

  One of the main pitfalls of riding outdoors, whether road or mountain biking, is inclement weather. Exercise bikes make it possible to work up a sweat no matter what the weather is doing – and without having to worry about traffic.

• Exercise in private

  If you're self-conscious about your weight or simply don't feel comfortable in a gym environment, buying an exercise bike lets you work out in complete privacy.

• Avoid expensive gym memberships

  Gym memberships aren't cheap, so investing in an exercise bike can provide good value for money – provided you stay committed to using it.

• Save space

  In home gym terms, an upright exercise bike is one of the smaller pieces of equipment, making them a useful choice if space is at a premium.

If you're looking to buy more items for your home gym, check out our guide to cheap home gym equipment. You may also be interested in our treadmill buying guide.

Why shouldn't I buy an exercise bike?

Buying an exercise bike (or any other piece of home gym equipment) often seems like a good idea at the time. But the number of under-used exercise bikes, treadmills and ab rollers dumped on the side of the road at kerbside clean-up time would suggest it's an idea many people later regret. Exercise bikes aren't cheap, so you need to be sure that you'll get sufficient use out of a bike to justify your investment.

Before you hand over any money, consider whether you wouldn't prefer to do the following:

• Ride outside. Cycling outside can be more fun than sweating away in a room at home – the scenery changes, you can breathe in some fresh air and you get the satisfaction and enjoyment of actually going somewhere.
• Join a gym. When you join a gym, you can work out on all manner of exercise equipment, sign up for fun and motivational classes and get personalised advice from fitness experts. If this sounds ideal for you, check out our guide to choosing a gym membership.
• Get an indoor trainer. Bike trainers are raised stands that allow you to use your normal road bike indoors. If you already have a quality bike and just want to be able to use it when the weather is bad, a trainer can give you what you need for just a few hundred dollars.

What types of exercise bikes are available?

Consider these when choosing an exercise bike for your home:

	Description	Pros	Cons
Upright exercise bike	Upright exercise bikes stand up just like a normal bike and usually come with a comfortable, padded seat.	Cheaper and more compact than recumbent bikes Offers a more effective cardio workout and engages core muscles more than a recumbent bike	Not suitable for those who need back support Requires some previous bike riding experience
Recumbent exercise bike	Allows you to cycle while seated in a reclining position.	Ideal for seniors, those who want additional back support and people who want to stay comfortable while working out	More expensive and take up more room than upright bikes Don't work as wide a range of muscles as upright or indoor cycling bikes
Indoor cycling bike	Sometimes referred to as spin bikes, indoor cycling bikes attempt to simulate the experience of riding a road bike.	Offers a wider range of resistance levels to simulate gear changes and different terrain Designed for avid cyclists and fitness enthusiasts Provides a tougher workout than upright or recumbent bikes	Aggressive seating position can be uncomfortable Not suitable for those who need back support Requires a moderate level of bike riding experience

What should I look for in an exercise bike?

Before you start shopping for an exercise bike, take some time to consider your fitness goals, how often you plan to work out and your budget.

Exercise bike prices vary from around $100 for a no-frills model up to $2,000 for advanced models you could expect to find in a gym. Upright bikes are usually cheaper than recumbent bikes and many entry-level buyers will find a happy balance between features and price somewhere around the $400–$600 mark.

Don't forget to factor in delivery costs when comparing exercise bike prices. Bikes can weigh 50kg or more and some retailers charge up to $200 for delivery.

Here are the important factors you need to take into account:

How much should I pay for an exercise bike?

Exercise bikes range in price from $200 to upwards of $3,500 with prices typically reflecting quality, size and special features.

For example, a cheaper bike such as the DeskCycle 2 is compact, features only 8 levels of resistance and has a small display with limited data.

A more expensive bike such as the Peloton Bike+ is large and sturdy, featuring a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen, access to live and on-demand workouts and in-built speakers.

How much you should pay will depend on what you wish to get out of your exercise bike. If you're after light exercise or are short on space, a smaller more compact machine may be enough. If you're looking for an intense workout with motivational classes, a more expensive bike with in-built programs could be better for you.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best brand for exercise bikes?

  We've chosen the Peloton Bike+ as the best overall exercise bike. Peloton is a high-end exercise bike brand with an array of smart features, including a 23.8-inch HD swivelling touchscreen, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and access to live and on-demand classes.

• What is the difference between a stationary bike and an exercise bike?

  The terms stationary bikes and exercise bikes are often used interchangeably and refer to a piece of exercise equipment that resembles a bike but stays in one place.

• What burns more fat – walking or a stationary bike?

  The amount of fat burned depends on variables such as speed, intensity, resistance and duration.

  A person's height and weight also play a part in how many calories are burned during exercise.

  To put things into perspective, a Harvard study found that a person weighing 57kgs would burn approximately 210 calories when cycling on a stationary bike at moderate intensity for 30 minutes.

  At high intensity, that same person would burn around 315 calories over 30 minutes.

  Compared to walking, this person would burn 107 calories when walking at 5.6km/h or 135 calories when walking at a speed of 6.4km/h. A brisk jog or run of 8km/h run would outpace a moderate cycle, burning around 240 calories.

• Can I use my bike as an exercise bike?

  Yes. You can convert your ordinary bike into a stationary one to use in the house with a bike trainer. This is a stand that you clip your bike into to stop it from moving when you cycle. You can purchase them for around $150 on Amazon.

• Is an exercise bike better than a treadmill?

  A stationary bike has a lower injury risk than a treadmill. It helps strengthen the lower body and build resistance if a high enough load is used. However, it can burn fewer calories than a treadmill.

  A treadmill usually burns more calories thanks to its variety of speeds and inclinations.

• Can an exercise bike help with weight loss?

  Paired with other routines and a healthy diet, an exercise bike can help with weight loss. It can also support building a caloric deficit.

• Is riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes good exercise?

  Riding an exercise bike for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week is recommended to get its full benefits.

• How do you maintain an exercise bike?

  Dampen a microfibre cloth with soapy water and wipe the surface of your exercise bike. Make sure the chain is well-lubricated to avoid any mishaps. Tighten any loose pedal pads and bottom brackets.