The short answer: choose a recumbent bike if comfort, back support or joint-friendly riding matters most. Choose an upright bike for a simple, everyday ride that feels like a regular bicycle. Choose a spin (indoor cycling) bike if you want an intense, standing-and-sprinting workout or like following cycling classes. Choose an air bike if you want a full-body, high-intensity session. Browse all of our exercise bikes to compare.
Why choose a bike?
A bike is one of the easiest ways to get regular cardio at home. It is low-impact, often takes less room than other cardio machines and works for many fitness levels. Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity each week for adults 18 to 64 (see the guidelines), and a bike makes it easy to fit that in around work and family. If you have an injury or a health condition, check with your doctor before you start a new routine.
Exercise bike types at a glance
| Type | Riding position | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright bike | Seated, upright like a regular bike | Everyday cardio, beginners and families | A seat that is comfortable for you matters for longer rides |
| Spin (indoor cycle) bike | Leaning forward, can stand to pedal | Intense intervals, cycling classes and cyclists | The forward position takes some getting used to |
| Recumbent bike | Reclined, with a seat back and pedals out front | Comfort, back support and low-impact riding | Usually longer front to back than an upright bike |
| Air bike | Upright, with moving handles that work the arms too | Full-body, high-intensity intervals | Resistance rises the harder you push, so effort is up to you |
Upright exercise bikes
An upright bike has a seat and handlebars like a standard bicycle, with a natural, upright posture. They are a good all-round choice: easy to learn, usually compact, and often include a console with preset workouts. If you want something simple that anyone in the house can hop on, this is the place to start.
Spin (indoor cycling) bikes
Spin bikes are built for harder training. You can lean forward, stand up and sprint, and adjust resistance with a knob or a magnetic system. Look for a stable frame, a solid flywheel and a seat and handlebars that adjust in several directions. Some models include a tablet holder or Bluetooth so you can follow classes or connect to apps. See our full range of indoor cycles and spin bikes.
Recumbent bikes
A recumbent bike has a seat with a back and pedals out in front of you, so your weight is supported and your back is held in a comfortable position. They are a popular option for people who want low-impact cardio, are returning from injury (with their doctor's approval), or just prefer a more relaxed ride. They usually take more floor length than an upright bike, so measure first.
Air bikes
An air bike uses a large fan for resistance and moving handles that give your arms a workout too. The harder you push and pull, the more resistance you get, which makes it a favourite for short, intense interval sessions. It is a demanding machine, so it suits people who like to push themselves.
How to choose: five questions
1. How do you want to feel? Relaxed and supported points to a recumbent bike. Challenged and sweating points to a spin or air bike. Somewhere in between points to an upright.
2. Do you have back, hip or joint concerns? A recumbent bike's seat back and low-impact motion can be a more comfortable fit. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor which type is right for you.
3. How much room do you have? Measure the floor space and the ceiling height, especially if you plan to stand while riding. For example, the Keiser M3i is about 51 inches deep and 26 inches wide, the Assault Air Bike is about 51 by 23 inches, and the NordicTrack G LE Recumbent is about 67 by 23 inches. Our guide to building a home gym in a small space has more layout ideas.
4. Who will ride it, and what features do you want? Check the rated user weight and the seat and handlebar adjustments, especially if several people of different heights will share the bike. Then think about the console, Bluetooth and app connectivity, heart-rate monitoring, a tablet holder, pedals (straps or clip-in), and how many resistance levels you need.
5. Is it built to last? Check the frame, the flywheel or resistance system and the warranty, and compare light-commercial and commercial models if the bike will get a lot of use.
Bikes to start with
Here are five bikes from our range, covering spin, upright, recumbent and air bikes. Check each product page for current details, what is included and warranty information.
Spin bike: magnetic resistance, a 40 lb flywheel, SPD pedals, a tablet holder and a 350 lb user capacity, with a 5-year frame and 2-year parts warranty.
Spin bike: magnetic resistance, a Bluetooth console that shows cadence, power and heart rate, a four-way adjustable seat and handlebars, and a self-tensioning belt drive.
Upright bike: quiet magnetic resistance with 20 levels, 15 seat positions, two console options, and a lifetime frame warranty.
NordicTrack G LE Recumbent Bike
Recumbent bike: 26 levels of silent magnetic resistance, extra-wide pedals, Bluetooth audio, a USB-C port and iFIT-enabled workouts, with a 350 lb capacity.
Air bike: a 25 inch steel fan with unlimited air resistance, an LCD console with Tabata, interval, watts and heart-rate programs, and a 350 lb capacity.
Want more options? Browse all exercise bikes, indoor cycles and our full range of cardio equipment. If you are also weighing a treadmill, read our treadmill buying guide.
Try one before you buy
Comfort matters most on a bike, and it is hard to judge online. Spartan Fitness has showrooms across Canada where you can sit on a few models and get help matching one to your height, space and goals.
Bike buying checklist
- Do I want a relaxed, upright, forward-leaning or full-body ride?
- Have I measured the floor space and the ceiling height?
- Does the seat and handlebar adjust to everyone who will ride it?
- Is the rated user weight enough?
- Do I want Bluetooth, app connectivity or a tablet holder?
- Do I like the pedals, straps or clip-in?
- Have I checked the warranty?
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, a spin bike or an exercise bike? Neither is better for everyone. A spin bike suits harder intervals and a forward riding position, while an upright or recumbent exercise bike is usually more relaxed and comfortable for longer rides.
Is a recumbent bike good for your back? Many people find the seat back and supported position more comfortable. If you have back pain or an injury, ask your doctor which bike is right for you.
Can I lose weight on an exercise bike? Regular cycling can be part of a healthy routine, alongside strength training and balanced eating. Results depend on the whole picture, so talk to a health professional about your goals.
How much space does an exercise bike need? It depends on the type. Recumbent bikes are usually longer than upright and spin bikes, so check the dimensions on the product page and leave room to get on and off.
Do I need a bike with Bluetooth or an app? Not necessarily. It is helpful if you like classes or tracking, but a simple console works well for many riders.
Are spin bikes noisy? Models with magnetic resistance run quietly, which is a good fit for a condo or an apartment. Put a mat under the bike to protect floors and cut vibration.