If you’re here now, you’re no stranger to the term spinning. Ever since the 90s, this fun indoor activity has peaked in cities around the world. With tons of bikes available, which of the magnetic resistance type are the best?
As a social service worker my job entails a lot of fieldwork which can take a toll on you if you don’t keep healthy and fit for it. I learned this, painfully, when I first started on the job about a year ago.
Three months into the job, I developed sever depression and my doctor recommended the idea of a spin class and I didn’t hesitate to sign up. That’s how and when my spinning days began.
I’m now confident enough to want to build a little spinning gym in my home. I know for a fact that magnetic spinning bikes are the best in the market but with tons of bikes available, which of the magnetic resistance type are the best? Here’s what I gathered.
Best Magnetic Resistance Spin Bikes – Comparison Table
Magnetic Bike Type |
Features |
See Price |
Great customization possible with movable handlebars and seat
24 levels of resistance on the smooth magnetic belt drive Flywheel rear placement for protection and durability Wireless Bluetooth Sync Fitted with transportation wheels |
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Digital Monitor
Four ways Adjustable Seat Four ways Adjustable Handlebars Uses SPD cleats for foot positioning Adjustable magnetic resistance |
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32 lbs flywheel
Ergonomic and adjustable seats and handlebars Quiet machine operation done via electronic means Strong and durable construction Collection of workout programs |
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Magnetic Rear Belt Drive Bike SF-B1709
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Extras in device and bottle holders
4-ways adjustable seat 4-ways adjustable handlebars SPD compatible Option of using cleats or toe-cages and straps |
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Durable steel metal
Adjustable seat Folding Feature with transport wheels Non-slip Desk pad Storage drawer Knob regulated Magnetic resistance Resistant Straps for arm workouts Balance flywheel |
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Synergy Magnetic Bike SF-B1879
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Digital Monitor
Four ways Adjustable Seat Four ways Adjustable Handle bars Uses SPD cleats for foot positioning Adjustable magnetic resistance |
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Magnetic Belt Drive Bike SF-B1805
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Four-way adjustable handlebars and seat
Magnetic resistance with adjustable knob Incredible cardio workout 44lbs flywheel |
Keiser M3i Spin Bike
[amazon box=”B00LAESVPG” template=”horizontal” ]With this machine, there’s no way you won’t want to hop on your spin bike. Built-in a V-shaped strong and sturdy frame, this bike can hold up to 300 pounds in weight. Its classic look could be why it’s popular across the world among so many cyclists.
The unique placing of the flywheel at the rear of the bike makes it that much more attractive. What’s even better is the ability to customize your seat height and angle in four different directions. Not to mention the handlebars that also go four ways making it that much easier to enjoy and maximize the effects of your spinning sessions.
Powerful magnets have been placed around the wheel to help with regulating the resistance in training. There are 24 levels of resistance to choose from making this bike ideal for beginners and experts in cycling.
The belt drive system incorporated in design requires minimal maintenance and creates a hushed-up riding experience. Finally, you have the LCD screen with inbuilt Bluetooth that synchronizes with your phone displaying your track record and health and fitness progress.
Pros
- Attractive and multi-functional V-shaped design
- Great customization possible with movable handlebars and seat
- 24 levels of resistance on the smooth magnetic belt drive
- Flywheel rear placement for protection and durability
- Wireless Bluetooth Sync
- Fitted with transportation wheels
- Water bottle holder
Cons
- Belt drive systems wear down quickly
- Hectic assembly and set up
Synergy Pro Magnetic Bike SF-B1851
[amazon box=”B078F12DPL” template=”horizontal” ]A definite upgrade from the previous design featured by Sunny Health and Fitness brand. This bike is adjustable in four ways both on the seat and at the handlebars. There is no limit to the possibilities in seat placement and positioning.
You can achieve the same experience of a spin class with this bike because it had SPD compatible pedals that use cleats to secure your shoe and foot at the right angle. Getting this good foot support allows you to train harder and faster with no risk of falling off or slipping.
If you live for cardio and cycling is the way you do it, look no further than the Synergy Pro SF-B1851 bike. The bike is ergonomically designed meaning it is ideal for comfort and using micro-adjustable magnetic resistance, you can challenge yourself to new levels.
Performance monitor will keep track of and report your progress and the pulse grips on the handlebars will tell you your heart rate. Use the device holder to set your phone up to the most motivational videos you like to listen to or watch and enjoy your work out.
Pros
- Digital Monitor
- Four ways Adjustable Seat
- Four ways Adjustable Handlebars
- Uses SPD cleats for foot positioning
- Adjustable magnetic resistance
Cons
- Needs compatible SPD shoes to work with the cleats
Diamond 510C Spin Bike
[amazon box=”B007DMA6GG” template=”horizontal” ]This is an all-steel type of bike that will stand the test of time and weather. It can hold up to 300 pounds in weight and its magnetic resistance is controlled via a computer. Using your synced device, select the resistance level you want to try out and the bike will provide that for you. The drive train is a belt-drive type.
The seats are multi-directional meaning you can twist and turn them to your liking just as are the handlebars which also double-up as the heart sensors that read and record your heart rate mid-workout.
The LCD is colorful and sleek displaying all your health and fitness information. The Diamond spin bike is ideal for homes because it is fair in size and requires little to no maintenance.
Pros
- 32 lbs flywheel
- Ergonomic and adjustable seats and handlebars
- Quiet machine operation done via electronic means
- Strong and durable construction
- Collection of workout programs
Cons
- The bike is heavy which is good for stability but bad for assembly
Magnetic Rear Belt Drive Bike SF-B1709
[amazon box=”B07HL5RHXY” template=”horizontal” ]The rear-mounted flywheel of this equipment gives it its characteristic name. this positioning of the flywheel is unique and practical because it allows you to cycle with no thoughts of getting a seat or dripping water on the wheel.
The pedals provided are SPD compatible and you would need cleats to secure and lock your footing on them. However, they are also built-in with a toe-caged mold with adjustable straps which allows you to use normal gym shoes.
With an adjustable frequency level at 13, the resistance possible on this bike is unlike any other listed here. This means that for those ardent cardio fans, this is the bike of their choice. The pulse sensors on this bike are also located on the four-ways adjustable handlebars. You can also change up your seat position and angle because that function is enabled too.
The extras on the Magnetic Rear belt Bike are like the phone and water bottle holder.
Pros
- Extras in device and bottle holders
- 4-ways adjustable seat
- 4-ways adjustable handlebars
- SPD compatible
- The option of using cleats or toe-cages and straps
- High-intensity cardio workout
Cons
- Needs special SPD shoes to ride with cleats on
FitDesk 2.0 Spin Bike
[amazon box=”B0872TQ4K5″ template=”horizontal” ]Designed for the ever-busy bee, this machine will help transform your office life. With long hours seated at your desk hunched over your desktop, your body suffers much harm.
In comes the FitDesk 2.0 featuring a large work pad for device placement resting on a foldable metal steel metal frame that can hold up to 250 pounds at a time.
Other than the thoughtful storage drawer provided on the bike, it also has resistance bands that you can tug and pull at when you are not busy typing. It also has a flywheel which is weight-balanced to provide the smooth, noiseless experience of cycling.
The seat is extendable and it takes on a recumbent style backrest that is ideal for anyone within the heights of 4 feet 10 inches and 6 feet.
On a belt drive style, this bike provides 8 levels of magnetic resistance which is as exciting as it can get for an office fitness equipment.
Pros
- Durable steel metal
- Adjustable seat
- Folding Feature with transport wheels
- Non-slip Desk pad
- Storage drawer
- Knob regulated Magnetic resistance
- Resistant Straps for arm workouts
- Balance flywheel
Cons
- Posture could prove unfit for office concentration
- Laptop blocks the bike’s monitor
Synergy Magnetic Bike SF-B1879
[amazon box=”B07Z44W7M4″ template=”horizontal” ]Named synergy and rightfully so, this bike allows you to multi-task and add dimensions to your workout cycling routine. With ample space provided on its board to place dumbbells, you can incorporate cycling and lifting weights to increase the resistance of your training and its effectiveness.
By so doing you will increase engagement of the arms, core, and upper body muscles. A monitor provided will keep track of your calories burned, time, distance, speed, and pulse rate. To get a glimpse of your heart rate mid-exercise, hold on to the pulse grips on the handlebars.
The bike also provides a device holder in which you can stream your best shows or follow other cycling enthusiasts in a virtual training session. Whether at the gym or in the house, this is pretty convenient to have.
The seats and handlebars are adjustable in four- and two-way alternatives respectively and this is made possible for you to make yourself as comfortable as possible while you work out.
Pros
- Digital Monitor
- Adjustable Seat
- Adjustable Handlebars
- Universal toe cages
- Adjustable magnetic resistance
Cons
- No grips or straps on pedals
Magnetic Belt Drive Bike SF-B1805
[amazon box=”B07Z44W7M4″ template=”horizontal” ]The sturdy construction of this bike coupled with its ability to hold up to 300 lbs in weight allows for high impact cycling to be done won this bike. With the 44 lbs flywheel that characterizes it, this bike will run smoothly with very minimal noise even at your highest intensity.
In place of cleats, the pedals of this bike are fitted with straps for easier fastening of shoes on the secure footing. You can get a real cardio workout with this machine without fear of damage. The magnetic resistance is adjustable by a micro knob.
Use it to increase or decrease the resistance on the bike to challenge your muscles and get a little more sweat from your workout. The handlebars and seat of this bike are four-way adjustable allowing varied ways of positioning yourself on it.
There is also a device holder built-in right in between the sweat-resistant handlebars. Upgrade your home workout in a major way with this Belt drive bike.
Pros
- Four-way adjustable handlebars and seat
- Magnetic resistance with an adjustable knob
- Incredible cardio workout
- 44lbs flywheel
Cons
- Heavyweight bike.
What to consider when buying the Best Magnetic Resistant Bike
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. Why don’t you check them out?
FAQs
What is Spinning?
Mad Dog Ath7letics established the term spinning as a patented type of indoor cycling back in the ’90s. All trademarks related to Spin Fitness, Spinner, Spin, and the Spinning Logo belong to the MDA.
There are many types of indoor cycling classes but spin classes follow a certain pattern of training on the spin bike under the guidance of a qualified spinning instructor.
Is there a difference between a spin bike and a regular Indoor bike?
Yes, there is a big difference in their drive mechanism. Regular indoor bikes use a freewheel set up that doesn’t stop spinning when you stop cycling. The difference is the weighted flywheel in spin bikes which continues to spin based on the effort you had exerted on it.
With resistance, it slowly calms down like an outdoor bike would do, which is why it feels like riding a real bike.
Why are Spin bikes so ideal for fitness and health?
Spin bikes were created with fitness in mind. This is why they are not built for comfort but rather to force you to bend your body over to form the perfect form that works out all necessary muscles on an in-depth level. Unlike other bikes, these can perform HIIT workouts.
Conclusion
Spinning classes are the most fun, interactive, and exhilarating exercise that you can take part in. while some people appreciate the sense of camaraderie, others prefer to be in the privacy of their homes working out as spontaneously as they feel like it.
Magnetic resistance bikes are one of the best types of stationary bikes you will find in the market. You should give them a try because they are well worth it! I hope this guide was helpful to you.