The 5 Best Budget Exercise Bike

The 5 Best Cheap Exercise Bike You Can Buy

The Exerpeutic LX7 is a great at-home spin bike option for users looking for an intense cardio workout on a budget. 

It’s on the upper end of our budget category, but it is packed with higher-end options, including a 40 lb. cast iron flywheel, responsive chain-driven resistance and even a heart rate monitor built into its multi-grip handlebars. (1)

The only con is that its LCD control screen is surprisingly basic given the high-end feel of the rest of the bike. 

Pros:

  • 40 lb flywheel
  • Responsive resistance
  • Heart rate monitor

Cons:

  • Basic LCD controls

2. ProGear 555LXT

A great recumbent option for beginners or others looking for a lower-impact workout is the ProGear 555LXT. 

It’s a great entry-level option featuring 14 levels of magnetic resistance, a media shelf and an LCD screen tracking speed and calories burned. 

The only downsides are that the seat is not the most comfortable on the market and that assembly can be somewhat challenging. 

Pros:

  • 14 levels of resistance
  • Quiet operation
  • LCD screen

Cons:

  • 3.3 lb flywheel
  • 225 lb. weight limit

If space is an issue, the XTERRA Fitness FB350 is a great upright option.

Its lightweight frame folds up to occupy a space of just 20.5″ x 20″ when not in use, and its price point is very budget-friendly. 

It’s also functional, offering a 3.3 lb. flywheel and eight levels of manually adjusted resistance and a pulse monitor. 

Additionally, an LCD screen displays time, distance and pulse. Drawbacks are this model’s 225 lb. weight limit and its relatively lightweight flywheel. 

Pros:

  • Space-saving design
  • Pulse monitor
  • Eight levels of resistance

Cons:

  • 3.3 lb flywheel
  • 225 lb. weight limit

Another great recumbent bike for the money, the Marcy ME-709 has features that far exceed expectations for its price. 

It features eight manually adjustable magnetic resistance levels, a comfortable seat, counterbalanced pedals and powder-coated steel construction with a weight limit of 300 lbs. Users love how comfortable it is to use and its straightforward assembly. 

The only cons are that the seat adjustment is a little tedious, so it’s not recommended for multiple users with differing heights, and it doesn’t include a heart rate monitor. This is also one of our top recommended recumbent bikes for seniors.

Pros:

  • High weight limit of 300 lbs.
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • Comfortable to use

Cons:

  • Seat adjustment is awkward
  • No heart rate monitor

For users wanting a spin bike on a budget, look no further than this model by Sunny Health & Fitness. 

This exercise bike is ideal for getting a full-body cardio workout at home. It features an impressive 30 lb. flywheel and chain drive for plenty of resistance provided by an adjustable tension knob, all wrapped in a sleek package. 

The only drawbacks to this model are that it has a max weight limit of 220 lbs., and it’s a no-frills model lacking an LCD display or pulse monitor.

Pros:

  • 30 lb. flywheel 
  • Sleek design
  • Adjustable tension 

Cons:

  • Weight limit of 220 lbs. 
  • No LCD display
  • No heart rate monitor

The Round-Up: What Cheap Exercise Bike Should You Buy?

riding a cheap exercise bike

While all five of these models are excellent options for home fitness, if you’re looking to get an intense cardio workout, the Exerpeutic LX7 is your best bet. 

Its spin design and higher-end features lend itself to intense workouts. Especially when paired with many of the apps available for spin programs, it will keep your workouts fresh and engaging. 

However, if you don’t feel like your fitness level has advanced enough to warrant a spin bike and/or the Exerpeutic LX7 is out of your price range, any of the remaining four are great options. 

The most important thing is finding what works best with your budget, your space, and your fitness goals.

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Article by:

Daniel DeMoss

I’m a personal trainer based in Denver (Matrix Gym) and a true fitness nerd. If I’m not training clients or working out at my home gym, I’m probably skiing, cycling or hiking with my dog Rufus.