When winter comes around and you're looking for some effective indoor training, spin bikes can be a great option.
Spinning classes are typically all-out, high-intensity affairs, which is great if you've got a high-intensity session planned as part of your training plan.
However, that's not so great if you're trying to keep the intensity down and stick to lower heart rate zones.
But the good news is that you can now buy spin bikes to keep and use at home, meaning you can control the intensity.
If you're tempted to add one of these to your home setup, read on for our guide to budget spin bikes and check out a selection of highly rated ones. The selection has been picked based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.
Benefits of spinning from home
Spin bikes represent a great way to bring your outdoor rides indoors, as their compact frames, low body profiles and weighted flywheels are designed to closely replicate the experience of a road bike.
One of the biggest advantages of spin bikes are their convenience. You can save time by just jumping on to the bike and getting started, without having head out in poor weather or bring your bike inside and stick it on a turbo trainer.
You can also vary your workouts between aerobic and anaerobic, which is helpful if you're looking to use your spin bike for high-intensity sessions.
If you're looking for specific workouts that can be replicated on a spin bike at home, check out our excellent hour-long interval session.
What to look for in your spin bike
There are a number of factors to consider when looking for the right spin bike for you. Nearly every manufacturer will advertise the weight of the flywheel, the weighted disc that provides the rotational energy.
Bikes with a heavier flywheel tend to replicate the smooth ride and movement of road bikes more accurately, but will take more energy to get spinning. Bikes with lighter flywheels may not provide the same smoothness, but will be able to build momentum quicker.
For home use, it's a good idea to consider the connection between the crank and the pedals, which can be either a belt or chain. Belt-driven bikes make less noise but may wear over time. A chain is likely to be noisier, but should prove more durable long term.
Also consider the type of resistance, which will usually be friction or magnetic. Both tend to work well, but friction may eventually need to have the pads replaced due to wear.
Clipless pedals are great for seasoned riders wanting to replicate the feeling of being out on the road but toe straps will suffice if you're not familiar with the former.
An adjustable seat and handlebar are an absolute necessity to ensure you can ride comfortably, while weight and height capacity is worth checking, as they can vary depending on the bike.
In terms of the smaller details, water bottle holders are useful given how sweat inducing this cardio is. All of the options listed below also feature transportation wheels, which are extremely helpful for such a heavy piece of kit.
Best budget spin bikes of 2024
Labgrey Exercise Bike
This exercise bike from Labgrey features a digital LCD monitor that allows users to monitor time, speed, distance and lifetime miles (odometer).
The handlebars have built in sensors to monitor heart rate and there's also a bottle holder, as well as phone and tablet holders for follow-along rides.
This bike features a 15kg flywheel and has a fully adjustable seat and handlebars. The brand says the bike is able to facilitate a maximum height of 6ft 5in and a maximum weight of 127kg.
Labgrey says it's also fitted a belt-driven system and thickened wool brake pad to keep the noise to an absolute minimum.
Meanwhile, the fully adjustable magnetic resistance is designed so that all users can find a resistance that suits them. Caged pedals are included to keep your feet tightly locked and are said to be suitable with most footwear.
JLL IC400 Elite Indoor Bike
This option from JLL fitness is said to be built for sturdiness and long-term quality. It features a 20kg flywheel in an attempt to replicate road cycling as closely as possible.
It features a belt driven system stated to provide a smooth and quiet experience, as well as friction resistance using a brake pad.
JLL says the bike is fitted with a three-piece crank system for the pedals, stated to provide long-lasting durability and support for users up to 150kg.
Meanwhile, the LCD monitor is able to monitor time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, odometer and target heart rate.
Opti Aerobic Manual Exercise Bike
The Opti bike from Argos is part of the retailer's line of affordable fitness products. This bike offers variable manual tension control with a magnetic resistance, allowing changes for all levels of difficulty.
It also features an adjustable handlebar and seat, and is said to support a maximum user weight of 120kg.
The console provided also gives vital feedback, including time, speed, distance and calories burned. There’s a water bottle holder to help keep you hydrated, and the pedals are said to be self-levelling, which should make strapping in a little easier.
The flywheel weighs in at 13.8kg, which is more on the lightweight side, and is chain driven, which is thought to be better for long term durability, but may cause extra noise.
Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100
Decathlon’s Domyos line provides a sleek but affordable option. This exercise bike aims for simplicity, featuring a crisp black and red aesthetic with adjustable, multi-position saddle and handlebars. Decathlon claims the steel frame and stabilising pads provide one of the most stable indoor cycles the retailer sells.
As is the case above, this bike uses a chain drivetrain, which is thought to be less likely to need replacing but may be noisy. The flywheel is a quite lightweight 12kg, while the fitted computer records four functions: RPM, time, distance and calories.
This bike also features manual varied resistance and a leather brake pad, which may squeak when it needs to be oiled.
The pedals are tightened with straps, but there isn’t a water bottle holder. The maximum user weight is quoted to be 100kg, which is significantly less than some other spin bikes listed here.
JTX Cyclo-3: Indoor Racer Bike
- Buy now from JTXfitness (329.00)
This bike from JTX offers a 17kg flywheel with an entirely variable resistance, while the frame is said to be able to support a user weight of up to 145kg.
There’s an LCD display featuring time, speed, distance, calories, odometer and heart rate (measured through the handles). It’s also belt driven, which means it should be slightly quieter than its chain-driven counterparts. The seat and handlebars are also adjustable to get the best fit possible.
JTX offers a dual pedal system when purchasing, meaning the pedals can be fitted with SPD clips that have optional toe straps on the opposing side. This is ideal for better replicating your actual ride and achieving a more efficient pedal stroke.
One thing it does lack, however, is a water bottle holder.
Looking for some more premium options? Check out our article on the best Peloton alternatives for triathletes.
If you're still not sold on the prospect of a spin bike, turbo trainers could be the training solution for you. Check out our reviews of the best turbo trainers on the market.