7 Best Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bikes for Under $300

We know exercise bikes. Our writers and editors are experienced, dedicated fitness freaks who’ve filled their home and garage gyms with bikes of all types and qualities; from cheap folding bikes to top-of-the-line spin bikes. We’ve also used countless stationary exercise bikes and other fitness equipment at commercial gyms. We independently research and, where possible, test every product we recommend.

Top Exercise Bikes Under $300 At a Glance

Indoor cycling is incredible for maintaining or gaining fitness. Thankfully, these benefits can be enjoyed without having to spend a fortune on the high-end exercise bike models. If you’ve never tried indoor cycling, a cheap stationary bike can be a great place to start. It’s a machine your entire family can use safely—even older adults can use it comfortably without worrying about getting injured or exacerbating existing aches and pains.

And, if you find that you like cycling then you can always invest in a more premium bike later on and enjoy the extra features.

When exploring the budget range, it’s important to look carefully at the specific features and design of any potential exercise bike. This could be the difference between owning a machine that breaks down in a few weeks versus one that lasts for years. To help you avoid such mishaps, this article looks at the best exercise bikes under $300.

Should You Get an Exercise Bike Under $300?

There are really two questions here: 1) Should you get an exercise bike? And 2) should you get a cheap exercise bike? Let’s start with the first question:

Should you get an exercise bike?

If you’ve never cycled before, there are many good reasons to give it a try. Cycling is a low-impact exercise, meaning it places minimal stress on your joints. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of developing or exacerbating pain in your knees, ankles, and hips. An exercise bike can also be used by multiple members of your family since most models come with adjustable seats and handlebars.

Also, the number of calories that you can burn from cycling is high compared to other similar activities. Cycling at a vigorous intensity can help you burn anywhere between 315-470 calories in half an hour (the range is based on your body weight (130lbs-200lbs); the heavier you are the more calories you will burn).

This range is more than rowing (250-380), swimming (350-444), walking (150-220), and running (270-400). Besides losing weight, there are several other health benefits to cycling. For one, it’s known to improve lung and heart health. It also reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, stroke, and breast and colon cancers. Lastly, it improves cognitive function and elevates general mood as well.

Considering the above, yes you definitely should get an exercise bike and integrate cycling into your regular fitness routine.

Now, onto the second question…

Should you get an exercise bike for under $300?

This is the budget range of exercise bikes and these cheap models are useful for particular types of users.

First, if you’re a beginner you can purchase a cheap exercise bike to see whether you find the activity enjoyable. If you do and want to step up your workouts, you can invest more heavily in a better exercise bike in the future. If you don’t enjoy using it, you’re not too out-of-pocket and the machine can still be used occasionally to burn calories in a convenient way.

Second, those who simply like cycling and want to do so indoors without any fancy features like a large HD touchscreen can benefit from exercise bikes under $300. Third, anyone who doesn’t want to spend money on a gym membership and simply wants an affordable way to exercise can opt for an exercise bike under $300 to save themselves hundreds of dollars.

All of that said, there are inherent dangers when buying budget fitness equipment. Cheap cost means cheap manufacturing, and cheap manufacturing means you’re more likely to get a bike that has defects, breaks down over time, or simply doesn’t work as well as you’d like. This is an inherent risk and highlights the truth in the saying, you get what you pay for. If you’re uncomfortable with the risk of getting a bike that doesn’t live up to your expectations, then consider a higher-end model like a good spin bike.

Overall, purchasing a sub-$300 exercise bike gives you an extremely affordable way to burn tons of calories and improve your overall health. It may also help you develop a lifelong love for cycling even without the premium features of more expensive exercise bikes.

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The 7 Best Exercise Bikes Under $300

#1. MaxKare Professional Magnetic Exercise Bike

This bike by MaxKare has the most well-rounded set of features of any indoor cycling bike on this list. It’s our pick for the best exercise bike under $300.

One of the things that make this bike so good is that it has a magnetic resistance system with a very heavy (40lbs) flywheel. This weight, along with the belt drive system, makes for a very smooth and quiet pedaling action that is much better than contact resistance mechanisms.

This bike also accommodates users of a variety of different heights. If you’re between 4’ 11″ and 6’ 3″, you’ll be able to pedal on this bike with ease. This is made possible thanks to the 4-way adjustability of the seat. In addition to being adjustable, the seat is also fairly large with extra padding at the back. Like the seat, the handlebars are also 4-way adjustable. They can be gripped in multiple ways and it’s very easy to adjust them if the bike is being shared by multiple people.

Another appealing feature of this bike is its tablet holder, which allows you to access a range of features that make cycling more enjoyable. This includes video streaming apps like Netflix and virtual cycling trails from around the world. The tablet holder makes up for the small console, which has a display that can be difficult to read. Another downside is the relatively low maximum weight capacity. At 264lbs, it’s not the sturdiest machine in this category. However, if you weigh less than that, it’s unlikely to be an issue.

Overall, this bike has many great features that can make you fall in love with indoor cycling. If you weigh below 264lbs, you can rest assured that this will be well worth the price.

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#2. Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike

The Schwinn A20 is another recumbent bike that is available at a very attractive price. Schwinn Fitness is at the forefront of the exercise bike market, and their products are renowned for being high quality. The A20 is no exception.

Starting with the frame, it’s lightweight and compact yet sturdy, giving the machine a maximum weight capacity of 275lbs. This speaks to the stability of the frame’s design considering the overall weight of the bike is only around 60lbs. The flywheel weight has not been disclosed by Schwinn, which is generally an indicator that the resistance it can generate is quite low. Otherwise, it would’ve been marketed as a selling point. As such, the main way to burn calories here will be through longer workouts rather than pedaling against heavy resistance. You may also find that the pedaling action feels a little jerky when getting going.

The bike also has a fairly large console with an easily readable screen. Not only does it track essential metrics, but it also supports 7 preset workout programs that can make your workouts more engaging. Along with this, there are a ton of miscellaneous features, including a bottle holder, accessory tray, USB port to charge your devices, and a sound system for MP3 players.

The seat is ergonomic and comes with a thick layer of padding along with a backrest. Twelve adjustment notches mean that it can support users of a wide variety of heights. If you’re between 4’ 10″ and 6’ 2″, you’ll be able to cycle on this comfortably. Though the backrest can’t be reclined, it provides firm lumbar support to prevent the development or exacerbation of lower back pain.

One complaint with this bike that several users have reported is that the pedals can be faulty. You can get them replaced within 60 days, but it’s a hassle to have to go through the process. Despite this and the unknown flywheel weight, the A20 offers a ton of features that most bikes in this price range don’t. If you’re looking for a good, cheap recumbent exercise bike, give this one some serious consideration.

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#3. Xterra Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike

The semi-recumbent FB350 is easily one of the best budget options on this list due to its low price. While this price comes at the expense of features, beginners can still make great use of this bike for their daily exercise needs.

The FB350 has an X-shaped frame made of steel. The maximum weight capacity here is only 225 lbs, which is quite low. However, this is not out of the ordinary for bikes that cost less than $150. The flywheel also weighs a mere 3.3 lbs divided over 8 resistance levels. This means that users will primarily have to rely on their pedaling speed to burn calories. Thankfully, the pedaling action here is very smooth thanks to the magnetic resistance. The belt drive system also helps in this regard. The resistance mechanism is both smooth and quiet, meaning that you won’t disturb your family or neighbors during your workouts.

Another handy feature here is that the bike can be folded and stored away when it’s not being used. This is especially useful if you’re cramped for space in your home or garage gym. Other features include a small console for data tracking, transportation wheels, and an accessory pocket for your phone. The seat here is fairly large and adjustable. However, the handlebars can’t be adjusted. The handlebars do have heart rate sensors embedded in them but keep in mind that these sensors are generally inaccurate.

Overall, this is among the cheapest exercise bikes that you will find which won’t break down within a month of purchase. If you’d prefer an upright bike, you can also check out the FB150 by Xterra Fitness which is otherwise identical and even cheaper than this model.

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#4. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B901 Indoor Cycling Bike

Sunny Health and Fitness is another reputable brand that produces a range of high-caliber fitness machines. The SF-B901 is among their cheaper offerings, but this does not indicate any compromise on quality.

The frame here is quite durable with a maximum weight capacity of 275lbs. At 97 pounds, the machine is relatively heavy, which adds to its stability. The flywheel weighs 40lbs, which is ideal for all types of users. However, the resistance mechanism is direct contact, which negatively affects how smooth the pedaling is. You can also choose between a belt-driven or a chain-driven system, though the belt-drive will push your purchase price slightly above the $300 mark.

A belt-driven system will partially make up for the friction-based resistance and contribute to a smoother ride, while the chain-driven system will make pedaling feel more like riding an outdoor bike. Belts are also quieter and require less maintenance than chains.

The seat on this bike might take a little getting used to. It’s fairly similar to the kind of saddle you’d find on an outdoor cycle: Firm and slim. As such, the first few workouts might leave you feeling slightly sore, but you’ll likely get accustomed to it after that. If multiple users are going to be utilizing the bike, the 4-way adjustability of the seat will prove convenient. However, the handlebars can only be adjusted two ways.

Coming to some drawbacks, there aren’t really any ‘nice-to-have’ features on this bike. There is no water bottle holder, accessory tray/pocket, or heart rate sensors. The flywheel can also be noisy. It’s not too loud, but still noticeable. Still, with its weight capacity and heavy flywheel, this bike is as good as many others on this list.

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#5. Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike

The Exerpeutic exercise bike is similar to Xterra’s FB350 with two key differences. First, this one doesn’t have a backrest because it is an upright bike. The second is that while the FB350 only had a maximum weight capacity of 225lbs, the Exerpeutic model has a capacity of 300lbs. This is a significant upgrade, and a good reason to choose this one over the FB350 if you’re looking for an exercise bike that costs below $150.

One detail Exerpeutic hasn’t disclosed about this bike is the weight of its flywheel. Though there are eight levels of magnetic resistance on offer, the tension it can generate is likely quite low. The bike also has a belt-driven system, which, when combined with the magnetic tension resistance mechanism, makes for smooth and quiet pedaling.

If you don’t have much space at home or in your garage gym, this bike can easily be folded and stored away. The bike has a very small footprint anyway and won’t occupy much room even when unfolded. Besides this, there is a small console for essential data tracking. Lastly, the seat is adjustable enough to accommodate heights between 5’ 3″ and 6’ 1″. However, if you’re taller than that, the bike won’t be suitable for you.

All in all, this is hands down one of the best exercise bikes in the under $150 range. Its high weight capacity means that anyone who wants to do some light indoor cycling can use it comfortably.

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#6. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RB4616 Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

The SF-RB4616 is yet another high-quality exercise bike from Sunny Health and Fitness with many appealing features at an affordable price.

Its steel frame of the SF- RB4616 has an excellent maximum weight capacity of 300lbs, which is comparable to many of the best exercise bikes on the market overall. The flywheel weight hasn’t been specified by Sunny Health and Fitness. However, the weight of the machine suggests that it is around 10lbs, which is not bad for a recumbent bike. The resistance mechanism is magnetic and there are 8 levels of resistance. This, combined with its belt-driven system, means that the pedaling action on this bike is very smooth and quiet.

One convenient feature here that is absent in many other recumbent bikes on this list is that the SF-RB4616 has two sets of handlebars, one set attached to the sides of your seat and another in front of you near the console. Gripping the set near the console allows you to pedal with a slightly higher intensity and burn more calories as a result. The console itself is relatively simple, and will only track essential metrics like time, distance covered, RPM, etc.

The seat here is wide and comfortable, as is the backrest. Though the seat is only two-way adjustable, it can accommodate users of a wide variety of heights. Anyone between 5’ 0″ and 6’ 5″ can use this bike comfortably.

Overall, this is a great recumbent bike with many desirable features. There is a lack of miscellaneous features which could’ve added some convenience, but it has all the essentials covered.

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#7. MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike

MaxKare’s Recumbent Exercise Bike is the last bike on our list of machines worth considering and it has some noteworthy features that most of the others mentioned above don’t.

The frame here is made of steel, but there is some confusion surrounding the maximum weight capacity of the bike. MaxKare has listed it as both 220lbs and 300lbs in different places, and it isn’t clear which one is the accurate number. However, if you weigh below the lowest mark of 220lbs, this shouldn’t concern you. Unfortunately, even the resistance that the flywheel can generate has not been disclosed, though it’s likely to be around 10lbs based on the weight of the machine.

Coming to the good parts, the bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance and also has a belt drive mechanism. Both of these features make for a smooth and quiet pedaling action. The bike also has a tablet holder, meaning you can easily use a good fitness app, tap into virtual cycling trails from across the world, or just watch your favorite show on Netflix.

Besides this, the bike has two sets of handlebars and a basic console for data tracking. The seat here is similar to other recumbent bikes on the list and is fairly standard. It can be adjusted through an attached lever to accommodate users whose heights are between 5’0″ and 6’ 3″.

All-in-all this is a great budget exercise bike. The tablet holder is a nice touch and can make a big difference to your workouts. That, along with the magnetic tension resistance and belt-drive system, makes this an appealing choice for anyone looking for a low-cost recumbent bike.

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Choosing the Right Cheap Indoor Cycling Bike

Because budget exercise bikes are generally lower quality than more premium models, you need to be especially discerning when choosing the right one for you. Here are the things to look out for before buying an inexpensive stationary exercise bike:

Upright vs Recumbent Bike

Since you already have a budget, the most important choice then becomes whether you want an upright exercise bike or a recumbent bike. The difference between the two is obviously the position in which you’re seated. Recumbent bikes have a seat with a backrest that allows you to sit in a reclined position. This prevents pain in your lower back that can result from being hunched over (like you may be on an upright bike).

The large seat on a recumbent bike also distributes your weight more evenly across the buttocks. Upright bikes generally have wide, padded seats, however these still concentrate your body’s weight on a small area of the pelvis called the ischial tuberosity (or “sitting bones”). Placing pressure on the sitting bones for long periods gets uncomfortable and can even do damage to the nerves and surrounding tissue.

That said, upright bikes do have some advantages over recumbent bikes. First, they tend to have much smaller footprints and take up less room in your home gym. This also makes them easier to move around. Second, upright bikes generally fit a larger range of user heights because the seat only needs to go up and down, rather than fore and aft like on a recumbent bike.

In the end, a choice between the two largely comes down to this: If you have injuries, aches, or pains, a recumbent bike will be more suitable for you. If you need to save space and are generally injury and pain-free, an upright bike is the better option.

Frame

The frame of a sub-$300 indoor cycling bike should be made of steel, though you’re unlikely to find one that’s particularly heavy duty. A good way to judge the durability of a frame is to check its maximum weight capacity. Most exercise bikes in this category have a capacity between 250-300lbs, which is what you should aim for. However, as long as you weigh less than the maximum user weight capacity, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Another thing about the frame you’ll want to consider is its size and whether you can accommodate it in your home or garage gym. If you don’t have much space to spare, you can opt for a folding exercise bike or one that has a small footprint.

Resistance type

The under $300 category of exercise bikes mainly has two types of resistance mechanisms: Magnetic resistance and direct contact resistance.

Magnetic resistance uses magnets placed at points around the flywheel to generate friction via magnetic attraction. A manual or electric adjustment mechanism alters the distance the magnets sit from the flywheel (closer = more resistance).

Contact resistance mechanisms use pads or discs that are in direct contact with the flywheel to generate friction and make pedaling more difficult.

Of the two, magnetic is far superior because it offers a smoother pedaling motion and experiences less wear and tear. It’s also quieter, ensuring you don’t disturb anyone around you while you use the machine. However, this comes at a higher cost compared to its alternative. Though contact resistance mechanisms are cheaper, they’re also noisier and put more stress on the bike’s components. Moreover, the pads/discs wear out and need to be replaced from time to time.

If you can afford a bike with magnetic resistance, you should go with this option.

Drive system

The drive system, along with the resistance mechanism, determines how smooth the pedaling motion of a stationary exercise bike will be. Again, there are two types: chain and belt drive systems. The chain-based systems are almost identical to the chains found on outdoor cycles. These can make pedaling feel much more realistic, but they are prone to breaking and also need to be lubricated from time to time. Belt drive mechanisms, on the other hand, are smoother, though they feel more mechanical. But they’re convenient in that they do not require lubrication or replacement.

Weight of the flywheel

The weight of your flywheel is yet another component of the exercise bike that can have an influence on the smoothness of the pedaling motion. However, the primary function is to generate resistance. The trouble with many bikes in the under $300 category is that manufacturers often don’t disclose the weight of the flywheel. This is usually an indication that it lies somewhere between 0-12lbs. Some of the cheaper exercise bikes do offer flywheels as heavy as 40lbs, which is comparable to the very best indoor cycles on the market.

How much resistance is appropriate for you largely depends on how developed and muscular your legs are. Someone who exercises their legs regularly or is an avid cyclist will need somewhere between 30-40lbs for a challenge. Beginners can do with anywhere between 0-20lbs.

Console

The consoles on exercise bikes in this category are fairly basic across the board. This is one area where manufacturers tend to cut costs. Consoles generally will only track essential metrics like time spent, distance covered, rotations per minute, estimates of calories burned, etc. Some will claim to be able to track pulse and heart rate, but these are generally inaccurate readings based on contact sensors. A few bikes do offer preset programs, which can make workouts more interesting by providing users with a challenge.

Seat

Seat design is another important factor to consider before making a purchase for several reasons. If multiple people are going to be using the bike, you’ll want to make sure the seat is adjustable enough to accommodate everyone. You’ll also want to see how comfortable the seat is since you’ll be spending a lot of time sitting on it. Though uncomfortable seats can generally be remedied by purchasing a cover, the extra purchase can easily be avoided.

Miscellaneous features

Many exercise bikes under $300 have a host of features that are not essential to the cycling itself but add convenience or enjoyment while using the machine. These include a water bottle holder, USB ports, speakers, accessory trays/pockets, transportation wheels, and more. The most desirable of these features is a tablet holder. Tablet holders can make workouts more interesting by providing access to video streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, as well as beautiful virtual cycling trails from across the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sub-$300 Exercise Bikes

Are expensive bikes worth it?

The answer to this depends on your needs, how fit you are, and how proficient you are at cycling. If you’re looking for a durable machine for long-term use that has high resistance levels and fancy features to make workouts fun, a more expensive model may be more appropriate. However, if you just want to cycle indoors and don’t care about the premium features, you do not need to spend much on an exercise bike.

Will cycling slim your legs?

Indirectly, yes. Cycling will help you burn calories, which will assist with weight loss. However, it’s impossible to target fat in certain areas of your body through specific exercises. Your body deposits fat around your body in a pre-programmed way determined by your genes. It liberates energy from these fat stores according to the same genetic programming.

Do stationary bikes work your abs?

Riding an exercise bike will activate your abdominal muscles to an extent since your core is essential for stability in the upright position. However, riding a stationary exercise bike is not a particularly effective exercise for building abdominal mass. At best, it might help you lose weight (including in the midsection), making your existing abdominal muscles more visible.

Is it OK to ride a stationary bike every day?

Exercising every day on your stationary exercise bike is not generally recommended, especially if you ride at a moderate to vigorous intensity. Your body needs at least one day off per week to rest and recouperate, and generally give a break to the muscles that have worked from cycling. However, if you usually cycle at a leisurely or casual pace, riding a bike every day should not cause any harm.

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Well, there you have it: The best exercise bikes for under $300.

If you’re someone that has never cycled before, purchasing an exercise bike in this category can make you fall in love with the activity while helping you lose weight and become healthier.