The turbo has been a staple ofwinter trainingroutines, howeverIndoor-Cyclingis now more fun, effective and realistic than ever, thanks to the growing popularity ofThe best smart trainersYTraining-Applications. The latest generation of indoor bikes goes one step further.
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If you like to ride your bike in the great roomWhether surviving harsh weather conditions or making the most of limited time, a smart bike offers a specific training setup designed for the task at hand.
Unlike the Turbo, a Smart Bike includes everything you need to ride indoors in one package. You don't have to worryUse your carbon fiber bike on the turbo trainer, and you don't have to worry about increased wear and tear on expensive components either.
On the other hand, smart bikes are a significant investment and require dedicated space.cave of pain.
Here's BikeRadar's pick of the indoor bikes we tested, as well as our buyer's guide on what to consider when thinking about buying a smart bike.
The best indoor bikes tested by BikeRadar
- Bicicleta inteligente Stages Cycling SB20:£ 2.249
- Wattbike Atom (next generation): £ 1.899
Also consider:
- Tacx NEO smart bike:2.299 £ / 3.200 $ / 2.600 € / 5.000 AU$
- kickr wahoo bike: 2.999 £ / 3.500 $ / 3.500 € / 6.000 AU$
Bicicleta inteligente Stages Cycling SB20
4.0 out of 5 stars rating

cycling stages
- £2,249 as tested
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Authentic driving experience
- produce quality
The Stages Cycling SB20 is a smart bike from a brand that is best known for it.power meter.
As you'd expect from an indoor bike, it's much more expensive than a smart trainer, but as a complete package, it leaves your other bike free to ride outdoors.
The SB20's saddle and cockpit are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the fit, and there are four crank length options.
You can also choose your preferred gear setting (Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo) and customize your drivetrain thanks to the integrated shift knobs, but there's no haptic feedback when changing gears.
The SB20 connects to the most popular indoor training apps includingZwiftGenericName. You can also use the Stages Link app to store virtual bikes and track workout data.
This is a heavy piece of equipment and comes in a box weighing in at over 100kg, but once you've completed the setup process with no fuss, the bulk of the SB20 will keep it firmly in place if you put in the effort.
According to Stages, the bike can register 2200 watts. While our testers couldn't verify this, they couldn't fault the built-in power meter's accuracy. The bike also produces a smooth, fluid pedaling feel and remains quiet during the effort.
- Read our full review of the Stages SB20 smart bike
Wattbike Atom (next generation)
4.0 out of 5 stars rating

Tom Marvin / Instant Media
- £1,899 as tested
- Easy setup and customization with good connectivity
- Many metrics and many training routines are available on Wattbike
The Wattbike Atom is easy to set up and connect to your computer, tablet (which has built-in kickstand) or smartphone, as well as third-party built-in training apps includingZwiftGenericName. Many training routines are also available on the accompanying Wattbike app.
it's easy to changesaddle height,handlebar heightand many adjustments to the bike, butcrank lengthis set at 170 mm. Though it's heavy, you can roll the Atom on its small front wheels.
With a chain drive for the resistance unit, the Atom feels like an outdoor bike, although it makes a little more noise than its competitors. The low handlebar at the front mimics the configuration of aracing bicycleBut with 22 sequential gears, fixed ratios and no brake levers, the comparison ends.
However, Atom generates a ton of data on performance, fluency, and other metrics.HIIT sessionsWe found that the delay in switching the resistor sometimes resulted in awkward transitions.
- Read our full Wattbike Atom review
Also consider…
These indoor bikes scored less than 4 stars out of 5 in our reviews, but they're well worth considering.
kickr wahoo bike
3.5 out of 5 stars

Tom Marvin / Instant Media
- £2,999 / $3,500 / €3,500 / AU$6,000 as tested
- Quick and easy setup options
- gradient simulation
- Expensive compared to its competitors.
The main selling point of the Wahoo Kickr Bike is the fact that it can simulate uphill and downhill by leaning on its axis, a smart feature when using virtual cycling apps. You can also configure the shift/brake lever combination to mimic your favorite brand's shift pattern and gear ratios.
It's easy to adjust your position on the bike, with the help of quick-release levers, and you can also change the crank length. Wahoo offers three ways to determine your fit, including using your smartphone to photograph your bike outdoors, and the app tells you how to position things.
Pedaling can be a bit rough and at lower speeds the bike tends to rock. A power spike is also needed when the resistance changes significantly. Kickr Bike is also expensive compared to its competitors.
We didn't find the standard saddle comfortable, but both the seat and handlebars use a standard clamp, so they can be swapped out for your preferred model.
- Read our full Wahoo Kickr bike review
Tacx NEO smart bike

Tom Marvin / Instant Media
- £2,299 / $3,200 / €2,600 / AU$5,000 as tested
- complicated customization
- It works well in Normal mode, but it is difficult to maintain proper performance in Erg mode.
The Tacx NEO Bike Smart's step frame makes it easy to get on and off, and there's an extension for your tablet that also includes a pair of fans and the bike's display.
Many adjustments are possible, including crank length, although getting the setting right is a little tricky. You can adapt the gears to your outdoor bike; However, Shimano-type shifters were difficult to use. We found that we had to add the small built-in fans for effective cooling.
The Tacx NEO doesn't lean like the Wahoo Kickr bike, but the Road Feel, Gear Feel and Descent Simulation features add to the realistic riding experience.
In normal mode, the NEO Smart's resistance changes were realistic throughout the test period, but inVery chic, the bike sometimes struggled to maintain the power required by Zwift.
- Read our full Tacx NEO Bike Smart review
Other options
The smart bike market has grown significantly in recent years. We haven't tested these indoor bikes, but here are some alternatives.
TrueKinetix TrueBike

TrueKinetixName
TrueBike is an attractive option from the Dutch brand TrueKinetix.
Priced at €3,250, the company says it should offer a realistic driving experience, with an algorithm that takes factors such as weight into account.
Its steering wheelless design delivers up to 1,500 watts of resistance and simulates inclines up to 15% up or down, with 22 gears and connectivity to Zwift and other training apps.
SRM TI intelligent

SRM
If you have deep pockets and are used to hunkering down in your bunker, there areSRM TI intelligent.
Unlike most of its competitors, the SmartIT features a regular 11-speed drivetrain thanks to Shimano 105 components. Resistance is controlled via a handlebar-mounted remote and has wireless connectivity for use with third-party software. According to SRM, SmartIT can simulate up to 1,400 watts.
It's a reasonably priced option from the professional's chosen power meter manufacturer, and it's fair to say that the design doesn't look as elegant as the other options listed here.
However, it does include SRM's Origin power meter, which the brand claims is +/-1% accurate. However, this means that the crank length is fixed.
The 65kg weight and stainless steel frame mean you'll probably want a home gym to keep the SRM going, but you already have it, don't you?
platoon

platoon
Peloton's exercise bike is another indoor training solution, although unlike the other options featured here, this one isn't designed for cyclists. Heit's more of a replacement for spin classes at your gym than a support for a structured bike workout.
Unlike most smart bikes, the performance is an estimate of an algorithm based on it.cadenceand resistance: There are no strain gauges built into the bike.
However, there is a built-in screen where you can get daily videos of live classes, as well as access Peloton's workout library. There's also a monthly fee, but that gives you access to community features like leaderboards, songs, and playlists.
Peloton is a closed system, so you cannot connect it to third-party training apps.
Indoor bike buyers guide
What does an indoor bike offer?
Unlike the spinning bikes you might see in a gym, high-end smart bikes are designed for dedicated cyclists, so you can expect accurate power measurement, highly adjustable positioning, and variable (and automatically controlled) resistance. ).
While an indoor exercise bike typically has limited manual resistance adjustment capability, indoor smart bikes use technology similar to smart trainers and are designed to provide a realistic street feel when pedaling.
They measure your power and, if desired, automatically adjust the resistance to the degree of a virtual roadZwiftGenericNameor for the one that meets the necessary power in astructured training.
The best indoor bikes also offer many adjustment options, including saddle height and length, handlebar position, and even crank length, allowing you to replicate the position of your regular bike. This adjustability also allows multiple members of the same family to ride the bike.
Connectivity to third-party training apps

Wahoo
Most brands of smart bikes offer in-house developed workouts as well as Bluetooth and/or ANT+ connectivity to third party apps like Zwift, Wahoo SYSTM,RGT cyclinge TrainerRoad.
Training apps offer a much more engaging and immersive indoor driving experience, often with a video or virtual simulation of the terrain outside. they leave you toochallenge your friendsstart a training planor just drive against others.
you have the space
Unlike most turbo trainers orrollo, which can be folded away for storage, smart bikes are an integral part.
Also, smart bikes are often heavy and have a large base to handle a rider at high speeds or out of the saddle, so you don't want to carry them around. They also don't fit in the back of a closet when not in use.
With that in mind, you want to make sure you have space for a smart bike and a power source close by so it's ready to ride.
Plus, all this technology is expensive: a dedicated smart indoor bike will cost at least four figures, and much more for the latest generation of machines.
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The downside, of course, is a dedicated, high-tech training tool that you can access at any time.
FAQs
How long should a 65 year old ride a stationary bike? ›
According to the World Health Organization, people aged 65 and above should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. For seniors who are new to cycling, Simpson recommends starting with three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each time.
What is the difference between a spin bike and a smart bike? ›Whereas an indoor exercise bike will usually have limited manual adjustability to resistance, indoor smart bikes use similar tech to smart trainers and are designed to offer a realistic, road-like feel when pedalling.
What are the 3 different types of stationary bikes? ›There are generally three different types of stationary bikes: upright, recumbent, and dual-action. Each one offers slightly different benefits.
How much should I spend on a stationary bike? ›Indoor Stationary Bikes
Bikes can range in price, anywhere from $300 to $3000 dollars. “If someone is looking just to spin their legs, break a sweat and listen to tunes, and doesn't care about seeing metrics like power, RPM's, heart rate or calories burned, then a basic stationary bike works well,” says Kalley.
Senior bike riding is perfectly safe and has many health benefits. It will help you lose weight, stay strong, avoid chronic illness, stay mentally alert and live longer.
How much exercise should a 70 year old do? ›Adults aged 65 and older need: At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.
How far should a 65 year old walk every day? ›Generally, older adults in good physical shape walk somewhere between 2,000 and 9,000 steps daily. This translates into walking distances of 1 and 4-1/2 miles respectively. Increasing the walking distance by roughly a mile will produce health benefits.
Is a smart bike better than a smart trainer? ›Aside from all the convenience and immersion the best reason to choose a smart bike is durability. The bike you put on a turbo trainer will get destroyed over time. You produce a lot of sweat indoors, which is acidic, and will eat way at all the parts of the bike you ride indoors with.
Is spin better than walking? ›Cycling can be better for burning more calories, and it helps increase your lower-body strength. On the other hand, walking may help with bone density and tends to cost less than cycling.
Is exercise bike or treadmill better? ›The differences in fitness and aerobic improvements between using a treadmill or a bike are negligible. Either is a much better option than doing no exercise at all.
What happens if you ride a stationary bike everyday? ›
Daily aerobic exercise on a stationary bike provides many benefits in addition to helping you burn calories and lose weight. Exercise can improve mood and help you relax which will have an effect both mentally as well as physically.
How long should you ride a stationary bike per day? ›How Long Should You Ride a Stationary Bike? Stationary bike workouts can be anywhere from just a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your fitness and health goals. If you're just getting started, aim to ride a stationary bike for 10-20 minutes and slowly build up to 30 minutes or more.
How long should you ride a stationary bike to see results? ›Seeing results with a stationary bike
As a general rule, the average person should start seeing noticeable results after one month of using an exercise bike as part of their regular routine. Exercising is a long-term commitment, so don't be discouraged if you can't see results straight away.
- Handlebar Style. ...
- Adjustable Resistance. ...
- Stability. ...
- Ease of Use. ...
- Other Features. ...
- Ability to Attach a Heart Rate Monitor and Headphones. ...
- Digital Display. ...
- Water Holder.
Most fitness experts who have calculated calorie burn for both exercises base their numbers on time spent rather than distance traveled. In several studies conducted by reputable scientists, it was determined that, under equal conditions, bike riding was at least equal to walking.
Is speed or resistance better on stationary bike? ›Using the right amount of resistance helps you build muscle mass. Many exercise bicyclists prefer speed to resistance, so they avoid using tension altogether. The main drawback is that they miss the muscle-building potential of using resistance on an exercise bike.
Is stationary bike good for belly fat? ›That's because stationary biking is an incredibly effective low-impact workout that boosts cardio fitness, builds strength, and you guessed it, burns belly fat.
How many steps is 30 minutes on a stationary bike? ›Multiply the number of minutes of the activity by the number of equivalent steps per minute. For example, if you bicycled at a leisurely pace for 30 minutes, multiply 116 X 30 to come up with 3,480 steps.
Does stationary bike burn belly fat? ›Yes, cycling can help lose belly fat, but it will take time. A recent study showed regular cycling may enhance overall fat loss and promote a healthy weight. To reduce overall belly girth, moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as cycling (either indoor or outdoor), are effective to lower belly fat.
Is biking better than walking for seniors? ›“What we found is that older adults who regularly participate in high aerobic activities—bicycling in particular—have what we call a lower metabolic cost of walking than older adults who walk for exercise,” researcher Justus Ortega, Ph. D., kinesiology professor at Humboldt State University said in a press release.
Which cycle is best for senior citizens? ›
A recumbent bike allows you to cycle in a semi-reclined position, with the bike's pedals in front of you instead of underneath you. This bike style is a great choice for anyone who needs back or neck support or wants to reduce pressure on their knees.
What type of bike is easiest to pedal? ›Hybrid or cross bikes are almost as fast and easy to pedal as a road bike, while being almost as comfortable and versatile as a mountain bike. Comfort bikes are just that—comfortable. They are less efficient, but sitting on one is much more comfortable.
What exercises should seniors not do? ›- High-Impact Aerobics. Aerobic classes often look fun, and many are advertised as including elements of dance that make seniors want to join in. ...
- Deep Squats. ...
- Sit Ups. ...
- Sprints or Heavy Running. ...
- Stair Climbs. ...
- Standing Toe Touches.
- Meat: Rich in protein, animal meat is an ideal dietary option for seniors. ...
- Fatty Fish: In case one is a non-vegetarian, seniors also have the option of consuming fatty fish, which features a significant amount of protein. ...
- Tofu: ...
- Eggs: ...
- Milk: ...
- Cheese: ...
- Beans: ...
- Nuts:
According to the research, the average American starts feeling old at the age of 47. Similarly, the average respondent starts to really worry about age-related bodily changes around 50 years old.
How often should the elderly bathe? ›At a minimum, bathing once or twice a week helps most seniors avoid skin breakdown and infections. Using warm washcloths to wipe armpits, groin, genitals, feet, and any skin folds also helps minimize body odor in between full baths.
How many steps a day should a 70 year old do? ›Many experts agree that the recommended steps per day for seniors is 7,000-10,000.
What temperature is too hot for seniors? ›Staying Safe When It's Too Darn Hot. When the temperature climbs above 80°F, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions to avoid ailments due to excessive heat. Keep in mind the following tips when trying to stay cool. Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Why buy a smart bike? ›Benefits of a Smart Bike
From data harnessing, to how easy they are to use. A smart indoor trainer allows you to usesmart bike compatible cycling apps to connect your workouts to the real world. Cycling training apps enable you to race at home, while viewing the landscape of real routes in the real world.
Damon Motorcycles has unveiled what they claim to be the world's smartest and safest all-electric motorcycle. The Damon Hypersport gets 200hp of power along with 200Nm of torque under its sleeve that pushes it to a maximum speed of 322kmph.
Do I need to buy a cassette for my smart trainer? ›
Cassette Compatibility
Bike cassettes are not included with the NEO 2T Smart trainer and must be purchased separately. We recommend a new cassette and preferably a new chain to reduce noise levels, ensure good shifting, and improve your cycling experience.
Exercising on the bike for at least 30 minutes a day will build up your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. By putting in consistent effort, you'll notice an improvement in your aerobic capacity, enabling you to bike longer or on more intense rides.
How many miles is 10,000 steps? ›An average person has a stride length of approximately 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means that it takes over 2,000 steps to walk one mile and 10,000 steps would be almost 5 miles.
How many times a week should I spin to see results? ›Indoor cycling classes are notoriously challenging, which means you're likely to see results, especially if you commit to regular classes. To gain the full benefits, you'll need to commit to three to six classes per week for a total of 150 minutes. Use a journal or app to track the progress of your fitness goals.
Which is better for losing belly fat treadmill or exercise bike? ›Treadmill or exercise bike for belly fat? You can't target specific body parts for weight loss but fortunately, both running and cycling are highly effective at burning fat - including belly fat. The tougher the workout the greater the calorie burn. Don't be afraid of cranking up the incline on your treadmill.
Which is better treadmill or walking? ›Walking can provide a lot of the same benefits of running. But running burns nearly double the number of calories as walking. For example, for someone who's 160 pounds, running at 5 miles per hour (mph) burns 606 calories. Walking briskly for the same amount of time at 3.5 mph burns just 314 calories.
Is walking or biking better for belly fat? ›Therefore, walking typically burns more calories than biking at a similar pace — and is thus more beneficial for losing fat.
What is the disadvantages of stationary bike? ›What are the Disadvantages of Indoor Cycling? One of the most significant disadvantages of indoor cycling is that it can get repetitive and tedious, especially if you're exercising in your house. Outdoors there are differences in the terrain. You can look at the scenery, and no two rides are the same.
What are the disadvantages of a recumbent bike? ›Recumbent bikes tend to take up more space than upright bikes, especially as most models do not fold away. Additionally, these bikes do not work the core muscles as effectively as upright models, and people cannot move positions to work out all muscles the same way as they can with an upright bike.
How many times a week should you ride a stationary bike? ›Tip. Exercising for 20 minutes, 4 times a week, on the stationary bike is OK, but 75 minutes each time would be better — as would filling out the rest of your week with other 20-minute activities like brisk walking, strength training and flexibility movements.
What is the first thing to do in using a stationary bike at home? ›
- Start off pedaling at a low intensity for 5-10 minutes.
- Switch to medium intensity for 5 minutes, followed by: high intensity for 1-2 minutes. medium intensity for 5 minutes. high intensity for 1-2 minutes. medium intensity for 5 minutes.
- Finish by pedaling at a low intensity for 5 minutes.
According to a 2021 review published in Clinical Rehabilitation, exercising on stationary bikes lessened pain and improved function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
How long do I need to ride a stationary bike to burn 1000 calories? ›If you're cycling at a rate of 10-12mph, you can burn roughly 7 calories per minute depending on how much you weigh. If you bump up the intensity to 14-16mph, you can burn up 15 calories per minute. Based on these numbers, you'd have to maintain a pace of 14 mph for about 65-70 minutes to burn 1,000 calories.
What happens if you bike everyday for a month? ›Lung capacity will slowly increase and your heart and blood vessels will work better. Your immune system will become stronger: the level of lymphocytes in blood goes up. The body will be also able to regulate levels of sugar and other substances in blood more easily and your body will store less fat.
Is a stationary bike good exercise for seniors? ›Stationary bikes are one of the best pieces of exercise equipment for seniors because they provide an effective form of low-impact cardio exercise. Unlike running or walking, which can be hard on painful or arthritic joints, riding an exercise bike is non-impact and often more comfortable.
Is there a bike as good as peloton? ›Peloton's biggest competitors are NordicTrack, Echelon, and SoulCycle. All of these at-home bikes feature large touchscreens and stream live/on-demand fitness classes — so they'll all get you close to the Peloton experience.
How many minutes a day should you ride a stationary bike? ›Cycling Boosts Heart Health
It's both high-intensity and low-impact, so it's suitable both as a HIT workout and for more moderate sessions. Several studies suggest that cycling for 15 to 20 minutes each day can be beneficial for heart health. One study compared two groups using an indoor bike.
As millions of Americans set out to fulfill their fitness resolutions, retailers are quick to extend end-of-year sales and promotions and roll out fresh New Year's discounts to capitalize on the moment. Those sales make January the best time of year to invest in workout equipment and accessories.
Which bike is best for long life? ›- Bajaj CT 100. One of the most popular commuter bikes in India, the CT 100 is Bajaj's entry-level offering with low-maintenance requirements. ...
- TVS Radeon. ...
- Bajaj Platina 100. ...
- Hero Splendor Plus. ...
- Honda CD 110 Dream. ...
- Yamaha Saluto RX. ...
- Honda SP 125. ...
- Honda CB Unicorn 150.
- Hero Splendor.
- Honda Shine.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350.
- Bajaj Pulsar 150.
- TVS Apache RTR 160.
- Yamaha FZ S V3.0.
- Yamaha MT-15.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan.
How do you know if a bike is good quality? ›
- Frame: Test ride the bike, the frame is heart of the ride. ...
- Suspension: On mountain bikes, suspension almost goes hand-in-hand with the frame.
- Wheels: Reliability and rotating mass are important.
- Contact points: Tyres, saddle, and handlebars.
As such Peloton does have lots of disadvantages when it comes to helping you meet your fitness goals. These disadvantages can be seen when looking at the cost of the machine, membership fees, virtual and on-demand classes, accountability, coaching quality, and program repetitiveness.
What bike is most like a Peloton? ›- NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle. Price: $$$ ...
- Echelon Smart Connect EX5. Price: $$$ ...
- Schwinn IC4 Bike. Price: $$ ...
- Bowflex VeloCore. Price: $$$ ...
- ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22. Price: $$$ ...
- The MYX II. Price: $$$ ...
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1995 Fitness Pro II. ...
- Cyclace Exercise Bike.
Which bike is most similar to Peloton? With its 21.5-inch screen and extensive selection of fitness classes, the $1,399 Myx II stationary bike is the closest thing to a Peloton that you can get.