Spinning studios are far from a new trend, yet their popularity seems to have increased again - with the rise of Peloton, other virtual cycling apps and investing in your very own spin bike for your home gym.
Even though gyms and fitness centres offer stationary bikes, many of us can't access a gym or don't feel comfortable going to one. Or, maybe we've fallen in love with working out at home and the ease it brings us while the kids are in bed, for example. This is where a spinning bike comes in handy, as they are an easy and great way to get your cardio in, all from the comfort of your home.
Although a spinning bike may seem quite a significant investment, the exercise bike is an excellent piece of equipment to help you keep up with your regular fitness routine.
The best spin bikes at a glance
• Best budget spin bike: ProForm 500 SPX - View offer on Decathlon
• Best intermediate spin bike: Adidas C-21X - View offer on Decathlon
• Best budget smart bike: Apex Smart Bike - View offer on Apex Rides
• Best immersion spin bike: Wahoo KICKR Bike - View offer on Sigma Sports
And if you're already into spinning, many classes are recorded online, so investing in a spinning bike is an excellent way to complete your spin classes, even if it fits in a quick session on your lunch break.
On a budget? Don't worry. Our best spin bikes guide has a wide range of products so you won't be stuck for choice.
Plus, if you decide that a spin bike isn't for you just yet, you can check out our article on the best turbo trainers to use a bike you already own, such as the Tacx Neo 2T indoor bike trainer, which Adam Binnie has reviewed.
The best spin bikes for your workouts
Best budget spin bike
www.decathlon.co.uk
The ProForm 500 SPX is the cheapest standalone spin bike in our round-up, and the reduced cost are shown in the parts used. The resistance on the 18kg flywheel is applied with a twist of the level on the drop bar - using push resistance to slow the flywheel and your best effort to push past the resistance.
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy to set-up
Cons
- Maintenance could be high due to resistance parts
Best for intermediate spinners
www.decathlon.co.uk
The Adidas C-21X is a great bike, but there's no Bluetooth on this one, meaning you'll be working out on your own or to a pre-installed workout, not with the use of a fitness app. This bike has plenty of adjustment, a double bottle holder, and a mount for your tablet.
Pros
- Easy to set up and adjust
- Heart rate monitor compatible
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Resistance: 8 levels of manual resistance with quick-shift paddle
- Console Display: LCD screen
- Console Feedback: Time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, pulse
- Programmes: 4 (3 manual target modes (time, distance, calories), target HR mode)
- Heart Rate Measurement: Wireless receiver (chest strap included)
Best mid-range spin bike
www.johnlewis.com
There are some differences between this model of the ProForm and the 500 SPX at the top of the list. Yes, this is the Tour de France edition, and while that might inspire you to pedal a bit harder and faster, the real difference is in how the resistance is applied. It uses a magnetic resistance, which means the resistor does not touch the flywheel. Slightly more expensive, but it's silent with much less maintenance.
Pros
- Dual stereo speakers
- Low maintenance
- Added cushioning on the seat
Cons
- Only 16 levels of resistance
Best affordable smart spin bike
apexrides.com
To reach your fitness goals, Apex has delivered a Bluetooth-enabled and Wi-Fi-connected smart training bike.
What's also interesting is that the material used is also, what Apex says, sweatproof. If you use stationary training bikes, you'll know that there's nothing worse than your hands slipping all over the place as you ride. Apex says this won't happen. An exciting bike for the cost.
Pros
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
- Interesting design features
- Good price
Cons
- Water bottle holders not in the traditional place could make it awkward
Best smart spin bike
www.currys.co.uk
Echelon has done what Peloton has done and taken its name from a cycling term. An echelon is where a line of riders form in a diagonal across the road to protect from crosswinds. However, if you're experiencing crosswinds on this bike, you're likely in trouble as it's an indoor bike.
An integrated 10-inch touch screen lets you choose your exercise class and check your stats as you ride. There are lots of resistance levels to help you hit your goals, and Bluetooth is also carried.
Pros
- 10" integrated touchscreen
- Bluetooth compatible
- 32 levels of resistance
Cons
- Unsure how the touchscreen would deal with sweat
Best spin bike for immersion
One of the most customisable and immersive stationary bikes out there - with built-in WiFi, which connects to your router, it'll install firmware updates all on its own. You can adjust the saddle height, bike length, bike height, crank length and handlebars to get you the perfect fit. Not only that, it'll tilt up to 20% in a forward and backward motion to give you the feeling of riding up and down hills when connected to apps such as Zwift.
Pros
- Fully customisable
- Immersive
- Well-respected brand
Cons
- Handlebar connectors can become damaged by perspiration
Best spin bike for dedicated riders
www.sigmasports.com
The Tacx Neo is as adjustable as the Wahoo KICKR BIKE, yet the Neo Bike Plus doesn't tilt in the same way the KICKR BIKE does. The Neo, however, will simulate inclines of up to 25% and be the perfect year-round training partner. With two fans on the front, you'll be kept cool, and the USB plug-ins on the bike offer somewhere to charge your phone or tablet while you work out. Handy.
Pros
- Two good fans
- USB Charge points
- Mimics real-life cycling
Cons
- Not as immersive as its rivals
Best for hard workouts
www.sigmasports.com
Stages Cycling SB20 Smart Bike brings a level of customisation and riding just below the levels seen above on the KICKR BIKE and Neo Bike Plus. Then again, the price is a little bit lower, too. A heavy flywheel takes its max power up to a whopping 3,000 watts and also provides a solid base for you to ride on. You can give it everything, and you'll be sure it's staying put.
Pros
- Huge power resistance
- Solid
- USB Charging points
Cons
- Not as accurate as its rivals
What should I look for in a spin bike?
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a spin bike, the first being the number of resistance levels it comes with. If you're a more experienced user, you'll want a spin bike that offers a wide range of resistance levels.
Another factor to consider is the height of your bike and how adjustable it is, as you need to make sure it can adjust to your hip height.
Lastly, your budget. Don't splash out on the most expensive bike if you only use it a few times a year. Make sure you're committed before you splurge.
The best indoor cycling and spinning subscription apps
If you're looking for motivation or spinning professionals to take you through your workouts, many options are available to get the most out of your new bike. From fitness apps to excellent YouTube tutorials, there's something for everyone.
Spin class apps are increasingly becoming more popular, the leading one being Peleton, of course, but there are others to suit every budget. Take a look here:
• Peleton, £12.99 per month, first two months free
• Zwift, £12.99 per month
• TacX, premium and premium HD memberships available, from £9.99 per month
• AARMY, £29 per month, 14-day free trial
• Apple Fitness +, £9.99 per month, one-month free trial
• Systm, £14.99, 14-day free trial
The best at-home FREE guided spinning tutorials
The Cadence Club have an amazing app, but you can also follow full workouts for free on their YouTube channel.
Studio SWEAT has some great free guided classes you can follow from home.
Myles Warwood is an Autos & Fitness Product Writer for What's The Best, Parkers and CAR. His areas of expertise include cycling, fitness tech and hot hatches.
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