Best Exercise Bikes in Canada – Reviews + Comparisons
In a year where working out in our own homes has become a new normal for people, exercise bikes have remained one of the most popular pieces of home fitness equipment on the market. Simple to use and easy to set up anywhere in your home, exercise bikes provide a full body workout to users no matter what their fitness levels are. Whether you are a beginner who is trying to start the year right or an experienced cyclist who wants to continue to cycle through the winter months, a home exercise bike is the perfect piece of home fitness equipment to help you accomplish all of your fitness goals.
Exercise bikes have come a long way over the years, as the newest models come equipped with cutting-edge technology that helps you connect with your mobile device as you workout. What’s more, there are so many different types of exercise bikes on the market, you are definitely going to have to do some research and that’s why we are here to help you decide which type of bike is right for you. Whether you want the ergonomic support and comfort of a recumbent bike or need the space-saving design of a foldable exercise bike, we’ll give you the rundown on each different type of exercise bike so that you can determine which one meets all of your fitness needs. Keep reading to see our reviews for the best exercise bikes in Canada!
Best Exercise Bikes For Home In Canada
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike
You know with a Schwinn home fitness machine you are going to get high quality with smoother operation and a premium feel and the Schwinn 270 is no exception. The Schwinn 270 comes with a sleek, ergonomic design that helps users feel comfortable and stable, while seated on a fully ventilated and contoured, padded seat. Since a recumbent bike has the user in a seated position without relying on the handlebars like on classic exercise bikes, a comfortable seat with stable position is crucial to long-term use of the bike.
The Schwinn 270 recumbent exercise bike comes with a smooth high inertia flywheel that ensures a quiet workout that won’t bother your neighbors. It offers an impressive 25 levels of resistance which gives users an incredibly diverse range of workout options which is great for people who like to be challenged. The Schwinn 270 frame is constructed of solid steel and provides a strong, stable base that allows it to have a manufacturer’s maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
If you like technology integrated into your fitness machines, the Schwinn 270 definitely has you covered. The fully loaded Dualtrack blue backlit LCD console has 29 preset programs for users to try, as well as speakers, a media tray, and a USB charging port for any of your mobile devices. The Schwinn 270 also comes with full Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect a smartphone or tablet or even a virtual reality headset to enhance your exercise experience. You can sync your stats and workout progress with any of the most popular fitness apps, as well as using the Explore the World App which takes you to exotic destinations as you cycle.
The Schwinn 270 measures in at 162.6 cm L x 70.4 cm W x 126.7 cm H and weighs in at a very reasonable and light 86.6 lbs or 39.3 kg. Without taking up much room in your home, the Schwinn 270 makes for an excellent option for those who live in smaller living spaces like an apartment or basement.
Conclusion:
It does not get much better than Schwinn for home fitness machines and the Schwinn 270 provides you with everything you could possibly want in a home recumbent exercise bike in Canada. It is light and compact, yet made with solid steel and feels sturdy even during intense workouts. The technology is top notch and offers tech savvy users a fully integrated, connected experience. The price point may be the one place where people hesitate, but it is a high quality product so a higher price tag can reasonably be expected.
Pros:
- Great, compact size makes it suitable for all living situations
- Amazing technology connectivity including Bluetooth
- Smooth and quiet flywheel gives users an incredible workout experience
Cons:
- The price is on the higher side
Nautilus U616 Upright Bike
If space is an issue for you then you may want to consider an upright bike model in Canada, which has a small footprint but provides just as good of a workout experience. The Nautilus U616 is one of the highest-rated upright exercise bikes in Canada and is built upon a solid steel foundation that helps users feel stable despite the smaller base. The unique upright design is perfect for users of any size and shape, and still has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. Measuring at only 104.1 cm L x 31.7 cm W x 57.1 cm H, and 76 total lbs or 34.5 kg, the Nautilus U616 is compact with a sleek design that will fit nearly anywhere in your home.
The Nautilus U616 comes equipped with a high speed, high inertia drive system that has a smooth and quiet perimeter flywheel. With the pedals positioned directly below the user, rather than out front like a recumbent exercise bike, you can really begin to feel the difference when switching through the impressive 25 levels of resistance that guarantees to challenge the user as they progress.
Like many high-end fitness machines, the Nautilus U616 comes with all of the bells and whistles for technology and is a fully connected machine. It has full Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync your fitness progress with the Nautilus Trainer 2 App, or any of the other popular fitness tracking apps.
The RideSocial app even allows you to ride alongside your friends in a virtual world that is connected to other machines in real-time. The Dualtrack LCD display comes with 29 preset workout programs, and also comes with useful accessories like a media shelf, a USB charge port, and an MP3 input.
Conclusion:
Another high quality brand, Nautilus is one of the industry leaders in the home exercise bike market in Canada. The upright exercise bike is a compact model with a nice sleek, ergonomic design that helps fit in any living situation. The technology and connected apps add another level of quality to the Nautilus U616 and the RideSocial app brings friends together to encourage each other’s workouts. The price tag may be steep for some, but the Nautilus brand comes with a guarantee of high performance and that usually comes with a higher price.
Pros:
- Sleek, upright design ensures a comfortable workout without taking up space
- Great technology and connectivity options including Bluetooth and RideSocial
- 25 levels of resistance and 29 preset programs ensure users will never get bored
Cons:
- A steeper price tag for some
- The upright feeling may not be for everyone
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Spinning Bike
You have all heard of people who enjoy spin class, well you can have an indoor cycle spinning bike right in the comfort of your own home! The Keiser M3i spin bike replicates the sensation of riding a real bicycle outside and allows users to get an intense workout by standing fully upright and pedalling with full force. These are definitely not for everyone though as seniors or people with chronic mobility issues may not enjoy the intensity of the indoor cycle spinning bike type.
When you first look at the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Spinning bike you may not even realize it is a home exercise bike. With the wheels positioned on the rear of the machine, the Keiser M3i certainly has a very unique and innovative design. There is a reasoning behind it though as this type of home exercise bike is intended for users to lean forwards above the handlebars, imitating an intense and realistic cycling experience. The position of the wheels protects them from sweat dripping down which could eventually cause corrosion or rust.
The Keiser M3i comes with all of the tech features you have come to expect in a premium home exercise bike. A full Bluetooth wireless signal for tablets and smartphones helps you stay connected to your mobile device when you workout. The actual LCD console is fairly simplistic so users who want to be entertained must connect a device and use the media rack that is built into the console.
The footprint of the Keiser M3i exercise bike is fairly long, so you will need to dedicate a place in your home for the machine. Luckily, at just 38.56 kg, the New Keiser M3i bike is easy to move around. It measures in at 125 cm L x 66 cm W x 114 cm H, so it does have a wider base than compact styles like the upright exercise bike, but the wider base is necessary as users need the stability to engage in higher intensity workouts.
Conclusion:
The New Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Spinning Bike is a premium model for sure and the high price tag reflects that. While people who enjoy intense workouts and spin classes will love the performance, people who just want a casual home exercise bike will most likely pass on the M3i. It has great connectivity but you definitely will need to bring your own device as the console is quite basic.
Pros:
Great innovative design that provides a high intensity workout for users
Full connectivity through Bluetooth
Lightweight and easy to move around your home
Cons:
A very high price tag for a premium machine
Usability is not for everybody
Assault AirBike Elite Exercise Bike
If you have never heard of an air bike you are definitely not alone. This is one of the more uncommon styles of home exercise bikes and we can tell you from the start, it is definitely not for everyone. They are called air bikes because of the giant air resistance wheel that is positioned at the front of the machine, that looks like an industrial sized fan. The one complaint that any air bike will receive is of how much noise they make because of the wheel. These bikes do not rely on a magnetic flywheel, and the air resistance wheel is the loudest amongst all home exercise bikes.
One of the best air bikes in Canada, the Assault Elite AirBike is built on a solid steel frame with a very large supportive seat, although a common criticism of this model is that the seat is slippery and not comfortable. The unique feature of the Assault Elite AirBike is that it comes with a set of mobile handlebars very much akin to an elliptical machine. These mobile handlebars provide you with a full upper body and lower body workout.
The Assault Elite AirBike is a fairly large machine too as it tips the scales at 138.89 lbs, or 63 kg. The footprint measures 141.73 cm L, 66.7 cm W, and 139.7 cm H, and supports a manufacturer’s suggested maximum weight of 350 lbs and a maximum height recommendation of 7 feet tall.
There is a basic LCD console that comes equipped with the Assault Elite AirBike but do not expect to find any of the added technology features that you may find on other high-end home exercise bikes. The console requires 2 AA batteries to operate as well, so make sure you always have some lying around. The resistance system is not electronic and is built in, so the faster you pedal, the more resistance it makes. Finally, the console is simple but it does come with Bluetooth and Ant technology in case you want to connect a mobile device.
Conclusion:
An interesting choice in the home exercise bike market, and one that is definitely not for everyone. The large air resistance wheel is the loudest amongst all home exercise bikes and also adds weight to the machine, making it one of the heavier options. The benefit of an air bike is the mobile handlebars which create the opportunity to workout your upper body and lower body at the same time. The price tag is average, but for the minimal technology you get, most people may pass on this machine.
Pros:
- Unique design allows you to workout the upper body and lower body at the same time
- Bluetooth and Ant technology allows you to connect your device
Cons:
- Loud, loud, loud. The air resistance wheel creates a ton of noise.
- High price tag for minimal functions and technology
Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631
A variation on the recumbent style exercise bike, the fitness recumbent bike allows users to workout their arms and legs at the same time. It is a nice low-impact option that does give users a lot of variation in their workout regiment. The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike is an excellent entry-level model that is suitable for people of all fitness levels, including seniors or people recovering from injuries. The workout is low intensity and is an easy way to get a full body workout from a sitting position.
The Sunny Health and Fitness bike is constructed from solid industrial steel and has a manufacturer’s maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. The machine itself measures at 129.54 cm L x 63.5 cm W x 133.35 cm H, and weighs in at a surprisingly light 40.6 kg. The Sunny Health and Fitness bike comes with built in transportation wheels to help make it easy to move the machine around the house, and a large, comfortable seat and back cushion to help make the recumbent position easy on your body.
The Sunny Health and Fitness bike comes equipped with eight resistance levels, which may not end up being enough for more experienced users. The tension is controlled by a magnetic tension control system, giving users full control over the variety of their workouts. There is an adjustable inseam height that has a range of 58.5 cm to a maximum height of 84 cm.
You won’t find much technology on the Sunny Health and Fitness Recumbent bike as it comes with an extremely minimal console that requires two AA batteries to operate. Other than that, there is no Bluetooth connectivity or integrated apps for your mobile device that you can use to track your workouts. This model is truly an entry-level one and users should not be surprised to see that there are not many features or accessories that you would find on premium models.
Conclusion:
The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike is an excellent choice for casual users or seniors who just need to get a light, low intensity workout every day. There is definitely a benefit to being able to work out your arms at the same time you are pedaling an exercise bike, but the routine and style is not going to be for everyone. The size of the machine is fairly average and the lack of technology makes this an entry level model that may appeal to the bargain hunters out there.
Pros:
- Low price tag makes it appealing to some users
- Low impact and low-intensity workout is great for some
Cons:
- A lack of any sort of technology may not be popular in the current market
- The low-intensity workout is definitely not for everyone
FitDesk FDX 3.0 Desk Exercise Bike
Now here is a very interesting choice for those who are lacking in space or time to get a true workout in. Enter the FitDesk exercise bike which doubles as a workstation and a workout station. The quiet, twin belt high velocity flywheel is excellent for those who want to take conference calls as they burn some calories while they work. The adjustable seat and back allow for both upright and semi-recumbent usage.
The FitDesk exercise bike is excellent for those who do not have a ton of space to store their fitness equipment. In total, the bike measures in at 71.12 cm L x 40.64 cm W x 114.3 cm H, and weighs in at an incredible 20.41 kg, which makes moving it around your home or home office a breeze. The manufacturer’s maximum weight capacity holds up to 300 lbs and the maximum height restricts those who are taller than seven feet, meaning the FitDesk exercise bike is great for users of all shapes and sizes.
The desk part of the FitDesk exercise bike features a non-slip surface, with a storage tray, built-in tablet holder, and even massage rollers to help you work and exercise comfortably. There is a digital monitor that tracks vitals like time and calories burned, but there is little to no technology or connectivity available on this entry-level model.
The FitDesk exercise bike is perfect for the many office workers who have now transitioned to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. With gyms and spin classes closed or limited in space and availability, the FitDesk allows you to continue being an efficient worker at home, while also getting in a workout to stay trim.
Conclusion:
The FitDesk FDX exercise bike is an excellent choice for people who have limited space, or find themselves always working from home. The compact, space-saving design is easy to move around the house and store, especially when the entire machine weighs only 20.41 kg. There is not much technology or connectivity for this machine though, and for the entry-level price tag we should not be surprised. Still, it provides users with everything they need in a casual exercise bike that they can use while they work, and really should not be considered much more than that.
Pros:
- Cheap price tag is always appealing to bargain hunters
- Workout while you work is definitely fitting for the current work environment
Cons:
- It is a bare-bones model with on technology features at all
- The machine is not for everyone, and the intensity of the workout is limited
Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike
Another novelty exercise bike that people can use as they do some work at their desk. It seems as though working out as you work is a common way for people two knock out two birds with one stone. The nice thing about the Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike is that it has a quiet flywheel so your conference calls or video calls won’t be interrupted. It comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance, which is actually a decent amount considering it is not a high-end exercise bike.
The actual size of the Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike is fine for home fitness equipment as it measures in at 90 cm L x 53 cm W x 121 cm H, and weighs a sturdy 220 lbs. The manufacturer’s suggested weight is lighter than most models in the industry at only 100 kg, which definitely will exclude some larger users.
The best feature of the Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike is that it comes with two foldable pedals, and four foldable stabilizers, which means storing the machine when not in use is easy. One of the most difficult parts about investing in a piece of fitness equipment is determining where in your house you will keep it, especially when it is not being used.
While the Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike does come with an LCD monitor that can provide you with simple vitals and stats, the machine lacks any sort of connection or technology that may otherwise come installed on a higher-end model. But this machine clearly serves a purpose and it is not for high intensity workouts, but to get some light cardio in as you work.
Conclusion:
The Home Office Standing Desk Exercise Bike has a niche user group and is definitely not for everyone. It lacks the ability to handle high intensity workouts, and is truly just a quick calorie burner as you sit through meetings at work.The foldable parts and easy storage make this exercise bike ideal for small spaces or offices, but for experienced users will want to look elsewhere to get their exercise bike fill.
Pros:
- Easy to store with foldable parts
- Cheap price tag for a machine for the casual workouts
Cons:
- Limited in its functionality as an exercise bike
- No high-intensity workouts means serious exercisers should look elsewhere
Home Exercise Bike Buyer’s Guide
How to Buy a Recumbent Exercise Bike:
Which recumbent bike is best for you? When looking for this style of exercise bike it is always important to take into account the position you are seated in. In a recumbent style bike you want to look for easy to use and access controls on the handlebars or by your seat so you do not need to change positions every time you want to change resistance or program. You also want to make sure there is a comfortable back support and ergonomically designed seat so that there is less chance of injury or instability during a workout. Finally, check out what kind of technology the bike has as integrating a mobile device or tablet can make the hands free recumbent bike experience all that much easier. Prepare to pay a little bit more as well as the price tag on recumbent bikes can be higher than the average exercise bike.
How to Buy an Upright Exercise Bike:
The Upright Exercise Bike style is great for people who do not have a ton of space to put fitness equipment in their homes. When considering an Upright style exercise bike you will want to focus on the stability and frame of the bike, as much of the weight will be distributed directly over the center of the machine. While you want a stable base, you also want the small footprint to take advantage of the space-saving design of the Upright style. Of course, you’ll want to also make sure it has all of the features you know you will need, including preset programs, resistance levels, a nice backlit monitor, and Bluetooth connectivity to take advantage of the latest fitness tracking apps. An Upright Exercise bike can come with a higher price due to its unique design and unconventional style.
How to Buy a Spinning Exercise Bike:
The Spinning Exercise Bike is definitely a style for the dedicated and experienced cyclists who are looking for a high intensity workout on a quality machine. For Spinning Exercise Bikes, the handlebars and pedals are especially important because of how intense the workouts can be. At maximum effort, your entire body weight can be over the handlebars so you’ll want a bike built with a sturdy design, as well as adjustable handlebars to account for different types of workouts. Finding a bike with a strong magnetic resistance system can also be of benefit as the variation and intensity of your workout can be appropriately changed to meet your fitness needs. It is always important to make sure you choose a bike with a monitor that meets your needs, including tracking vitals, backlit, Bluetooth connectivity, and having a media rack or USB charging port helps too! Since the Spinning exercise bike is a specialty machine, you can expect to pay some of the highest prices in the home exercise bike industry for these.
How to Buy an Air Exercise Bike:
The Air Exercise Bike is another specialty bike that definitely won’t be for everyone. For starters, the air resistance flywheel is the loudest in the exercise bike industry, and replicates the sound and feel of a giant air fan. If you can get past the noise, the Air Bike does provide a strong resistance so people looking for a high intensity workout may be impressed by what the Air Bike can provide. Some models have additional features like a foot peg to do additional lower body exercises while you workout. As always, you can check which models have the technology and connectivity features that are popular these days on home fitness machines, and having a good heart rate monitor on bikes that are designed for high-intensity workouts is always a good idea.
How to Buy a Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike (with full leg and arm exerciser):
The Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent way for users to get a full body workout by using both the hand and foot pedals simultaneously to burn calories. This style of exercise bike provides users with a low-intensity workout so advanced exercise bike users and people seeking high-intensity may need to look elsewhere. As with standard recumbent exercise bikes, you should target machines with a comfortable and ergonomically designed seat that will reduce the impact and strain on your back and joints. Extra accessories like a tablet holder or media shelf will definitely help to enhance your workout experience, and are always welcome additions that could potentially help you make a decision between models. Most recumbent exercise bikes carry a slightly higher price tag and the Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike is no exception to this.
How to Buy a Folding Exercise Bike:
Folding Exercise Bikes are definitely an interesting niche group of machines in the home exercise bike market. Users should seek out a nice 2 in 1 design that gives users the option of using the Folding Exercise Bike in the standard upright position, or in the recumbent position. Other great options that come with the Folding Exercise Bikes are tablet or mobile device holders, an actual desk surface to multitask when at work, and even extra resistance bands for simultaneous upper body workouts. Generally, these bikes do not come with a lot of technology options or extra accessories and come in on the cheaper side of the market.
How to Buy a Standing Desk Exercise Bike:
Perhaps the most specific niche market of all of the home exercise bikes, the Standing Desk Exercise Bike is truly for the hard-workers who simply cannot find the time to have a proper workout. If you really need to get this type of exercise bike, try to find one with a nice desk space so that is convenient to get some work done before, during, or after your workout is finished. If this is going to double as your desk chair, you will definitely want to find one with a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to suit your desk or table height. Folding pedals and stabilizers certainly help when storing this bike after use, so take those into account when trying to find which Standing Desk Exercise Bike is right for you.
Final Verdict
Finding the best home indoor exercise bike is always a difficult task and now that there are so many different types, it makes that choice even harder. When looking for home fitness equipment, always first determine what your personal fitness needs are and which type of machine can realistically help you meet your goals. If you are a casual exercise bike user, you probably do not need to spend several thousand dollars on a Spinning Exercise Bike, while at the same time, if you are an advanced user and know you enjoy high-intensity workouts, you will probably want more than a Standing Desk Exercise Bike.
When taking into account everything you need in a home workout bike, the type that checks all of the boxes for most people will be the Upright Exercise Bike. Our example of the best upright exercise bike in Canada, the Nautilus U616, provides users with an excellent combination of performance, reasonable price, high-quality construction, technological options, and a nice space-saving design. The Nautilus U616 provides the most versatility to beginner and experienced exercise bike users and is the clear top overall choice in the home exercise bike market.