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ProForm Review

Monday, December 11th

2023 Exercise Bike Reviews

ProForm Review 4.5 Star Rating

ProForm

4.5 Star Rating
  • Options include upright, recumbent, and elliptical-bike hybrid models
  • Affordable options that don't compromise on features
  • Good warranty coverage
  • Access to live and on-demand classes

ProForm is the partner brand to NordicTrack: you can think of it as the little sister of the pair, not quite as fancy but still with features to consider. Both are a part of the ICON Health and Fitness group, and you'll see a lot of similarities between the two online stores.

Superior value for the money

ProForm has some of the best values in exercise bikes on the market. For example, consider the 440 ES. Priced at $699, this recumbent model delivers 25 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, generous warranty coverage of 10 years on the frame and a year on parts and labor, and an easy-to-read backlit display. The highest end of the price spectrum at ProForm is represented by the Studio Bike Pro 22, selling for $1499. You'll get a huge 22" touchscreen that swivels (for easier viewing of on-demand, non-cycling workouts), a free year of iFit Family, and both seat and handlebars can be adjusted to match your unique physiology. Comparable bikes from other companies usually sell for at least $1000 more: why spend that if you don't have to?

On-demand and live workouts optional but available

Another great feature of ProForm bikes: they're all compatible with the iFit platform, which lets you access live and on-demand workouts. You'll get a free one-month membership trial, but after that you'll pay $180 per year if you want to keep using the service. (It's optional: you can continue to ride using all of the non-membership capabilities of the bike with no problem.) It's worth keeping, though: from youngest to oldest, your family members can do weight training, yoga classes, or get a good stretch - but we recommend you choose a bike with a movable screen for easier viewing, if you don't plan on using your own tablet or smartphone instead.

Best Exercise Bikes

Equipment overview:

  • Type of exercise bikes: Upright, studio, recumbent, hybrid
  • Price range: $599 to $1499
  • Different models: 6
  • Can stream live/pre-recorded workouts: Yes
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Weight capacity: 250 lbs. to 350 lbs., depending on model
  • Return policy: 30 days, buyer pays $250 in return shipping fees
  • Warranty: 5-10 year frame, 90-days to 2 years parts, 90 days to 1 year labor, varies by model
  • Shipping: Free

No incline/decline rides

ProForm gets edged out slightly by NordicTrack because, according to the ever-so-helpful representative we got on live chat, only NordicTrack bikes have the option of incline/decline rides. That's a pretty small factor, but she (the rep) actually has a NT bike and said she thinks the extra money is worth the feature. You may think otherwise, but it's good to know that's what you're paying for when comparing the top two models between ProForm and NordicTrack.

Check out reviews from previous customers

This company aims to be customer-friendly, with free shipping on all exercise bikes and warranty policies that go beyond many of their rivals. ICON has an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau, which means they do a solid job of responding to any issues as they come up. But, if you need more convincing, we encourage you to read the reviews under any bike that interests you: they're unfiltered, which is unusual (but a good thing!), and you might get some insights from actual users about what to expect from your equipment.

Top pick for budget-friendly, durable exercise bikes

If NordicTrack bikes are priced just beyond your reach, don't hesitate to get one from ProForm. You'll get a terrific workout, your bike will have warranty coverage for a long time, and you won't have to break the bank to pay for it. You're going to love the iFit classes, if you choose to use them, and your overall experience with this company is likely to be a good one. ProForm is one of our favorite budget-friendly places to get a reliable exercise bike.

Where Can You Find the Best Exercise Bikes?

Fitness equipment is more popular now than ever, with so many people working, learning and doing just about everything from home. It can be challenging to find anything in stock near you, with no idea of when your preferred exercise bike will be available to buy.

Naturally, that's where the internet comes in, making it a lot easier to get the type of bike you want most. Looking for live and on-demand fitness classes on a machine that automatically increases and decreases resistance - or that even allows a coach to remotely shift your settings to give you an extra push (or a break!)? Shopping online gives you access to not just one company but several that offer that boutique-style workout experience.

The Best Exercise Bikes Compare Exercise Bikes Compare Exercise Bike Reviews What are the best Exercise Bikes Best Exercise Bike Reviews

Exercise Bike FAQ

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.
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.
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!).
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Continued from above...

Or, maybe your doctor has told you that you can't do high-impact exercise anymore, but you still need something to stay healthy. Recumbent bikes to the rescue! There are plenty of models available from internet retailers, from basic models under $500 to high-tech designs with plenty of features for over $2,000.

There are even exercise bikes designed for use under your desk or with a tabletop/desk built in: no more using work as your excuse for not working out! Your coworkers can get in on the fun if you choose a model that has three bikes at the same round table, too.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you start your search for the exercise bike that's right for you. Studio style? Recumbent? Touchscreen or basic console? Fortunately, there are several criteria you can use to narrow down your options and find something that fits:

  • Number of Exercise Bikes. How many models does the retailer sell? The more bikes in their inventory, the more likely it is that one of them will have the features you're looking for - and that it will be in stock when you're ready to buy.
  • Features. Think about what features are most important to you when using your fitness equipment. Is it connectivity with your smartwatch or fitness apps? A weight capacity that accommodates each member of your household? Interactive displays with games and leaderboards to keep you motivated? It's not impossible to get a bike with everything you want, if you know what's on your must-have list.
  • Value. Is the exercise bike you're considering a good value for the money? That's not just a matter of price: some lower-end models actually offer a lot, while some of the most expensive models don't give you nearly what you'd expect.
  • Customer-Friendly Policies. Can you get a free trial with your exercise bike? How long do you have to return it if it's not working out? Is delivery free and/or will it include professional set-up? How about warranty coverage?
  • Reputation. It's a good idea to consider what customers have said about the particular bike you want and the company itself. Can you count on getting fast, friendly help from the customer service department if anything goes wrong? Even the most promising warranties aren't worth much if the retailer doesn't follow through on them.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best online retailers of exercise bikes available today. We're confident that this information will help you get the indoor ride you've been hoping for!

Compare Exercise Bikes

Select any 2 Exercise Bikes to compare them head to head

best-exercise-bikes
  • NordicTrack
  • Bowflex
  • Schwinn
  • ProForm
  • Yosuda
  • Xterra
  • Life Fitness
  • CAROL
  • Peloton
  • LifeSpan Fitness
  • Diamondback Fitness
  • Precor
  • Echelon
NordicTrack vs Bowflex NordicTrack vs Schwinn NordicTrack vs ProForm NordicTrack vs Yosuda NordicTrack vs Xterra NordicTrack vs Life Fitness NordicTrack vs CAROL NordicTrack vs Peloton NordicTrack vs LifeSpan Fitness NordicTrack vs Diamondback Fitness NordicTrack vs Precor NordicTrack vs Echelon Bowflex vs Schwinn Bowflex vs ProForm Bowflex vs Yosuda Bowflex vs Xterra Bowflex vs Life Fitness Bowflex vs CAROL Bowflex vs Peloton Bowflex vs LifeSpan Fitness Bowflex vs Diamondback Fitness Bowflex vs Precor Bowflex vs Echelon Schwinn vs ProForm Schwinn vs Yosuda Schwinn vs Xterra Schwinn vs Life Fitness Schwinn vs CAROL Schwinn vs Peloton Schwinn vs LifeSpan Fitness Schwinn vs Diamondback Fitness Schwinn vs Precor Schwinn vs Echelon ProForm vs Yosuda ProForm vs Xterra ProForm vs Life Fitness ProForm vs CAROL ProForm vs Peloton ProForm vs LifeSpan Fitness ProForm vs Diamondback Fitness ProForm vs Precor ProForm vs Echelon Yosuda vs Xterra Yosuda vs Life Fitness Yosuda vs CAROL Yosuda vs Peloton Yosuda vs LifeSpan Fitness Yosuda vs Diamondback Fitness Yosuda vs Precor Yosuda vs Echelon Xterra vs Life Fitness Xterra vs CAROL Xterra vs Peloton Xterra vs LifeSpan Fitness Xterra vs Diamondback Fitness Xterra vs Precor Xterra vs Echelon Life Fitness vs CAROL Life Fitness vs Peloton Life Fitness vs LifeSpan Fitness Life Fitness vs Diamondback Fitness Life Fitness vs Precor Life Fitness vs Echelon CAROL vs Peloton CAROL vs LifeSpan Fitness CAROL vs Diamondback Fitness CAROL vs Precor CAROL vs Echelon Peloton vs LifeSpan Fitness Peloton vs Diamondback Fitness Peloton vs Precor Peloton vs Echelon LifeSpan Fitness vs Diamondback Fitness LifeSpan Fitness vs Precor LifeSpan Fitness vs Echelon Diamondback Fitness vs Precor Diamondback Fitness vs Echelon Precor vs Echelon
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