Spin classes are a great way to exercise, but membership fees can be expensive, and you never know if your favorite bike spot will be taken. Luckily, there are a variety of commercial-grade spin bikes on the market if you prefer to exercise at home. These offer a smooth ride, high-quality parts, and many of the features you’ll find on the spin bikes from class.
Commercial exercise bikes can be costly, but they pay for themselves relatively quickly. Especially when you consider how much they can save you on memberships. Plus, there’s no denying the convenience. So, which bike is the best fit for you? The ACTIVE Reviews Team has done the research and selected our top choices for the best commercial spin bikes.
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The Best Commercial Spin Bikes - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Commercial Spin Bike: Echelon EX-8s
- Best Budget Commercial Spin Bike: Echelon GT+
- Best Commercial Spin Bike With Screen: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: ProForm Pro C10R
- Best Commercial Exercise Bike With Air Resistance: Rogue Echo Bike
- Best Compact Commercial Spin Bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
- Best Smart Commercial Spin Bike: Echelon EX-8s
Best Overall Commercial Spin Bike - Echelon EX-8s
SPECS
- Dimensions: 59"L x 23"W x 65"H
- Weight: 124 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Features: 24" curved HD touchscreen, dual ring LED lights, Bluetooth Resistance Controller, 32 levels of resistance, dual bottle holders
The Echelon EX-8s has a fantastic 24-inch curved touchscreen. You can use it to follow along with an Echelon Fit class or immerse yourself in a scenic riding route of your choice. If you want to stream a cross-training workout, you can rotate the screen up to 180 degrees for easy viewing. You can also use an indoor cycling app of your choice. The dual-facing Bluetooth speakers sound as good as the touchscreen looks.
The magnetic resistance is powered by e-Drive, which quietly transitions between all 32 levels. If your workout includes an out-of-the-saddle ride, the e-Shock system will respond to your movement to minimize strain on your joints. The bike has a 38-pound rear flywheel that provides a smooth and stable ride, and the dual rings illuminate based on your workout metrics.
What We Like
- Contemporary design with modern LED lights
- Screen rotates 180 degrees
- Dual bottle holders under the handlebars
- Resistance controller is easy to access
- E-shock eases impact on joints
What We Don’t Like
- Echelon Fit membership costs extra
- Heavy
- Warranty is lackluster for the price point
Best Budget Commercial Spin Bike - Echelon GT+
SPECS
- Dimensions: 54"L x 24"W x 57"H
- Weight: 88 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Features: 32 levels of resistance, 4-way adjustable seat, dumbbell rack, shoe clips, toe cage, adjustable handlebars
The Echelon GT+ is a cost-effective option to help you reach your fitness or weight-loss goals. With the easy-to-reach intensity knob, you can quickly flip through the bike’s 32 levels of magnetic resistance for easy warmup, cooldown, and cruising. The adjustable seat and handlebars make riding comfortable for a range of heights.
The 15.4-pound flywheel comes in four color options, so you can choose one that suits your room best. With built-in wheels, this bike is incredibly easy to maneuver. Since this is a budget-friendly bike, it does not come with a screen, but there is a holster for your phone so you can still follow along with your favorite cardio workout.
What We Like
- Built-in wheels make it easy to maneuver
- 4 flywheel color options
- Oversized padded seat
- Dumbbell rack for easy access and storage
What We Don’t Like
- No display for metrics
- Lighter flywheel may cause a less smooth ride
Best Commercial Spin Bike With Screen - NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 61"L x 22"W x 58"H
- Weight: 205 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Features: 22" rotating HD touchscreen, inclines and declines, advanced audio system, hybrid pedals, auto-adjusts resistance and incline
The 22-inch HD touchscreen on the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike makes iFit exercises come to life. This bike has auto-adjust technology that can change resistance automatically and simulate riding uphill and downhill.
If you want to supplement your training with other types of exercise, just rotate the screen 360 degrees. You’ll have no trouble seeing and hearing the instructor’s cues from the premium sound system. While an iFit membership does cost extra after the first 30 days, the on-demand classes will take riders to beautiful destinations, and there are classes for every skill level.
What We Like
- Pedals can be used with clip-in cycling shoes
- 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty
- Set of 3 lb. dumbbells included
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel maintains smooth movement
- 30-day iFit trial included
What We Don’t Like
- No dumbbell holder
- Heavy
- iFit membership is an additional cost
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike - ProForm Pro C10R
SPECS
- Dimensions: 56.8"L x 25.4"W x 49.8"H
- Weight: 150 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Features: iFit and Bluetooth compatible, 10" touchscreen and easy-to-press buttons, vertical and horizontal seat adjustment, Step-Thru design
The ProForm Pro C10R recumbent exercise bike offers many of the same features you’ll find on an upright commercial exercise bike. It’s a solid choice for those who want less strain on their lower joints, and it’s easy to get on and off. You can follow your favorite iFit spin class on the 10-inch monitor, and you’ll see all of your fitness metrics on the screen throughout your workout.
The 25 levels of magnetic resistance can be adjusted using the buttons under the display. There, you’ll also find buttons to control the volume, fan, and other options. The flywheel is a little light, weighing just 11.2 pounds, but it still provides a smooth ride due to the Inertia-Enhanced design.
What We Like
- 10-year frame and 1-year parts and labor warranty
- More compact size
- Oversized leveling feet provide stability
- Cushioned seat adjusts vertically and horizontally
What We Don’t Like
- Lower weight capacity
- 10" screen may be too small for some users
Best Commercial Exercise Bike With Air Resistance - Rogue Echo Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 58.8"L x 29.8"W x 52.7"H
- Weight: 127 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Features: Durable powder-coated steel frame, built-in wheels, LCD console, provides upper and lower body workout
The Rogue Echo Bike has a quiet, belt-driven fan made of steel. As you pedal, the blades produce a smooth and consistent ride that gets more difficult the faster you pedal. It’s powered by your arms and your legs, making it an excellent option for upper body strength and endurance.
The frame is made from reinforced steel, which helps prevent speed wobbles. There are four rubber feet under each base tube that can adapt to your floor, a huge help for those whose exercise surface is not level. The LCD console has a high-contrast display that performs well in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Unlike other commercial spin bikes, this bike does not provide guided classes, but there is some built-in interval programming, as well as other tracking features.
What We Like
- Resistance increases as you increase speed
- Handles allow you to exercise your upper body
- 8 vertical and 5 horizontal seat-adjustment options
- Steel construction and rubber leveling feet keep it stable
What We Don’t Like
- No on-demand streaming available
- Lack of manual resistance adjustment may not be suitable for some
Best Compact Commercial Spin Bike - Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 45"L x 23"W x 49"H
- Weight: 100 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Features: LCD console monitors metrics, multiple grip options, paddled handlebars, device holder, toe cages and pedal clips, 40 lb. flywheel
If you have a limited amount of space, you may want to consider the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike. Not only is it compact, but it’s only 100 pounds, so maneuvering it in and out of storage won’t break your back. The LCD monitor can track your time, distance, calories, RPMs, and heart rate if you purchase the strap separately.
The flywheel is 40 pounds and contributes to a smooth and stable ride. There are an infinite number of resistance levels, each of which is controlled using a friction resistance system. While this is highly responsive to changes, it does require some upkeep since the pads can wear out over time.
What We Like
- Infinite levels of resistance
- 5-year frame, 2-year mechanical and electrical, and 1-year labor warranty
- Device and water bottle holder
What We Don’t Like
- Resistance not displayed on the LCD monitor
- Not Bluetooth compatible
BUY: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
Best Smart Commercial Spin Bike - Echelon EX-8s
SPECS
- Dimensions: 59"L x 23"W x 65"H
- Weight: 124 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Features: 24" curved HD touchscreen, dual ring LED lights, Bluetooth Resistance Controller, 32 levels of resistance, dual bottle holders
Not only is the Echelon EX-8s the best overall commercial spin bike, it’s also the best smart bike. We love how immersive the 24-inch, curved screen is, and the dual-facing speakers are captivating. If you don’t want to disturb your housemates, you can follow along with your virtual instructor by connecting headphones via Bluetooth. With an Echelon Fit subscription, you’ll have access to live and on-demand classes, and there are plenty of different class types available. If you don’t want to subscribe, there’s a Freestyle ride option.
You can adjust the resistance the old-fashioned way using the knob, or use the Bluetooth adjuster on the handlebar. An underrated feature is the LED lights. They change color based on your output, giving you a visual cue of your performance and echoing the lighting of studio spin classes.
What We Like
- Curved screen and dual speakers create an immersive experience
- There’s a Freestyle ride option if you don’t want to subscribe to Echelon Fit
- Resistance is adjustable from the handlebars or frame knob
- Pedals are compatible with cycling cleat clips
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Features may be too complicated for some users
Benefits of Commercial Spin Bikes
A commercial spin bike can help you improve your cardiovascular endurance. It’s a low-impact form of cardio that can strengthen your lower body and burn fat. You can go on long rides or opt for shorter workouts with interval training. Spin bikes are also much safer and more convenient than cycling in traffic.
What to Look for in a Commercial Exercise Bike
Flywheel
The flywheel is the weighted disc on the front or back of a commercial exercise bike. It connects to the pedals by a chain or belt and stores the rotational energy created by pedaling. The weight of the flywheel can vary from bike to bike. Generally, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother your ride will be.
Resistance
The commercial spin bikes on this list feature magnetic, friction, and air resistance. Magnetic resistance is generated by two magnets that create drag on the flywheel as it spins. Magnetic resistance is a low-maintenance, quiet option. However, it’s more expensive than friction resistance and doesn’t respond to intensity changes as quickly.
Friction resistance relies on two pads that apply pressure to the spinning flywheel. It’s more cost-friendly than magnetic resistance, but it requires maintenance over time as the pads wear out. It also isn’t as quiet.
Air resistance is created by large fan blades that spin faster as you increase your speed.
Warranty
Many commercial spin bikes come with a warranty that covers the frame, parts, and labor for varying lengths of time. Some products offer the option to purchase or extend warranty coverage for an additional cost, while others have no warranty at all.
If you can, it’s always a good idea to choose a bike that comes with a warranty. Plus, a generous warranty can be a good indicator of the quality of the machine and the confidence the manufacturer has in their product.
Features
Commercial spin bikes have a variety of features, so it’s up to you to determine which are most important to you and fit your budget. These can include:
- HD, touchscreen display
- Workout streaming capabilities
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Water, dumbbell, or device holders
- Built-in wheels or cooling fans
- Adjustable components
- Hybrid pedals
FAQs About Commercial Spin Bikes
What brand of spin bikes do gyms use?
It varies from gym to gym. We love the Echelon EX-8s because it has all the bells and whistles of bikes you might find at a gym, and the Echelon GT+ has great features for the price point.
What bike is most like a Peloton?
The Echelon EX-8s and the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike are great Peloton alternatives with ample features and a comparable price point.
What is the best flywheel weight for a spin bike?
This varies from bike to bike based on design and other specifications, but heavier flywheels usually provide smoother and quieter rides than lighter ones.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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