If you want to start your fitness journey, an exercise bike is a great cardiovascular option on the market. Not only does it offer muscular endurance, but it is also an effective cardio workout and amazing lower-body training. If you have knee and joint pain, biking will be a great option for you.
Although jumping, running, and mobility work are great fitness activities, they may lead to a high impact on hard surfaces and cause joint and knee pain. However, biking has no impact on your joints and knees, so your workout sessions will be fun and pain-free.
People may think that exercise bikes under $200 are not effective and long-lasting. Although this may be true for some cheap spin bikes, others have an economical and durable design. However, it may be a daunting task to choose the best stationary bike for under $200. For this reason, we’ve listed the 5 best exercise bikes under $200, along with a buying guide that will help you make the right decision.
| Exercise Bike | Resistance Levels | Weight Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| pooboo Foldable Exercise Bike | 8 | 330 lb | View |
| DeskCycle Under Desk Bike | 8 | 500 lb | View |
| Sunny Health and Fitness Under Desk Mini Bike | 8 | 220 lb | View |
| Exerpeutic Gold Foldable Exercise Bike | 8 | 300 lb | View |
| HARISON Exercise Bike | ∞ | 280 lb | View |
Types of Exercise Bikes
Upright bike
This type of exercise bicycle helps you to sit upright when working out. It’s equipped with an adjustable seat and is designed to position you like you’re riding an actual bike because the pedals are positioned under the seat. Like a road bike, this indoor bike will allow you to lean forward or sit straight.
Under-Desk Style
This is a lightweight stationary bike that can fit under the desk or table. It is designed to help you cycle while working. You can also place it on top of a table to work out your arms.
Recumbent Bike
If you’re looking for indoor cycling that will offer you a comfortable experience, this is a good bet. It comes equipped with a backrest that provides a comfortable place for you to lean. The pedals are placed in the front, helping you to attain a comfortable cycling position.
Benefits of a Recumbent Bike
Strengthen and Tone
Cycling will tone and strengthen your leg muscles. The main muscles worked on a spinning bike are glutes, calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip flexors.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Cycling is a simple and effective form of cardiovascular workout. Cardio training can help you deal with daily fitness demands or prepare for marathons. A healthy cardiovascular system enhances the supply of oxygen and energy to your body, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Weight Loss
Cycling is an effective way to reduce your weight. Working out on a stationary bicycle will burn more calories since it offers a more intense workout. The best part about this is that your body continues working on the muscles used when cycling, burning more calories even after exercising.
Improve the Sport
A high-quality indoor cycle equips you with special training aimed to improve your discipline on-road cycling. It can help you track and improve your cycling fitness and technique regardless of the weather!
Low Impact Exercise
Cycling is a good option if you want to minimize the risk of strain and injury. The low-impact action and smooth motion combine to make your workout easy on your joints and muscles. If your bike is set up properly, it will be a better alternative to high-impact activities.
Cost-Effective and Convenient
An exercise bike is compact and does not consume much space. With this bike, you can watch TV, listen to music, or read a book as you work out. Additionally, they are cheaper than some gym equipment and have attractive warranties.
Portability
Go for an indoor exercise bike with transport wheels. This lets you easily move the spin bike around the home gym.
Exercise Bike under 200 Buying Guide
When buying the best exercise bike for under 200, you must consider some aspects to ensure that the product you choose is worth every penny and durable. For the best spinning bicycle under $200, here is a breakdown of what you should be keen on.
Size
Budget exercise bikes are usually smaller than expensive ones. This may be the main reason why these bikes are cheaper. If you’re a tall guy, you need to check whether you’ll be comfortable on the bike. Some cheap exercise bikes may not be ideal for tall individuals. High-quality bikes should be able to handle most guys between 5’3” and 6’4”.
Weight Limit
The weight limit is usually linked to bike sizes. You should not expect a bike at this price point to hold high weight capacities. However, you should always double-check the bike’s specs to confirm the weight limit. The bike you choose should be safe to use and be well built to handle your weight.
Dimensions
Although these bikes are small in size, you should ensure that you have enough space to fit the bike in your home. You should measure your floor and the dimensions to see how it fits. Ensure that you have sufficient space in all directions for maximum comfort. If you have limited space, go for a foldable bike.
Flywheel
The flywheel is a crucial part that affects the performance of an exercise bike. You should be keen on the weight of the flywheel. For many individuals, 10-20 pounds will be sufficient. However, advanced guys can handle at least 30 pounds.
Warranties
Look for a bike that comes with a warranty of at least 2 to 3 years on major parts and labor. A spinning bike with favorable warranty terms will assure you that the product you’re purchasing is of high quality.
Resistance
This represents the workout intensity that you can handle with the bike. You should go for a bike that comes with multiple levels of resistance so that you can adjust your work out according to your preferred intensity.
Programming
Choose a bike that comes with adjustable programs based on your age, fitness level, gender, and weight.
Best Exercise Bike under $200 Reviews
pooboo Exercise Bike Foldable 3 in 1 Indoor Cycling Bike
If you’re looking for a folding exercise bike that comes equipped with 3 different ways of working out, this is a good bet.
The pooboo recumbent bike foldable 3 in 1 has 2 arm resistance bands and a twister plate to help you slim your waist and train arm muscles. With this stationary bike under $200, you can easily monitor distance, calories, speed, and pulse thanks to its large screen monitor.
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This recumbent exercise bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance that can be adjusted to suit your workout intensity. It is equipped with a magnetic flywheel that guarantees you a smooth and quiet riding experience.
Features
- Twister plate
- Transport wheels
- Steel frame
- Types of resistance: Magnetic
- 2 arm resistance bands
- LCD monitor
- Pulse sensor
- 8 levels magnetic resistance
- Padded handlebars
- Padded seat for a comfortable ride
- Tablet holder
- Features a holder to hold both your phone and tablet securely.
- Maximum user weight: 330 lbs
Pros
- Smooth and quiet riding experience
- Comfortable backrest and cushion
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to move around thanks to the transport wheels
Cons
- The resistance is not heavily challenging
- Doesn’t have a bottle holder
DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser – Mini Exercise Peddler
This exercise bike is designed to fit under your table or desk, making them ideal for use when working. Its versatility makes it one of the best exercycle under 200 you can find out there. The pedals are specially designed to fit comfortably in your arms and feet. It has a convenient LCD display that can be placed on the table for clear visibility.
The indoor cycling bike comes with a patented magnetic resistance system that makes the pedaling motion quiet and smooth. With this bike, you’ll have the freedom to choose from 8 calibrated resistance settings.
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Features
- 8 different intensity levels
- Magnetic precision flywheel
- LCD screen
- Maximum user weight: 500 lbs
Pros
- Easy-to-read display
- Easy and quick setup
- Suitable for arm work out
Cons
- Lacks a seat
- Lacks a bottle holder
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
Workout without being tired with the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike. This indoor cycle helps you track your distance, time, speed, and calories burned in real-time, thanks to its battery-powered exercise display.
The recumbent bike comes with adjustable straps that hold your feet or hands securely when working out. With the Sunny Health bike, you can change the workout intensity in a matter of seconds, thanks to its 8 levels of magnetic tension.
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Features
- 2-in-1 design
- The indoor cycling bike features 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Carry handle
- Maximum user weight: 220 lbs
Pros
- The affordable exercise bike is easy to carry
- Easy to read display
- Non-slip pedal
- It comes with a digital monitor
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Loud knocking sound
Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable Exercise Bike
The Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Foldable exercycle comes with a durable construction that can accommodate large guys. It comes with 8 level magnetic tensions that give you a chance to choose a difficult and easy workout.
This exercycle has a large adjustable seat cushion that suits people of different sizes. With this exercise bike, you can easily monitor the calories burned, time, pulse, and distance, thanks to its 3.5-inch large LCD.
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Features
- 3.5″ LCD
- 3 workout goal settings
- Maximum user weight: 300 lbs
- 8 level magnetic tension
- Transportation wheels
- Alloy steel frame
- Padded handlebars
- Comfortable seat
- Lets you monitor your heart rate thanks to the Hand Pulse Sensors
- Accessory holder for holding smarrtphones, keys or any other accessories
Pros
- A foldable design for easier storage
- Easy to move the bike around thanks to the transportation wheels
- Quiet operation
- Large display
- Smooth and consistent pedaling motion
Cons
- Cheesy pedals
MaxKare Under Desk Exercise Bike 2 in 1
The MaxKare Under Desk Exercise Bike 2 in 1 comes with 3 ways to exercise and is very easy to use. It has 16 levels of adjustable resistance that give you a chance to achieve different fitness goals. This bike has a high-quality carrying handle that makes it easy to carry from room to room. It’s equipped with non-slip pedals that offer a smooth workout and low impact with enhanced comfort and stability throughout the workout process.
Features
- 16 levels of resistance
- LCD monitor
- Handle design
- Non-slip foot pedal
- 18.5 lbs weight
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Low noise
- It helps you achieve different fitness goals
- High stability
Cons
- Pedals are made for large feet
- Lacks a bottle holder
Conclusion
Although the best exercise bike under 200 will not have some fancy features like cloud sync, workout programs, among others, they are more than enough to keep you in good shape. Choose one from the list above and start your journey to fitness.