Best-Rated Exercise Bikes with Magnetic Resistance | Comparison & Reviews | 2024

Maximum User Weight = Each recumbent exercise bike, depending on its construction has a maximum user weight limit. More expensive bikes generally can handle more weight. So if the limit is 300 lbs, and you are over 300 lbs., you should not buy this exercise bike, but look for one with a higher weight limit. If you weigh substantially less than the weight limit, this will put less strain on the machine and parts.
Indoor Cycling Bike = The indoor cycling type of bike is an upright indoor cycle designed to give you a true cycling experience by using extra heavy flywheels. They are the same type of bike used for cycling classes at major gyms. Traditional cycles use pads for friction that must be replaced. The Magnetic versions do not wear out, and have no maintenance.

Magnetic Resistance The heart of an exercise bike is how it provides resistance. Resistance provides a harder workout that can vary depending on your workout program. Many of our top rated bikes use magnetic resistance. Resistance is also referred to as Braking resistance, like the brakes on a car. The advantage of magnetic resistance is that there is no friction involved and the wear associated with friction. Magnetic resistance offers greater reliability, little to no maintenance costs, and very quiet operation. ECB (Eddy Current Brake) is the latest generation of magnetic resistance and considered the best. Older braking technology of bikes use brake pads that wear out (due to friction) and have to be replaced. Even some lower priced models now have magnetic resistance.

Friction Brake = This is the traditional way indoor cycling bikes produce more resistance (in a addition to a heavy flywheel). The friction is usually applied from the top of the flywheel, and the replaceable friction pads are made from a variety of materials.
Flywheel Weight = The flywheel gives the indoor cycling bike stability and smoothness while riding. The heavier the flywheel, the better. Some of the cheaper exercise bikes do not publish their flywheel weight. For these we simply put “Weighted Flywheel” in the description.
ECB Resistance = ECB Resistance is a high quality form of magnetic brake resistance, the best type. ECB = eddy current brake.
Magnetic Resistance Levels = You can adjust the level of magnetic resistance to adjust the intensity of your workout. The more levels of resistance, the more choices you have in how hard a workout that you can select for your Recumbent Bike.
Heart Monitor = Some bikes have heart rate ability, most don’t have a computer or screen. Most regular exercise bikes have a heart grip monitor which allows you to monitor your heart rate to meet heart rate goals for cardiovascular fitness. Grip monitors are built into the handlebars.
Workout Programs = Most indoor cycling bikes do not have workout programs, they are simple devices that allow you to manually adjust friction. Almost all regular exercise bikes have a small computer and display where you can run multiple workout programs that vary the resistance.
LED/LCD Display = The exercise bike will have a display to give you information (such as time, calorie burn, distance). They can be either LED lit, or use an LCD screen. Many bikes have LCD screens that are not backlit, as many run on batteries. If its says “BACKLIT LCD”, then it has a backlight illuminating the screen. LED displays are also illuminated screens.
Indoor Cycling Bike: Chain Vs. Belt = An indoor cycle type bike will have either a chain or a belt to drive the flywheel. The belt drive is considered superior as they are more durable, and require much less maintenance and are quieter in operation.
Bike Weight = As with the flywheel, the heavier the weight of the bike, the more stable it will be. This is especially true if you weigh a lot more than the machine you are on.