Tour de Fitness: Your Guide to the Best Exercise Bike Choices
The Tour de France is back, filling screens with sun-soaked roads, roaring crowds and seriously strong legs. And while the pros are busy racing through mountain passes, it is also a great time to think about your own ride, the indoor one that fits into your routine and space.
Exercise bikes can be a brilliant way to move more, build cardio and get into a rhythm that works for you. They are easy on the joints, work across different fitness levels and give you the freedom to train on your own terms. The only tricky bit is choosing the right one.
This guide breaks things down. It covers what to focus on depending on who is using the bike, how often, and where it is going. You will also find a few standout picks from the Fitshop range, with options for your home, studio or bigger training setup.
Exercise Bikes for Home Training
What to Think About First
Where’s It Going?
Start with a tape measure. Before diving into specs and screens, check how much room you actually have. You will want space for the bike itself, but also enough to move around it without knocking into furniture.
How Often Will You Use It?
Planning a few sessions a week? A simpler model might be all you need. Look for something reliable, adjustable and easy to move around that will get the job done without throwing in features you are unlikely to use.
Using it daily or sharing with family? Then it is worth picking a bike that keeps up with everyone. Adjustable setup, a clear screen, user profiles and a mix of workouts help keep things organised and keep motivation ticking along.
Will It Feel Right to Ride?
The seat matters. A lot. If you are sitting on it for any length of time, you will want decent padding or gel cushioning. Some bikes also allow you to swap out the seat entirely for something that suits you better.
Handlebars should move with you. Adjustable handlebars help you get the right riding position, which can make a big difference in preventing wrist or back strain.
Make sure it fits you properly. You will want a bike that lets you tweak seat height, move the saddle forward or back, and adjust handlebar height too. Being able to set it up your way makes workouts more comfortable and helps with posture and performance.
What Features Actually Matter?
Resistance type matters more than it sounds. Magnetic resistance is usually the go-to for home bikes. It is quiet, smooth, and does not need much upkeep, which is perfect if you are working out around other people or just want a bit of peace.
Check the console. You want something that is easy to read and use, not a spaceship dashboard. Some models come with screens that rotate, so you can switch between riding and other types of training without craning your neck.
Get connected. If tracking progress or following workouts helps you stay motivated, go for a bike that syncs easily with your phone or tablet. It opens up access to structured training, online classes or just a quick check-in on how you are getting on.
Apps can keep things interesting. Many bikes pair with apps like Peloton, Zwift or iFit. You get guided sessions, leaderboards, progress tracking and a whole community to tap into.
Interactive workouts are worth considering. Some bikes come with preloaded routes or live classes that give a bit more variety.
Anything Else to Look For?
Pedals are important. Make sure they are adjustable and secure, with toe cages or straps to keep your feet in place. Some models also come with clip-in options if you use cycling shoes and want a more efficient ride.
Power source makes a difference. Mains-powered bikes need to be near a plug. Self-powered models generate their own energy as you pedal, which gives you more flexibility on where to put them.
Entertainment. Bikes with tablet holders or built-in screens let you stream a show, follow along with a workout or just keep your mind off the clock.
Heart rate tracking. Some bikes include built-in monitors or can pair with an external strap. Handy if you are training in specific heart rate zones or just want to keep an eye on your cardiovascular performance.
Top Picks
NordicTrack Tour de France Indoor Bike: This one’s the real deal. Officially licensed, with shifting, climbs and a 24-inch screen to track your ride. Works with iFIT, Strava, Rouvy and more.
Peloton Bike+: This one is all about the energy. Live and on-demand classes, leaderboard buzz, and a screen so sharp it feels like the instructor is in the room. Clip in, pick a ride and get going.
Schwinn 800IC Indoor Cycle: No plug needed, so you can set it up wherever it works. Smooth to ride, solid under regular use and easy to adjust. A strong everyday option if you just want to get on and ride.
BodyMax B15 Bike: Simple, compact and ready to roll. It fits into tight corners and covers the basics without being basic. Light frame, easy setup and a good option for home sessions.
NOHRD Bike V2: Quiet ride, clean look and a screen where you need it. Tracks the essentials, pairs with your apps and sits neatly in your space.
NordicTrack X24 Exercise Bike: A big screen, realistic gradient shifts and 24 resistance levels keep things interesting. It is packed with features but still fits neatly into a home setup. Great for guided rides and virtual routes.
Wahoo KICKR Smart Bike V2: Accurate, adjustable and ideal for structured training. You can tweak the fit and gearing, ride with real-time gradient changes and track every metric. Quiet and easy to pair with apps like Zwift, Strava and TrainerRoad.
STIL-FIT Bike PRO: Quiet, sturdy and well put together. It delivers a smooth ride and holds up well for regular use. A good match for home workouts that need something reliable.
Exercise Bikes for Small Gyms and Studios
What to Think About First
Tough Enough to Take It
If you’re running a studio, rehab centre, hotel gym or corporate wellness space, you need bikes that don’t flinch under pressure. Look for frames made from strong steel or heavy-duty aluminium. High weight capacity isn’t optional here; it’s essential for keeping everyone covered.
Set Up for Everyone
The best bikes work for whoever hops on. A good range of resistance gives users room to push as much or as little as they like, and magnetic systems keep things smooth and quiet. Adjustable seats, handlebars and pedals help everyone find their fit and ride in comfort.
More Than Just Cycling
Workout programmes on the bike offer extra options such as weight loss, endurance and interval sessions that mix things up. It is an easy way to add variety and help clients reach their goals.
Simple to Look After
Maintenance should not slow you down. Magnetic resistance holds up well and usually does not need much attention. Choose models with parts that are easy to find if anything needs fixing. Some bikes come with smart systems that flag issues early, so everything keeps running smoothly.
Top Picks
Taurus IC70 Smart Bike: Strong and reliable with a broad range of resistance levels. Highly adjustable seat and handlebars let users find the right fit, and smart features keep training data clear and accessible.
Taurus Z9.9 Pro Bike: Heavy-duty and smooth with a frame designed for frequent use. Offers workout programmes that switch up the routine and keep you moving.
cardiostrong BC50 Recumbent Bike: Comfort and support come standard here, thanks to an ergonomic design that’s easy to adjust. It’s all about making your ride as comfortable as possible.
Taurus Ergo-X Classic Air Bike: Sturdy and responsive, with resistance that adjusts as you push. Simple controls and a solid frame deliver a reliable, consistent ride every time.
Gym-Grade Exercise Bikes
What to Think About First
Gym bikes get used a lot, so they need to be tough. Steel frames hold up well and handle the daily grind. Bikes with a high weight limit make sure everyone gets a steady, safe ride.
Tech That Keeps Members Coming Back
Good tech helps keep workouts fresh and fun. Touchscreens and interactive features let users choose what works for them. Resistance should be smooth and easy to adjust. Magnetic systems do this quietly and precisely.
Workouts That Switch It Up
Programmes on the bike and fitness app sync make sure members never get stuck in a rut. Variety and challenge keep motivation high and results rolling in.
Support You Can Count On
When bikes get heavy use, downtime causes headaches. Choose brands with reliable customer service and easy access to replacement parts. A strong warranty helps repairs get sorted quickly, reducing interruptions and keeping things running.
Top Picks
Keiser M3i Studio Plus Indoor Bike: Clear Studio Display with live workout metrics and wireless sync. Adjustable frame and four-way handlebars for a spot-on fit. Smooth magnetic resistance and rear-wheel design protect against sweat. Low-maintenance belt drive. Connects to Zwift, Peloton, Kinomap and more.
Assault Air Bike Classic: Fan-based resistance ramps up with effort. Sturdy and handles the toughest, sweatiest sessions.
Life Fitness IC6 Indoor Cycle: WattRate full-colour console tracks power in real time. Magnetic resistance dial offers fine control. Self-powered with Coach By Colour guidance. Dual-sided SPD pedals. Syncs with Apple Health, Peloton, Zwift.
Taurus Racer Pro Smart Bike: Wide resistance range and custom workouts. The frame is tough and the controls are clear and easy to adjust.
Wattbike AtomX Smart Bike: Power accuracy within 1%, 2500W max resistance. Super quiet magnetic system. Big HD screen with real-time stats. Quick adjustments and digital shifting for a smooth, road-like feel. Includes Wattbike Hub app and connects to Zwift, TrainerRoad.
Matrix Virtual Training Cycle CXV: 22-inch touchscreen with exclusive Matrix workouts. Narrow Q-factor for natural leg alignment. Quick-release panels for easy maintenance. Magnetic resistance and iFIT compatible.
Life Fitness Integrity+ Upright Bike: Sleek design with advanced console and wireless tech. 8-ribbed belt resistance for smooth rides. Access to 500+ workouts with Life Fitness On Demand+. Comfort Curve seat fits a wide range of users. Apple Health compatible.
The right exercise bike makes all the difference. At home, it’s about making the most of your space, being comfortable, and having the right tech. In smaller gyms and studios, you want something that can handle regular use and is simple to look after. For bigger fitness centres, it’s about machines that can stand up to the daily rush, offer plenty of features and have support you can count on.
Finding the right exercise bike comes down to what fits your space and how you plan to use it. At Fitshop we are with you all the way from planning and design through to ordering installation and aftercare. You can browse our full range online or visit our store to try the bikes yourself and see what feels right. If you are managing a commercial space just get in touch via this link and we will help you find the best fit for your needs.
Originally published on 19 July 2024. Reviewed and updated on 26 June 2025.
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