Indoor smart bikes in 2022 aren’t new for exercising. They’re just growing in popularity — partially because they’re smarter and internet-connected now and because of viral ads cemented all over Instagram from organizations.
Not to mention that various people have been practicing live classes online because of the pandemic. In addition, several people require the best indoor smart bikes in 2022 to support them sweat it out in the daylight before work.
While they may choose the design of the Peloton experience, it’s tough to stomach that hefty up-front price, the amount of the monthly subscription service, and the other limitations.
You understand that right — you have to buy separately from the bike itself. Luckily, there are other alternatives available, and they’re presented as efficiently as the Peloton.
Indoor Smart Bikes in 2022
Bowflex VeloCore
The VeloCore indoor cycling bike is a genuine Peloton alternative — especially if you get the model with the 22-inch screen, which brings your cost up to $2,199. If you’re interested in buying a competitor to Peloton and don’t care about saving money, VeloCore is the bike for you. What’s also interesting about the VeloCore is that it lets you lean side to side. The bike chassis can swing left and right, so if you hold that lean during a workout, you will feel it in your arms and abs. The bike itself has magnetic resistance and looks pretty premium, with pedals supporting regular and clip-in shoes. It also operates Bowflex’s JRNY software and service, allowing trainer-led and recorded virtual coach classes. There are beautiful virtual ride and streaming radio stations, too, plus the capability to sign in to streaming services like Hulu, Amazon, Netflix, and Disney+. JRNY even encourages syncing ride data with additional apps.
| PROS | CONS |
| Includes a leaning mode option, Large HD touchscreen up to 22″, Extensive library workouts included in the JRNY membership, 100 resistance levels | No live classes, Not much cheaper than the Peloton, especially with the 22″ screen, no pre-programmed workouts without the JRNY membership |
NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle
It holds a 14-inch HD touchscreen with iFit on-demand and experiences studio workouts and trainers who can check your machine’s drop, incline, and resistance in real-time. In addition, the bike itself highlights a mechanical shaft to affect the inclines and declines of real bike riding. The first year of iFit is free. After that, it requires $39 a month or $33 if prepaid annually. After that, however, It’s not needed.
| PROS | CONS |
| Automatic trainer control Robust library of workout options included with iFit Live workouts offered, Family membership options, Large 14-inch HD touchscreen One year free iFit membership | Price tag is only slightly lower than a Peloton After one year free, iFit costs $39 a month to continue No pre-programmed workout options (iFit required to access workouts) |
Sole SB700
Sole is a little distinctive but is the most inexpensive alternative on the list at $599.99. The Sole SB700 is not a sensible bike and has no app. However, it has a 300lb weight capacity and highlights a backlit-LCD display that shows your distance, speed, time, kCal, heart rate monitor, and more. It also has a media device holder if you want to use your tablet or phone to stream classes from Peloton’s app or iFit. And it has an adjustable seat, handlebars, pedals, and toe caps to make it a suitable ride for anyone. So, while Sole lacks a superior touchscreen, you can still get fit with it and track distinct metrics, all while protecting cash.
| PROS | CONS |
| Good for riders seeking a more straightforward experience with some metric-tracking, Great for riders seeking a budget-friendly option, Compact and great for small spaces | No touchscreen, No pre-programmed workouts, Not compatible with live training sessions, Lacks the robust features smart bikes include |
ProForm Studio Bike Pro
The next prospective bike is from the Studio Bike Pro from ProForm. It’s also the most affordable alternative. Spend $39 a month for an iFit subscription for three years, and the bike is yours for available. That serves your total cost to about $1,400. The bike itself comes with a 10-inch screen and allows access to live workouts where trainers can also check your resistance, but not your incline. The seat and handlebars are all adaptable, too. Honestly, this is probably one of the best benefits you can get for a Peloton-like cyclist encounter.
| PROS | CONS |
| iFit Coach Plus coaches offer exercise, nutrition, and sleep expertise, Lifetime frame warranty and three-year parts warranty, Live resistance control, 22 resistance levels | Smaller touchscreen console than some others, Handlebars are not padded and only move up and down, Additional fee for iFit Coach Plus after the first year |
Echelon Smart Connect EX3
We’re roaming a bit off from the Peloton at this point, but try to understand this: The Echelon Smart Connect EX3 is approximately $695 cheaper than the Peloton, and it still allows interactive workouts with certified trainers through your mobile device and the Echelon app. The fitness app works both live and on-demand classes for $40 a month or as low as $29.16 a month if you choose a two-year plan. There’s no screen attached to the bike’s front, but there is a convenient little spot on the handlebars for you to skate on a phone or a tablet.
| PROS | CONS |
| Live and on-demand classes offered with Echelon United membership, Great for riders on a budget, Compact and great for smaller spaces | Echelon United membership is required with the bike purchase, No screen, No pre-programmed workouts offered without the Echelon United membership |
The Myx II
Myx II is a real Peloton clone, as it highlights a 21.5-inch screen and innovative, in-house fitness programming. However, the Myx II runs just $1,399, which suggests it is cheaper. It also has reversible pedals (toe-cages on one team with shoe clips on the other), handlebar elevation and depth adjusters, and a monitor that can lean and pivot. NordicTrack’s S15i does too — but it takes $200 more and has a smaller screen.
| PROS | CONS |
| Customized heart rate training, Family membership options, Monthly MYX membership is cheaper than some others, Vast library of workouts included in MYX, Cheaper than a Peloton | No live classes No pre-programmed workout options (MYX membership is required to access) |