When thinking of indoor bikes, Peloton is sure to come to mind. The innovation, the classes, the leaderboards. It's no wonder this cycling colossus has a white-knuckle grip on recognition. It can be troublesome to even list other indoor bike models. However, driven by improvements in technology and design, a surge in spin classes and platforms like Zwift, the leader of the pack has some competition on its heels.
Gear Patrol has covered Peloton extensively, in everything from comparison pieces to news about its rotating screen. But what else is out there, and how does it stack up?After researching different bikes from across the industry, we've landed on the following seven bikes as the best non-Peloton options you can buy right now.
How to Choose an Indoor Bike
Indoor bikes are designed to mimic outdoor cycling as closely as possible, with riders sitting and standing at varying intervals. In order to stay comfortable during this high-intensity training, look for indoor bikes that offer adjustable seating and handlebars.
You should also pay attention to the resistance system offered. Magnetic resistance systems can be great for a quieter riding experience, but belt- and chain-drive mechanisms are also popular options. Regardless of which style you choose, make sure the resistance can be adjusted easily, offering multiple levels for maximum workout opportunities.
Finally, as technology advances with every pedal, it’s important to ensure the indoor bike you choose is compatible with your digital needs. Many of today’s options offer syncing features to your favorite training apps or come equipped with virtual workouts and programs at the ready. Some models go beyond the saddle, offering accessories like dumbbells and rotating displays for added training possibilities.
No pre-programmed training options outside of iFIT offerings
Of all the bikes in here, the NordicTrack S15i comes closest to matching Peloton - and in some ways is superior. With a 14-inch touchscreen, built-in speaker system and proprietary iFIT program with tens of thousands of workouts, live classes and an array of stats, the NordicTrack is a true competitor to Peloton at nearly $200 less than that brand's base model. Standout features include uphill and downhill training, simulating steep inclines and descents, a 360-degree swivel screen that allows for off-bike resistance-training routines (not unlike the Peloton Bike+) and countless training possibilities thanks to the complimentary 30-day iFIT family membership.
Actuator tilts up and down for a real hill-conquering feel
Price is significantly higher than Peloton’s flagship Bike+
If you’re looking for an indoor bike that makes you think — even for a second — that you’re riding outside, this is the one. And at $1000 more than the Peloton Bike+, it had better. Intended for the dedicated cyclist, the KICKR features Bluetooth connections to Garmin, Suunto, Zwift, Strava and other apps as well as a comfortable out-of-the-box feel. But the real value is tweaking it to fit you. It’s easy to install your own seat, handlebars and pedals — and match the shifters to your actual road bike, so riding in your living room feels like roads around town. Even better? The KICKR has an actuator that tilts 20 percent for climbs and 15 percent for descents, so you really feel like you’re going up or down a hill.
4-way adjustable seat and 2-way adjustable handlebars for a comfortable riding stance
Basic LCD monitor with minimal statistics displayed
YOSUDA’s YB001 is surprisingly likable despite its shockingly low price. The flywheel is smooth and quiet, and it has a massive range of resistance, making it good for even fairly strong riders. You sit in an upright, comfortable position, and the seat is adjustable for many heights. The big downside is the total lack of a fancy interface — a basic LCD monitor displays your time, speed, distance and calories burned. However, it’s still one of the most popular bikes on the market because of its affordability. The YOSUDA YB001 is a gym-quality, no-frills bike, but it’s no-frills done right.
Small footprint, perfect for riders with less available space
Separate tablet required for interactive training routines
A relatively new entry to the indoor bike market at just over half the price of a standard Peloton, the C6 turned heads at its initial launch. With a burly build quality, good ergonomics, ample adjustability, a smooth feel and a quiet flywheel, you have all the features you need for a solid workout. It is also compatible with Zwift and other platforms, but you’ll need your own tablet; while the C6 does feature a backlit LCD metric console, it does not pack its own immersive screen.
MYX Membership provides a wide range of workouts for up to five people
Lack of leaderboards and live classes
The newest iteration of MYX comes with nearly all the bells and whistles of Peloton at a more affordable price point. This bike boasts a rotating 21.5-inch touchscreen and its own streaming training platform. The well-built design also features dual-sided pedals, water bottle holders, Bluetooth compatibility and a surprisingly enjoyable app ($39/month) with music, trainers and personalized heart rate zone training. Still lacking live classes and leaderboards as well as integration with Strava and Zwift, the MYX isn’t for everyone, but is one of the best bikes we've tested. The extras are nice, too, including a 6-piece weight set, kettlebell, stabilizing mat, exercise mat, resistance band and foam roller.
Sturdy, durable design for quality, worry-free training
No integrated screen for live classes or streamed workouts
With a simple, minimalist design, the IC3 indoor bike is a great option for new riders hoping to get a good workout on a piece of equipment that will last a long time. The pedals come with multiple options, as do the handlebar grips, and wireless heart rate tracking is built in. These are all bonus features for most indoor bikes priced at similar levels. While it lacks an interactive screen with workouts and coaching like Peloton, it still has a massive flywheel with a large array of resistance options.
If you live in a small apartment or have limited space in your home, folding bikes are likely your best option. The Exerpeutic is one of the best in the category, fitting easily inside a closet or underneath a bed. With a large, padded seat, lots of adjustability for different rider heights and eight different levels of resistance, it’s a decent tool for getting a sweat. However, more extreme riders may want to note the smaller flywheel, which can affect resistance levels. The features are few and far between, but that’s generally par for the course in the folding bike category.
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