7 Best Exercise Bikes Under $200 in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
When you think about exercise bikes, you probably think of the commercial ones that cost over $1000 with interactive TV screens and BlueTooth compatibility. However, if you just want a simple exercise bike that performs the basics well and gives you a great workout, the best exercise bike under 200 can accomplish many of your health and fitness goals.
To ensure you purchase a budget exercise bike that offers great value for money, I’ve broken down my top 7 choices below for you to consider before adding to your home gym collection.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the UREVO Indoor Cycling Bike.
Despite the cheaper price, the UREVO exercise bike offers many of the same features as the more expensive bike options.
Top 7 Best Exercise Bikes under $200 Reviewed
- UREVO Indoor Cycling Bike – Top Pick
- ATIVAFIT Exercise Bike – Runner-up
- BARWING Stationary Exercise Bike – Best 4-in-1 Folding Magnetic Bike
- Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary Bike
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike – Best Recumbent
- Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike
- HAPBEAR Folding Exercise Bike
Product | Total | Assembly | Dimensions | Durability | Comfort | Resistance System | Weight | Price/ Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UREVO | 67.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 |
ATIVAFIT | 67 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
BARWING | 66.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Sunny Indoor Stationary Bike | 64.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Sunny Recumbent Bike | 63 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
Sunny Foldable Exercise Bike | 63 | 9.5 | 10 | 8.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 |
HAPBEAR | 62.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 |
1. UREVO Indoor Cycling Bike – Top Pick
- Dimensions: 39.4″ L x 19.7″ W x 47.2″ H
- Adjustable Height: 39.4″ (Maximum Height Adjustment)
- Noise Level: Quiet
- Resistance Mechanism: Belt Drive Flywheel
- Product Weight: 59 lbs (Package Weight)
- Assembly: Own Responsibility
- Max Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Special Features: Shock Absorption System; Race Grade Cushion; Large LCD
- Warranty: 12-Month Part Replacement Service
UREVO wants to give its customers the ultimate workout experience by providing high-quality, durable fitness equipment. They aim to manufacture products that are easy to use and feature innovative designs. The brand believes that everybody should be able to improve their health and fitness at home.
Despite the cheaper price, the UREVO exercise bike offers many of the same features as the more expensive bike options.
One of the features that make this bike stand out is the safety system, allowing you to press the resistance bar and stop the bike immediately. Both exercise pedals are also encased in a cage giving you peace of mind when exercising vigorously.
With a triangular heavy-duty steel frame, the UREVO bike can support up to 330 lbs weight capacity which is plenty for most users. It’s 30 lbs higher than any of my other cheaper bike choices. The 22 lb flywheel uses a quiet belt drive system that gives you plenty of momentum when riding.
To change the resistance use the conveniently located knob at the front, with four resistance bands, and a handy exercise mat included with each purchase.
The bike itself measures 39.4″ L x 19.7″ W x 47.2″ H, with a padded seat that adjusts vertically and adjustable non-slip handlebars to provide a comfortable workout experience.
Under the tablet holder, the LCD measures heart rate, time, speed, calories burned, and steps.
One of the features that make this bike stand out is the safety system, allowing you to press the resistance bar and stop the bike immediately.
Positives:
Could be better:
2. ATIVAFIT Exercise Bike - Runner-up
Founded in the 1990s, ATIVAFIT has been devoted to producing high-quality fitness equipment for over 25 years. After starting as a small team, they began partnering with multiple well-known fitness brands to produce durable workout equipment.
- Dimensions: 47" L x 15.5" W x 9.25" H
- Adjustable Height: 53.5" (Maximum Height Adjustment)
- Noise Level: Very Quiet
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 34.2 lbs
- Assembly: Own Responsibility
- Max Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
- Special Features: Foldable Design; Hand Pulse Sensors
The ATIVAFIT bike doesn’t look like much, featuring a simple lightweight design. Yet on closer inspection and after trialing the bike, it’s definitely worth the investment.
The frame has an X-like design, with two different frame components joining in the middle. This allows the bike to fold away to half the size with little effort, saving space and providing a convenient storage option.
Despite its smaller frame, the ATIVAFIT bike can support up to 265 lbs of user weight which is about the standard for cheaper bike options. The frame itself measures 47" L x 15.5" W x 9.25" H and weighs just 34.2 lbs.
The bike is operated via a magnetic flywheel, providing a super quiet ride experience meaning you can listen to a podcast with no trouble when exercising. The black resistance knob at the front of the frame gives you 8 resistance levels to choose from according to your workout preferences.
The seat and backrest are rather small but can be adjusted to 6 different levels, with the backrest folding down if you need it to. The pedals feature straps that you can adjust to keep your feet in place.
The centrally located LCD monitors speed, time, heart rate, calories, and distance, with a tablet holder underneath.
The frame has an X-like design, with two different frame components joining in the middle. This allows the bike to fold away to half the size with little effort, saving space and providing a convenient storage option.
Positives:
Could be better:
3. BARWING Stationary Exercise Bike - Best 4-in-1 Folding Magnetic Bike
BARWING takes a rigorous approach to the development and production of its health and fitness home gym products. The brand prides itself in customer feedback by taking all comments on board whilst adhering to industry standards. The aim is to inspire active, healthy lifestyles for everyone.
- Dimensions: 22" L x 32" W x 48" H
- Adjustable Height: 51.5" (Minimum User Height)
- Noise Level: Super Quiet
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 48 lbs
- Assembly: Own Responsibility (90 Minutes to Assemble)
- Max Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Special Features: Foldable Design; Arm + Leg Resistance Bands
- Warranty: 30-Day Return Policy
At first glance, a couple of main things make the BARWING bike stand out. It combines 4 exercise modes into one with a design that’s suitable for use as a stationary bike, recumbent bike, competitive cycling, and resistance band training.
It also has a huge 35 lb flywheel that provides users with an intense workout if they wish to crank the resistance up to level 16. The wheel is engineered to simulate the feeling of riding a real bike and uses a magnetic drive system that’s fairly quiet to operate.
The heavy-duty X-frame can support up to 300 lbs of user weight and also features an emergency knob to stop the flywheel immediately if needed.
One of the biggest selling points about the BARWING bike is the number of available adjustments. It has 8 seat height adjustments, 2 seat angle adjustments, and 3 postural adjustments, making it one of the most adjustable bikes on my list.
Like the ATIVAFIT bike, it folds in on itself to cover just 1.5 sq and weighs 48 lbs which should be okay for most people to move without trouble.
The LCD at the front displays several readouts including speed, the time elapsed, distance, and calories burned. The added resistance band anchor points provide you with extra workout options or an added workout stimulus if you want to combine two exercise modes at a time.
The heavy-duty X-frame can support up to 300 lbs of user weight and also features an emergency knob to stop the flywheel immediately. The LCD at the front displays several readouts including speed, the time elapsed, distance, and calories burned.
Positives:
Could be better:
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary Bike
- Dimensions: 24" L x 42.5" W x 49" H
- Adjustable Height: N/A
- Noise Level: Moderate
- Resistance Mechanism: Chain-Driven Flywheel
- Product Weight: 62.5 lbs
- Assembly: Own Responsibility
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Special Features: Ergonomically Shaped Handlebars; Screw Down Floor Stabilizers
- Warranty: 1-Year Frame Warranty; 90-Day Parts Warranty
Sunny Health & Fitness wants both a healthy lifestyle and a high-quality workout experience to be accessible to anyone who wants it. They aim to provide durable high-quality fitness equipment to all ability levels, budgets, and professions.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary bike offers a different resistance mechanism to my other choices, using a 22 lb chain driven flywheel that offers a good making and decent control over your workout intensity.
The bike itself looks great, with a chrome-plated flywheel and silver/ black compact triangular steel frame design. Combined with the U-shaped base, the bike can support up to 220 lbs of user weight.
The padded handlebars are designed in a horn-like shape with them both bending in offering you multiple grip points. In Between the handlebars, the smaller LCD tracks distance, speed, time, and calories burned.
Other features include the four-way adjustable seat and caged foot pedals, both of which help to keep your body secure and comfortable whatever exercise you’re performing.
The floor stabilizers can be screwed to change the bike height and incline, meaning it can be placed flat if your home gym has an uneven floor.
The bike itself looks great, with a chrome-plated flywheel and silver/ black compact triangular steel frame design. Combined with the U-shaped base, the bike can support up to 220 lbs of user weight.
Positives:
Could be better:
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike - Best Recumbent
- Dimensions: 56.7" L x 26.6" W x 42.9" H
- Noise Level: Quiet
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic Flywheel
- Product Weight: 51.9 lbs
- Assembly:
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Special Features: Heart Rate Zone Monitor; Transportation Wheels; Floor Stabilizers
- Warranty: 3 Year Structural Frame; 90 Days Parts + components
The Magnetic Recumbent Bike from Sunny Health & Fitness is my top pick recumbent bike option that provides plenty of legroom adjustment options from 26-35" by using the conveniently located seat knob.
Other adjustment options include the foot pedal straps that self-level according to your placement and have a textured surface for added grip.
The durable steel frame supports up to 220 lbs of user weight and measures 56.7" L x 26.6" W x 42.9" H. Whilst this is on the larger size of my bike choices, Sunny Health & Fitness has included a pair of transport wheels to make moving the bike around easier.
The side seat handles have built-in pulse sensors to read your heart rate that’s shown on the LCD at the front of the bike. Other readouts include time, speed, calories, and distance.
The bike operates via a magnetic flywheel, with 8 levels of magnetic resistance to choose from using the black knob under the LCD. The floor stabilizers help with overall bike stability by twisting the level with your home gym floor.
The side seat handles have built-in pulse sensors to read your heart rate that’s shown on the LCD at the front of the bike. Other readouts include time, speed, calories, and distance.
Positives:
Could be better:
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Exercise Bike
- Dimensions: 33.3" L x 16.9" W x 45.3" H
- Adjustable Height: 29-35.5" Adjustable Seat
- Noise Level: Quiet
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic Belt Drive
- Product Weight: 30.9 lbs
- Assembly: Own Responsibility
- Max Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Special Features: Device Holder; Heart Rate Pulse Sensors; Wide Cushioned Seat
- Warranty: 3 Year Structural Frame; 180 Day Other Parts
The Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Stationary Bike takes a super minimalist design approach and is the cheapest bike choice out of my top 7 options.
It has the smallest footprint out of my bike choices, measuring 33.3" L x 16.9" W x 45.3" H and folding away with the press of a button.
If it wasn’t for the extra wide cushioned seat and flywheel housing, you wouldn’t be able to tell it’s a stationary bike, with an X-frame design taking up no space at all. The bottom of the X features floor stabilizers that keep the bike secure to the ground when increasing your ride intensity.
With 16 levels of magnetic resistance, the Sunny Health & Fitness bike gives you plenty of exercise choices. The large black resistance knob is conveniently located just below the handlebars that have built-in pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate.
The advanced digital monitor tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate. The device holder allows you to connect to the Sunny Health and Fitness app to follow along with your favorite workout.
It has the smallest footprint out of my bike choices, measuring 33.3" L x 16.9" W x 45.3" H and folding away with the press of a button.
Positives:
Could be better:
7. HAPBEAR Folding Exercise Bike
- Dimensions: 26.77" L x 16.14" W x 46" H
- Adjustable Height: 46" (Maximum User Height)
- Noise Level: Quiet
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic Flywheel
- Product Weight: 44 lbs (Package Weight)
- Assembly: Own Responsibility
- Max Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Special Features:Foldable; Device Holder; Arm Resistance Bands
- Warranty: Eligible for a free return within 90 Days
HAPBEAR is a group of fitness enthusiasts who want to empower people at home to exercise regardless of time, place, and ability level. The brand aims to make top-quality products that are constructed using durable metals and materials.
Next on my list is a 3-in-1 folding exercise bike from HAPBEAR. It can be used as a stationary bike, recumbent bike, and folding bike, with resistance bands that can be attached to the built-in anchor points on the bike frame.
The stable triangle steel structure can handle up to 300 lbs of user weight and measures 26.77" L x 16.14" W x 46" H which is again on the smaller side of my bike choices.
The smooth magnetic flywheel drive mechanism offers 8 levels of resistance that range from basic to more advanced. Like most of my bike choices, simply adjust it via the knob on the front of the frame.
The oversized seat combined with anti-slip pedals provides the user with a comfortable workout experience, with the seat measuring 8.66" L x 11.8" W x 1.97" H.
The LCD takes 7 different measurements including heart rate, speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The device holder is suitable for a mobile phone or larger iPad screen.
The stable triangle steel structure can handle up to 300 lbs of user weight and measures 26.77" L x 16.14" W x 46" H which is again on the smaller side. The smooth magnetic flywheel drive mechanism offers 8 levels of resistance that range from basic to more advanced.
Positives:
Could be better:
What Are the Pros/Cons of Exercise Bikes Under $200?
Just because exercise bikes under $200 may be cheaper, it doesn't mean that they don’t offer excellent value for money. Some benefits over more expensive ones include:
✅ Value for Money
As the name suggests, cheaper exercise bikes offer great value for money compared to more expensive ones. Most normal gym users don't actually need many of the extra features or added construction elements included in high-priced bikes.
Features such as gadget holders, large interactive screens, and water bottle holders all help the overall workout experience but aren't needed to get a good workout. Saying this, some of the choices I've reviewed above do have some of these features.
✅ Space Saving
The simple designs used on most cheaper exercise bikes means that they take up far less space than their more expensive counterparts. This allows them to be stored easily or placed in the corner of your home gym space.
However, there can be some potential drawbacks to purchasing cheaper exercise bike models which include:
✅ Motivation
Let’s face it - whilst the large interactive LCD and Bluetooth entertainment system isn't needed, it certainly helps you to keep entertained and therefore motivated for a longer period of time when working out.
If you’re happy just reading a book or going into a deep trance, then don't worry. For more users though, this can take some getting used to.
✅ Durability + Maintenance
Cheaper exercise bikes may have been produced using cheaper materials. This isn't always the case but it's one way for the manufacturer to save costs.
If you purchase a cheaper exercise bike, it may not last as long as a more expensive one. It all depends on the brand you choose and the added warranty included.
Tips From the Champ
The stationary bikes I've reviewed above all make excellent budget-friendly bike choices. They may not have as many added features or look as fancy as their more expensive counterparts, but they cover the basics well and do exactly what you need if you’re on a budget.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
What to Look For in Stationary Bikes Under $200?
1. Adjustability
Before purchasing a bike, you need to make sure you can fit into it. Most exercise bikes offer different adjustment options, with both the seat and handlebars commonly adjusting.
Check the minimum and maximum user heights alongside the range of adjustment options to see if you will fit. Alongside this, it might be best to look at some customer reviews to see if any taller customers have had any issues with operating the bike.
2. Durability
A simple way of bringing down manufacturing costs is by using cheaper materials such as plastic. Whilst budget exercise bikes may not be as durable as more expensive ones, they should still be able to last for a while and offer excellent value for money.
Check what metal if any the frame is made from and how durable it is. If it's something heavily used in the fitness industry such as iron or steel then it's probably made to last. For other materials or metals, check how to take care of them and how resistant they are against impact or changes in the environment.
3. Dimensions
The space needed to operate the bike and store it if needed is something to take into account before purchasing. Check the dimensions of the bikes I’ve reviewed above and measure your home gym space or storage area to make sure they will fit.
Alongside this, some bikes have foldable designs or handy transport wheels that make it much easier to store or move them around safely and securely.
4. Resistance System
Stationary bikes can create resistance using several mechanisms. The mechanism used determines the workout experience, generated noise level, and amount of maintenance required to keep the bike operational.
The two main types of resistance systems offered on exercise bikes under $200 and friction and magnetic. Friction systems operate using a pad that comes into contact with the flywheel in different amounts to provide resistance. Magnetic systems use a metal disc that spins through a magnetic field to provide resistance.
In terms of which one is best for you, magnetic systems are much quieter to operate but tend to be more expensive to buy and maintain. With all the bikes under $200 I’ve reviewed above, the initial cost wouldn't be a problem as they offer great value for money.
5. Weight
The weight of the bike isn't as important as the factors above but it still matters if you want to move it around your home gym space or house. If the bike you want to purchase is quite heavy, check that it has transport wheels and/ or a carry handle. If it features a lightweight design you should be okay.
6. Rider Comfort
This is something that shouldn't be overlooked and can have a big impact on your workout experience and exercise performance. Check the materials used and dimensions of both the handlebars and seat to make sure it's something you can feel comfortable riding on or touching.
Check other user reviews to see how their workout experience was as well.
FAQ
Are Cheap Stationary Bikes Worth It?
Cheap stationary bikes offer excellent value for money, with their simple designs doing the basics well. They may not have as many added features or fancy attachments as more expensive models but they can still help to achieve all your workout goals.
Is It Okay to Ride a Stationary Bike Every Day?
Absolutely - Riding a stationary bike every day is actually encouraged for general health and well-being, with the recommendation being 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
Will a Stationary Bike Burn Belly Fat?
A stationary bike is an excellent way to build muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and burn stubborn belly fat when used at the right intensity and time period. If you are eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly on the stationary bike, you’ll be likely to see positive changes.
Conclusion
The stationary bikes I've reviewed above all make excellent budget-friendly bike choices. They may not have as many added features or look as fancy as their more expensive counterparts, but they cover the basics well and do exactly what you need if you’re on a budget.
The UREVO Indoor Cycling Bike is my best spin bike under 200, scoring the highest overall total. It has many of the same features as its more expensive counterparts but comes at a fraction of the cost.
Have you used a cheaper exercise bike before? What was your workout experience like? Let me know in the comments below!
Also read:
- Magnetic Resistance vs Contact Flywheel
- Is Exercise Bike Good for Weight Loss
- Best Exercise Bike for Beginners
- Best Mini Exercise Bike
References:
- Stationary Bike Workout for Beginners // VeryWellFit https://www.verywellfit.com/stationary-bike-workout-for-beginners-1230779.
- The Pros and Cons You Should Know Before Buying a Smart Exercise Bike // MakeUseOf: https://www.makeuseof.com/pros-cons-buying-smart-exercise-bike/.
- Stainless Steels in Sports and Leisure Equipment // World Stainless: https://www.worldstainless.org/Files/issf/non-image-files/PDF/ISSF_Stainless_Steel_in_Sports_and_Leisure_Equipment.pdf.
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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