7 Best Magnetic Spin Bikes in 2024

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)

Getting a magnetic stationary bike is a great way to get your daily dose of cardio and stay fit at home. Exercise bikes are known for providing many cardiovascular benefits. So, which is the best magnetic spin bike? Here is our top list.

7 Best Magnetic Spin Bikes in 2024

Top 7 Best Magnetic Spin Bikes Reviewed

  1. ProForm TDF CSC Exercise Bike – Top Pick
  2. Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro – Runner-Up
  3. NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike – Premium Pick
  4. Peloton Original Bike – Best Interactive
  5. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike – Highly Adjustable
  6. Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike – Most High-Tech
  7. Echelon Smart Connect EX5-S Fitness Bike
ProductTotalAdjustabilityDurabilityComfortDrive
System
AssemblyPortabilityPrice/
Quality
ProForm691010101091010
Sunny68.5101010109.5910
NordicTrack68101010109910
Peloton67.5109.591010109
Schwinn67999.51010109.5
Bowflex66.51010101098.59
Echelon661010910999

1. ProForm TDF CSC Exercise Bike – Top Pick

ProForm TDF CSC

Our #1 best magnetic exercise bike spot goes to the ProForm TDF CSC. Overall, it’s a well-rounded, feature-packed bike that comes at a moderate price, so many people will find it appealing.

  • Dimensions: 52″ H x 22 W x 53″ L
  • Adjustable height: Not specified
  • Display: 7-inch HD touchscreen
  • Product Weight: 80 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Daily exercise, cross-training, virtual workouts
  • Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
  • Package: Bike, user manual, pair of 3 lbs dumbbells
  • Special Feature: Seat adjustable horizontally and vertically, Bluetooth connectivity, iFit compatible

The ProForm TDF CSC is made from commercial-grade solid steel, giving it excellent durability and moderate weight capacity. It does require a bit of assembly out of the box, although nothing complicated. However, it’s important to note that tools are not included, so you’ll have to source them yourself.

The bike operates quietly thanks to SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance flywheel technology and offers 22 different levels of digitally adjustable resistance for a realistic cycling experience. The “TDF” in its name stands for Tour de France, the elite annual bicycle race.

The bike got this name because, among its many features, it lets you stream routes from Tour de France competitors. This and other immersive audio/video outdoor and studio workouts can be streamed on-demand on the 7-inch HD display. This is done via iFit using your smart device and Bluetooth connectivity.

The bike is highly adjustable to fit a variety of users. The seat and saddle can be adjusted horizontally and vertically and up and down respectively. Furthermore, the non-slip, multi-grip handlebars give it a professional bike feel and can also be adjusted by height.

The pedals in the package come with toe clips and straps to secure yourself during intense workouts, plus they can be swapped just like on a regular bicycle for more professional or comfortable pedals of your choice, which cycling enthusiasts will enjoy.

A pair of 3-pound dumbbells included with the bike can be conveniently placed in a slot under the seat. Although nothing fancy, they will let you engage the upper body in some dynamic workouts, which is a nice bonus. A water bottle holder is conveniently positioned on the bottom of the frame, although it can be a little hard to reach depending on your size.

69 EXPERT SCORE

ProForm TDF CSC is a well-rounded, feature-packed bike that comes at a moderate price, so many people will find it appealing.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • Very quiet thanks to SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance flywheel technology
  • Seat adjustable both horizontally and vertically
  • Multi-grip vertically adjustable handlebars
  • Pedals are swappable just like a regular bicycle
  • A free pair of dumbbells included in the package

Could be better:

  • The entertainment screen is a bit small and harder to see
  • The water bottle holder is positioned a bit too low

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro – Runner-Up

Sunny Health & Fitness Evolution Pro

Our runner-up best exercise bike with magnetic resistance spot goes to the Evolution Pro bike series by Sunny Health & Fitness. It comes in two versions — Evolution Pro and Evolution Pro II. Sunny H&F enjoys a high reputation in the home fitness community for their well-rounded and affordable machines, and this bike is no different.

  • Dimensions: 53.5" H x 24" W x 48.5" L or 50.5" H x 24" W x 49" L
  • Adjustable height: 29 – 39 inches
  • Display: LCD
  • Product Weight: 136 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Daily exercise, HIIT
  • Warranty: 3-year frame, 180-day parts and components
  • Package: Bike, user manual, warranty
  • Special Feature: Four-way adjustable seat and handlebar

Although the bikes themselves are essentially the same, there are a couple of feature differences. The first and most important difference is the performance monitor. The standard Evolution Pro does not come with one, which may surprise some people. However, both bike versions come with a free cadence monitor that syncs with the SunnyFit app via Bluetooth to track essential metrics.

On the other hand, the Evolution Pro II comes with a performance monitor. It’s fairly standard in terms of what you can track with it — speed, cadence, calories, distance, pulse — and has Race, Speed, and Target workout modes.

The handlebars and seats on both bikes are four-way adjustable, allowing you to move them up and down as well as forward and back. Thanks to this high level of adjustability, users of various shapes and sizes can find their perfect fit on it.

Both bikes are a bit heavier, weighing just over 135 pounds, with a significant portion of that weight attributed to the 40+ pound flywheel. Although this weight is above average for home workout machines, it ensures stability during intense workouts.

Despite their weight, you can still move them around efficiently by rolling them on the bottom wheels. Thanks to the floor stabilizers on the bottom, both bikes can adapt to any type of flooring — whether it's carpet, tiles, or concrete — and remain evenly positioned and stable.

The Pro II comes with a smart device shelf and has the option for dumbbell holders (sold separately), while the Pro does not. The basic version features caged pedals that can be adjusted to fit the shape of your foot, preventing you from slipping. Additionally, the Pro II has clip-in pedals designed for cycling shoes.

Both versions include a size-adjustable water bottle holder, allowing you to accommodate various bottle sizes. Overall, either bike is a phenomenal choice, it’s just a question of how much you value the additional features of the Pro II.

68.5 EXPERT SCORE

Sunny H&F enjoys a high reputation in the home fitness community for their well-rounded and affordable machines, and this bike is no different.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • Four-way adjustable seat and handlebars
  • The floor stabilizers even it out on any surface
  • The water bottle holder is adjustable in size
  • A free cadence monitor is included with each purchase

Could be better:

  • No pulse sensors on the Evolution Pro (only on Pro II)
  • The price difference between the two models is noticeably high

3. NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike – Premium Pick

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

NordicTrack doesn't need an introduction regardless of how long you've been in the fitness space. The brand is synonymous with premium workout machines and has decades of experience to boot. Their S22i Studio Bike is a high-tech machine that will get anyone excited about home cycling.

  • Dimensions: 58" H x 22" W x 61" L
  • Adjustable height: Not specified (recommended for 4’10" to 6′10")
  • Display: 22-inch HD touchscreen
  • Product Weight: 193.60 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Virtual workouts, intense cycling, cross-training
  • Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
  • Package: Bike, user manual, warranty, 3 lbs pair of dumbbells
  • Special Feature: 360-degree rotatable touchscreen, incline and decline setting, dual-sided pedals, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity (for headphones)

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike offers a fully immersive workout experience thanks to the 22-inch, 360-degree rotatable HD touchscreen. It serves as your central console and integrates with the iFit app, providing diverse outdoor and studio workouts in high definition, including Google Maps™ Workout Technology. 

That said, it does require a monthly subscription to iFit to take full advantage of its benefits, with only a couple of free workouts available. The screen also hosts a set of 30W speakers for playing music or listening to trainer guidance. You can also connect your wireless headphones via Bluetooth for an even more immersive experience.

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike Instagram
Photo by @matootles

The standout feature of this bike is its 20% incline and −10% decline settings coupled with 24 levels of digital resistance. This combination opens up a wide range of workout possibilities that sets it apart from regular exercise bikes.

The settings automatically adjust according to your selected workout, synchronized with the on-screen terrain. Moreover, the conveniently placed handlebar buttons allow manual adjustments if you want to set your own pace.

This bike has a premium steel construction that supports an impressive 350-pound user capacity. The comfortable padded seat is adjustable both horizontally and vertically. Cycling enthusiasts will especially love the dual-sided pedals that feature both regular toe cages as well as SPD clamps for cycling shoes.

Additionally, a pair of 3 lb dumbbells is included in the package and can be slotted just underneath the console for convenient access.

68 EXPERT SCORE

NordiTrack's S22i Studio Bike is a high-tech machine that will get anyone excited about home cycling.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • 24 levels of digital resistance
  • Both incline and decline settings
  • 350-pound user capacity
  • Dual-sided pedals (SPD and toe cages)
  • Bluetooth pairing for headphones (music or workouts)

Could be better:

  • Relient on iFit for most features, which requires a monthly subscription
  • The large screen can be a little shaky during intense workouts

4. Peloton Original Bike – Best Interactive

Peloton Stationary Exercise Bike

Peloton is relatively new on the market but is making big waves due to being highly interactive and immersive. Coupled with a slightly high but self-explanatory price, it gives many of the premium high-tech bikes a run for their money. 

  • Dimensions: 53" H x23" W x 59" L
  • Adjustable height: Not specified (recommended for 4’11" to 6’4")
  • Display: 21.5-inch touchscreen
  • Product Weight: 135 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Daily exercise, virtual workouts
  • Special Feature: Seat adjustable horizontally and vertically, Bluetooth connectivity, Peloton fitness app, water bottle holder, dumbbell shelf
  • Warranty: 5-year frame, 1-year parts and labor
  • Package: Bike, user manual, warranty

The Peloton studio bike revolved around the 21.5-inch HD touchscreen. It's the bike’s control center and also where you get to watch and listen to your workouts. You can use the screen to join trainer-led classes, and it has built-in speakers for sound playback too. For an even more immersive experience, you can use your headphones too. You can use both wireless or corded ones via Bluetooth or the 3.5mm headphone jack respectively. 

Additionally, you can connect both to any sound system. If your devices need charging, there's a micro-USB port under the screen that comes in handy.

The bike also lets you share your ride with other Peloton users. It has a built-in 5-megapixel camera and a microphone that you can use to call other Peloton users. From there, you can even join classes together. Note that while some classes are free, most require a monthly subscription to the Peloton app.

The default pedals on the peloton bike are made for clip-in cycling shoes, so you’re going to need those if you want to use it out of the box. Otherwise, the pedals can be exchanged just like on a regular bike. 

The bike's resistance is manually adjusted using a knob under the handlebars. This is a bit of a letdown from other bikes where the resistance adjusts automatically, but it makes sense considering the price. If you're unsure about buying, Peloton offers a 30-day trial or the option to rent the bike monthly and buy it out later.

67.5 EXPERT SCORE

Peloton is relatively new on the market but is making big waves due to being highly interactive and immersive.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • Highly detailed seat and handlebar adjustment
  • Set up on the spot by Peloton staff if ordered through official channels
  • Option to try it for 30 days or rent monthly if you don’t want to pay upfront
  • Micro-USB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth connectivity

Could be better:

  • The default pedals require clip-in bicycle shoes to use
  • Resistance is only adjusted manually

5. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike – Highly Adjustable

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

Schwinn is a German brand with over 100 years of experience in bike manufacturing. Nowadays, they’re mostly known for their cardio machines, particularly stationary bikes. The IC4 Indoor model boasts impressive build quality and tech at its price range, making it easy to recommend to all athlete levels.

  • Dimensions: 51.8" H x 21.2" W x 48.7" L
  • Adjustable height: Not specified (recommended for 4'6" – 6'6")
  • Display: LCD
  • Product Weight: 112 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Daily exercise, cross-training
  • Warranty: 10-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year electrical, 90-day labor
  • Package: Bike, user manual, warranty, heart-rate strap
  • Special Feature: Seat adjustable horizontally and vertically, Race-style saddle, Bluetooth connectivity

The bike's main console is a digital display, and while it might not be groundbreaking in terms of technology, it deserves praise for its clear black-on-white information presentation. 

That said, the bike is equipped with built-in Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with popular cycling apps such as Peloton, Zwift, and Explore The World. To make use of this feature, you simply need to connect your chosen smart device and place it on the holder located above the display.

Once you pick your workout and start streaming, the auto-adjust function kicks in, auto-adjusting the impressive 100 levels of magnetic resistance. The race-style seat will be particularly appealing to experienced cyclists, though it could potentially feel a tad uncomfortable for more casual athletes.

The dual-sided pedals once again let you choose between cycling or regular athletic shoes. The frame does come with two water bottle holders and dumbbell racks, although it's worth mentioning that their placement might not suit everyone's reach. Each purchase includes a heart-rate strap, which is a nice bonus.

67 EXPERT SCORE

The IC4 Indoor model boasts impressive build quality and tech at its price range, making it easy to recommend to all athlete levels.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels
  • Bluetooth pairing with popular cycling apps
  • Heart-rate arm strap included
  • Extensive warranty for this price range, especially the 10 years on the frame
  • Compact size

Could be better:

  • The racing seat is not the most comfortable
  • The water bottle holder is placed at an angle that’s a bit harder to reach

6. Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike – Most High-Tech

Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike

The VeloCore 22 IC bike is the most expensive on this list, but also the most high-tech indoor bike. If you don’t have a problem with spending a little extra, check out its impressive specs and features.

  • Dimensions: 55.3” H x 24.1” W x 59.8” L
  • Adjustable height: Aprox. 21 – 36 inches (recommended user height 5'1" to 6'5")
  • Display: 16" or 22" touchscreen
  • Product Weight: 158 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Virtual workouts, intense cycling, cross-training
  • Warranty: ‎10-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
  • Package: Bike, user manual, warranty, assembly tools, pair of 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) dumbbells
  • Special Feature: Lean mode, four-way adjustable handlebars, JRNY fitness platform integration, pairable with Peloton and Zwift apps, Amazon Prime and Netflix apps, Bluetooth speakers

Just like any interactive bike, it all starts with the large touch screen console. This time, you have the option between 16 or 22 inches. The screen is integrated with the JRNY fitness platform from which you can track your stats, access workouts, and pair your bike with popular cycling apps. Additionally, the screen can be used for entertainment via popular streaming services.

The feature that sets this bike apart from the rest is the option to switch into Lean mode. Once engaged, Lean mode allows you to sway your bike from side to side, further simulating an outdoor workout experience. Coupled with 100 levels of magnetic resistance, this makes the VeloCore 22 IC a truly one-of-a-kind workout machine.

Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike Instagram
Photo by @treenikauppa

The bike seat has 12 vertical and 3 horizontal adjustability levels, and the handlebars are adjustable up, down, front, and back. The pedals are dual-sided, with one side having toe cages for athletic shoes and the other SPD clips for cycling shoes. Additionally, it comes with a Bluetooth heart rate armband and a pair of 1.5-pound dumbbells.

66.5 EXPERT SCORE

The VeloCore 22 IC bike is the most expensive on this list, but also the most high-tech indoor bike. If you don’t have a problem with spending a little extra, check out its impressive specs and features.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • The only HD console with both stat tracking and entertainment
  • Compatible with multiple fitness apps
  • Lean mode simulates side-to-side bike swaying
  • Handlebars adjustable in four directions
  • Dual-sided pedals (SPD and toe cages)

Could be better:

  • Quite large overall
  • Noticeably expensive

7. Echelon Smart Connect EX5-S Fitness Bike

Echelon Smart Connect EX5-S Fitness Bike

Finally, we have the Echelon EX50S smart connect bike. Overall, a very well-rounded home-use-oriented bike worth mentioning for its quality built and decent tech integration at an otherwise below-average price.

  • Dimensions: 56.29" H x 21.25" W x 52.36" L
  • Adjustable height: 22 – 44 inches
  • Display: 22-inch HD touchscreen
  • Product Weight: 123.45 lbs
  • Noise level: Low
  • Assembly: Required
  • Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
  • Best Uses For: Daily exercise, virtual training
  • Warranty: 1-year parts and labor
  • Package: Bike, user manual, warranty
  • Special Feature: 180-degree rotatable screen, Echelon fitness app

The bike features a powder-coated steel frame that provides a scratch-resistant, rust-resistant, sleek matte-black finish. It comes with four adjustable stabilizing feet to help you level and stabilize it on any floor surface.

The 22-inch display serves as both an information hub and a platform for streaming virtual classes, and it can be rotated by 180 degrees. Additionally, the monitor has two power ports for charging two devices simultaneously.

Echelon Smart Connect EX5-S Fitness Bike Instagram
Photo by @echelon_korea

With 32 levels of magnetic resistance, the bike has a range of settings and operates quietly. However, it's a bit of a letdown that the resistance is adjustable only via the turning knob; there's no auto-adjustment based on workouts or an accessible control button.

The Echelon fitness app does its job well, offering comprehensive stat tracking and thousands of on-demand workouts that can be streamed on the display. However, it does have a drawback of a slightly higher price point for an app in this category.

66 EXPERT SCORE

Overall, a very well-rounded home-use-oriented bike worth mentioning for its quality built and decent tech integration at an otherwise below-average price.


Adjustability:0
Durability:0
Comfort:0
Drive system:0
Assembly:0
Portability:0
Price/quality:0

Positives:

  • Powder-coated steel frame
  • Two power ports for device charging
  • Both the seat and handlebars are adjustable up, down, forward, and back
  • Four adjustable floor feet

Could be better:

  • The Echelon Fit app is quite expensive
  • The 1-year parts and labor warranty is severely limited

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Benefits Of Using Magnetic Spin Bikes

Exercise bikes are among the most popular cardio machines due to their convenience and familiarity for the average user. Here are some health benefits of using a magnetic spin bike.

✅ Cardiovascular Improvement

Indoor cycling has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. This includes, but is not limited to regulating blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels (lipid profile), increasing aerobic capacity, and improving body composition.

A study looking at the effects of indoor cycling on women with different body weights showed that a 12-week program consisting of 3 training sessions of 55 minutes per week improved various health factors and that the effect was the greatest among higher-weight individuals.

✅ Weight Loss

Arguably, the most common reason people pick up indoor cycling is to regulate their weight, with the most common goal being weight (fat) loss. Stationary bikes can in fact be used to burn calories, and there’s plenty of data on that front.

According to a report by Harvard Medical School, stationary cycling for 30 minutes at regular intensity burns between 210-294 calories for adults who weigh between 125 — 185 pounds.

One study looking at the effects of indoor cycling on weight loss for women showed significant improvements with just three 30-60-minute workout sessions per week. Another study observing women with a sedentary lifestyle concluded indoor cycling can assist in weight loss even if the subjects didn’t change their diet.

Magnetic Spin Bike Competition

✅ Muscle Toning

Although it won’t be as effective at building muscle as regular weight training, indoor cycling is a great way to stay in shape and tone your body once you’ve hit a desired physique. Major muscle groups developed by cycling include, but are not limited to glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core muscles.

✅ Low Impact Exercise

Cycling or spinning provides a relatively low-impact exercise compared to other popular cardio machines like the treadmill or stair climber. Being easier on the joints makes it especially popular among the older crowd, too.

✅ Mental Health Improvements

Exercise has been on the rise as a recommended remedy for various mental health conditions. Regular indoor cycling can improve mental well-being, including increased energy levels, improved motivation, and more positive self-perception, among other things.

Using Magnetic Spin Bike

What To Look For In The Best Magnetic Spin Bikes?

There are excellent magnetic spin bikes available at various price points, each with unique features and made by different brands. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to pick the right one. Here are some things to consider when deciding:

1. Adjustability

The usual adjustability feature found in most bikes is the option to raise and lower the seat, which most people will find good enough. More advanced bikes offer additional features like vertically movable seats, adjustable handlebars, and adaptable console positions, to name a few. 

2. Durability

It's expected that pricier bikes are constructed from higher-quality materials compared to their more budget-friendly counterparts. Established fitness brands make machines designed for extensive use in public gyms, often with a lifespan of over a decade. 

However, durability more often comes down to proper use and post-use maintenance more than anything else. If your measurements match the specifications, you use the bike as intended, and maintain it well, a less expensive model can last you many years. Particularly for home workouts, this shouldn't pose an issue as the number of different users tends to be lower.

3. Comfort

Comfort is a significant selling point for many users. Firstly, the shape and size of the bike, along with the adjustability of the seat, handlebars, and pedals, play crucial roles in finding your ideal workout posture. 

Moreover, features like cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and built-in exercise fans, among others, can improve the overall experience. These factors carry importance, as a comfortable workout directly influences the athlete’s motivation to work out longer and more frequently, leading to greater exercise results.

Best Magnetic Spin Bike

4. Drive System

Exercise bikes come in one of two drive systems: front-driven or rear-driven. The main difference is the position of the flywheel, with front-driven models having the flywheel in the front and rear-driven on the back.

Front-driven bikes more closely resemble the feeling of an outdoor bike and tend to be more compact. Rear-driven bikes tend to be more stable but with a slightly larger footprint. Otherwise, the difference in exercise experience is minimal.

5. Assembly

Most exercise bikes usually arrive almost ready to use, you just need to attach basic parts like the seat and pedals when you unpack them. Cheaper bikes might come in more pieces to keep costs down, but even they are made to be put together by one person using the instructions and tools in the package. If you're not sure about doing it alone, you can ask the seller if they assembly assistance, but keep in mind this usually costs.

6. Portability

Home-use magnetic spinning bikes are often lightweight and have transport wheels, making them easy for a single person to move around without having to pick it up. Additionally, they feature a compact design to save space.

7. Price/Quality

While it's true that higher prices often indicate better quality, this doesn't necessarily mean that the most expensive magnetic exercise bike is the best choice for everyone. We strongly recommend each of these selections and believe that they offer excellent value for their respective price categories. If there are caveats you should know about, you'll find them in the descriptions and/or pros and cons section.

8. User Interface

Lately, exercise machines have shifted to using computers with large touchscreen displays instead of mechanical consoles. However, a high-tech interface doesn't necessarily mean the bike is more advanced.

Many new magnetic stationary bike models stick to straightforward consoles for user-friendliness, incorporating advanced features like Bluetooth and fitness apps to advance user experience. Certain bikes offer both touchscreen and classic display choices, usually with a slight cost variance. For most users, advanced displays mainly offer entertainment value, which is their primary selling point.

Magnetic Spin Bike Workout

Differences Between Magnetic-Resistance And Friction-Resistance Bikes

Both exercise bikes with magnetic resistance and friction are popular choices when it comes to at-home cycling. Here’s a brief overview of what sets them apart.

1. Resistance Mechanism

The first and most obvious difference, of course, is the resistance mechanism or drive system. As the name suggests, the magnetic stationary bike uses magnets to adjust resistance. In other words, a pair of magnets sits on each side of the flywheel.

As you turn the resistance level up or down, the magnets move closer together or further apart respectively. The magnetic field produced by them creates a sort of “drag” effect on the metal plate of the flywheel, thus requiring more effort to move.

Friction bikes work similarly to the braking system on a traditional outdoor bike. They use a friction pad that presses against the flywheel to slow down the flywheel and add resistance. The tighter it is, the more resistance you will feel

2. Resistance Level

Closely tied to our previous point, there is a slight difference in adjustability between resistance levels as well. Friction pads technically have an unlimited amount of resistance settings. That can be both a pro and a con. 

On one hand, everyone can find their ideal resistance. That said, not having marked numbers can make progress tracking a bit difficult, as well as being less convenient to adjust when two or more people use the same bike.

On the other hand, magnetic spinning bikes have a fixed number of resistance settings. Ranges vary — the average bike typically goes up to 20-30 settings, while more expensive ones can have even a hundred or more.

Magnetic Spin Bike training

3. Noise Level

Both exercise bikes with magnetic resistance and friction bikes are fairly quiet. Magnetic bikes are almost completely silent in their operation. The flywheel makes practically no noise. Most of the sound made by the bike will come from other moving parts or shaking, for example, which can be eliminated by placing an exercise bike mat underneath.

Friction bikes make a smooth whooshing sound similar to that of outdoor bikes. The noise level is categorized as no more than a loud whisper. For most people, it’s not high enough to be distracting, however, it’s fair to say it’s more noticeable than a magnetic resistance spin bike.

4. Maintenance

Arguably, the biggest reason people opt for a magnetic spin bike, especially for home or garage gyms, is it’s fairly low maintenance. Unless a part actually breaks from use, it pretty much only requires occasional retightening of the screws and bolts and surface cleaning to maintain hygiene.

Friction bikes, on the other hand, require a similar level of maintenance as outdoor bikes, which most people consider a significant con. For example, the friction pad will get worn off and will need replacing over time, the flywheel requires occasional lubricating (oiling), mechanical parts need replacement, etc.

AspectMagnetic Resistance BikeFriction Resistance Bike
Resistance
Mechanism
MagneticFriction Pad
Resistance
Adjustment
Fixed number of settings depending on the modelTechnically unlimited (manually adjusted)
Noise LevelAlmost silentSmooth operating sound akin to outdoor bikes
MaintenanceLow-moderate, occasional cleaning and retighteningModerate-high, lubrication, part replacement, retightening, belt readjusting, etc.

FAQ

Is A Friction Or Magnetic Exercise Bike Better?

Most people opt for magnetic bikes due to their quiet operation, low maintenance, and wide range of products at all price ranges. However, a number of users may enjoy the more traditional feel and sound of using friction bikes, especially if they cycle in real life and know how to maintain it. Ultimately, it comes down to preference.

Is Peloton A Magnetic Bike?

Yes, the classic Peloton models — the Bike and Bike+ — are magnetic spinning bikes.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of the best magnetic resistance exercise bikes. Our top choice went to the ProForm TDF CSC Exercise Bike. We found it to be the most well-rounded, with a good blend of features at a moderate price point.

Magnetic spinning bikes are a great choice if you're looking for a stationary bike to work out at home. They make very little noise, take up less space, and require little to no maintenance. Plus, there are options that fit a variety of budgets and needs.

Do you plan on getting an exercise bike? If so, which of our top picks you find best fits you? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment, and make sure to follow us on social media for more valuable fitness content.

Also read:

References:

  1. Tour de France, Wikipedia.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_de_France (accessed August 28, 2023)
  2. "Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review", Chavarrias M, Carlos-Vivas J, Collado-Mateo D, Pérez-Gómez J., Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Aug 8;55(8):452., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722762/ (accessed August 28, 2023)
  3. "Understanding Blood Pressure Readings", Heart.org, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings (accessed August 28, 2023)
  4. "Lipid Panel", my.clevelandclinic.org, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-panel (accessed August 28, 2023)
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  6. "What Is Body Composition, webmd.com (Medically Reviewed by Tyler Wheeler, MD), https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-is-body-composition (accessed August 28, 2023)
  7. "Effects of an Indoor Cycling Program on Cardiometabolic Factors in Women with Obesity vs. Normal Body Weight", Ratajczak M, Skrypnik D, Krutki P, Karolkiewicz J., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020 Nov 24;17(23):8718., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7727675/ (accessed August 28, 2023)
  8. "Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights", health.harvard.edu, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights (accessed August 28, 2023)
  9. "Effect of Spinning Cycling Training on Body Composition in Women", Fatih Kaya, Dilek Nar, Mustafa Said Erzeybek, Journal of Education and Training Studies Vol. 6, No. 4, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1174469.pdf (accessed August 28, 2023)
  10. "The effects of indoor cycling training in sedentary overweight women", Bianco A, Bellafiore M, Battaglia G, Paoli A, Caramazza G, Farina F, Palma A., The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2010 Jun;50(2):159-65., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20585293/ (accessed August 28, 2023)
  11. “Indoor Cycling Class Benefits: Are They Worth the Hype?”, Emily Cronkleton (Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis), healthline.com, https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-a-spin-class#what-gets-worked (accessed August 28, 2023)
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Ihor Shymechko

Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach

Experience: 26 years
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.

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Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Experience: 21 years
Best ResultsSnatch – 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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