Affordable spin bikes that are quality, durable, and sturdy sound like a fairy-tale. But because the demand for home exercise equipment is booming, brands are doing their best to fill this niche.
So, yes, the fairy-tale has now become a reality.
We’ll review the best spin bikes under £500 currently on the market below. But first, let’s see which factors should influence your choice.
Table of Contents
Things To Consider Before Buying
All of your spin bikes’ features should serve your fitness goals, and those goals entail a specific type of training. As you’ll see below, we discuss each spin bike characteristics in terms of a particular training objective.
Let’s see how that works.
You want to lose weight quickly:
- Consider a lower-weight flywheel so that you can push it faster.
- Choose a bike with a narrow Q-factor. This Q-factor represents the distance between the pedals, and the thinner it is, the faster you can pedal.
- Aero-training and standing on your spin bike will help you burn more calories too. As such, you want padded handlebars that support you in these positions.
- Make sure the heart rate stats are highly accurate. You want to get in the fat-burning heart-rate zone to lose weight faster.
You want to build strength:
- In this case, you need a heavier flywheel over 20 kg.
- Friction or chain resistance is better for strength building because you’ll make more effort to activate that flywheel.
- Backwards pedalling allows you to target your leg muscles from different angles, which helps build more strength.
You need motivation:
- Make sure your bike has a device holder if listening to music gets you in the zone.
- Choose a spin bike with built-in programs or app connectivity to try various workouts.
- Pick a spin bike with a bottle holder because getting on and off that bike constantly seriously messes with your willpower.
Best Affordable Spin Bikes For Home Use
Now that you know how to choose, let’s look at some of the best models on the market:
JLL IC300 PRO: best for HIIT and toning
- Quiet and smooth cycling thanks to PRO features: Adjustable...
- 3-Piece Crank, 6 vertical handlebar adjustment levels, 6...
- Large 6 readout monitor displays: Time (mins/secs), Distance...
JLL IC300’s parent company has a long-standing reputation in the fitness world, so this spin bike is as quality as all the other JLL fitness machines. As such, you can enjoy the IC300 for years to come.
IC300 contours a smooth and, at the same time, intense cycling experience because it boasts a heavy 20-kg flywheel, which demands quite some effort to be pushed. Besides, you can adjust the magnetic resistance quickly, even mid-exercise.
So, you can use IC300 for steady-state cardio, HIIT, and even lower body strength training.
Another point in IC300’s favour is its wide array of seat adjustments. You can fix this seat on six levels horizontally and ten vertically to find the correct position for your needs. As a bonus, IC300 features six levels of vertical adjustments for the handlebars.
All these adjustability features point to IC300’s versatility and scalability. So, you can use IC300 comfortably with the whole family or by yourself at different times in your fitness journey.
To get a good feel of your progress, track the stats that JLL IC300 displays. Notice if there’s any improvement in your speed and the distance you can travel during each session. Also, use pulse measurements to adjust your workout intensity and notice how those calories are melting.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Read the in-depth review of JLL IC300 PRO here.
JOROTO Bike: best for cardio
- CE & EN ISO20957 Standard Safety Compliant
- JOROTO has been developed in the exercise and fitness...
- 【 STURDY & STABLE 】: The frame of this JOROTO XM16...
JOROTO XM16 is a heavy-duty spin bike for home use, which you can quickly gather from its steel construction and solid chromed flywheel. This rugged design has several advantages, such as:
- You’re stable throughout your ride.
- The XM16 will last you a long time of use and abuse.
- This bike supports a 280-pound (127 kg) max user weight.
The 175 mm Q factor is another advantage, especially in connection with the 7-magnet resistance system. Magnetic resistance is very smooth, while this type of Q-factor ensures a lifelike riding experience. So basically, you’re getting smooth pedalling that feels like the real thing.
Also, XM16 boasts a unique feature for this price range:
You can adjust the handlebars forward and back, as well as up and down. That means you can sit as straight as you want – that’s a good thing, especially if you have chronic back pain. However, if you’re going to pedal more intensely, lean over the handlebars.
Apart from the handlebar adjustments, you also get a fully adjustable seat that works best with the 29-39-inch range for the inseam. So, just like JLL IC300, XM16 is also a good bike for the whole family.
However, XM16 has some advantages compared to the IC300:
- You can set up a tablet or phone on the handlebars if you get bored during longer steady-state cardio sessions. Alternatively, you can open a workout on your device and follow along with it as you exercise.
- XM16 has video instructions.
- The handlebars are softer.
- You can place your water bottle in the easy-to-reach holder.
- You can pedal backwards to tone your calves faster.
On the other hand, the flywheel weighs 13.6 kg. That’s not a downside per se, but compared to the IC300, it means you’ll have an easier time pedalling on the XM16.
Now for the real downsides: although the XM16 is a stable bike – after all, it’s made of steel – the seat and handlebars will wobble slightly when they’re at maximum height. Also, the cycle isn’t 100% silent, though nothing too rough.
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JLL IC400 ELITE: best for strength development
- Direct contact friction resistance with a 20kg flywheel
- 7 Function monitor displays: Time (mins/secs), Distance...
- Direct belt driven system with a Q-Factor of 153mm
JLL IC400 is similar to the IC400 because they both have heavy 20 kg flywheels that challenge your lower body muscles and 6-function monitor displays.
However, IC400 Elite takes the cake thanks to several features:
- It boasts nine vertical handlebar adjustment levels, which means you can lean however you want on this bike. That means you can find the correct position according to preexisting chronic pain and exercise your muscles from different angles. As such, you can gain more strength effectively because you’re working smarter.
- There are ten vertical seat adjustment levels and four horizontal ones. More seat adjustments are always better because that means more people can use this bike. Also, you can fiddle with it more until you find the proper position for your body shape.
- The maximum user weight is 150 kg, which is fantastic news for heavy people. Unfortunately, many fitness equipment are targeted at slim people, so heavyset individuals are left with minimal options.
- It uses friction resistance instead of magnetic resistance. IC400’s friction resistance means you’re going to have to push harder to move the flywheel. However, your cycling experience will feel less smooth, and you’ll also have to change the friction pads occasionally.
In addition to all of that, notice the 153 mm Q-Factor. A narrower Q Factor (which means a shorter distance between the pedals) means that this bike is better for speed.
That speed plus the 20 kg flywheel will redefine the meaning “hell of a burn” forever.
However, a narrower Q-factor can feel uncomfortable for some people, especially during longer sessions, because it provokes chaffing.
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JTX Cyclo-6 Indoor Exercise Bike: best high-tech
JTX Cyclo-6 offers you an intense cardio workout to lose weight quickly and tone your muscles. You can use it for HIIT, standing hill climbs, or cardio.
The extra-large 22 kg flywheel feels smooth and promotes natural movement without any hiccups. In addition to this heavy flywheel, the Infinity Resistance is another plus because you can adjust it – as its name suggests – on an infinity of levels.
All these micro-tweaks have a significant impact on your results because you can get trimmed faster if you’re exercising according to your fitness level.
And here’s another difference compared to the previous spin bikes we reviewed here:
JTX Cyclo-6 features the Quadri-Set™ adjustment system that uses release bolts for the seat and handlebar adjustments. Therefore, you can set up the Cyclo-6 quickly and intuitively to fit your purposes.
Besides, JTX Cyclo-6 is very sturdy and so doesn’t wobble at all, even when you’re pedalling at the highest intensity possible. The downside is its corresponding 63 weight – almost twice as much as other spin bikes above.
So, it won’t be easy to move this bike around your house without help.
But it’s worth it if you consider how effective it is to work out on this bike. To reach your goals faster, use the built-in wireless Polar receiver with a Polar heart-rate monitor. Sure, you’d have to get that monitor separately, but it can be worth it if it means losing weight faster.
Also, JTX Cyclo 6 is compatible with several apps – which is why we rated it the best high-tech spin bike for home use:
- Peloton Digital app allows you to watch classes from the best studios in LA.
- Bitgym app transports you amid some gorgeous views.
- Aaptiv allows you to connect to a personal trainer for increased motivation.
Needless to say, this combination of features is quite a bargain for the under £500 price range.
JLL® IC300: best for HIIT
- 18KG Bi-Directional Flywheel - Suitable for ALL fitness...
- On board LCD computer displaying Time (mins/secs), Distance...
- Handlebars & Seats - 6 Vertical Level Adjustments to...
JLL IC300 2021 is the newest update for the IC300 – and the improvements don’t disappoint.
For example, notice how the original IC300’s 20 kg flywheel is now 18 kg. Those 2 kg make a sensible difference in terms of strength. So, with an 18 kg flywheel, IC300 2021 is more accessible to many more people with different fitness levels.
Then there’s the direct-chain drive system with a 3-piece crank construction. Unlike magnetic resistance bikes, chain-driven bikes feel more lifelike because they’re less smooth. However, you’ll have to change the friction pads regularly to keep this bike functional.
Another improvement is that the handlebars boast six levels of vertical adjustments. These extra adjustments allow you to set up the bike better for your body shape and different ways during a workout. The result is that you can target your muscles from all sorts of angles.
And lastly, the bi-directional pedalling ability allows you to pedal backwards. This option is best for people who get bored quickly, but it also ensures you’re toning your legs more effectively.
You’ll enjoy your ride – even if it’s a long one – thanks to all these features. Of course, the comfortable and padded seat resembling that of a mountain bike helps too. After all, getting tailbone pain after a 45-minute spin session is not something any of us want.
But here’s what makes IC300 2021 stand out:
You can adjust the resistance seamlessly. That big orange knob directly under the handlebars is easy to reach and twist. That way, you can quickly change your resistance and vary between intervals of high and low intensity.
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New Sportstech Indoor Bike SX200: best for aerodynamic training
- ✅ 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢:...
- ✅ 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦: The...
- ✅ 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧...
Sportstech SX200 is the more affordable cousin of the JTX Cyclo-6, considering you get the same heavy 22 kg flywheel and app-based training.
However, SX200 isn’t compatible with as many apps as Cyclo-6. Still, you can pair it with Kinomap and participate in video events, try interactive training sessions and even multiplayer workouts. Basically, you can try a lot of the same interactive videos you saw with Cyclo-6.
In addition to the app compatibility, SX200 also boasts multiple built-in programmes that suit people who get bored quickly, beginners, and people who want very structured workouts.
Another similarity is the array of seat adjustments. But here’s the thing:
SX200 features inclination adjustments for the seat, which means you can sit in a more incisive pedalling position. This position is better for speed training. If you lean forward in the saddle a lot, you’ll appreciate the padded armrests that allow longer sessions in this aero position. You may also like the cage pedal system because it keeps your feet very secure during these intense workouts.
And just like Cyclo-6, SX200 is compatible with a chest belt for measuring your heart rate. And just like Cyclo-6, SX200 doesn’t include one in the pack either.
On the downside, SX200 supports a maximum user weight of just 125 kg. That’s not bad in itself, especially considering that other affordable spin bikes are much flimsier. However, consider that the previous spin bikes in this review can accommodate heavier people.
Another downside that several customers noticed is the bike’s shrieking sound when you’re changing the resistance. Also, you may find it difficult to connect to the Kinomap or Bluetooth because the instructions are poor. So, you’d have to find some installation videos on YouTube.
If you decide to purchase this bike, you can watch some practical setup tips here and here.
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In Conclusion
All of these spin bikes are quality, but they do fit different purposes. So, make sure you have your goals very clear in your mind before you pick one.
Here’s a quick rundown of your options:
- New Sportstech SX200: Best for aerodynamic training
- JLL® IC300 2021: Best for HIIT
- JTX Cyclo-6: Best high-tech
- JLL IC400 ELITE: Best for strength development
- JOROTO: Best for cardio
- JLL IC300 PRO: Best for HIIT and toning
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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