There’s no denying that inflation is making home gym equipment, and everything else, more expensive year after year. But no matter how hard the times get, we can count on three things: Arizona Iced Teas costing 99 cents, Costco’s hot dog and drink combo remaining at $1.50, and budget-friendly exercise bikes delivering high-intensity workouts without the high-intensity price tag. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best exercise bikes under $500 to show you that you don’t have to splurge on cardio equipment. Now to be honest, these bikes are kind of like the value meals on a fast food restaurant—there are better options out there, but they give you what you need and they help you stretch your hard-earned dollar.

We Won’t Pull Your Chain or Spin Bike Facts 

Garage Gym Reviews became a global leader in the home gym equipment industry by remaining truthful in our reviews, even when it might not be convenient. That’s because we’re home gym owners ourselves and we’d never recommend anything that we wouldn’t use. 

And as certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and competitive endurance athletes, we have years of experience of trying all types of exercise bikes—from those that cost under $500 to bikes that cost more than most people’s biweekly paychecks, and everything in between.  

Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 

• Best Overall: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Recumbent: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
• Best Adjustable: JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike
• Best Folding: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike
• Best Upright: Schwinn 130 Upright Bike
• Most Challenging: Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Trainer 
• Best Value: PYHIGH S7 Stationary Exercise Bike
• Best with Magnetic Resistance: Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best for Home Workouts: EFITMENT Pro Belt Drive Indoor Cycle Bike

Best Overall Exercise Bike Under $500: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Good for: Those looking for a reliable exercise bike at a good price 

Best Overall

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Affordable at around $300
• The bike is compact and easily portable
• Comes with caged pedals for extra grip
• Free replacement parts for a year

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable at around $300
• Bike is compact and easily portable
• Comes with caged pedals for extra grip
• Free replacement parts for a year

Cons

• Doesn’t have built-in dynamic programming or any smart features
• A lot of parts, from the device holder to the pedals, feel flimsy
• Some reviewers claim the bike has fallen apart in a matter of weeks

Bottom Line

A budget-friendly exercise bike that provides a good ride, but lacks long-term durability.

The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is, as the kids say, the Walmart version of the Peloton Bike. There are actually two versions of the bike: one with friction resistance and one with magnetic. Friction resistance is cheaper but will require routine maintenance, while magnetic is slightly more expensive (it’s still under $400) but is quieter and doesn’t require any touch-ups. 

I tested the friction resistance version, which was still pretty silent and smooth. I actually rode it while GGR founder Cooper Mitchell filmed a video nearby and the camera didn’t pick up any noise from the bike. That’s pretty impressive for a friction resistance bike, so I can only imagine what the magnetic version is like. 

I was also impressed by the bike’s stability, especially since I’m 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weigh around 220 pounds (the bike’s weight limit is 270 pounds). There was no wobble at the bike’s lightest and heaviest resistance, which is controlled by a micro-adjustable resistance knob. Oh, and if you’re wondering how someone like me fits on the bike, there’s a four-way adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars.

My one main concern with this bike is its lack of durability. There are many customer reviews stating that it falls apart after a few years, and I even noticed that the seat started to fall apart after only a few hours of riding it. 

There’s also no Bluetooth capability and the screen is a basic LCD monitor, but that’s going to be a common theme with many of these bikes. 

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Under $500: Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Good for: Anyone looking for a budget-friendly and low-impact exercise bike 

Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

GGR Score: Best Recumbent

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Product Highlights

• Under $300
• 300-lb weight capacity
• Comfortable seat
• Dual handlebars
• Highly adjustable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 300-lb weight capacity
• Transport wheels
• Dual handlebars
• Cushioned seat
• Under $300
• Adjustable components

Cons

• Batteries needed for display not included
• Lacks a bottle holder
• Short warranty

Bottom Line

This under $300 recumbent exercise bike may be a good choice for seniors, beginners, and anyone looking for a simple cardio machine.

At around $200, the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike might be one of the best deals on this roundup. It has a 300-pound weight capacity, is lightweight at 69 pounds, is stable during use, and has an easy-to-read LCD display. 

The recumbent design is perfect for senior citizens or those with lower-body injuries who want a bike that’s easily accessible, and it has an adjustable seat to allow people of multiple heights to feel comfortable while pedaling. 

We also like that it comes with eight levels of silent magnetic resistance, which is not only quieter than friction resistance but it means it’s less likely that you’ll have to do any maintenance. That does mean, however, that the resistance won’t be as challenging but recumbent exercise bikes are usually used for physical rehab and aren’t meant to recreate road bike conditions.  

There is a tablet holder for your iPad or laptop, but it doesn’t come with a water bottle holder or heart rate monitor. 

One difference between the Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike and more expensive models, like the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike, is that the backrest is not ventilated. This might cause your back to feel a bit sweaty if you’re on it for an extended period, but if that’s the worst thing about this bike then we can’t complain much. 

Check out our best recumbent exercise bike roundup for similar options.  

Best Adjustable Exercise Bike Under $500: JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike

Good for: Families or those who share home gyms with people of different sizes 

Best Adjustable

JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• 1 year of free replacement of all parts
• At-home stationary exercise bike
• Magnetic resistance for a quiet ride
• 35-lb flywheel
• Comes with an exercise mat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Emergency stop break
• Adjustable handles and seat
• Adjustable pedal straps
• Heavy, 35-lb flywheel makes for a stable ride
• Belt-drive system and magnetic flywheel are quiet
• 4 adjustment knobs to level the bike on all surfaces

Cons

• Assembly required
• No smart display monitor
• 280-lb weight limit

Bottom Line

The JOROTO X2 is an indoor stationary bike that comes with adjustable handles and pedal straps, as well as an adjustable seat, and pedal straps. It also has a magnetic resistance flywheel for a quiet ride and a tablet holder so you can stream workouts.

As previously mentioned, I’m 6 foot, 3 inches and most of my partners are usually a foot shorter than me so buying cardio equipment that works for both of us is a pain—that’s where the JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike comes into play. 

Bikes use something called “inseam” to give you an idea of who could fit on them, and that basically refers to how much leg room you have. It’s usually the distance between your groin and the pedals. 

“There are a lot of adjustments to dial in the bike to the size of the person,” says Coop, who tested out this bike and stands at 5 feet, 9 inches tall. “The adjustments are also pretty easy to make due to the handles that provide a lot of torque.”

The JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike has a minimum inseam of 27.5 inches and a maximum inseam of 36.2. There is also a four-way adjustable seat and four-way adjustable handlebars to make the ride as comfortable as possible. 

It does have magnetic resistance, which Coop says is challenging enough for “most,” and a heavy 35-pound flywheel. 

There are two versions of the JOROTO X2 Indoor Exercise Bike, and the more expensive one (which is still under $500) gives you Bluetooth connectivity and an anti-skid device holder. We tested out the cheaper version so we can’t speak to how well the Bluetooth works. 

Speaking of our test, read our full JOROTO X2 Indoor Cycling Bike review for our complete thoughts. 

Best Folding Exercise Bike Under $500: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike

Good for: People working out of apartments or compact home gyms 

Best Folding

Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike

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Product Highlights

• Foldable exercise bike
• 8 levels of magnetic resistance
• Large padded seat
• 300-lb user weight capacity
• Easy to assemble and move
• Short warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Priced at $130
• Foldable, compact, and portable
• Large, comfortable seat
• High weight capacity for its size
• Easily assembled

Cons

• One-year warranty
• Resistance may not be challenging enough for advanced exercisers

Bottom Line

This bike is a good option for casual exercisers or beginners who want to try cycling at home. It won’t provide much in the way of tech or high-intensity workouts, but if you just want to get on for an easy ride, this bike will deliver.

The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike is the type of exercise bike I used while living in a glorified closet in New York City. This 22-inch long, 20-inch wide, and 55.5-inch tall foldable exercise bike has an impressive 300-pound weight capacity, is sturdy while only weighing 39 pounds, and comes with eight levels of adjustable resistance. 

Oh, and it costs less than $150. 

As GGR Head of Content and expert product tester Kate Meier puts it, this is a no-frills bike. “You get what you pay for,” she says, “but it does have quite a bit to offer.” 

Kate found it to be quite sturdy for being such a lightweight bike, though it has a heavy-duty alloy steel frame. There is some plastic around the pedals, and a common complaint in the thousands of Amazon customer reviews is that the adjustable straps came apart easily. 

It’s also whisper-quiet and even comes with Bluetooth connectivity that you can use should you want to follow any iFIT or Peloton app workouts. 

And because it’s foldable, it can easily fit under a bed or in a closet for those who are dealing with compact workout spaces. 

While we were impressed with this bike, it should be noted that this is by no means for serious indoor cyclists. The resistance is challenging enough but it’s not meant for those who are looking for that Tour de France feeling in the comfort of their living room. 

If you’re simply looking for something to pedal on during lengthy business meetings or while watching TV, this will do the trick. 

Read our review of this bike for our complete thoughts. 

Best Upright Exercise Bike Under $500: Schwinn 130 Upright Bike

Good for: Those looking for a basic, upright exercise bike

Best Upright

Schwinn 130 Upright Bike

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Product Highlights

• 16 levels of resistance 
• Bluetooth heart rate-enabled
• Comes with 13 different workout programs or you can purchase a subscription to Explore the World and Zwift
• 13 on-board workout programs 
• 10-year frame warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with popular cycling apps Explore the World and Zwift
• Track metrics like speed, RPM, heart rate, calories, distance, and time
• Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate
• Option for at-home assembly for $129

Cons

• 300-lb weight limit
• Expensive price tag compared to other exercise bike options
• Seat has been described by some buyers as uncomfortable

Bottom Line

The Schwinn 130 upright bike provides a quiet ride and if you are willing to spend a little extra, Schwinn builds this bike to last giving it a 10-year warranty on the frame.

The Schwinn 130 Upright Bike is like the vanilla ice cream of exercise bikes in that it’s basic but it’s also really good—as in they used actual vanilla beans instead of imitation vanilla. 

This bike costs just around $500 and comes out to a little bit more than that after shipping and handling, but if you’re willing to stretch your budget just a little further, there’s a few reasons why it’s worth it. 

You get 13 preset workouts, magnetic resistance, and a bike with a 300-pound weight capacity. It’s also compact, weighing only 58.4 pounds and measuring 41.3 inches in length and 21.4 inches in width, though it’s not foldable. 

The adjustable seat has a 13-inch range, but the ergonomic handlebars are unfortunately set in place. The 5.5-inch LCD screen shows all your basic metrics—time, RPM, distance, pulse, speed, calories, heart rate, and resistance level—but be warned that it’s not backlit so it might be hard for some people to see everything.  

Customers said the bike gets the job done and while there’s some wobbling at higher speeds, most people agreed that it’s a durable exercise bike. 

While we haven’t personally tested this bike, our full Schwinn 130 Upright Bike review has all the information you need to know before making a decision. 

Most Challenging Exercise Bike Under $500: Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycling Trainer 

Good for: Serious indoor cyclists looking for an intense workout 

Most Challenging

Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Trainer

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Product Highlights

• 49-lb flywheel
• 275-lb user weight capacity
• Stable
• Feels like road bicycle
• Under $300

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Priced under $400
• 49-pound flywheel provides a smooth ride
• Hundreds of micro levels of resistance adjusted manually
• Four-way adjustable seat and two-way adjustable multi-grip handlebars
• Conveniences like water bottle holder and transportation wheels

Cons

• Leather pad resistance will eventually require maintenance
• No monitor or display at all
• No tech compatibility
• No preset workouts

Bottom Line

A budget-friendly exercise bike that provides a good amount of bang for not too much buck.

A common theme for many of the best exercise bikes under $500 is that they don’t produce challenging resistance, but that’s not the case with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Trainer. 

This bike comes with a heavy 49-pound flywheel, micro-adjustable friction resistance, and a quiet and smooth belt-driven system. The friction resistance does mean there’s going to be some maintenance required down the line, but Sunny Health and Fitness has expert customer service that can help you with what you need. 

The friction resistance, coupled with the belt-drive system, is also what makes this the most challenging exercise bikes on this list. The belt drive helps to reduce some of the noise created by the leather pad, and unlike a chain drive, won’t need to be cleaned or maintained. 

While the maximum user weight of 275 pounds is relatively low compared to other bikes, I didn’t experience any wobbling on it and I’m around 220 pounds. There’s also no special tech features, no monitor, or Bluetooth connectivity. 

On the bright side, the seat has four-way adjustability and the frame is made of high-quality steel. 

Interested in this brand? Check out our Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bike reviews for more options.  

Best Value Exercise Bike Under $500: PYHIGH S7 Stationary Exercise Bike 

Good for: Home gym owners looking for the best value on the market

Best Value

PYHIGH S7 Stationary Exercise Bike

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Product Highlights

• At-home stationary exercise bike
• Belt-driven technology makes for a quiet ride
• LCD monitor that tracks time, speed, and more
• Tablet holder
• 400-lb weight capacity
• Heavy 48-lb flywheel

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Capacity weight up to 400 lbs
• Adjustable handles and seat
• Adjustable pedal straps
• Heavy, 48-lb flywheel makes for a stable ride
• Integrated smart device holder plus LCD screen

Cons

• On the more expensive side
• You have to pay extra for assembly (but according to PYHIGH, assembly only takes 30 min to do yourself)
• Some customers complain of increased noise after long-term use
• Only an 18-month warranty
• No smart display

Bottom Line

The PYHIGH S7 is an indoor stationary bike made with a silent belt technology for a quiet ride. With a 400-pound weight capacity, adjustable seat and handles, and more this is a good option if you are looking for an indoor bike.

The PYHIGH S7 Stationary Exercise Bike is neither the cheapest nor most expensive bike on this list, but in our opinion, it has the best value of any model. It has an incredible user weight capacity of 400 pounds, a thick padded seat, can be used by people ranging from 4 feet, 5 inches tall to 6 feet, 5 inches tall, and has a 48-pound flywheel. 

While it uses friction resistance, you get a fairly quiet ride and there is an 18-month replacement part warranty. The friction resistance also makes this more challenging than budget-friendly exercise bikes that utilize magnetic resistance, though the latter requires less upkeep. 

Coop called the resistance “adequate,” which once again means it’ll get the job done for people who want a decent bike but more serious cyclists should consider investing more money in their cardio equipment. 

Coop was impressed with the bike’s stability—it weighs 90 pounds and is made with heavy-duty steel. “No issues doing the type of movements you see done in spin classes where people are standing off the saddles and essentially dancing on the bikes,” he says. “This thing will hold together.”

The LCD monitor tracks speed, time, pulse, calories burned, distance, and rotations per minute (RPM) but there’s no Bluetooth or WiFi capabilities. 

For a closer look into this bike, check out our full PYHIGH S7 Indoor Cycling Bike review. 

Best Exercise Bike Under $500 with Magnetic Resistance: Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike

Good for: People who want a magnetic resistance system on their exercise bikes

Magnetic Resistance

Pooboo D525DM Exercise Bike

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• At-home stationary exercise bike
• 1 year of free replacement of all parts
• Heavy-duty steel bike frame
• 35-lb flywheel
• 300-lb weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• LCD monitor tracks time, speed, and more
• Adjustable handles and seat
• Emergency resistance bar to stop the flywheel
• Hand pulse handle for heart rate tracking
• Integrated tablet holder

Cons

• Some reports of it arriving damaged
• Not for users under 4’ 9” or taller than 6’ 4”
• Some reviews state it broke within a year

Bottom Line

The Pooboo D525DM is an indoor stationary bike with a 35-pound flywheel for a smooth and stable ride. It comes with an adjustable non-slip handle, as well as a four-way adjustable padded seat and adjustable pedals.

The Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike isn’t the only bike on this list with a magnetic resistance system, but it had the best riding experience out of all the magnetic resistance bikes we tried out. 

“The magnetic resistance is unique,” Coops says. “It’s very quiet and smooth, but it can’t get as difficult as a bike that uses friction. Due to the magnetic resistance being employed, this is one of the quietest exercise bikes in an already pretty quiet category.”

High praise from a man who knows his cardio equipment, but don’t just take his word for it—this bike has more than 5,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. 

In addition to the magnetic resistance, the Pooboo uses a silent belt-drive system and a heavy flywheel to create a smooth ride. All of these factors combined should make this bike, which costs less than $300, last quite a while in your home gym. 

Additionally, it can be used by a large number of people thanks to the four-way adjustable seat and two-way adjustable handlebars. The company says it’s suitable for people from 4 feet, 9 inches tall all the way up to those who are 6 feet, 4 inches tall.  

Read our full Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike review for more of our thoughts on this bike. 

Best Exercise Bike Under $500 for Home Workouts: EFITMENT Pro Belt Drive Indoor Cycle Bike

Good for: Those who want a challenging home workout 

EFITMENT Pro Belt Drive Indoor Cycle Bike

EFITMENT Pro Belt Drive Indoor Cycle Bike

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Product Highlights

• Battery-powered at-home stationary exercise bike
• Belt drive resistance system
• LCD display monitor
• 48.5-lb flywheel

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wheels for easy transportation
• Less expensive than other options on the market
• Adjustable seat and handles
• Hand pulse sensors

Cons

• Assembly required
• 265 lbs maximum weight capacity
• Not very many customer reviews

Bottom Line

An LCD display screen, adjustable handlebars and seat, hand pulse sensors, and more make the EFITMENT Pro Belt Drive Indoor Cycle Bike a great piece of at-home exercise equipment if you are on a budget.

Although the EFITMENT Pro Belt Drive Indoor Cycle Bike doesn’t have WiFi to connect to cycling apps, we still chose it as the best exercise bike under $500 for home workouts for a number of reasons. 

Most notably, the 48.5-pound flywheel supports smooth cycling motions and creates more inertia (or energy) to propel the wheel forward. Coop liked the resistance on this one, though he said it could be light for more experienced riders, and added it could be a good pick for those living with roommates. 

“A very quiet bike,” he says, pointing out that this is due to the heavier flywheel. 

It also comes with hand pulse sensors, multi-adjustable seat and handlebars, and transport wheels for easy portability. 

One thing Coop had a problem with was the LCD monitor, which is not only small but hard to read for some. “It could be a bit difficult to see if you were out of the saddle or sitting back, but it was fine for my eyes,” Coop says. “That said, it, like most of these options, is a poor monitor and will not give much data.”

How We Picked and Tested the Best Exercise Bikes Under $500

The first step in picking and testing the best exercise bikes under $500 is to understand that these bikes will leave something to be desired in at least one category, if not more. The age-old saying “You get what you pay for is true,” and in this case means you’re either going to be without a monitor or have some stability issues. 

Once we accepted that fact, we took the following criteria into consideration. 

• Resistance: Is the resistance challenging enough for most home gym users? Does it use friction or magnetic resistance? 
• Value: How much does the bike offer the user? Is it similar to more expensive models? 
• Bike features: Does it have anything that separates it from the competition?
• Stability: Could we ride the bikes at high speeds without any wobbling and did we feel secure on the bikes?  
• Comfort: Are the seat and handlebars comfortable, and can they be adjusted? 
• Size: Could this fit in an apartment or compact home gym? Is it easily portable? 

Benefits of Exercise Bikes Under $500 

Wondering why you should pick an exercise bike that’s under $500? Here are a few reasons. 

Save Money

This sounds obvious, but one of the biggest benefits is that you’re not spending as much money as you would on a Peloton, Echelon bike, or NordicTrack S22i. Once again, you’re sacrificing some quality by picking a cheaper bike, but unless you’re an avid cyclist you’ll probably get what you need from one of our picks. 

RELATED: Black Friday Exercise Bike Deals

Compact

As a result of being less expensive, exercise bikes under $500 often take up less space than their more expensive counterparts (less material equals less manufacturing costs, and that means a more budget-friendly product for the consumer). 

Get Your Cardio In

Adults should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity cardio per week, according to the Centers For Disease Prevention And Control.¹ These exercise bikes are an easy way to meet that goal and burn calories, which can support weight loss goals. 

What to Look for in an Exercise Bike Under $500 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to decide which of our top picks is the best pick for you. 

• Size: Can it fit in your home gym? Is it foldable? 
• Value: Are you getting enough bang for your buck? 
• Resistance: Do you want challenging but high-maintenance friction resistance, or easy-going and durable magnetic resistance? 
• Seat and handlebars: Do they fit for your size? Can they be adjusted?
• Weight capacity: Cheaper bikes often have a lower weight capacity so be sure to check if this bike can support your weight. 

Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 FAQs

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines and Recommendation.

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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