Stationary bikes are all the rage right now, and for a good reason – from being a low-impact workout to strengthening your lower body to improving cardiovascular health, there’s almost nothing a stationary bike can’t do!
You might want to keep in mind some factors when purchasing a stationary bike for home use. Budget will be the number one priority for most, which is understandable. Other features that might be important include overall footprint, connectivity, and user experience.
Lastly, factors like ease of use and community can also play a part in deciding on a stationary bike; for example, do you want a class atmosphere, or do you like to ride solo? Do you want a virtual trainer motivating you along in your workout, or would you instead just be listening to some tunes?
These are all things to keep in mind regarding purchasing a stationary bike. Now, let’s dive in and check out two popular cycling bikes currently on the market to see if one might be right for you and your fitness goals!
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
The Studio Bike Pro comes in at $1,299 and includes an iFit membership for 30 days with the purchase of the bike (typically retails for $39 a month). The iFit membership allows access to hundreds of on-demand and live streaming workouts, from stretching and recovery to weightlifting and kickboxing!
The iFit virtual trainers can also change the resistance on your bike without you having to lift a finger, which is perfect when you’re focused on your ride and want to keep pushing forward! If you need an outlet for working out – with classes other than the bike itself – then iFit is where it’s at.
The high-definition touchscreen is 22” and is designed with SmartSwivel so that you can view your workout from any part of your exercise room with ease. And since ProForm believes that working out (and in this case, explicitly cycling) should be available to just about everyone, the bike can be manipulated for each person using it, with the seat and handlebars being able to be adjusted as necessary.
The pedals are also interchangeable, and ProForm offers optional toe cages with straps for those looking to switch between riding with cycling shoes and those that would prefer to ride in sneakers.
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is 56.5” long and 21.9” wide, with a 250-pound weight capacity. With a set of dual 3-pound dumbbells and front-mounted wheels for easy transport, you’re able to reach all different levels of fitness easily – and from any room in your home!
SoulCycle Bike
The SoulCycle bike currently costs $1,900 (typically $2,500) and allows you access to Equinox + with the purchase of the bike. This app can be viewed from your laptop, your phone, or even your television. It gives you the ability to choose from strength workouts, sculpting exercises, and even activities like running and pilates, just in case you need some exercise choices off the bike!
If rhythm is your jam, then you’ll have a blast riding along with Free Ride, which uses Beat Match….essentially matching your pedaling rhythm with the music, making for an all-inclusive ride. Suppose Free Ride isn’t what you’re going for. In that case, there is plenty of streaming and on-demand classes for you to choose from to reach your cardiovascular activity goal for the day….all while helping you improve your health and wellness in a fun and spirited way.
The SoulCycle bike is 62.2” long and 22.2” wide, allowing people between 4’10 to 6’10 to ride easily (with a weight capacity of 350 pounds). With a touchscreen measuring almost 22” and two 8 watt speakers allowing you to hear your trainers and music clearly, SoulCycle is the next generation of stationary bikes that can help pump you up to get your workout completed!
The Bottom Line
The Proform and SoulCycle are excellent stationary bikes that will last you for many years. Both offer high-quality machines with streaming services and connectivity to take your workout to the next level.
But the Proform bike is easier on the pocketbook, so if you’re on a budget but still want an extremely durable and high-tech bike, Proform is the winner here.
