Cardiovascular diseases affects about a fifth of the UK population. In the US, a person dies from a heart attack every 40 seconds. Those grim statistics show that we need to take charge of our health.
Spinning bikes can improve cardiovascular health and endurance, and add years to your life. However, you need to choose the right model for your needs or otherwise you’ll never work out.
Read along to find out which bike is best for you. There are five models below, with all their pros and cons so you can compare, contrast, and choose the best spin bike.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY?
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a list of products available to buy on Amazon UK right now:
- UK FITNESS SPIN EXERCISE BIKES offer everything you need for...
- QUICK AND SIMPLE BLUETOOTH connection to the KINOMAP fitness...
- FREE 90 DAYS MEMBERSHIP to Studio Sweat onDemand We are...
- 【 EXERCISE BIKE WITH BLUETOOTH 】- The SB1000X Smart Spin...
- 【SMOOTH & FLUID MOTION】 - The heavy duty 13kg flywheel &...
- 【PERFECT GYM EQUIPMENT FOR HOME】- The SB1000X spinning...
- HEAVY-DUTY EXERCISE BIKE: Built-in heavy-duty iron frame...
- PERSONALIZED TRAINING EQUIPMENT: Recommended height: 150-175...
- LCD MONITOR AND FLOOR MAT: you can easily track your heart...
- 10 Kg Smooth Flywheel
- Bluetooth
- Smartphone Application
- 🚴【 HOME CARDIO TRAINING 】Stay active and fit with our...
- ✅【 COMFORT 】The spinning bike has a holder where you...
- 💪【 TRACK YOUR PROGRESS 】 With the embedded LCD...
5 Best Spin Bikes For Home Use
Now let’s get into the individual reviews. The spin bikes below are the best in their particular categories and each addresses a unique need. Before buying your spin bike, when you’re in that stage of reading reviews, try to analyse their specs according to your purpose.
XS Sports SB500 Review – best budget spin bike
- STRONG; Our exercise bike is crafted from premium...
- SAFE; Every XS Sports upright cycle has undergone the...
- ADVANCED; This aerobic bike is the perfect indoor...
XS Sports SB500 is best for people who have a slightly bigger budget and want a straightforward, functional spin bike that allows you to grow into your fitness level.
The XS Sports SB500 is the best budget option because it’s durable, strong, safe and comfortable. Various specialists in the exercise equipment industry contributed to XS Sports SB500’s design, so this is a quality, user-friendly home bike.
Sturdy. XS Sports SB500 is made of steel, a durable and strong material. The result is that the bike can hold a max weight of 125 kg and that it offers enough stability for intense workouts. Even though it weighs 35+kg itself, the built-in wheels help you move it around your apartment quickly.
Multiple passed quality checks. XS Sports SB500 is the best value spin bike because it doesn’t cut corners with safety. XS Sports invested a lot of time and research into its design, to make sure SB500 is up to standards at all times.
Scalability potential. When you start your fitness journey, you want to be able to progress. You also need to cut back on days when you’re feeling down or after an injury. This bike fits the whole range of workouts, from beginner to expert.
Functional. The 15-kg flywheel offers enough resistance to challenge your lower body so you can build your muscle mass and endurance. The LCD display is precise and easy-to-read, so you can find out stats like time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
Ergonomic and comfortable. The unique selling proposition of SB500 is comfortable arm and elbow rests that give you the support you need when you’re pretending to take part in a peloton race. Combine that with the cushiony, fully-adjustable seat and fully-adjustable handles, and you get a supportive spin bike that promotes a correct posture and gives you all the support you need.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
JLL IC300 PRO review – best under £500
- 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 is feature-packed, sturdy, solid, and comfortable with various ergonomic adjustments, which is why it’s among the best indoor spinning bike under £500. This spin bike features a heavy 20kg flywheel, magnetic resistance, a console that gives you all the stats you need, exact heart-rate sensors, plus a three-piece crank.
JLL IC300 is best for people who want to improve their fitness levels, strength, and endurance, so they need gym-quality equipment at a reduced price. This bike’s design allows you to challenge yourself constantly according to your stats. That way, you can effectively plan your fitness progress.
Magnetic resistance. This feature allows you to challenge your strength and endurance. The magnet near the flywheel is easy to adjust with a turn of the knob so that you can bump up or dial down the exercise intensity whenever you need to.
Versatile use. The combination of heavy 20kg flywheel and magnetic resistance gives a lot of versatility to the IC300 Pro. You can use it for endurance, cardio, or HIIT. Use the wide LCD screen to read your stats and adjust your workout accordingly.
Silent. The direct belt-driven design entails no friction with the flywheel, meaning no noise. The bike spins smoothly and it’s low-maintenance because you don’t have to replace the brake pads regularly.
Three-piece crank. This pedal system is sturdy and safe, plus it makes you feel like riding a real bike. Because it’s so solid, you can rest assured it increases your bike’s durability.
Comfy saddle. The soft fabric on the seat is smooth and comfortable, sewn with quality stitching that lasts for longer. Underneath the upholstery, the foam padding is supportive and plush to minimize tailbone pain.
Included aluminium bottle. Many people forget or get lazy to drink simply because their fitness equipment doesn’t have water bottle holders. IC300’s extra aluminium bottle you receive helps you stay hydrated, plus it’s easy to reach on the front metal bracket.
Many ergonomic adjustments. It’s important to get top support from your fitness machine. Compromised posture leads to less effective workouts and even injuries. The IC300 offers six vertical adjustment levels for the handles, whereas the seat offers six horizontal and ten vertical adjustment possibilities.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
JTX Cyclo 6 review
- GYM QUALITY EXERCISE BIKE: The JTX Cyclo 6 is the style of...
- QUADRI-SET ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM: With vertical and horizontal...
- WHAT ARE SPIN BIKES? Spinner, Spinning and Spin are brand...
JTX Cyclo 6 is one of the best spin bike for home under £500 because it’s a gym spec type of indoor bike. This spin bike has everything you need from a proficient spin bike, from the heavy flywheel to its optimal support, from infinite resistance to 99 speeds and lifetime warranty.
JTX Cyclo 6 is the ideal choice for people who want a fully adjustable spin bike for high-intensity cardio workouts thanks to features such as:
22 kg flywheel. The flywheel is heavy to pose enough resistance for very challenging workouts. Your muscles and cardio endurance will be challenged, so you can hit two birds with one stone: increased muscle mass and improved stamina. Bonus: the belt-driven technology means there’s no friction with the flywheel, so the Cyclo 6 is very quiet.
Infinity resistance. Cyclo 6 doesn’t limit your max resistance, which means you can progress as much as you can. You’re also not limited by intermediate resistance levels which means you can steadily grow by as little as a Newton each day.
99 speeds. Combine the Infinity resistance with the 99 speeds and 22 kg flywheel and you get a spin bike that lets you achieve your maximum potential. Besides, this wide range of speeds creates a close resemble between Cyclo 6 and a real bike.
Accurate measurements. If you want to improve your fitness level, you have to take your stats into account. JTX Cyclo 6’s console measures accurately your distance, speed, time, and calories. The included chest strap is better than JLL IC300’s palm sensors, which makes it the most accurate pulse measurer until now.
Quadri-set adjustment system. Cyclo 6 is a fully adjustable spin bike that corrects your posture because it keeps your shoulders, hips, and legs in correct alignment. The ergonomic adjustments ensure you never strain your muscles when you’re riding the Cyclo 6 because the handlebars allow vertical adjustments, while the seat boasts horizontal adjustments too.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Sportstech Elite Indoor Cycle Bike Review – best if money were no object
- MODERN TECHNOLOGY - The Speed Bike scores with the 26kg...
- VIDEO EVENTS, COACHING & MULTI- PLAYER MODE: With KINOMAP...
- EXTRAS - Comfort during long cycling training sessions:...
Sportstech Elite Indoor Cycle Bike is the best home spin bike on the market because it has a truly heavy flywheel, a safe electro-magnetic brake system, plus virtual workout modes. The unique features include eddy current brake and watt measurement, a pre-installed ergometer, and an included eBook.
Sportstech Elite is an ideal choice if:
- You want to immerse yourself into your training
- You need to challenge your endurance to the max
- Get precise, diverse measurements to speed your weight loss
Here’s what this spin bike can offer:
26 kg flywheel. This flywheel is one of the heaviest found for home-use indoor spin bikes. It will allow you to build more leg muscles and increase the intensity of your training without hurting your knees. Its belt-driven design renders the Sportstech Elite best for people who prefer smooth, quiet rolling.
32-stage electric magnetic brake system. This system ensures you get enough resistance to challenge yourself as much or as little as you need. Although 32 resistance levels are good enough, Infinity resistances would have been better.
Effective training. The pulse sensor and belt plus the watt measurement for watt-based training allow you to adjust the workouts and your goals according to how your body is responding to them. With all the included programs, you can use this spin bike for muscle mass, cardio, and even balance.
Feature-packed console. The console is intuitive and features a lot of options, such as music and video, built-in programs, access to iFit workouts, and accurate stats.
Android console. The App-7” Android console offers a route simulation so you can project yourself on different tracks, plus competition mode if you want to train with your friends. The app can be paired with Kinomap and Fitshow.
Supportive. The SPD-click pedals offer amazing grip even at a high speed, the 3in1 sports handlebars feature padded armrests which you can use in the lifted position, while the seat is comfortable and easy to adjust. These parts work together for optimal support and a correct position during your workout.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Fit4home TF-Z1 Spin Bike Review – best under £100 (ish)
No products found.
Fit4Home TF-Z1 Spin Bike is not the epitome of top quality, but it’s reliable and promising for people who need to lose weight and improve their cardiovascular health.
This spinning bike is affordable, so now you have zero excuses not to work out. TF-Z1 is a decent cheap spin bike because it boasts a feature-packed design, including a very safe emergency stop system and functional console. The Fit4Home TF-Z1 Spin Bike reads your stats and offers ergonomic adjustments for the handlebars and seat to fit your shape.
Solid. This spinning bike is solid enough to support people up to 120 kg. The 6-kg flywheel offers enough resistance to increase your cardio and stamina if you’re a beginner.
Real feel. The resistance system makes you feel like pedalling on an actual road, especially because the bike is quite silent compared to other fitness bikes. If you lose control of the bike, the emergency brake is conveniently placed and easy to access.
Real-time stats. The centre console offers you instant feedback in terms of the calories you’ve burnt, speed, distance, and time. These stats help you adjust your strategies to achieve your fitness goals faster. The bike has an included heart-rate monitor, but its measurements aren’t medical-grade accurate.
Ergonomic adjustments. Spinning bikes aren’t extremely comfortable, so it’s important to adjust them to your shape and size so as not to strain your back or neck. Luckily, Fit4Home TF-Z1 allows you to adjust the seat both vertically (101-116 cm) and horizontally, while the handlebars allow vertical adjustments.
Check price and reviews on Amazon UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, you must still have some questions. Is it worth reading the reviews? Can spin bikes actually help you? Let’s see.
Are spin bikes good? Benefits and Disadvantages
Spin bikes have plenty of advantages, from muscle definition to cardiovascular benefits, weight loss and boosting your mood. Spin bikes are convenient and easy to use in the privacy of your home.
However, spin bikes may not be the best option for your training. We’ll tackle that in a second, after going through a few of the spin bikes benefits.
Increased endurance: a few weeks into your cycling regimen, you’ll have more stamina, but you’ll have to cycle for at least 30 minutes per day, five times per week.
Weight loss: a spinning session helps you burn between 200-300 calories for each 30-minute session.
Improved cardio: spin bikes keep your heart healthy, just like jogging or swimming. If you have joint problems and want an effective low-impact cardio workout in the privacy of your home, spinning is the best choice.
Safe: riding a spin bike is completely safe provided you choose a quality product and you’re using it correctly. Although there is some injury risk when you’re standing up, make sure you’re not trying anything too challenging until you can master all the moves.
Convenient: most home spin bikes are reasonably priced, and you can find quality items for all price ranges. They don’t take up a lot of space, and you can use yours anytime you feel like it, even when you’re watching TV.
But spin bikes are not free of disadvantages, such as:
They mostly work your butt, thighs, and calves. Even when you’re standing, you’re only just moderately engaging your core and your upper body.
You need to pair spinning sessions with other workouts, such as strength training to keep your muscle mass from deteriorating with age and to keep a good bone density. Not to mention that strength training sculpts your body amazingly. You also need some Yoga and Pilates for flexibility.
Spinning sessions can weaken your muscles if you’re working out every day exactly the same for long periods of time. It’s better to spin for half an hour tops each day and then do some bad dancing than it is spinning for hours.
Is it better to have a heavier flywheel on a spin bike?
A heavier flywheel is better than a lighter one for your spin bike because it helps you run smoothly, it feels more like a real bike, and it provides increased resistance for your workouts.
Smooth riding. The flywheel gets the energy from your pedalling motions, which it uses to keep a constant pace. The bigger the flywheel, the more smoothly and silently you’ll cycle. If your flywheel is too light, you might feel jerks during your workout. These jolts are irksome, but they can also turn really risky if you have bad joints or knees because they’ll trigger pain.
The real thing. This fluid pedalling with no jolts means you don’t have to constantly change your pedalling speed. A heavy flywheel helps your indoor bike resemble an outdoor one better from the speed of your pedalling to the efficiency of your workout.
Increased resistance. A heavier flywheel needs more force to get it going, so you’ll have to push harder into it. A heavier flywheel also allows more resistance levels so you can constantly challenge yourself during your workouts.
Heavier flywheels aren’t free of disadvantages, such as increased retail prices because they’re more expensive to manufacture.
Is spinning better than cycling?
A small study on female students showed that indoor cycling can be better than cycling for physical fitness. Although this study is small and not enough to reflect reality, it investigates a worthy idea. Here are some arguments for why spinning can be better than cycling.
- Cycling can be better than spinning when you’re out in nature breathing in the fresh air, but not if you’re inhaling the city fumes.
- Cycling is more dangerous because you’re out on the road where you’re more prone to unpredictability and risk.
- Cycling allows you to try different terrains, but so can a well-equipped spin bike with various automatic programs.
Is spinning a good way to lose weight?
Yes, spinning is a good way to lose weight because it helps you burn 400-600 calories per hour.
However, if you don’t spin smart, you’ll hinder your weight loss goals because:
You also have to limit your food intake. Limit bad carbs, trans fats, and stick to real food. A doughnut has 450 calories, so eat one of those and you’ve ruined your progress for the day.
You can’t spin for hours every day in the long-term because you’ll make your muscles and joints weaker. It’s easy to lose weight fast at first, but spinning alone leads to weight loss plateaus and eventually weight gain.
You have to do strength training because you want improved muscle mass. Weight loss isn’t as good as fat loss. Increased muscle mass equals a higher resting metabolic rate, meaning that your body will burn fat faster even when you’re not working out.
Weight loss doesn’t mean better shape. Sometimes, you don’t need to lose any weight at all to look better. Again, strength training is better for sculpting than spinning. But pair spinning with strength training, and you get the golden ticket.
Is a spin bike better than an exercise bike?
Spin bikes are different than exercise bikes, but not necessarily better. They just have different purposes.
Spin bikes require more force and keep you in a more natural position. They help improve your pedalling technique, they’re sturdier and better for more intense workouts. Spin bikes burn slightly more calories than exercise bikes and allow more muscle engagement.
On the other hand, exercise bikes are more comfortable, allow more versatile workouts, and come with better gadgets. Exercise bikes are foldable and easier to store, whereas spinning bikes can’t be folded.
How many times a week should I spin?
Most specialists recommend hour-long spin sessions three times per week, with a recovery day between each of the sessions.
Take your fitness and weight goals into account before deciding, along with your other activities and the intensity of your workouts.
Is it ok to spin every day?
You can spin every day if:
- You’re doing low-intensity workouts in front of the TV so as to not lose mobility.
- You want to reach a weight loss milestone, say 5 pounds in the next couple of weeks, but then you’ll get back to your regular diet and workout regimen.
- You’re doing under 20 minutes of spinning, warm-up included, along with strength training or Yoga.
If that’s not you, limit your spinning sessions to three times per week. Prolonged spinning can lead to muscle fatigue, which poses real risks to your health.
Final Words
Spin bikes improve your cardio and endurance. They improve your mood. They can help you enjoy life with your family and friends more as you get into shape. They can keep anxiety and depression at bay. But remember that it’s important to choose the right model for your needs because not all spin bikes are created equal.
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.
- At What Incline Should You Walk on a Treadmill? - August 29, 2022
- 7 Best Budget Exercise Bikes (under £200) - April 5, 2022
- 6 Best Compact Treadmills for Small Spaces - April 5, 2022