Why choose an exercise bike?

There are plenty of reasons that people buy an exercise bike for home use. For people with balance or mobility issues who still want a good cardio workout, bikes are a much better option than a treadmill or elliptical machine. They also take up much less room, are more portable/movable, and easier to maintain than larger pieces of cardio equipment.

Which bike is better: upright or recumbent?

That's up to you. Recumbent bikes have a seat like a chair, and the pedals are in front of you; they're the exercise bike of choice for people with joint and back issues. Upright bikes offer more flexibility in your workout: you can ride seated or pedal standing up for a more intense experience.

How much do exercise bikes cost?

As with most products, the more features an exercise bike has, the more it will cost. You can get a basic, entry-level model for under $500 - or pay $7,000+ for one that has every bell and whistle imaginable (but it won't do the exercise for you!).

Will I pay a lot for shipping?

How does "free" sound? Many retailers include delivery in the price of the exercise bike. That definitely beats trying to lug it home from a brick-and-mortar store in your car!

Are exercise bikes hard to assemble?

Not necessarily. Most manufacturers have step-by-step instructions and even videos for how to put your bike together. You can also purchase professional installation/set-up from some retailers, either with their in-house team or through a third-party partner.

Can I return my exercise bike if I don't like it?

That depends on the store. Some offer no return policy whatsoever, while others give you 30-60 days to try your bike and decide if you want to keep it. Even then, you may still be responsible for return shipping costs and/or restocking fees.

Will my exercise bike have a warranty?

Most bikes come with warranty coverage, usually with longer protection on the higher-end models. You may have lifetime coverage of the frame and brakes, 1-3 years on parts and electronics, and 90 days to 3 years on associated labor costs - but the specifics vary by manufacturer and bike model. Some retailers offer extended warranty plans as well.

Will I have access to live/on-demand workouts with my exercise bike?

That's one of the hottest trends in the fitness industry, and many bikes come with some kind of workout option with live coaching or on-demand classes. But, even if your bike doesn't, there are plenty of apps you can subscribe to and follow along on your own; you just need to have a way to see your phone, tablet or TV from wherever you position your exercise bike!

Bowflex vs Precor for November 2025

Item: Bowflex vs Precor
Rating: 2.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Wednesday, November 12th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 Exercise Bike Reviews

Here you can see how Bowflex and Precor match up head-to-head in a battle for the Best Exercise Bikes in 2025.

Bowflex

Prices from $699 to $2,199
4 models in stock
2- to 10-year warranty on frame

Bowflex, a well-known home gym equipment brand, offers four exercise bike models priced from $699 to $2,199. However, despite extras like a 2-month JRNY membership, Bowflex faces criticism for product quality and challenging customer service. The top-tier Velcore Bike, priced up to $2,199, raises concerns about its high cost compared to minimal upgrades and a shorter warranty, making the base model a better value choice.

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Precor

Prices from $3,040 to $8,090
3 models in stock
Lifetime warranty on frame

Precor, known for gym-quality machines, offers eight exercise bike models priced from $3,040 to $8,090. However, the bikes, while highly rated, are often out of stock and there are some questions about value for money. Plus, Precor lacks a return policy, but its "A+" BBB rating and positive customer reviews highlight efficient service. Despite the high-quality machines, the steep prices, lack of standout features, and the absence of a return policy contribute to a just-above-average rating here.

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If you're looking for a versatile machine easily accessible for a home gym, exercise bikes are a top choice. Exercise bikes offer motion that's ideal for individuals with sensitive joints, sore backs, bad knees (shout out to the crunchy knees gang), or other conditions that make high-impact exercises hard or impossible to do.

On top of being low-impact, one of the popular points for exercise bikes is the all-season approach. Picture this: you get to sweat it out whenever it suits you. No gym crowds, and no clock-watching. Convenience is your new fitness buddy. Plus, no more worrying about how you look or comparing yourself to others. Or whether the sweaty guy before you wiped down the bike seat (ew!). Basically, you get all the pros of a spin class without any of the ick of a public gym.

For athletes (especially you biking enthusiasts) who don't want to lose their form during the winter, nabbing an exercise bike can change your winter fitness regimen to more closely fit your regular training. But if you're not a tri-athlete (like many of us aren't), having an exercise bike at home is still a huge plus.

As you start browsing the different exercise bike brands, you'll realize that there's a lot of variety to choose from. Many modern exercise bikes come with cool features like built-in screens for virtual classes, fitness app hook-ups, and even virtual outdoor rides. So, exercise bikes aren't like one of those creaky metal contraptions from your grandma's basement anymore. They've got all the bells and whistles to upgrade your workout.

Imagine pedaling through scenic routes without leaving your living room or gamified paths to keep you engaged. These bikes aren't just tools; they're like your personal fitness sidekick, cheering you on and giving you all the stats you need to track your growth and celebrate your fitness level-ups. There are even exercise bikes designed to fit under your desk or that feature a built-in tabletop/desk, so you can work and work out at the same time.

But there's a lot to look at when you're shopping for the perfect exercise bike. Starting your search for the right exercise bike can be overwhelming. Studio style? Recumbent? Touchscreen or basic console? Fortunately, we've gone through the best options out there and put together some criteria to help you narrow down your choices and find a bike that suits you.

Number of exercise bike styles. The more models a brand has in their inventory, the higher the chances of finding one that fits your fitness needs. Also, keep an eye on which brands actually have their bikes in stock.
Features. Consider what features matter most to you. Is it connectivity with your smartwatch or fitness apps? Weight capacity that accommodates all household members? Interactive displays with games and leaderboards for motivation? Identifying your must-have list makes it possible to find a bike that meets your preferences.
Price vs. value. Price isn't the sole factor; some lower-end exercise bike models provide significant features, while some pricier options may not deliver as expected. So, make sure you get the perfect balance of value for your money. The most expensive model might not actually be the best, whereas the cheapest out there might be missing some features you need for your fitness.
Customer-friendly policies. Check if you can get a free trial, the return policy duration, and if delivery includes a professional setup. If a company doesn't serve customers well, it's hard to feel comfortable purchasing their expensive fitness machines.
Reputation. Tied into the customer policies, you'll want to take into account customer reviews and Better Business Bureau scores to make sure you're buying from a reputable brand. A reliable customer service department is crucial, even if the warranty is promising, to make sure you'll get fast and friendly assistance if anything goes wrong.

To make sure that your fitness journey takes off, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best exercise bike brands available online today. We hope this will help you curate your perfect home gym and get back to the ride of your life on your new exercise bike. Pedal on, friend!

Shopping the Internet for Exercise Bikes

Finding a quality exercise bike for your home can be a positive, convenient experience without the hassle and stress of traveling from store to store to listen to another sales pitch. Search the widest selection of exercise bikes, easily access product information for a well-informed decision, and shop when it's convenient for you. We're referring to the superstore of exercise bikes - the Internet.

The Internet allows you to quickly compare and contrast several brands and models of exercise bikes at one time. You also have access to product reviews and customer feedback that is not available anywhere else. Also, enjoy the convenience of having your bike shipped directly to your doorstep - no need to squeeze a large box into your car or waste money renting a truck.

When shopping for a quality exercise bike you should consider the following in your search:

Type of Bike. There are two general types of exercise bikes for home use. The upright bike is similar to your standard road bike with a saddle seat and pedals positioned directly underneath the legs. These are the most popular treadmills available on the market and allow for more movement, such as riding while standing on the pedals or in a racing position. The upright bike is said to offer the more strenuous workout for those that enjoy testing their endurance. The recumbent bike is another option of exercise bike. Riding a recumbent bike is like in a padded chair with back support. The pedals are situated straight ahead like a recliner. Recumbent bikes provide more comfort and ease of use, especially for those with back problems or who feel unstable sitting high off the ground. Recumbent bikes can also encourage a less intense workout, which is good for those people looking to gently exercise at their own pace. In the end, choosing a recumbent bike or an upright bike is ultimately a matter of preference to the user.
Quality. Look for independent reviews and customer feedback on different bike models and brands. Specific brands are going to have a better history of providing quality products over others along with a longer list of satisfied customers. Bikes made with quality parts are also going to last longer and provide a sturdy workout for years to come.
Weight Capacity. For those over 200 pounds, it's important to check the maximum body weight allowed on the bike you're considering. A bike designed for lighter individuals is going to potentially feel wobbly and unsteady for those at a greater weight. The bike may even begin to malfunction if not designed for your weight range.
Adjustable Components. A comfortable workout is going to be a more successful workout. Feeling comfortable on your exercise bike may require adjustments to the seat and handle height. You'll also want to potentially adjust the pedals for a good fit. Often more than one person is using the bike and it's critical to have a bike that fits everyone. Most importantly, you'll want to be able to adjust the intensity of your workout. Does the bike have several levels and what is the process of changing those levels during the workout? Do you mind climbing off the bike to make an adjustment or are you looking for a quick change while in movement?
Cost. Most of us have to keep our budget in mind. With so many brands of exercise bikes out there you'll see a wide range of prices. As long as you have a realistic opinion of what a quality exercise bike will cost, you'll find it's easy to compare and contrast bikes to find what you're looking for. Some companies even offer affordable financing to assist.
Return Policy and Warranty. You've done your homework and found the exercise bike that you think will meet your needs, but you realize after stepping foot on it that it's just not right. Choosing a bike that comes with a return policy is a smart decision. Several companies offer a 30-day trial offer to ensure customers are satisfied with the product. It's important to look into this before you purchase, as well as the warranty. Any time you purchase something that costs several hundreds of dollars or more, you're going to want a product guarantee that covers broken parts and repairs for a period of time.

In summary, purchasing an exercise bike from the internet provides several benefits. With the largest selection available, the ability to easily compare and contrast products, competitive pricing, and convenience it's easier than ever to find exactly what you're looking for when it's most convenient for you.

Bowflex vs Precor

2025 Exercise Bike Reviews

Bowflex

Precor

Exercise Bike FAQ