Friction resistance can also be less precise, and telling what level you’re on can be harder as a result. Friction resistance is noisier than its magnetic counterpart (largely because the magnetic approach is all but silent): You hear a gentle whoosh as the pad bears down on the flywheel. Magnetic resistance tends to be more precise and less likely to require any maintenance since there is no contact with the flywheel. One major difference between the Aero Connected Spinner Bike and our other picks is that instead of magnetic resistance, it relies on friction resistance: A pad made of a felt-like material comes in direct contact with the flywheel as you adjust the resistance. You’ll also see “output” or the wattage of energy you’re expending in the moment, on average, and in total-the last of which determines your place on the group-ride leaderboard.

During a ride, it displays all sorts of stats: ride time (elapsed and remaining), current speed, distance covered, cadence (in revolutions per minute), resistance intensity (the percentage of tension of the magnet controlling the flywheel), and calories burned (informed by your body size, effort level, and heart rate, if you’re wearing a heart-rate monitor). But its overall functionality and feel are very similar to that of the original Bike.) The screen is crisp and responsive, after an initial few seconds of buffering. If you know that upgraded features will delight you, the Bike+ won’t disappoint. (The Peloton Bike+, the Bike’s upgraded sibling, has a larger, 23.8-inch touchscreen that swivels 180 degrees. Our other picks do not have integrated screens. The sweat-proof 21.5-inch touchscreen tablet streams Peloton’s branded classes-which are a majority of the draw here.

Like the Schwinn IC4/Bowflex C6, the Peloton Bike must be plugged into an outlet. We have not yet tested upright exercise bikes, which position you in a vertical riding position recumbent exercise bikes, which position you in a reclined riding position or fan bikes, which utilize user-generated air resistance. Here our focus is on stationary indoor-cycling bikes. Our recommendations include a top-notch, top-dollar connected-cycling experience a less expensive magnetic-resistance bike for those who prioritize versatility (and wish to provide their own touchscreen) a model with friction resistance that’s made for streaming connected apps and a sturdy budget option. After riding 19 indoor-cycling bikes over the past three years, we’ve found four that will please a variety of riders. Whether you prefer to tool along at a moderate pace a few times a week or tackle intense, studio-style workouts daily, the bike you choose can help set you up for success. Fitness trends come and go, but pedaling in place on an exercise bike is a classic, low-impact way to nurture cardiovascular fitness.

Indoor training bicycle stands