EXERCISE bikes were one of the first equipment to make it from the gym to the home thanks to their ease of set-up and the relatively small space they take up.
Naturally, the ones that resemble the machines in your gym come at a hefty price, with an array of high-tech features such as computerised tracking, pre-set workout programmes, user profiles and several levels of resistance.
That’s not to say models at the lower-end of the market are completely no-frills, but be careful not to get lured in by one promising flashy extras when the actual frame is flimsy or rickety.
Basic features you should expect include comfortable seating, adjustable handlebars, and wide pedals with strapping to avoid slipping.
If your kit doesn’t already come equipped with them, the ability to have add-on accessories such as heart rate monitor, fans, water bottle holder and so on is a bonus.
We’ve gathered together some of the cheapest bikes around for you to take for a spin.
The Opti Manual doesn’t come with a screen or operating system, but is instead powered by manual resistance, with console feedback providing essential work-out data.
The seat and handlebars are fully adjustable, and the self-levelling pedals come with peddle straps. Best used at a low resistance level at a quick, steady pace.
Designed to be used at your feet while you’re watching TV or working at your desk (although you can plonk it on the table and use with your arm too), the Ultrasport is a compact home trainer that come with hand and foot pedals, plus adjustable straps.
Also features an LCD display that shows scan, time, distance, rotation and calorie consumption.
Sturdy and simple to operate, the Lonsdale is centred around an enclosed steel flywheel round that gives constant resistant to your workout, complete with resistant adjustment switch to control it.
Features a computer dual-controlled display – one that constantly shows speed, the other to measure time, distance and calories. Both automatic and manual controls.
Marketed as a weight loss machine, the Espirit offers an impressive workout for both beginners and experts thanks to its magnetic resistance, with an 8-step tension controller ensuring a smooth and quiet session.
Comes with non-skid pedals with foot straps and adjustable seat, and a console displaying distance, speed, time, heart rate and calories burnt.
Spin bikes are generally of gym quality so don’t tend to come cheap, but the Olympic delivers on both price and quality. The solid tubular frame gives it an instantly sturdy feel, while the 10kg flywheel ensures a smooth ride.
Features an on-board digital computer that accurately reads speed, distance, time, calories, scan and pulse, as well as adjustable seats and handlebars with pulse sensors, and a personalised resistance system to suit varying degrees of workout level.
Loved our roundup of the best cheap exercise bikes? Have a look at our pick of the best cheap treadmills.
We’ve created Sun Selects so you could find the best items when shopping around the web.
If you want to check more of our sport related recommendations, visit Sun Selects’ health and fitness page.
This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
