Rating of the best spin bikes for 2022

One of the most popular sports simulators that have become widespread are bicycle racing simulators. Despite the apparent simplicity, their popularity among amateurs and professionals is growing every year. This is largely due to the emergence of a new area of ​​group fitness called cycling or spinning. Effective cardio workouts with energetic musical accompaniment on innovative spin bikes attracted a huge number of fans to the classes. Fans of training at home were not forgotten, who also got the opportunity to choose popular simulators for every taste.

There are many models of spin bikes on the domestic market of the fitness industry, which differ not only in the richness of functionality, but also in cost. For novice amateur athletes, it is very difficult to figure out which unit is better to practice because of their similarity.In order to avoid mistakes when choosing, this review provides basic information about such simulators with ratings of the best products offered by leading manufacturers.

What it is

A spin bike is a kind of sports simulator that imitates a bicycle and creates a load as a result of mechanical friction between the brake shoe and the flywheel.

The name first came into use in 1994 after Mad Dogg Athletics registered the trademark "Spin" for manufactured block exercise bikes. After the distribution of products around the world, the term has become a household name, and all such training systems are called spin bikes.

The principle of operation of a shoe or disc device well reproduces a trip on a professional bicycle with an original design over rough terrain. At the same time, during the training process, it is not necessary to sit in the saddle, but you can ride standing up, tilting the body to the sides or changing positions.With the help of the built-in computer, any modes are available, including simulating climbing uphill or descending from the top with a real feeling of riding a real bike. Therefore, for many, such a simulator becomes an excellent assistant in the fight against excess weight while strengthening the cardio system.

Spin bike is suitable for everyone, regardless of gender, age, level of physical fitness.

What are

1. Hobbyist - Inexpensive devices with limited functionality for training at home without the need for 24/7 work.

2. Professional - devices with a large set of programs for intensive use in sports or fitness clubs, but more expensive in price.

What muscles work

In the process of training, the main load falls on:

• legs, especially thighs;
• buttocks;
• lower back;
• abdominal muscles;
• shoulder girdle (in a standing position).

Differences from magnetic exercise bikes

Parameter	exercise bike	spin bike
Simulation of cycling	No	Yes
Landing	vertical, horizontal	vertical
Flywheel, kg	8-10	20-25
Smooth rotation of the flywheel under heavy load	No	Yes
Loading system	magnetic	shoe, magnetic
Load levels	Yes	No
Engaging different muscles	No	Yes
Training Intensity	average	high
Noisiness	low	increased
Durability	more	less
Ergonomics	-	+
compactness	+	-
Ease of repair and service	No	Yes
Maximum user weight	less	more
Price	less	more

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages are:

• strengthening the muscles of the legs, buttocks, myocardium;
• improvement of respiratory function;
• burning a large number of calories, which helps to reduce body weight;
• ergonomic design, taking into account the individual characteristics of a person;
• multi-position regulation of the levels of the steering wheel and seat for maximum study of various muscle groups;
• almost unlimited level of load increase.

However, experts note certain shortcomings:

• insufficient load on the muscles of the shoulder girdle;
• limited time of continuous work for amateur simulators;
• shorter service life due to the presence of rubbing parts (block, chain, bolt with teeth);
• increased noise level.

How to choose

In order to avoid mistakes, experts recommend paying attention to the following criteria:

• the degree of balance of the flywheel;
• material and structural strength;
• pad quality;
• noise level during operation;
• the comfort of the steering wheel and seat, the possibility of their adjustment;
• convenience of the location of the brake;
• equipment with transport rollers;
• the presence of a monitor with the display of the necessary parameters - the time of classes, the distance of the trip, the number of calories, the heart rate;
• equipped with a holder for a bottle or a glass of water.

 

Where could I buy

Popular models and novelties can be bought in specialized stores offering sports equipment. The products of the leading manufacturers are available there for detailed consideration and verification in operation. Managers will help with recommendations - what kind of simulators are there, which company is better to buy, how to use, where to store, how much it costs.

If you can’t find the right model at your place of residence, you can easily order a suitable unit online in the online stores of manufacturers’ dealers or on the pages of marketplaces and aggregators, such as Yandex.Market, E-katalog or the Chinese platform AliExpress. In an accessible form, descriptions, main characteristics, functionality, photos and customer reviews are presented there.

Offers for spin bikes in Moscow:

• for the home - from 14,490 rubles. (UnixFit SB-380) up to 145,000 rubles. (Motion Fan QX 1 Pro);
• for the hall - from 40,500 rubles. (VictoryFit VF-S300) up to 183,450 rubles. (Fitex Real Rider).

The best spin bikes

The rating of quality exercise bikes is based on the opinions of customers who have bought such products. The popularity of models is due to the prevalence of positive reviews, comparison of parameters and characteristics, service life, prices.

The review includes ratings among the best amateur models for training at home and professional spin bikes for training in fitness rooms.

TOP 5 best spin bikes for home

Schwinn IC7

Brand - Schwinn (USA).
The country of origin is China.

A versatile model for highly effective training for advanced users. Smooth running for increased comfort is ensured by a heavy 18 kg flywheel. The load changes without jerks and smoothly thanks to the stepless resistance adjustment. The position of the seat can be changed vertically / horizontally with the ability to adjust the simulator to the individual characteristics of the user. Changing the angle of the steering wheel allows you to change the position of the body to simulate riding a professional bike.A convenient LCD monitor displays the main training parameters - distance, calorie consumption, revolutions per minute, heart rate.

Price - from 63,900 rubles.

• shoe system with a heavy flywheel;
• smooth load change;
• adjustment of the seat and steering wheel vertically and horizontally;
• informative display;
• fixing straps on non-slip pedals;
• built-in transport rollers;
• simple assembly;
• informative instruction;
• quality performance;
• ergonomic design;
• stylish design.

• overcharge.

Schwinn IC7 review:

DFC B3314

Brand - DFC (Russia).
The country of origin is China.

Lightweight model for active workouts at home with shoe loading system and belt drive. With the help of a convenient handle on the body, you can easily change the load, there is also an emergency brake. A comfortable fit is achieved by simply adjusting the seat in the horizontal and vertical planes. The legs are fixed in the pedals with rubber straps, the position of which can be changed. Thanks to the built-in sensors on the steering wheel, the pulse readings are displayed on the computer monitor. A shock absorber is installed under the frame with the seat. Indoors, the unit moves on special wheels.

Price - from 24,319 rubles.

• gives a real bicycle load;
• pulse control;
• tablet stand and bottle holders;
• comfort of training;
• compact dimensions;
• stylish design;
• great price.

• hard seat.

Family FS 40

Brand - Family (China).
The country of origin is China.

Compact model for intensive cardio workouts at home with a large margin of safety.High performance, functionality, characteristics are close in value to professional units in fitness rooms. The comfortable seat is easily adjustable horizontally and vertically depending on the height of the user. If necessary, you can adjust the position of the steering wheel. Connection to the electrical network is not required.

Price - from 34,990 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• decent load;
• massive flywheel;
• strong heavy frame;
• pleasant to the touch steering wheel;
• easy adjustment to the individual characteristics of the user;
• comfortable pedals with latches and smooth rotation;
• fine tuning of braking;
• simple use;
• quality assembly;
• compact dimensions;
• affordable price.

• no display;
• the seat is hard.

Cycling on the Family FS 40:

Ammity Dream DS 5000

Brand - Ammity (Taiwan).
The country of origin is China.

Powerful model for intense workouts at home. It has good ergonomics, an anatomical saddle for a comfortable fit with a four-position adjustment. Thus, the spin bike easily adapts to the height and build of any user. Achieving a high level of load is ensured by a heavy balanced flywheel. The use of soft pads with dynamic stepless resistance guarantees instant level changes.
High intensity driving in training, position changes and braking are possible thanks to a one-piece massive frame. The use of fixing pedals with adjustable fastening for any size of the foot and free change of position does not allow endangering the joints.The large LCD display of the functional training computer demonstrates the main parameters of the training process with good quality.

Price - from 65,000 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• heavy stable construction;
• massive flywheel;
• comfortable fit;
• steering wheel and seat adjustment;
• easy customization for the individual characteristics of the user;
• heart rate monitor and pulse sensors;
• quality performance;
• silent operation;
• excellent ergonomics;
• stylish design;
• long service life;
• the price matches the quality.

• not identified.

Video review of Ammity Dream DS 5000:

BH Fitness SB2.6

Brand - BH (Spain).
The country of origin is China.

A realistic model of a simulator for regular cycling at home. Dimensions correspond to the dimensions of a road bike. The use of a V-ribbed belt allows you to achieve a quiet and smooth running without the need for frequent maintenance. Massive flywheel matches professional gym units. Any user can "fit" the device to their anthropometric data due to the simple installation of the steering wheel and seat both horizontally and vertically. Mixed-type reversible pedals can have both special clips and standard straps.

Price - from 39,542 rubles.

• excellent flywheel balancing;
• strong frame;
• convenient location of the brake;
• quality materials;
• informative display;
• simple assembly;
• clear instructions;
• silent operation during training;
• wide range of loads;
• acceptable cost.

• not detected.

BH Fitness SB2.6 unboxing:

comparison table

	Schwinn IC7	DFC B3314	Family FS 40	Ammity Dream DS 5000	BH Fitness SB2.6
Maximum user weight, kg	136	120	140	200	105
Flywheel weight, kg	18	13	16	22	22
Number of load levels	not limited	not limited	stepless dynamic adjustment	stepless adjustment	not limited
Number of programs	No	No	No	3	No
Seat adjustment	Yes	Vertical, horizontal, tilt	horizontally, vertically	height	horizontally, vertically
steering wheel adjustment	Yes	vertically	vertically	Yes	horizontally, vertically
Display	LCD	LCD	No	LCD	LCD
Display	time, distance, cadence, resistance level, calories	time, speed, distance, calories	No	cadence, calories, speed, distance, total time	time, speed/rpm, distance, calories, odometer
Pulse measurement	Bluetooth heart belt (option)	touch sensors	No	touch sensors, wireless heart rate monitor	cardio belt (not included)
Ergometer	No	No	No	No	No
Food	AA batteries	AA batteries	not required	not required	AA batteries
Transport rollers	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compensators for uneven floors	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions (LxWxH), cm	214x54x127	113x50x119	118x50x110	119x62x137	104x52x119
Weight, kg	45.5	35	42	57	45
Warranty, months	12	12	12	36	24

TOP 4 best models for the hall

Inspire IC2.2 with console

Brand - Inspire (USA).
The country of origin is China.

Multifunctional model for group training in fitness rooms. Combines high quality workmanship with stylish design. Smooth running is achieved by installing a heavy balanced flywheel with shoe system. A quick and safe stop is guaranteed by an emergency stop button installed under the steering wheel.The maximum comfort of the user of any height is provided by changing the position of the seat and steering wheel horizontally and vertically. The steering wheel has an anti-slip polyurethane coating to shift the emphasis of the load or change the grip. The fixing straps on the pedals securely hold the legs.

The average price is 122,250 rubles.

• chrome-plated massive flywheel;
• durable Kevlar belt on the drive;
• adjustable resistance;
• two bottle holders;
• rollers for transportation;
• simple compensation of uneven floors;
• compact monitor with the display of the necessary indicators;
• adjustable saddle horizontally and vertically;
• multi-grip steering wheel;
• emergency stop.

• overcharge.

Video review of Inspire IC2.2:

VictoryFit VF-S300

Brand - VictoryFit (China).
The country of origin is China.

A compact model for training as close as possible to road biking in high-traffic gyms. It provides effective assistance in the fight against excess weight, and also helps to strengthen the cardiosystem. The inertial system includes a powerful flywheel. The small monochrome display shows the total training time, distance traveled, current speed. Connection to the mains is not required, simple finger batteries are enough.

Price - from 40,500 rubles.

• simple use;
• convenient management;
• heavy flywheel;
• reliable design;
• steering wheel and seat adjustment;
• quality materials;
• affordable cost.

• no.

VictoryFit VF-S300 review:

Bronze Gym 930M Pro

Brand - Bronze Gym (Germany).
The country of origin is China.

Professional model for intense workouts with maximum loads in the gym. Reliability of details and knots is checked up during long-term use in different operating conditions. Constant dynamic adjustment of the load is achieved by using a shoe system with a chain drive. A massive flywheel with an aluminum rim enhances the biomechanical effect. Sturdy alloy steel construction coated with anti-corrosion powder paint and is not subject to deformation. Adjustable handlebar and seatpost allows you to adjust the simulator to any weight and height of the user.

Price - from 74,990 rubles.

• strong steel structure;
• solid stable frame;
• corrosion protection;
• multi-position steering wheel;
• simple horizontal and vertical adjustment;
• sweat protection for the seat and steering wheel;
• gel inserts in the ergonomically shaped seat;
• low noise level;
• quick adjustment of compensators for uneven floors;
• bottle holder;
• wear-resistant transport wheels made of polyurethane;
• premium pedals JD-304MV with a system of straps and frames for securing the feet;
• quality assembly.

• not detected.

Video review of Gym S900 Pro and S1000 Pro:

Johnson P8000

Brand - Johnson (USA).
Country of origin - China

Universal model with full imitation of cycling in the conditions of the hall. A massive 20 kg flywheel with a unique chain provides excellent sliding smoothness. The stable and reliable frame guarantees a long service life. The steering wheel with a large set of settings is easily adjustable vertically and horizontally. The ergonomically shaped seat with a large number of additional settings gives comfort to training.Anti-corrosion coated construction does not require special maintenance.

Price - from 99,890 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• smooth running;
• reliable strong frame;
• quality materials;
• a large set of steering wheel and seat settings;
• emergency braking system;
• ergonomic design;
• stylish design.

• not detected.

Johnson P8000 video review:

comparison table

	Inspire IC2.2 with console	VictoryFit VF-S300	Bronze Gym S930M PRO	Johnson P8000
Maximum user weight, kg	136	150	150	159
Flywheel weight, kg	24	21	20	20
Number of levels	stepless setting	not limited	not limited	not limited
Number of programs	No	No	No	No
Seat setting	horizontally, vertically	vertical, horizontal	horizontally, vertically, tilted	horizontally, vertically
steering wheel adjustment	horizontally, vertically	vertically	vertically	horizontally, vertically
Display	LCD	LCD black and white	No	No
Display	time, distance, speed, calories	time. Distance, heart rate, calories, speed	No	No
Pulse measurement	No	touch sensors	No	No
Ergometer	No	No	No	No
Food	not required	AA batteries	AA batteries	does not require a network connection
Transport rollers	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compensators for uneven floors	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions (LxWxH), cm	123x51x118	98x56x135	133x54x115	106x54x103
Weight, kg	63	57	55	54
Warranty, months	12	12	36	60

Training Tips

The best effect of a spin bike is achieved by following the basic rules:

1. Each workout should begin with a warm-up of up to 10 minutes to warm up and prepare the muscles for increased stress.
2. The training process is carried out taking into account the individual physical form and the duration limit is up to 45 minutes.
3. The decrease in the pace of movement occurs gradually.
4. Clothing should be comfortable, and shoes with thick soles that do not slip.
5. The optimal training regimen is three times a week.

The load can be selected independently by:

• changes in cadence, which affects heart rate and promotes calorie burning;
• manual adjustment of the flywheel for a comfortable workout of the cardiovascular system and increased impact on the muscles;
• choice of position during movement - sitting or standing, which brings variety to the training process, and also changes the load on the muscles.

We must remember that to ride a spin bike it is not enough just to pedal!

Improper posture or technique can cause knee injuries. The implementation of simple recommendations will avoid negative consequences:

• the effort is directed to make a rotation with pressing on the pedals and pulling them up, and not directly from top to bottom;
• feet are securely fixed in special mounts;
• the posture is kept correctly - you can not stoop, stoop, throw back your head;
• with the correct selection of the height of the steering wheel, the arms at the elbows are slightly bent, the back is straight and without undue tension;
• knee movements are performed in parallel without spreading to the sides, the knee joint in the plane of the ankle;
• pedals rotate smoothly without jerks with a sense of satisfaction from smooth movement without undue effort and tension.

Happy training. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!