Best Spin Bikes To Use With Peloton App [MUST READ]

Personal exercise spin bikes could be your single most important fitness decision. Why?

It discredits any excuses you might raise for not going to the gym. Since the equipment you need for fitness is at home, you can workout anytime!

Today, the experience is even better with the hundreds of cycling apps available.

One of the best of them is the Peloton Digital app. It’s the best, most comprehensive fitness app available. However, the Peloton bike is no doubt expensive.

Thankfully, you can enjoy the same great content from other affordable bikes. That’s what we are here to cover today in this Best Spin Bikes to Use with Peloton App article.

Here’s a rundown of what we’ll cover:

• Top 10 Best Spin Bikes For Peloton App
• A comprehensive buyer’s guide on spin bikes
• FAQs on spin bikes

Let’s get started.

10 Best Spin Bikes For Peloton App

1. IRON COMPANY Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus with Carbon Blue Belt Drive 
2. Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1714 Evolution Pro Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
4. L NOW Indoor Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike Belt Drive Smooth and Quiet
5. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
6. Echelon Smart Connect EX5 bike
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Cycling Bike with Heavy 49 LB Chrome Flywheel – SF-B1002/C
8. XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike, Silver
9. Schwinn IC3 Indoor cycling bike
10. Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Clip-in Pedals

Which is the best indoor spin bike to pair with Peloton app?

The following are the 10 best indoor spin bikes to use with the Peloton app other than the Peloton bike:

Best Spin Bikes To Use With Peloton App Comparison Table

Best Spin Bikes To Use With Peloton App Compared

1. IRON COMPANY Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus with Carbon Blue Belt Drive – Indoor Cycling Bike

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Do you want a compact bike? The Schwinn Fitness AC performance plus measures only 44.29 x 37.99 x 11.42 inches. It can easily fit in most spaces, even in smaller homes.

Carrying it around is just as easy, thanks to its high-grade Aluminum construction. It is strong, has high tensile strength and remains rust-free. Oh, and it’s lightweight for logistics reasons.

You can easily move this thing around on your own. It comes with 4 stabilizers, 2 on each horizontal end. The cross-linking bar is curved for additional weight capacity.

Another complementing curved bar links the back stabilizer to the handlebar pole. It’s a clean design that also looks modern.

Once on the bike, you’ll be greeted by a 4-way adjustable seat with a decent seating area. Two levers are used to adjust its height and horizontal position relative to the handlebars.

Regarding the handlebars, they are only height-adjustable. However, they have a 12-degree incline, which allows different users to enjoy the bike.

There’s both an aero bar and an ergo loop for a total of 3 to 4 hand positions depending on your size. The bike employs a silent belt drive train with a 6-level magnetic resistance flywheel.

A dial-style knob is used to scan through the difficulties. The bike is fully compatible with the  Peloton app and pairs via Bluetooth.

Pros

• Great design
• Easy to install
• Aero-style handlebars
• Compact and highly portable
• Strong, lightweight Aluminum construction

Cons

• Lacks an in-built display

2. Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle

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If this ain’t the most diverse deal for an indoor bike, I don’t know what is. Probable its more advanced Keiser M3iX model. Along with the purchase of the bike, you also get the following other items:

• Floor Mat
• Media Tray
• Stretch Pads
• Polar Heart Rate Monitor

This package is about all you need to utilize the 45 x 25.98 x 48.98 inches machine. I like the design of the V-frame. Both the handlebars and the seat poles are linked on a single mid-point.

This allows for a much wider scope of adjustability. Users between the heights of 4’11” and 7’ can all enjoy the close-to-road bike experience.

The bike is Bluetooth-enabled and uses this mode to connect to the primary M-series app. The same channel can be used to connect to the Peloton app from where you can sync with the bike’s resistance unit for different classes.

One plus for mountain bikers is the presence of an SPD-compatible side of the pedal. The other side has foot straps.

The bike boasts 100% USA manufacturing and quality is assured. You get a silent belt drive system with fully-adjustable magnetic resistance.

Both the seat and handlebars are fully adjustable. This ensures that you can share your bike with your buddies or family. The unit is raven black with red and chrome accents, looks really good.

The flywheel is rear-mounted to keep it away from sweat and to also improve the bike’s stability.

There’s a device holder on the handlebars to access your favorite content from your favorite gadget and app( Peloton app).  The bike weighs 85 pounds and has bottom stabilizers for peak performance.

Pros

• Quiet
• Stable
• In-built LCD
• Maintenance-free
• Strong steel frame

Cons

• Lacks in-built HD display

3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1714 Evolution Pro Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike, High Weight Capacity, Heavy Duty Flywheel

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The first thing you’ll notice with this bike is its sophisticated frame system. Seems like each bar connects to the next and the next. I must admit it looks pretty strong.

This Sunny Health & Fitness bike is made of industrial-grade steel with a total installed weight of 136lbs. The single heaviest piece of the bike is its 44-pound chrome flywheel.

It not only makes the bike stable but delivers the raw outdoor biking experience right indoors. The handlebars have 3 hand positions for diverse riding positions.

Concerning the users, the bike can carry up to 330lbs. It achieves this by having fully adjustable seats and handlebars.

You can move the saddle right, left, up or, down. The bike measures 48.5 x 24 x 53.5 inches and can fit in relatively small spaces.

The handlebars can accommodate a device holder from where you can alternatively access the Peloton app. There’s no in-built display but this is not an issue since you can use the app.

It’s a belt drive so you know it’s silent. The bike supports both SPD cleat and toe strap riding. You also get an adjustable bottle holder, a user manual, and assembly tools.

Pros

• Silent
• Fully adjustable
• High weight limit
• Strong steel frame
• Reputable manufacturer

Cons

• Limited color options

4. L NOW Indoor Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike Belt Drive Smooth and Quiet

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There’s something about black and luminous blue. Add chrome and white touches and you have yourself the L NOW indoor exercise bike. It looks sporty, to say the least.

Aesthetics aside, the unit measures  41”x 20” x 52” and weighs 110 lbs. It can carry users weighing up to 300lbs. The bike is made of a strong steel frame that delivers sturdy performance.

Up to you have a 3-position handlebar system with micro-foam padding. It retains its grip regardless of the time of usage.

A 35lb, front-mounted chrome flywheel seals the deal with its full scope of adjustability via a front-mounted lever. The bike must be plugged in to activate the electromagnets.

A 3.4” LCD displays all your variables-speed, distance, time, calories, odometer, and heart rate. It only follows that you can enhance this experience via a more advanced platform like the Peloton app.

Thanks to the smart device clip, you can hook in your tablet or favorite device.

You have the option to adjust the height of the handlebars to suit different users. The seat is well-padded and can be adjusted in 4 ways- up, down, front and back relative to the handlebars.

With retractable transportation wheels, the bike is easy to move around. The bottom stabilizers improve grip and stability at all riding intensities.

Pros

• Great size
• In-built display
• Transport wheels
• Smart device holder
• Strong steel material

Cons

• The front-mounted flywheel may not appeal to all users

5. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

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This could be the first bike with a full-color LCD backlit display. It displays all of your metrics here- speed, cadence, distance, time, etc. This is not the most outstanding quality of this bike though.

It’s the Bluetooth connectivity that really sets it apart. It’s compatible with most fitness apps from Zwift to Peloton and many others.

You have the option of ordering a piece with a large Touchscreen display or not. The latter has a device holder instead. The bike is made of a strong steel frame with excellent aesthetics.

The Schwinn IC4 weighs 106lbs and measures 47.8 x 21.2 x 51.8 inches. The bike comes with the World app which has 3 free courses.

A magnetic resistance unit manipulates the difficulty levels straight from the front-mounted knob. You have access to a staggering 100 micro-adjustment levels.

Combine this with its silent magnetic belt drive train and you see how you can expect a smooth ride! A 4-way adjustable, well-padded race-style seat further maximizes your comfort on the bike.

The unit is Bluetooth-smart and can therefore pair with most tracking devices like heart rate monitors. Both SPD-compatible and toe cage sides are present on the stock pedal.

The transitions are smooth and the heavy flywheel’s inertia keeps everything natural.

Pros

• Well-priced
• Race-style seats
• Bluetooth-enabled
• 100 resistance levels
• In-built LCD display or device holder

Cons

• Limited color options

6. Echelon Smart Connect EX5 bike

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The EX5 is nearly identical to the Peloton bike. So much so that Peloton sued Echelon.

So where do the similarities stop?

Price.

The EX5 is much cheaper than the Peloton bike.

Also, it supports the Peloton app for a fluid experience. First off, you can pair any Bluetooth-enabled device with the bike.

Next up, the Echelon Fit app has come a long way in terms of quality and content. It’s not nearly as good as Peloton though. The bike grants you access to thousands of training videos to play with its 32 levels of magnetic resistance. All this is easily accessible via the adjustment mechanism planted on the dash.

The bike measures 3ft5” * 1ft10”, allowing it to fit in small spaces. The handlebars have 3 grip positions with a fully adjustable height. You also get a smart device holder built right in.

Here you can access fitness content from whichever platform you choose. The bike is backed by a 30-day free return policy along with a 1-year limited warranty.

Dual stabilizers hold everything in place. They also include a pair of recessed transport wheels to aid with logistics. Note that the seat is well-padded and features a competition design with 4-way adjustability.

There’s a useful 2-4V USB charging port to ensure you don’t ever run out of juice.

Pros

• 1-year warranty
• Excellent design
• Durable materials
• Free-return policy
• Great connectivity

Cons

• No in-built display

7. Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Cycling Bike with Heavy 49 LB Chrome Flywheel – SF-B1002/C

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There’s no gadget holder on this bike. So I guess you’ll have to make do with your TV or get a third-party gadget clip. Otherwise, you are getting a solid deal here.

This Sunny Health & Fitness bike is way cheaper than Peloton. The price difference can get your tens of months of subscription on the Peloton app.

Starting from the top, you’ll get a dynamic handlebar system that’s two way adjustable- fore and aft. The bike weighs 113.4lbs with a maximum weight limit of 275lbs.

You can be sure to not expect any wobbling. It measures 44 x 20 x 44 inches so you can easily create some space to host it at home.

This could be anywhere since the bike runs on a silent belt drive system. You also have the option to get a chain drive model but I wouldn’t recommend it- because of noisy operation and regular maintenance requirements.

The flywheel weighs 49lbs and is the heaviest on the list. You can expect smooth, natural rides.

There’s a water bottle holder within arms reach to ensure you never have to hop off the bike. You also get transportation wheels to help relocate the bike. It’s worth noting that the seats have thick padding and are 4-way adjustable.

Pros

• Great design
• Heavy flywheel
• Fully adjustable
• High weight limit
• Transportation wheels

Cons

• Lacks in-built display

8. XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike, Silver

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I had to sneak in a foldable bike on this list. For the sake of all of us who live in tight spaces. The Xterra fitness bike tries to maximize your biking experience as much as possible.

For instance, the frame is constructed of a heavy-duty steel frame. When folded it measures 18. 1″ x 18. 1″  compared to 31.89 x 18.1 x 43.3 inches, the full unfolded size.

The X-frame makes it possible to have multiple users ride the bike. The seat and handlebars are individually mounted on separate poles and joined in the middle. You still get magnetic resistance with 8 levels. It’s manual and can be manipulated by the front-mounted control knobs.

Just imagine they also include a 2”*1” LCD to display your speed, distance, time, calories, and pulse. You can use the Peloton app to take you through different races and formulas.

The bike only weighs 32 pounds and is super easy to move or fold up. There’s a 3-piece pedal crank for added durability.

The seat is 4-way adjustable and has thick padding.This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout your ride. A heart rate sensor is built into the handlebars and can share the same information to the Peloton app.

The bike supports users weighing up to 275lbs. It also has transport wheels for convenient transportation.

Pros

• Quiet
• Easy to use
• Highly portable
• 1-year warranty
• Built-in heart rate sensor

Cons

• Cuts off extremely tall users

9. Schwinn IC3 Indoor cycling bike

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You get all you need for a pumped workout on the Schwinn IC3 bike. It comes with a durable steel frame with a 250lb weight capacity. It’s strong, stable and corrosion-resistant.

It ensures that the rider can ride at any intensity without damaging the bike. The bike uses a 31lb, magnetic flywheel with infinite resistance levels.

This ensures that you can never outgrow the bike. The handlebar system is robust and only 2-way adjustable. It’s also well-padded and offers a comfortable grip.

On the same pane, an extra-large water bottle holder is included. This ensures you can have your favorite drink within the bike to maximize training time.

An in-built media device holder is the perfect spot to place your gadget from where you can access the Peloton app.

The Schwinn IC3 bike only requires 2AA batteries to power it’s in-built LCD which shows time, distance, calories and RPMs. A pair of stabilizers and transport wheels improve the bike’s stability and ease of use respectively.

Pros

• Great size
• In-built display
• Water bottle holder
• Media device holder
• Wide resistance levels

Cons

• Limited handlebar adjustment options

10. Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Clip-in Pedals

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The seat on this bike measures 10.25″ L x 7″ W x 2.5″ H in. It’s one of the most comfortable on the market thanks to its thick padding and 4-way adjustability-up, down, forward or, backwards.

The handlebars are 2-way adjustable-up or down.They combine both the aero and dynamic loop bars for more arm grip positions.

This Sunny Health & Fitness bike has a maximum weight limit of 300lbs and stays in place at all riding speeds. The bike is made of an industrial-grade steel frame that promises a long service life. It weighs 108lbs and maybe a challenge to carry.

However, a pair of transport wheels are included. Speaking of which a pair of stabilizers that hold the wheels really improve stability.

A stepless leather brake pad resistance unit delivers smooth transitions to get your quads all worked up. The 4olb flywheel maintains momentum to mimic a natural biking experience.

The pedal system has both a strapped and a SPD-compatible side. This is meant to cater for different user experiences.

Pros

• Smooth ride
• Dual-sided pedals
• Water bottle holder
• Durable steel frame
• Fully adjustable seat and handlebars

Cons

• Leather brake pad resistance system is subject to wear and requires maintenance

Best Spin Bike to Use With Peloton App Buyers Guide

Indoor exercise bikes can revolutionize your health. I recommend making a one-off purchase of a quality model. This may be a challenging process given the overwhelming options you have.

We have already listed the best exercise bikes on our top 10 list. However, we are here to assist you to get the best deal regardless of the type you choose.

To this end, consider the following factors before investing your hard-earned money on an exercise bike:

1. Price

The cost of an indoor exercise bike is reflective of the experience you are likely to get once you begin using it.

I’m talking about the performance, design, customer support and longevity. As in, you get what you pay for. Buy a cheap bike and you should expect a subpar experience.

The contrary is true for a premium model where you are likely to get the best of everything. However, always pick a bike with high customer reviews and performance ratings. This easily overrides the price.

2. Size

An ideal indoor bike should accommodate your body’s height and weight. You can check your size using a weighing scale and a meter rule if you don’t already know. Make a point of checking the bike’s specs on the manufacturer’s or vendor site. You can get related information.

The size of your allocated home gym space also dictates the size of bike you should buy. Again, do measure the surface area and height of the space.

Then check with the manufacturer to get the dimension details of the bike. It’s mostly provided among the first items on the spec sheet.

3. Adjustability

People are of different sizes. Whale there’s hardly a one size fits all bike, there are certainly adjustable models. The position of the seat and handlebars is all you need to change to your choosing.

The handlebars height is the most important aspect. You should have an easy to use lever to allow for such movements.

The seat should be 4-way adjustable if possible- front, back, up or down. These two options can allow multiple users to ride the bike.

If possible, get a bike that has standard attachment poles and threads for the handlebars, pedals and seat. This allows you to swap them for your favorite style of any of those.

4. Technology

If you are into fitness tech, you are about to be mind-blown by the options available. So where do we start? First off, you need an on-board console to compute your metrics such as time, cadence, speed, etc.

Next, you need Bluetooth connectivity to pair up your third-party devices such as heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, etc.

Some models come with built-in heart rate monitors. You also need to consider the type of fitness app you wish to use with a bike.

You can opt to go for a model with an in-built touchscreen display or one with a gadget holder to access the app. Other than that, the rest of the tech is just what you bring with you on the bike.

5. Resistance

The resistance mechanism is what counts here. You have two options, mechanical or magnetic. Leather brake pads are the most common type of mechanical resistance.

It runs on friction and may require replacement and regular maintenance. Magnetic resistance uses magnets to attract or repel the flywheel.

They are silent and maintenance-free. I highly recommend it. The resistance flywheel should be easily adjustable using a lever or a dial-style knob that you reach without having to bend. A higher number of resistance levels tends to give smoother transitions and keep you challenged.

6. Durability

For you to enjoy the bike for decades, it must be made from strong materials. Aluminium and steel are the two key materials used in bikes.

The previous is best if you like lightweight, easily portable bikes. The latter is the best and will surely last longer. However. It’s heavy and you may need an extra pair of hands to move it around.

FAQs on Indoor Exercise Bikes

#Why don’t most indoor bikes not include a computing console?

Most users don’t really use them. In typical riding scenarios, people tend to ride for a certain duration or practice interval training. This eliminates the need for an onboard computing device.

#Which is the best indoor cycling bike for small spaces?

The majority of indoor bikes don’t take up much space. However, for really small home gyms, a foldable upright bike is the best way to go. You may also consider placing your bike outside or on the balcony as long as it’s protected from weather. A protective outdoor cover can allow you to store the bike outside when out of use.

#Can you buy an indoor bike pre-assembled?

This is hard to come by due to logistical challenges. Most bikes come in parts to reduce the volume-to-weight ratio. However, the assembly process is largely straightforward. Required tools are included in the box and the procedure may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours.

#Do exercise bikes require maintenance?

This entirely depends on the construction and design of the bike. If it has moving parts in contact, then you must do some periodic maintenance. This is especially the case for belt drive bikes. They require lubrication and regular tightening of the chain. On the other hand, belt drive systems are maintenance-free.  You should clean your bike though!

#Is it safe to use a bike if I exceed its weight limit?

No. You should use a bike that can carry your weight. This eliminates the real possibility of collapsing in the middle of a ride. You may suffer serious injuries and of course, lose your investment. If this doesn’t materialize, then you should expect a shortened service life.

Final thoughts

Indoor exercise bikes remove the inconvenience of having to go to the gym. They are rigorous trainers and can give you all your recommended daily exercises from the comfort of your own home.

Many folks are now opting to buy these bikes instead of paying monthly fees at the gym in addition to gym accessories.

Check that the bike is right for your size, purpose and budget. Enjoy your amazing cycling experience and be sure to inform us of your progress whenever you can.

We have a ton of tech and fitness content that can help with your journey. Thanks for reading to the end.

#Stay safe guys!

Also read:

• Best Pedals for Peloton Bike 2020: Both Look Delta and SPD Pedals for Spinning!
• 12 Best Extra Large Exercise Mats for Peloton Exercises, Cardio & Home Gyms!
• Echelon Smart Connect Bike: The Best Peloton Alternatives Available
• The Total Gym Reviews: The Ultimate Comparison Guide! [+Videos]
• Do Peloton Shoes Run True to Size? What I Wish I Knew! [+ Videos]
• Benefits of Exercise: The Importance of Regular Physical Activity
• Keiser M3i vs Peloton: Which is Better for you? [With Videos]
• Understanding Your Target Heart Rate: The Ultimate Guide!
• Which Cleats Do I need for Peloton? Look Delta or SPD!
• The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Peloton Bike