A Guide To The 12 Best Peloton Alternative Indoor Cycling Bikes
Since you’ve found yourself here, we’re guessing you’re on the hunt for an exercise bike that will help you meet your fitness goals?
And we’d bet, during your search, you’ve come across a Peloton fitness bike.
For good reason, Peloton fitness bikes have exploded in popularity, selling over 400,000 exercise bikes and amassing more than 1 million subscription members.
Although, despite Peloton’s popularity, there might just be a more affordable or better suited indoor cycling bike for your fitness needs.
That’s where this guide comes in.
In this article, we’ll offer quick tips on what to look out for when buying an indoor exercise bike as well as detail the 12 best Peloton alternatives that may just better suit your fitness goals.
Exercise Bike buyer’s tips
Indoor cycling has become extremely popular. With COVID restrictions and lockdowns and gym closures, it’s understandable more people want to exercise from the comfort of their own home.
Cycling is also easier on the body than other high-intensity cardio workouts like running or martial arts.
Plus, indoor cycling bikes take up much less floor space than most other exercise machines.
With that said, what are some things we recommend you look out for when purchasing a quality exercise bike?
Let’s take a look.
Subscription Service
If you’re somebody who was embracing home workouts to save a little cash during these dark economic times, some exercise bike manufacturers’ monthly subscription services may leave you a little shocked. Here’s an idea of what some popular manufacturers are charging monthly:
- Peloton, $39 USD
- Myx Fitness, $29 USD
- Echelon, between $20 to $40 USD
These monthly subscriptions remain one of the gripes many athletes have with Peloton home exercise bikes. In fact, with any purchase of a Peloton exercise bike, the first year of membership is mandatory, adding a further $468 USD to the initial purchase price.
And if after the first year you decide to ditch the membership, you’ll lose the ability to track data such as speed and distance.
But not only that, if you are somebody who enjoys using Peloton’s digital app, there are actually products now on the market that allow athletes to use the app with differently branded exercise bikes.
For instance, Keiser stocks a product called the M Series Converter, a Bluetooth wireless product that works with their M3i and M5i models. The M Series Converter itself is a small device that simply attaches to the backside of the M3i and M5i’s media holder. Simply position the unit, allow it to connect to your M3i or M5i, and bingo. Access to a ton of different road cycling apps, including Peloton’s digital app.
LCD Monitor
Without a doubt, one of the best features of a Peloton bike is it’s integrated 21-inch HD touchscreen. And Peloton isn’t alone in this, many other fitness bike manufacturers also supply an integrated or built-in screen.
Which, of course, is a very cool feature.
An LCD monitor allows athletes to track their riding efforts, participate in virtual spin classes, and even take on famous cycling circuits from around the world.
Although, not all fitness bike manufacturers come with an LCD monitor and instead allow their customers to make their own display choices. This is typically facilitated by an integrated mount that houses either a laptop or tablet, which then connects to the bike through a cycling app via Bluetooth.
Why opt for this?
Well, there are a couple of advantages.
For one, most people already own a tablet or laptop. This will bring down the initial cost of an exercise bike. And second, if you enjoy watching Netflix, like reading an ebook, or have a favorite YouTube spin class, a laptop or tablet, unlike some integrated fitness bike screens, will allow you to access all of this and more.
Must-Have Features
One last consideration to make before purchasing an indoor stationary bike is whether or not you need the latest and greatest features.
Many times, athletes will purchase a piece of fitness equipment possessing features that they simply never use. This just adds extra costs that aren’t really that necessary.
To avoid this, ask yourself how often are you really going to use an exercise bike? What features are essential for reaching your fitness goals? And could you cut down on a few to make an exercise bike more affordable?
If answered honestly, these questions will likely save you money.
The 12 Best Peloton Alternative Indoor Cycling Bikes
Here is our list of the 12 best Peloton alternatives that we both know and love.
Keiser Indoor Cycling Bikes
1. Keiser M3i Indoor Bike
| Resistance Type | Silent magnetic |
| Dimensions | L 1143mm (45″) x W 660mm (26″) x H 1245mm (49″) |
| Unit weight | 85lbs/38.5kg |
| Maximum user weight | 300lbs/150kg |
| Fitness App | Keiser app and Peloton’s digital app |
| Build material | Stainless steel hardware |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Wearable Parts: 6 months |
Keiser’s M3i Indoor exercise bike is a popular choice for both commercial gym use and home exercise. It’s lightweight, portable, and basically maintenance-free. Emulating the M3, the M3i’s predecessor, the M3i uses a v-shaped frame, a quiet magnetic resistance system, and Poly-V Belt.
The M3i features advanced butterfly style handlebars, allowing for a greater range of comfortable hand positions. The M3i’s handlebars not only have vertical adjustment but also fore-aft independent adjustments. In comparison, the M3 only allows for vertical adjustments.
The second-largest difference between the two is the digital console upgrades. The M3 and M3i both track RPM, generated pedal watts, heart rate, gears, distance, and time. Although the M3i’s digital console also allows a connection between the bike and smart devices, like laptops and tablets, via Bluetooth.
The Keiser M3i’s’ features include:
- A v-shaped frame, accommodating athletes of all shapes and sizes
- A silent magnetic resistance system for smooth and quiet workouts
- 24 levels of resistance
- Transit wheels to allow the unit to be moved about with ease
- A self-tensioning, low maintenance Poly-V Belt Drive
- Two-way adjustable handlebars
- Bluetooth connectivity to smart devices
- Compatible with the M Series Converter. A device that allows integration with a range of different road cycling app, including Peloton’s digital app
- Re-designed Keiser cage pedals
2. Keiser M3 Indoor Bike
| Resistance Type | Silent magnetic |
| Dimensions | L 1143mm (45″) x W 660mm (26″) x H 1245mm (49″) |
| Unit weight | 87lbs/40 kg |
| Maximum user weight | 300lbs/150kg |
| Fitness App | Keiser app |
| Build material | Commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Wearable Parts: 6 months |
The M3, the predecessor of the M3i. Take the Keiser team’s best innovations and condense everything into a beautifully minimalistic yet functional exercise bike.
The M3 is another great option for both home or commercial use. It’s lightweight, durable, affordable, and comes with Keiser’s comprehensive warranty policy. The bike features magnetic resistance, 24 levels of resistance, a self-tensioning Poly-V Belt Drive, commercial-grade pedals, a portable design, and a comprehensive warranty.
The Keiser M3’s features include:
- A v-shaped frame, accommodating athletes of all shapes and sizes
- A silent magnetic resistance system for smooth and quiet workouts
- 24 levels of resistance
- Transit wheels to allow the unit to be moved about with ease
- A self-tensioning, low maintenance Poly-V Belt Drive
- A four-way adjustable seat
- Vertically adjustable handlebars
- Water bottle holder
3. Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer
| Resistance Type | Silent magnetic |
| Dimensions | L 1320mm (52″) x W 737mm (29″) x H 1219mm (48″) |
| Unit weight | 110lbs/50kg |
| Maximum user weight | 300lbs/150kg |
| Fitness App | Keiser app |
| Build material | Commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | No |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Wearable Parts: 6 months |
The Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer is an innovative redesign of the Keiser M3i Indoor Bike. Most features you’ll find on the M3i Total Body Trainer are the same. The quiet magnetic resistance system is here, the same low-maintenance v-belt, and you’ll also find the reworked Keiser cage pedals.
The main difference between the Body Trainer and the original M3i Indoor Bike is, instead of stationary handlebars, it is equipped with a pair of moving elliptical arms.
The Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer’s features include:
- A v-shaped frame, accommodating athletes of all shapes and sizes
- A silent magnetic resistance system for smooth and quiet workouts
- Transit wheels to allow the unit to be moved about with ease
- A self-tensioning, low maintenance Poly-V Belt Drive
- Four-way adjustable seat
- 24 levels of resistance
- Bottle holder
- Bluetooth connectivity with smart devices
Stages Indoor Bikes
4. Stages SC1 Indoor Cycle
| Resistance Type | Magnetic Eddy current |
| Dimensions | L 990mm (39″) x W 510mm (20″) |
| Unit weight | 114lbs/51.5kg |
| Maximum user weight | 350lbs/159kg |
| Fitness App | Stages Flight app |
| Build material | Chrome-moly steel and mandrel-formed steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Carbon belt: 10 years, Mechanical system: 3 years, Labor and electrics: 1 year, Wearable Parts: 6 months |
The Stages SC1 is a beginner level indoor cycling bike that has been designed to emulate the smooth feel of a bike circuit training facility.
The SC1 has been ergonomically designed and is simple yet very effective in design. Its high-inertia flywheel, SPD and toe cage pedals, and 5:1 gear ratio, all make the SC1 one of the more affordable yet well-engineered indoor bikes on this list.
The Stages SC1’s features include:
- Stage’s 10-year warranty backed Patented Carbon Drive fiber belt
- Fore aft adjustments
- Smooth 5:1 gear ratio
- Magnetic Eddy current resistance system
- An easy-to-use digital console that tracks burned calories, generates watts, RPM, average speed, heart rate, time, and distance
- SPD cleats and toe cage
5. Stages SC2 Indoor Cycle
| Resistance Type | Fiber belts |
| Dimensions | L 1245mm (49″) x W 620mm (24.5″) |
| Unit weight | 95lbs/43kg |
| Maximum user weight | 350lbs/159kg |
| Fitness App | Stages Flight app |
| Build material | Aluminum alloy and stainless steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Carbon belt: 10 years, Mechanical system: 3 years, Labor and electrics: 1 year, Wearable Parts: 6 months |
The Stages SC2 has been designed and built to emulate real-world bicycle feel and performance. The SC2 features a patented CarbonGlyde drivetrain, a super-quiet magnetic resistance system, plus a beautifully industrial power coated finished aluminum alloy frame.
The SC2 also features the Stage’s Sprint Shift. A feature that allows athletes to instantly make large adjustments to resistance levels with a quick shift of a lever. This is a great addition for athletes that enjoy HIIT and interval training workouts.
The Stages SC2 Indoor Cycle’s features include:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Industrial powder coated finished aluminum alloy
- Stage’s 10-year warranty backed Patented Carbon Drive fiber belt
- Magnetic Eddy current with the patented SprintShift resistance lever
- Adjustable padded seat
- Patented fore-aft adjustment
- SPD cleats and toe cage
6. Stages SC3 Indoor Cycle
| Resistance Type | Fiber belts |
| Dimensions | L 1105mm (43.5″) x W 620mm (24.5″) |
| Unit weight | 96lbs/43kg |
| Maximum user weight | 350lbs/159kg |
| Fitness App | Stages Flight app |
| Build material | Aluminum alloy and stainless steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Carbon belt: 10 years, Mechanical system: 3 years, Labor and electrics: 1 year, Wearable Parts: 6 months |
The Stages SC3 Indoor Cycle bike takes all the best features from the SC1 and SC2 and takes it to the next level. Of course, not only is the patented CarbonGlyde here but also theStagesFit for aft adjustments, and SprintShift has all come across from previous models.
Along with that, the SC3 also possesses SIC2 EcoSCRN. The EcoSCRN is a digital console that runs on power generated by the rider, this means no console batteries are required.
The Stages SC3’s features include:
- No lubrication, maintenance, or costs for the Poly-V Belt Drive
- Industrial powder coated finished aluminum alloy
- Stage’s 10-year warranty backed Patented Carbon Drive fiber belt
- Magnetic Eddy current with the patented SprintShift resistance lever
- Adjustable padded seat
- Patented fore-aft adjustment
- SPD cleats and toe cage
- Comprehensive warranties on all components
Tacx Indoor Bikes
Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer
| Resistance Type | Neodymium magnets |
| Dimensions | L 1390mm (55″) x W 750mm (29.5″) x H 1170mm (46″) |
| Unit weight | 110lbs/50kg |
| Maximum user weight | 300lbs/150kg |
| Fitness App | Tacx Training app |
| Build material | Commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
The Tacx Neo is sure to give indoor cycling enthusiasts an experience like no other. The Tacx Neo Smart Bike possesses unique features like road feel, gear feel, virtual gears, air fans, and downhill drive, giving a fully immersive and extremely realistic cycling experience.
The Tacx Neo is also super quiet, has an easy-to-use and intuitive integrated digital display, plus all those essential extras like a phone and tablet holder.
The Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer’s features include:
- Integrated and interactive handlebar-mounted air fan that adjusts with an athlete’s speed, power, and heart rate
- Gear feel feature emulates the feeling of changing gears out on the road
- Virtual shifting allows riders to quickly and easily change gear ratios through the bike’s digital console
- Virtually cycling downhill will trigger a or that will speed up and ease pedaling, simulating the feeling of a descent on the road
- Riders can perfect their pedal stroke technique with the Tacx Neo’s built-in stroke analysis tool
NOHrD Exercise Bike
8. NOHrD Luxury Indoor Exercise Bike
| Resistance Type | Magnetic brake |
| Dimensions | L 1130mm (44.5″) x W 600mm (24″) x H 1170mm (46″) |
| Unit weight | 132lbs/60 kg |
| Maximum user weight | 440lbs/200kg |
| Fitness App | NOHrD app |
| Build material | Ash wood and commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | No |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty on all parts, 2 years if the warranty is registered within the first year after purchase |
The NOHrD Luxury Indoor Exercise Bike couples innovation with style to bring athletes a unique cycling experience. The use of high-quality components, steel frame, and solid wood, make this exercise bike extremely durable, very easy to use, and suitable for both home and commercial use.
The NOHrD offers a wide range of resistance levels and a quiet and smooth operation. It’s wear-free magnetic brake and innovative gear unit make indoor cycling an absolute pleasure.
The NOHrD Luxury Indoor Exercise Bike’s features include:
- Planetary gear unit has an 8:1 ratio
- Adjustable saddle bar extension
- Hybrid pedals suitable with both flat shoes or cleats
- Universal saddle bracket allows for use of any bicycle seat
- Lightweight and portable design with transit wheels to make moving the unit a breeze
SPortsArt Indoor Cycles
9. SportsArt C535U Upright Bike
| Resistance Type | Self-generating eddy current |
| Dimensions | L 1155mm (45.5″) x W 580mm (23″) x H 1430mm (56″) |
| Unit weight | 125lbs/57kg |
| Maximum user weight | 400lbs/1820kg |
| Fitness App | SA Well+ |
| Build material | Commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 5 years, Wearable Parts: 5 years, 6/12volt battery: 2 years, Labor: 3 years, High wearable items: 90 days (no labor) |
The SportsArt C535U comes in a heavy-duty design making it perfect for commercial use or frequent home workout purposes. The C535U’s resistance system is self-generating, requiring no outside power source.
It features an upright heavy-duty steel frame, 4-way adjustable seat, and self-powering digital console that tracks and measures calories burned, RPM, resistance level, time, distance, speed, and generated watts.
The SportsArt C535U Upright Bike’s features include:
- Self-generating power
- 4-way adjustable seat
- 40-level resistance system
- Weighted and strapped pedals
- Comprehensive warranty policy
10. SportsArt G510 Status ECO-POWR Bike
| Resistance Type | Poly v-belt |
| Dimensions | L 1130mm (45″) x W 650mm (26″) x H 1360mm (53.5″) |
| Unit weight | 141lbs/64kg |
| Maximum user weight | 350lbs/159kg |
| Fitness App | SA Well+ |
| Build material | Commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 5 years, Wearable Parts: 5 years, Labor and elctrical: 2 years, High wearable items: 90 days (no labor) |
Just like the SportsArt C535U, the SportsArt G510 Status ECO-POWR is a self-generating powered indoor cycling bike.
It has a super-quiet Poly-V Belt Drive system with an easy to access resistance level adjustment knob, an emergency stop button for those just-in-case moments, and a transmitter belt for easy monitoring of an athlete’s heart rate.
The SportsArt G510 Status ECO-POWR Bike’s features include:
- Patented ECO-POWR integrated inverter
- Electronic resistance system with an easy control knob
- Near-silent Poly-V Belt Drive system
- Fore and aft adjustment on seat and handlebars
- Dual USB charging port
- Heart rate monitor transmitter belt
11. SportsArt C530 Indoor Bike
| Resistance Type | Poly v-belt |
| Dimensions | L 1240mm (49″) x W 570mm (22″) x H 1140mm (45″) |
| Unit weight | 130lbs/59kg |
| Maximum user weight | 350lbs/159kg |
| Fitness App | SA Well+ |
| Build material | Commercial-grade steel |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 5 years, Wearable Parts: 5 years, Labor and elctrical: 2 years, High wearable items: 90 days (no labor) |
The C530 is another great exercise bike from SportsArt. It features a super stylish and sleek-looking rear fly-wheel design, powered by a zero-friction magnetic braking system, and, like many of SportsArt’s bikes, is self-generating.
The C530 also features a large digital console that displays multiple data metrics like RPM, generated watts, distance, time, and resistance level.
The SportsArt C530 Indoor Bike’s features include:
- Quiet, zero-friction magnetic braking
- Self-generating resistance system
- 5:1 gear ratio
- Dual-sided SPD pedals
Spirit Fitness Indoor Cycle
12. Spirit Fitness CIC800 Indoor Cycle
| Resistance Type | Industrial Grade Hutchinson Poly-V Belt |
| Dimensions | L 1067mm (42″) x W 533mm (21″) x H 1040mm (41″) |
| Unit weight | 126lbs/57kg |
| Maximum user weight | 350lbs/159kg |
| Fitness App | NA |
| Build material | High Strength Steel with Durable Powder Coat Paint |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Transit wheels | Yes |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Adjustable handlebars | Yes |
| Warranty | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 3 years, Labor: 1 year |
The Spirit Fitness CIC800 is a durable, comfortable, and performance-based indoor cycling bike that will meet just about any home use or recreation center.
The CIC800’s flywheel axle and industrial grade Hutchinson Poly-V Belt Drive make this indoor bike almost cloud-like to pedal. It also features adjustable handlebars, an adjustable seat, and comes with an SPD dual pedal design.
The Spirit Fitness CIC800 Indoor Cycle’s features include:
- Magnetic resistance system for a smooth and consistent pedaling-feel
- Commercial grade Hutchinson Poly-V Belt system
- Dual pedal SPD cleat and toe-clip design
Final Thoughts
When it comes to indoor exercise bikes, don’t feel limited to just one brand or model.
There are a ton of awesome options and a heap of Peloton alternatives out there that are sure to meet even the most hardcore spin bike enthusiast.
Plus, there’s no need to spend a pile of cash on monthly subscriptions or fitness apps. In fact, there are so many free online spin classes now online, a unit that can connect to a smart device will surely keep any athlete super happy.
Remember, don’t just settle for what many other people are riding. It’s best to weigh your options and find an indoor exercise that specifically suits your fitness needs.