Top 7 Indoor spin bikes for less than $500
These are the top indoor cycling bikes for your spin training.
By: Travis
Hi, I am Travis. My main focus in life is to understand training better and help others get better results too. I used to be about the least fit kid in school and would always be last to get picked for a team. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but all my efforts just lead to injuries
For years, I had completely given up on ever getting in shape. Then I began to use my brain before using my muscles. I read every popular book on exercise, and began to structure my training.
With the right training methods, and the right machines, I was able to rebuild my body from the ground up.
According to science, I would never be able to walk pain-free again. And I would never be able to do 20 pull-ups with the injuries to my rotator cuff. But they were al wrong.
This site is where you can find all my tips and recommendations.
Avid cyclists and workout enthusiasts alike recognize the benefits of spin bicycles. Whether trying to lose weight, build endurance or train for racing, spine bikes offer a variety of workout and fitness options.
But between the arguments regarding which spin bikes are best, which are the worst, and which are simply overpriced, it can be hard to determine which product is right for you, especially when your budget is tight. That's why we've compiled a list of the seven best spin bikes under $500 on the market today to help you figure out which bike is right for you!
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Stick to this guide, and keep in mind the exact specifications you're looking for, and you're sure to find a spin bike that works great.
1. Horizon Fitness GR3
The Horizon Fitness GR3 is a great spin bike that features some high-end components for a bike under $500. According to their website, this bike "is precision-engineered to bring the feel of real road cycling to your home, " making it a great purchase for avid outdoor bikers looking to bring their workout inside.
This bike also features a 48-pound flywheel with a friction brake and a frame built to support users up to 268 pounds. Plus, with a four-way adjustable road-style saddle that keeps the ride smooth and comfortable, and multiple handlebar angles, you can customize your ride to fit all your comfort needs.
If you're a tech lover, you'll be excited to note that this bike comes with an LCD monitor that offers a wide variety of stats and feedback, including speed, HIIT, and heart rate. And, if you're not already sold, the bike also comes with a Polar wireless heart rate receiver!
Pros:
- An LCD monitor to display stats and provide built-in workout programs
- 48-pound flywheel to keep your ride smooth
- Polar wireless heart rate monitor
- Ride in comfort with the adjustable seat and handlebars
Const
- This bike can go for higher prices than $500; finding one within the budget might be a challenge
2. Schwinn IC3
The Schwinn IC3 is a very popular spin bike among many workout enthusiasts and features many specs that you won't find among bikes of the same price. That being said, it does hit the very tip of the $500 budget, so if you're looking to be well under that, this bike is probably not your best bet.
This bike can support users up to 300 pounds and boasts a race-style seat that adjusts vertically and horizontally to fit your rear perfectly. Plus, the bike also has a 40-pound flywheel and a belt drive system that aids in a smooth and quiet ride.
Most impressively, the Schwinn IC3 also has dual pedals, allowing you to choose between SPD clips and toe cages to customize completely to your preference.
Other features include an LCD screen for workout data, a media shelf, and a water bottle holder.
Pros:
- Quality flywheel and belt drive lead to a smooth ride
- Convenient water bottle holder and media shelf
- Customization options with dual pedals, handlebars, and race-style seat
Const
- Some taller people complain that this bike doesn't fit them well
- The LCD could have better image quality
3. Joroto X1S
The JOROTO X1S is a great bike for this looking for quality without breaking the bank. Interestingly enough, this bike also comes in two designs: chain or belt drive.
This bike features a heavy-duty steel tubing frame and a 35-pound flywheel, both impressive specs for a bike that will run you less than $400. It also offers an LCD monitor, a very generous media shelf capable of holding a device up to 10 inches, and a water bottle holder.
If you're stuck trying to choose between the chain or belt drive versions of this bike, your best bet will probably be the belt drive. This version is quieter, but it also comes with other cool features, such as adjustable angled handlebars and a four-way adjustable seat.
Pros:
- Sturdy build that will be hard to break
- Significant customization and adjustability with the seats and handlebars
- Large media shelf that can hold a good-sized tablet
Const
- The narrow seat can be uncomfortable for some
- The bike can squeak from time to time
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 is another very popular choice for those who love to workout using spin bikes. The Sunny Health & Fitness brand is also well-known and offers a wide range of indoor bikes, so if you don't find the bike you're looking for using this guide, be sure to check out some of their other models!
This bike features a dense 49-pound solid chrome flywheel and can be customized to include a classic chain drive or a belt-drive, both with a heavy-duty crank. Additionally, the resistance on this bike is adjustable and comes from direct contact with a leather pad.
This bike can hold users up to 275 pounds and can adjust to a range of heights. Plus, with a four-way adjustable seat, and two-way adjustable handlebars, you can rest assured that you will be able to adjust this bike and find comfort.
Additionally, this bike also boasts transportation wheels and a water bottle holder!
Pros:
- Adjustable to riders of all different heights
- Features a solid frame and crank
- Comes in both belt drive and chain drive varieties
Const
- Not as durable as other bikes featured on this list
- The belt drive option is more expensive
5. Ancheer B3008
The ANCHEER B3008 isn't the most well-known bike on this list, but that doesn't mean it won't be the perfect fit for you! Overall, it's a solid and affordable bike from an Asian manufacturer that, in many ways, is just as good as any other bike on this list.
Available in yellow, silver, or black, this bike contains a 49-pound flywheel, a belt drive designed for flowing motion and little noise, and a heavy-duty steel frame that aids in a sturdy, smooth ride. It can also hold rides up to 280 pounds and is adjustable for riders up to 6-feet-two-inches.
This bike also includes an LCD screen, a water bottle holder, and a convenient smartphone tray.
Pros:
- Variety of color choice
- The ride is quiet and smooth
- Contains a convenient water bottle holder and smartphone tray
Const
- The bike can feel wobbly if you move your upper body a lot during cycling
- The LCD monitor is not great quality
6. Pyhigh Indoor Cycling Bike
The PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike is another popular choice among cyclists and others who enjoy working out on a spin bike. If you're looking for a solid bike that offers a smooth ride at a reasonable price, look no further!
This bike features a 35-pound flywheel and a belt-drive, allowing for a relatively quiet and smooth ride. It also boasts a seat that can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally and handlebars that slide up or down depending on personal preference and arm length.
In addition, the bike also offers a tablet shelf, a water bottle holder, and a small LCD screen.
Pros:
- A reliable bike that won't break down easily
- Features great secondary components
- Easy to assemble
Const
- This bike is not suited for tall riders
7. Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is the last bike on this list, but that doesn't mean it's not the perfect bike for you!
This bike is built with a compact steel frame that makes it feel very sturdy and features a 35-pound flywheel and a belt drive. And while the bike can only hold riders up to 270 pounds, it offers a wide variety of customization options including adjustable handlebars and seat.
Other features of this bike include a basic LCD screen and a tablet rack to keep your device secure while you work out.
Pros:
- Compact, sturdy build that inspires confidence while riding
- Simple to assemble
- Smooth ride due to belt drive and flywheel
Const
- Not made for tall riders
- LCD screen and tablet holder don't function well together
Now that you've (hopefully) decided which spin bike under $500 is best for you, you might have some questions regarding spin bikes in general. Have no fear, as we've also compiled a list of FAQs to help keep you and your bike in great shape!
Are Spin Bikes Good For Weight Loss?
It has long been known that spinning is known to decrease fat and help people lose weight. Through research, it has been shown that replacing one moderate-intensity exercise session with two 30-minute cycling sessions of high-intensity can improve your cardiovascular health and body composition! That being said, it's also important to maintain a healthy diet while using spinning to help lose weight, or else it won't be nearly as effective!
What Is The Difference Between A Spin Bike And A Regular Exercise Bike?
There are a few differences between regular exercise bikes and spin bikes, the biggest being their intended use. In general, stationary exercise bikes are designed to improve general health and fitness, particularly in cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and weight loss. On the other hand, spin bikes are more specifically designed for those who participate in cycling, as they more closely mimic the body's movements during real cycling than an exercise bike does.
Is It OK To Spin Every Day?
Since spinning is so low-impact, it is an excellent exercise for people who are scared of injuring themselves. That being said, people new to spinning can overexert themselves, especially if they're not used to vigorous exercise. Even once you're used to spinning, doing so every day could be considered overkill. In general, spinning works best when done a few days a week at a very high intensity.
Is Spinning Bad For Your Knees?
On the contrary, spinning is a great exercise for someone who has bad knees. Not only is spinning very low-impact, meaning there is little chance of reinjury, but it also helps strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the knee that could be causing the knee pain.
Is A Spin Bike At Home Worth It
Unlike the rest of the FAQs, this one is more up to personal preference than any science-based answers. Do you like spinning? Do you feel like spinning is a good exercise for you? If so, then yes, it's absolutely worth getting a spin bike for your home! Overall, spinning is a great exercise, and if you're planning on becoming an avid spin-cyclist, I'm sure you will find great joy in it.
Is Spinning Better Than Running
Research has shown that spinning can burn more calories than running, which can be significant in weight loss efforts. Spinning classes also help develop your core muscles and help strengthen many muscles, including the glutes and hamstrings. Plus, compared to running, cycling is incredibly low-impact.
Final Verdict
Our best pick for spin bikes under $500, the Horizon Fitness GR3, is a fantastic bike and will make even the pickiest of spin cyclists happy.
That being said, if you don't think you'll be happy with the Horizon Fitness GR3, every single bike on this list is great and will make there right person happy. As long as you keep your budget and preferred specifications in mind, you'll find a bike that will keep you happy and healthy for years to come.