Bike Buying Guide
Over the years countless people have asked me for bike recommendations, so I’ve prepared this Bike Buying Guide to help you on your search for the ride that’s right for you!
This guide includes bikes that I’ve either personally tested or that our community members have purchased and given feedback on. I understand that buying a bike can be overwhelming—there are so many brands, price points, and features to consider. Recommending one single “perfect” bike is hard, because each person has their own budget and preferences.
That said, I hope this guide helps you narrow it down. When choosing a bike, make sure to factor in how much you’ll be using it, and the amount of wear and tear you expect to put on it. Let’s dive in 👇
💎 Higher-End Studio Quality Bikes
Schwinn AC Performance Carbon Blue
This is the bike I ride—and I absolutely love it. It’s a commercial-grade, studio-quality bike with a carbon blue belt drive system, making for a smooth, quiet ride that holds up to serious daily use.
Price Range: ~$2,000 (but sometimes drops into the upper $1,000s during sales)
Resistance: Magnetic (a must for longevity!)
Tech: No electronics, no app integration. This is strictly a ride / studio-style bike—no speed, calories, or metrics tracked.
Best For: Riders who want a studio-grade experience and don’t care about digital features
Schwinn also makes an AC Sport version that’s slightly more affordable but still has the same belt drive system.
Stryde Bike
One of my friends and members has this bike and LOVES it. I haven’t personally used it, but she raves about the screen and ride quality.
Tech: Built-in screen connects directly to Zoom (yes, you can pull up my live classes right on the bike!)
Extras: You can even stream Netflix or other apps for solo ride days
Ride Quality: Smooth, steady, no wobble; strong resistance
Best For: People who want an all-in-one bike with built-in tech to easily stream workouts or entertainment
Keiser M3i Bike
This one has a solid reputation among serious riders in our community.
Trusted by advanced riders
Built to last, precision performance, smooth resistance
Price Range: ~$1,800–$2,300
Best For: Riders who are all about performance and want high-quality metrics
💸 Mid-Range Bikes
Schwinn IC4 / Bowflex C6
These are basically the same bike with different branding.
Price Range: ~$800–$900
Tech: Includes heart rate monitor, and likely syncs with fitness apps
My Take: My husband liked it! I didn’t feel it would hold up to daily instructor-level riding
Common Complaint: Even the lowest resistance setting feels a little heavy
Best For: Moderate riders looking for a solid home bike with some digital features
🪙 Budget-Friendly Options
Sunny Health & Fitness Bikes
Many of our members have purchased Sunny Health bikes and had great experiences! They’re super affordable and easy to buy on Amazon (which means great customer service if something goes wrong).
Amazon has been amazing about replacing parts—or even entire bikes—when necessary.
Here are some Sunny models to consider:
Sunny Indoor Cycling Bike w/ 40 LB Flywheel + Dual Felt Pad Resistance
Sunny Endurance Magnetic Belt Drive Bike
Sunny Premium Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
Price Range: ~$300–$600
Best For: Beginners or casual riders looking for a budget-friendly, dependable bike
Final Thoughts 💭
I hope this guide helps you feel more confident in your bike buying journey! These recommendations are based on personal experience and feedback from our fitness community. That said, everyone’s riding style and preferences are a little different—so take time to think about what’s most important to you:
Will you be riding daily?
Do you want tech and app integration?
What’s your budget?
Is this your first bike or an upgrade?
Personally, I’m super picky when it comes to my bike—and I’ve been riding my Schwinn AC Performance for over a year now and still love it just as much as day one.
If you still have questions or want help deciding, feel free to email me anytime—I’m happy to help point you in the right direction!
Ride on, friends! 🚴♀️
– Britt
