I’ve had a stationary bike for a little over a year and there are few things I regret about it. It works well, It’s got interactive workouts and programs, and it runs smoothly. However, I was amazed to find out how much better of a deal I could’ve gotten on similar, highly rated bikes.
So, if you’re on the market for an affordable stationary bike, here are some great picks.
Why Choose a Stationary Bike?
Stationary bikes have long been a staple in home gyms and professional fitness centers alike. They offer a plethora of advantages for those keen on getting fit or maintaining their cardiovascular health.
- Low-Impact Exercise: Unlike running or jogging, cycling on a stationary bike reduces stress on the joints, particularly the knees, making it a good option for people of all ages and fitness levels.
- Convenience: Rain or shine, winter or summer, a stationary bike ensures that you can get your workout in without being affected by external conditions.
- Space-Efficient: Most stationary bikes, especially the upright and folding types, have a compact design which makes them ideal for apartments or homes with limited space.
- Calorie Burn: Cycling can burn a significant number of calories, aiding in weight loss and overall health.
- Customizable Workouts: With adjustable resistance and programmed workouts, stationary bikes cater to both beginners and advanced users.
Things to Consider When Purchasing
When you’re in the market for an affordable stationary bike under $400, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Type of Bike: There are mainly three types: upright, recumbent, and spinning. Upright bikes are the most traditional, recumbent bikes offer more back support, and spinning bikes are for intense workouts mimicking road cycling.
- Resistance Type: There are primarily two types – magnetic and flywheel. Magnetic resistance is quieter and generally requires less maintenance. Flywheel-based bikes simulate the feel of riding an outdoor bike.
- Adjustability: Look for bikes that allow you to adjust the seat height and handlebar position. This ensures a comfortable riding position and reduces the risk of strain or injury.
- Console & Features: Even on a budget, it’s great if the bike comes with a console that displays basic metrics like speed, distance, time, and calories burned. Some may also have heart rate sensors or preset workout programs.
- Weight Limit: Ensure the bike can support your weight. Most affordable bikes will have a weight limit ranging from 250 to 300 pounds.
- Stability: A good stationary bike should have a sturdy frame and should not wobble or shake during workouts.
- Size & Portability: If you have limited space, consider bikes that are compact or foldable. Some bikes also come with transport wheels for easy relocation.
- Warranty: Even for budget options, a decent warranty period (at least a year) on the frame and parts indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
Top Affordable Stationary Bikes Under $400
| Photo | Title | Price |
|---|---|---|
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YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary – Cycle Bike with Ipad Mount & Comfortable Seat Cushion | $319.99 |
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Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Heavy-Duty 49 LB Chrome Flywheel, Stationary Bike with Customizable Comfort with 275 LBS. Max Weight – SF-B1002 | $369.99 |
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DMASUN Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike, Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary, Cycle Bike with Comfortable Seat Cushion, Digital Display with Pulse | $229.98 |
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Exercise Bike Adjustable Resistance Cardio Workout Indoor Fitness Bike w/LCD Monitor Adjustable Seat Straps Foot Pads Home Office Fitness Training Workout | $279.99 |
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 270 lbs
- Resistance Type: Flywheel (35lbs)
- Size: 40″L x 22″ W x 45″ H
The YOSUDA Exercise Bike boasts a robust steel frame combined with a smooth, quiet belt transfer system, ensuring both durability and a peaceful workout experience. Its versatile design allows for significant adjustability, providing a tailored fit for users and a wide range of resistance levels for a diverse workout regime. With added features like an LCD monitor and an iPad bracket, users are promised both a thorough and enjoyable exercise session.
Top Features
- Smooth Cycling Experience: Built with a 35lbs flywheel and a heavy-duty steel frame, the bike ensures stability. Its belt-driven system offers a noiseless cycling session, ideal for home settings.
- Tailored for Comfort: With a 2-way adjustable non-slip handlebar and a 4-way padded seat (inseam height ranging from 25-35 inches), this bike is designed to cater to users’ comfort and specific needs. It’s well-suited for muscle workouts, weight loss, and cardiovascular enhancement.
- Informative LCD Monitor with iPad Mount: The provided LCD monitor keeps track of crucial metrics like time, speed, distance, calories, and odometer. The added iPad holder is a thoughtful touch, allowing users to combine entertainment with exercise.
- Safety First: Equipped with adjustable cage pedals to secure users during intense rides. The resistance bar acts as an instant brake for the flywheel, and an accessible water bottle holder ensures users stay hydrated. For added safety, sensitive parts are protected, making it child-friendly.
- Comprehensive Package: Along with the exercise bike, the package comes with all the necessary tools and detailed instructions. An online tutorial assists users in setting up the machine in under 30 minutes. Plus, a generous ONE YEAR free parts replacement guarantee is provided.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Resistance Type: Friction (Micro-adjustable leather resistance)
- Size: 19″D x 54″W x 44.8″H
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Exercise Bike offers an impeccable blend of durability, comfort, and authenticity, making it a standout option for home fitness enthusiasts. Its heavy-duty 49 lb flywheel ensures smooth cycling, while the belt drive mechanism provides a quiet workout experience. With customizable features and an ergonomic design, this bike promises a genuine road biking experience within the confines of your home.
Top Features
- Realistic Cycling Experience: The bike’s 49 lb flywheel, combined with its micro-adjustable leather resistance, offers a smooth and consistent cycling workout, closely mirroring real road biking.
- Designed for Comfort: With a high-quality non-slip handlebar and adjustable leather resistance, users are guaranteed reduced fatigue even in extended workout sessions. Furthermore, the 4-way adjustable seat and 2-way adjustable handlebar allow for personalized setups.
- Quiet & Smooth: The belt drive system ensures workouts are both quiet and smooth, minimizing distractions and promoting a focused exercise routine.
- Built to Last: A testament to its durability, the bike’s heavy-duty frame can support users weighing up to 275 lbs, making it a long-lasting addition to your home gym.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Size: 35.8″D x 19.7″W x 46″H
The DMASUN Indoor Cycling Bike, with its upgraded Pro Magnetic Resistance, stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, stability, and performance. Built from thick alloy steel, this bike promises durability and a smooth, quiet cycling experience, suitable for homes everywhere. Its innovative features, combined with the brand’s known reputation, make this exercise bike an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Top Features
- Brand Trustworthiness: DMASUN has cemented its place as a trusted professional sports brand, with its products serving millions of households across several countries.
- Robust Construction: With thicker alloy steel compared to other brands, this exercise bike ensures stability and durability. The bike has undergone multiple anti-drop tests, ensuring its integrity and safety.
- Quiet & Wide Range Resistance: The bike’s magnetic resistance system provides an extensive adjustment range, ensuring a seamless transition from the lowest to the highest resistance levels. The silent operation ensures minimal disturbance.
- Effective Workout Monitoring: The onboard digital display provides real-time feedback on your workout progress, including metrics like time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and even your heartbeat via hand-held pulse monitoring.
- User-Centric Details: Thoughtful additions like an iPad holder, water bottle cage, non-slip cage pedals, adjustable seat (four-ways) and handlebar (two-ways), transport wheels, and a level adjustment knob make the bike user-friendly.
- Customer Support & Assurance: DMASUN promises 12 months of free parts replacement. Any queries or issues are promptly addressed, and there’s also access to factory engineer videos for professional guidance, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Special Features: Digital Display, Ultra Quiet, Heavy Duty, Magnetic Resistance, Thickened Steel
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Size: 53.1″D x 23.6″W x 49.2″H
The Pooboo indoor cycling bike combines user-focused design with efficient workout capabilities. Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or an experienced cyclist, this bike offers a versatile and silent riding experience. The adjustable features prioritize comfort, while the monitoring system ensures you’re always in sync with your performance levels. Its blue hue adds a vibrant touch, making it not just a workout companion but also an attractive addition to your home gym.
Top Features
- Silent Magnetic Resistance: With its tension control system, users can adjust their workout’s intensity. The ergonomic resistance promises silent and smooth cycling sessions, making it perfect for home use.
- Personalized Adjustments: A 4-way adjustable seat and 2-way adjustable handlebar cater to diverse user requirements, ensuring an optimal riding posture.
- Safety First: Features like the emergency stop brake and handlebar-adjust tube bump underscore the bike’s focus on user safety.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: The multi-use holder is perfect for securing tablets, phones, or water bottles. Plus, the bike’s transportation wheels facilitate effortless movement across rooms.
- Comprehensive Digital Monitor: The LCD monitor provides real-time data on your workout, covering aspects like time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. With hand pulse capabilities, it’s never been easier to stay on top of your fitness game.
- Versatile Workout: The Pooboo bike supports a range of resistance levels, catering from beginners to professionals. It’s designed to help users burn fat, strengthen core muscles, and boost heart health, all while minimizing injury risks.
- Weight Capacity: 320 lbs
- Resistance Type: Friction
- Size: 40″D x 19.59″W x 47.2″H
The PSOS indoor cycling bike offers an optimal blend of performance, safety, and convenience. With its wool felt resistance system, users get the advantage of versatile speed control while enjoying a silent workout, ensuring minimal disturbances at home. Its robust steel construction, combined with protective cage pedals, emphasizes both safety and durability. The digital features, combined with a pad holder, ensure a motivating and enjoyable cycling experience.
Top Feature
- Smooth Cycling Experience: Uses a unique wool felt resistance system for broad speed control, ensuring quieter workouts without causing disturbances.
- Safety as a Priority: Constructed with high-quality steel to provide added strength. The cage pedals are designed to prevent injuries during high-speed cycling sessions.
- Interactive Digital Display: Comes with an LCD that provides real-time information on speed, time, calories burned, and odometer. The accompanying pad holder allows for entertainment, motivating users to exercise longer.
- User-friendly Resistance and Brake: A conveniently placed knob allows users to easily adjust resistance levels. This same knob doubles as an emergency stop, ensuring user safety during workouts.
- Effortless Assembly and Support: The bike’s design facilitates easy installation. PSOS is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction, offering support for any damages, missing parts, or other issues.
Plenty of Options
Yah, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get good workouts. If you’re looking for a great ride, you can’t go wrong with the bikes on this list.