The 5 Best Spin Bikes Under $200 – Expert Reviews
Are you wondering if can you have fun and pedal indoors at the same time for an affordable price? That’s not far from reality considering there are many affordable spin bikes under $200. While they are not the most reliable indoor bikes on the market because of their low price, there are some that can offer a decent indoor cycling ride to burn calories as you watch TV or listen to your favorite music.
If you can’t get out your speed bike for a serene ride on the open roads or don’t want to use a bike trainer, the next best alternative is to get a good spin bike. I am not saying you should necessarily aim for spin bikes under $200, especially if you are an experienced cyclist but if you want to spend as little as possible, there are some that will get the job done.
I made it a bit easier for you by searching the market and using my years of indoor cycling experience to review five of the best spin bikes you can buy for under $200 in 2022. Although, they are not THE best spin bikes on the market, for under 200, they will give you excellent service in terms of customization, durability, and value.
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Amazon.comBest Spin Bike Under $200 Comparison
| CYCLE NAME | MY VERDICT | SPINNING MONITOR | WEIGHT CAPACITY | CYCLING PEDALS | FLYWHEEL WEIGHT | BIKE RESISTANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hapichil Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike | Best Value at $199 | Distance, Speed, Time, & Calories | 220 Pounds | Toe-Cage 9/16" | 35 Lbs Belt-Drive | Eddy Current Magnetic |
| Murtisol Indoor Exercise Spin Bike | Best Value $190 | Distance, HR, Speed, Time, & Calories | 330 Pounds | Toe-Cage 9/16" | 49 Lbs Belt-Drive | Wool Friction (No Sweat-Guard) |
| Xgear Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike | Good Value $190 | Distance, HR, Speed, Time, & Calories | 300 Pounds | Toe-Cage 9/16" | 30 Lbs Belt-Drive | Eddy Current Magnetic |
| Cycool Exercise Indoor Cycling Bike | Good Value $170 | Distance, Speed, Time, & Calories | 300 Pounds | Toe-Cage 9/16" | 24 Lbs Belt-Drive | Eddy Current Magnetic |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Exercise Bike | Good Value $170 | Distance, Speed, Time, & Calories | 280 Pounds | Toe-Cage 9/16" | 40 Lbs Chain-Drive | Wool Friction (No Sweat-Guard) |
Editor’s Best Indoor Bike Choice Under $200:
Our experts have already picked the best indoor spin bikes under 200 and reviewed them down below. But because new indoor cycles become available on the market every day, I (the editor of this article) search the market on regular basis and pick one spin bike under $200 that’s the best value for the money.
For this money, I have decided to pick the Murtisol indoor cycling bike. This spin bike under 200 comes with good quality wool friction resistance and belt transmission that provide smooth and relatively quiet indoor spin rides. And even more importantly, it is the only spin bike under $200 that come with a huge 49 pounds flywheel.
However, if you believe I should consider another model for the best home spin bike under $200 and feature it here, please leave a comment below. You can also add your reasons to explain why you think there is a better option for the pick of the month.
Our Picks Indoor Cycle Picks Under $200:
1. Hapichil Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike
The Hapichil indoor spin bike is the best exercise bike for this price range, thanks to its high-performance specs. It is perfect for a lightweight novice and boasts top-quality specs such as an adjustable magnetic resistance system, a low-maintenance belt drive system, and a tablet holder for entertainment.
You are sure to love its low-impact, high inertia flywheel motion which feels smooth as oil. Thanks to a non-contact resistance system, it is whisper-quiet and can be used even when other family members are resting.
The bike is made of industrial-grade steel tubing for maximum strength and stability. These tubes feature a unique and innovative oval shape which gives them greater surface area at the welded joints, which ultimately makes it stronger.
It also gives it a sleek look for aesthetics. Additionally, this indoor bike features a smooth protective coat of powder paint for greater protection against dirt, rust, and corrosion.
A 35-pound flywheel lies at the heart of this bike. This weight gives it a perfect balance of quick start/stop capacity and a satisfyingly heavy feel. The flywheel is front-mounted and is connected to the pedals through a good-quality V-belt drive. This system is the best there is in terms of power transfer, the quietness of motion, and maintenance needs.
It requires no lubrication, and the belt can last years before requiring servicing. It also gives the system a bi-directional capacity. That means you can pedal in reverse and target a different set of muscles.
The pedals consist of heavy-duty metal to make them stronger and more durable. Since they bear most of your weight, they are solid instead of being tubular to increase load-bearing capacity.
The pedals also have soft, non-slip toe caps for comfort. You cannot, however, use spinning shoes with cleats on them because they lack SPD clips. But that’s not expected for the price so don’t consider it a deal-breaker, unless you are, will spend $300+. Hapichil fitted this bike with a standard spin bike seat. It sits on an adjustable collar so that you can adjust its horizontal and vertical positions.
It also has padded multi-grip handlebars. These bear a bullhorn bar design with slightly shorter aero loop handles in the middle. That way, they can accommodate a wide range of spinning positions for extra comfort.
One of the bike’s best features is the contactless magnetic resistance system. It consists of magnetic strips placed millimeters away from the flywheel edge. By varying the distance between them and the edge, you can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. You can adjust the resistance using a tension knob located just below the handlebars.
The indoor bike features a performance monitor in the form of an LCD. It is not backlit but it tracks your calorie count, mileage, time spent, and distance. It also lacks wireless connectivity which means you can’t sync with your phone and fitness devices like chest straps or smartwatches.
All in all, it is the best spin bike under $200. It has a tablet holder suitable for smartphones, iPads, and other tablets. That way, you can get your entertainment or watch fitness trainers as you work out.
Additional information that comes handy When buying this indoor bike!
The Hapichil magnetic spin bike is perfect for users of between 4’11” and 6’1” height and up to 230lbs (99.7 kg). It is 43” L x 19” W x 45” H in size and weighs 66 pounds (29.9 kg). So, it’s easy to move around in the house. It comes with a 30-day limited warranty covering parts which is less than what Drips bike offers.
Pros:
- Smooth and quiet magnetic resistance system.
- Strong and sturdy steel frame.
- Highly adjustable to customize your workout.
- Ultra-heavy flywheel.
- Adjustable stabilizers.
- Performance meter with goal-setting abilities.
- Easy to assemble, no maintenance required.
Cons:
- The monitor is not backlit.
- Comparatively low weight capacity.
2. Murtisol Indoor Exercise Spin Bike
Some novice users demand more versatility, durability, and performance from home spin bikes under 200. And that is what you get with the Dripex Upright exercise spin bike. We don’t believe it is a commercial (studio) spin bike as the company claims, but it does offer great value for $200.
This bike is designed to offer reasonable performance and versatility while remaining affordable. For that reason, we think it is one of the best stationary spin bikes under 200 dollars if you intend to have intense workouts or want to co-share with others.
This bike offers you endless levels of resistance supplied by a wool pad brake system. While not completely silent, it gives you a more intense workout and is still quiet enough for home use.
The flywheel weighs 49 pounds. It is comparatively heavy and delivers a smooth experience. It has caged pedals made of solid aluminum alloy metal for durability and strength. These have anti-skid cages for maximum support and comfort.
Like all good budget spin bikes, the Murtisol indoor bike uses a V-belt drive system. It ensures maximum power transfer between the pedals and flywheel. Just like our top pick, this bike also has multi-grip handlebars featuring the bullhorn design. The inner bars are similar but are shorter, and they are padded with foam for extra comfort.
The saddle rests on tubular sleeves which allow both vertical and horizontal adjustment. It is made of leather for extra comfort and durability, although it tends to feel hard during prolonged spinning workout sessions.
A battery-powered tracks your performance and displays your spinning stats on its black-and-white LCD. You can check your calorie count, mileage, time spent, and speed. You can also set goals, and it will show your performance and results.
The frame features the classic triangular shape present in most indoor bikes. It is strong and offers the fewest weak points. The tubular steel bars have a unique oval shape for extra strength and overall aesthetics.
Additional information that comes handy When buying this indoor bike!
The Murtisol bike is strong enough to support users weighing up to 330 pounds/136kg. It can accommodate users who are 5’2″ to 6’1″ in height and comes with a limited 12-month warranty. Its assembled dimensions are 40” L x 21” W x 40” H, while it weighs 90 pounds.
Pros:
- Strong, sturdy construction with fore after handlebar adjustment.
- Versatile and highly adjustable.
- Compact design is perfect for small spaces.
- Performance monitoring thanks to the LCD screen.
- Emergency stop button present.
- You are not limited as to how intense your workout can be.
Cons:
- At high speeds, the brake system tends to be noisy.
- It lacks a tablet holder.
- Very basic monitor with no backlit.
3. Xgear Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike
If you’re looking for an indoor exercise bike under $200 with a bit of modern twist, the Xgear stationary cycling bike is a great option. It brings a decent workout experience with greater comfort, thanks to its design.
It stands out thanks to a better LCD monitor and a more comfortable saddle padded with soft PU leather. The frame is also heavy-duty and can support a higher weight limit compared to many other spin bikes in this category.
The bike comes with a magnetic resistance pad that offers good amount of resistance. A tension knob system allows you to vary the amount of pressure exerted on the edge of the flywheel, thus changing the intensity of your workout.
The Xgear exercise bike uses the V-belt drive system that is common in most low-cost indoor bikes. It is efficient, low maintenance, and allows bi-directional cycling to help you target different muscle groups.
The pedals are made of solid steel to give them the strength and durability needed. You can easily cycle in standing position on this bike, given how sturdy it feels. The basket pedals also come with a basket strap to secure your feet for a more comfortable ride.
A good bike should be highly adjustable to let users of different proportions customize their riding position. The Ideer Life bike gives you this option thanks to its PU-padded seat mounted on a saddle.
The saddle adjusts the seat position both horizontally and vertically, where you can then lock it in place using metal screws. The handlebars can also move up or down. They consist of forward-mounted bullhorns as found in many home spin bikes, with a monitor and tablet holder attached to the curved inner bars.
For durability and strength, the Ideer Life exercise bike is built using heavy-duty, industrial quality steel tubes. It features a simple but more robust triangle frame design. A load-bearing compression spring is used to absorb any shocks and give it a comfortable and more realistic road feel.
It also comes with stabilizer feet with screw cap adjustments to help you mount it securely even if your home gym flooring is not leveled. For easier transportation, the bike has wheels mounted on the front stabilizers.
This indoor cycle also has an onboard performance monitor in the form of an LCD. It uses batteries and can display data such as mileage, speed, calories burned, time spent, pulse rate and more. The pulse rate is read by grip pulse monitors fixed into the handlebars so that you can know how well your heart is doing.
Additional information that comes handy When buying this indoor bike!
The Xgear indoor stationary bike can accommodate users of up 330 lbs (136kg) in weight. It measures 44.49″ x 21.45″ x 40.55″ when fully assembled, and comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering parts and labor.
Pros:
- The more advanced spring-loaded design offers more comfort.
- Magnetic resistance system.
- It has inbuilt heart rate sensors.
- Heavy-duty and durable construction.
- Belt transmission with smooth operation.
- It has an emergency stop button.
Cons:
- The left pedal is right threaded, just like the right one. During intense sessions, it tends to come off.
4. Cycool Exercise Indoor Cycling Bike
Cycool brings you this cheap spin bike under 200 US Dollars for those who want a decent home workout experience without having to pay a lot of money for it. This bike comes with all the standard features you would expect of a spin bike including a magnetic-based tension knob resistance and control, adjustable handlebars and seat, and performance monitor.
The frame consists of heavy-duty steel tubes to give it strength and stability. They are oval-shaped to add to their strength, as well as make it look more appealing and modern.
The bike features a classic biker’s seat mounted on an adjustable saddle. It can be moved in front, backward, up, and down to suit various riding positions and body sizes.
The curved bullhorn handlebars are shaped like that to give extra comfort and a variety of options for those who prefer dynamic spinning positions. They are padded with foam for extra comfort and allow you to adjust the up/down positions.
The drive system is the same V-belt type usually found in car engines and industrial motors. It is preferred because it allows efficient power transfer to the 20-pound flywheel, and requires minimal maintenance.
Solid steel pedals give it a solid and sturdy feel, no matter how fast you are spinning. They have toe clips with straps to fit different shoe sizes and offer extra security for your feet.
An LCD monitor mounted on the handlebars provides you with performance metrics such as mileage, calories burned, speed, and total miles (odometer).
Additional information that comes handy When buying this indoor bike!
This bike is sturdy and highly functional. The manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty covering parts as well as lifetime support. The bike is rated for users weighing up to 330 pounds/136kg and measures 46.1 x 25.2 x 44.1 inches when assembled.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction and magnetic resistance
- Affordable pricing and covered flywheel for child safety and lower maintenance.
- It comes with an LCD performance monitor.
- Robust construction using high strength steel tubes.
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- Comfortable pedals thanks to the strap-in baskets.
Cons:
- The pedals tend to come loose after intensive spinning
- Friction resistance tends to make more noise and require maintenance
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Exercise Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the biggest names when it comes to budget indoor exercise equipment. This exercise bike from the company is one of the most popular despite its barebones approach.
What makes it one of the best options is that it is incredibly sturdy yet very well priced. If you’re looking for a bike that will give you an intense workout for many years to come, this is it.
This indoor cycling bike features one of the heaviest flywheels available among exercise bikes under 200. At 40 lbs/18kg, it gives a smooth feel and gives a realistic cycling experience.
The bike features a felt pad resistance system to provide a broader range of resistance levels. It offers contact friction resistance to the flywheel’s movement, making it harder to spin. You can vary this resistance using a tension knob located just below the handlebars. It also acts as an emergency stop button.
The Sunny Health & Fitness exercise bike features a chain drive system instead of the more popular belt drive. It offers a slightly higher power transmission efficiency (98%) compared to a belt drive (95%). The chain drive can, however, become rickety and loud, so it requires more maintenance such as lubricating.
The foot pedals are caged and can fit different shoe sizes to make spinning more comfortable and secure. They are made of solid metal to give them the strength and durability required to bear your body weight.
A four-way adjustable seat is a prime feature of this indoor spinning bike. It sits on an adjustable saddle that can be moved sideways to the front, back, upwards, or downwards.
The multi-grip handlebars can also move upwards and downwards to accommodate different users and riding positions. They feature foam padding for greater riding comfort and come in the standard bullhorn design, including the two aero-curved inner ones.
You can track your spinning performance through the inbuilt LCD monitor. It can display information such as speed, distance, calories burned, and time. This multifunctional device is battery powered. However, it is not backlit and can only display one piece of data at a time.
Additional information that comes handy When buying this indoor bike!
This amazing home exercise bike is built to last. It can accommodate users who are up to 265 pounds/120.2 kg in weight and measures 47″L x 20″W x 44″H when assembled. The bike’s frame comes with a 1-year warranty, while parts and labor are covered for 90 days.
Pros:
- Extra sturdy construction makes it more durable.
- Very affordable.
- Extra-heavy 40-pound flywheel helps you build more momentum.
- Adjustable seating and handlebars allow for a variety of spinning positions.
- It comes with a performance monitor.
Cons:
- Lower weight capacity despite solid construction.
- Tiny screen without backlight.
- Chain drive system and friction resistance
How to Choose the Best Spin Bike for Home Under $200:
When buying an exercise bike for home use, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your fitness goals. Some spin bikes under $200 offer a more intensive exercise experience depending on the type of resistance system installed and some indoor bikes offer high-tech smart features which usually are more expensive than $200.
You don’t have to spend hundreds (or thousands, if we’re talking about the Peloton alternatives) of dollars to get a good exercise bike. Here are a few factors you can consider to make sure you get good value indoor bike for your investment.
Flywheel
The flywheel works by storing energy and providing momentum to simulate the ‘road’ feel of an outdoor bike. The heavier the flywheel, the better the ride, this is a concept for indoor cycles under $1000.
However, if it is too heavy, it can cause maintenance on the bearings and makes the bike hard to move in the house after use. Keep in mind that the weight of the flywheel is not necessarily an important factor (when you buy a spin bike under $2000).
In fact, the world’s top of best magnetic spin bikes such as Keiser M3i comes with an 8-pound flywheel. In reality, it is the combination of flywheel, resistance, and gear ratio that dictates the riding experience of a spin bike.
Resistance
The spin bike resistance is simply the system that determines how hard or easy it is to spin the flywheel. It is responsible for varying the intensity of your workout. There are two types of resistance and they divide in four categories:
Magnetic resistance: There is manually adjustable magnetic resistance and then there is electronically adjustable magnetic resistance. Manual magnetic spin bikes don’t require to home electricity to work while electromagnetic needs to be plugged into electricity socket to work.
Friction resistance: There is wool brake friction resistance and then there is leather brake friction resistance. They both work manually and don’t need electricity to work. We normally don’t recommend either of them because their resistance (wool and leather) pads wear out and make noise.
Adjustability and Comfort
A good exercise bike should let you adjust the seat, handlebars, among other features. The best of these even allow you to horizontally adjust the handlebars, not just the height.
There should be plenty of handgrip positions to allow you to workout in a variety of riding styles to target various muscle groups and reduce tension in your back and legs.
To avoid spin bike saddle sore, you should look for a spin bike with a comfortable padded seat, padded armrests and handlebars. Also, it is a plus if you can use the bike with spinning shoes.
Construction quality and Pedals
Most home spin bikes are built to last. However, it still pays to make sure that you have a high-quality bike to support your weight. A bike’s construction quality is confirmed by its weight capacity.
Look for indoor bikes that support 200 plus pounds of user weight. Once you receive the bike, make sure that the welding is up to standard, and that the frame has no inherent weak points.
As for the pedals, generally, indoor cycling bikes under $200 come with regular spin bike pedals. But if you decide to buy a spin bike under $500, you may want to look for one that has dual-sided SPD pedals.
Performance monitoring
You should be able to track your performance while working out. Good spin bike monitors are important to allow you can check your mileage, speed, cadence, heart rate, and time.
If your budget allows, it also pays to have an inbuilt pulse rate monitor. That way, you can keep track of your cardiovascular health. Even spin bikes under 200 offer one of the best cardio exercises.
Note: When buying indoor cycles under $200, don’t look for backlit monitors with RPM/cadence reading. These are some features that you can find on spin bikes under $1000.
Best Cheap Spin Bikes FAQ
How do you measure the resistance on a spin bike?
Depending on the type of resistance, there are ways to measure the level of intensity. With some magnetic and eddy current resistance systems, you can usually measure it using a marked dial or see the current resistance level on the spin bike screen. Note: Most manually adjustable magnetic indoor bikes don’t measure the resistance levels so you would need to measure the level by feel and learn how many knob turn equals your maximum, average, and minimum. With friction resistance, you need to measure the level of intensity by feel. Some bikes have a knob that clicks to help you know how much intensity you have, for example, 5 or 10 levels. But in general friction resistance spin bikes don’t measure the resistance level.
How does a spin bike work?
A spin bike mimics the operation of a real bicycle and has the same parts such as pedals and drive systems. However, a flywheel provides the resistance necessary to make it a good workout. Generally speaking, spin bikes are the simplest type of exercise bikes on the market especially compared to recumbent bikes and upright bikes. The mains parts are the transmission (belt or chain) resistance, and flywheel. One of the reasons we insist that you look for magnetic resistance, heavy flywheel, and belt drive instead of the chain drive is because these parts can not be replaced and you are stuck with them.
Which muscle groups do spinning work?
Spinning is a great exercise workout that targets the lower body muscle groups such as hamstrings, glutes, calves, quadriceps, and back muscles to some extent. Spinning exercise is a great cardio workout and can replace jogging in the mornings. But if you want something to improve upper and lower body muscle groups, I would say go for a rowing machine rather than a spin bike.
Are spin bikes worth it?
Spin bikes are one of the best investments you can make for your health. They can last you a lifetime, and they allow you to work out whenever you get some free time. A 40-minute session of medium intensity can help you burn about 500 calories, so it is also a great way to stay toned and healthy.
How many times a week should I do spin bike workout?
Spinning is more of a cardio and lower body workout, so three or four sessions per week are enough. However, for weight loss and fat burning, then you should perform HIIT with your spin bike about four or five times a week with the spin bike and other equipment. There is no harm in spinning daily, but at some point, it peaks out and you won’t get as much benefit for your efforts.
Conclusion
Spin bikes should be a staple in every home. They offer the cheapest and most effective way to burn extra calories and keep in top cardio form. On top of that cycling indoor has good impact on mental health. Unlike treadmills, they are low impact and are perfect for anyone with low flexibility or joint issues. When buying a budget spinning bike, you do not have to spend a lot of money. We have chosen this list of the best spin bikes under $200 to give you the best workout performance in return for your money.
Robbie Ferri from “Riding with Robbie” has been cycling for almost ten years. In that time, he has broken World Records, Bikepacked all over the World, and also raced ultra distance at a top-level. Robbie picked up a bike and started cycling when he was about 25 years old and said it was the best thing he ever did. The experiences and the fun he’s had have given him a huge passion for helping inspire others to ride further, farther, and get fitter.
