Complete Comparison Of 75+ Indoor Bikes [& Counting]

Looking for your first or even next indoor bike can be difficult to decide, especially when there is so many to choose from.

Just by doing a simple search on Amazon and it will just scroll through lists of different indoor bikes that all have different brands & different features.

However, I’ve done my research and decided to create a full comparison table of the main features you can expect from over 75 indoor bikes (p.s this list is constantly being updated).

So, let’s take a look at some of the features you may decide you want within your next indoor bike.

Key Features To Look Out For

Flywheel Weight

The flywheel on an indoor bike is what is going to give you the power output that is being generated from your legs.

As you pedal this turns the drivetrain which creates the momentum of the flywheel. As the inertia begins to pick up, you will be able to create a smooth and consistent cycle.

The weight of the flywheel determines how smooth and consistent your cycling may be – rule of thumb is the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the cycling.

Drivetrain

Indoor bikes come with one of two forms of drivetrain – they are either chain driven or belt driven.

A chain driven indoor bike is the same as an outdoor bike with a chain rolling over a sprocket.

A belt driven indoor bike is usually a Poly V belt directed from the pedal system right to the flywheel.

When it comes to noise levels – a belt driven bike is what you want.

Type Of Resistance

Resistance on indoor bikes comes in two forms – Magnetic or friction resistance.

This is what is going to give you your leg burn, melt those calories and ultimately lose weight.

Magnetic resistance is a lot more quieter as there is no actual contact between the magnets and the flywheel. However, friction resistance can possibly give a higher level of resistance if you really want to get your legs fired up.

Check out the video we made to weigh up the differences here.

Caged Pedals or Duel Pedals

Almost every indoor bike will come with caged pedals , it’s really the standard.

However, some indoor bikes have integrated duel pedals with caged pedals on one side but SPD pedals on the flip reverse.

This gives you the choice of either cycling with standard trainers or using cycling shoes and being able to get a more secure fit and effective cycle.

Maximum User Weight

When buying a new indoor bike, you need to look at the maximum user weight it can hold.

Now most indoor bikes have been built with enough durability where it can hold anyone up to 130kg (just over 20 stone).

Most of the population generally do fall under this user weight however there are bikes that do offer an increased user weight capacity.

Does It Come With a Console?

Having a console on an indoor bike isn’t a neccassity however it is a good feature to have if your looking to measure your metrics such as speed, distance, time and rough calories burned.

Most indoor bikes do have some sort of console fitted (whether these are designed good or bad is another point entirely though).

Having a console just allows you to keep track of your own cycling workout and can even give that extra motivational boost to keep you on the saddle.

Does It Have Bluetooth Connectivity?

Bluetooth connectivity is a great function to have on an indoor bike as it can allow you to connect to 3rd party apps such as Zwift, Bkool, Peloton Digital etc.

Normally, you’ll find Bluetooth installed in more expensive bikes but there are other external ways that you can add Bluetooth connectivity to transmit your cycling data with the use of power meter pedals or speed and cadence sensors.

Does It Have a Phone/Tablet Holder?

With the current world we live in, we are constantly connected to the online world and indoor bike manufacturers understand this.

With most indoor bikes, you will find some kind of phone or tablet holder where you place place your device on and link up to a 3rd party app or catching up on your latest episodes on Netflix.

So, now that we know the main features to look out for when looking for your next indoor bike, it’s time to take a look at over 75 indoor bikes I’ve gathered information on.

So here I’ve put together a table of all of the key features. This will be constantly updating but for now – take a look.