Looking for a great workout but lack the money for an expensive indoor bike?
Check out our list of the best budget exercise bikes in the UK market below! You can get a fantastic workout at home for a fraction of a gym membership.
We’ve included a variety of models so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for an upright bike, recumbent bike, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
After the reviews, we’ve included a buying guide that discusses essential factors to consider before deciding. Also, we’ll teach you how to make healthy compromises without sacrificing quality.
Keep reading below.
Tl;dr: Ultrasport F-Bike is, in our opinion, the best stationary bike under £200 because it’s durable, comfortable and has all the basic functionality of a standard indoor bike.
Table of Contents
Best Exercise Bike under £200
You know what this section has in store: the best cheap stationary bikes on the UK market. So, let’s begin.
Ultrasport F-Bike: Best Budget Folding Exercise Bike
- For more than 15 years and with over 5 million products...
- Foldable exercise bike, home trainer, fitness bike with 8...
- Particularly space-saving thanks to folding mechanism and...
Ultrasport F-Bike is our top pick because it’s silent, ergonomic, and compact. The F-Bike is also best for people who’ve been making excuses about not working out.
There’s bad news for you: this model gives you no chance for those excuses.
For example, you have eight resistance levels to adjust the bike. That means it’s not hard to work out at all. If anything, some people argue that the highest setting is a bit too mild.
Besides, the F-Bike is foldable to store it comfortably after your workout.
Speaking of that workout – you’ll feel very comfortable doing it, even if it’s a more extended session. The F-Bike has a curved, ergonomic design that keeps your body aligned – if you adjust the seat appropriately. This correct posture decreases the chances of exercise-induced aches by 99%.
Also, you can choose the backrest version if you want more support in the lumbar area.
The F-Bike will also monitor all of your stats, quite correctly, we might add, including your heart rate. Thus, you’ll know how hard you’re working out and see your progress immediately.
See? No excuses.
On the downside, F-Bike’s maximum weight is 100 kg – and you don’t want to mess with that. Moreover, some users complain about the seat being too high for people around 5’.
Another disadvantage for some people may be the lack of built-in workouts. If you get bored quickly or want to mix specific programs to reach your weight goals faster, you’ll have to look up these routines separately.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Bluefin Fitness Tour XP Exercise Bike: Best Budget Upright Exercise Bike
The Bluefin Fitness Tour XP is a heavy-duty exercise bike that will keep you stable even during the most intense workouts. Like the F-Bike above, Tour XP also boasts eight resistance levels, so you’re bound to challenge yourself at some point – if you’re not Armstrong.
The two bikes have many other similarities. For instance, they’re smooth and quiet, have adjustable seats, and have accurate heart rate sensors.
Side-note: Tour XP’s wide EVA padded seat is arguably a tad more comfortable. However, you only get the backrest option.
And yes, you can fold the Tour XP too.
There’s one significant difference between the two models:
Tour XP is compatible with the Kinomap app. This app gives you a massive range of home workouts, even worldwide training options. As a result, you’ll stay motivated and keep up your progress.
Tour XP has another advantage over the F-Bike: it caters to more people, considering its maximum weight is 120 kg.
Ultrasport F-Bike Home Trainer 200B: Best No-Frills Cheap Exercise Bike
- For more than 15 years and with over 5 million products...
- Foldable exercise bike, home trainer, fitness bike with 8...
- Particularly space-saving thanks to the folding mechanism...
Ultrasport F-Bike 200B is similar to the F-Bike we reviewed before. The models share similar characteristics; they’re solid and sturdy, with comfortable seats. Their eight resistance levels, frames, and height options are the same.
However, F-Bike 200B’s heart rate sensors aren’t as accurate, though the seat is plusher.
Remember that F-Bike 200B, just like its sibling above, is best for people who aren’t interested in bells and whistles or high resistance. If you want to get your muscles pumping a bit during the day without any pressure, F-Bike 200B is a good choice because it’s comfortable, quiet, and durable.
On the downside, just like F-Bike, 200B’s seat is relatively high even at the lowest setting. So, if you’re less than 5’2” – you’d better skip this model.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
JLL RE100 Recumbent Home Exercise Bike: Best Budget Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Magnetic Resistance Allows For Smooth and Quiet restriction...
- With a 5kg Two-Way Flywheel That is Driven by a Belt, The...
- Heart Rate Sensors Built into Handlebars. This Allows You To...
JLL is a trustworthy company, so it’s no wonder that JLL RE100 is the best cheap recumbent bike in this review. The company’s 12-month warranty proves this assertion, but let’s see other features:
We’ll start with the comfort this time because that’s the main reason you want a recumbent bike. These exercise bikes have plus cushioned seats that take the pressure off your lumbar area. As such, you can work out pain-free.
So, JLL RE100 has a large foam-padded seat with the right degree of firmness. This seat is covered in textured plastic to make it waterproof and increase its lifespan. Moreover, RE100 allows six horizontal seat adjustments to find the correct position regardless of your height.
You’ll need all this comfort for killer workouts.
The 5 kg flywheel is arguably not extremely heavy, but it works for beginners and intermediates. Besides, you can adjust the resistance on eight levels and measure all stats, including your pulse.
The JLL RE100 has one major disadvantage – and it’s not the lack of built-in programs. The drawback is it can only withstand people up to 100 kg.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
ATIVAFIT Exercise Bike: Best Cheap Stationary Bike for Heavy People
- EASY-READ DIGITAL MONITOR SHOWS YOUR DATA - You can track...
- LARGE AND COMFROTABL SEAT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE - Seat...
- STABLE AND COMPACT DESIGN - Ativafit stationary bike’s...
ATIVAFIT Exercise Bike is the best affordable indoor bike for heavy people for many different reasons. Let’s start with the most evident, meaning its maximum weight limit.
From that regard, the Amazon title claims this ATIVAFIT model can withstand 136 kg. The description paints a slightly different version of this, saying the seat can only support 120 kilograms.
Going further in the comments section, you read that a few 150-kg people used AIVAFIT with no problems. Some users also pedalled standing on the bike.
So, with all his mixed information, one thing is clear: the bike can support more weight than others in this review.
Another reason why we recommend it for heavy people is the wide seat.
Other stationary bikes with high weight limits have narrow seats, but not ATIVAFIT. You can notice the generous chair with a removable backrest from the get-go.
Besides, AIVAFIT has two essential features others miss: a table bracket and a bottle holder. Therefore, you can always put on an exciting show or podcast and pedal it away with water nearby.
You have eight resistance levels to go through on this smooth, silent bike. And, at the end of your session, you can quickly fold it away.
On the downside, ATIVAFIT’s readings only come in miles, not kilometres. People over 6’ (1.85 m) will experience a less smooth ride because the chair can’t meet their height requirements.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
JLL IC200 PRO: Best Spin Bike Under £200
- IC200 Pro cycling machine has Magnetic Resistance with...
- 5 Readout Monitor allows you to track various data relating...
- The 7KG Bi-Directional Flywheel has been developed to be a...
IC200 Pro is the best spin bike under £200 because it’s feature-packed, quality, and comfortable.
For instance, the design is stable, and the quality materials turn IC200 Pro into a piece of sturdy machinery. Besides, the belt-driven mechanism and magnetic resistance render this stationary bike smooth and quiet.
The high-quality 7 kg flywheel is another point in IC200 Pro’s favour. This flywheel spins without hick-ups so that you won’t feel any vibrations during your workout. Besides, those 7 kg are enough for a challenging, muscle-building workout at the highest of the eight settings.
While working up a sweat, remember to peak at your stats on the easy-to-read, large monitor.
You can keep going for as long as you want because the IC200 Pro is highly comfortable. You can adjust the seat’s and handlebars’ heights, plus that seat is very comfortable. The soft foam padding alleviates tailbone pain, while the seat’s mountain-bike design keeps your hips open at a correct angle.
On the downside, IC200 Pro isn’t foldable, it has no in-built workouts, and its maximum weight is 100 kg.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Alternatively, read our in-depth review of JLL IC200 Pro here.
YYFITT 2-In-1 Foldable Exercise Bike: Best 2-in-1 Total-Body Stationary Bike
- 2020 New Upgrade: This is a new look with better...
- 2-IN-1: This indoor fitness bike can adjust between Upright...
- XL Backrest: This is the largest backrest equipped on...
The 2-in-1 YYFITT is a reliable exercise bike for under £200 for families where people’s needs differ.
For instance, a fitter person can use the upright position and the highest resistance. On the other hand, their spouse with chronic back pain can use the recumbent position, choosing one of the two backrest settings to find a comfy position.
Side-note: This bike’s backrest is extremely wide to support your lumbar area comfortably.
But here’s another reason that proves YYFITT’s versatility:
Not every day should be leg day. So, the incorporated resistance bands allow you to switch things up. Keep the bike at the lowest setting to raise your heart rate while these bands help you trim your arms. By comparison, the highest among the 16 resistance levels will help you one your legs.
Warning: This bike doesn’t have very challenging resistance for expert cyclists either, but you’ll work up a good sweat.
You can enjoy some quiet cycling because the YYFITT is very silent – or you can pop your tablet on the built-in holder to catch up with your favourite podcaster.
At the end of your session, fold the bike and store it away in a closet.
Lastly, the YYFITT 2-in-1 holds up to 120 kg. That’s the final argument for why YYFITT is such a versatile pick for the entire family.
On the downside, many people complain about knocking sounds. If this happens to you, ensure to retighten the pedals, especially the main pedal arm to the flywheel. This component loosens with time, so you have to put your bike upright and tighten the central bolt.
It’s nothing serious, but you’ll probably have to do this twice per month.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
What to Look for in an Affordable Exercise Bike
Let’s start with a tough but necessary truth. Purchasing a stationary bike under £200 limits your options, meaning that you have to be prepared for some compromises.
The catch is knowing what you can compromise on.
Your Needs
Never compromise on your needs, but distinguish them from your wants.
For example, accurate pulse sensors are a want; you can always purchase an additional heart rate monitor later.
Of course, the “your needs” section is highly subjective, and it’s on you to figure out what you can’t live without. But here’s what we can quantify objectively:
The type of bike that suits your needs, preexisting conditions, and goals
- Recumbent bikes: best for people with chronic back pain or with reduced mobility
- Upright bike: best for people with no preexisting pain and average fitness levels
- Spin bike: best for intense cardio workouts and fast calorie burns
As you can see from the section above, we’ve reviewed different models from all these categories.
Also, if you have limited space in your home, you should consider a foldable bike.
Your weight
Never choose a bike that doesn’t accommodate your weight. Some reviewers may claim they’re heavier than the weight limit; don’t listen to them.
You can get injured or damage your bike, making it impossible to claim the warranty. At the very least, your bike will squeak and wobble more if you’re over the weight limit.
Comfort
Never compromise on comfort either. You want your bike easy to adjust to fit your shape and thus, facilitate a correct posture. Otherwise, you won’t work out your muscles comprehensively, and you’re increasing the risk of injury.
Of course, comfort depends on your needs and preexisting conditions.
- Some people prefer firmer seats, while others need more cushioning.
- Some prefer wider seats, while others go with narrow ones to avoid chaffing.
It’s all about knowing your body and using this lens to evaluate a stationary bike.
Quality
You’re buying an inexpensive bike, so you can’t expect a heavy-duty piece of equipment that NASA would design. However, you can expect reasonable quality, which means a model that:
- Lasts for at least two-three years
- Is stable for the weight it’s been designed
- Isn’t very noisy
- Works well and smooth, without needing too many adjustments
Things You Can Compromise On
These things are nice to have that don’t affect your bike’s functionality. For example, a bottle holder, KINOMAP connectivity, and built-in programs aren’t necessary. In fact, you can find some hacks to solve all of these problems just by placing your bike near a table.
Then there’s something you may not want to compromise on but may be forced to:
The maximum resistance.
Affordable, stationary bikes under £200 may have multiple resistance levels, but even the highest isn’t challenging for a gym rat.
Thus, you have two options:
- Consider a more expensive model. Of course, you’ll have to save the money or apply for a loan.
- Wear ankle weights. You can find quality ankle weights at low prices, and they’ll work wonders for your legs. Alternatively, you can consider wrapping a fitness band above your knees to produce more resistance.
In Conclusion
After reading the reviews and buying guide above, you should have all the information to purchase a quality, cheap exercise bike for your home gym. Whether you’re looking for a spin bike, recumbent, or upright, there’s an option out there for you.
Remember to consider essential variables, such as comfort, size, and durability. With a little bit of research, you’ll be on your way to getting fit without breaking the bank.
She had to trade the gym for home fitness equipment when her two little angels were born. But she successfully managed to make the transition, and sharing her vast fitness experience online is the engine that keeps this website going.
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