Spin bikes are a pricey lot and deservedly so considering their popularity, target, and effectiveness. It sure would help if you had a list of the best budget spin bikes available.Â
I work at a bike shop and I’ve got to tell you, the frustration of first-time buyers and those who are on a budget is almost palpable. In my line of work, it’s easy for me to spot a client who is struggling with a decision and it’s my job to step in in the nick of time and save them.
Shopping for a spin bike is not something many of us are good at especially because of the technical terms and abundance or lack of accessories. Knowing what you are buying will help you get the most bang for your buck.
Check out this review of the most affordable bikes that are also great in performance and durability.
The best Budget Spin Bike – Comparison TableÂ
Budget Bike |
Features |
See Price |
Schwinn IC4 |
Compatible with multiple cycling apps
Magnetic resistance and belt transmission SPD pedals 41 lbs flywheel Device holder Bluetooth Connected Adjustable handle bars and seat |
|
Sunny SF-B1805 Indoor Bike
|
44 lbs flywheel gives a good ride
Adjustable magnetic resistance Strong and durable build Affordable |
|
Finer Form Indoor Bike
|
Monitor tracks and reports progress and cadence
Magnetic resistance belt-driven Compatible with SPD shoes Device holder |
|
Magnetic resistance runs quietly
Belt-driven bikes run smoothly Adjustable handlebars increase customization |
||
MaxKare Magnetic Cycling Bike
|
Adjustable handlebars and seat
30 lbs flywheel Affordable Magnetic resistance by belt drive |
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ECHANFIT Stationary Bike
|
Can be used by a person as tall as 6 feet 5 inches.
Belt-driven wheels run smoothly Magnetic resistance is not noisy Great price |
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HouseFit Stationary Bike
|
LCD screen easy to read
39 Pound flywheel equals a god experience Adjustable handlebars, up and down Comfortable seating Good price range |
|
MEVEM Belt Driven Bike
 |
Belt-driven smooth running
Magnetic resistance is quiet in operation Affordable and versatile |
Schwinn IC4
[amazon box=”B07WZXSDKW” template=”horizontal” ]Top of the line spin bike on a budget is made of strong steel metal and coated with a powder finish. The bike is meant to last a lifetime and it provides a very stable and firm base on which you can go as hard as you intend to with no fear of tripping.
The four-way adjustable seat has a comfortable foam cushioning which allows for longer workout sessions without causing your posterior untold misery. Your feet will securely fit into the Schwinn IC4 with their caged forms and the clips provided if you choose to use cleats.
The flywheel on this bike is 41 lbs in weight giving the bike the best kind of magnetic resistance that is driven by a belt transmission. Although small, the monitor on this bike details all your health and fitness record.
The Schwinn IC4 just keeps on giving adding a phone holder knowing that the bike’s system is also compatible with several cycling apps like Zwift, Explore the World, and Peloton.
If that was not enough, the Schwinn IC4 comes fitted with two water bottle holders, 3-lbs dumbbells with their hooks on which to hang them.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple cycling apps
- Magnetic resistance and belt transmission
- SPD pedals
- 41 lbs flywheel
- Device holder
- Bluetooth Connected
- Adjustable handlebars and seat
Cons
Might stretch your budget a tad bit
Sunny SF-B1805 Indoor Bike
[amazon box=”B07FCJH59R” template=”horizontal” ]A stay at home mom would love to have this bike around. With it’s silent and portable nature, you could port it around and keep fit while doing all those mundane house chores. Being a quiet and smooth-running machine, it is ideal for use at any time.
Sunny SF-B1805 is a sleek machine with a strong build and a long-lasting finishing. With its wide base, you should be able to do all high-intensity cycling daily with no problems. It is also fitted with transport wheels to help scoot it around.
This bike packs all the whistles and bells that can come with a spin bike. The flywheel measures a cool 44 pounds which guarantees an amazing cycling experience. It rides on a belt-driven system with caged pedals for secure foot placing.
The Front-center of the bike is the phone holder and a water bottle holder angles across the frame of the bike.
Pros
- 44 lbs flywheel gives a good ride
- Adjustable magnetic resistance
- Strong and durable build
- Affordable
Cons
- Missing LCD
- Not compatible with SPD shoes
Finer Form Indoor Bike
[amazon box=”B081QRLK9L” template=”horizontal” ]Featuring a firm build that can take HIIT workouts, this steel machine features a 35 lbs flywheel which is just heavy enough to give any cyclist a great cardio workout. The seats on the bike are also adjustable in 4 different ways which makes them super flexible and customizable.
The handlebars are also flexible enough to accommodate any arm lengths or tall heights. To keep your footing on the pedals, you have the option to clip on your cycling shoes or just slid in your normal gym shoes inside the caged build.
Bike’s balance is firm using the anti-skid level feet and it also has a phone holder plus a monitor screen.
ProsÂ
- Monitor tracks and reports progress and cadence
- Magnetic resistance belt-driven
- Compatible with SPD shoes
- Device holder
Cons
- Handlebars only adjust upwards
LCD screen not backlit
Go Plus Belt Drive Bike
[amazon box=”B0823L3YKP” template=”horizontal” ]An LCD screen displays your track record every time you use this bike the only issue is that it doesn’t have a backlight meaning it might be difficult to read in the dark. The sensors on your handlebars are what assess, analyze, and transmit your data populating it on a screen before you.
With a 30 lbs heavy flywheel, this bike doesn’t pack quite the punch but you shouldn’t discount it at all. This bike is capable of three different modes while you are on it. These are climbing, uphill, and cross country.
The magnetic resistance is regulated by the use of a three-position knob and has current racing to the wheel passing through six magnets placed strategically. Once pulled to the wheel, the magnets increase resistance giving you more challenges.
Pros
- Magnetic resistance runs quietly
- Belt-driven bikes run smoothly
- Adjustable handlebars increase customization
ConsÂ
- LCD screen not backlit
- Not SPD compatible
MaxKare Magnetic Cycling Bike
[amazon box=”B07RKFMB59″ template=”horizontal” ]The seats on the MaxKare Magnetic Cycling Bike are the plushest among our listed bikes. They are made with racers in mind and any cycling enthusiast knows the plush seat is everything especially in a heated competition.
Unfortunately, the pedals on this bike are not compatible with clips but they have made up for this by building a steel toe-cage of sorts which is meant to keep your foot secure on the pedal as you pedal at high intensity.
This bike’s magnetic resistance is regulated by the use of a multi-position knob with an emergency stop extra benefit. There is an LCD screen to monitor your track and health but it is not backlit so you won’t be able to check out your vitals mid-workout.
Pros
- Adjustable handlebars and seat
- 30 lbs flywheel
- Affordable
- Magnetic resistance by the belt drive
ConsÂ
Resistance is not strong enough for experienced cyclists
ECHANFIT Stationary Bike
[amazon box=”B07Y7TC5PT” template=”horizontal” ]This bike is the ideal mix of budget and value for money. With its considerable price, this bike is built with the sturdiest steel metal that is used in other higher-end bikes. This metal is then finished up with a classic powdered touch.
The handlebars on the ECHANFIT bike are flexible and they can be moved in the up and down direction only to make customized options for taller or shorter people. The bars are attached to the phone holder.
Eddy current flows through the bike charging up the magnets and causing them to increase or decrease the resistance. This regulation is done by the use of a knob and the wheel is belt-driven which proves the smooth experience. The pedals are fashioned in the toe cage style for wide foot fitting.
Pros
- It can be used by a person as tall as 6 feet 5 inches.
- Belt-driven wheels run smoothly
- Magnetic resistance is not noisy
- Great price
Cons
- Not compatible with SPD shoes
- Monitor Not backlit
HouseFit Stationary Bike
[amazon box=”B07WNCB3JF” template=”horizontal” ]The Aluminum built pedals of this bike are shaped in the usual toe cage style and they guarantee a secure footing while you work out. as you push hard on the pedals, the belt running the wheel sparks a magnetic current called an eddy.
By adjusting some knob, you can regulate how intense the resistance will be. The hardcore steel frame is indestructible and can hold up the weight of up to 330 pounds and accommodate a person taller than 6 feet.
The seats are rider-minded so they give the needed cushioning to make your experience enjoyable. Handlebars are adjustable up and down to customize for different proportionate people.
A screen monitor lets you know how you are doing, and how much more you can do. A 39lbs flywheel is ideal for smooth running.
Pros
- LCD screen easy to read
- 39 Pound flywheel equals a god experience
- Adjustable handlebars, up and down
- Comfortable seating
- Good price range
ConsÂ
- Not SPD compatible
Does not record Revolutions per minute or cadence.
MEVEM Belt Driven Bike
[amazon box=”B082CV3R12″ template=”horizontal” ]Achieving a full-body workout on this bike is highly possible because it creates the perfect balance between cardio workout and lower body workout. That this is possible with this affordable bike, is super cool.
It features an 18-pound bi-directional flywheel powered by magnets and driven by a belt system. Pedals have a caged-toe design to keep your footing secure. If the resistance is lacking, you can adjust it by use of a simple knob that will increase or decrease the eddy current.
MEVEM bike has stabilizer bars at the bottom with firm grips securing you for HIIT sessions. The bike’s seat is also well-padded and adjustable providing variety in customization.
LCD screen present to track your progress and a phone holder allows you to enjoy the use of your phone for entertainment as you work out.
Pros
- Belt-driven smooth running
- Magnetic resistance is quiet in operation
- Affordable and versatile
Cons
- LCD missing backlight
- The flywheel is lightweight
- No reading for RPM
Verdict
The Finer Form Indoor Bike is the best most affordable spin bike on our list. This is because it packs several features and benefits that many bikes on that price range don’t. Providing the option to use normal gym shoes or to clip on their special cycling shoes, is versatile and dynamic.
The bike is customizable with adjustable seats and handlebars making it a great fit for all shapes and sizes.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Budget Spin Bike
Durable BuildÂ
Even as you save your coins trying to get the most affordable spin bike in the market, remember you will get what you pay for so make sure the price is right. You don’t want to sacrifice the stability and sturdiness of a bike for a few extra savings. Invest in your bike because that is an investment in your health.
Resistance
This will be the first obvious consideration because you need to ensure that your bike is magnetically powered. This resistance could be increased or decreased using a knob or through a synced electronic device.
Magnetic resistance is caused when magnets are drawn to the wheel which makes it slow down. Magneti resistant bikes are not noisy and they require no extra costs in management. However, this bike will be more expensive because of its magnetic mechanism so be prepared.
 Q Factor
Referring to the distance between your pedal attachments on either end which greatly influences your riding effort and the health of your knees. A closer fit of about 175mm is advisable for most people because it helps them maximize their riding potential.
If you have wider hips, this rule may not apply to you and you may have to get your pedals customized to give you a wider Q-factor which may be more comfortable for you. You’d need to try the bike to know for sure.
Flywheel weight
The weight on the flywheel determines how real your riding experience will be. This weight helps to provide a stronger resistance which when pushed against, spins the wheel with as much force.
This increases your pedaling cadence and when the wheel is slowing down, if it is not going too fast, you can enjoy the feeling of cycling outside.
A good-sized flywheel measures about 20 kgs for most spin bikes but if you can get a heavier wheel, the better your riding experience will be.
Chain or Belt DriveÂ
These are the mechanisms that connect the pedals to the crank. A chain drive is lust like that fund on normal outdoor bikes and is used commercially in the spin industry. It is ideal for this because a chain is hardy and it can withstand high-impact use daily while still being very low maintenance.
Belt drives are quiet and they require even less maintenance but for spinning enthusiasts, they would have to regularly change the belt as it wears off quickly with intense regular use.
Pedals
At the speeds you will be going at, you want to be sure that you always have the right footing. Find yourself a magnetic bike that has toe clips, foot straps, and has provided for cleats.
If the pedals that come with the bike are unsatisfactory, check to see if they are removable and add extra pedals to your cycling budget. SPD pedals are rumored to be the best in the cycling world.
Console Display
While you should turn down a purchase of a perfectly good bike just because it lacks a monitor screen, it is still a valuable accessory on the bike for the user to enjoy and learn from.
Having an LCD screen requires an electronic connection to be established which means that synchronizations with cycling apps and other devices like your phone add a dynamic factor to your experience overall.
FAQs
Is there special equipment needed to ride a spin bike?
No special attire is required for you to spin. What to remember is to be comfortable and wear breathable fabric. Put on some tight or baggy fitting spinning shorts and normal gym shoes. Most spin bikes have toe caves that fit your shoe snuggly.
Is it true that only fit people can use the spin bike?
No, it is not true. While you do need a lot of high energy to work up a good sweat, it doesn’t mean that if you are a beginner, you can’t hop on the bike. You can and you should. If you want to.
However, spinning classes require aggressive pushing with extreme effort. If you cant keep up with the pace, you won’t fit in.
How does riding a spin bike improve my life?
While the results of a spin bike-only exercise routine will not yield quickly, the cycling motion you make helps to tone and strengthen your joints and leg muscles. Blood circulation is another huge importance of spinning. Finally, the potential to burn up to 500 calories per session, is inspiring enough for anyone with weight loss goals.
ConclusionÂ
Most spin bikes will have and present the same characteristics across the board especially if they belong to the same price bracket. However, with as many bikes in the market, as there are, this guide may help narrow down your options.