Getting yourself a decent exercise should come as a no brainer. Investing in an exercise bike means you can cycle indoors even during atrocious weather conditions and be productive by burning those calories. Regular and efficient usage of an exercise bike won’t just help you in having a toned body, but it will also help in creating an endorphin rush. Within the following article, we shall be reviewing some of the best Upright, Recumbent, Semi-Recumbent & Indoor cycle, these cycles will serve as a very good deal for your money.
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We have carefully handpicked the best exercise bikes in the market under $500, after having collaborated with a few well-renowned cycling enthusiasts and professionals. We went through a rigorous testing phase and finally chose the BulbHead Slim Cycle as our Editor’s Overall Best Choice Exercise bike. Other important aspects of choosing an exercise bike of your desired choice are because they can be quite compact and easy to use. A few of the features that you should look out for, in an exercise bike are, seat adjustability & padding, handlebars adjustability & coating, width & comfort of the pedals, its resistance levels, lastly a digital display within the bike. We shall be reviewing a selection of the best exercise bikes along the course of this article. We believe, if you stick around, our in-depth reviews will help you in picking out your desired exercise bike.
2-in-1 Foldable Indoor Recumbent bike, W/ Built-in Resistance-Bands for Strength Training, Up to 8 levels of Resistance Adjustability & Consists of a Heart-rate Tracker | Editor’s Overall Best Choice
This is BulbHead’s Slim Cycle, a 2-in-1 Exercise bike. It has several useful features. The resistance bands will help you in carrying out upper-body training and it aids in toning your arm muscles. You can carry out very efficient cardio sessions using this exercise bike. You can use this indoor bike as either an upright bike or a recumbent bike. When you’re done with your workouts, you can easily fold up this bike that will help save space. The saddle on this bike is soft, adjustable, and has a backrest. The handlebars within this stationary bike are soft and rubber-coated. The belt-drive mechanism on this bike makes sure that it pedals smoothly and silently. Slim Cycle is equipped with a manual magnetic-resistance mechanism consisting of 8 levels of resistance. As for the display, it has an LCD-monitor, this will showcase distance, speed, time, calories burnt & pulse rate. One of the standout features on this exercise bike is, it consists of an application known as Echelon. This app will grant access to built-in fitness programs such as, ‘8 on-demand classes’ & up to 6-scenic rides, all free of charge. The application will support your Android and iOS devices. Lastly, this exercise bike is constructed from a durable, steel-made frame. It is capable of supporting a weight capacity of 300 lbs. The metal-made sections within this bike are painted using scratch-resistant paint and have an anti-corrosive layer. So you should not be too worried about the rust.
- Seat: Memory-foam, Adjustable with Backrest
- Handlebars: Soft & Rubber Coated
- Pedals: Flat pedals with straps
- Bike Frame: Solid Steel
- Dimension: 46” x 18” x 9.8”
- Weight: 43.55 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Display: Digital display shows speed, calories, distance & heart rate
- Resistance: Magnetic Resistance, 8 levels of Resistance
- Wheels for Transporting: Yes
- Drive Mechanism: Yes
- Foldability: Folds flat
- Riding Position: Upright & Reclined positions
- Design: Space Saving, Easy Storage
A quick view of our selected best exercise bikes that will cost you under or around $500:
| Exercise Bike | Carrying Capacity (lbs.) | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BulbHead Slim Indoor Exercise Bike | 300 | 90 |
| Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | 300 | 78 |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 | 350 | 70 |
| Lanos 3-in-1 Foldable Exercise Bike | 330 | 75 |
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RBD4703 | 350 | 74 |
| Exerpeutic ExerWork 1000 | 300 | 65 |
| Exerpeutic 1200 Magnetic Upright Bike | 300 | 85 |
| Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS | 400 | 84 |
| Schwinn Airdyne AD2 | 250 | 80 |
| Marcy AIR-1 Upright Fan Bike | 300 | 82 |
| Yosuda L-001A Indoor Cycling Bike | 270 | 68 |
| Cyclace | 330 | 72 |
12 best cost-effective indoor exercise bikes that will cost you under or around $500
| Bike Name | Preview | Type | Dimension | Weight | Carry Capacity | Seat | Handlebars | Display | Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BulbHead Slim Cycle | Semi-Recumbent | 46” x 18” 9.8” | 43.55 lbs | 300 lbs | Memory-foam, | Soft & Rubber Coated | Digital display | 8 adjustable levels | |
| Marcy ME-709 | Recumbent | 55.5" x 25" x 37.5" | 61 lbs | 300 lbs | High-density Memory foam | Foam-covered | LCD | 8 preset levels of Magnetic Resistance | |
| Sunny SF-RB4708 | Recumbent | 60" x 25.5" x 52" | 94.8 lb | 350 lbs | Large Cushioned Seat & Back-rest | Moveable | LCD | Magnetic Resistance, 8 Levels of Adjustable Resistance | |
| Lanos 3-in-1 Foldable | Upright & Recumbent | 26” x 20” x 46” (Upright) 32” x 20” x 41”(Recumbent), 29” x 20” x 44” (Semi-Stationary) | 45 lbs | 330 lbs | Cushioned & Adjustable Seat | Adjustable | LCD | 10 levels of resistance | |
| Sunny SF-RBD4703 | Recumbent | 50” x 30” x 49.5" | 89.3 lbs | 350 lbs | Extra Padded & Wide-cushioned | None | LCD | Adjustable 8 levels of resistance | |
| Exerpeutic ExerWork 1000 | Semi-recumbent | 45” x 51” x 25” | 64.7 lbs | 300 lbs | AirSoft, Wide & Big | Fixed | LCD | 8 levels of tension resistance | |
| Exerpeutic 1200 | Upright exercise | 31” x 19” x 46”(Assembled), 22” x 20” x 55.5” (Folded) | 31.2 lbs | 300 lbs | Large & Well-Cushioned | Fixed, Padded with Rubber-foam with pulse sensors | Large LCD | 8 level tension | |
| Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS | Upright exercise | 39" x 48.4" x 26.4" | 51.6 lbs | 400 lbs | Large & Well-Cushioned | Foam-padded with Heart-pulse sensors | LCD | 8 Level of Magnetic Tensions | |
| Schwinn Airdyne AD2 | Upright air-bike | 46” x 25” x 50” | 96 lbs | 250 lbs | Adjustable & Well-padded | Moveable | LCD | Infinite Levels, Air-Resistance | |
| Marcy AIR-1 | Upright air-cycle | 45.00” x 25.00” x 47.50” | 79.00 lbs | 300 lbs | Adjustable, Foam-seat | Foam-covered & Moveable | Sharp LCD panel | Infinite Levels, Air-Resistance | |
| Yosuda L-001A | Spin | 40" x 22" x 45" | 68 lbs | 270 lbs | 4-way saddle | Adjustable, 2-way, anti-slipping | LCD | Large Range of adjustable Resistance | |
| Cyclace | Spin | 47.24" x 24.21" x 47.24" | 86 lbs | 330 lbs | Adjustable | Adjustable & Slip-resistant | LCD | Adjustable Resistance |
# Recumbent & semi-recumbent exercise bikes
1. BulbHead Slim Cycle: 2-in-1 Foldable Indoor Recumbent bike, w/ Built-in Resistance-Bands for Strength Training, Up to 8 levels of Resistance Adjustability & Consists of a Heart-rate Tracker | Editor’s Overall Best Choice
- Seat: Memory-foam, Adjustable with Backrest
- Handlebars: Soft & Rubber Coated
- Pedals: Flat pedals with straps
- Bike Frame: Solid Steel
- Dimension: 46” x 18” x 9.8”
- Weight: 43.55 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Display: Digital display shows speed, calories, distance & heart rate
- Resistance: Magnetic Resistance, 8 levels of Resistance
- Wheels for Transporting: Yes
- Drive Mechanism: Yes
- Foldability: Folds flat
- Riding Position: Upright & Reclined positions
- Design: Space Saving, Easy Storage
- 2-in-1 Exercise bike: This exercise bike comes almost fully assembled. This will offer you functionalities of a stationary upright bike and a recumbent bike. You can utilize this exercise bike as either of these bikes.
- Space-saving & Foldable: You can fold up this bike when you’re done working out. This will ensure that you get yourself an exercise bike that saves floor space.
- Resistance bands: This built-in resistance band on this stationary bike will let you work on your arm muscles. It will help you in achieving a toned and sculpted upper body.
- Adjustable & Cushioned seats: The saddle on this bike is sufficiently padded and you can adjust it to your liking. This will help you to have a long-duration and comfortable workout session.
- Handlebars with Soft-coating: There are soft handlebars on the sides of this exercise bike that have a soft-covering. It will help in supporting your hands during your workouts.
- Belt-drive Mechanism: A belt-drive system ensures that this stationary bike doesn’t give off any unwanted noise and ensures that it runs seamlessly.
- Manual Magnetic-Resistance: The Slim Cycle has been designed with a manual-magnetic resistance mechanism. It can offer you up to 8 different levels of resistance.
- LCD monitor: This bike has an easily readable LCD monitor. It will show your speed, distance, time, total calories burnt, and pulse rate. This can help track your performance more efficiently.
- Echelon Application: Manufacturers have incorporated an application called the Echelon. This application will help in keeping records of your fitness goals and keeping track of your health. You will be able to make use of ‘8 on-demand classes’ & up to 6-scenic rides, free of charge. This app will support your Android and iOS gadgets.
- Solid Steel Frame: The frame of this bike is designed from a durable solid-steel material. So, it will be capable of supporting your body weight effectively.
- Weight Capacity: This stationary bike is able to accommodate a user weighing as much as 300 lbs.
- Corrosion Resistant Layer: Metallic portions of this bike coated with a corrosion-resistant covering. So these bits won’t suffer from rust.
- Scratch-proof Paint: The paint used on this bike is resistant to scratches. The paint won’t come off too easily even after getting hit or scratched.
- Transportable Wheels: There are wheels installed on this exercise bike. These wheels will help you to easily move the bike around to your preferred location. You won’t have to go through the burden of lifting up this bike every time you want to move it around.
- The monitor is not backlit
- Doesn’t have a water bottle holder
BulbHead Slim Cycle is the ideal stationary exercise for your cardio sessions and strength training workouts. The resistant bands installed on this bike will help you to work on your arms and upper body muscles. Its foldable feature makes this bike quite efficient, saving up floor space after your workouts. One very useful attribute of this exercise bike is its 2-in-1 option. You can use this bike either as an upright bike or as a recumbent bike, depending on your requirement. This bike has soft-coated handlebars on either side of the saddle that will help you to rest your hands as you’re pedaling. The smart design of this bike will let you get on and off the bike quite easily. The saddle is made from a very comfortable memory-foam, you can also adjust the height of the seat based on your comfort and necessities. It is capable of accommodating riders whose heights fall in the range of 4’11” to 6’4”. But if you’re taller than 5’ 11”, then you may find getting on and off this bike a bit challenging. The backrest on this bike consolidates your back while you cycle with your back against the seat.
BulbHead Slim Cycle
2. Marcy ME-709: Durable Construction, w/ 8 Resistance Levels, Has LCD Display, Comfy Padded-Seat, Balancing Pedals
- Seat: High-density Memory foam & Adjustable
- Handlebars: Foam-covered Handles
- Pedals: Weighted pedals with Foot Straps
- Bike Frame: 14-gauge Steel Tubing
- Dimension: 55.5″ x 25″ x 37.5″
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Inseam length: 27’ to 36”
- Display: LCD display shows Distance, Time Speed & Calories
- Resistance: Magnetic Resistance, 8 preset levels of Resistance
- Wheels for Transporting: Yes
- Drive Mechanism: Yes
- Foldability: Not Possible
- Riding Position: Reclined Body Position
- Design: Step-through Design
- Recumbent Design Handlebars: Handlebars are positioned on either side of this bike’s saddle. These bars are covered in foam so that your arms remain comfortably positioned during your workouts
- Wheels for Transporting: For you to effortlessly move this stationary bike around your house, it has been fitted with wheels. These wheels are fitted on the front-end of the bike. You won’t have to go through the trouble of picking up your bike.
- Adjustable Memory-foam Saddle: This recumbent bike consists of an adjustable seat. You can easily adjust the seat based on your requirement so that your feet don’t get cramped. The addition of memory-foam on this seat makes sure that your buttock is positioned comfortably during your workouts. Also, this saddle has been specially designed to comfortably fit your body. The contoured design ensures that the saddle doesn’t work against your body.
- Metric LCD: The easily readable LCD monitor on this bike exhibits your Distance, Time Speed, Calories, and consists of an Odometer. You will be able to make use of these metrics to efficiently track the progress of your workouts.
- Pedals with Foot Straps: The ME-709 has a pair of big textured-pedals. These pedals will ensure a firm grip on your feet. Even during the course of your high-intensity sessions, these straps help in keeping your feet secured. Making sure that it doesn’t slip off.
- Step-through Smart-Frame Design: The smart step-through design enables you to get on and off the bike quite easily. This special design lessens your chances of abrupt injuries. The step-through design makes this an ideal bike for senior citizens. This bike can be a very good option for users who have heights in-between 5’2” to 6”.
- 8 Present Levels of Magnetic Resistance: An Easily revolving knob is positioned underneath the handles of this bike. You can use these knobs to set your designated resistance levels depending on the intensity of your workout sessions. The eight levels will help you to carry out interval training sessions.
- Weighted Counter-balancing Pedals: The pedals on the ME-709 recumbent bike are weighed perfectly. This ensures that the pedals are able to counter-balance. Hence, you will be getting that edge and added support as you’re pedaling. It will also make sure to increase the overall traction. There are also adjustable foot securing straps on the pedals. It will provide you an ideal fit and make sure your feet don’t slip off.
- Frame Design: This bike’s frame is quite well-designed. It consists of a 2” robust steel-tubing. These steel securely hold all the components in position. It will cater to you with a long-lasting service. Lastly, the anti-corrosive coating on the frame prevents rust on the frame of the bike. Robustness of the frame ensures that the bike won’t wobble while you’re busy during your workouts.
- Weight Capacity: This stationary bike can accommodate riders as heavy as 300 lbs. You are advised to not exceed this capacity.
- Belt-drive System: This usage of the belt-drive system on this recumbent bike will aid in eliminating noise. It is a mechanism that is very low-key and quiet. So you won’t have to worry about your tv show being interrupted or having your kids from being woken up from unnecessary noise.
- Smaller Footprint: This recumbent exercise bike has a dimension of 55.5″ x 25″ x 37.5″. So you will be able to store this bike quite easily even in smaller apartments.
- Smooth Sailing: The addition of magnetic resistance means you will have silent indoor cycling sessions. You can also make quite easy transitions in-between the different levels of resistance.
- Ease of Assembly: It will take you to approximately an hour for assembling this recumbent indoor bike. The necessary tools that you’ll be needing for this process come with the packaging.
- Marcy ME-709 has not been designed with any preset programs.
- Doesn’t have the feature for monitoring your heart rate.
Your workout sessions while using the Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike will be very comfortable. This stationary bike has been designed with an 8 preset magnetic resistance system. You can easily alter the resistance levels depending on the intensity of your workouts. Regular workout sessions on this recumbent bike can help you to achieve very effective cardiovascular workout sessions. It will also assist you to enhance your stamina and endurance level. While at the same time high-intensity workouts can lead to burning impressive amounts of calories that will help you to shed some pounds as well. The frame of this exercise bike has been constructed from a durable 14-gauge Steel Tubing, there is a power-coated finishing on the frame as well. The step-through design of the frame on this bike ensures you can get in and out with relative ease. A combination of this will ensure that the frame doesn’t get damaged too easily. The saddle on this bike is designed from High-density Memory foam, you can make adjustments to the seat to the point where you feel comfortable. The backrest recumbent bike sit will help you to maintain a comfortable reclined position, ensuring that you maintain a proper posture during your workouts. The handlebars on either side of the seat are enveloped with a cozy foam covering. Pedals on this bike are weighted and counter-balanced themselves as you’re pedaling. There are straps for securely holding your feel into the pedals so that it doesn’t lose grip during your workouts. The ME-709 is equipped with an easily-readable metric LED display. This LED display will showcase your Distance, Time Speed, Calories and it also has an odometer. This will help in keeping your workout sessions in check. Even though this is a recumbent bike, it has a comparatively smaller footprint in comparison with other modules. This will help you to store this stationary bike, easily. Lastly, this bike has a set of transport wheels, you can use these wheels to move the bike around effortlessly, to your designated corner.
The video below will explain how you can join a tension connector on Marcy’s ME-709 Recumbent Bike.
Marcy ME-709
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708: Moveable Handlebars, Has Pulse Sensors, w/ 8 Resistance Levels, Large Adjustable Seat & Backrest, Adjustable and Anti-slipping Pedals, Wheels for Transporting
- Seat: Adjustable Large Cushioned Seat with Back-rest
- Handlebars: Moveable
- Pedals: Nylon made, Adjustable, Anti-Slipping with Straps
- Bike Frame: Steel tubing
- Dimension: 60″ x 25.5″ x 52″
- Weight: 94.8 lb
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Inseam length: 29” to 36”
- Display: LCD display
- Resistance: Magnetic Resistance, 8 Levels of Adjustable Resistance
- Wheels for Transporting: Yes
- Drive Mechanism: Yes
- Foldability: Not Possible
- Riding Position: Reclined Body Position
- Design: Step-Thru frame design
- Colors:
- Digital LCD display: This LCD display will let you keep track of necessary functions, for example, your Distance, Speed, Time, Calories burnt, and an Odometer. You can make use of the scan mode to repeat these features so that you can keep track of these during your workouts.
- Adjustable 8 levels of Resistance: You will be able to alternate the intensity of your workouts simply by switching the tension levels. A click will let you increase or decrease the levels of resistance. This ensures that your workouts remain challenging and efficient.
- Smart device Holder: There is a holder within this bike that will be able to accommodate your smart devices. Such as your smartphones or tablets. You can please your smart gadget on it and stream videos or listen to music during your workouts sessions.
- Handlebars for exercising arms: You can move the handlebars to the front and rear-end, letting you work on your arms as well. Making the recumbent bike an optimal low-impact exercise bike. The enhanced effort that you put in will cause more calories to be burned, resulting in more efficient weight loss.
- Sensor for Pulse: Sensors within the handlebars will help you to monitor your heart rate. If your heart rate remains increased and at a steady-state, then you will be able to burn more fat in the process.
- Cushioned Wide Saddle: For you to have a comfortable and long-duration workout session, this recumbent bike is fitted with a wide design and well-cushioned saddle. This will make sure to keep your buttocks placed comfortably. An Extra padded seat will also help in relieving pressure from your tail-bones while you’re sitting down. It will also make sure that blood circulation isn’t cut-off even if you sit for long hours.
- Easy seating Patented Adjustment: There is a seat adjusting ratchet that is patented by the manufacturer. So you won’t be required to get off from the seat if you want to make adjustments to it. All you need to do is pull up the ratchet handle, which is a very easy process.
- Adjusting straps on Pedals: For you maintain momentum while pedaling, straps are fitted into the anti-slipping & textured pedals on this bike. The straps will secure your feet firmly in position and ensure that you don’t lose footing even during your high-intensity workouts. These pedals are comfortably capable of accommodating feet of all shapes and sizes. You can make necessary adjustments to the straps based on your requirement.
- Magnetic Resistance Mechanism: A magnetic resistance mechanism has been used on the RB4708 exercise bike. This will allow you to make a seamless transition between different levels of resistance. Irrespective of your age, this magnetic resistance mechanism will ensure you effective workouts.
- Weight accommodation: This recumbent bike will be able to hold users who weigh as much as 350 lbs. The frame of this bike is made from hard-wearing steel tubing. It will be able to comfortably accommodate you even if you happen to be a very toughest rider. But you are advised to not exceed the 350 lbs weight limit.
- Wheels for navigating: There are wheels fitted on the front section of this exercise bike. Wheels that will allow you to move the bike around your apartment, condo with relative ease. You will be able to store this exercise bike without worrying about pulling muscles.
- Stabilizers for Floor: Rear end of this bike consists of stabilizers that will hold your exercise bike in position. Even if the surface you’re cycling on has an uneven surface. Securing your bike to the floor will allow you to attain a balanced workout experience, even during your grueling sessions.
- The display is not backlit.
- There are no compartments for holding your bottle.
