Best Rated Exercise Bikes Under $500 – Comparison & Reviews

Maximum User Weight = Each upright exercise bike, depending on its construction has a maximum user weight limit. More expensive bikes generally can handle more weight. So if the limit is 300 lbs, and you are over 300 lbs., you should not buy this exercise bike, but look for one with a higher weight limit. If you weigh substantially less than the weight limit, this will put less strain on the machine and parts.
Magnetic Brake Resistance = Most Exercise Bikes use magnetic resistance which offers resistance through magnetic fields. One type of magnetic resistance is ECB (described below). Magnetic resistance is more maintainance free than those older technologies that relied on friction pads and belts. Magnetic resistance braking is smoother to use is quieter than other types of resistance mechanisms.
ECB Resistance = ECB Resistance is a high quality form of magnetic brake resistance, the best type. ECB = eddy current brake.
Magnetic Resistance Levels = You can adjust the level of magnetic resistance to adjust the intensity of your workout. The more levels of resistance, the more choices you have in how hard a workout that you can select for your Recumbent Bike.
Heart Monitor = Most exercise bikes have a heart grip monitor which allows you to monitor your heart rate to meet heart rate goals for cardiovascular fitness. Grip monitors are built into the handlebars.
Workout Programs = Almost all exercise bikes have a small computer and display where you can run multiple workout programs that vary the resistance. However most indoor cycle type bikes do not have workout programs.
LED/LCD Display = The exercise bike will have a display to give you information (such as time, calorie burn, distance). They can be either LED lit, or use an LCD screen. Many bikes have LCD screens that are not backlit, as many run on batteries. If its says “BACKLIT LCD”, then it has a backlight illuminating the screen. LED displays are also illuminated screens.
Built-in Fan = Some exercise bikes have a built-in fan to cool you off during your workout.
Built-in Speakers = Some exercise bikes have built-in speakers, so you can plug in your ipod or other mp3 player and listen to music without having to wear earphones which could get tangled during your workout.
Flywheel Weight = The flywheel gives the exercise bike stability and smoothness while riding. The heavier the flywheel, the better. Some of the cheaper exercise bikes do not publish their flywheel weight. For these we simply put “Weighted Flywheel” in the description.
Indoor Cycling Bike = This type of bike is an upright indoor cycle designed to give you a true cycling experience by using extra heavy flywheels. They are the same type of bike used for cycling classes at major gyms.
Indoor Cycling Bike: Chain Vs. Belt = An indoor cycle type bike will have either a chain or a belt to drive the flywheel. The belt drive is considered superior as they are more durable, and require much less maintenance and are quieter in operation.
Bike Weight = As with the flywheel, the heavier the weight of the bike, the more stable it will be. This is especially true if you weigh a lot more than the machine you are on.